Central Time
2,145 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★ - 18 ratingsHosted by Rob Ferrett, "Central Time" takes a unique approach to cover a variety of topics. Executive producer Dean Knetter and producers Tim Peterson, Colleen Leahy, Lorin Cox, Beatrice Lawrence, and Richelle Wilson explore the latest news, cultural trends, and explore ideas -- big and small -- finding the best guests to discuss these thought-provoking topics. Sarah Hopefl is the program's technical director.
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Episodes
Parenting in the digital age, Color perception, Sleep apnea
May 01, 2024 22:30 - 1 hour - 3.93 KBWe talk with a parent and author about her tips for raising kids who grow up in an online world. We also learn about the science of how our brains […]
Religious affiliation, Exercising as we age, Food and religion
April 30, 2024 22:30 - 1 hour - 3.93 KBWe learn about the ongoing trend of more Americans reporting no religious affiliation. We also discuss ways to adapt your exercise routine as you age. Plus, the ways religion has […]
Alcohol-related deaths, Personalized medicine, Images of rural Wisconsin
April 29, 2024 22:30 - 1 hour - 3.93 KBWe discuss what’s behind a sharp rise in alcohol-related deaths in Wisconsin over the last 20 years. We also consider the downsides of a growing focus on personalized genetic medicine. […]
Advocating at the doctor’s office, Mocktails, When to trust advice
April 26, 2024 22:30 - 1 hour - 3.92 KBWe discuss how to get what we need out of a visit to the doctor’s office. On Food Friday, we learn how to make non-alcoholic cocktails. And we look into […]
Same-sex couples and weddings, Journalism paywalls, Names and identity
April 25, 2024 22:30 - 1 hour - 3.52 KBA researcher shares what she’s heard about same-sex couples navigating the wedding industry. We also hear how paywalls affect people’s access to quality news. Plus, the impact our names can […]
MDMA and the brain, Red Cliff Ojibwe history, Exploring new places
April 24, 2024 22:30 - 1 hour - 3.52 KBWe find out about the latest research into how the drug MDMA can affect the brain. We also talk with the author of a book correcting the inaccurate history of […]
Schools and democracy, Art dependence, Right to repair
April 23, 2024 22:30 - 1 hour - 3.52 KBTwo authors share their vision for making public schools the heart of civic democracy. Plus, we discuss the value of depending on others more often. And we learn why technology […]
Wage suppression, Stories of climate change, Daily step counts
April 22, 2024 22:30We look at how wages have trended over time and ways companies have kept them down. We also hear from an author collecting personal stories of climate change. Plus, busting the myth of getting 10,000 steps per day.
Confronting anger, Polish cooking, Commercial space race
April 19, 2024 22:30 - 1 hour - 3.52 KBA UW-Green Bay psychology expert shares the best ways to deal with angry people. We also discuss a new type of space race – between commercial companies. And on Food […]
Talking about work, Learning languages, Siblings and development
April 18, 2024 22:32 - 1 hour - 3.52 KBWe talk with a language expert about the best ways to learn a new one. We also look at the role siblings play in child development. Plus, ways to start […]
Sports legends, Plastics in clothing, Impact of the John Birch Society
April 17, 2024 22:30 - 1 hour - 3.52 KBAn author lays out the Wisconsin connections to the John Birch Society and why where the group’s legacy is seen in conservative politics. We also learn how frequently plastics show […]
End of life care, Spring birding, Myths of self-reliance
April 16, 2024 22:30 - 1 hour - 3.52 KBWe look at how we can make end of life care less aggressive and more comfortable. We also talk with an author about things she sees as myths in the […]
Wisconsin bucket list, Baby names, Blood donations
April 15, 2024 22:30An investigative journalist takes us behind the scenes of the blood donation industry. We also look at the latest trends in baby names. Plus, an author shares some of the 100 things we should do in Wisconsin.
