Conversations

Learn more about Sharing the Land model for private landowners to get help caring for the land and recreationists to gain access for outdoor activities. Doug Duren joins Marcy West to discuss the evolution of the idea and how to get involved.

On this week's show host Steve Brandl talks with Christina Dollhausen and Karen Innis about the area's upcoming Music and Arts events and the formation of Fourthstream as a driving force behind the Driftless region’s creative future.

Movement is the topic for this week’s Conversations. Guest Mandy Herrick talks with host Kailean Welsh on the value of movement and how our activity in a space impacts the space. Pretty fascinating.

Host Frank Dravis and Emily Berge, Democratic candidate for the US 3rd Congressional District, discuss what Emily has been hearing in her face to face meetings with voters of the Driftless Region.

Kent Genteman is a used an antiquarian book seller. He runs KG’s books in Marshfield Wisconsin. 

Mary Christenson talks with Aaron Parker, Clay Ruby and Monte McPheron about the progression of The Commons into a new phase of development now named Arkadia. New opportunities in renovating the building are on the horizon as well as increased vibrant programming.

Interested in honey bees and beekeeping? Host Frank Dravis talks with Becky Brockman and Linda Olsen of the La Crosse Area Beekeepers. They cover the challenges with over-wintering hives, catching swarms, varroa mites, and other topics.

A program called Time for Joy, brings people living with dementia a place for connection and interaction. Tanja Birke joins host Kailean Welsh to fill us in on this community resource. Tanja also has an update on Viroqua Community Theater’s summer musical. Auditions are coming up soon!

Curious about your family’s history? Join genealogist Karen Sherry from the Vernon County Historical Society as she sits down with WDRT host Steve Brandl to share practical steps and tips for getting started.

Julie Tomaro interviewed Krista Browne and Roger Call, candidates for Mayor in Viroqua's 2026 spring election.

Marcy West speaks with Danny Helgerson, Mayor of Westby.

Host Mary Christenson with Drew Shonka, a local professional photographer and writer,  recounts his journey in the Viroqua area and the web of relationships that enrich his work. Find him at drewshonkaphotography.com

Spring is in the air, and Frank Dravis discusses spring birding, migration, and specie behavior with Krysten Zummo of the Audubon Society and Craig Thompson, co-founder of Driftless Birds.

Viroqua Community Theater is the focus of this week’s Conversations on WDRT. Tanja Birke talks with Kailean Welsh about the upcoming presentation of Homegrown Voices, and more about VCT’s mission, current plans, and future focus.

Host Steve Brandl talks with the Ashley family about being entrepreneurs in the Driftless. They are proprietors of a diverse group of businesses including Ewetopia Fiber Mill, Old Stone Landscaping and Colorwork Nursery. Tune in to learn more about their journey to independent business ownership.