PODCAST · society
EricCast
by 95.7 BIG FM (WRIT-FM)
Music and art, science, politics, business and more!
Episodes
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46 | Could Milwaukee host the Olympics? Here's why they should consider it, with Jay Sorgi
With the 2024 Summer Olympic Games underway, we're here to talk about the Olympics – and Milwaukee. As in, could Milwaukee host an Olympic Games? Even if it could. why? What’s in it for the city and the greater region? Answers exist in a fascinating book called Greater Than The Games, Volume 1:...
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45 | Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken: Two Idols reflect and celebrate 20 years with concerts
Ruben Studdard won the second season of American Idol. Clay Aiken was runner-up. Thus began two major music careers and a friendship that became akin to family. Now, in 2023, the two Idols are going on tour together. In this episode, we talk about how friends were the only reason they tried out…
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44 | Kathy Mattea on country music, tech, and losing - then regaining - her singing voice
Country music star Kathy Mattea broke out in 1986; she has seen and experienced many changes in the music industry since as she continues to tour. We spoke with her about the community spirit for artists, how you can now cut and distribute a hit record using your phone, her experiences in the...
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43 | Rick Wills of Foreigner getting the "basses" covered
Foreigner burst onto the scene in 1977 and immediately impacted the rock world. Bassist Rick Wills joined the group in 1979 for the "Head Games" album and has been with them on and off ever since. Still touring with Foreigner, I sit down with Rick for 15 minutes to discuss his origins with David...
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42 | Ray Parker Jr., from Motown to Raydio to Busting Ghosts
Ray Parker Jr. is known for "The Other Woman," songs with Raydio like "You Can't Change That," and of course "Ghostbusters." But his roots in Detroit meant he was playing clubs in his teens and was lead guitarist for Stevie Wonder on his 1972 tour with the Rolling Stones. Parker Jr. wrote hits…
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41 | Gettin' an Interview Doooone with Larry the Cable Guy
A farm boy from Nebraska discovered cable - sorta - and became a huge comedian with the help of morning radio and a friend he met during Atlanta Braves spring training games named Jeff Foxworthy. Larry the Cable Guy hooked audiences up with laughter across the country in the Blue Collar Comedy…
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40 | Back in (Lewis) Black, dishing on beer allergies, tie rebellions, the best bar, and his newest tour
Lewis Black has been described as "a passionate performer who is more pissed-off optimist than mean-spirited curmudgeon." He rants on everything from politics to how Starbucks showing up on opposite corners of the same street corner is a sign of the end. His observations skewer everything, and...
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39 | He's Chevy Chase, and You're Not: Talking Weekend Update, Movies, & Christmas Vacation screenings
He was the first person to say "Live From New York, It's Saturday Night!" He hosted Weekend Update and then got into movies from Foul Play to Caddyshack to Fletch, and of course the series of National Lampoon's Vacation movies. Ahead of his coming to Milwaukee for a screening of Christmas…
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38 | Lou Ferrigno: The Hulk, Champion, Bodybuilder, and Sheriff(!) is coming to Wizard World
Lou Ferrigno turned near-deafness as a child into motivation to become Mr. Universe and a series of other bodybuilding titles, which led to acting and his role as The Incredible Hulk. Since then, he's acted in movies, led exercise programs as the behest of a President, has been deputized in 22...
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37 | Jerry Springer: How war, law, politics, media, and fate brought him to his new show, "Judge Jerry"
For all the controversy around the Jerry Springer Show and its reflections on our culture, Jerry Springer himself remains. Born in England after his parents fled Nazi Germany, Springer followed passions of politics and law; becoming a mayor led him into news, which led to the ascent of The Jerry...
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36 | Toto, I Have A Feeling We Have Steve Lukather on the Line
Toto is celebrating 40 Trips Around the Sun and then some with a tour. Ahead of a show in Madison, Wisconsin, Eric Paulsen talks with guitarist Steve Lukather about the band, its origins, his career as a legendary guitarist playing with everyone from A (Aretha) to Z (Zevon) and more. See...
