WGTD's The Morning Show with Greg Berg
By WGTD
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3/28/24 Gardening expert Nina Koziol
Sneak Preview: One of the most prominent gardening experts/writers/teachers in the Chicago-area, Nina Koziol, is coming to Kenosha on Thursday evening, April 4th- in a program sponsored by the Four Seasons Garden Club. The interview is being broadcast on April 2nd, but we're sharing the interview today in podcast format since the event is coming up so soon.
3/28/24 Dr. Art Cyr
Dr. Art Cyr
3/27/24 Debbie Irving Followup
This is a newly-recorded interview with Debbie Irving, looking back over the last ten years since the publication of her memoir "Waking Up White: and finding myself in the Story of Race."
3/26/24 Waking Up White
From 2014 - Debbie Irving, author of "Waking up White: and finding myself in the Story of Race." The book is a remarkably honest memoir about Irving's realization (in adulthood) that she had harbored all kinds of racist attitudes that she never realized were there. The book also explores the reality of systemic racism. (Tomorrow, we'll have a newly-recorded interview with Irving in which she looks back over the past ten years.)
3/25/24 The Cancer Detectives
We preview the next American Experience documentary film - "The Cancer Detectives" - with co-directors/co-producers Amanda Pollak and Gene Tempest. The film talks about the most important breakthrough in early cancer detection among woman: the pap smear, named for Dr. George Papanicolaou. The film charts the circuitous route by which this became a well-established practice- and the various barriers and attitudes that had to be surmounted. The film also tells about the enormously important contributions made to the cause by Dr. Papanicolaou's wife Andromachi and others.
3/24/24 S.C. Gwynne - "The Perfect Pass"
From 2017 - S.C. Gwynne, author of "The Perfect Pass: American Genius and the Revinvention of Football." The book is primarily the story of two football geniuses, Hal Mumme and Mike Leach, who helped revolutionize the game of football with a radical approach to the passing game that had never been seen before.
3/23/24 Tom Clavin "Wild Bill"
From 2020- Tom Clavin discusses his book "Wild Bill: The True Story of the American Frontier's First Gunfighter."
3/22/24 Carthage Institute of Paleontology
We catch up with Dr. Thomas Carr, director of the Carthage Institute of Paleontology, and Dr. Megan Seitz, who is the program's Preparator. We will revisit the history of the program, the way in which it has grown both in size and stature over the years, and the work that each of them does. We talk about plans for their next 'dinosaur dig' in Montana this summer. We also discuss a serious budgetary issue that threatens the very existence of the program. Last but not least - there is an amazing moment when I (Greg Berg) get to hold an actual dinosaur bone!
3/21/24 Ann Liguori "Life on the Green"
Sports journalist and podcaster Ann Liguori talks about her newest book, "Life on the Green: Lessons and Wisdom from Legends of Golf." In it, she shares some of the life lessons that some of the sport's greatest stars have learned through the course of their professional careers.
3/20/24 Delta Hawk Apprentice
We introduce you to Aubrey Marquez, a junior at Park High School who is an apprentice at Delta Hawk, an exciting young engine company in Racine. We also speak with two Racine Unified School District employees who have worked with Aubrey - school counselor Jeffrey Wilkins and youth apprentice coordinator Mike Lynch - as well as two employees at Delta Hawk .... Lisa Booker, head of HR, and Aaron Nieto, lead engine technician. In Part Two, we hear from the author of the book "Wish I Could Be There: Notes from a Phobic Life."
3/19/24 The Suffragist Playbook
From 2020- for Women's History Month- Lucinda Robb (granddaughter of Lyndon Baines Johnson) and Rebecca Boggs Roberts (daughter of Cokie Roberts) talk about their book "The Suffragist Playbook: Your Guide to Changing the World." The book examines some of the most important suffragists and how they managed to accomplish what they did- often against nearly insurmountable odds.
