The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show

Over 275,000 Wisconsinites are on track to lose their health care coverage. Premiums have more than doubled overnight. Hospitals are closing. And it didn’t happen by accident. In this episode, I’m joined by Brad Woodhouse, President of Protect Our Care, and Wisconsin political strategist Joe Zepecki to break down the findings of a devastating new report: Health Care in Crisis: Trump and Republicans Are Making Health Care Unaffordable for Wisconsinites. We get into all of it — the $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts, the ACA tax credits that were allowed to expire, the eight Wisconsin hospitals and clinics already closed or at risk, the 60-year-old couple now spending nearly 37% of their income on health insurance, and the pharmaceutical companies that defied the president’s own requests and raised prices anyway — while posting $177 billion in profits. This is what a manufactured crisis looks like. And these are the people responsible for it. In this episode: Who is losing coverage and why What the Medicaid cuts actually mean for Wisconsin families, kids, and rural communities Why hospitals are closing — and what happens when they do How Big Pharma is cashing in while seniors pay more What accountability looks like from here 📄 Read the full report: https://defendamericaaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DAA-WI-Health-Care-Affordability-Report-June-2026.pdf Follow Protect Our Care: www.protectourcare.org Substack: @protectourcare Instagram: @protect.our.care Threads: @protect.our.care TikTok: @protectourcare YouTube: @protectourcare Facebook: @protectourcare Twitter/X: @protectourcare LinkedIn:@protectourcare Follow Dr. Kristin Lyerly: Substack: @drkristinlyerly Instagram: @drkristinlyerly Threads: @drkristinlyerly TikTok: @drkristinlyerly Bluesky: @drkristin4wi.bsky.social Facebook: @drkristinlyerly Twitter/X: @drkristinlyerly LinkedIn:@drkristinlyerly Dr. Kristin Lyerly is an OB-GYN based in northeast Wisconsin and a leading voice on healthcare, politics, and the issues shaping our collective future. As the named physician plaintiff in a landmark Wisconsin abortion decision, she brings a perspective to these conversations that goes beyond politics. New episodes drop every week. Subscribe to stay current on reproductive rights, health politics, all things Wisconsin, and everything else that matters. Producer: Abraham Lyerly Music: Nic Tierman Graphics: Nathaniel Gonzalez

In this episode of The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show, I sit down with Wisconsin State Representative and gubernatorial candidate Fran Hong to dig into the healthcare vision she’s running on — and why it’s unlike anything else in the field. We talk about her path to Medicare for All, her plan to take on hospital pricing and insurance claim denials, what reproductive healthcare access really looks like under a Hong administration, and why she believes maternal health is about so much more than pregnancy. Fran is bold, she’s specific, and she is not playing it safe. Connect with Francesca Hong: Website: francescahong.com Instagram: @francescahongwi X/Twitter: @FrancescaHongWI Threads: @francescahongwi Facebook: @FrancescaHongWI TikTok: @francescahong BlueSky: @francescahongwi.bsky.social Follow Dr. Lyerly nearly everywhere! YouTube: @drkristinlyerly TikTok: @drkristinlyerly Instagram: @drkristinlyerly Facebook: @drkristinlyerly Substack: @drkristinlyerly Twitter: @kristinforWI BlueSky: @drkristin4wi.bsky.social LinkedIn: @drkristinlyerly Reddit: @drkristinlyerly Credits: Producer: Abraham Lyerly Music: Nic Tierman Graphic Design: Nathaniel Gonzalez

What does it take to step back from a race — and still win it? Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford did exactly that when Madison voters elected her to the Common Council even after she suspended her campaign. Turns out, the people of Madison had other plans. In this episode of The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show, Dr. Lyerly sits down with the first transgender woman elected to the Madison Common Council — and quite possibly the only elected official in Wisconsin who’s also a stand-up comedian. Dina Nina has been a traveling evangelical pastor, a small business owner, a housing justice advocate, and the founder of Lady Laughs Comedy. She brings all of it to this conversation, and it shows. We talk about the wild election nobody saw coming, what it actually feels like to govern from lived experience, and why she thinks trans leadership isn’t just historic — it’s exactly what Wisconsin needs right now. It’s honest, it’s a little funny, and it does not pull punches. In this episode: The election she withdrew from — and still won From the pulpit to the punchline: her unlikely path to public office Why lived experience will be her superpower in the legislature Her vision for housing, fair maps, and a blue Wisconsin New episodes of The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show drop on YouTube every week — subscribe and come hang with us. Follow Dina Nina www.votedinanina.com Instagram | @votedinanina Facebook | @votedinanina BlueSky | votedinanina.bsky.social 📬 Subscribe to my Substack: drkristinlyerly.substack.com 📸 Instagram: @drkristinlyerly 🧵 Threads: @drkristinlyerly 🎵 TikTok: @drkristinlyerly 🦋 Bluesky: @drkristin4wi.bsky.social 👍 Facebook: @drkristinlyerly 🐦 Twitter/X: @drkristinlyerly 💼 LinkedIn:@drkristinlyerly Dr. Kristin Lyerly is an OB-GYN based in northeast Wisconsin and a leading voice on healthcare, politics, and the issues shaping our collective future. As the named physician plaintiff in a landmark Wisconsin abortion decision, she brings a perspective to these conversations that goes beyond politics. New episodes drop every week. Subscribe to stay current on reproductive rights, health politics, all things Wisconsin, and everything else that matters.

Did you know that crisis pregnancy centers outnumber abortion clinics in the United States by a ratio of roughly 3 to 1 — and that most of them are under no obligation to tell you they aren’t licensed medical providers? In this episode of The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show, I sit down with Kate Hoeting, Director of Education & Research at Catholics for Choice, to pull back the curtain on the crisis pregnancy center industry: how these centers pose as medical clinics, why vulnerable patients often don’t know the difference, and what the absence of HIPAA protections and informed consent requirements means for real people seeking care. We also dig into something that might surprise you: what Catholics for Choice actually stands for, why a majority of Catholics support reproductive freedom despite official Church teaching, and how faith can be a source of liberation rather than shame. I’ll be honest — I was raised Catholic myself. This conversation hit close to home. If you care about patient safety, reproductive freedom, or the role of faith in public life, this episode is for you. New episodes every Wednesday at noon. Follow Catholics for Choice catholicsforchoice.org/CPC Instagram: Catholic4choice Facebook: CatholicsForChoice Twitter: Catholic4Choice LinkedIn: catholics-for-choice 📬 Subscribe to my Substack: drkristinlyerly.substack.com 📸 Instagram: @drkristinlyerly 🧵 Threads: @drkristinlyerly 🎵 TikTok: @drkristinlyerly 🦋 Bluesky: @drkristin4wi.bsky.social 👍 Facebook: @drkristinlyerly 🐦 Twitter/X: @drkristinlyerly 💼 LinkedIn:@drkristinlyerly Dr. Kristin Lyerly is an OB-GYN based in northeast Wisconsin and a leading voice on healthcare, politics, and the issues shaping our collective future. As the named physician plaintiff in a landmark Wisconsin abortion decision, she brings a perspective to these conversations that goes beyond politics. New episodes drop every week. Subscribe to stay current on reproductive rights, health politics, all things Wisconsin, and everything else that matters.

Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District is one of the most competitive – and consequential – congressional seats in the country. The DNC already has a favorite. Emily Berge is running anyway. In this episode of The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show, I sit down with Emily Berge, former Eau Claire City Council President and grassroots candidate for Congress in WI-03. We talk about what it takes to run without the party machine behind you, why governing experience matters more than fundraising totals, and what she sees in this district that Washington keeps missing. This is a conversation about democracy, representation, and who really gets to decide who serves in Congress. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping Wisconsin’s future. Emily Berge’s socials: Website: www.bergeforcongress.com Instagram: bergeforcongress Facebook: bergeforcongress Twitter/X: Berge4Congress BlueSky: bergeforcongress.com Credits: Producer: Abraham Lyerly Music: Nic Tierman Subscribe for more conversations about the people and ideas shaping our world and follow, like, share on other platforms, too! Substack: drkristinlyerly.substack.com Instagram: @drkristinlyerly Threads: @drkristinlyerly TikTok: @drkristinlyerly Bluesky: @drkristin4wi.bsky.social Facebook: @drkristinlyerly Twitter/X: @drkristinlyerly LinkedIn:@drkristinlyerly Dr. Kristin Lyerly is an OB-GYN based in northeast Wisconsin and a leading voice on healthcare, politics, and the issues shaping our collective future. As the named physician plaintiff in a landmark Wisconsin abortion decision, she brings a perspective to these conversations that goes beyond politics. New episodes drop every week. Subscribe to stay current on reproductive rights, health politics, all things Wisconsin, and everything else that matters.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is running for Wisconsin governor in 2026, and his story is unlike anyone else in the race. He grew up in Milwaukee’s 53206 ZIP code, one of the most impoverished and most incarcerated ZIP codes in the country. Today he oversees a $1.4 billion budget and represents one-sixth of Wisconsin’s population. Now he wants to run the whole state. In this episode of The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show, I sit down with County Executive Crowley to talk about where he came from, why he’s running, and whether a Milwaukee candidate can win ALL of Wisconsin. We dig into his Badger Basics plan — built on affordability, care, and opportunity — and what he believes Wisconsin families actually need right now. The 2026 Wisconsin governor’s race is one of the most important in the country. Don’t miss this conversation. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping Wisconsin’s future. David Crowley’s socials: CrowleyForWI.com Instagram: CrowleyForWi Facebook: CrowleyForWI Twitter/X: DavidCCrowley BlueSky: davidcrowley4wi.bsky.social Credits: Producer: Abraham Lyerly Music: Nic Tierman Subscribe for more conversations about the people and ideas shaping our world and follow, like, share on other platforms, too! Substack: drkristinlyerly.substack.com Instagram: @drkristinlyerly Threads: @drkristinlyerly TikTok: @drkristinlyerly Bluesky: @drkristin4wi.bsky.social Facebook: @drkristinlyerly Twitter/X: @drkristinlyerly LinkedIn:@drkristinlyerly Dr. Kristin Lyerly is an OB-GYN based in northeast Wisconsin and a leading voice on healthcare, politics, and the issues shaping our collective future. As the named physician plaintiff in a landmark Wisconsin abortion decision, she brings a perspective to these conversations that goes beyond politics. New episodes drop every week. Subscribe to stay current on reproductive rights, health politics, all things Wisconsin, and everything else that matters.

Wisconsin governor candidate Missy Hughes reveals her 10-point healthcare plan — and what it means for YOU. BadgerCare expansion, a public option, rural hospital closures, and taking on private equity. This is the full conversation. 00:00 The State of Healthcare in Wisconsin 01:36 Missy Hughes’ 10-Point Healthcare Plan Explained 04:31 Reproductive Rights & Women’s Healthcare in Wisconsin 06:02 Rural Hospital Closures & Access to Care 08:22 How Will Wisconsin Pay for It? Funding the Plan 10:21 BadgerCare, Public Option & Healthcare Innovation 13:38 What a Missy Hughes Administration Would Look Like Guest socials: MissyForGovernor.com Instagram: MissyForWi Facebook: MissyForWi Twitter/X: MissyForWi BlueSky: @missyforwi.bsky.social TikTok: MissyForWi LinkedIn: Missy Hughes Credits: Producer: Abraham Lyerly Music: Nic Tierman Subscribe for more conversations about the people and ideas shaping our world and follow, like, share on other platforms, too! Substack: drkristinlyerly.substack.com Instagram: @drkristinlyerly Threads: @drkristinlyerly TikTok: @drkristinlyerly Bluesky: @drkristin4wi.bsky.social Facebook: @drkristinlyerly Twitter/X: @drkristinlyerly LinkedIn:@drkristinlyerly Dr. Kristin Lyerly is an OB-GYN based in northeast Wisconsin and a leading voice on healthcare, politics, and the issues shaping our collective future. As the named physician plaintiff in a landmark Wisconsin abortion decision, she brings a perspective to these conversations that goes beyond politics. New episodes drop every week. Subscribe to stay current on reproductive rights, health politics, all things Wisconsin, and everything else that matters.

For Earth Day, I sat down with Tia Nelson — environmental leader, Wisconsin native, and daughter of Senator Gaylord Nelson, the man who founded Earth Day in 1970. Tia reflects on her father’s extraordinary legacy, from the grassroots movement that sparked the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the creation of the EPA, to the personal experience of growing up alongside one of the most important environmental movements in American history. She shares how that legacy shaped her own decades-long career at The Nature Conservancy, the UN climate negotiations, and the Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands — and why, 56 years later, she believes the work is more urgent than ever. A conversation about love for the land, the power of ordinary people, and what it means to carry a father’s life’s work forward. One more thing: Tia asked me to share this gem from PBS Wisconsin Education with you: Gaylord Nelson: A Vision For The Earth | Wisconsin Biographies Gaylord Nelson had an idea for a day focused on the environment. That idea would become the internationally recognized annual event, Earth Day. Born and raised in Clear Lake, Wisconsin, Nelson went on to become a state senator, governor of Wisconsin, and a United States senator. All along the way, he made the environment a priority by protecting natural resources through advocacy, policies, and inspiring greater awareness of the need to care for the earth. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYsZCtugbnE

Joel Brennan wants to be Wisconsin’s next governor — but he may be the least familiar name in the race. He was the last Democrat to enter the crowded 2026 primary field and, in a state that has never elected a governor who wasn’t a white man, he’s also the only white man running as a Dem. Whether that’s an asset or a liability in a diverse and competitive primary is one of the questions we put to him directly. Brennan’s biography is unlike anyone else in the field. He’s the 10th of 11 children. He spent 11 years as executive director of Discovery World, the state’s largest science museum, before becoming Secretary of the Department of Administration under Gov. Tony Evers — the top appointed cabinet position in state government, overseeing the state budget, state agencies, and the day-to-day machinery of Wisconsin government. He left that role in 2022 and has since served as president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee. He announced his candidacy in December 2025. His central argument is straightforward: 30 years of progressive executive experience, a deep network of relationships across Wisconsin, and a willingness to work across the aisle without abandoning core Democratic values. Whether that argument is enough to break through against better-known candidates is the defining challenge of his campaign. In this conversation, we go deeper than the stump speech. On healthcare, we press him not just on Medicaid expansion — which Evers pursued for eight years without success — but on what a Brennan administration would do specifically for women’s health in a state that was the 49th to pass postpartum Medicaid coverage and still has an 1849 criminal abortion ban on the books. On housing, we dig into the startling statistic he has been citing on the trail: that the average age of a first-time home buyer in Wisconsin has risen from 33 to 40 in just five years. On education, we challenge him on whether his call to overhaul Wisconsin’s 30-year-old school funding formula is a real commitment or a good line. And on the Democratic primary itself, we ask him directly what separates him from the rest of the pack, and why a progressive primary voter should take a chance on someone they’re still getting to know. 🔔 If you’re not subscribed yet, now’s a good time: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKristinLyerly Follow Joel Brennan Threads | @brennanforwi Twitter/X | @joeltbrennan Instagram | @brennanforwi Facebook | brennanforwi 📬 Subscribe to my Substack: drkristinlyerly.substack.com 📸 Instagram: @drkristinlyerly 🧵 Threads: @drkristinlyerly 🎵 TikTok: @drkristinlyerly 🦋 Bluesky: @drkristin4wi.bsky.social 👍 Facebook: @drkristinlyerly 🐦 Twitter/X: @drkristinlyerly 💼 LinkedIn:@drkristinlyerly Dr. Kristin Lyerly is an OB-GYN based in northeast Wisconsin and a leading voice on healthcare, politics, and the issues shaping our collective future. As the named physician plaintiff in a landmark Wisconsin abortion decision, she brings a perspective to these conversations that goes beyond politics. New episodes drop every week. Subscribe to stay current on reproductive rights, health politics, all things Wisconsin, and everything else that matters. Guests: Abe Lyerly

Rachel Maes just won a seat on the Brown County Board of Supervisors in the April 7, 2026 Wisconsin election. She’s a Green Bay city attorney, a community leader, and my friend. She’s also a trans woman who was targeted, outspent, and harassed during her campaign — and won anyway. This is what it looks like when a community chooses its neighbor over the culture war. In this episode, Rachel and I talk about why she ran, what she faced on the campaign trail, and what it felt like when the votes came in. We dig into her vision for Brown County, her transition on her own terms, and what her victory means for northeast Wisconsin — and for ANYONE who wondered if there’s still room for them here. Spoiler: there is.

