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Artwork for The Defender
Wisconsin
Clean Wisconsin
Climate Change
PFAS
Neonicotinoids
Clean Energy
AI Data Centers
EPA
Inflation Reduction Act
Pollinators
Agriculture
Solar Energy
Public Health
Renewable Energy
Pesticides
Line 5
Bumblebees
Sustainable Living
Clean Air Act
Groundwater Contamination

Welcome to the Defender, Wisconsin's environmental podcast, where we talk about the most pressing environmental issues facing Wisconsin and how you can plug in to defend our air, water, land and climate. The Defender is hosted by former radio and TV journalist Amy Barrilleaux. She'll help cut through the jargon and all the misinformation that's out there and have real conversations about how to bu... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes88Founded7 years ago
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Society & CultureNewsNews Commentary

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Artwork for The Defender

Latest Episodes

We all know Wisconsin's weather is full of extremes and wild swings, like snow one day, sandals the next, and then back to snow. But 2026 has been wild even for us. In this episode, Amy talks with Wisconsin's state climatologist about what just happe... more

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The largest reported oil and gas pipeline spill in state history is unfolding in Wisconsin's Northwoods. A couple of weeks ago, Canadian oil giant Enbridge spilled more than a million gallons of liquid natural gas after it accidentally broke its own ... more

YouTube

Wisconsin must be doing something right, because the first bee ever listed as a federally endangered species is starting to reappear--right here.

In this episode, a walk deep into the Wisconsin woods to find out what it will take to bring our bees... more

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In this episode, Amy heads to Columbia County to separate fact from fiction about wind energy… and learn a thing or two about cows.

Host: Amy Barrilleaux

Guest: Jerry Cigelske, 2nd generation Wisconsin farmer

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Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Steve Vavrus
Wisconsin State climatologist
University of Wisconsin–Madison / State Climatology Office
Episode: Our Wild 2026: What's Ahead for Wisconsin's Weather
Jay Watson
DNR staff member involved with Bumblebee Brigade
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Episode: Good News for the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee!
Holly Mincer
Restoration ecologist with Milwaukee County Parks
Milwaukee County Parks
Episode: Good News for the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee!
Jerry Cigelske
Second-generation Wisconsin farmer who shifted to grazing; cows graze among wind turbines
Independent farmer in Wisconsin
Episode: Wisconsin Farmer Answers Your Questions About Wind Energy
Sasha Stone
Owner of Green Life Trading Company; runs Zero Waste Madison online community
Green Life Trading Company; Zero Waste Madison
Episode: How to Take the Trash Out of Your Life
Chaz Self
Owner/Operator Grassway Organics
Grassway Organics
Episode: Can Small Farms Save Wisconsin's Water?
Kayla Rinderknecht
Public Health Manager, Clean Wisconsin Community Health
Clean Wisconsin
Episode: Do AI Data Centers Hurt Your Health?
Brendon Smith
Marketing and Communications Director at Willy Street Coop
Willy Street Co-op
Episode: Are You Ready for the Plastic-Free Challenge?
Sarah Walling
Water and Agriculture Program Director at Clean Wisconsin
Clean Wisconsin
Episode: Is Ethanol a Scam?

Host

Amy Barrilleaux
Host of The Defender; focuses on environmental issues in Wisconsin; affiliated with Clean Wisconsin

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 35 ratings
  • excellent!!

    Fact based, local environmental analysis- a weekly must listen for me!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    chicsweetie88
    United States7 months ago
  • Must listen

    Clean Wisconsin does a great job of breaking down complicated environmental issues in their Defender podcast. Between this and the Defender newsletter from Clean Wisconsin, I feel informed about the most important environmental issues in my state. Thank you Clean Wisconsin!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    j.internet
    United Statesa year ago
  • Approachable & important!

    This show makes me interested in topics I didn't even think I cared about. Takes on important environmental issues without being overwhelming.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KT 316
    United States2 years ago
  • On the Rebranding

    Love the rebranding of this podcast! The down-to-earth interviews help to demystify the opportunities that we all have to protect and restore Mother Earth. Looking forward to learning more!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Palmtree78
    United States2 years ago
  • Approachable, accessible, important

    This podcast is a must-listen for environmentally minded Wisconsinites.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BeccaLuke
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Guest lineup blends policy, science, and lived experience
Rebranding and approachable tone make complex topics digestible
Clear, accessible explanations of Wisconsin environmental issues
Strong, evidence-based discussions without hype

Top Society & Culture Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Our Wild 2026: What's Ahead for Wisconsin's Weather
Q: How do you explain the contrast between a warming climate and episodes of extreme cold in January?
Weather is the short term and climate is the long term; even as averages rise, you can still have unusual cold snaps due to natural variability, but the overarching pattern is toward warmer, wetter conditions.
Our Wild 2026: What's Ahead for Wisconsin's Weather
Q: What kind of trends are you seeing when you look at Wisconsin's climate over the long term?
The data show a long-term warming and wetter trend, with more frequent and intense extremes, though individual events can still be very anomalous.
SPECIAL EPISODE: Line 5 Pipeline Spill
Q: Do regulators have the authority to access the site and provide transparent findings, and what is the current status?
The guest discusses the tension between Enbridge, the state's DNR, and federal regulators, noting that regulators have not yet been able to safely access the site and that transparency and timely environmental monitoring are critical moving forward.
SPECIAL EPISODE: Line 5 Pipeline Spill
Q: What are the regulatory and legal implications being pursued by your organization?
Feinauer outlines ongoing legal actions to stay or pause the reroute crossings, challenges to permit eligibility, and questions about the credibility of risk assessments used in permits, showing how litigation is used to slow or shape pipeline projects until proper regulatory safeguards are in place.
SPECIAL EPISODE: Line 5 Pipeline Spill
Q: What exactly does this pipeline carry across northern Wisconsin?
The guest explains that the Line 5 pipeline carries natural gas liquids like propane and butane, which can volatilize into the air and pose air, groundwater, and soil contamination risks, not just crude oil. He emphasizes the unique hazards of NGLs compared to traditional oil.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Defender

What is The Defender about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A Wisconsin-focused environmental program that explores air, water, land, and climate issues with data-driven analysis and practical, on-the-ground perspectives. Episodes frequently feature farmers, scientists, lawyers, public health professionals, and local advocates discussing topics like wind energy, water quality, plastic reduction, data-center impacts, and regulatory policy. The show blends personal stories with policy context, aiming to make complex environmental topics accessible and actionable for residents, stakeholders, and decision-makers. Noteworthy traits include a strong state-focus, clear stances on environmental protections, and a pattern of hosting expert guests alongside everyday Wisconsinites to illuminate real-world impa... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Defender?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Defender:

1. On the Media
2. Hidden Brain
3. The New Yorker Radio Hour
4. This American Life
5. The Ezra Klein Show

How many episodes of The Defender are there?

The Defender launched 7 years ago and published 88 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Defender?

Recent guests on The Defender include:

1. Steve Vavrus
2. Jay Watson
3. Holly Mincer
4. Jerry Cigelske
5. Sasha Stone
6. Chaz Self
7. Kayla Rinderknecht
8. Brendon Smith

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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