3/18/24 Dr. John Swallow
Dr. John Swallow- the president of Carthage College
3/17/24 Malachy McCourt- The Claddagh Ring
From 2003 - Malachy McCourt (younger brother of best-selling author Frank McCourt) discusses his book "The Claddagh Ring: Ireland's Cherished Symbol of Friendship, Loyalty and Love."
3/16/24 Two books about Dogs
From 2005 - Dr. Stanley Coren, author of "How Dogs Think: What the world looks like to them and why they act the way they do." Also, Emily Yoffe, author of "What the Dog Did: Tales from a formerly reluctant dog owner."
3/15/24 Dr. Lynn Akey, UW-Parkside Chancellor
Dr. Lynn Akey, Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, pays her first visit to the Morning Show. She assumed her position at Parkside in January.
3/14/24 Maple Sugaring
Kailyn Palomares has taken over from Nan Calvert in organizing monthly Morning Show programs around various topics related to the environment and the natural world. Today's program focuses primarily on Maple Sugaring as it takes place at Hawthorn Hollow, where Kailyn is Naturalist and Education Manager. With her today is Hawthorn Hollow's Executive Director, TJ Leveque.
3/12/24 Lakeside Players' "The 39 Steps"
We speak with director Steve Mattnor and actor Sean Collier about the lakeside players' production of "The 39 Steps," a comic parody of the classic 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name.
3/13/24 Carthage's "On the Verge"
We preview the Carthage College theater department's production of Eric Overmyer's "On the Verge, or The Geography of Yearning" with Professor Herschel Kruger as well as two students involved in the production: assistant director/dramaturg Katie Layendecker and costume designer Ani Gebaur.
3/12/24 Tiffany Jewel on Racism
Best-selling author Tiffany Jewell talks about her most recent book "Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned In School." Growing up in Syracuse, NY as a biracial young woman whom the schools categorized as white, the author was in an uncommon position to witness the many and various ways in which the school district failed to properly serve most of its students of color.
3/11/24 Mia X Ally / Raghavan Iyer
Part 1 - We catch up with the spectacular musical duo of Mia X Ally (Mia is a superb violinist, Ally is a award-winning bagpiper) who will be performing in Milwaukee on Saint Patrick's Day. Part 2 - (from 2016) the late Indian chef Raghavan Iyer talks about his book "Smashed, Mashed, Boiled and Baked: A Celebration of Potatoes in 75 Recipes."
3/10/24 Bilingualism in the home
From a few years ago- three Carthage College faculty members: Wayne Thompson, Matt Borden, and Dimitri Shapovalov, talk about their respective experiences with bilingualism in the home- either as parents or growing up in a bilingual household.
3/9/24 Let me clear my throat
From 2013- an exploration of the human voice with Elena Passarello, author of "Let me clear my throat."
3/8/24 Martha Graham's Cold War
Victoria Philips, author of "Martha Graham's Cold War: The Dance of American Diplomacy." The book explores some of the ways in which the renowned dancer and choreographer was utilized by the American government as a diplomatic tool at the height of the Cold War.
3/7/24 Uw-Parkside Jazz Week
Russ Johnson, director of jazz studies at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, talks about Jazz Week 2024, which is next week. We also talk about the difference between playing jazz and classical trumpet.
3/6/24 "Cherries in Winter"
From 2009- Suzan Colon talks about her book "Cherries in Winter: My family's recipe for hope in hard times."
3/5/24 KAFASI Meals on Wheels
We talk about KAFASI (Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services) and their many programs with Executive Director Ron Tatum and AmericCorps Senior Project Director Rebecca Stevens. We give special emphasis to Meals on Wheels. (Next week they are doing a special event to draw attention to this life-changing program.)