Waukesha, Wisconsin has been the heart of a reliably red county for decades. But something is shifting — and Democrat Alicia Halvensleben is running right into the middle of it. As the current Common Council President and 11th District Alder, Halvensleben is taking on one of the most extreme members of the Wisconsin State Assembly in a race that’s technically nonpartisan but anything but. In this episode, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Halvensleben to talk about who she is, why she’s running, what’s actually changing in Waukesha — and why this mayor’s race is a canary in the coal mine for 2026. 🔔 Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. 📍 Find Alicia at aliciaforwaukesha.com on Facebook @aliciaforwaukesha 📍 Find me @drkristinlyerly right here and on Substack, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and Bluesky

In this episode of The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show, I sit down with SC Senate candidate and pediatrician Dr. Annie Andrews to talk about what’s really at stake in one of 2026’s most interesting Senate races. We cover: 🔴 Lindsey Graham’s role in the Iran conflict — and how a senator who once stood for something has become unrecognizable 💉 The measles outbreak in South Carolina — what it means, why it’s happening, and why having a pediatrician in the Senate actually matters ⚕️ Casey Means for Surgeon General — the nomination of a wellness influencer with zero clinical qualifications to lead American public health 🎤 A little Taylor Swift love to close it out, because why not? Dr. Andrews is a board-certified pediatrician, a mother, and a candidate who is running on real credentials against a senator who has spent decades in Washington trading his principles for power. South Carolina, and the country, deserves better. If you care about the SC Senate race, reproductive rights, public health, and holding Lindsey Graham accountable, this one is for you. 🔔 Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. 📍 Find Annie @drannieandrews.com AND @annieandrewsmd on TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Facebook, Twitter/X, and YouTube 📍 Find me @drkristinlyerly on Substack, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and Bluesky

Tennessee is considering legislation that would make abortion punishable by death. This is not hyperbole — it is a proposed law, and it is part of a broader pattern of legislation that has made Tennessee one of the most dangerous states in the country for people who need reproductive healthcare. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nikki Zite, a board-certified OB-GYN and complex family planning specialist practicing in Tennessee, to break down exactly what this legislation says, what it would mean in practice, and what it reveals about the political forces reshaping medicine in this country. We discuss: What Tennessee’s proposed death penalty abortion legislation actually contains How existing abortion restrictions have already transformed — and gutted — reproductive healthcare access in the state What it means to practice medicine when the law treats your clinical judgment as a criminal act The downstream effects on patients, training programs, and the future of OB-GYN care in restrictive states This conversation is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand where reproductive healthcare in America is headed — and what’s already been lost. Credits: Producer: Abraham Lyerly Music: Nic Tierman & Abraham Lyerly Graphics: Nathaniel Gonzalez

Media Literacy, Misinformation, and the Future of News | With Teacher Abraham Lyerly The information crisis is here. CBS censored Colbert. Gen Z gets news from TikTok. Medical disinformation from RFK Jr. spreads faster than CDC facts. This week I sat down with my producer and oldest son, Abraham Lyerly – a public school teacher – for a generational conversation about media literacy, trusted messengers, and navigating truth in 2026. In This Episode: We break down the legacy media collapse – why CBS, the Washington Post, and traditional journalism are losing credibility through political self-censorship. Abraham shares what his Gen Z peers and Gen Alpha students actually believe and where they’re getting it (spoiler: not the evening news). We go platform by platform through the social media landscape: TikTok’s algorithm-driven truth problem, Instagram’s authenticity shift, the Twitter/X exodus to Bluesky and Threads, Facebook’s generational divide, YouTube’s long-form comeback, and how Substack newsletters are replacing traditional journalism. As an OB-GYN fighting medical disinformation daily, I explain how vaccine lies and reproductive health myths spread faster than evidence-based medicine can counter them – and what that means for public health in 2026. Plus: exciting announcements about our upcoming documentary, partnerships with organizations like Christy Turlington Burns’ “Every Mother Counts”, and what’s on the horizon as Wisconsin’s election season heats up. The information war isn’t over – it’s just moving to where the real fight is. Guests: Abraham Lyerly

Judge Chris Taylor on her race for Wisconsin Supreme Court State courts are the last line of defense. And what’s happening in Wisconsin is a blueprint for the rest of the country. Between 2023 and 2025, Wisconsin made national headlines twice: first by flipping its Supreme Court to a liberal majority for the first time in 15 years, then by defending that majority against Elon Musk’s $22 million spending spree. Both races shattered records. Both became tests of whether grassroots organizing could overcome dark money. Both succeeded. Now comes the next chapter. Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Judge Chris Taylor is running to expand the court from a 4-3 to a 5-2 progressive majority, not just to maintain control, but to build something more durable. Something that can withstand the next decade of attacks on abortion rights, voting rights, worker protections, and democracy itself. Judge Chris Taylor’s story is one you need to hear. She spent years as the public policy director at Planned Parenthood Wisconsin, lobbying on what she calls “the hardest issues in politics”: reproductive healthcare, sexual assault protections, domestic violence prevention. When Scott Walker’s anti-union Act 10 passed and the political landscape shifted, she ran for State Assembly with a newborn and a four-year-old at home. She won. She served nine years fighting for working families and authored groundbreaking legislation protecting survivors of violence. Then Governor Tony Evers appointed her to the circuit court, she was elected to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, and now she’s running for the state’s highest court. In our conversation, we dig into what it means to go from advocacy to lawmaking to the bench, and whether those experiences make you a better judge or compromise your impartiality. We talk about the cases coming before Wisconsin’s Supreme Court that will shape the next decade: challenges to union-busting laws, redistricting fights that will determine fair representation through 2030, and the flood of Trump administration policies that are ending up in state courts across the country. We explore how state constitutions often provide stronger protections than federal law, and why that matters more than ever right now. We also talk about the human side of running for a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat where judicial independence is sacred, but voters deserve to understand your values.  This episode isn’t just about the Wisconsin Supreme Court 2026 election. It’s about the role state courts are playing as a check on federal power. It’s about what it takes to win these fights in an era of unlimited spending and nationalized judicial elections. It’s about the pipeline from advocacy to power, and whether people who’ve spent their lives fighting for justice can also be impartial arbiters of the law. If you care about reproductive rights, if you’re watching Trump-era policies roll out and wondering where the resistance will come from, if you believe courts should protect people’s fundamental freedoms rather than serve partisan agendas—this conversation is for you. Guests: Chris Taylor

Daily Show Co-Creator on Abortion Rights, ICE Raids, and Why Comedy Is Resistance When they want silence, she brings laughter. This week on The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show, I’m joined by Lizz Winstead – comedian, activist, co-creator of The Daily Show, co-founder of Air America Radio, and founder of Abortion Access Front. Lizz has spent decades weaponizing humor against oppression, and in this conversation, we dig into how comedy becomes resistance. We talk about: The power of political comedy – from creating The Daily Show to building progressive media infrastructure with Air America ICE raids in Minneapolis – what’s happening on the ground in immigrant communities and how fear tactics are being deployed Abortion Access Front – Lizz’s groundbreaking work using comedy to destigmatize abortion and support clinics across the country Why humor works – how laughter breaks down shame, cuts through propaganda, and opens conversations that couldn’t happen otherwise Feminist Buzzkill – Lizz’s podcast tackling patriarchal nonsense head-on This is a fearless conversation about what it takes to keep fighting when the stakes couldn’t be higher. Because when they want us ashamed and silent, the most radical thing we can do is laugh out loud and tell the truth. Subscribe to Feminist Buzzkill wherever you get your podcasts. Support Abortion Access Front at AbortionAccessFront.org. Guests: Lizz Winstead

