The information crisis is here. CBS censored Colbert. Gen Z gets news from TikTok. Medical disinformation from RFK Jr. spreads faster than CDC facts.

This week I sat down with my producer and oldest son, Abraham Lyerly - a public school teacher - for a generational conversation about media literacy, trusted messengers, and navigating truth in 2026.

In This Episode:

We break down the legacy media collapse - why CBS, the Washington Post, and traditional journalism are losing credibility through political self-censorship. Abraham shares what his Gen Z peers and Gen Alpha students actually believe and where they're getting it (spoiler: not the evening news).

We go platform by platform through the social media landscape: TikTok's algorithm-driven truth problem, Instagram's authenticity shift, the Twitter/X exodus to Bluesky and Threads, Facebook's generational divide, YouTube's long-form comeback, and how Substack newsletters are replacing traditional journalism.

As an OB-GYN fighting medical disinformation daily, I explain how vaccine lies and reproductive health myths spread faster than evidence-based medicine can counter them - and what that means for public health in 2026.

Plus: exciting announcements about our upcoming documentary, partnerships with organizations like Christy Turlington Burns' “Every Mother Counts”, and what's on the horizon as Wisconsin’s election season heats up.

The information war isn't over - it's just moving to where the real fight is.

State courts are the last line of defense. And what's happening in Wisconsin is a blueprint for the rest of the country.

Between 2023 and 2025, Wisconsin made national headlines twice: first by flipping its Supreme Court to a liberal majority for the first time in 15 years, then by defending that majority against Elon Musk's $22 million spending spree. Both races shattered records. Both became tests of whether grassroots organizing could overcome dark money. Both succeeded.

Now comes the next chapter. Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Judge Chris Taylor is running to expand the court from a 4-3 to a 5-2 progressive majority, not just to maintain control, but to build something more durable. Something that can withstand the next decade of attacks on abortion rights, voting rights, worker protections, and democracy itself.

Judge Chris Taylor's story is one you need to hear. She spent years as the public policy director at Planned Parenthood Wisconsin, lobbying on what she calls "the hardest issues in politics": reproductive healthcare, sexual assault protections, domestic violence prevention. When Scott Walker's anti-union Act 10 passed and the political landscape shifted, she ran for State Assembly with a newborn and a four-year-old at home. She won. She served nine years fighting for working families and authored groundbreaking legislation protecting survivors of violence. Then Governor Tony Evers appointed her to the circuit court, she was elected to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, and now she's running for the state's highest court.

In our conversation, we dig into what it means to go from advocacy to lawmaking to the bench, and whether those experiences make you a better judge or compromise your impartiality. We talk about the cases coming before Wisconsin's Supreme Court that will shape the next decade: challenges to union-busting laws, redistricting fights that will determine fair representation through 2030, and the flood of Trump administration policies that are ending up in state courts across the country. We explore how state constitutions often provide stronger protections than federal law, and why that matters more than ever right now. We also talk about the human side of running for a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat where judicial independence is sacred, but voters deserve to understand your values. 

This episode isn't just about the Wisconsin Supreme Court 2026 election. It's about the role state courts are playing as a check on federal power. It's about what it takes to win these fights in an era of unlimited spending and nationalized judicial elections. It's about the pipeline from advocacy to power, and whether people who've spent their lives fighting for justice can also be impartial arbiters of the law.

If you care about reproductive rights, if you're watching Trump-era policies roll out and wondering where the resistance will come from, if you believe courts should protect people's fundamental freedoms rather than serve partisan agendas—this conversation is for you.

When they want silence, she brings laughter.

This week on The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show, I'm joined by Lizz Winstead - comedian, activist, co-creator of The Daily Show, co-founder of Air America Radio, and founder of Abortion Access Front. Lizz has spent decades weaponizing humor against oppression, and in this conversation, we dig into how comedy becomes resistance.

We talk about:

• The power of political comedy - from creating The Daily Show to building progressive media infrastructure with Air America
• ICE raids in Minneapolis - what's happening on the ground in immigrant communities and how fear tactics are being deployed
• Abortion Access Front - Lizz's groundbreaking work using comedy to destigmatize abortion and support clinics across the country
• Why humor works - how laughter breaks down shame, cuts through propaganda, and opens conversations that couldn't happen otherwise
• Feminist Buzzkill - Lizz's podcast tackling patriarchal nonsense head-on

This is a fearless conversation about what it takes to keep fighting when the stakes couldn't be higher. Because when they want us ashamed and silent, the most radical thing we can do is laugh out loud and tell the truth.

Subscribe to Feminist Buzzkill wherever you get your podcasts. Support Abortion Access Front at AbortionAccessFront.org.

Amanda Zurawski, reproductive rights advocate and one of Time Magazine’s Women of the Year, joins Dr. Kristin Lyerly to share the devastating reality of pregnancy complications under Texas's abortion ban and how she has used her own life-threatening experience to fight back. 