3/4/24 "A Whaler at Twilight"
Alexander R. Brash, author of "A Whaler at Twilight: A true account of Whaling and Redemption in the South Pacific." Brash's great-great grandfather fell on hard times and took to drinking, and ultimately chose to join a whaling expedition in the 1840s. He wrote a detailed account of his experiences that was shown to Brash a few years ago. This book is based on that journal as well as on the author's extensive research into the whaling industry in this period of time.
3/3/24 Queen Noor
For Women's History Month: From 2003, Queen Noor, Queen of Jordan from 1978 to 1999, talks about her book "Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life."
3/2/24 Marc Elliot on Charlton Heston
From 2017 - Marc Elliot discusses his book "Charlton Heston: Hollywood's Last Icon."
3/1/24 "Where the children take us" / "Wonder Women"
Part 1- Zane E. Asher, author of "Where the Children Take Us: How one family achieved the unimaginable." The book his Asher's tribute to her mother and how she managed to raise her children as an unwed mother, often amid staggeringly difficult circumstances. Part 2- Sam Maggs, author of "Wonder Women: 25 Innovators, Inventors and Trailblazers."
2/29/24 Travel Writers Lucas Peters / Rick Steves
Lucas Peters talks about his Moon Guide "Grand European Journeys: 40 Unforgettable Trips by Road, Rail, Sea and More." Also, from the archives- Rick Steves talks about his guide for cruises around the Mediterranean Sea.
2/28/24 An Ibsen Play / A 21st century Cabaret
Part One: We speak with Brian Gill, Associate Professor of Theater Arts at the University of WIsconsin-Parkside, about their production of "When We Dead Awaken," the last play by Norwegian dramatist Henrik Ibsen. Part Two: Singer Lynette Knapp Ryan talks about her cabaret program "I Wanna Fly," which is being presented under the auspices of Milwaukee Opera Theater.
2/27/24 Dr. James Ripley- Carthage Bands
Dr. James Ripley, director of instrumental activities at Carthage College, talks about the concert tomorrow night (Feb. 28th) that commemorates the first band concert at Carthage 150 years ago. Much of the repertoire from that first concert will be played - and the special guests of the concert, the Gaudete Brass Quintet, will play some of their selections on historic instruments from the period. We also talk about the history of bands at Carthage, the history of band tours at Carthage, and what it's like to perform in Siebert Chapel.
2/26/24 Alzheimer's Disease
We discuss Alzheimer's Disease with two representatives of the Kenosha County Aging and Disability Resource Center: Paula Clark, programs supervisor, and Susan Johnson, dementia care specialist.
2/25/24 Nan Calvert- edible native plants
We are sharing some of our favorite Nan Calvert interviews from the past. (She recently stepped down after organizing monthly environmental Morning Show programs for the past 18 years.) This interview touches on one of Nan's most important environmental missions- educating the public about native plants. Her guest on this occasion was another native plants expert, Mieke And, talking about- among other things - edible native plants.
2/24/24 Nan Calvert - Wisconsin State Herbarium
We are sharing memorable Nan Calvert interviews from the past. This interview from October 2022 was with John Zaborsky from the Wisconsin State Herbarium, talking about the Botanical Club of Wisconsin.
2/22/24 Dr. Colleen Palmer on Public Relations
Dr. Colleen Palmer, Assistant Professor of Communication and Digital Media, talks about the field of public relations and how it has changed quite dramatically in recent years. She is going to be moderating an event at Carthage next Thursday, February 29th: "Business for a Better World," featuring representatives from three different companies that have earned the designation of B-Corp for being socially conscious businesses.
2/21/24 "Get off the Fence!"
(from the archives) Jeffrey Makoff, co-author of "Get Off The Fence: 10+1 Steps to help you make that Big Decision."
2/21/24 Doug Instenes on the RTG's "Now & Then"
Doug Instenes, managing and artistic director of the Racine Theater Guild, talks about their production of Sean Grennen's play "Now and Then," which opens this weekend. He is the director of the production.