The Texas Abortion Ban Nearly Killed Me Amanda Zurawski, reproductive rights advocate and one of Time Magazine’s Women of the Year, joins Dr. Kristin Lyerly to share the devastating reality of pregnancy complications under Texas’s abortion ban and how she has used her own life-threatening experience to fight back.  At 18 weeks pregnant with a wanted baby, Amanda’s water broke and she was denied standard medical care until she developed a life-threatening infection – because Texas politicians decided they knew better than her and her doctors. In this powerful interview, Amanda discusses: Her near-death experience under Texas’s abortion ban and the medical nightmare of “waiting to get sick enough” How she turned personal tragedy into national advocacy, including her testimony before the Senate Judiciary and appearance at the 2024 Democratic National Convention The landmark Zurawski v. Texas lawsuit and the documentary that followed Her role in the 2024 election and why reproductive freedom will be a critical issue in the 2026 midterms Advice for survivors and advocates in Texas, Georgia, Wisconsin and other states with abortion bans Dr. Lyerly, a board-certified OB-GYN who successfully challenged Wisconsin’s 1849 criminal abortion ban, brings her medical expertise to explain why abortion restrictions are dangerous medical policy – and why this issue isn’t going away despite the Trump administration’s shock-and-awe political environment. As we approach the 2026 midterms, Amanda’s story is a crucial reminder of what’s at stake when politicians practice medicine. This is required listening for anyone who cares about reproductive healthcare, maternal mortality, pregnancy complications, and holding lawmakers accountable for the human cost of abortion bans. Guests: Amanda Zurawski

My Interview with Wisconsin’s Next Governor (Maybe) Mandela Barnes was Wisconsin’s first Black Lieutenant Governor. In 2022, he ran a nationally watched Senate race against Ron Johnson and lost by just 27,000 votes. Now he’s running for Governor, and Wisconsin voters have questions. In this episode, I sit down with Barnes for a no-BS conversation about what happened in 2022, what he learned from losing, and why he thinks he can win this time. We tackle the controversies head-on: the crime attacks, accusations about “defunding the police,” and how he plans to message differently in a Governor’s race. As an OB-GYN who’s fought for reproductive rights in Wisconsin, I push Barnes on healthcare access, reproductive freedom, and whether he’ll actually fight for patients. We also discuss his vision for education, working families, and climate change. This isn’t a puff piece. I ask the tough questions because Wisconsin can’t afford to get this Governor’s race wrong. Barnes shares his working-class Milwaukee roots, reflects on his time as Lieutenant Governor, and lays out what’s at stake in this election. Listen to the full interview and decide for yourself whether Mandela Barnes is the right choice for Wisconsin. Listen to other episodes from this series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum. In this episode, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Missy Hughes, the former CEO of Wisconsin’s Economic Development Corporation and longtime Organic Valley executive who’s running on a platform of economic opportunity for all 72 counties. Listen HERE. Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez joins Dr. Lyerly to discuss her campaign to become Wisconsin’s first female governor. Listen HERE State Representative Francesca Hong isn’t your typical gubernatorial candidate – and she’ll be the first to tell you that. Listen HERE Wisconsin State Senator Kelda Roys is running to be the state’s next governor, leveraging years of legislative experience and proven bipartisan wins to make her case to Wisconsin voters. Listen HERE Guests: Mandela Barnes

Jess Craven on Making Fear Your Fuel How do you turn political fear into sustained action? Jess Craven has been answering that question for her massive Substack community every weekday since November 2016. In this episode of The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show, Dr. Lyerly welcomes the face of “Chop Wood, Carry Water”, Jess Craven: political activist, content creator, and widely-followed organizer. The daughter of legendary horror director Wes Craven (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream), Jess has unironically applied lessons about confronting fear to building one of the most engaged grassroots organizing communities in America…and she’s just hitting her stride! (Image copyright Wireimage) Topics include:  How to get involved in political activism (even if you’re new) The evolution of digital organizing and new media Concrete actions for protecting democracy Parenting a queer teenager while fighting political battles  Avoiding activist burnout and finding joy in resistance The “Chop Wood, Carry Water” daily practice philosophy  Where to find real hope in 2026 Whether you’re a longtime activist or someone who’s never made a political phone call, this conversation offers practical tools, inspiring stories, and a roadmap for turning anxiety into impact. Guests: Jess Craven

What happens when telling patients the truth gets you fired? This week, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Nikki Sapiro Vinckier, PA-C—an OB/GYN physician assistant who spent over a decade in clinical practice before being pushed out for refusing to stay silent.  Nikki’s new book We Deserve More: Why Reproductive Healthcare is Broken—And What You Can Do About It exposes the gap between what clinicians know, what lawmakers think they know when they write abortion bans, and the flood of misinformation patients face online. In this conversation, Kristin and Nikki dig into: Why advocacy and clinical practice became incompatible How abortion bans expose lawmakers’ dangerous ignorance about real women’s health The dark history of medicine How OB/GYN training is still crisis-driven—leaving gaps in menopause care, sexual health, and chronic conditions Practical tools patients can use TODAY to advocate for themselves in a broken system This is medicine, unfiltered.  Guests: Nikki Sapiro Vinckier

Hundreds of Wins Against Trump While the Trump-Vance administration has attempted to freeze funding, strip healthcare coverage from millions, and attack reproductive rights, one organization has been fighting back in court – and winning. Democracy Forward didn’t wait for Inauguration Day to prepare. Anticipating the threats of Project 2025, they built a strategic network of over 650 diverse partner organizations, positioning legal expertise exactly where it would be most effective: in the courts. The result? The moment Trump took office, they were ready, and they’ve been winning ever since. This week, Dr. Lyerly sits down with Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward and one of “TIME100’s Most Influential People in the World” to discuss the hundreds of legal victories they’ve secured since January 20th. From protecting immigrant communities to shielding medication abortion from legal attacks, Democracy Forward is serving as a critical check on executive overreach. If you’re tired of feeling helpless, this conversation will remind you that resistance isn’t futile – it’s winning. Guests: Skye Perryman

Plus Our Faves From 2025 Last week, everything changed in an instant. A serious car accident turned this doctor into a patient, and the strangers who became heroes – the volunteers and healthcare workers who rushed to help – reminded me exactly why we do this show. Community isn’t just a buzzword. It’s how we take care of each other. It’s our foundation. It’s what builds our democracy. And what a year of community building it has been! In 2025, I sat down with some of the most interesting and engaging voices in Wisconsin and beyond – people who step up and speak out in the places where they are needed the most. These aren’t just interviews, these are the conversations that shaped the year. From the fight for healthcare to the future of Wisconsin, from tariffs to protecting our voting rights, we’ve covered it all. Join us as we relive the moments that hit hardest, celebrate the wins, and get fired up for what’s coming next…because we’re just getting started! Guests: Tom Nelson John Brogan Sachin Shivaram Kurt Voss Francesca Hong Kelda Roys Sara Rodriguez Missy Hughes Kristin Brey Pat Kreitlow Kate Duffy Laura Hanks  Skye Perryman Credits: Producer: Abraham Lyerly Music: Nic Tierman & Abraham Lyerly Guests: Abraham Lyerly