At 18 weeks pregnant with a wanted baby, Amanda’s water broke and she was denied standard medical care until she developed a life-threatening infection - because Texas politicians decided they knew better than her and her doctors.

In this powerful interview, Amanda discusses:

• Her near-death experience under Texas's abortion ban and the medical nightmare of "waiting to get sick enough"
• How she turned personal tragedy into national advocacy, including her testimony before the Senate Judiciary and appearance at the 2024 Democratic National Convention
• The landmark Zurawski v. Texas lawsuit and the documentary that followed
• Her role in the 2024 election and why reproductive freedom will be a critical issue in the 2026 midterms
• Advice for survivors and advocates in Texas, Georgia, Wisconsin and other states with abortion bans

Dr. Lyerly, a board-certified OB-GYN who successfully challenged Wisconsin's 1849 criminal abortion ban, brings her medical expertise to explain why abortion restrictions are dangerous medical policy - and why this issue isn't going away despite the Trump administration's shock-and-awe political environment.

As we approach the 2026 midterms, Amanda's story is a crucial reminder of what's at stake when politicians practice medicine. This is required listening for anyone who cares about reproductive healthcare, maternal mortality, pregnancy complications, and holding lawmakers accountable for the human cost of abortion bans.

Mandela Barnes was Wisconsin's first Black Lieutenant Governor. In 2022, he ran a nationally watched Senate race against Ron Johnson and lost by just 27,000 votes. Now he's running for Governor, and Wisconsin voters have questions.

In this episode, I sit down with Barnes for a no-BS conversation about what happened in 2022, what he learned from losing, and why he thinks he can win this time. We tackle the controversies head-on: the crime attacks, accusations about "defunding the police," and how he plans to message differently in a Governor's race.

As an OB-GYN who's fought for reproductive rights in Wisconsin, I push Barnes on healthcare access, reproductive freedom, and whether he'll actually fight for patients. We also discuss his vision for education, working families, and climate change.

This isn't a puff piece. I ask the tough questions because Wisconsin can't afford to get this Governor's race wrong. Barnes shares his working-class Milwaukee roots, reflects on his time as Lieutenant Governor, and lays out what's at stake in this election.

Listen to the full interview and decide for yourself whether Mandela Barnes is the right choice for Wisconsin.

Listen to other episodes from this series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum.

In this episode, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Missy Hughes, the former CEO of Wisconsin's Economic Development Corporation and longtime Organic Valley executive who's running on a platform of economic opportunity for all 72 counties. Listen HERE.

Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez joins Dr. Lyerly to discuss her campaign to become Wisconsin's first female governor. Listen HERE

State Representative Francesca Hong isn't your typical gubernatorial candidate - and she'll be the first to tell you that. Listen HERE

Wisconsin State Senator Kelda Roys is running to be the state's next governor, leveraging years of legislative experience and proven bipartisan wins to make her case to Wisconsin voters. Listen HERE

How do you turn political fear into sustained action? Jess Craven has been answering that question for her massive Substack community every weekday since November 2016.

In this episode of The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show, Dr. Lyerly welcomes the face of “Chop Wood, Carry Water”, Jess Craven: political activist, content creator, and widely-followed organizer.

The daughter of legendary horror director Wes Craven (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream), Jess has unironically applied lessons about confronting fear to building one of the most engaged grassroots organizing communities in America…and she’s just hitting her stride! (Image copyright Wireimage)

Topics include: 

• How to get involved in political activism (even if you're new)
• The evolution of digital organizing and new media
• Concrete actions for protecting democracy
• Parenting a queer teenager while fighting political battles 
• Avoiding activist burnout and finding joy in resistance
• The "Chop Wood, Carry Water" daily practice philosophy 
• Where to find real hope in 2026

Whether you're a longtime activist or someone who's never made a political phone call, this conversation offers practical tools, inspiring stories, and a roadmap for turning anxiety into impact.

Nikki's new book We Deserve More: Why Reproductive Healthcare is Broken—And What You Can Do About It exposes the gap between what clinicians know, what lawmakers think they know when they write abortion bans, and the flood of misinformation patients face online.

In this conversation, Kristin and Nikki dig into:

• Why advocacy and clinical practice became incompatible
• How abortion bans expose lawmakers' dangerous ignorance about real women’s health
• The dark history of medicine
• How OB/GYN training is still crisis-driven—leaving gaps in menopause care, sexual health, and chronic conditions
• Practical tools patients can use TODAY to advocate for themselves in a broken system

This is medicine, unfiltered. 

While the Trump-Vance administration has attempted to freeze funding, strip healthcare coverage from millions, and attack reproductive rights, one organization has been fighting back in court - and winning.

Democracy Forward didn't wait for Inauguration Day to prepare. Anticipating the threats of Project 2025, they built a strategic network of over 650 diverse partner organizations, positioning legal expertise exactly where it would be most effective: in the courts. The result? The moment Trump took office, they were ready, and they've been winning ever since.

