Ellie Lawton-Smoller
A New Adventure Awaits!
Wisco, today we end one chapter so that another may begin. Producer Jess- hi, that's me writing this podcast as I've written them all for the past 10 months!- is moving on. No, nothing dramatic, it's just time for a new adventure in healthcare! So today, we reflect. From our first meetings to my first hunting trip, we've come a long way. Here at Civic Media we cherish the opportunities to bring together people with different worldviews. And that sure happened with Raised in Wisco. When I first met Joel and Danielle, I had no hunting experience. Now, after working with this team for so long and learning so much from them, Joel dubs me a certified hunter. Granted, I've yet to bag a bird or catch a fish, but I'm on my way. And I'm looking forward to hunting again this spring with my leftover turkey tag! You can still grab one, check availability here!
And so now, Wisco, I'm off. Off to a new adventure. But this isn't goodbye. Watch for me as a guest, because like Joel, Danielle, and Ellie, I am Raised in Wisco!
Born in Wisconsin and making their adventuresome lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Danielle Fairman are Raised in Wisco. Each week, we connect YOU to the incredible natural resources of our state. Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows.
Of Birds and Bears
Wisconsin, we made it to spring! In just a few short days, the spring turkey season opens. You butter believe we're ready for those birds, with Joel scouting like crazy and Ellie testing out new recipes daily. Make sure you're ready for it as well by buying leftover spring turkey tags, information available here. Today we talk with two people serious about birds. Tim Andryk is part of Ducks Unlimited State Policy Team and a former (recovering) lawyer for Wisconsin DNR. George Ermert is a lobbyist for Wisconsin Waterfowl Association and Joel's BFFL. Both know birds like it's their business; because, well, it is! We also discuss Wisconsin's vital Stewardship Fund that acquires and maintains land for conservation and public use. And of course, Ellie brought a new recipe for us!
Our natural resources come into contact with legislation constantly. Research candidates for each office and how their choices may impact your life. Check your voter registration and all items on your next ballot here. Then make a plan and vote by this upcoming Tuesday, April 1st!
Born in Wisconsin and making their adventuresome lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Danielle Fairman are Raised in Wisco, connecting you to the incredible natural resources of our state. Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows.
Creepy… but Cool!
Wisconsin, we're in that quiet time between hunting seasons, but there's still so much to do in our great state! Buy your leftover turkey tags for the spring season here and be ready to get out there! Today, we talk with our newest recurring guest, taxidermy extraordinaire Wendy Christensen. She last joined us a few weeks ago to discuss her incredible work preserving Samson the gorilla. Wendy's work in taxidermy is super cool, and also admittedly a little creepy. Today, she joins us to discuss something that- even for her- falls firmly in the category creepy, and still cool! Wendy performed some restorative work on a figure for the Body Worlds exhibition in Milwaukee. She also toured their permanent factory in Germany where scientists prepare the figures for exhibition.
In decidedly less creepy conversation, Wendy shares a few stories of her work in creating King Tut's horses for the Crossroads of Civilization exhibit at MPM. Wendy poured thought, care, and SO many hours into creating these beauties!
Born in Wisconsin and making their adventuresome lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Danielle Fairman are Raised in Wisco connecting you to the incredible natural resources of our state. Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows.
The Culinary Edition
Wisco, at the end of the day, what is this program? That's right, all together now: A COOKING SHOW! In honor of Joel's favorite dish, food, today's episode features culinary artists Ellie Lawton-Smoller, Megan Salazar, and Alex Ezell, with Mike Kretschmer along for commentary. Still, we begin with some Weekly Wiscos- highlights (or, er, lowlights in one case) of life in Wisconsin. And then, it's into the food. Ellie, Alex, and Megan- and sure let's add Kretsch for the cheese- prepared an absolute culinary delight of four courses. To entice and induce the ultimate jealousy, they share excruciating, delicious details of each one. The crowning culinary jewels of a triple Wisconsin meat bolognese and masterful apple pie will leave you drooling.
When they're not creating astounding works of edible art, Alex and Megan lead First Hunt Foundation's Wisconsin chapter. This organization prepares first-time hunters for their introductions to safety and community in hunting.
Born in Wisconsin and making their adventuresome lives here, Joel Kleefisch and Danielle Fairman are Raised in Wisco, connecting you to the incredible natural resources of our state. Whether you’re looking to find new ways to take food from field to table or for new outdoor hobbies, we’ve got you covered! For information on all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows.
Watch out for the mysterious Wisconsin hatfish!
