Bird on a Wire

In this heartwarming story, Liam Zamzow, age 10, shares what it is like to be born with hearing loss. According to Liam, it's part of who he is.  He says, "I am just a normal 4th grader."  Learn how Hear Wisconsin provided much-needed services for the whole family. Many of us at some point in our lives may experience hearing loss. Liam and his dad teach us how to adapt and still live our lives! 

In this entertaining podcast, you can listen to creative ways the Raging Grannies highlight issues of justice and safety through song.  I could not help but join in the singing.  Activism happens in many ways and at any age. These dynamic women share how they work to make the world better for our kids and grandkids. 

Alex Lasry ran for US Senate because he wants to get things done for Wisconsinites. He helped build the new Milwaukee Bucks arena, helped build a championship team and helped revitalize downtown by creating the Deer District. During the Obama years he worked as a staffer at the White House. Now he plans to play a role in national politics by serving as our Democratic National Committee representative.  He brings a unique blend of business and politics to Milwaukee.  

Attorney General Josh Kaul on Safety, Justice, and Freedom In this episode AG Kaul lays out his vision for protecting our freedoms and keeping us safe. Important issues include ending gun violence, protecting women's rights, restoring power to voters through fair maps and more.  He promotes civic engagement and stands up for our rights every day.

Kate Duffy and Erin Phillips organized Moms for Mandela after the horrific shooting in Uvalde Texas. It was time to get involved if they were going to keep their children safe. Within a few months they had more than 1000 followers on Instagram.  After Mandela lost they transformed to Motherhood for Good and today they have more than 11,000 followers.  "Moms are master organizers.  If you want to get something done ask a mom." Kate Duffy  Listen to this inspiring story of how to get young people involved! Guests: Kate Duffy, Erin Phillips

"Meet Garrett Smith, a remarkable US Navy Veteran who defied the odds when he was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) during his military service. Doctors initially gave him a grim prognosis of six to 18 months to live, but here he is, more than six years later, sharing his incredible journey. Despite losing the use of his arms and legs and relying on a ventilator, Garrett's indomitable spirit shines through. He harnesses the power of assistive technology to communicate, wears a smile every day, and dedicates his time to volunteering with I AM ALS to support fellow veterans facing this challenging disease. Garrett made the life-altering decision to embrace ALS. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit as he continues to lead a fulfilling life, remaining a devoted father and husband to his family. Join us for an inspiring tale of hope, courage, and the determination to make every moment count." Garrett Smith's website

Sarah Blonsky, mom, teacher and advocate for persons with disabilities tells her story about difficult pregnancies: losing her first child, having a child with down syndrome, losing her third child, a daughter, and having her fourth child, her second daughter. Having the choice available to have an abortion should she need it made all the difference in the world to Sarah and her husband so she was devastated when Roe v Wade was overturned.  This powerful story about a mothers love of her children paints the true picuture of how a mothers love of her babies drives health care choices that all women should have.  This weekend we celebrate that Planned Parenthood will start to perform abortions again in Wisconsin on Monday September 18. Sarah's story highlights the importance of health care for women.

  In this episode Quin Brunette talks about the challenges and triumphs of serving on the School Board. The District is in a better place than when he started twelve years ago, but the recent takeover by outside groups has him concerned.  How do we stop the efforts that might undermine public education?  How can we bring more civility?  What can you do to make sure our kids have access to books they need and a curriculum that teaches the facts about history? Thinking of running for school board? Tune in.  

All five Bird brothers served in the military at different times.  After enlisting John became ill with Guillain-Barre syndrome. Phil and Joe served in Vietnam. As is typical, they never talked much about their experiences together. In this episode, they share their stories and talk about the life-long impact of serving in the military.  Learn the importance of the family and the VA in supporting these heroes who sacrificed for our freedoms.

Tanya Atkinson is the president & CEO of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, a nonprofit health care provider.  A social worker (and stand-up comedian), Tanya began her career working with youth (and in tiny comedy clubs).  She has volunteered for a number of area nonprofits, and is currently on the board of The Lesbian Fund, a component of the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee.  Born and raised in rural Wisconsin, Tanya lives in Shorewood with her wife, Laurie. In her own words, "growing up on a farm in rural Wisconsin, I learned the value—and power—of community early on. Whether rolling up your sleeves to help a neighbor finish a job, or pulling together a block party, there’s something magical about true community. As Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin’s President and CEO, I work with fellow health care system leaders, business leaders, and policymakers to make high-quality healthcare available to every member of the community PPWI serves. Regardless of insurance status. Regardless of income level. Regardless of zip code. My work is rooted in justice, love, and community, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to create the greatest impact possible."

