Central Time
2,157 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month 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
Scrapbooking Today, Protests Spread To Small-Town Wisconsin, Drilling In Oneida County
June 08, 2020 22:00We talk with an artist, designer and author about the modern interest in the historic hobby of scrapbooking. We also look at how the George Floyd protests have spread to Wisconsin's rural communities. And we hear about exploratory drilling that was to begin in Oneida County, related to mining.
Wisconsin Schools And Delayed Budget Challenges From Coronavirus, Discussion On Regenerative Grazing And Farming, Flattening The Mental Health Curve
June 05, 2020 23:00A WPR education reporter walks us through some of the ways Wisconsin school systems are thinking about budgeting, and looking at the next several years facing delayed financial fallout from the pandemic. Then we discuss the concept of regenerative grazing and cattle-raising. We also find out how mental health care providers are adapting to an increase in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Record Your Life, Drive-In Movies Are Back, Protests And Military Intervention
June 05, 2020 22:00We talk to a scientist who spent the last decade quantifying and recording all aspects of his life about what he's learned from the study. And drive-in movie theaters are popular again during this time of social distancing. A film professor joins us to talk about the shift. And we learn more about protests and military intervention.
Consumerism Downturn During Coronavirus, Who's Running With Joe Biden?
June 04, 2020 23:00A journalist tells us about her newfound lack of interest in buying things during the coronavirus pandemic, and how that fits a trend in American consumerism. We also talk with a business professor about Joe Biden's prospects for selecting a running mate.
Advice For Home Improvement Projects On Your Own, Making Protest Movements Successful
June 04, 2020 22:00A DIY blogger and contractor has some tips for us on tackling projects around the house by ourselves. Then we talk to a sociologist about how protests like the ones we're seeing around the country and locally can actually result in changes.
UW's Cross Asks For Special Session, Experiences Of A Wisconsin Third Grade Class, Antifa Explained
June 03, 2020 23:00WPR's Wisconsin Life talked to a class of third grade students and their teacher about their experiences during the coronavirus pandemic and the end of their school year. Then an expert on the anti-fascism movement joins us to talk about what it is and what members are after. And we discuss UW System President Ray Cross's decision to request a special session in the legislature, and get an update on the search to replace the outgoing president.
Gibberish And Its History, Limits To Unemployment Benefits For Disability Aid Recipients, Washington News
June 03, 2020 22:00A Medieval literature lecturer gives us a history lesson on the prevalence and value of nonsense words. Then an investigative reporter shares some of his work looking at how Wisconsinites who receive disability aid are being denied coronavirus-related unemployment assistance. And we discuss top Washington stories with a White House reporter, including the escalating battle between president Trump and Twitter.
Flea Markets During Coronavirus, Policing For Racial Justice
June 02, 2020 23:00Can bargain-hunting happen safely during the coronavirus pandemic? Our guests include a flea market organizer and rummage sale planner, as we talk about the logistics and safety concerns. Then we discuss policing during protests, and with an aim for more racial justice, with a former Madison police chief.
Wisconsin Sports History Highlights, Evaluating City Design Coming Out Of Coronavirus, And Deploying The Military To Quell Violent Protests?
June 02, 2020 22:00A sports reporter recounts some of his top moments in Wisconsin's sporting history. We also talk about possible future city design changes after pedestrian and bicycle traffic increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. And we look at President Trump's threat to use the military to end rioting in U.S. cities.
George Floyd Protests, Wisconsin Voting Info TV Show, Keeping The Focus On Change
June 01, 2020 23:00While some vandalism followed peaceful protests this weekend, our guest says it shouldn't distract from the need for change. He shares his experience as a Milwaukeean and hopes for the path forward. We also hear from a Madison organizer, and talk to the host of a new show about voter information.
Media's Handling Of Protests, Updates On Demonstrations And Unrest Around Wisconsin
June 01, 2020 22:00Cities around Wisconsin saw protests against racism and police brutality this weekend, as well as some damage and looting. We talk with reporters who were there. A journalism professor also joins us to talk about how the media are covering the demonstrations and the threats journalists face.