This week, Dr. Lyerly sits down with Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward and one of “TIME100’s Most Influential People in the World” to discuss the hundreds of legal victories they've secured since January 20th. From protecting immigrant communities to shielding medication abortion from legal attacks, Democracy Forward is serving as a critical check on executive overreach.

If you're tired of feeling helpless, this conversation will remind you that resistance isn't futile - it's winning.

Last week, everything changed in an instant. A serious car accident turned this doctor into a patient, and the strangers who became heroes - the volunteers and healthcare workers who rushed to help - reminded me exactly why we do this show. Community isn't just a buzzword. It’s how we take care of each other. It's our foundation. It's what builds our democracy.

And what a year of community building it has been! In 2025, I sat down with some of the most interesting and engaging voices in Wisconsin and beyond - people who step up and speak out in the places where they are needed the most. These aren't just interviews, these are the conversations that shaped the year.

From the fight for healthcare to the future of Wisconsin, from tariffs to protecting our voting rights, we've covered it all. Join us as we relive the moments that hit hardest, celebrate the wins, and get fired up for what's coming next…because we’re just getting started!

Guests:

• Tom Nelson
• John Brogan
• Sachin Shivaram
• Kurt Voss
• Francesca Hong
• Kelda Roys
• Sara Rodriguez
• Missy Hughes
• Kristin Brey
• Pat Kreitlow
• Kate Duffy
• Laura Hanks 
• Skye Perryman

Credits:

• Producer: Abraham Lyerly
• Music: Nic Tierman & Abraham Lyerly

Wisconsin's 2026 gubernatorial race is wide open - and the stakes couldn't be higher. With no incumbent for the first time since 2010, a large and diverse field of Democrats are vying for the nomination in what will be one of the most watched races in the country.

In this episode, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Missy Hughes, the former CEO of Wisconsin's Economic Development Corporation and longtime Organic Valley executive who's running on a platform of economic opportunity for all 72 counties.

Hughes isn't your typical candidate. She lives in western Wisconsin on a farm outside of Viroqua with 70 sheep, two donkeys, and a passion for growing dahlias. She's run eight marathons. She's a lawyer who spent 17 years in the dairy industry before leading the state agency that brought Microsoft, Eli Lilly, Milwaukee Tool, and Kikkoman to Wisconsin - securing over $10 billion in investment and 45,000 jobs.

Her pitch?

I'm not a politician, and that's the point.

We talk about her unlikely path from growing up in New York to rural Wisconsin, what a "Main Street Economy" actually means in practice, how she plans to bridge urban and rural divides, and what sets her apart.

This is the fourth in our series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum.

Listen to other episodes from this series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum.

Wisconsin State Senator Kelda Roys is running to be the state's next governor, leveraging years of legislative experience and proven bipartisan wins to make her case to Wisconsin voters. Listen HERE

Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez joins Dr. Lyerly to discuss her campaign to become Wisconsin's first female governor. Listen HERE

Mandela Barnes was Wisconsin's first Black Lieutenant Governor. In 2022, he ran a nationally watched Senate race against Ron Johnson and lost by just 27,000 votes. Now he's running for Governor, and Wisconsin voters have questions. Listen HERE

State Representative Francesca Hong isn't your typical gubernatorial candidate - and she'll be the first to tell you that. Listen HERE

This week on The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show, Dr. Lyerly sits down with Kate Duffy, founder of Motherhood for Good, a movement mobilizing moms across Wisconsin and beyond into a powerful political force.

From the origin story of turning social media frustration into grassroots action, to her new venture with Kristin Brey, Kate shares how mothers are reclaiming the political narrative and building real power.

In this candid, entertaining conversation, Kate and Dr. Lyerly discuss what makes moms unique, which issues are driving mothers to the polls, and why politicians should be paying attention. They explore the intersection of motherhood and activism, the future of mother-led organizing, and what it takes to sustain a movement while still packing school lunches.

If you've ever wondered whether mom rage can be a political strategy - or if you're ready to channel yours - this episode is for you.

Gerrymandering isn't just a political buzzword—it's the practice of manipulating voting district boundaries to predetermine election outcomes, and it's happening in states across America right now to stack the deck in favor of the people in power.

In this episode, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Mark Gaber, Senior Director of Redistricting at the Campaign Legal Center, to break down the current battles over fair maps.

From landmark cases in Texas and California to emerging fights in Indiana and Illinois, Mark walks us through how partisan gerrymandering undermines democracy, what's being done to stop it, and where fair maps have won in the past (hint: Michigan and Wisconsin, at least for now).

You'll learn:

• How gerrymandering actually works and why both parties do it
• The legal strategies being used to challenge unfair maps in court
• What role technology and AI might play in creating neutral districts
• Why the Midwest is becoming the next major battleground for redistricting
• What everyday citizens can do to demand fair representation

Whether you're new to redistricting or following these cases closely, this conversation offers critical insight into one of the most consequential—and least understood—threats to American democracy.

