45 North (Retired)

“45 North,” hosted by Anne Strainchamps, was a live conversation with writers, performers, artists, scientists, and creative people from Wisconsin and around the world. The show aired on WPR’s Ideas Network from April to December 2013. “45 North” was produced by Marika Suval and Rhonda Fanning with technical support from David Potratz, Joe Hardtke, Tim Allen, Elizabeth Delaquess, Tom Blain and Britny (True) Williams.

DATE DESCRIPTION MP3 LINK
Fri, 07/19/2013 - 9:00am

Harley Loco

Anne Strainchamps explores a Syrian-American writer's journey from the Middle East to Manhattan's Lower East Side, through drugs, sex, punk rock and more drugs, to finally going clean. And, later in the hour, she talks with a world-famous book artist who crafts some of the world's most beautiful books near Lake Pepin, Wisconsin. From our archives.

Interviewed: Gaylord Schanilec

Interviewed: Rayya Elias
Fri, 07/12/2013 - 6:00pm

Imperfect Harmony

Do you sing in a choir or group? Guest host, Cynthia Schuster, explores "the incredible, irresistible, joyous, life-affirming power of singing with other people."

Interviewed: Stacy Horn
Fri, 07/12/2013 - 10:00am

100 Things To Do In Wisconsin This Summer

We'd like to hear about the fun, unique things our listeners are doing with their summer. Are you camping, going to outdoor concerts, visiting a special place or involved in a novel project? Join in to tell guest host, Cynthia Schuster, all about it.

Interviewed: Chelsey Lewis
Fri, 07/12/2013 - 9:00am

Imperfect Harmony

Do you sing in a choir or group? Guest host Cynthia Schuster explores "the incredible, irresistible, joyous, life-affirming power of singing with other people."

Interviewed: Stacy Horn
 
Fri, 07/05/2013 - 10:00am

Count This Penny on 45 North

45 North hosts a House Concert with Appalachian pop band "Count This Penny". There'll be songs about murder and moonshine, cheatin' hearts and Civil War soldiers. Join us for front-porch storytelling about the deep roots of traditional American music.

Interviewed: Amanda Rigell

Interviewed: Allen Rigell
Fri, 07/05/2013 - 9:00am

Before They're Gone

If your summer plans include a visit to any of America's national parks, here's some inspiration for you: Anne Strainchamps hears the true story of a family who spent a year visiting America's most endangered parks and talks to a National Geographic explorer who makes the case for "micro-adventures."

Interviewed: Alastair Humphreys

Interviewed: Michael Lanza
Fri, 06/28/2013 - 10:00pm

Klezmer Sound Salon

45 North is hosting its first "Sound Salon;" this one celebrating the rich tradition of Yiddish Klezmer music. We'll hear the remarkable songs and stories behind the Mayrent Collection of historic Jewish records and the great performances they continue to inspire. You can join us live in-studio. For seats: www.wpr.org/45north

Fri, 06/28/2013 - 10:00am

Klezmer Sound Salon

45 North is hosting its first "Sound Salon;" this one celebrating the rich tradition of Yiddish Klezmer music. We'll hear the remarkable songs and stories behind the Mayrent Collection of historic Jewish records and the great performances they continue to inspire. To hear more, you can join UW's A Biselle KlezKamp on July 21. http://mayrentinstitute.wisc.edu/klezkamp/schedule-program/

Interviewed: Henry Sapoznik
Fri, 06/28/2013 - 9:00am

David Rhodes

David Rhodes, an Iowa Writers' Workshop alum who now lives in rural Wisconsin, joins Anne Strainchamps. Rhodes just published the follow-up to his bestselling novel, "Driftless," with a book that takes readers back to that community, and introduces characters who struggle to find a new sense of belonging.

Interviewed: David Rhodes
Fri, 06/21/2013 - 10:00pm

Ocean At The End Of The Lane & Tequila Mockingbird

Neil Gaiman, one of the world's most beloved fantasy authors, joins Anne Strainchamps to talk about about his first novel for adults in almost a decade. And later in the hour: Cocktails inspired by literary classics - we'll show you how to make a Tequila Mockingbird or a Moby Drink to go with our favorite summer read.

Fri, 06/21/2013 - 10:00am

Bug Music

David Rothenberg is known for making music with whales and birds. He now turns to insects, exploring how bugs may have given humans a sense of rhythm. Anne Strainchamps asks him about the connections between animal and human music.