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan, nonprofit, political organization founded in 1920, encourages informed and active participation in all levels of government. LuAnn joined 30 years ago to learn how to take action on a variety of issues like disability rights after her husband's paralyzing construction accident. Recent efforts to disenfranchise voters by making it harder to vote, gerrymandering the district lines so that votes don't count, and spreading misinformation about election integrity are just a few of the reasons membership in the Milwaukee County League has skyrocketed in recent years. In this episode, LuAnn talks with Peggy Creer, past president, about the League's work to empower voters and defend democracy.  Registering voters, hosting candidate forums and advocating on issues are just a few of the ways Leaguers take action.  And yes, men can join!  LWV Milwaukee County

LuAnn Bird sits down with Mandela Barnes, former Lt. Governor and resilient advocate and organizer. In a candid conversation, Barnes shares his journey from State Assembly to a close U.S. Senate campaign loss by 1%, highlighting the enduring power of community engagement. Explore the captivating dialogue between LuAnn Bird and Mandela Barnes, where they uncover the essence of hope, persistence, and the transformative impact of civic engagement. Learn about his continuing work to organize and mobilize voters and support candidates across the country.

"It's not okay to bully. It's not okay to show disrespect. It's not okay to have easy accessibility to drugs and guns, but it's more than okay to be gay and be a valued member of the community." Listen to Will Radler, a proud gay man and creator of Knockout Roses, share the story of his journey through prejudice, depression, love, tragedy, and land the gift of being gay. Will had the help he needed to get through. Now he is giving back and asking us to do the same.

Alan Borsuk, Senior Fellow in Law and Public Policy at Marquette University and longtime education columnist for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel talks about the status of education in Milwaukee.  Are we closing the gaps in learning? According to Alan, "We can do better." Guest: Alan Borsuk

The Parkland School Shooting catapulted Tyler Kelly, a student activist to get involved in advocating for common sense gun reforms that will save lives. This conversation highlights the absurdity of counting on lock-downs in our schools to save children's and teachers' lives instead of passing researched legislation that would reduce gun violence. Guest: Tyler Kelly

Lu Ann Bird is Nicole Otto. Nicole is a mental health counselor who works with children. In this episode, LuAnn and Nicole talked about some of the difficult realities young people face when it comes to challenges with mental health.  There’s a great quote that they reference that’s actually come up more than once in this podcast series. It’s from Desmond Tutu and the quote is this: “There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.” Guest: Nicole Otto

Lu Ann Bird is joined by The PerSisters. The Persisters is a group of women that got involved in political action following the 2016 election and the Women’s March. They started the PerSisters with a few women in Wauwatosa and the group has now grown to a community of hundreds. Now, they meet every Friday and celebrate every new member’s first time making a call to their U.S. Senator.  The leaders of the group, Lisa Williams and Cheryl Juech — who are actually real life sisters themselves — joined LuAnn for a terrific discussion on how to take action in your community. “The thing about hopelessness is, it’s easy to do nothing. Hope means there’s work to do,” said Cheryl Juech, adding, “When the sun rises, so does the hope.” Guest: Lisa Williams

Dr. Wilkinson is a resident of the district where LuAnn ran for Assembly, and they met while LuAnn was campaigning and knocking on doors. Wilkinson is a doctor and a surgeon who has treated victims of gun violence, and that has inspired her to get involved in efforts to pass gun safety legislation. Guest: Katheryn Hope Wilkinson

Porterfield is the lead singer and songwriter of the acclaimed folk band Field Report. He helped create the "Bird Songs" concert series and he is now running for his local school board. Guest: Chris Porterfield

State Rep. Evan Goyke of Milwaukee joins the podcast. Guest: Evan Goyke

Bird on a Wire is a brand new podcast series featuring conversations on hope, civility and action with LuAnn Bird. Guest: Dan Shafer