Credits:

Producer: Abraham Lyerly

Music: Nic Tierman & Abraham Lyerly

In this special episode, Kristin interviews her friend Pat Kreitlow—former Wisconsin State Senator, veteran broadcaster, and one of the last voices keeping local journalism alive in Wisconsin. They dive into his unlikely journey from anchorman to the Senate floor to the radio studio, what's really happening in Wisconsin politics that no one's paying attention to, and whether local media can actually survive in the age of TikTok and cable news rage-bait.

But this isn't your typical serious policy interview. Kristin also grills Pat on the important questions: Does he practice his radio voice in the mirror? Is he actually that cheerful at 6 AM? And what's the most ridiculous thing that's happened while he was broadcasting live?

If you've ever wondered what happens when two Wisconsin media personalities who actually like each other sit down for a real conversation—part serious, part silly, all honest—this is it!

Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez joins Dr. Lyerly to discuss her campaign to become Wisconsin's first female governor.

Photo credit: Nick Garcia

From their shared experience as healthcare professionals entering politics during the pandemic to the fight for Medicaid expansion and reproductive rights, this conversation explores what it takes to lead boldly in uncertain times. Sara shares her vision for Wisconsin's future and why healthcare expertise matters in the governor's office.

This is the third in our series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum.

Listen to other episodes from this series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum.

State Representative Francesca Hong isn't your typical gubernatorial candidate - and she'll be the first to tell you that. Listen HERE

Mandela Barnes was Wisconsin's first Black Lieutenant Governor. In 2022, he ran a nationally watched Senate race against Ron Johnson and lost by just 27,000 votes. Now he's running for Governor, and Wisconsin voters have questions. Listen HERE

Wisconsin State Senator Kelda Roys is running to be the state's next governor, leveraging years of legislative experience and proven bipartisan wins to make her case to Wisconsin voters. Listen HERE

In this episode, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Missy Hughes, the former CEO of Wisconsin's Economic Development Corporation and longtime Organic Valley executive who's running on a platform of economic opportunity for all 72 counties. Listen HERE.

Fellow radio host and Wisconsin mom Kristin Brey joins the show for a conversation that covers everything from bridging divides to government shutdowns and doesn’t shy away from the big questions: Has the Democratic Party lost touch with the people? Did liberal feminism actually ruin the workplace? Kristin brings honesty, humor, and the perspective of someone living it all in real time. This one is equal parts fun and real talk—don't miss it.

Dennis McBride won his hometown mayoral race in April 2020 with nearly 60% of the vote. One month later, his world - and America's - exploded.

Over the next twelve months, the new mayor of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin navigated a pandemic, 98 days and nights of racial justice protests, a mass shooting at the local mall, and a high-stakes presidential election. For 40 nights, he and his wife barricaded themselves in their home while protesters chanted outside, flashed lasers through their windows, and threw trash on their lawn. He told his adult children there was a real possibility someone might take his life.

Five years later, Mayor McBride has written "A City on the Edge: Pandemic, Protest, and Polarization," a gripping firsthand account of leadership during America's most turbulent year in generations. He argues that Wauwatosa was "a microcosm of everything that was going on in America" and that we still haven't escaped the forces unleashed in 2020.

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Mayor McBride to explore the impossible decisions leaders faced, the personal toll of public service, and whether there's a path forward for a deeply divided nation. As McBride says: "We only come out of things if we work hard to make good things happen, and we have to do that by reaching across the aisle to people that we don't normally agree with."

This is a story about courage, resilience, and what it takes to lead when everything is falling apart.

Follow Mayor Dennis McBride on Facebook @dennis.mcbride.737

Listen at CivicMedia.us or wherever you get your podcasts

Find “A City on the Edge: Pandemic, Protest, and Polarization” at Amazon, IU Press, and more

State Representative Francesca Hong isn't your typical gubernatorial candidate - and she'll be the first to tell you that.

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with the first Asian American member of the Wisconsin Legislature, who's now running to become the state's next governor. Hong brings a perspective rarely seen in executive politics: she's a chef, a bartender, a single mother navigating affordable housing challenges, and a Democratic Socialist who's promising to be the "wild card" in Wisconsin's 2026 race.

From the dish pit to the State Capitol to the campaign trail, Hong shares her journey and her vision for a Wisconsin that centers working-class families. She discusses her progressive platform - including universal childcare, paid family leave, and affordable housing - and explains why she believes Wisconsin needs a movement, not just another establishment candidate.

Dr. Lyerly and Rep. Hong tackle the tough questions: How does Hong plan to win without corporate PAC money? What does democratic socialism mean to Wisconsin voters? How would she work with a potentially Republican-controlled legislature? And what does it mean to be a politician who still picks up bar shifts and knows what it's like to struggle with rent?