Peninsula State Park History Through Girls' Camp, JCPenney Bankruptcy, Poll Looking At Potential COVID-19 Vaccine
May 29, 2020 23:00We revisit some of the history of Door County's Peninsula State Park, as told through a summer camp for girls. Then we discuss the impact of a retail giant falling on the fate of malls. And then a public health expert joins us to look at a new poll showing only half of the Americans surveyed as even willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine, once one becomes available.
Cooking With Asparagus, Wisconsinites Not Receiving Unemployment Checks, Twitter Vs Trump
May 29, 2020 22:00An acclaimed chef walks us through some creative ways to cook asparagus on this edition of Food Friday. Then we talk with WPR's state capitol reporter about the politics at play with hundreds of thousands of unpaid unemployment claims in Wisconsin. And we discuss President Trump's latest move to weaken social media companies.
Online Tourism Games, Amphibian Migration In Wisconsin, Recent Racist Incidents
May 28, 2020 23:00New online games highlight Wisconsin's natural and cultural treasures. Wisconsin's amphibians are on the move. We'll find out if their migrations are different in this time of reduced travel. And we discuss two recent incidents in which Black men were victimized, with one being killed by police.
Rare Dairy Collection, Amphibian Migration In Wisconsin, Recent Racist Incidents
May 28, 2020 23:00A dairy farmer tells us about his collection that started as a distraction and grew into something much bigger. Wisconsin's amphibians are on the move. We'll find out if their migrations are different in this time of reduced travel. And we discuss two recent incidents in which Black men were victimized, with one being killed by police.
Recent Grads Looking For A Job, Learning To Draw, Absentee Ballot Applications To Be Sent To State Voters
May 28, 2020 22:00New college graduates are facing many challenges, including how the job market has changed. We discuss how to navigate it. Some people are taking time during social distancing to learn new creative hobbies. We get advice on learning to draw. And we talk about the unanimous decision by the Wisconsin Elections Commission to send absentee ballot applications to 2.7 million registered voters in the state.
COVID-19 And Wisconsin Nonprofits, Dirt Smells, Combining Children's Rhymes With Rap Beats, First Manned SpaceX Rocket Launch
May 27, 2020 23:00We talk to a science writer about why dirt smells like -- well, not just dirt. We hear a mash-up of Dr. Seuss rhymes and Dr. Dre beats. And a space journalist gives us the latest on a public-private mission to the International Space Station. We also discuss how the coronavirus outbreak has been affecting Wisconsin's nonprofit sector.
Dirt Smells, Combining Children's Rhymes With Rap Beats, First Manned SpaceX Rocket Launch
May 27, 2020 23:00We talk to a science writer about why dirt smells like -- well, not just dirt. We hear a mash-up of Dr. Seuss rhymes and Dr. Dre beats. And a space journalist gives us the latest on a public-private mission to the International Space Station. We also cover a top news story.
Marriage And Women's Identities, Traveling To Northern Wisconsin During The Pandemic, Top Washington News
May 27, 2020 22:00We talk to the creator of a new newspaper project to reflect on the history of public recognition of women by their husband's names. Then what will seasonal summer travel to scenic northern parts of Wisconsin look like while coronavirus concerns still exist? And we discuss headlines out of the nation's capital with a reporter.
Joy -- Mundane And Otherwise, 35-Year Low In US Birth Rate
May 26, 2020 23:00In spite of all the devastation and dark times related to the coronavirus pandemic, people are still finding joy in their day-to-day lives. We talk about a New York Times project documenting more than a dozen writers' joy. Then we learn what's behind the birth rate in the U.S. hitting its lowest mark in more than three decades.