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35 | Russell Hitchcock: Breathing in 44 years of Air Supply, still breathing out stories and music
What it's like to go from computer programming in 1975 to touring the world as Air Supply, opening for Rod Stewart, a year later? What's the best term for their music? How have they been able to ride the roller coaster of music and touring all the way to successful shows in 2019? Soaring tenor...
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34 | Soren Staff of Them Coulee Boys on unique Americana music and expanding with a new album, tour
If you haven't heard of Them Coulee Boys, you will. This Wisconsin band named after unusual geography (and technically, incorrect grammar) blends bluegrass, rock and punk into a style of Americana that's expanding to new audiences with a new album and tour. Lead singer Soren Staff talks with Eric...
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33 | Of "Paramount" Musical Importance: How R&B history was being made 100 years ago in a Wisconsin town.
Between 1917 and 1932, a little-known activity was taking place in small-town Wisconsin: inside a chair factory, some of the earliest Blues, R&B, Jazz, and Country classics were being recorded, pressed into 78rpm records, and distributed by Paramount Records, often bringing up African-American...
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32 | The Little River Band: Reminiscing and looking ahead with longtime member Wayne Nelson
The Little River Band formed in Australia in 1975, in a sense as a "supergroup." Wayne Nelson, bass player and lead singer, joined the group in 1980. Before and during Wayne's tenure, lineup changes have continued and both their classic and newer songs have been enjoyed by millions worldwide.…
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31 | A look at what's new and what's cool at the 2019 Wisconsin State Fair with Kristi Chuckel
Cream puffs and bug tacos(?!?), carnival games to thrilling rides, street performers to major national touring acts, and animals from newborn chicks to prize heifers adorn the 2019 Wisconsin State Fair, which runs August 1-11. There's so much to see and enjoy - some traditional, some new. In this...
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30 | K.C. of KC and the Sunshine Band: From early disco to still shaking booties in 2019
Harry Casey, better known as "K.C." all his life, started KC & the Sunshine Band in 1973, incorporating a love of horns and R&B rhythms. By the mid-1970s, the band was leading the way in dance clubs. KC talks with Eric about all the action then and since, from an accident that sidelined him for a...
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29 | Working for the Weekend: A Loverboy history with lead guitarist Paul Dean
Loverboy formed in 1978, where their name caught attention (especially in Japan) and the legacy of numerous Canadian bands coalesced to form his rock and hits machine that made us all work for the weekend. Eric talks with co-founder and lead guitarist Paul Dean, where topics include how an...
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28 | Styx bassist Ricky Phillips talks concerts, collaborations, the unique 10x10 album, and more
Styx is a classic rock and roll band, touring and ready to play great venues like Summerfest in Milwaukee, Eric Paulsen had a chance to talk with their bass guitarist Ricky Phillips about the band, his previous bands like The Babys and Bad English, and the industry and touring as a whole -...
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27 | Make-A-Wish's way of granting wishes to children battling serious illnesses, events included
Make-A-Wish Wisconsin works to grant wishes for children battling serious - often terminal - illnesses, making dreams come true for them and their families. Eric Paulsen sits down with Make-A-Wish representatives to discuss how they accommodate these kids' wishes and how an upcoming Milwaukee…
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26 | Lights, Bridge, Action: Ian Abston on Light the Hoan's mission to light up a busy city landmark
The Hoan Bridge is a major transportation artery and a city landmark. These distinctive arches welcome ships from Lake Michigan, speed drivers in and out of downtown, and even serve as cover for some Summerfest shows. Giving it dynamic LED lighting at night could launch night views of the bridge...
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25 | Is Your Bra Killing You? Safer, supportive solutions with Mike Drescher & the Vibrant Body Co.
Do you realize how many chemicals, metals, and other hazards lurk in women's bras and underwear? Wires cut off circulation; toxins from formaldehyde to heavy metals can absorb into your most sensitive body parts. We've seen increases in breast and other cancers over the years. The Vibrant Body...
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24 | Summerfest 2019: The Scoop on the World's Largest Music Festival for this year
Milwaukee's Summerfest is the World's Largest Music Festival, featuring over 700 artists across 11 major stages with food, drink, and fun along Lake Michigan. This year, it runs June 26-30 & July 2-7, 2019. Eric sits down with Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. VP/Sales & Marketing Sarah Pancheri to...