Missy Hughes on Building a Main Street Economy Wisconsin’s 2026 gubernatorial race is wide open – and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With no incumbent for the first time since 2010, a large and diverse field of Democrats are vying for the nomination in what will be one of the most watched races in the country. In this episode, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Missy Hughes, the former CEO of Wisconsin’s Economic Development Corporation and longtime Organic Valley executive who’s running on a platform of economic opportunity for all 72 counties. Hughes isn’t your typical candidate. She lives in western Wisconsin on a farm outside of Viroqua with 70 sheep, two donkeys, and a passion for growing dahlias. She’s run eight marathons. She’s a lawyer who spent 17 years in the dairy industry before leading the state agency that brought Microsoft, Eli Lilly, Milwaukee Tool, and Kikkoman to Wisconsin – securing over $10 billion in investment and 45,000 jobs. Her pitch? I’m not a politician, and that’s the point. We talk about her unlikely path from growing up in New York to rural Wisconsin, what a “Main Street Economy” actually means in practice, how she plans to bridge urban and rural divides, and what sets her apart. This is the fourth in our series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum. Listen to other episodes from this series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum. Wisconsin State Senator Kelda Roys is running to be the state’s next governor, leveraging years of legislative experience and proven bipartisan wins to make her case to Wisconsin voters. Listen HERE Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez joins Dr. Lyerly to discuss her campaign to become Wisconsin’s first female governor. Listen HERE Mandela Barnes was Wisconsin’s first Black Lieutenant Governor. In 2022, he ran a nationally watched Senate race against Ron Johnson and lost by just 27,000 votes. Now he’s running for Governor, and Wisconsin voters have questions. Listen HERE State Representative Francesca Hong isn’t your typical gubernatorial candidate – and she’ll be the first to tell you that. Listen HERE Guests: Missy Hughes

What happens when moms stop asking and start organizing? This week on The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show, Dr. Lyerly sits down with Kate Duffy, founder of Motherhood for Good, a movement mobilizing moms across Wisconsin and beyond into a powerful political force. From the origin story of turning social media frustration into grassroots action, to her new venture with Kristin Brey, Kate shares how mothers are reclaiming the political narrative and building real power. In this candid, entertaining conversation, Kate and Dr. Lyerly discuss what makes moms unique, which issues are driving mothers to the polls, and why politicians should be paying attention. They explore the intersection of motherhood and activism, the future of mother-led organizing, and what it takes to sustain a movement while still packing school lunches. If you’ve ever wondered whether mom rage can be a political strategy – or if you’re ready to channel yours – this episode is for you. Guests: Kate Duffy

Inside the Battle for Fair Maps  Gerrymandering isn’t just a political buzzword—it’s the practice of manipulating voting district boundaries to predetermine election outcomes, and it’s happening in states across America right now to stack the deck in favor of the people in power. In this episode, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Mark Gaber, Senior Director of Redistricting at the Campaign Legal Center, to break down the current battles over fair maps. From landmark cases in Texas and California to emerging fights in Indiana and Illinois, Mark walks us through how partisan gerrymandering undermines democracy, what’s being done to stop it, and where fair maps have won in the past (hint: Michigan and Wisconsin, at least for now). You’ll learn: How gerrymandering actually works and why both parties do it The legal strategies being used to challenge unfair maps in court What role technology and AI might play in creating neutral districts Why the Midwest is becoming the next major battleground for redistricting What everyday citizens can do to demand fair representation Whether you’re new to redistricting or following these cases closely, this conversation offers critical insight into one of the most consequential—and least understood—threats to American democracy. Credits: Producer: Abraham Lyerly Music: Nic Tierman & Abraham Lyerly Guests: Mark Gaber

Every week, Dr. Kristin Lyerly shows up on Pat Kreitlow’s morning radio show to talk politics and healthcare. She answers his questions, follows his format, plays by his rules. But today? The tables have turned. In this special episode, Kristin interviews her friend Pat Kreitlow—former Wisconsin State Senator, veteran broadcaster, and one of the last voices keeping local journalism alive in Wisconsin. They dive into his unlikely journey from anchorman to the Senate floor to the radio studio, what’s really happening in Wisconsin politics that no one’s paying attention to, and whether local media can actually survive in the age of TikTok and cable news rage-bait. But this isn’t your typical serious policy interview. Kristin also grills Pat on the important questions: Does he practice his radio voice in the mirror? Is he actually that cheerful at 6 AM? And what’s the most ridiculous thing that’s happened while he was broadcasting live? If you’ve ever wondered what happens when two Wisconsin media personalities who actually like each other sit down for a real conversation—part serious, part silly, all honest—this is it! Guests: Pat Kreitlow

Sara Rodriguez on Making History Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez joins Dr. Lyerly to discuss her campaign to become Wisconsin’s first female governor. Photo credit: Nick Garcia From their shared experience as healthcare professionals entering politics during the pandemic to the fight for Medicaid expansion and reproductive rights, this conversation explores what it takes to lead boldly in uncertain times. Sara shares her vision for Wisconsin’s future and why healthcare expertise matters in the governor’s office. This is the third in our series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum. Listen to other episodes from this series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum. State Representative Francesca Hong isn’t your typical gubernatorial candidate – and she’ll be the first to tell you that. Listen HERE Mandela Barnes was Wisconsin’s first Black Lieutenant Governor. In 2022, he ran a nationally watched Senate race against Ron Johnson and lost by just 27,000 votes. Now he’s running for Governor, and Wisconsin voters have questions. Listen HERE Wisconsin State Senator Kelda Roys is running to be the state’s next governor, leveraging years of legislative experience and proven bipartisan wins to make her case to Wisconsin voters. Listen HERE In this episode, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Missy Hughes, the former CEO of Wisconsin’s Economic Development Corporation and longtime Organic Valley executive who’s running on a platform of economic opportunity for all 72 counties. Listen HERE. Guests: Sara Rodriguez

Bridging Divides and Whether Feminism Broke the Workplace Fellow radio host and Wisconsin mom Kristin Brey joins the show for a conversation that covers everything from bridging divides to government shutdowns and doesn’t shy away from the big questions: Has the Democratic Party lost touch with the people? Did liberal feminism actually ruin the workplace? Kristin brings honesty, humor, and the perspective of someone living it all in real time. This one is equal parts fun and real talk—don’t miss it. Dr. Kristin Lyerly and Kristin Brey during the recording of this episode. Guests: Kristin Brey

Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride on Leading Through 2020’s Perfect Storm Dennis McBride won his hometown mayoral race in April 2020 with nearly 60% of the vote. One month later, his world – and America’s – exploded. Over the next twelve months, the new mayor of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin navigated a pandemic, 98 days and nights of racial justice protests, a mass shooting at the local mall, and a high-stakes presidential election. For 40 nights, he and his wife barricaded themselves in their home while protesters chanted outside, flashed lasers through their windows, and threw trash on their lawn. He told his adult children there was a real possibility someone might take his life. Five years later, Mayor McBride has written “A City on the Edge: Pandemic, Protest, and Polarization,” a gripping firsthand account of leadership during America’s most turbulent year in generations. He argues that Wauwatosa was “a microcosm of everything that was going on in America” and that we still haven’t escaped the forces unleashed in 2020. Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride and his new book “A City on the Edge: Pandemic, Protest, and Polarization”. Photo from WTMJ In this powerful conversation, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Mayor McBride to explore the impossible decisions leaders faced, the personal toll of public service, and whether there’s a path forward for a deeply divided nation. As McBride says: “We only come out of things if we work hard to make good things happen, and we have to do that by reaching across the aisle to people that we don’t normally agree with.” This is a story about courage, resilience, and what it takes to lead when everything is falling apart. Follow Mayor Dennis McBride on Facebook @dennis.mcbride.737 Listen at CivicMedia.us or wherever you get your podcasts Find “A City on the Edge: Pandemic, Protest, and Polarization” at Amazon, IU Press, and more Guests: Dennis McBride