Interviewed: David Rothenberg
Fri, 06/21/2013 - 9:00am

Ocean At The End Of The Lane & Tequila Mockingbird

Neil Gaiman, one of the world's most beloved fantasy authors, joins Anne Strainchamps to talk about about his first novel for adults in almost a decade. And later in the hour: Cocktails inspired by literary classics - we'll show you how to make a Tequila Mockingbird or a Moby Drink to go with our favorite summer read.

Interviewed: Tim Federle

Interviewed: Neil Gaiman
Fri, 06/14/2013 - 10:00pm

Ladysmith Black Mambazo and "Queen of the Air"

For more than 50 years, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been highlighting Africa's triumphant spirit. The a capella group that Nelson Mandela billed as "South Africa's cultural ambassadors" joins 45 North for song, dance and fireside stories. And later, the true story of one of the Big Top's most famous performers, "Queen of the Air," Lilly Leitzel.

Fri, 06/14/2013 - 10:00am

Ladysmith Black Mambazo and "Queen of the Air"

For more than 50 years, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been highlighting Africa's triumphant spirit. The a capella group that Nelson Mandela hailed "South Africa's cultural ambassadors" joins 45 North for song, dance and fireside stories. And later, the true story of one of the Big Top's most famous performers, "Queen of the Air," Lilly Leitzel.

Interviewed: Albert Mazibuko

Interviewed: Dean Jensen
Fri, 06/14/2013 - 9:00am

The Conditions of Love - and Creativity

Some of life's most beautiful things sometimes come from the most terrible. Poet and novelist Dale Kushner joins Anne Strainchamps to talk about the creative life - how to nourish it, and how to make art out of adversity.

Interviewed: Dale M. Kushner
Fri, 06/07/2013 - 10:00pm

Vegetable Literacy

Did you know that that artichokes, lettuce, sunflowers, and calendula all belong to the daisy family? This hour, Anne Strainchamps talks with Deborah Madison about the botanical families of vegetables, and how these relationships can help you in the garden and kitchen.

Fri, 06/07/2013 - 10:00am

Vegetable Literacy

Did you know that that artichokes, lettuce, sunflowers, and calendula all belong to the daisy family? This hour, Anne Strainchamps talks with Deborah Madison about the botanical families of vegetables, and how these relationships can help you in the garden and kitchen.

Interviewed: Deborah Madison
Fri, 06/07/2013 - 9:00am

Afghanistan: The Place, The People, The War

Khaled Hosseini, author of "The Kite Runner," and former UN peacekeeper Marianne Elliot join Anne Strainchamps as we spend an hour in Afghanistan, exploring Afghan culture and war's effect on the people and those sent to protect them.

Interviewed: Khaled Hosseini

Interviewed: Marianne Elliott
Fri, 05/31/2013 - 10:00pm

Dirt Work and "Children of the Wind"

Anne Strainchamps heads outdoors with two women who've built their lives around the outdoors: one maintains wilderness trails in national parks; the other is a windsurfer who just made an award-winning film about three children's journey from a poor fishing community to world champion freestyle windsurfers.

Fri, 05/31/2013 - 10:00am

Dirt Work and "Children of the Wind"

Anne Strainchamps heads outdoors with two women who've built their lives around the outdoors: one maintains wilderness trails in national parks; the other is a windsurfer who just made an award-winning film about three children's journey from a poor fishing community to world champion freestyle windsurfers.

Interviewed: Christine Byl

Interviewed: Daphne Schmon
Fri, 05/31/2013 - 9:00am

Hacker- and Makerspaces

What do you do when the garage workshop isn't enough, or do-it-yourself tinkering fails? More and more people turn to hacker- or makerspaces - communal workshops that provide the space, expertise and support to build things or incubate ideas. Anne Strainchamps talks with two hackerspace creators.

Interviewed: Chris Meyer

Interviewed: James Carlson
Fri, 05/24/2013 - 10:00pm

Katie Dahl

Singer-songwriter Katie Dahl joins Anne Strainchamps to share her songs of land, lakes and the Upper Midwest's people, her battles to keep chain restaurants out, and the lows and highs that love brings.

