Bird on a Wire
Listen Live: SaturdaySunday 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Host: LuAnn Bird
"Bird on a Wire" is a captivating podcast series that delves into meaningful conversations centered around hope, civility, and action. Guided by the charismatic and dedicated host, LuAnn Bird, a remarkable individual hailing from Hales Corners, Wisconsin, whose husband's tragic paralyzing construction accident led to a lifetime of civic engagement. Her background includes being a former State Assembly candidate, a former school board member, and a former Executive Director for the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin. From her diverse experiences and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact, LuAnn engages guests and listeners alike in thought-provoking discussions that inspire and empower. Through the power of conversation, "Bird on a Wire" serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging individuals to engage actively in their communities and embrace the transformative potential of community action.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan, nonprofit, political organization founded in 1920, encourages informed and active participation in all levels of government. LuAnn joined 30 years ago to learn how to take action on a variety of issues like disability rights after her husband’s paralyzing construction accident. Recent efforts to disenfranchise voters by making it […]
LuAnn Bird sits down with Mandela Barnes, former Lt. Governor and resilient advocate and organizer. In a candid conversation, Barnes shares his journey from State Assembly to a close U.S. Senate campaign loss by 1%, highlighting the enduring power of community engagement. Explore the captivating dialogue between LuAnn Bird and Mandela Barnes, where they uncover […]
“It’s not okay to bully. It’s not okay to show disrespect. It’s not okay to have easy accessibility to drugs and guns, but it’s more than okay to be gay and be a valued member of the community.” Listen to Will Radler, a proud gay man and creator of Knockout Roses, share the story of his journey through prejudice, […]
Alan Borsuk, Senior Fellow in Law and Public Policy at Marquette University and longtime education columnist for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel talks about the status of education in Milwaukee. Are we closing the gaps in learning? According to Alan, “We can do better.”
The Parkland School Shooting catapulted Tyler Kelly, a student activist to get involved in advocating for common sense gun reforms that will save lives. This conversation highlights the absurdity of counting on lock-downs in our schools to save children’s and teachers’ lives instead of passing researched legislation that would reduce gun violence.
Lu Ann Bird is Nicole Otto. Nicole is a mental health counselor who works with children. In this episode, LuAnn and Nicole talked about some of the difficult realities young people face when it comes to challenges with mental health. There’s a great quote that they reference that’s actually come up more than once in […]
Lu Ann Bird is joined by The PerSisters. The Persisters is a group of women that got involved in political action following the 2016 election and the Women’s March. They started the PerSisters with a few women in Wauwatosa and the group has now grown to a community of hundreds. Now, they meet every Friday and […]
Dr. Wilkinson is a resident of the district where LuAnn ran for Assembly, and they met while LuAnn was campaigning and knocking on doors. Wilkinson is a doctor and a surgeon who has treated victims of gun violence, and that has inspired her to get involved in efforts to pass gun safety legislation.
Porterfield is the lead singer and songwriter of the acclaimed folk band Field Report. He helped create the “Bird Songs” concert series and he is now running for his local school board.