State Rep. Francesca Hong on Running for Wisconsin Governor State Representative Francesca Hong isn’t your typical gubernatorial candidate – and she’ll be the first to tell you that. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with the first Asian American member of the Wisconsin Legislature, who’s now running to become the state’s next governor. Hong brings a perspective rarely seen in executive politics: she’s a chef, a bartender, a single mother navigating affordable housing challenges, and a Democratic Socialist who’s promising to be the “wild card” in Wisconsin’s 2026 race. From the dish pit to the State Capitol to the campaign trail, Hong shares her journey and her vision for a Wisconsin that centers working-class families. She discusses her progressive platform – including universal childcare, paid family leave, and affordable housing – and explains why she believes Wisconsin needs a movement, not just another establishment candidate. Dr. Lyerly and Rep. Hong tackle the tough questions: How does Hong plan to win without corporate PAC money? What does democratic socialism mean to Wisconsin voters? How would she work with a potentially Republican-controlled legislature? And what does it mean to be a politician who still picks up bar shifts and knows what it’s like to struggle with rent? Whether you’re a progressive looking for bold leadership or a skeptic wondering if Wisconsin is ready for such a departure from traditional politics, this conversation offers an unfiltered look at one of the most unconventional candidates in Wisconsin’s political landscape. This is the second in our series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum. Listen to other episodes from this series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum. Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez joins Dr. Lyerly to discuss her campaign to become Wisconsin’s first female governor. Listen HERE Wisconsin State Senator Kelda Roys is running to be the state’s next governor, leveraging years of legislative experience and proven bipartisan wins to make her case to Wisconsin voters. Listen HERE In this episode, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Missy Hughes, the former CEO of Wisconsin’s Economic Development Corporation and longtime Organic Valley executive who’s running on a platform of economic opportunity for all 72 counties. Listen HERE. Mandela Barnes was Wisconsin’s first Black Lieutenant Governor. In 2022, he ran a nationally watched Senate race against Ron Johnson and lost by just 27,000 votes. Now he’s running for Governor, and Wisconsin voters have questions. Listen HERE Guests: Francesca Hong

Dr. Anita Bublik-Anderson on Reclaiming Women’s Healthcare This episode is for every woman who has felt dismissed. Women have been told to suffer through menopause in silence for far too long. But physicians like Dr. Anita Bublik-Anderson are saying enough is enough. This week, I sit down with Dr. Bublik-Anderson, a colleague, breast cancer survivor, and the force behind a new groundbreaking menopause and sexual health clinic opening in Wausau. She’s filling a critical gap in care that has left countless women struggling without answers, without support, and without hope. The statistics are staggering: only 31% of OB/GYN residency programs include menopause curriculum. Just 2,500 specialists serve 1.3 million women entering menopause each year. One in three women are misdiagnosed, and 60% find their doctor’s advice unhelpful. This isn’t just a care gap—it’s a crisis. We talk about why this is happening. How medical education has failed women. How the politicization of medicine has created barriers to evidence-based care. How ageism and sexism intersect to dismiss women’s health concerns as they age. And how the shame and stigma around menopause have kept women suffering in silence when they should be getting comprehensive medical attention. But this conversation is also about hope and action. From Capitol Hill to Hollywood, advocates are rising up. Halle Berry—who was misdiagnosed with herpes when she was actually experiencing perimenopause—has become a powerful voice for change. Physicians like Dr. Bublik-Anderson and me are opening clinics, educating patients, and demanding that our medical system do better. And legislators including Rep. Robyn Vining and Sen. Dianne Hesselbein right here in Wisconsin have introduced a bill to ensure that women have the information they need to live their best lives.  During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Bublik-Anderson also shares her personal journey as a breast cancer survivor and addresses the unique challenges cancer survivors face navigating menopause—from treatment-induced symptoms to the complexity of hormone therapy decisions. This episode is for every woman who has felt dismissed, every patient who couldn’t get answers, every person who believes that half the population deserves better than a medical system that has historically ignored and underfunded their care. It’s time to break the silence. It’s time to demand better. It’s time to reclaim women’s health. Guests: Dr. Anita Bublik-Anderson

Dr. Pat McBride on Being the Brewers’ First Bat Boy, Bob Uecker, and What This NLCS Run Means to Wisconsin Means to Wisconsin The Milwaukee Brewers are in the NLCS—and we’re talking to the man who was there from the very beginning. On this special episode, recorded on the day of Game 1 of the National League Championship Series, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Dr. Pat McBride, former Dean of Students at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and author of The Luckiest Boy in the World. But before his distinguished career in medicine and education, Pat had another distinction: he was the Milwaukee Brewers’ very first bat boy. Pat takes us back to the early days of the Brewers in Milwaukee, sharing stories from inside the clubhouse and the dugout—including unforgettable tales about the legendary Bob Uecker. We explore how those formative experiences shaped his life, why he considers himself “the luckiest boy in the world,” and what professional baseball taught him about leadership, resilience, and community. With the Brewers breaking a six-year postseason series drought and facing the Dodgers in a rematch of the heartbreaking 2018 NLCS, this conversation couldn’t be more timely. Pat offers unique perspective on what this team means to Wisconsin, why Saturday’s victory over the Cubs felt so significant, and what’s at stake as the entire state watches with hope. Whether you’re a lifelong Brewers fan, a student of Wisconsin sports history, or simply love a great story about how childhood dreams shape our lives, this episode delivers. Go Crew! Guests: Pat McBride

  Wisconsin State Senator Kelda Roys is running to be the state’s next governor, leveraging years of legislative experience and proven bipartisan wins to make her case to Wisconsin voters. From growing up in a converted one-room schoolhouse in rural Taylor County to leading fights for reproductive rights and workers’ freedoms in the state legislature, Roys brings more than two decades of progressive advocacy to this race. As a mom and stepmom of five, small business owner, attorney, and longtime champion for women’s health, Roys has built a reputation for seeing political threats before they materialize and building coalitions to fight back. She was in the streets protesting Scott Walker’s Act 10 in 2011, helped pass Wisconsin’s first pro-choice legislation in 30 years, and now co-chairs the Legislature’s Reproductive Freedom Caucus. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss how she thinks about leadership and compromise in a purple state, her vision for education and healthcare, what drives her advocacy work, and how she manages the chaos of running a small business and raising five kids while serving in the state Senate. This is the first in our series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum. Listen to other episodes from this series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum. Mandela Barnes was Wisconsin’s first Black Lieutenant Governor. In 2022, he ran a nationally watched Senate race against Ron Johnson and lost by just 27,000 votes. Now he’s running for Governor, and Wisconsin voters have questions. Listen HERE In this episode, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Missy Hughes, the former CEO of Wisconsin’s Economic Development Corporation and longtime Organic Valley executive who’s running on a platform of economic opportunity for all 72 counties. Listen HERE. State Representative Francesca Hong isn’t your typical gubernatorial candidate – and she’ll be the first to tell you that. Listen HERE Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez joins Dr. Lyerly to discuss her campaign to become Wisconsin’s first female governor. Listen HERE Guests: Kelda Roys

This week on The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show, OB/GYN expertise meets unfiltered conversation! Join Dr. Kristin Lyerly and her colleague Dr. Laura Hanks—aka “Dr. Hanks at Your Cervix“—for candid, lively discussions about reproductive health that you won’t hear anywhere else. With the unique humor and insight that only two seasoned OB/GYNs can bring, Drs. Lyerly and Hanks tackle the topics that matter most—from navigating Wisconsin’s ever-changing abortion landscape to answering the questions you’ve been too afraid to ask your own doctor. Is Tylenol really safe during pregnancy? Is birth control safe? Should I exercise during pregnancy? They’re breaking it all down with evidence-based answers, real talk, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re curious about your own health, passionate about reproductive justice, or just love a good doctor-to-doctor debate, this podcast delivers medical expertise without the jargon and important conversations without the stuffiness. Guests: Laura Hanks

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Dr. Lyerly talks with Laura and Patrick DuSchane, the parents of a three-year-old boy who was present at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis during the tragic shooting on August 27th that claimed the lives of two children and injured 18 others. Police at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on August 27, 2025 following a mass shooting that killed 2 children and injured 17 others, 14 of them children Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA Photographer: Chad Davis In this raw and honest conversation, they share their story of that horrific morning – the chaos, the fear, and the immediate aftermath that no parent should ever have to endure. But this episode is about more than just surviving tragedy. These parents open up and share how their experience has transformed them, turning their grief and trauma into a driving force for change. They discuss the difficult journey of processing what happened, supporting their young child through the trauma, and finding their voice in the fight for school safety and gun violence prevention. Their message is clear and urgent: thoughts and prayers are not enough. This is a story about ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances, choosing to channel their pain into purpose. It’s about refusing to accept that such violence is inevitable, and demanding that we all “do something” to protect our children and communities. Guests: Laura DuSchane, Patrick DuSchane

