The Larry Meiller Show from Wisconsin Public Radio

First, Jesse La Grew, the chief information security officer at Madison College, joins us to discuss technology and cybersecurity issues. He’ll give his tips on improving your home Wi-Fi. Then, Weather Guy Steve Ackerman is back to talk about this month’s heat and smoke, among other things.

A new book traces the history of nonhuman-to-human organ transplantation. Then, we learn why home prices keep rising and what can be done about it.

First, our guests Melanie Tallmadge Sainz and Mike Mossman share the story of Mąą Wakącąk and the Badger Lands in Sauk County. Then, we talk about our State Natural Areas on the anniversary of their creation with Sarah Herrick of the DNR.

The state is trying to return $800 million in unclaimed money and property. Maybe some of it is yours. Then, we look back on the 40-year history of the Center for Dairy Research. And we talk about making birdwatching more accessible and joyful.

First, physical therapists Lori Thein Brody and Jill Thein-Nissenbaum talk about the severity of falls in older adults. Then, Dr. Timothy Young gives us his advice on how to sleep well and manage disorders like sleep apnea.

Everything about the Upper Mississippi River is discussed in Big River Magazine. We talk to founding editor Reggie McLeod about the stories included in the new bimonthly issue. Then, we talk with two Wisconsin genealogists about the new path to becoming a Canadian citizen.

First, Phil Pellitteri is back to share his knowledge about Wisconsin’s insects, including earwigs and ants. Then, Terrell Hyde and Jay Watson give us an update about native bumble bees and our state’s Bee Brigade.

Research is showing that our gut microbiomes affect our brain health, and may be the cause of autoimmune diseases. Then, we talk about the extreme heat and parasites currently causing widespread illness with Dr. Zorba Paster.

First, we talk with Katherine Dunn about her latest book “Little Blue Dot: How the Global Positioning System Shaped the Modern World.” Then, we hear from UW-Stout professors Jonathan Wheeler and Colin O’Neill about their university’s new course combining AI and video production. Finally, Lisa Acosta and Kent Gallaway of Fit-It Folks Viroqua join us.

We’ll hear about new trends in home remodeling from Chad Speight and Tony Trapp. Then, we’ll talk about updating electrical systems with Adam Gullickson, an electrician.

Jamie Nack and David Drake are back to answer your questions about Wisconsin’s wild animals. Then, Scott Hershberger and Tony Johnson tell us about resources available for private woodland owners on a new UW Extension website. Finally, we meet Kristi Heuser of the Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network.

We talk to Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers about a record year for visitors and revenue. Then, we visit the year-round recreation hub that is Mt. Telemark Village. Then, we revel in American Players Theatre winning a Tony Award with two of its directors.

First, Ryan Feldman, a toxicologist at the Wisconsin Poison Center, joins to talk about his latest project “A Morel Dilemma.” Then, Chef Lauren Montelbano of The Vibrant Veg joins to talk about vegetarian and vegan cooking. Finally, comic artist Sarah Becan tells us about her book “Let’s Make Cocktails.”

Lee Rayburn invites you to join him starting Monday as he continues the legacy of Larry Meiller on WPR. Each weekday, Lee brings helpful conversations with interesting guests — covering health, money, pets, wildlife, weather, technology, home improvement, car repair, and more. The Lee Rayburn Show airs Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Now is the time of year to really enjoy your yard. We share some updates on the latest in patio design with the owner of Hawks Landscape in Wauwatosa. And then we talk with Woody Kerwin about how and where to use lighting.

Wisconsin registered home inspector John Freiburger is back to share how you can make your home more energy efficient by improving its exterior. Then, we cover what you need to know about caring for concrete with James Ruston of Wingra Redi-Mix.

First, we talk with Marquette professor Chelsea Cook about her research on honey bees, beekeeping and her work in the community. Then we hear the sharp-tailed grouse’s conservation story from Bob Hanson of the DNR. Finally, two truffle researchers explain how they found a new species of the fungi in Wisconsin.

We say a fond farewell to Larry Meiller in his 60th year of broadcasting for Wisconsin Public Radio. Join Lee Rayburn and Jill Nadeau as they talk with Larry about his fondest memories and hear some of the questions his regular quests have had for him.

We talk about the Wisconsin Idea — the University of Wisconsin’s goal to work with people, communities and the land around the state. Our guests are Catherine Reiland and Curt Meine. Then, The Weather Guys (Steve Ackerman and Jon Martin) are back to talk about thunderstorms, the 2026 hurricane season and more.

Gardening expert Patti Nagai is back and gets a bit philosophical about gardening. She also talks about keeping your garden looking good into summer. Then Susan Carpenter talks about what's happening in the UW Arboretum Native Gardens.

Before you hit the road this summer, here’s a vehicle maintenance checklist. Then, we talk about the rich history of brewing in and around Wisconsin’s capital city.

Author Glenn Schmidt has traveled to more than 60 countries. Each of his trips teach him something about the art of being a traveler. Schmidt shares his tips for getting around the world in old age in his latest book “Travel Lessons for Seniors: Your Personal Guide to Better Travel.”

Animal behaviorist and author Patricia McConnell returns to share more dog training advice. Then, we talk about how to say goodbye to an aging or ailing pet.

First, Larry reminisces with Wisconsin author Michael Perry. Then, we celebrate the music of 1967 — the first year Larry was on the radio — with Tom Wilmeth, a recurring guest and music aficionado.