Anne Lamott on love, Cooking mistakes, Grocery consolidation
April 12, 2024 22:30Author and activist Anne Lamott joins the show again to talk about her 20th book all about love. Then Food Friday this week focuses on memorable kitchen mishaps. And researchers explain what’s contributing to food inflation.
Youth distaste for Capitalism, New student loan relief plan from Biden, World change through birding
April 11, 2024 22:30A Washington Post columnist explains why many people under 40 have lost faith in America’s economic system. Then we learn how President Joe Biden’s latest attempt to relieve student loan debt would work. And the author of a new memoir talks about the community benefits of birding.
Amazon’s profits, The history of women’s financial equality, Biden’s influence on Gaza
April 10, 2024 22:30We talk to a policy expert about Amazon’s best-kept secret: how they make their money. Then, we talk about how Joe Biden’s influence has affected Israel’s actions in Gaza. And, we talk to the author of a new book about the trajectory of women’s financial freedom throughout history.
How to raise boys, Teaching Asian-American history, Women’s hoops supernova
April 09, 2024 22:30Parenting specialists talk about overcoming challenges facing parents of male children. Then we learn about the new Asian-American curriculum requirement in Wisconsin schools. And a women’s sports expert celebrates the tsunami of popularity and profit that is Caitlin Clark and women’s athletics.
Voter enthusiasm, Popularity of online videos, Social connections
April 08, 2024 22:30We check in with a longtime political writer about voter enthusiasm in Wisconsin. Then, we look at why platforms like YouTube and TikTok are winning the streaming wars. Plus, we talk to a sociologist about how the pandemic shaped social connections for better and worse.
Bee populations, Pasta salad, Abortion politics
April 05, 2024 22:30A bee conservation specialist responds to the latest data indicating that honeybee colonies are at an all-time high. Then, a chef makes the case for pasta salad on Food Friday. And we talk to a policy expert about how abortion could play a role in the November election.
Avian flu in dairy cows, Flooding on the rise, Sports gambling scandals
April 04, 2024 22:30With news of avian flu appearing in dairy herds, we learn what this could mean for Wisconsin farms. Then, we hear from the author of a new book that proposes practical solutions to America’s flooding problem. Plus, a look at the latest in sports gambling scandals.
Power grid demands, Wisconsin spring primary election, Zyn nicotine pouches
April 03, 2024 22:30First up, we learn about the increased demand for energy that is taxing the U.S. power grid. Then, we look at the results of Wisconsin’s spring primary election with a political scientist. And an epidemiologist weighs in on the health debates around a new brand of smokeless nicotine pouches.
More identifying as LGBTQ+, Legacy of Vietnam War, Safety nets and personal finance
April 02, 2024 22:30We talk with psychology expert about how people develop their sexual identities and why more are identifying as LGBTQ+. We’re also joined by members of Project RENEW to discuss removing bombs from Vietnam and promoting healing. Plus, we dig into how the end of pandemic safety nets affects people’s finances.
For-profit nursing homes, Human trafficking, Bonobo apes
April 01, 2024 10:30We learn more about how privately-owned nursing homes are run. Then, we discuss human trafficking in Wisconsin and new efforts to combat it. Later, we talk to a researcher about what bonobo apes can teach us about our own species.
Citizen science, Solar eclipse, Holiday brunch, Modern novels
March 29, 2024 22:30A program is recruiting citizen scientists to help make weather forecasts more accurate. Also, we learn more about the upcoming solar eclipse that will be visible in some parts of Wisconsin. Then, this week’s edition of Food Friday focuses on Easter brunch. And we learn about a project trying to find the next great American […]
Changes in babysitting, Supreme Court abortion pill case, Military politicization
March 28, 2024 22:30We talk to a writer about how the world of teenage babysitting has shifted. Then, a law professor helps explain the Supreme Court case over mifepristone. And later, we dig into how the U.S. military is dealing with increased political polarization.