Ready for politics, music, and good vibes? This week on “The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show”, I’m hanging out with Wisconsin State Representative Amaad Rivera-Wagner for a fun chat about everything from Trump’s budget shenanigans to Green Bay’s awesome music scene. How do federal decisions actually affect your everyday life? What’s cooking in Madison? And why is our local arts community so darn cool? Rivera-Wagner breaks it all down with the perfect mix of policy smarts and genuine love for Green Bay culture. Plus, we’re featuring local bands 7000apart and Pegasis, because who doesn’t love discovering amazing local talent? Whether you’re a political junkie, a music lover, or just here for good conversation, this episode’s got you covered. Let’s dive in! Guests: 7000apart, Amaad Rivera-Wagner, Pegasis

When the Dobbs decision came down, Emily Kraynak and Sarah White weren’t seasoned activists—they were working professionals with young families trying to make sense of a rapidly changing world. What began as a response to that pivotal moment has blossomed into Northern Door Activism, a Wisconsin-based community organization that’s redefining what grassroots engagement can look like. In this conversation, Emily and Sarah share their journey from concerned citizens to skilled community builders, revealing how they and their neighbors have created space for others to find their own path into civic engagement. Rather than following traditional activist playbooks, they’ve crafted something uniquely their own—blending community building with advocacy in ways that reflect the character of their little corner, peninsula really, of Wisconsin. Featured Guests Emily Kraynak – Co-founder of Northern Door Activism Sarah White – Co-founder of Northern Door Activism Key Topics Discussed How the Dobbs decision catalyzed the formation of Northern Door Activism Balancing community building with political advocacy Creative approaches to grassroots organizing in small-town Wisconsin Making civic engagement accessible to busy families and working professionals Growing from a small group of concerned citizens to a thriving community organization Unique events and initiatives that reflect their local community Lessons learned from building something from scratch Featured Music by: Dorothy Scott and the Peacekeepers peforming. Photo Credit: Dan Eggert Dorothy Scott & the Peacekeepers highlight the best of Pop, Folk, and Blues. About Northern Door Activism Northern Door Activism is a grassroots community organization based in Wisconsin that emerged in response to the 2022 Dobbs decision. The group focuses on blending traditional activism with community building events, creating accessible pathways for civic engagement while fostering meaningful connections among community members. Connect To learn more about Northern Door Activism or get involved in their initiatives, visit them on IG @northerndooractivism or www.northerndooractivism.com Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share with others who might be interested in grassroots organizing and community building. Guests: Dorothy Scott and the Peacekeepers, Emily Kraynak, Sarah White

The gloves come off as Wisconsin business leaders square off over one of the most divisive economic policies of our time. In this explosive episode, Dr. Kristin Lyerly moderates a no-holds-barred discussion between CEOs who couldn’t disagree more about Trump’s tariffs. John Brogan, Kurt Voss, and Sachin Shivaram in WGBW Studios. On one side: executives who see tariffs as the lifeline American manufacturing desperately needs. On the other: business leaders watching their costs skyrocket and markets disappear. And let’s not forget the result? A heated debate that reveals just how deeply these policies are dividing Wisconsin’s business community. These aren’t abstract policy discussions—they’re battles over real jobs, real profits, and the real future of Northeast Wisconsin’s economy. Dr. Kristin Lyerly, John Brogan, Kurt Voss, and Sachin Shivaram in WGBW Studios. Guests Sachin Shivaram, CEO – Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry Kurt Voss, CEO and Owner – AmeriLux Family of Companies John Brogan, CEO – The Bank of Kaukauna Featured Music by The Wishbone Breakers Dr. Kristin Lyerly brings Northeast Wisconsin the conversations that matter most—from the kitchen table to the boardroom. Each week, she tackles the issues shaping our communities with the insight, compassion, and tough questions you expect. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or listen live on the Civic Media app! Guests: John Brogan, Kurt Voss, Sachin Shivaram, The Wishbone Breakers

Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease. In this heartfelt and informative episode, we bring together dedicated voices from Wisconsin’s Alzheimer’s community to share hope, resources, and practical guidance for families navigating this journey. Our Guests Wendy Betley – Senior Director of Programs, Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter: Wendy discusses the latest advances in Alzheimer’s research, treatment options, and the often-overlooked resources available to Wisconsin families. Dr. Dave Ferguson – Owner, DJ Ferguson & Associates Life Care Planning: Dr. Ferguson provides essential guidance on legal and financial planning, helping families prepare for the road ahead while maintaining dignity and hope. What You’ll Learn Current breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s research and treatment Free resources available through the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Association When and how to start life care planning conversations Ways to support loved ones and community members affected by Alzheimer’s How to get involved in Green Bay’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s on September 27th Key Takeaways Whether you’re personally affected by Alzheimer’s, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand this disease that touches so many lives, this conversation offers practical tools and genuine hope. Our guests emphasize that while Alzheimer’s presents challenges, families don’t have to face them alone. Get Involved Green Bay Walk to End Alzheimer’s – City DeckDate: September 27, 2025Learn more and register at www.alz.org 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900 Guests: Dr. Dave Ferguson, Wendy Betley

The political conversation America needs but doesn’t want to have. What happens when a Gen X mom sits down with three Gen Z men to debate the most explosive political issues tearing America apart? You get raw, unfiltered discussion about Trump, socialism, identity politics, and whether this country is worth saving or needs to be burned down and rebuilt. Dr. Lyerly brings the perspective of someone who remembers when politics was predictable and boring – back when politicians at least pretended to work together. Abe, Alan, and Landiran represent a generation that’s never known political “normal” and isn’t interested in playing by the old rules. This isn’t your sanitized NPR interview or your rage-bait cable news segment. It’s an honest conversation between people who fundamentally disagree about America’s past, present, and future. Expect heated debates about: Whether Trump is a legitimate leader or an existential threat If “woke” politics have gone too far or not far enough Should police be defunded or reformed? Is capitalism fundamentally broken? Are older generations too racist to understand modern values? Would packing the Supreme Court save or destroy democracy? Sometimes they find surprising common ground. Sometimes they expose divides so deep you’ll wonder how people this different can coexist in the same democracy. But they always tell you exactly what they think – no corporate PR speak, no political consultant talking points. Content Warning: This episode discusses adult themes and controversial political topics without pulling punches. If you’re looking for comfort food politics that confirms what you already believe, this isn’t for you. Join the most uncomfortable political conversation in America. Because the issues dividing us aren’t going away just because we’re too polite to talk about them. Musical feature for this week’s episode is Horace Greene. Horace Greene has a new song coming out August 15th Guests: Abraham Lyerly, Alan Tipple, Horace Green, Landiran Kern

Nearly 50 years after the Edmund Fitzgerald went down in Lake Superior, most people know Gordon Lightfoot’s haunting ballad about the tragedy. But Tom Nelson argues there’s a much bigger story that the song—and most books about the disaster—never told. In his new book “Wrecked: The Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy,” Nelson connects the 1975 shipwreck to the decline of American manufacturing, arguing that corporate cost-cutting and poor oversight didn’t just sink a ship—they helped sink an entire industrial economy. It’s a bold thesis from someone who’s spent his career fighting to save manufacturing jobs right here in Northeast Wisconsin. Nelson isn’t just writing about these issues from the sidelines. Years of peer-reviewed research, including interviews with never-before heard from family members, impart on the reader a deeply personal and unique perspective on the disaster that continues to captivate generations of Americans. Enjoy three variations of The Wreck of Edmund Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot, Headstones and The Longest Johns. Gordon Lightfood | Headstones | The Longest Johns The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 & 96.5 WISS. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guests: Tom Nelson