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23 | A Righteous (Brother) conversation with the legendary Bill Medley
He's a Righteous Brother, opened for The Beatles and sang one of their songs at the Grammys, wrote or sang songs in 33 movies and TV shows, helped Jennifer Grey have the time of her life in "Dirty Dancing," and pioneered the "Blue-Eyed Soul" genre, with a song that still holds the record for the...
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22 | A Saucerful of Secrets with Nick Mason: on Pink Floyd, his new band, racing, and more
Nick Mason, founding member of Pink Floyd, drummed his way through all their albums and now fronts his new band, Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets. He talks with us about early Pink Floyd and their spontaneous creation of the name, navigating "personality dynamics," how his new band formed…
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21 | The artistic and professional world of Ice Carving and Snow Sculpting in Wisconsin
Wisconsin winters mean a lot of outdoor fun involving snow and ice. But out of what we often skate, snowmobile, or slide on - or just shovel away - some artists create incredible art and sculptures. In this episode just ahead of Winterfest 2019 at The Corners of Brookfield, we talk with...
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20 | Cherry Droppin' at New Year's Eve: Door County's New Party Tradition
Ah, New Year's Eve! We all know about the ball drop in Times Square in NYC. But did you know about the Cherry Drop? A new way to ring in the New Year is blossoming in Sister Bay, Wisconsin, where the Door County Cherry Drop debuted to ring in 2018. And they're ready to build on it and make it a...
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19 | Michael Bolton: Oh, you're about to learn things about him you won't forget
Did you know Michael Bolton once opened for Ozzy? That he bought Rodney Dangerfield cookware? Michael Bolton has done it all: musician and songwriter from hard rock to soul to ballads; he makes documentaries and videos including Captain Jack Sparrow and a parody of himself Office Space-style; he...
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18 | Melissa Etheridge: Talking Wisconsin ties, cruises, cannabis, and great shows ahead
Melissa Etheridge talks with Eric Paulsen as she prepares for a two-night show at the Northern Lights Theater at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee December 11-12, 2018. We discuss birthdays (turns out there's a trifecta), her cannabis business, flash back to her first appearance on David...
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17 | Mike Leckrone reflects on leading the Wisconsin Marching Band for 50 years
In 1969, Mike Leckrone took over the reins of the University of Wisconsin Marching Band. As he prepares to step down after 50 years, he talks with Eric Paulsen to reflect on his legacy, one of innovation and precision, sometimes making the band cooler than the football team from the 5th quarter…
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16 | Barry Williams: A Very Brady Podcast talk ahead of HGTV and Wizard World
Barry Williams, of course known as Greg Brady from The Brady Bunch, joins Eric Paulsen for a conversation about the show turning 50 in 2019, where that tiki statue from Hawaii might be, what that last show was like with orange hair and Robert Reed opting out of the episode, and how they're…
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15 | Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon: a radio interview before their November, 2018 Milwaukee show
REO Speedwagon lead singer Kevin Cronin talks with Eric Paulsen about being voted "Top Illinois musicians," their 1985 Live Aid experience (and the logistics behind it), a new book project he's working on, his sons now being in a band, and the coolest place to hang out when playing shows in...
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14 | Blues Traveler Radio Interview, John Popper & Chan Kinchla
Blues Traveler had just released their 2018 album "Hurry Up & Hang Around" and were about to play a show in Milwaukee when I got a chance to talk with them. We discuss concert rituals, what they've been up to, and what flatulence-related name they were given on a previous trip to Wisconsin. See...
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13 | Point of Know Return: A brief radio interview with Kansas' Billy Greer
In this brief EricCast episode, I got a chance to talk with Kansas bass guitarist, singer, frontman Billy Greer just ahead of their show at Milwaukee's Pabst Theater on October 12, 2018. It was a fun discussion and I even got to ask a philosophical question towards the end. See...
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12 | Tom Johnston of the Doobie Brothers: a radio interview from China Grove to Jesus and more
in this 15 minute conversation, Eric Paulsen talks one-on-one with Doobie Brothers co-founder and lead singer Tom Johnston, covering everything from an upcoming concert, their new EP coming out in 2019, and what 8-tracks were like. Also find out how "Black Water" was resurrected to become a hit,...
