WIZM - La Crosse Talk Interviews

The southeastern Minnesota town of Houston becomes the center of the owl world this weekend with the annual International Festival of Owls.   It is an opportunity for people young and old to learn about the many different species of owls from around the world.  Even before you get to either the Houston High School or the International Owl Center where most of the events ar...

As marijuana use among teens has grown in the past decade researchers have been trying to better understand the health risks of the drug.  Now a new study finds that cannabis use among teens increases the risk of psychotic disorders as well as anxiety and depression in later years.  Doctor Michael Dolan of Emplify Health by Gundersen discussed the emerging mental health trends of pot use...

Since 1993 the Saint Clare Health Mission has served more than 20,000 patients delivering healthcare and wellness where our community needs it most.  Volunteers meet with people where they are, in the clinic and therapy offices and with the mobile unit in parks street corners and beyond.  Jason Larsen is the executive director of Saint Clare. He talked to WIZM La Crosse Talk host Sean Dw...

Winona County Sheriff Ron Ganrude spoke with WIZM News Director Kevin Millard as he looked back on his career in law enforcement.   He announced earlier this year that he wouldn’t seek another term in office.   During the conversation, Ganrude said he ran this term to see the completion of a big project for the county-the...

Emplify Health by  Gundersen is collaborating with the La Crosse and Onalaska fire departments is teaming up for a community initiative to address hazards posed by throw rugs, especially for seniors. The goal is to simply reduce the number of injuries that end up in emergency rooms. Residents can drop off rugs at many local coffee shops and get a free cup of coffee and mug. How it all works w...

Dani Smith is donating her kidney to save her Mom's life.  Paula Smith needs a kidney. Later this month the couple will undergo a transplant Surgery at UW Health in Madison.  It is a life changing decision and a life saving choice.  But Mom Paula shared a heartwarming story on WIZM La Crosse Talk with Sean Dwyer about their journey.  Be prepared to laugh. See omnystudio.com/lis...

James Rathburn is a liver transplant recipient.  The generosity of a unknown family gave Mr. Rathburn a new lease on life.  Mr. Rathburn returned to his hometown to share the story of his transplant journey and to encourage you to "check the box."  Listen, share and check out his tale of hope, faith and tenacity which he shared on WIZM La Crosse Talk. See omnystudio.com/listener for...

Local Mom and Daughter share their transplant journey to encourage donation.  It is a family affair that has a life changing and life saving message.  The Smiths join  WIZM and host Sean Dwyer on La Crosse Talk Monday morning.  Listen to their story of love and hope and share., See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Nikole Neidlinger is the Medical Director of UW-Organ and Tissue Donation at UW-Health.  She is a transplant surgeon. Doctor Neidlinger organizes organ procurement for most of Wisconsin, parts of Illinois and the UP.  Nikole Neidlinger believes transplant surgery is technology driven, but requires the human spirit of hope and generosity.  She shared her message on WIZM La Crosse...

A man she didn't know and had never met saved Jill Graewin's life.  Now Jill and her husband Al are encouraging people to sign up to be a bone Marrow Donor. This month it become easier as Al and Jill Graewin explain how and why, while sharing their life saving story with La Crosse Talk host Sean Dwyer on WIZM.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Mezrich is the author of  When Death Becomes Life: Notes from a Transplant Surgeon , which details his experiences with both deceased and living donors. Dr. Mezrich has done numerous media appearances, to discuss the history of transplantation, personal stories, and the ethical/clinical aspects of both living and deceased organ donation. Doctor Mezrich joined La Crosse Talk Sean Dwyer on...

Tom Conrad began playing the guitar when he was 12 years old.  At that time his father bought him a guitar at Leithold Music store for under $20.  He remembers his first lessons and practicing and being excited about music.  Tom has performed with various bands including Big City, Wildfire and his well known duo band The Journeymen.  Now Tom performs at various clubs and is wel...