Whether you're a progressive looking for bold leadership or a skeptic wondering if Wisconsin is ready for such a departure from traditional politics, this conversation offers an unfiltered look at one of the most unconventional candidates in Wisconsin's political landscape.

This is the second in our series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum.

Listen to other episodes from this series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum.

Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez joins Dr. Lyerly to discuss her campaign to become Wisconsin's first female governor. Listen HERE

Wisconsin State Senator Kelda Roys is running to be the state's next governor, leveraging years of legislative experience and proven bipartisan wins to make her case to Wisconsin voters. Listen HERE

In this episode, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Missy Hughes, the former CEO of Wisconsin's Economic Development Corporation and longtime Organic Valley executive who's running on a platform of economic opportunity for all 72 counties. Listen HERE.

Mandela Barnes was Wisconsin's first Black Lieutenant Governor. In 2022, he ran a nationally watched Senate race against Ron Johnson and lost by just 27,000 votes. Now he's running for Governor, and Wisconsin voters have questions. Listen HERE

This episode is for every woman who has felt dismissed.

Women have been told to suffer through menopause in silence for far too long. But physicians like Dr. Anita Bublik-Anderson are saying enough is enough.

This week, I sit down with Dr. Bublik-Anderson, a colleague, breast cancer survivor, and the force behind a new groundbreaking menopause and sexual health clinic opening in Wausau. She’s filling a critical gap in care that has left countless women struggling without answers, without support, and without hope.

The statistics are staggering: only 31% of OB/GYN residency programs include menopause curriculum. Just 2,500 specialists serve 1.3 million women entering menopause each year. One in three women are misdiagnosed, and 60% find their doctor’s advice unhelpful. This isn’t just a care gap—it’s a crisis.

We talk about why this is happening. How medical education has failed women. How the politicization of medicine has created barriers to evidence-based care. How ageism and sexism intersect to dismiss women’s health concerns as they age. And how the shame and stigma around menopause have kept women suffering in silence when they should be getting comprehensive medical attention.

But this conversation is also about hope and action. From Capitol Hill to Hollywood, advocates are rising up. Halle Berry—who was misdiagnosed with herpes when she was actually experiencing perimenopause—has become a powerful voice for change. Physicians like Dr. Bublik-Anderson and me are opening clinics, educating patients, and demanding that our medical system do better. And legislators including Rep. Robyn Vining and Sen. Dianne Hesselbein right here in Wisconsin have introduced a bill to ensure that women have the information they need to live their best lives. 

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Bublik-Anderson also shares her personal journey as a breast cancer survivor and addresses the unique challenges cancer survivors face navigating menopause—from treatment-induced symptoms to the complexity of hormone therapy decisions.

This episode is for every woman who has felt dismissed, every patient who couldn’t get answers, every person who believes that half the population deserves better than a medical system that has historically ignored and underfunded their care. It’s time to break the silence. It’s time to demand better. It’s time to reclaim women’s health.

The Milwaukee Brewers are in the NLCS—and we're talking to the man who was there from the very beginning.

On this special episode, recorded on the day of Game 1 of the National League Championship Series, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Dr. Pat McBride, former Dean of Students at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and author of The Luckiest Boy in the World. But before his distinguished career in medicine and education, Pat had another distinction: he was the Milwaukee Brewers' very first bat boy.

Pat takes us back to the early days of the Brewers in Milwaukee, sharing stories from inside the clubhouse and the dugout—including unforgettable tales about the legendary Bob Uecker. We explore how those formative experiences shaped his life, why he considers himself "the luckiest boy in the world," and what professional baseball taught him about leadership, resilience, and community.

With the Brewers breaking a six-year postseason series drought and facing the Dodgers in a rematch of the heartbreaking 2018 NLCS, this conversation couldn't be more timely. Pat offers unique perspective on what this team means to Wisconsin, why Saturday's victory over the Cubs felt so significant, and what's at stake as the entire state watches with hope.

Whether you're a lifelong Brewers fan, a student of Wisconsin sports history, or simply love a great story about how childhood dreams shape our lives, this episode delivers.

Go Crew!

Wisconsin State Senator Kelda Roys is running to be the state's next governor, leveraging years of legislative experience and proven bipartisan wins to make her case to Wisconsin voters.

From growing up in a converted one-room schoolhouse in rural Taylor County to leading fights for reproductive rights and workers' freedoms in the state legislature, Roys brings more than two decades of progressive advocacy to this race.

As a mom and stepmom of five, small business owner, attorney, and longtime champion for women's health, Roys has built a reputation for seeing political threats before they materialize and building coalitions to fight back. She was in the streets protesting Scott Walker's Act 10 in 2011, helped pass Wisconsin's first pro-choice legislation in 30 years, and now co-chairs the Legislature's Reproductive Freedom Caucus.