Prison population changes, Apple anti-trust lawsuit, Rural healthcare and hospital closures
March 27, 2024 22:30We explore why the prison population has been declining but recently ticked back up. Then, Wisconsin’s Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust explains why the state joined in on an anti-monopoly lawsuit against Apple. Later, a doctor shares the challenges that come with rural healthcare after recent hospital closures in western Wisconsin.
Languishing, WHO air quality report, Favorite board games
March 26, 2024 22:30We talk to the author of a new book on the feeling of languishing, we learn more about the concerns arising from a World Health Organization report on air quality, and we ask Central Time listeners to share their favorite board games and card games.
FOMO, Gold IRAs, Embracing singlehood
March 25, 2024 22:30We take a look at the psychology of the fear of missing out, gold companies targeting senior citizens, and why some people choose to be single.
Toxic behavior in gaming, Find the best skillet for you, Caregiver training
March 22, 2024 22:30We learn how to combat harassment in online gaming, how to pick the best pan for your cooking needs, and how a new program at UW-Eau Claire is teaching the next generation of caregivers.
The literature of war, Asbestos ban, Immigration
March 21, 2024 22:30We explore the relationship between conflict and literature, ask why it took so long to ban asbestos, and look into Americans’ number-one concern this election: immigration.
Dollar store closures, Catholic Charities ruling, JFK in Wisconsin
March 20, 2024 22:30We look at the role dollar stores play in food deserts, and what happens when they leave. Then, we talk about the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling against religious tax exemptions for the Catholic Charities Bureau. And, we talk to the author of a new book about John F. Kennedy’s 1960 primary campaign in Wisconsin.
Lay counselors for therapist shortage, 32-hour workweek, Soft skills
March 19, 2024 22:30We learn about efforts to train laypeople to conduct therapy, Sen. Bernie Sanders’s bill that would shorten the workweek to 32 hours, and why “soft skills” like interpersonal communication may matter more with the rise of artificial intelligence.
Food safety, Wisconsin college closures, Starting your mental health care journey
March 18, 2024 22:30An expert in food safety law joins us to talk about food safety in the US in light of recent high-profile cases. Then, we explore the causes of recent college closures in Wisconsin. And, a doctor shares tips on how to begin mental health care if you’re totally new to it.
Wisconsin hospital closures, Creating delicious sauces, Bad River documentary, Wildfire season
March 15, 2024 22:30We discuss multiple upcoming hospital closures in rural Wisconsin. Then, we talk to the author of a new cookbook about how to create exciting sauces. Then, we learn about a new documentary about Wisconsin’s Bad River Band. And, we talk about the early start to Wisconsin’s wildfire season.
Environmental impact of EVs, Tik Tok ban, Ultra-processed foods
March 14, 2024 22:30An expert on the transportation industry joins us to compare the environmental impacts of hybrid and electric cars. Then, we talk to a digital media expert about the possibility of a federal Tik Tok ban. And, a nutrition expert helps us understand the health impacts of ultra-processed foods.
Wisconsin Film Festival preview, Junk fees, Election polls
March 13, 2024 22:30We check in with the artistic director of the Wisconsin Film Festival about what to expect from this year’s event. Then, we talk to an expert on consumer law about the Biden administration’s plan to address “junk fees.” And, we talk to a journalist about the latest election polls.
Accidents on the rise, PFAS in the news, Maple syrup harvest
March 12, 2024 22:30We talk to the author of a book about the rise of deaths classified as ‘accidental’ in the United States. Then, we check in with a reporter and a policy expert on the latest PFAS news. Finally, we talk to a forestry specialist about how the warm weather has affected Wisconsin’s maple syrup harvest.
Oscars reactions, New Covid guidelines, Private equity and the newspaper industry
March 11, 2024 22:30We talk with a Madison features editor about the winners, losers, and snubs from the weekend’s 96th Academy Awards. Then a population health expert reviews the CDC’s new coronavirus isolation guidelines. And we learn the history of private equity firms taking over American newspapers.