Healthy Conversations Lesson, Coronavirus In Wisconsin Prisons, Update On State's Fight Against COVID-19
May 26, 2020 22:00An author and mediator gives us tips on having meaningful and compassionate conversations with people whose viewpoints differ from our own. Then we discuss the way coronavirus has impacted the prison system in Wisconsin, and how there's a plan for gradually admitting prisoners again. And we get an update on how the state is doing against COVID-19.
Yoga For Strength And Stability, New Dinosaur Research, Memorial Day History
May 25, 2020 23:00Senior citizens can be more prone to falls as they get older. We talk to a doctor about how yoga can help people get stronger, and gain confidence. A Wisconsin researcher tells us how the popular image of how velociraptors hunt is incorrect. And we learn about the history of the Memorial Day holiday.
How Ranked Voting Works, Antibody Testing, Argument That Schools Should Reopen
May 25, 2020 22:00We learn how final-five and ranked voting works, and hear from a lawmaker about his bipartisan proposal to bring it to Wisconsin. We hear an argument in favor of reopening schools. And we break down everything you need to know about antibody testing for the novel coronavirus.
Answering The "Wau" Place Name Question, Small Meat Movement, Coronavirus And The 'Experience Economy'
May 22, 2020 23:00We answer a WHYsconsin question about a particular aspect of place names in the state. Then we talk with a UW Extension meat specialist about the shift in demand for smaller producers and purveyors of meat products. Then a journalist joins us to discuss the negative impact the pandemic has had on what's come to be known as the "experience economy."
Memorial Day Grilling, Memorial Day And COVID-19, Ramadan In Wisconsin During Coronavirus
May 22, 2020 22:00As we honor men and women who died in military service for Memorial Day, we also celebrate life, health and warmer weather by grilling meals outside. We talk with a grilling and BBQ expert about how to make the most of the experience. We also reflect how Muslims in Wisconsin have observed the month of Ramadan during the pandemic. And we talk about how COVID-19 is impacting Memorial Day weekend.
Coronavirus Aid To Farmers, Conservation Congress Hearing Results, Voting Remotely
May 21, 2020 23:00We get some details on President Trump's announcement of financial aid for farmers hit hard during the pandemic. Then extending the deer hunting season was a hot issue in the Wisconsin Conservation Congress questionnaire -- we get results from the group's chair. And we talk to a political scientist about the prospect of mass voting from home in Wisconsin.
Explaining Evers' Popularity, Anniversary Of The Birth Control Pill, New Wisconsin Rental Assistance Program
May 21, 2020 22:00A Wisconsin journalist joins us to discuss Governor Tony Evers' strong popularity among Democrats, and even relative popularity among Republicans. Then we talk with an American Studies and history professor about the timeline of the birth control pill in America. And we find out what's in a new package of aid for renters in Wisconsin.
Indie Horror Film Podcast Comes Back From The Dead, Emotional Protective Equipment, Colleges Weigh Reopening
May 20, 2020 23:00Two Wisconsin filmmakers tell us about their revamped podcast that's focused on producing indie horror films. Then we discuss some of the emotional considerations for people to make as they safely re-enter the professional and public spheres. And we look at how universities are weighing whether to reopen campuses for in-person classes in the fall.
Testing The Theory The Coronavirus Is Manmade, Contact Tracing In Wisconsin, This Week In Washington
May 20, 2020 22:00We talk through the evidence related to a theory the coronavirus was created in a Wuhan, China lab. Then we learn about the strategy for contract tracing cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin. And we discuss some of the week's top Washington stories, including President Trump claiming he's been taking a controversial anti-malaria drug as protection from the coronavirus.
Trump Fires Another Inspector General, How To Make The Economy Less Fragile
May 19, 2020 23:00Donald Trump removed the State Department Inspector General, who was in the midst of investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. We discuss the move, which is raising eyebrows in both parties, with a Washington D.C. government oversight non-profit leader. And an economist joins us to envision rebuilding a stronger economy.