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11 | "Lost In Startuplandia": Entrepreneurship guidance with author/entrepreneur Kelly Fitzsimmons
Eric Paulsen is joined by Kelly Fitzsimmons, serial entrepreneur and author of the new book "Lost In Startuplandia." She has had several successful exits with a variety of companies and investors - and some big failures. Her book eschews the usual "This is exactly how I succeeded and how you will...
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10 | Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues: a radio interview
Just ahead of a Wisconsin concert, I get a chance to talk with Justin Hayward, longtime writer, guitarist, and vocalist for The Moody Blues. In the 9 minutes we have, we talk about the Moodies' getting into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, his current and upcoming shows and tours, his initial trip…
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9 | Grand Funk Railroad's Don Brewer: a radio interview
Grand Funk Railroad formed in Flint, Michigan in 1969, fusing R&B with rock and earning quite a name for themselves. From long jams like "I'm Your Captain" to tight pop hits like "Bad Time" to scaring hotel managers nationwide in "We're An American Band," this trio - now a quintet with two of the...
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8 | Sports Wisconsin: Taking stock in what we have and how we grow, with Cari Greving
Sports Wisconsin actively works to promote the state as a premier destination for sports events of all kinds - and not just the ones you may think of first. Showcasing the state to bring in more events from around the country and the world can make a big impact - and you may be surprised at what...
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7 | Talking the new book "Hollywood Heyday: 75 Candid Interviews with Golden Age Legends" with author Dave Fantle
In 1978, two Minnesota teenagers inspired by their new love and appreciation for Hollywood's "Golden Age" found themselves on a plane to L.A. to interview Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly after simply sending interview requests in the mail. Who knew that would lead to real, in-depth, in-person...
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6 | Talking Summerfest 2018 with VP/Marketing Sarah Smith Pancheri
The "World's Largest Music Festival" returns to Milwaukee's lakefront June 27-July 8. Summerfest 2018 brings new stages, a new North Gate, over 800 bands, and 11 days of music, food, drink, and new memories. Sarah Smith Pancheri, VP/Marketing for Milwaukee World Festivals, Inc., joins me for a…
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5 | Short Radio Interview with George Thorogood
George Thorogood & the Destroyers were coming to town. I interviewed George as he prepared for a show in Milwaukee, talking about his early Summerfest experience, his upcoming solo album, and how his band may have proved too crazy for Madison during Halloween. This interview aired on "The Morning...
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4 | SE Wisconsin's Entrepreneurial Landscape with Matt Cordio
An update for entrepreneurs on resources available in Wisconsin, including making connections, raising capital, events, suppliers and service providers, partnerships with organizations and large, established companies, and more. Examples of young, growing startups and even the potential impacts…
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3 | Talking "Cheeseheads: The Documentary" with producer John Mitchell
Producer John Mitchell is a Wisconsin native who left for L.A. and returned two decades later to make a documentary showcasing his home state and its special culture, history, and appeal. Called "Cheeseheads: The Documentary," this in-depth, sometimes personal, often humorous look at the state...
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2 | Roving Blue, a young Wisconsin company making waves in natural, portable water purification and cleaning
Roving Blue is a young Wisconsin-based company that seeks to make the world your water bottle, Portable, effective ozone-based water purification in something as small and light as a pen is now possible without the use of industrial chemicals; this technology can also ensure safe fruits &...
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1 | Radio Interview with America's Dewey Bunnell
America (the band) folk-rocked the 70s. Ventura Highway, A Horse With No Name, Tin Man, admit it - you know 'em all. These American high school kids in London in 1970 rose to prominence and still tour today. But questions remain: are alligator lizards real? Did they originate the phrase "purple...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does EricCast have?
EricCast currently has 46 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is EricCast about?
Music and art, science, politics, business and more!
How often does EricCast release new episodes?
EricCast has 46 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to EricCast?
You can listen to EricCast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts EricCast?
EricCast is created and hosted by 95.7 BIG FM (WRIT-FM).
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