Nationally known gardening expert Melinda Myers joins us to talk about how to tweak your garden to make it more pollinator friendly. Then in the last thirty Tovah Martin joins us to talk about how to transition indoor plants outdoors.

We talk to the author of “Pigeon Falls,” a new novel about the high-pressure building of a wind farm in small-town Wisconsin. Then, we talk to an attorney about what to look for in liability insurance.

First, entomologist PJ Liesch returns to answer your questions about bugs and give his prediction for this year’s mosquito season. Then, our outdoor writers return for another roundtable discussion about the top conservation issues in Wisconsin.

We talk about organizations and programs helping low income and senior homeowners pay their property taxes. Then, we learn about how new tax law changes will affect us.

Physical therapists Lori Thein Brody and Jill Thein-Nissenbaum return to talk about preventing injuries from warm weather activities like golf and yard work. Then, Richard Davidson and Cortland Dahl of UW’s Center for Healthy Minds share what their research says about how to live a fulfilling life.

Horticulture educator Vijai Pandian is back to talk about what we can do to get through those phases. And in the second hour of the show, long-time guests Irwin Goldman and Jim Nienhuis are getting together for one more time.

There are many ways for water to get into your basement and cause health issues and structural problems. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep your basement dry. Then, we talk about the fun and work that comes with owning a hot tub.

It’s a busy time of year for Wisconsin’s birds. For many species, May is time for the migration, June is devoted to nesting and July is the fledging season. Naturalist Bill Volkert is back to talk about summertime birding and answer your questions about Wisconsin’s birds. 

We talk about how emergency medicine via helicopter was remade by a UW-Madison physician. Then, we talk about Alzheimer’s disease from multiple angles: Treatment, fundraising for research, and a new early detection tool.

Tech expert Beth D’Angelo returns to answer your questions about internet safety, hard drive security and phone storage limits. Then, we talk about the soccer and the U.S. Men’s National Team with Leander Schaerlaeckens. His latest book is “The Long Game.”

With everything costing more, we have less money left over for our garden. Lis Friemoth is back with tips for doing more with less. We also talk with Gardener Scott about growing in raised beds.

Wisconsinites are being hit with a litany of new and old scams, we learn from the state’s consumer protection office. Then, we talk to a Wirecutter writer about why extended warranties are almost never worth the cost.

Scott Craven, emeritus professor and UW Extension wildlife ecologist, joins us for another Wildlife Wednesday. Then, we talk about managed grazing. Our guests are Chris Johnson, a grazing biologist with Ducks Unlimited and owner/operator of his own grazing farm, and Nicole Muschinske, the programs and engagement coordinator at GrassWorks.

We talk about how scientists and the general public could benefit from greater science literacy. Then, we talk about how to reduce the amount of space debris falling to Earth. Then, we ask for listeners to call in with their suggestions for future topics and guests.

First we talk with author Quan Barry about “The Unveiling,” our latest book club selection. Then, Chef Luke Zahm and Chef Patrick O’Halloran return to talk about cooking for the summer months.

We are once again celebrating northern Wisconsin with our annual live broadcast from Bayfield.

We talk about the importance of school boards to a democracy. Then, a Wisconsin farmer writes his life story for future generations. Finally we look at the history of Madison’s Breese Stevens Field.

First, we talk about the invasive plants you might be seeing this spring with Mark Renz. Then, we remember the history of wild turkeys in Wisconsin with Paul Smith of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Finally, we get an update on whooping cranes with Anne Lacy from the International Crane Foundation.

Blood-sucking ticks are seemingly everywhere these days. We talk with a veterinarian about how to protect our pets from Lyme disease and other illnesses. Then, we talk about why the DNR wants to stop the removal of reptiles and amphibians from the wild.

For this Memorial Day special, we start by talking about the music of the Vietnam War. Then, we cover the book “I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine” with author and neuroscientist Daniel Levitin.

The author of a new book shares everything you need to know about growing tomatoes - from seed to harvest. Then PJ Liesch stops by to talk about all the good things insects do in your garden. And in the last thirty, find out from a vet how to keep your pet safe from landscape hazards.

We talk about the financial and familial fallout that can come from late-in-life divorce and remarriage. Then, we take a look inside the new issue of Big River Magazine.

First, we talk about why biodiversity matters in Wisconsin, and what scientists like Ellen Damschen are doing to conserve plant and animal life. Then, we visit with Harbor Master Dennis Cherny of the Port Washington Marina to hear about its status as a clean marina for the last 15 years. Finally, mycologist Lindsey Bender talks about how mushrooms can help improve soil quality.

We talk about Scandinavian cuisine with the author of “The Swedish Cookbook.” Then, two overseers of Old World Wisconsin invite us to its expanded site. Then, we talk with the author of the new book “Transported: The Everyday Magic of Musical Daydreams.”

Physical therapists Lori Thein Brody and Jill Thein-Nissenbaum return to talk about hypermobility, joint pain and receiving proper treatment. Then, author Bruce Friedrich joins us to talk about his book “Meat: How the Next Agricultural Revolution Will Transform Humanity’s Favorite Food — and Our Future.”

There is nothing like fresh food from your own garden! Mark Dwyer is back talk about growing veggies in containers adding ornamental edibles to your landscape. Then Joel Karsten is with us to help you with straw bale gardening.