In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss how she thinks about leadership and compromise in a purple state, her vision for education and healthcare, what drives her advocacy work, and how she manages the chaos of running a small business and raising five kids while serving in the state Senate.

This is the first in our series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum.

Listen to other episodes from this series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum.

Mandela Barnes was Wisconsin's first Black Lieutenant Governor. In 2022, he ran a nationally watched Senate race against Ron Johnson and lost by just 27,000 votes. Now he's running for Governor, and Wisconsin voters have questions. Listen HERE

In this episode, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Missy Hughes, the former CEO of Wisconsin's Economic Development Corporation and longtime Organic Valley executive who's running on a platform of economic opportunity for all 72 counties. Listen HERE.

State Representative Francesca Hong isn't your typical gubernatorial candidate - and she'll be the first to tell you that. Listen HERE

Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez joins Dr. Lyerly to discuss her campaign to become Wisconsin's first female governor. Listen HERE

Join Dr. Kristin Lyerly and her colleague Dr. Laura Hanks—aka "Dr. Hanks at Your Cervix"—for candid, lively discussions about reproductive health that you won't hear anywhere else.

With the unique humor and insight that only two seasoned OB/GYNs can bring, Drs. Lyerly and Hanks tackle the topics that matter most—from navigating Wisconsin's ever-changing abortion landscape to answering the questions you've been too afraid to ask your own doctor. Is Tylenol really safe during pregnancy? Is birth control safe? Should I exercise during pregnancy? They're breaking it all down with evidence-based answers, real talk, and plenty of laughs.

Whether you're curious about your own health, passionate about reproductive justice, or just love a good doctor-to-doctor debate, this podcast delivers medical expertise without the jargon and important conversations without the stuffiness.

In this raw and honest conversation, they share their story of that horrific morning - the chaos, the fear, and the immediate aftermath that no parent should ever have to endure.

But this episode is about more than just surviving tragedy. These parents open up and share how their experience has transformed them, turning their grief and trauma into a driving force for change. They discuss the difficult journey of processing what happened, supporting their young child through the trauma, and finding their voice in the fight for school safety and gun violence prevention.

Their message is clear and urgent: thoughts and prayers are not enough.

This is a story about ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances, choosing to channel their pain into purpose. It's about refusing to accept that such violence is inevitable, and demanding that we all "do something" to protect our children and communities.

This week on “The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show”, I’m hanging out with Wisconsin State Representative Amaad Rivera-Wagner for a fun chat about everything from Trump's budget shenanigans to Green Bay's awesome music scene. How do federal decisions actually affect your everyday life? What's cooking in Madison? And why is our local arts community so darn cool? Rivera-Wagner breaks it all down with the perfect mix of policy smarts and genuine love for Green Bay culture.

Plus, we're featuring local bands 7000apart and Pegasis, because who doesn't love discovering amazing local talent? Whether you're a political junkie, a music lover, or just here for good conversation, this episode's got you covered. Let's dive in!

In this conversation, Emily and Sarah share their journey from concerned citizens to skilled community builders, revealing how they and their neighbors have created space for others to find their own path into civic engagement. Rather than following traditional activist playbooks, they've crafted something uniquely their own—blending community building with advocacy in ways that reflect the character of their little corner, peninsula really, of Wisconsin.

Featured Guests

Emily Kraynak -

Co-founder of Northern Door Activism

Sarah White -

Co-founder of Northern Door Activism

Key Topics Discussed

• How the Dobbs decision catalyzed the formation of Northern Door Activism
• Balancing community building with political advocacy
• Creative approaches to grassroots organizing in small-town Wisconsin
• Making civic engagement accessible to busy families and working professionals
• Growing from a small group of concerned citizens to a thriving community organization
• Unique events and initiatives that reflect their local community
• Lessons learned from building something from scratch

Featured Music by:

Dorothy Scott & the Peacekeepers highlight the best of Pop, Folk, and Blues.

About Northern Door Activism

Northern Door Activism is a grassroots community organization based in Wisconsin that emerged in response to the 2022 Dobbs decision. The group focuses on blending traditional activism with community building events, creating accessible pathways for civic engagement while fostering meaningful connections among community members.

Connect

To learn more about Northern Door Activism or get involved in their initiatives, visit them on IG @northerndooractivism or www.northerndooractivism.com

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share with others who might be interested in grassroots organizing and community building.

On one side: executives who see tariffs as the lifeline American manufacturing desperately needs. On the other: business leaders watching their costs skyrocket and markets disappear. And let’s not forget the result? A heated debate that reveals just how deeply these policies are dividing Wisconsin's business community.

These aren't abstract policy discussions—they're battles over real jobs, real profits, and the real future of Northeast Wisconsin's economy.