LeAnne Andersen is the Chief People Officer of Emplify Health by Gundersen.  Ms. Andersen stopped by La Crosse Talk WIZM with host Sean Dwyer to discuss the volume, needs shortages and efforts to recruit employees into the healthcare profession. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Terry Bauer joined Kevin Millard in the La Crosse Talk studio on Thursday morning to talk about the upcoming Moon Tunes season.  It's a special one, the 15th anniversary of the weekly summer concerts in Riverside Park.  Terry spoke about some of the acts that were scheduled to perform-some fan favorites-and some of the fun things they have planned to mark the year. He also talked about a...

New Horizon Shelter and Outreach Centers serve La Crosse and Trempealeau counties.  It does face funding challenges as it helps victims of domestic violence.  The shelter's Hotline phone number is (608)791-2600. Executive Director Ann Kappauf was a guest on WIZM's La Crosse Talk discussing how New Horizons makes a difference in our community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...

The 20216 Polar Plunge is coming.  The event is set for March 7th.  The La Crosse Polar Plunge is one of the oldest in the Upper Midwest.  Proceeds go to support Special Olympic athletes in the area. Kat Craugh from the La Crosse Parks and Recreation department was on La Crosse Talk discussing how you can get involved, volunteer or contribute.  She joined La Crosse Talk host Se...

Chancellor James Beeby is enthusiastic and excited about the Spring semester on the UW-L campus. Discussing topics like, culture, students, enrollment and funding challenges on WIZM La Crosse Talk. He shared his insights with host Sean Dwyer.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region is not a home give away program.  It is an effort to increase home ownership and create a ripple effect for families, community and volunteers.  Ms. Natalie Heneghan is the Community Outreach Director for Humanity.  She discussed the benefits of the program on WIZM La Crosse-Talk with host Sean Dwyer  See omnystudio.com/liste...

On Saturday, members of the Onalaska Hilltopper Rotary Club helped people outside Puerto Vallarta with filters that provided clean water to drink. They distributed nearly 300 filters to people in the region and educated them on the filter's use.   On Sunday, violence came to the resort town on the sea.   For Lisa Kind, who was heading to breakfast with a friend, had seen smoke in the dis...

Interview with Viterbo President on La Crosse Talk with Sean Dwyer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winter is in full swing especially after Friday's n snowfall.  The waterpark capital of the world is pitching some winter getaway ideas especially for you if you are an outdoor enthusiasts.  Wisconsin Dells spokesperson  Andy Larsen says the Dells may be one of the most diverse winter getaway destinations in the Midwest.  He was a guest on WIZM La Crosse Talk with Sean Dwyer ta...

The Wisconsin Beef Council announced the 3rd annual Wisconsin's Best Burger Contest. The contest began earlier this month and runs through Sunday, March 15. You can nominate your favorite beef burger from any Wisconsin restaurant. You simply need to go to the Wisconsin Beef Council website at  www.beeftips.com/bestburger . The contest will eventually create an Elite 8 list of eight...

Ms. Sarah Hagenow is the 78th Alice in Dairyland. She travels Badgerland promoting Wisconsin Agriculture. That includes corn, beef, milk, cranberries and of course cheese.  Do you know which type of cheese is the top variety produced in Wisconsin? Sarah knows and she is a walking Google knowing and teaching facts about Wisconsin's farming and business. The correct answer is Mozzarella represe...

As Girl Scouts of Wisconsin badger land launched our 2026 Girl Scout cookie season.  The Girl Scout cookie program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world.  Leaders say the impact is proven. Girl Scouts say the real world skills grow stronger each season and help young people gain confidence, independence and a sense of purpose.  Mother and daughter team Sally a...

Shelly Fortner of the Hunger Task Force joined Sean Dwyer on La Crosse Talk Wednesday morning.  In addition to discussing the need for donations, Fortner also talked about having people volunteer to help. She said more than 2,000 people volunteer every year in some way at the Task Force. This could be collecting food items, working in the warehouse, or taking care of the many vegetables grown...