Fri, 05/24/2013 - 10:00am

Katie Dahl

Singer-songwriter Katie Dahl joins Anne Strainchamps to share her songs of land, lakes and the Upper Midwest's people, her battles to keep chain restaurants out, and the lows and highs that love brings. Here's a video clip from the show: http://wpr.net/r/?1128

Interviewed: Katie Dahl
Fri, 05/24/2013 - 9:00am

DEROS Vietnam and "Learning to Stay"

As we head into Memorial Day weekend, Anne Strainchamps and guests talk about the great literature that can emerge from war and about the therapeutic power of writing. And later, John Scalzi joins us to talk about his new sci-fi novel, The Human Division. http://wpr.net/r/?1127

Interviewed: Erin Celello
Fri, 05/17/2013 - 10:00pm

Farmacology and Foraging

Bugs and dirt are good for you, and cattle-rearing can teach us a lot about raising healthy kids. So says a family doctor who visited farms across the US, exploring the connection between how we care for our bodies and how we grow our food. And, a foraging expert tells Anne Strainchamps which wild plants are good to eat this spring.

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 10:00am

Farmacology and Foraging

Bugs and dirt are good for you, and cattle-rearing can teach us a lot about raising healthy kids. So says a family doctor who visited farms across the US, exploring the connection between how we care for our bodies and how we grow our food. And, a foraging expert tells Anne Strainchamps which wild plants are good to eat this spring. (The DNR requests the following note to listeners: "Watercress is an invasive plant and although it is not yet regulated (but will be next year) the plant roots should not be left.")

Interviewed: Daphne Miller

Interviewed: Sam Thayer
Fri, 05/17/2013 - 9:00am

Errol Morris: McNamara, Rumsfeld, the Fog of Truth

Filmmaker Errol Morris receives an honorary degree from the UW-Madison this week. Anne Strainchamps asks the Oscar award-winning director of "The Fog of War" and "A Thin Blue Line" about his UW days in the turbulent 60's and his new project on Donald Rumsfeld. And, a film buff shares his short list of great documentaries to watch this weekend.

Interviewed: Errol Morris

Interviewed: Charles Monroe-Kane
Fri, 05/17/2013 - 12:00am

Farmacology and Foraging
Fri, 05/10/2013 - 10:00pm

Red Moon

45 North launches its very own book club,"45 North Reads". The book club will showcase Wisconsin and Midwestern novelists. We're kicking-off with Ben Percy's new novel, "Red Moon": Think George Orwell crossed with werewolves. The owner of Boswell Book Company joins us later for the latest on exciting Spring reads.

Fri, 05/10/2013 - 10:00am

Red Moon

45 North launches its very own book club,"45 North Reads". The book club will showcase Wisconsin and Midwestern novelists. We're kicking-off with Ben Percy's new novel, "Red Moon": Think George Orwell crossed with werewolves. The owner of Boswell Book Company joins us later for the latest on exciting Spring reads.

Interviewed: Benjamin Percy
Fri, 05/10/2013 - 9:00am

Bicycling Present and Past

Calling all cyclists! In honor of "Bike to Work Week" Anne Strainchamps and guests explore bicycling past and present. Did you know that Wisconsin has a rich bicycle history that continues to inspire cycling enthusiasts today? Why do you bike?

Interviewed: Dave Cieslewicz

Interviewed: Jesse Gant
Fri, 05/03/2013 - 10:00pm

Dean Bakopoulos and Katie Burns Storylogue

A novelist and a singer/songwriter joins Anne Strainchamps to tell the story of Blizzard, a lonely maintenance worker at a rural Wisconsin theater, who falls for a New York actress in the course of a sultry (and slapstick) Midwestern summer. Part concert, part literary reading, the show earned rave reviews across southern Wisconsin last spring.

Fri, 05/03/2013 - 10:00am

Dean Bakopoulos and Katie Burns Storylogue

A novelist and a singer/songwriter join Anne Strainchamps to tell the story of Blizzard, a lonely maintenance worker at a rural Wisconsin theater, who falls for a New York actress in the course of a sultry (and slapstick) Midwestern summer. Part concert, part literary reading, the show earned rave reviews across southern Wisconsin last spring.

Interviewed: Dean Bakopoulos

Interviewed: Katie Burns
Fri, 05/03/2013 - 9:00am

Zoe Keating

Zoe Keating is a cellist with a lot of pluck. Acting as her own agent, tour manager, producer and publisher, Zoe tells Anne Strainchamps how to orchestrate a "slow, sustainable, career" as a musician-mother, how to crowd-source a tour, and why she writes odes to iTunes. A little later in the hour: Anne talks with a jazz composer and two-time Grammy winner about her new album.