Oh Wisconsin, the hunting and fishing seasons may be drawing to a close. But that doesn't mean there's any shortage of fantastic things to do in this great state! Ice fishing remains open and viable as long as the ice holds. Watch out for the ice beginning to thaw, water-side first, though! Today, we catch up with friends of the show Ellie Lawton-Smoller, our cheferee, and Mike Kretschmer, senior mime and hatfisher of Raised in Wisco. Though many of the hunting seasons are closing, outdoor clubs throughout the state are using this time to hold annual conferences, auctions, and gatherings. It's a great time- as it always is- to celebrate all that makes Wisconsin incredible. Just beware those who may hatfish you out there...
Tasty, Tasty Trash Pandas!
Wisconsin, get ready for a TRULY Wisco episode. Two weeks ago, we talked with outdoor enthusiast and guide, Dan Timm. Dan shared how he'd recently attended the 98th Annual Delafield American Legion Coon Feed. What's that? So glad you asked! It's a yearly fundraiser for the Legion- Post 196- featuring auctions, raffles, and a whole lotta raccoon. Today, Commander Terry Frazier and his fellow Coon Feed organizer Nick Corgiat join us to share the history and legacy of this annual ode to the trash panda. For 98 years, The Delafield American Legion has been cooking up raccoons for their regulars and virgin cooners alike. Why? How? For what grand purpose? Well, one thing's for sure. We may call a raccoon a trash panda, but they turn into treasure in the capable hands of the Delafield American Legion. Mark your calendars for next year's 99th annual coon feed on Saturday, January 31st, 2026!
What It’s All About- the ABCs of the great Wisco outdoors
It can be intimidating to start a new hobby. Especially if you don't know anyone who has the connections, equipment, and know-how to get you started. When that hobby is hunting, it can feel extra obstructed. And that's where Raised in Wisco comes in! We've got the people, we've got the experience, and we can absolutely help you get into the great outdoors of Wisconsin to enjoy all that our amazing state offers. This episode embraces the desire to try something new. Join hosts Joel and Danielle with cheferee Ellie Lawton-Smoller and new– but we hope recurring– guest Dan Timm. Dan, a lifelong outdoor enthusiast found his way to a fulfilling career with Whale-Tales Archery where he can help people connect with their outdoor passions. This state offers so many incredible experiences. Whether it's hiking, kayaking, hunting, fishing, gathering, or trying a Wisconsin delicacy like raccoon, we encourage you to try it! And if you're struggling to find a way in, ask! To contact any of us, email info@civicmedia.us with a request.
All the Rest
Bonjour, Wisconsin! Danielle is still out this week, so Ellie Lawton-Smoller and Mike Kretschmer fill out the ranks. This week, it's all about treating Producer Jess, with two surprises from Joel! One of those surprises helps answer the question: what do you do with the non-meat part of a hunted animal? Also this week, we're catching up on some Weekly Wiscos and getting TWO fantastic recipes.
Shut the Cluck Up!!!
Happy New Year, Wisconsin! We start off this new year of 2025 just like we finished t2024- talking about all the great things Wisconsin offers in her beautiful outdoors. A few days ago Joel, Danielle, and our friend Ellie Lawton-Smoller went turkey hunting. Now that's not surprising. But one thing was different- who secured the permission for them to hunt on the land, and who did the scouting. Usually, Joel takes care of these details. This time, Danielle did it all. All didn't go as expected- in fact it was nearly a clucking disaster! Nearly...
Mike Kretschmer, friend of the show and frequent Joel-ribber, joins us. This time, he's not just here to tease our host but also to represent Ney's Premium Meats and Sweets, where he leads operations. Mike shares some tips for scoring the perfect cut of meat for any occasion and what to look for in terms of meat grading.
Best of Wisco
Happy Holidays, Wisconsin! This week, we're revisiting some of our favorite moments from the past few months.
First, highlights from our star-studded November 23rd episode with The Fowl Life crew. What brings together this disparate ragtag group? A love of the great outdoors and authenticity.
Then, from October 26th, learn about the Gold Star Shoot with Matt Johnson and Jeremy Walker.
Next, some highlights (and maaaaybe lowlights) of Joel, Danielle, Ellie, and Jessica Thielen's trip to Yeehaw Junction, Florida to hunt gators and hogs. Definitely check out this full episode from December 14th for laughs!
Finally, wrap up with two of our favorite recipes. Joel's shared his fool-proof method of cooking game before, here it is in full, with one of infinite uses for it!