Guests

Sachin Shivaram, CEO -

Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry

Kurt Voss, CEO and Owner -

AmeriLux Family of Companies

John Brogan, CEO -

The Bank of Kaukauna

Featured Music by

Dr. Kristin Lyerly brings Northeast Wisconsin the conversations that matter most—from the kitchen table to the boardroom. Each week, she tackles the issues shaping our communities with the insight, compassion, and tough questions you expect.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or listen live on the Civic Media app!

Our Guests

Wendy Betley - Senior Director of Programs, Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin Chapter:

Wendy discusses the latest advances in Alzheimer's research, treatment options, and the often-overlooked resources available to Wisconsin families.

Dr. Dave Ferguson - Owner, DJ Ferguson & Associates Life Care Planning: Dr. Ferguson provides essential guidance on legal and financial planning, helping families prepare for the road ahead while maintaining dignity and hope.

What You'll Learn

• Current breakthroughs in Alzheimer's research and treatment
• Free resources available through the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Association
• When and how to start life care planning conversations
• Ways to support loved ones and community members affected by Alzheimer's
• How to get involved in Green Bay's Walk to End Alzheimer's on September 27th

Key Takeaways

Whether you're personally affected by Alzheimer's, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand this disease that touches so many lives, this conversation offers practical tools and genuine hope. Our guests emphasize that while Alzheimer's presents challenges, families don't have to face them alone.

Get Involved

Green Bay Walk to End Alzheimer's - City Deck Date: September 27, 2025 Learn more and register at www.alz.org

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What happens when a Gen X mom sits down with three Gen Z men to debate the most explosive political issues tearing America apart? You get raw, unfiltered discussion about Trump, socialism, identity politics, and whether this country is worth saving or needs to be burned down and rebuilt.

Dr. Lyerly brings the perspective of someone who remembers when politics was predictable and boring - back when politicians at least pretended to work together. Abe, Alan, and Landiran represent a generation that's never known political "normal" and isn't interested in playing by the old rules.

This isn't your sanitized NPR interview or your rage-bait cable news segment. It's an honest conversation between people who fundamentally disagree about America's past, present, and future. Expect heated debates about:

• Whether Trump is a legitimate leader or an existential threat
• If "woke" politics have gone too far or not far enough
• Should police be defunded or reformed?
• Is capitalism fundamentally broken?
• Are older generations too racist to understand modern values?
• Would packing the Supreme Court save or destroy democracy?

Sometimes they find surprising common ground. Sometimes they expose divides so deep you'll wonder how people this different can coexist in the same democracy. But they always tell you exactly what they think - no corporate PR speak, no political consultant talking points.

Content Warning: This episode discusses adult themes and controversial political topics without pulling punches. If you're looking for comfort food politics that confirms what you already believe, this isn't for you.

Join the most uncomfortable political conversation in America. Because the issues dividing us aren't going away just because we're too polite to talk about them.

Musical feature for this week's episode is Horace Greene.

In his new book "Wrecked: The Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy," Nelson connects the 1975 shipwreck to the decline of American manufacturing, arguing that corporate cost-cutting and poor oversight didn't just sink a ship—they helped sink an entire industrial economy. It's a bold thesis from someone who's spent his career fighting to save manufacturing jobs right here in Northeast Wisconsin.

Nelson isn't just writing about these issues from the sidelines. Years of peer-reviewed research, including interviews with never-before heard from family members, impart on the reader a deeply personal and unique perspective on the disaster that continues to captivate generations of Americans.

Enjoy three variations of The Wreck of Edmund Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot, Headstones and The Longest Johns.

The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 & 96.5 WISS. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows.

**From Personal Struggle to Community Action**

Selena opens up about her experience with food insecurity and how economic downturns and industry changes led her to rely on social services programs. She discusses how these experiences shaped her understanding that access to nutritious food affects not just hunger, but overall wellbeing, energy, and mood.

**The Mission of Rooted In Inc.**

The nonprofit focuses on addressing gaps in the area’s food system and supporting a sustainable local food system. Their mission is to build a “community table” where all people are nourished and uplifted by bringing people together and improving access to fresh and nutritious foods as a tool for transforming health and wellbeing.

**Building Community Partnerships**

Selena emphasizes how establishing partnerships with other community organizations was crucial, including collaborations with Leadership Green Bay for community orchard projects. She discusses the importance of identifying and leveraging diverse skill sets within her teams, from gardening and arborist experience to nonprofit expertise and small business acumen

On Stage 4 Cancer Benefit:

• Date: Thursday, July 31st
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Location: Riverside Ballroom

If you'd like to support Dennis or learn more about On Stage 4 Cancer, visit onstage4cancer.org

When people think of Green Bay, they probably think about football or cheese or wearing cheese on your head to a football game, but community health and well-being are a priority for the people in this region, which is consistently named one of the best places in the U.S. to live and retire. In fact, Green Bay was recently chosen as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize Winner, an award that "celebrates communities that have made incredible strides toward building safe and supportive places where everyone has the opportunity to thrive." 

