The Lee Rayburn Show

With everything costing more, we have less money left over for our garden. Lis Friemoth is back with tips for doing more with less. We also talk with Gardener Scott about growing in raised beds.

Wisconsinites are being hit with a litany of new and old scams, we learn from the state’s consumer protection office. Then, we talk to a Wirecutter writer about why extended warranties are almost never worth the cost.

Scott Craven, emeritus professor and UW Extension wildlife ecologist, joins us for another Wildlife Wednesday. Then, we talk about managed grazing. Our guests are Chris Johnson, a grazing biologist with Ducks Unlimited and owner/operator of his own grazing farm, and Nicole Muschinske, the programs and engagement coordinator at GrassWorks.

We talk about how scientists and the general public could benefit from greater science literacy. Then, we talk about how to reduce the amount of space debris falling to Earth. Then, we ask for listeners to call in with their suggestions for future topics and guests.

First we talk with author Quan Barry about “The Unveiling,” our latest book club selection. Then, Chef Luke Zahm and Chef Patrick O’Halloran return to talk about cooking for the summer months.

We are once again celebrating northern Wisconsin with our annual live broadcast from Bayfield.

We talk about the importance of school boards to a democracy. Then, a Wisconsin farmer writes his life story for future generations. Finally we look at the history of Madison’s Breese Stevens Field.

First, we talk about the invasive plants you might be seeing this spring with Mark Renz. Then, we remember the history of wild turkeys in Wisconsin with Paul Smith of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Finally, we get an update on whooping cranes with Anne Lacy from the International Crane Foundation.

Blood-sucking ticks are seemingly everywhere these days. We talk with a veterinarian about how to protect our pets from Lyme disease and other illnesses. Then, we talk about why the DNR wants to stop the removal of reptiles and amphibians from the wild.

For this Memorial Day special, we start by talking about the music of the Vietnam War. Then, we cover the book “I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine” with author and neuroscientist Daniel Levitin.

The author of a new book shares everything you need to know about growing tomatoes - from seed to harvest. Then PJ Liesch stops by to talk about all the good things insects do in your garden. And in the last thirty, find out from a vet how to keep your pet safe from landscape hazards.

We talk about the financial and familial fallout that can come from late-in-life divorce and remarriage. Then, we take a look inside the new issue of Big River Magazine.

First, we talk about why biodiversity matters in Wisconsin, and what scientists like Ellen Damschen are doing to conserve plant and animal life. Then, we visit with Harbor Master Dennis Cherny of the Port Washington Marina to hear about its status as a clean marina for the last 15 years. Finally, mycologist Lindsey Bender talks about how mushrooms can help improve soil quality.

We talk about Scandinavian cuisine with the author of “The Swedish Cookbook.” Then, two overseers of Old World Wisconsin invite us to its expanded site. Then, we talk with the author of the new book “Transported: The Everyday Magic of Musical Daydreams.”

Physical therapists Lori Thein Brody and Jill Thein-Nissenbaum return to talk about hypermobility, joint pain and receiving proper treatment. Then, author Bruce Friedrich joins us to talk about his book “Meat: How the Next Agricultural Revolution Will Transform Humanity’s Favorite Food — and Our Future.”

There is nothing like fresh food from your own garden! Mark Dwyer is back talk about growing veggies in containers adding ornamental edibles to your landscape. Then Joel Karsten is with us to help you with straw bale gardening.

We talk about the challenges and advantages of enlisting skilled craftspeople for your home improvement projects with design and building professionals Chad Speight, Tony Trapp, and John Gishnock. Then, we go deep with shipwreck explorer Jerry Guyer of Milwaukee’s Len-Der Charters. 

First, we talk with Phil Pellitteri, an entomologist, about the bugs that want to eat your new plant growth this spring. Then, we talk about young farmers and land trusts with Adam D’Angelo and Alison Volk. Finally, we cover wetlands in celebration of American Wetlands Month with Katie Beilfuss.

More Americans are caring for aging loved ones and experiencing related stress. Then, we talk about strokes – preventing them, recognizing the signs, and treatment. Then, we talk about other health issues with D. Zorba Paster.

Tech expert Jesse La Grew is back to share the latest news on the regulation of virtual private networks, facial recognition technology and more. Then, UW-Stout professor Tina Lee joins to share how they’re bringing technology to Wisconsin farms. Finally, we meet Maria Cunningham, owner and curator of The Whatnot Museum in Milwaukee.

Nationally known gardening expert Melinda Myers joins us to talk about the benefit of adding natives to your garden. Then we talk to celebrated photographer Jane Fulllton Alt about her beautiful new book.

We head into summer with a curated list of 20 recently books recommended by Daniel Goldin, owner of the Boswell Book Company in Milwaukee.

Regular guests and wildlife specialists Jamie Nack and David Drake return to tell us about The Wisconsin Coverts Project, what to do if you find a fawn and more. They’re ready to answer your questions about wildlife, too. 

The April/May issue of “Our Wisconsin” magazine includes stories about bluebird boxes, oleo smuggling and roadside chapels built by Belgian settlers in Wisconsin. Editor Mike Beno joins us.

Do you think wild game and fish are difficult to cook? Our guest may change your mind! Chef Joel Olson returns to share mouthwatering recipes and techniques you can use to cook freshly caught fish. Plus, we share ideas for Mother’s Day meals.