History Of Epidemics And Society, Going Back To Gyms?, New Small Business Grants
May 19, 2020 22:00We discuss the history of certain epidemics that struck humanity and the cultural developments that came out of them. We also talk about the difficulty of being hesitant about returning to the gym. And we look at new grants to help small businesses in the state recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Bill Sets Guidelines For Elections During Emergencies, Tooth Fairy Folklore, Personal Finances During Pandemic
May 18, 2020 23:00Two Wisconsin lawmakers explain how their new proposal would ensure safe elections during a declared state of emergency. Then with many people being newly unemployed or working reduced hours, personal finances can be a challenge. We talk with a financial advisor about how to save and track our money during the pandemic. We also learn about the folklore behind the tooth fairy.
Best Live Albums, GOP Lawmaker On Reopening State's Economy, Inflammatory Disease Related To Coronavirus
May 18, 2020 22:00The CDC issued an alert about an inflammatory disease related to COVID-19 that affects children. A doctor shares what we need to know about the condition. We also talk with a Wisconsin music critic about what makes live albums special. And we get a GOP take on reopening Wisconsin's economy.
Treating Coronavirus Disease A Different Way, History Of Presidents And Pandemics, End Of Safer-At-Home At County Level
May 15, 2020 23:00A UW-Madison doctor walks us through the pros and cons of a different COVID-19 treatment that's being touted. Then we talk to an author of a book looking at presidential leadership during pandemics through American history. And we get county-level reactions to the end of Governor Evers' safer-at-home order.
Cooking Hearty And Vegetarian, April Retail Sales Dive, Research On Coronavirus And People With Respiratory Allergies
May 15, 2020 22:00We talk with a vegetarian recipe developer and educator about how to make meals that are still filling and nourishing while omitting meat. A business professor joins us to look at the significant drop in national retail sales in April. We also learn about some research around people with respiratory allergies and asthma, and their experience with COVID-19 symptoms.
The Dangers Of Looking Past Coronavirus Deaths, Michael Flynn Case Latest
May 14, 2020 23:00A newspaper opinion writer worries people will look at coronavirus-related deaths the way they move past deaths due to gun violence -- with acceptance, rather than actions that could be seen as threatening to the broad construct of freedom. Then a law professor joins us to discuss the latest developments in the case of Donald Trump's former national security adviser.
Living A Simpler Life, Running A Little Every Day, Lieutenant Governor On Court Ruling
May 14, 2020 22:00We talk about simple living and cooking with a chef and radio-TV personality. Then we discuss the concept of "streak-running" with a health and fitness writer. We also talk with Wisconsin's lieutenant governor about the court ruling striking down the state's safer-at-home order.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Votes To Invalidate Safer-At-Home Order, Dr. Anthony Fauci Testifies Before Senate
May 13, 2020 23:00WPR's capitol bureau chief, lawmakers and listeners discuss the Wisconsin Supreme Court's decision today to strike down Governor Evers' safer-at-home order extension. Then we talk with a health policy journalist about Tuesday's Senate committee testimony on the coronavirus by the US' top infectious diseases expert.
Food Banks During Pandemic, Milwaukee Smallpox Riots, Washington News
May 13, 2020 22:00A pair of food bank leaders tell us how their work around Wisconsin is continuing during the coronavirus pandemic. Then we talk with a medical historian about riots that took place in Milwaukee around smallpox at the end of the 19th century. And our weekly roundup of top Washington stories includes a look at Joe Biden's potential running mates.
Dr. Anthony Fauci Testifies Before Senate, Badger Sports And COVID-19, Tiffany Wins 7th Congressional District Special Election
May 13, 2020 21:00We talk with a health policy journalist about Tuesday's Senate committee testimony on the coronavirus by the US' top infectious diseases expert. Fall sports and recruitment could be impacted by COVID-19. And we discuss Republican state Senator Tom Tiffany's victory Tuesday night in the 7th Congressional District's special election.
Small Business Advising Help In Green Bay, Why We Miss Places, Quarantine Fatigue
May 12, 2020 23:00We talk with a small business development group leader about free assistance being provided in the Green Bay area. And a psychology professor and environmental studies expert talks with us about human attachment to spaces and places. We also discuss being smart about taking risks when it comes to breaking safer-at-home orders with a public health expert.