How? Long-term community building involving people, organizations, farmers, leaders and many others...and a beautiful little nonprofit called Wello is at the center of it. Wello's purpose is to "co-create community conditions that are fair and just to drive high levels of health and well-being for all", something they do by building trust and forming partnerships across the region - and it doesn't stop there. Since 2019, Wello has surveyed the population of the region to assess community health and well-being, seeking to better understand the people who live here and looking for opportunities to grow and prosper. 

In this episode of "The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show", we meet the engine behind Wello, Executive Director Natalie Bomstad and, along with Charm Der, Vice President of Human Resources at Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin, we discuss the positive impact of Wello and her sister organizations and explore ways that citizens can engage in community health and well-being on their own level (hint, it starts with taking the survey at wello.org!)

Our featured musical artist this week is my friend, Arum Rae. Check out her new album, Tennessee, available now at arumrae.com and wherever you stream your music.

Plus, we’ll hear stories of individuals whose lives have been changed—like a participant in the outreach program who recently earned his license, obtained essential IDs, and moved into stable housing, thanks to coordinated support.

This week's featured musician is Boris The Sprinkler.

Why this episode matters

• We peel back the headlines to reveal the human stories behind outreach—dedicated social workers, nonprofits, and former unhoused people crafting real solutions together.
• You’ll gain insider knowledge on strategies ranging from preventive family support to on‑the‑ground park outreach and cross-sector coordination.
• Expect practical insights and inspiring testimonies about dignity, resilience, and the power of community action.

Tune in to hear how the City of Green Bay is working—from targeted early interventions and outreach in public spaces to building a cohesive regional blueprint—to make homelessness rare, brief, and non‑recurring in our communities.

Feel inspired to pitch in? Here are places where YOU can make a difference:

House of Hope https://www.houseofhopegb.org

We All Rise https://www.weallriseaarc.org

Salvation Army https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/greenbay

The Gathering Place https://www.thegatheringplaceinc.org 

Wise Women Gathering Place https://www.wisewomengp.org

Manna for Life https://mannaforlifegb.org

St. Vincent de Paul https://www.svdpgb.org 

St. John’s Ministry https://stjohnsgreenbay.org 

Golden House https://www.goldenhousegb.orgFreedom House https://www.freedomhousegb.org

The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 & 96.5 WISS. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows.

This week, we’re diving into some of the most important questions about the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision on the 1849 abortion ban, rural healthcare, cheese curds, and more. And if your topic wasn’t covered, you’re always welcome to “ask me anything”!

This week I'm featuring music from the sister group Reyna.

The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 & 96.5 WISS. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows.

The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 & 96.5 WISS. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows.

Traveling Suitcase out of Oshkosh provides our soundtrack.

The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 & 96.5 WISS. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows.

From his hilarious beginnings in comedy to his role as the host of “Nite Lite”, Pete’s career is a testament to talent, hard work, and the beauty of community. Want to see for yourself? Check out “The Godfather of Green Bay,” a movie that has all the ingredients of a beloved hometown cult classic. Dust off your Macarena moves and get ready for Marinette’s own, Pete Schwaba!

We’re also featuring music by the artists who took home the 2025 WAMI for pop album of the year: “7000apart”. A duo comprised of Green Bay Preble High School alumni, former Swedish exchange student Amelie Eiding and hometowner Jonathan Kresin, the music of 7000apart entertains, uplifts, and helps to destigmatize mental health struggles that many of us are experiencing. They’re touring all over Northeast Wisconsin this summer - be sure to check them out!

The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 & 96.5 WISS. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows.

Dana Johnson, President and Lead Organizer with Fox Valley Pride, and the Executive Director of Rainbow Alliance Advocacy, Mel Davis join me this week to talk about the history of Pride and the LGBTQ+ community in our region, teach us how to be better allies, and preview opportunities to celebrate all across the region. 

Music by Betsy Ade and the Well-Known Strangers

The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 & 96.5 WISS. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows.

Medicaid cuts appear imminent, and some of our most vulnerable friends and neighbors will be impacted. This week, Medicaid advocates Lynn Meshke and Mimi Gerner join me to define Medicaid, debunk some of the controversial messages floating around, and describe how these cuts will harm their families. 

The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 & 96.5 WISS. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows.

I sat down with Sheboygan Mayor Ryan Sorenson, Alder Mike Close, School Board member Leah Hibl, and childcare provider Angel Berry to discuss the current state of childcare in Sheboygan, the looming crisis when funds dry up, and the anticipated social and economic impact spawned by the loss of childcare in their traditional and family-friendly community. 

The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 & 96.5 WISS. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows.

The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 & 96.5 WISS. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows.

The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 & 96.5 WISS. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows.

The Doctor Kristin Lyerly Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 & 96.5 WISS. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows.

The Doctor Kristin Lyerly Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 & 96.5 WISS. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows.

The Doctor Kristin Lyerly Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 & 96.5 WISS. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows.