Rephonic
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
Enbridge
Sustainable Living
Clean Air Act

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes93Founded7 years ago
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Artwork for The Defender

Latest Episodes

In this episode, why faith communities went into Midwestern homes to test the air and what they discovered.

Host: Amy Barrilleaux

Guest: Rev. Brian Sauder, President & CEO of Faith in Place

Resources for You:

Air Aware: The People-Powered Se... more

YouTube

...but not in a good way. On this episode, a look at the fossil fuel boom caused by AI and the cry for help from state regulators who say they're powerless to stop it.

Host: Amy Barrilleaux

Guest: Ciaran Gallagher, Energy and Air Manager, Clean W... more

YouTube

The DNR just revealed a long list of violations at Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline construction site. In this episode, a deep dive into what Enbridge is doing to Wisconsin's Northwoods, and whether the DNR can or will do anything about it.

Host: Amy Bar... more

YouTube

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

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

Brian Sauder
Mennonite minister and president and CEO of Faith in Place.
Faith in Place
Episode: Should You Really Be Scared of Your Gas Stove?
Ciaran Gallagher
Energy and Air Manager at Clean Wisconsin
Clean Wisconsin
Episode: Wisconsin's AI Data Centers Make History...
Evan Feinauer
Clean Wisconsin attorney
Clean Wisconsin
Episode: We knew this would happen: Enbridge violations pile up at Line 5
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!

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 36 ratings
  • A must listen

    Excellent podcast with hard to hear but must listen to information. The podcast episode on Iowa and cancer should be the first one to listen to by all Wisconinites.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Sheepmom3
    United Statesa month ago
  • excellent!!

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    chicsweetie88
    United States9 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

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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Freakonomics Radio
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The Why Files: Operation PodcastThe Why Files: Operation Podcast

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Should You Really Be Scared of Your Gas Stove?
Q: When volunteers went into homes and started testing, what kinds of things were they finding?
In 101 homes, eight out of ten had carbon monoxide levels of at least four parts per million, half exceeded nine parts per million, and three exceeded the 70-parts-per-million alarm threshold. Half had nitrogen dioxide readings above the EPA's outdoor guideline. Benzene results were inconclusive because of equipment problems.
Should You Really Be Scared of Your Gas Stove?
Q: What led Faith in Place to start researching gas stoves in the Chicago or Illinois area?
The organization found that climate-focused messaging about moving away from gas was not resonating, then partnered with Stanford University to share research on health impacts. It launched a people-powered effort to test pollutants in volunteers' homes.
We knew this would happen: Enbridge violations pile up at Line 5
Q: What is the biggest thing the DNR can do right now?
Feinauer says the current enforcement process is likely to involve reviewing Enbridge's response, possibly referring the matter to the Department of Justice, and ultimately imposing fines. He considers stopping construction or revoking permits unlikely at this stage.
We knew this would happen: Enbridge violations pile up at Line 5
Q: When you first saw this kind of list of violations, what was your reaction?
Feinauer had expected violations because Clean Wisconsin had argued that the project was difficult to build without problems, and monitors had already observed issues such as frac-outs and improper material storage.
Wisconsin's AI Data Centers Make History...
Q: I guess what needs to happen to salvage as much as we can, or save as much as we can in this moment?
Gallagher recommends supporting energy efficiency and alternatives such as solar, wind, transmission, and storage, while backing projects that can replace the generation proposed from gas plants.

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. On the Media
2. #SistersInLaw
3. Consider This from NPR
4. Pod Save America
5. Talking Feds

How many episodes of The Defender are there?

The Defender launched 7 years ago and published 93 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. Brian Sauder
2. Ciaran Gallagher
3. Evan Feinauer
4. Aaron Kolste
5. Kerri Johannsen
6. Steve Vavrus
7. Elizabeth Bratz
8. Jay Watson

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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