The Defender Podcast

Communities across Wisconsin are starting to push back when energy utilities come to town with big plans for big gas plants. But how do you turn opposition into victory? In this episode, Amy talks with the mayor of Superior about the city’s long journey to defeat the Nemadji Trail Energy Center—the ugly gas plant with […]

Mon Feb 16, 2026

27:14

There is a lot of new excitement around nuclear energy these days, and no coincidence, it comes as we face staggering energy demands from AI data centers. Now, the Trump Administration is relaxing environmental and safety regulations for new nuclear reactors. In this episode, a look at what would happen to our environment – and […]

Mon Feb 9, 2026

25:57

In the race to transition to clean, safe energy, there are lessons to be learned just about everywhere, including in Texas. In this episode, what January’s major winter storm is teaching us about our power grid—and the painful lesson we are all going to learn this month about natural gas. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Ciaran […]

Mon Feb 2, 2026

37:19

On this episode, some real hope that a bipartisan solution for state PFAS funding is at hand — and the industry that is coming in at the last minute to try to kill it. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Erik Kanter, Government Relations Director, Clean Wisconsin Resources for You: Clean Wisconsin Action Network

Mon Jan 26, 2026

24:59

In this episode, how new action from the EPA is undermining one of the most successful environmental laws in US history. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Resources for You: Join Clean Wisconsin’s Action Network Pollution and Our Health: The Environmental Health Initiative

Tue Jan 20, 2026

30:52

In this episode, how a small Wisconsin community stood up to one of the most powerful companies in the world… and won. And what we can all learn from their fight. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Prescott Balch, Village of Caledonia resident Resources for You: Stop Unchecked Data Center Development (petition) AI Data Center Energy Demand […]

Mon Jan 12, 2026

35:54

On this episode a look what could be sprayed on food and farm fields all around us – plus a bit of Wisconsin history that offers some hope as we confront a new batch of toxic chemicals. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Sara Walling, Clean Wisconsin Water & Agency Program Director Resources for You: Under the […]

Mon Dec 15, 2025

23:10

Meet the Wisconsin native who is foraging 100% of his food. What was the last thing you foraged? Maybe some ramps, or morels? But what about your salt, oil, even toothpaste? On this episode, meet the Wisconsin native who is setting out to prove that he can not only survive for an entire year eating […]

Mon Dec 8, 2025

48:46

Don’t look at the gas plant behind the curtain! If you feel like tech companies and energy utilities are gaslighting you with their assurances that AI data centers won’t hurt our environment, you’re probably right. In this episode, how AI is causing a fossil fuel boom in Wisconsin and the lawsuit just filed to try […]

Mon Nov 24, 2025

31:38

You may have heard, Wisconsin needs more power and we need it fast. In the next few years, AI data centers will cause an unprecedented surge in energy demand across our state. There are already large expensive new powerplants being built to help meet that demand with more to come. But the big question is, […]

Mon Nov 17, 2025

29:41