2/20/24 Dr. Susan Partovi "Renegade MD"
Dr. Susan Partovi has devoted most of her professional life to providing medical care to people experiencing homelessness. Her memoir is titled "Renegade MD: A Doctor's Stories from the Streets."
2/20/24 Steve Berry "The Atlas Maneuver"
We reconnect with best-selling novelist Steve Berry to talk about his latest thriller, "The Atlas Maneuver." The novel touches on a number of fascinating topics, including the widespread plundering of treasure during World War Two.
1/19/24 "Franklin and Washington"
For President's Day: We speak with Pulitzer Prize winning writer Edward J. Larson about his book "Franklin and Washington: The Founding Partnership."
2/18/24 Nan Calvert - Dragonflies
We are devoting the Saturday and Sunday editions of the podcast to some of our favorite episodes with Nan Calvert, who has co-hosted monthly environmental programs on the Morning Show for 18 years - but who has decided to hand over that responsibility to someone else. This is a conversation about one of the most amazing creatures on earth - the dragonfly - with Marla Garrison, one of the country's leading dragonfly experts.
2/17/24 Nan Calvert - Lichens
Nan Calvert has been contributing interesting environmentally-themed Morning Shows on a monthly basis for the past eighteen years. She recently stepped away from that responsibility. In gratitude for her great contribution to the show, we are replaying some favorite Nan Calvert shows from the past. This one is about Lichens with Kathleen Thompson.
2/16/24 "The Tigerbelles"
Aime Alley Card discusses her book "The Tigerbelles: Olympic Legends from Tennessee State." The book chronicles the spectacular women's track and field athletes from Tennessee State University .... including the legendary Wilma Rudolph .... who scored such a stunning success at the 1960 Olympic Games under the leadership of their coach, Ed Temple.
2/15/24 Dr. Art Cyr
Dr. Art Cyr, from the faculty at Carthage College, joins us for the first time in 2024. The topics we discuss include Secretary of State Blinken's recent visit to Africa, Sweden's long-sought entry into NATO, Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, and the most recent presidential election in Taiwan.
2/14/24 Rev. Darren Utley
Rev. Darren Utley is the pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Racine, which is about to celebrate its 185th anniversary. Its long history includes a commendable commitment to abolition; the church was actually part of the Underground Railroad. The celebration kicks off this coming Sunday, February 18th.
2/14/24 "Wherever You've Been"
We talk about the play "Wherever You've Been" with playwright (and Carthage alum) Caitlin Di Giacomo and stage director Adrianna Jones. The play concerns the disappearance of a homeless woman - and tackles such issues as how we view people contending with homelessness.
2/13/24 From Curiosity to Science (2019)
Five years ago this month (Feb. 2019) a fascinating exhibit opened at the Kenosha Public Museum titled "From Curiosity to Science." This interview was done shortly before the exhibit opened. The guests were Dan Joyce, who at the time was the museum's executive director, and Nancy Mathews, a longtime member of the museum staff who was largely responsible for the creation of this exhibit. Nancy was a frequent guest on the Morning Show over the years, and this interview is being replayed in her memory. (The exhibit was specifically mentioned in the interview that was broadcast today on the Morning Show, in which writer Ann Parson discusses her novel "The Birds of Dog."
NOTE: There was also a video Morning Show done in which I walked through the exhibit with Dan Joyce and Nancy Mathews. The video can be viewed via WGTD's Facebook page.
This is the link:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=search&v=2245400225678869
2/13/24 "The Birds of Dog"
Ann B. Parson, author of "The Birds of Dog: An Historical Novel Based on Mostly True Events." The book is set in early 19th century Boston and delves into the fascinating world of museums- which in that period were reinventing themselves and rethinking their mission and their relationship with the natural world.
NOTE: During the interview, you will hear me make mention of a fascinating exhibit at the Kenosha Public Museum called "From Curiosity to Science." This link will take you to a Morning Show video tour of that exhibit:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=search&v=2245400225678869