Interviewed: Zoe Keating

Interviewed: Maria Schneider
Fri, 04/26/2013 - 10:00pm

Vintage Tomorrows

Goggles and gears and steam-spewing machines... Anne Strainchamps and her guests explore the clockwork universe of Steampunk, where high-tech meets the Victorian era. Is Steampunk all about fashion and design or do you see it as a counter-culture movement?

Fri, 04/26/2013 - 10:00am

Vintage Tomorrows

Goggles and gears and steam-spewing machines... Anne Strainchamps and her guests explore the clockwork universe of Steampunk, where high-tech meets the Victorian era. Is Steampunk all about fashion and design or do you see it as a counter-culture movement?

Interviewed: James Carrott

Interviewed: Brian Johnson
Fri, 04/26/2013 - 9:00am

Poetry, Food, Life

Customers at some Milwaukee restaurants are getting something extra with their meals: poetry. A new "Eat Local, Read Local" campaign serves up local poems along with soup and salad. Anne Strainchamps and two prominent poets explore the intersection of poetry and daily life.

Interviewed: Max Garland

Interviewed: Liam Callahan

Interviewed: Steven Rodriguez
Fri, 04/19/2013 - 10:00pm

Bug Music

David Rothenberg is known for making music with whales and birds. He now turns to insects, exploring how bugs may have given humans a sense of rhythm. Anne Strainchamps asks him about the connections between animal and human music.

Fri, 04/19/2013 - 10:00am

Bug Music

David Rothenberg is known for making music with whales and birds. He now turns to insects, exploring how bugs may have given humans a sense of rhythm. Anne Strainchamps asks him about the connections between animal and human music.

Interviewed: David Rothenberg
Fri, 04/19/2013 - 9:00am

Harley Loco

Anne Strainchamps explores a Syrian-American writer's journey from the Middle East to Manhattan's Lower East Side, through drugs, sex, punk rock, more drugs, to finally going clean. And, later in the hour, she talks with a world-famous book artist who crafts some of the world's most beautiful books from his home near Lake Pepin, Wisconsin.

Interviewed: Rayya Elias

Interviewed: Gaylord Schanilec
Fri, 04/12/2013 - 10:00pm

The Beast In Its Tracks - Josh Ritter

Josh Ritter's new album, "The Beast In Its Tracks," bristles with the pain and irony of his recent divorce. He tells Anne Strainchamps what he's learned about heartbreak and new beginnings. And, filmmaker Joel Allen Schroeder describes his new film about the elusive creator of the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip.

Fri, 04/12/2013 - 10:00am

The Beast In Its Tracks - Josh Ritter

Josh Ritter's new album, "The Beast In Its Tracks," bristles with the pain and irony of his recent divorce. He tells Anne Strainchamps what he's learned about heartbreak and new beginnings. And, filmmaker Joel Allen Schroeder describes his new film about the elusive creator of the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip.

Interviewed: Josh Ritter

Interviewed: Joel Allen Schroeder
Fri, 04/12/2013 - 9:00am

World Peace and Other 4th Grade Achievements

Can fourth-graders save the world? School teacher, John Hunter, teaches children the concept of peace - not as a utopian dream, but as an attainable goal. He tells Anne Strainchamps how students become responsible global citizens through his World Peace Game.

Interviewed: John Hunter
Fri, 04/05/2013 - 10:00pm

Shirley Manson and Garbage

Shirley Manson is a rebel with attitude to spare, a trademark sultry voice and skulls in her hair. Anne Strainchamps hangs out with lead vocalist of the Madison-born band, Garbage, to talk about life, love, Garbage, and why she's only happy when it rains.

Fri, 04/05/2013 - 10:00am

Shirley Manson and Garbage

Shirley Manson is a rebel with attitude to spare, a trademark sultry voice and skulls in her hair. Anne Strainchamps hangs out with lead vocalist of the Madison-born band, Garbage, to talk about life, love, Garbage, and why she's only happy when it rains.

Interviewed: Shirley Manson
Fri, 04/05/2013 - 9:00am

Filthy Rich in Rising Asia, and "Wool"

This hour we explore human striving through the eyes of two novelists from opposite ends of the world: A Pakistani writer tells Anne Strainchamps what gets lost in a quest for "the good life." And, a sci-fi writer escorts us into a deep, subterranean world where humans crave to glimpse the light.

Interviewed: Hugh Howey

Interviewed: Mohsin Hamid