The Lee Rayburn Show

We’ll hear about new trends in home remodeling from Chad Speight and Tony Trapp. Then, we’ll talk about updating electrical systems with Adam Gullickson, an electrician.

Jamie Nack and David Drake are back to answer your questions about Wisconsin’s wild animals. Then, Scott Hershberger and Tony Johnson tell us about resources available for private woodland owners on a new UW Extension website. Finally, we meet Kristi Heuser of the Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network.

We talk to Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers about a record year for visitors and revenue. Then, we visit the year-round recreation hub that is Mt. Telemark Village. Then, we revel in American Players Theatre winning a Tony Award with two of its directors.

First, Ryan Feldman, a toxicologist at the Wisconsin Poison Center, joins to talk about his latest project “A Morel Dilemma.” Then, Chef Lauren Montelbano of The Vibrant Veg joins to talk about vegetarian and vegan cooking. Finally, comic artist Sarah Becan tells us about her book “Let’s Make Cocktails.”

Lee Rayburn invites you to join him starting Monday as he continues the legacy of Larry Meiller on WPR. Each weekday, Lee brings helpful conversations with interesting guests — covering health, money, pets, wildlife, weather, technology, home improvement, car repair, and more. The Lee Rayburn Show airs Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Now is the time of year to really enjoy your yard. We share some updates on the latest in patio design with the owner of Hawks Landscape in Wauwatosa. And then we talk with Woody Kerwin about how and where to use lighting.

Wisconsin registered home inspector John Freiburger is back to share how you can make your home more energy efficient by improving its exterior. Then, we cover what you need to know about caring for concrete with James Ruston of Wingra Redi-Mix.

First, we talk with Marquette professor Chelsea Cook about her research on honey bees, beekeeping and her work in the community. Then we hear the sharp-tailed grouse’s conservation story from Bob Hanson of the DNR. Finally, two truffle researchers explain how they found a new species of the fungi in Wisconsin.

We say a fond farewell to Larry Meiller in his 60th year of broadcasting for Wisconsin Public Radio. Join Lee Rayburn and Jill Nadeau as they talk with Larry about his fondest memories and hear some of the questions his regular quests have had for him.

We talk about the Wisconsin Idea — the University of Wisconsin’s goal to work with people, communities and the land around the state. Our guests are Catherine Reiland and Curt Meine. Then, The Weather Guys (Steve Ackerman and Jon Martin) are back to talk about thunderstorms, the 2026 hurricane season and more.

Gardening expert Patti Nagai is back and gets a bit philosophical about gardening. She also talks about keeping your garden looking good into summer. Then Susan Carpenter talks about what's happening in the UW Arboretum Native Gardens.

Before you hit the road this summer, here’s a vehicle maintenance checklist. Then, we talk about the rich history of brewing in and around Wisconsin’s capital city.

Author Glenn Schmidt has traveled to more than 60 countries. Each of his trips teach him something about the art of being a traveler. Schmidt shares his tips for getting around the world in old age in his latest book “Travel Lessons for Seniors: Your Personal Guide to Better Travel.”

Animal behaviorist and author Patricia McConnell returns to share more dog training advice. Then, we talk about how to say goodbye to an aging or ailing pet.

First, Larry reminisces with Wisconsin author Michael Perry. Then, we celebrate the music of 1967 — the first year Larry was on the radio — with Tom Wilmeth, a recurring guest and music aficionado.

Nationally known gardening expert Melinda Myers joins us to talk about how to tweak your garden to make it more pollinator friendly. Then in the last thirty Tovah Martin joins us to talk about how to transition indoor plants outdoors.

We talk to the author of “Pigeon Falls,” a new novel about the high-pressure building of a wind farm in small-town Wisconsin. Then, we talk to an attorney about what to look for in liability insurance.

First, entomologist PJ Liesch returns to answer your questions about bugs and give his prediction for this year’s mosquito season. Then, our outdoor writers return for another roundtable discussion about the top conservation issues in Wisconsin.

We talk about organizations and programs helping low income and senior homeowners pay their property taxes. Then, we learn about how new tax law changes will affect us.

Physical therapists Lori Thein Brody and Jill Thein-Nissenbaum return to talk about preventing injuries from warm weather activities like golf and yard work. Then, Richard Davidson and Cortland Dahl of UW’s Center for Healthy Minds share what their research says about how to live a fulfilling life.

Horticulture educator Vijai Pandian is back to talk about what we can do to get through those phases. And in the second hour of the show, long-time guests Irwin Goldman and Jim Nienhuis are getting together for one more time.

There are many ways for water to get into your basement and cause health issues and structural problems. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep your basement dry. Then, we talk about the fun and work that comes with owning a hot tub.

It’s a busy time of year for Wisconsin’s birds. For many species, May is time for the migration, June is devoted to nesting and July is the fledging season. Naturalist Bill Volkert is back to talk about summertime birding and answer your questions about Wisconsin’s birds. 

We talk about how emergency medicine via helicopter was remade by a UW-Madison physician. Then, we talk about Alzheimer’s disease from multiple angles: Treatment, fundraising for research, and a new early detection tool.

Tech expert Beth D’Angelo returns to answer your questions about internet safety, hard drive security and phone storage limits. Then, we talk about the soccer and the U.S. Men’s National Team with Leander Schaerlaeckens. His latest book is “The Long Game.”