Benefits of uncertainty, Recipes for Ramadan, Trump litigation
March 08, 2024 23:30A journalist and author explains why it can be a good thing to be uncertain. Then we learn about traditional and new takes on food around the beginning of Ramadan. And a political scientist responds to the State of the Union and catches us up on the civil and criminal cases against Donald Trump.
The economics of dogs, Over-the-counter birth control availability, Political age and gender gaps
March 07, 2024 23:30We discuss how relationships with ‘man’s best friend’ influence our economy. Then a reproductive health researcher talks about the first over-the-counter birth control pill coming out. And a political scientist shares what age and gender can tell us about political beliefs.
Super Tuesday reactions, Ceasefire negotiations, Sleep apnea
March 06, 2024 23:30Longtime conservative commentator Charlie Sykes joins the show to talk about the state of the Republican primary after numerous states held elections Tuesday. Then a foreign desk columnist discusses the challenges in negotiating a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. And we ask a doctor about sleep apnea.
Beyoncé and Black artists in Country music, Mental health crisis care bill, The effects of algorithms on culture
March 05, 2024 23:30We talk about the Black musicians in Country music after the success of Beyoncé’s song “Texas Hold ’Em.” Then we discuss the lack of psychiatric care in Wisconsin, and hear from a lawmaker behind a bill trying to address that. And an author shares thoughts on how algorithms can limit content.
Early bedtimes, UW–Madison admissions, Dispatches from Alaska’s Iditarod
March 04, 2024 23:30First up, we look at why Americans have been calling it a night earlier—and what it means for nightlife. Then, we break down a new UW–Madison admissions policy that will shake things up for schools and students. Plus, a “teacher on the trail” joins us from Alaska to talk about the Iditarod sled dog race.
Health care for homeless youth, Scandinavian cuisine, Congress check-in
March 01, 2024 23:30We learn about a new bill that would allow homeless youth in Wisconsin to receive health care without parental consent. Then, a chef and cookbook author takes us on a baking tour of Scandinavia for Food Friday. Also, we look at what’s going on in Congress this week with a political scientist.
Leap Day 101, Supreme Court “bump stock” ban case, Colorectal cancer
February 29, 2024 23:30We get a refresher on the purpose of leap years. Then, a political scientist explains the latest in a major firearms case being heard by the Supreme Court. Also, we learn why colorectal cancer is on the rise among people under 50.
Underage nicotine sales, Absentee ballot bill, U.S. moon landing, Underwater archaeology
February 28, 2024 23:30A public health doctor joins us to explain an increase in nicotine product sales to people under 18. Then, we learn about proposed legislation that would allow absentee ballots to be processed a day earlier. Plus, a look at last week’s lunar landing and a deep dive into the world of underwater archaeology.
Constitutional right to vote, Supreme Court air pollution case, Popularity of online videos
February 27, 2024 23:30An elections law expert outlines the problem with having no affirmative constitutional right to vote in the United States. Then, what a Supreme Court case about air pollution could mean for Wisconsin. Plus, why platforms like YouTube and TikTok are winning the streaming wars.
Another retirement boom, Wisconsin truancy bill, Prioritizing friendships
February 26, 2024 23:30We learn why more and more people are retiring right now. Then, we discuss the affects of truancy on Wisconsin students. Later, we talk to the author of a new book about the social rules of friendships.
2024 State of the Tribes, Alabama ruling on frozen embryos, Sprucing up our salads, Public opinion on the economy
February 23, 2024 23:30We explore the key takeaways from this year’s State of the Tribe address. Then, a legal expert explains the Alabama Supreme Court Ruling that deemed frozen embryos are children. On Food Friday, we get advice for making better salads. And we wrap up with a look at attitudes about the economy from everyday people.
How we use nostalgia, Artificial intelligence in elections, Tips on advice
February 22, 2024 23:30We learn more about how nostalgia works. Then, we check in on the use of artificial intelligence in our elections. And we talk to an advice columnist about how to give and take advice.