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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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes90Founded7 years ago
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Society & CultureNewsNews Commentary

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The Defender

Latest Episodes

If you think growing hazelnuts is just for Europe or the West Coast, think again. Turns out, we've got a wild, native variety right here in Wisconsin, and people are getting excited pretty excited about it.

In this episode Amy heads out to Sheboyga... more

YouTube

Our neighbor to the south—Iowa—has a cancer problem. In this episode, we look at a new study that paints an alarming picture of rural America... and cancer rates.

Host: Amy Barrilleaux

Guest: Kerri Johannsen, Senior Director of Policy and Program... more

YouTube

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

YouTube

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

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Aaron Kolste
Farmer growing a hazelnut hybrid in Adele, Wisconsin
self-employed farmer
Episode: Why You Should Be Hyped About Hazelnuts!
Kerri Johannsen
Senior Director of Policy and Programs at the Iowa Environmental Council
Iowa Environmental Council
Episode: We Need to Talk About Cancer Rates in Iowa
Steve Vavrus
Wisconsin State climatologist
University of Wisconsin–Madison / State Climatology Office
Episode: Our Wild 2026: What's Ahead for Wisconsin's Weather
Elizabeth Bratz
DNR biologist/partner in bee monitoring
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Episode: Good News for the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee!
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?

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 States8 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

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The Ezra Klein Show
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Sold a Story
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This American Life
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Reaching Out
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Freakonomics Radio
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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Why You Should Be Hyped About Hazelnuts!
Q: How long before you started to see returns, and what does the early cultivation look like?
They planted in April, saw some nuts by the third growing season, with more substantial yields by the fifth season, and planned for a long-term, sustainable return as the operation scales.
Why You Should Be Hyped About Hazelnuts!
Q: So what brought you here? How long have you been farming, or how did you get started in this whole thing?
Aaron explains a background of wanting country life, testing farming on a smaller scale, and recognizing hazelnuts as a viable enterprise for small parcels, supported by UMHDI and Clean Wisconsin.
We Need to Talk About Cancer Rates in Iowa
Q: How do farming policies influence environmental health outcomes, and what changes were discussed as potential levers for improvement?
Farm policies, notably crop insurance and commodity support within the Farm Bill, shape farmers' incentives and practices; the discussion suggested aligning incentives with conservation, better safeguards for pesticides, and state and federal policy adjustments to reduce harmful exposures while still supporting farmers' livelihoods.
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.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

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. Letters from an American
2. Fresh Air
3. This American Life
4. The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart
5. The Ezra Klein Show

How many episodes of The Defender are there?

The Defender launched 7 years ago and published 90 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. Aaron Kolste
2. Kerri Johannsen
3. Steve Vavrus
4. Elizabeth Bratz
5. Jay Watson
6. Holly Mincer
7. Jerry Cigelske
8. Sasha Stone

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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