Wimmer's Wilderness

Episode #73 Losing

In Episode #73, we discuss Losing. When did we turn into a nation of whiners who can't accept that sometimes we don't win? Every day, we can lose a game, a job, and an election. We can do so much in losing that makes us better, more intelligent, and more resilient.  Introducing Wimmer's Wilderness, a Podcast that offers a unique perspective on Politics, Community, Government, Environment, and Education. We delve into these topics from a local viewpoint, sparking intrigue and fostering enga...

Episode #72 Interview with Northwoods Bakery

Episode #71 15 Minutes or Less - Private Money

We discuss the history of Private Money and how it relates to cryptocurrencies, script, and seashells. Finally, I share the story of the one and only Emperor of the United States and warn against financial manipulation. 

Episode #70 15 Minutes or Less - Progressive Tax

We discuss Flat Tax versus Progressive Tax. Those that benefit most should pay the most.

Episode #69 Springhill Heritage Farm

Episode #69 of Wimmer's Wilderness Podcast focuses on local food production with Marissa of Springhill Heritage Farm in Chetek, Wisconsin. We explore the three-year journey to transfer a dream of locally raised beef, pork, turkey, and chickens in a free-range environment. The low-stress healthy, raised animals provide safe, great-tasting options for our dinner table. Wild harvested maple syrup is also on the menu. We walk through the regulatory, financial, organizational, and personal work...

Episode #68 Community Brief Education

Today's Community Brief discusses how Critical Race Theory has been turned into the latest boogeyman to scare parents and voters. Then, we delve into Texas's new education laws and the chilly impact they will have on teaching critical thinkers. The overarching theme is to lower the heat on all these issues, listen to each other and follow the facts to good decision making.

Episode #67 Community Update Zoning

We discuss the changes in residential zoning and the impacts it might have on our Communities. Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment, and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states, and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we can make a positive change in our local communities, it will lead to better outcomes at the regional, state, and national levels.

Episode #66 Community Briefing 9/21/21

Episode #66 of Wimmer's Wilderness Podcast launches our Community Briefing series. We discuss four articles regarding issues that impact local communities. We look at the results of a school district's review of their buildings, a Florida poll on environmental protections, local communities spending federal dollars, and how North Carolina is eliminating local control.

Episode #65 Yertle the Turtle

In Episode #65, we read Yertle the Turtle and discuss this great work's political, social, and economic importance. You heard me right. Dr. Seuss's Yertle the Turtle is a marvelous, thought-provoking piece of literature. A society where all the turtles are happy, well-fed, and enjoy personal freedom turned into an authoritarian nightmare. Thankfully a little Turtle named Mack knew all about peaceful protest. Listen as I read this classic 5-minute story and explore its profound meaning and ...

Episode #64 The Bill of Rights

In Episode #64, we discuss The Bill of Rights, its history, and what it means to us today. The Constitution is a living document that we must continually examine to improve as we grow as a Country. We explore the fights for and against The Bill of Rights and how its biggest detractor became its champion. James Madison, George Mason, the Federalist, Thomas Jefferson and the voice of the people all played significant roles. 

Episode #63 Memorial Day

We discuss the importance of Memorial Day in Episode #63. We listen to Ronald Reagan's 1986 Memorial Day Speech then give some interesting historical facts about Memorial Day. I make a plea to please respect the importance of the Day and to remember our fallen Heros. 

Episode #62 Week in Review May 22, 2021

In this Week in Review, we discuss social media and who is really to blame for its influence on society. How was social media used to influence a local election? As in most of our episodes, we have a bit of a history lesson to start us out. Go to wimmerswilderness.org to learn more about what we are accomplishing.

April 30th Week in Review

In this Week in Review, we discuss Resiliency planning on South Dakota and Nebraska Ranches. How improving grazing management, wildlife habitat, and water quality all improve the ranches and the environment. I highlight some issues with the American Rescue Plan recently signed into law. Many local governments had received excessive Federal payments when they suffered no loss in tax revenue due to the pandemic. Finish up with a bit of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

Episode #61 April 30th Week in Review

In this Week in Review, we discuss Resiliency planning on South Dakota and Nebraska Ranches. How improving grazing management, wildlife habitat, and water quality all improve the ranches and the environment. I highlight some issues with the American Rescue Plan recently signed into law. Many local governments had received excessive Federal payments when they suffered no loss in tax revenue due to the pandemic. Finish up with a bit of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

Week in Review April 23rd 2021

Launching a Week in Review Series that covers several topics each week that last 15 to 20 minutes per episode. This week Florida, Texas, Indiana and Georgia provide us stories covering Local Control, Public Health and Climate Change. This Episode is broadcast on Wimmer's Wilderness Facebook live.

Episode #60 Week in Review April 23rd 2021

Launching a Week in Review Series that covers several topics each week that last 15 to 20 minutes per episode. This week Florida, Texas, Indiana and Georgia provide us stories covering Local Control, Public Health and Climate Change. This Episode is broadcast on Wimmer's Wilderness Facebook live.

Episode #59 2021 Update

Update on what is happening in Wimmer's Wilderness. May podcast episodes titled Inflation, Yertle the Turtle, Biggest Personalities in Congress and Running for Electric Cooperative Board.  I discuss the upcoming launch of the Wimmer's Wilderness Store that will carry lip balm, honey, beeswax candles, shirts and hats.  

2021 Update

Update on what is happening in Wimmer's Wilderness. May podcast episodes titled Inflation, Yertle the Turtle, Biggest Personalities in Congress and Running for Electric Cooperative Board.  I discuss the upcoming launch of the Wimmer's Wilderness Store that will carry lip balm, honey, beeswax candles, shirts and hats.  

Episode #58 The Public Good

In Episode #58, we hear Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1932 Portland speech, commonly known as the 'The Public Good Speech. After his speech, I discuss local electric cooperatives and energy companies. It is essential to highlight the good government can do and what happens when only a negative view of regulation exists. The Public Good must come first; otherwise, we will see the deadly outcome of Texas's electric utility failures continue to happen across our country.

Episode #57 Dr. King's Letter from the Birmingham Jail

In Episode #57, we hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's Letter from the Birmingham Jail. After my brief introduction, we listen to Dr. King read his letter. It is a masterpiece of thought and persuasive argument. I hope you listen to his words and how he answers his critics, details the injustice, shows the path forward, and truthfully explains the suffering they must endure. Dr. King mentioned not one word of harming others, not one thought of retribution for hundreds of years of slavery, abu...

Episode #56, Conversation with GreenStep Co-Directors Kristin Mroz and Lola Schoenrich,

In episode #56, Conversation with GreenStep Co-Directors Kristin Mroz and Lola Schoenrich, we explore the positive contributions local communities can have on our lives. We cover a multitude of topics: Sustainability Renewable Energy Resiliency Green Space Equity Collaboration Youth Tribal Nations Local Communities Comprehensive Solutions Climate Change Kristin and Lola share their wealth of knowledge on these topics and many more. They detail how the Minnesota GreenStep prog...

Episode #55 Conversation with Chiara Riolfi of BeeVital

Episode #55 of Wimmer's Wilderness Podcast features our first international conversation with BeeVital's very own Chiara Riolfi. BeeVital is an Austrian Company specializing in honeybee health. Chiara shared a great deal of information about honeybees in numerous countries, regulatory issues when bringing a product to market and how a science-based business improves our environment. Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment, and Education fro...

Episode #54 Conversation with Keith Dragisich about Community Banking

In today's Episode of Wimer's Wilderness, we have a conversation with Keith Dragisich, Vice President and Chief Development Officer, about Community Banking. What is a community bank? It is a locally owned and operated financial institution. They address the needs of a community by offering loans to small-business owners or personal loans to individuals. Keith and I discuss the benefits of local community banks and how they have evolved. We share several stories and take a deep dive into b...

Episode #53 Aquaponics

In Episode #53, we talk with Clayton Timm of Green Leaf Farms. This aquaponics operation based in Chetek, Wisconsin, is producing Fresh Swiss chard, basil, romaine, kale, leaf lettuce, and tilapia.  At the start of the episode, I give a few minutes of aquaponics history and background information. Clayton and I then discuss the aquaponics' ins and outs and have a little advice if you are interested in starting your operation. 

Episode #52 Farming

In episode #52, we discuss Farming. That word means a lot of different things. We have big ag with farms as large as 190,000 farmland acres down to a fraction of an acre for aquaponics operation. Our discussion is going to touch on these and everything in between. Farm finances are also a key topic of debate and the impacts of trade policies. Small community-based farms are a key to a sustainable future. Plus, how many podcasts will play a John Mellencamp song and a clip of Milton Friedman i...