In this powerful conversation, Selena shares her journey from struggling single mother to community changemaker, discussing how personal hardship became the catalyst for creating systemic change in Northeast Wisconsin’s food landscape. Founded in June 2023, Rooted In Inc. was born from Selena’s vision to create “a community table where nutritious food is a right, not a privilege”. **From Personal Struggle to Community Action** Selena opens up about her experience with food insecurity and how economic downturns and industry changes led her to rely on social services programs. She discusses how these experiences shaped her understanding that access to nutritious food affects not just hunger, but overall wellbeing, energy, and mood. **The Mission of Rooted In Inc.** The nonprofit focuses on addressing gaps in the area’s food system and supporting a sustainable local food system. Their mission is to build a “community table” where all people are nourished and uplifted by bringing people together and improving access to fresh and nutritious foods as a tool for transforming health and wellbeing. **Building Community Partnerships** Selena emphasizes how establishing partnerships with other community organizations was crucial, including collaborations with Leadership Green Bay for community orchard projects. She discusses the importance of identifying and leveraging diverse skill sets within her teams, from gardening and arborist experience to nonprofit expertise and small business acumen Guests: Selena Darrow

Join us for a deeply moving conversation with Dennis “Lee Roth” Peters, the beloved lead singer of The Glam Band, as he opens up about his recent stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis and the incredible outpouring of community support that has followed. This episode celebrates Dennis’s musical legacy, including a rollocking round of Peters Posse Trivia,  while highlighting the power of coming together during life’s most challenging moments. Kim Shefchik and Chris Peot, co-founders of On Stage 4 Cancer, join the conversation and share details about the upcoming benefit and the community leaders and colleagues who have stepped up to help one of their own. On Stage 4 Cancer Benefit: Date: Thursday, July 31st Time: 6:00 PM Location: Riverside Ballroom If you’d like to support Dennis or learn more about On Stage 4 Cancer, visit onstage4cancer.org Guests: Chris Peot, Dennis Lee Roth, Kim Shefchik

Community health and well-being is a priority in Green Bay, and Wello has the data to prove it! When people think of Green Bay, they probably think about football or cheese or wearing cheese on your head to a football game, but community health and well-being are a priority for the people in this region, which is consistently named one of the best places in the U.S. to live and retire. In fact, Green Bay was recently chosen as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize Winner, an award that “celebrates communities that have made incredible strides toward building safe and supportive places where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”  How? Long-term community building involving people, organizations, farmers, leaders and many others…and a beautiful little nonprofit called Wello is at the center of it. Wello’s purpose is to “co-create community conditions that are fair and just to drive high levels of health and well-being for all”, something they do by building trust and forming partnerships across the region – and it doesn’t stop there. Since 2019, Wello has surveyed the population of the region to assess community health and well-being, seeking to better understand the people who live here and looking for opportunities to grow and prosper.  Natalie Bomstad, Dr. Kristin Lyerly, and Charm Der In this episode of “The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show”, we meet the engine behind Wello, Executive Director Natalie Bomstad and, along with Charm Der, Vice President of Human Resources at Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin, we discuss the positive impact of Wello and her sister organizations and explore ways that citizens can engage in community health and well-being on their own level (hint, it starts with taking the survey at wello.org!) Our featured musical artist this week is my friend, Arum Rae. Check out her new album, Tennessee, available now at arumrae.com and wherever you stream your music. Guests: Arum Rae, Charm Der, Natalie Bomstad

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on the work of everyday heroes working to find sustainable solutions for Green Bay’s unhoused citizens. Peter Silski and Jeremy Pingel, the dedicated case coordinators behind the Green Bay Homeless Outreach Program have already re-housed 20 people since the beginning of the program in August 2024 by literally meeting people where they are and connecting them to healthcare, vital documents, and stable housing. Plus, we’ll hear stories of individuals whose lives have been changed—like a participant in the outreach program who recently earned his license, obtained essential IDs, and moved into stable housing, thanks to coordinated support. This week’s featured musician is Boris The Sprinkler. Why this episode matters We peel back the headlines to reveal the human stories behind outreach—dedicated social workers, nonprofits, and former unhoused people crafting real solutions together. You’ll gain insider knowledge on strategies ranging from preventive family support to on‑the‑ground park outreach and cross-sector coordination. Expect practical insights and inspiring testimonies about dignity, resilience, and the power of community action. Tune in to hear how the City of Green Bay is working—from targeted early interventions and outreach in public spaces to building a cohesive regional blueprint—to make homelessness rare, brief, and non‑recurring in our communities. Feel inspired to pitch in? Here are places where YOU can make a difference: House of Hope https://www.houseofhopegb.org We All Rise https://www.weallriseaarc.org Salvation Army https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/greenbay The Gathering Place https://www.thegatheringplaceinc.org  Wise Women Gathering Place https://www.wisewomengp.org Manna for Life https://mannaforlifegb.org St. Vincent de Paul https://www.svdpgb.org  St. John’s Ministry https://stjohnsgreenbay.org  Golden House https://www.goldenhousegb.orgFreedom House https://www.freedomhousegb.org The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 & 96.5 WISS. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows.

My oldest son Abe suggested I do an AMA on Reddit, thinking we’d get a few questions about healthcare and politics. But guess what? The response was way bigger and funnier than we expected! This week, we’re diving into some of the most important questions about the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision on the 1849 abortion ban, rural healthcare, cheese curds, and more. And if your topic wasn’t covered, you’re always welcome to “ask me anything”! This week I’m featuring music from the sister group Reyna. The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 & 96.5 WISS. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guests: Abraham Lyerly

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Dr. Lyerly talks to three men about what it means to be an ally, how men can use their voices to support bodily autonomy, and why abortion access is not just a women’s issue—it’s a human one. From personal stories to public advocacy, this conversation challenges outdated narratives and calls on more men to speak out, show up, and stand beside those whose rights are on the line…and worse. Dr. Kristin Lyerly talking with Wisconsin Youth Organizing Manager for Men4Choice Alan Tipple, public school teacher Abraham Lyerly, and Officer and girl dad Craig Carlson. The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 & 96.5 WISS. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guests: Abraham Lyerly, Alan Tipple, Craig Carlson

Pride is colorful, unique, and joyful, but it’s also increasingly political and policy-driven. This week, we are joined by Representative Ryan Spaude and candidate for Wisconsin State Senate Sean Grorich to discuss the recently introduced “2025 Equality Agenda”, remarkable growth within the Wisconsin Legislature’s LGBTQ+ caucus, and their vision for a more inclusive state. Traveling Suitcase out of Oshkosh provides our soundtrack. The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 & 96.5 WISS. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guests: Ryan Spaude, Sean Grorich

We all need a good laugh these days, and guess who’s got the perfect entertainment? It’s none other than Civic Media’s own Pete Schwaba! From his hilarious beginnings in comedy to his role as the host of “Nite Lite”, Pete’s career is a testament to talent, hard work, and the beauty of community. Want to see for yourself? Check out “The Godfather of Green Bay,” a movie that has all the ingredients of a beloved hometown cult classic. Dust off your Macarena moves and get ready for Marinette’s own, Pete Schwaba! Pete Scwhaba and Dr. Kristin Lyerly We’re also featuring music by the artists who took home the 2025 WAMI for pop album of the year: “7000apart”. A duo comprised of Green Bay Preble High School alumni, former Swedish exchange student Amelie Eiding and hometowner Jonathan Kresin, the music of 7000apart entertains, uplifts, and helps to destigmatize mental health struggles that many of us are experiencing. They’re touring all over Northeast Wisconsin this summer – be sure to check them out! 7000apart’s summer tour dates The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 & 96.5 WISS. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guests: Pete Schwaba

It’s Pride month and Northeast Wisconsin is blooming with opportunities to celebrate. Dana Johnson, Dr. Kristin Lyerly, and Mel Davis Dana Johnson, President and Lead Organizer with Fox Valley Pride, and the Executive Director of Rainbow Alliance Advocacy, Mel Davis join me this week to talk about the history of Pride and the LGBTQ+ community in our region, teach us how to be better allies, and preview opportunities to celebrate all across the region.  Music by Betsy Ade and the Well-Known Strangers The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 & 96.5 WISS. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows. Guests: Betsy Ade & the Well Known Strangers, Dana Johnson, Mel Davis