Mike Kretschmer

Let Them Eat Dandelions

May 3, 2025

The outdoors of Wisconsin provide so much to us, from natural beauty to bountiful harvests, but one thing that many folks don't know is that one of the most delicious delicacies in Dairyland can actually be found in our own front lawns. Today Chef Ellie Lawton-Smoller teaches us about the many ways that the humble dandelion can be prepared and consumed! So next time you have some out-of-staters drop on by for a visit, why not let them eat dandelions?

We're also joined by special guest Mike Kretschmer to talk about turkey hunting and more.

Additional technical support by Morris Original LLC.

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.

The Culinary Edition

March 15, 2025

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!

March 1, 2025

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...

All the Rest

January 18, 2025

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!!!

January 4, 2025

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.

Ibex, youbex, we all bex for Beceite Ibex!

November 16, 2024

Hey there, Wisconsin! Joel's back from Spain, but his voice might still be across the Atlantic. In addition to sampling local cuisine that gets us salivating, Joel went hunting. Because of course he did. He hunted a Beceite Ibex, a truly remarkable animal with majestic horns. And an animal not typically hunted for food in Spain- at least not for humans. That is, until Joel went and made the best damn enchiladas his guides had ever tasted with the meat from the animal he killed. Now just wait, Beceite Ibex is going to be a delicacy!

Mike Kretschmer, friend of the show, joins us for boisterous conversation and plenty of laughs.

Banding Together

October 12, 2024

Hey Wisconsin, are your ducks in a row? Well ya better get 'em, cause Taylor Finger needs to count and band them! Taylor, Wisconsin DNR State Game Bird ecologist, joins the show with Mike Kretschmer. When it comes to game birds, there's no one with a better finger on the pulse than Taylor. And when it comes to strange pronunciations, there's no one like Mike. Tune in for a great show with new hunting exploits from Joel and Danielle and a mouth-watering twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak.

Hey is it deer and turkey season yet? JUST BEARLY

September 14, 2024

Wisconsin, the Fall Turkey and Deer hunting seasons are active NOW! Ellie Lawton-Smoller of First Hunt Foundation's Share the HERitage division and Mike Kretschmer, a friend of the show, join Joel and Danielle to talk excitement for the open seasons. Joel and Ellie went goose hunting last week and had a great time. They share important reminds about safety- it's cool to be safe y'all! Mike shares his bear hunting story. He waited 11 years for his application for him to receive a tag. Even if he was a bit underwhelmed by the quantity of bear, the quality of the experience was more than bear-able.

Our Weekly Wiscos this week will drive you up a wall... Stick around for our weekly recipe: goose birria tacos!

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