Episode #51 Down Ballot

In episode #51, we discuss Down Ballot. As elections come to a close Nov 3rd, it is essential to understand how down-ballot races impact our lives. It is more than just a Presidential election. Make sure you stick around till the end to play our quiz. You will have a chance to win our Wimmer’s Wilderness Mason glass drinking jar, recycled cardboard pen, and our very popular reusable/retractable drinking straw.

Episode #50 The Presidency

In episode #50, we discuss the Presidency. As the Presidential election comes to a close Nov 3rd, it is essential to understand the position, its powers, and how it has evolved. In today's podcast, we explore the following three points: Point #1 What is the American Presidency? Point #2 How do we pick a President? Point #3 How has the Office of President changed over time? We use a few audio clips from the West Wing, Winston Churchill, and Plato's Republic to help make a few points. ...

Episode #49 Voting

In episode #49, we discuss voting in depth. We cover five main points. Point #1 - Founding Fathers' views and some local community views on who should vote. Point #2 - How the first several national elections impacted voting, Point #3 - Important dates in voting history with some help from historical voices of Sojourner Truth as read by Kerry Washington, Martin Luther King Jr, and LBJ. Point #4 - Recent voting changes and issues. We use audio from a public Brookings Institute discussion...

Episode #48 Conversation with Conservation Made Simple President Cameron Winkler

In Episode #48 we have a great conversation with Cameron Winkler, the President of Conservation Made Simple. We discuss his interest in conservation, starting when he was a 12-year-old volunteering at his local zoo and evolving into a non-profit to educate and lead on environmental issues. Conservation Made Simple is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose goal is to empower people to acknowledge and reduce their environmental impact. We believe that it is possible for anyone to change the environmen...

Episode #47 Education

In Episode #47, we discuss Education funding trends from 2005 to date. We explore the effects on education funding of the Great Recession and the economic recovery up to the Covid19 Pandemic impact. Our second topic delves into the promise of state lotteries and the realities of their negative trends on education funding. We finish with my run for a local school board seat and our fun Quiz.

Episode #46 Census

In episode #46, we are going to discuss the census in depth. I have covered the census previously, but it is essential to keep getting the word out to get our national count completed and done accurately. We are covering 5 points Point #1 What is the Census? Point #2 What it means to Apportionment? Point #3 What it means to Funding? Point #4 Why is this Census Different in 2020? Point #5 How do we Count everyone?

Episode #45 Conversation with CritterFacts

We have a fun conversation with William Colaw and Cara Loeb the Co-Founders of CritterFacts. Their Mission is: 'To spread knowledge, create curiosity, and inspire appreciation, for wildlife and our environment, that in turn promotes wildlife welfare, supports conservation efforts, and helps to preserve the world around us.' Learn more by going to CritterFacts.com

Episode #44 Bees

In Episode #44 we do a quick update about Covid19 and school openings then spend most of the episode talking about starting a backyard honey bee operation.  Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we are able to make a positive change in our local communities then that will lead to better outcomes at th...

Episode #43 National Debt, Farm Subsidies, Covid19 & Bees

We have a good conversation about some terrifying national debt and farm subsidy numbers. Covid19 continues to be a growing concern with our listeners, so delved back into that crisis. Honey bees provided a bit of happiness at the end of our podcast as we detailed a bit of our five-part series I am writing for CritterFacts.com

Episode #42 Mask, Covid19 & Bees

In Episode #42 Mask, Covid19, and Bees, we delve into a Gallup Poll about mask-wearing, discuss Covid19 spread, and honey bees. We share a lot of great information in the first two segments and finish with my passion project, raising honey bees. Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment, and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states, and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we can make a po...

Episode #41 Conversation with Former Mayor Hagen-Kennedy

In Episode #41 we have a great conversation with former North Branch, MN Mayor Kirsten Hagen-Kennedy. We discuss her campaign for the 2018 DFL nomination in Minnesota's 8th Congressional District, her years of community organizing, mayoral campaigns, her work to improve public health and her winning a Bush Fellowship. It is, at times, blunt and raw as we discuss the harsh political climate in her area and throughout the Country.