The Lasting Impact Of Coronavirus On Work, The Phantom Super PAC, Latest Statewide Polling
May 12, 2020 22:00A sociology professor joins us to discuss the potential lasting changes in our work culture that may come out of living through the pandemic. Then we talk to a journalist covering the emergence of a mysterious super PAC. And we look at the results of a new statewide poll, out Tuesday.
Wisconsin Representative On Navy Frigate Deal, Mail-In Voting Systems, Businesses Preparing To Reopen
May 11, 2020 23:00A Wisconsin Congressman joins us to talk about a military construction contract with a Wisconsin company, as well as surgical-grade masks being donated from Taiwan. Then we look at different systems for mail-in voting around the country and the role it could play in the November election. And we discuss new guidelines to help Wisconsin businesses reopen safely.
Opioid Crisis Update, The Legacy Of Little Richard, Wildfires In Wisconsin
May 11, 2020 22:00A doctor joins us to discuss the unique challenges facing people addicted to opioids during this pandemic. We also look back at the life and legacy of Little Richard. Then, we talk to a wildfire prevention specialist about the burn restrictions now in place in Wisconsin.
New Course For Combatting Emotional And Psychological Pandemic Effects, Talking About Talismans, Title IX Rules Changes
May 08, 2020 23:00We learn about an online opportunity out of Oregon State University for people to seek help navigating emotional and psychological COVID-19 impacts. Then a reporter shares some stories he's heard from people about their good-luck charms. And we talk to an education reporter about the latest changes the Department of Education handed down that will impact the handling of sexual assault claims on college campuses.
Community Cookbook Comeback, 7th Congressional District Candidate Interview, The Weirdness Of Artificial Intelligence
May 08, 2020 22:00An artist and chef tells us about her project to re-purpose the community cookbook concept, drawing recipes from isolated friends around the world to help lift spirits and also raise support for domestic violence victims. Then we interview the Democratic challenger in Wisconsin's 7th Congressional district race. And an artificial intelligence researcher talks about how AI works.
Three Decades Of Seeing Space Through Hubble's Eyes, Ethics Commission Appointment, Unemployment Jumps During COVID-19 Outbreak
May 07, 2020 23:00The Hubble Telescope's director joins us to talk about the tool's 30th anniversary and what the future holds for stargazing with it. Then we discuss unemployment as the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak slows the U.S. economy. And we discuss Scot Ross' appointment to the Wisconsin Ethics Commission.
A Place For Humor Amid Depression, Talking With State Sen. Tom Tiffany, Wisconsin Nurse Practitioner In NYC
May 07, 2020 22:00The host of a podcast about depression and humor shares some personal stories about dealing with the disease himself. Then we talk with a state senator running in a special election to represent Wisconsin's 7th Congressional district in Congress. And we hear from a Wisconsin nurse practitioner who's traveled to New York City to work in a COVID-19 ICU.
Northwest Wisconsin Gets Series Of Coronavirus Testing Events, A Family Team Produces A Kids-Focused Quarantine Newspaper, The Year In Astronomy
May 06, 2020 23:00We talk with a WPR reporter about the Wisconsin National Guard helping expand coronavirus testing capacity for counties in the northwestern part of the state. A mother-daughter team tell us about starting and running a safer-at-home newspaper for children. And a planetarium director joins us to talk about what to watch for in the night sky in 2020.
Renewing Personal Purpose During Coronavirus, Understanding COVID-19 Case Counts, Week In Washington
May 06, 2020 22:00We talk with a professor of consumer science about finding direction and a renewed sense of purpose, during uncertain and strange work and personal time spent at home. Then we explain the nuance that's important to get when it comes to COVID-19 case counts and positive test rates. Then our weekly roundup of Washington news looks at the U.S. Senate, back in session this week.