Episode #40 Mask, Food Banks & Opening Up

We discuss the politics and necessity of wearing a face mask during the time of Covid19. Food Banks across our Country face escalating demands and dwindling resources. Our Country is moving fast to open up economic activities, and we delve into the positives and negatives. We finish this episode with our Quiz and a chance to win a Wimmer's Wilderness Mason Jar Drinking Glass, recycled cardboard pen, retractable/reusable straw, and a candle made from our very own beeswax.

Episode #39 Community & Economic Development

Welcome to Wimmer’s Wilderness. In this episode, we have a conversation with Ryan Kernosky, the Community Development Director and Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. We discuss Community Development, Economic Development, Public Service, and so much more, including how the Covid19 Pandemic is affecting local communities. I am your host George Wimmer. I have 30 years of volunteer work, community organizing, and 16 years in local government – 12 as...

Episode #38 Covid19 Impacts on Local Communities

In this episode we have a Covid19 update, discuss the financial impacts to local governments and finish with lessons learned from the Great Recession. We have our popular quiz in which you may win a Wimmer’s Wilderness Mason Jar drinking glass, Wimmer’s Wilderness recycled cardboard pen and the very popular retractable – reusable straw.

Episode #37 2020 The Lost Year - Wildlife Corridors - Telemedicine

In this episode we discuss 2020 as the lost year, wildlife corridors and telemedicine. We have a couple parody commercials interlaced and our popular quiz.

Episode #36 New Reality

In Episode #36 New Reality we discuss the concept of Flattening the Curve, Stay at Home Orders and the future episodes. We are in a whole new world reality and we must be prepared to do our part. Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we are able to make a positive change in our local communities then ...

Episode #35 Conversation with Public Health Director Jennifer Rombalski 

We have a great conversation with Jennifer Rombalski, Public Health Director of La Crosse Wisconsin.  Public health is defined as the science of protecting the safety and improving the health of communities through education, policy making and research for disease and injury prevention. The definition of public health is different for every person. We discuss a wide range of topics of how to make our communities healthier and what it takes to have a good Public Health Department.  Wimm...

Episode #34 Conversation with Mayor Wheeler of Bremerton, WA

Conversation with Mayor Wheeler of Bremerton, WA. We discuss his Military and Public service. Our conversation covered topics of public health, housing, jobs, environment and many more than impact his community. Also some really innovative ideas to better serve communities throughout our Country. Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states and countries are simply a collection of local...

Episode #33 Conversation with John Pepper Chair of Norwich VT

Conversation with Chair John Pepper of Norwich Vermont. We discuss his lifetime of business success and how that has motivated him to help make his community a better place. We discussed livable wages, affordable housing, transparency, climate change impacts and so much more. Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states and countries are simply a collection of local communities working ...

Episode #32 - Presidential Primaries and Caucuses

We are on the cusp of Primary/caucus season. This process starts February 3rd in Iowa and ends June 7th in Puerto Rico. We take a look at the first 4 contest and a few other states and discuss their impact on selecting our next President.  Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we are able to make a po...

What to Expect in 2020

In Episode #31 we answer the question of why Wilderness is in the Podcast title and let our listeners know what to expect in 2020. Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we are able to make a positive change in our local communities then that will lead to better outcomes at the regional, state and nati...

Episode #30 Local Taxes

In Episode #30 we discuss what types of taxes are used to fund local government. I use Texas and Minnesota as examples of the variety we can see from state to state. We compare and contrast the different revenue generating models and then discuss how effective each provides resources for local governments. Did you know Texas has the 3rd highest local property taxes in the entire Country?

Episode #29 Washington's Warning

We discuss President's Washington's warning about political parties in his Farewell Address. We are living in an age that is ruled by partisan fighting and gridlock. Here is a hint to the solution - compromise is not a dirty word.  Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we are able to make a positive c...

Episode #28 Cyber Security

In Episode #28 we discuss a conservation survey from Montana then delve into our main topic of Cyber Attacks on Local Governments. We finish with our 3 question Quiz where you can win a Wimmer’s Wilderness mason glass drinking jar, a recycled cardboard pen and our very popular retractable – reusable drinking straw. Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states and countries are simply a ...

Episode #27 Crippling National Debt

We discuss the Trillion dollar a year deficits, the nearly $23 Trillion National Debt by laying out its history and the troubling consequences to our Nation.  Wimmer’s Wilderness is an informed look at Politics, Community, Government, Environment and Education from a local perspective. Our regions, states and countries are simply a collection of local communities working together. If we are able to make a positive change in our local communities then that will lead to better outcomes at ...