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Clean Wisconsin
PFAS
Climate Change
Wisconsin
Groundwater Contamination
EPA
Neonicotinoids
Leaded Aviation Fuel
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Clean Energy
Trump Administration
Inflation Reduction Act
No Mow May
Human Health Impacts
Paris Climate Agreement
Electric Vehicles (evs)
Clean Air Act
Environmental Regulation
Public Health
Road Salt

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

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Artwork for The Defender

Latest Episodes

The science supporting climate change has long been settled, but progress remains painfully slow. Especially here in Wisconsin, where we have laws on the books that are actively helping to keep fossil fuels burning here.

But maybe not for long. In ... more

On this episode, a look at the fallout from a rapid-fire dismantling of environmental protections, and what groups like Clean Wisconsin and so many others are doing to keep people safe.

Host: Amy Barrilleaux

Guest: Katie Nekola, Clean Wisconsin G... more

YouTube

What makes the food you eat healthy? Turns out it's a pretty complicated question that goes way beyond the four food groups. In this episode, Amy visits Starry Nights Farm in Burlington to learn about some groundbreaking research—involving beef raise... more

YouTube

Communities across Wisconsin are starting to push back when energy utilities come to town with big plans for big gas plants. But how do you turn opposition into victory?

In this episode, Amy talks with the mayor of Superior about the city's long jo... more

YouTube

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

Paul Maggio
Co-owner of Starry Nights Farm
Starry Nights Farm
Episode: The Truth About Grassfed Beef
Marisa Wiewall
Co-owner of Starry Nights Farm
Starry Nights Farm
Episode: The Truth About Grassfed Beef
Jim Payne
Mayor of Superior, Wisconsin
Episode: How Superior WI Defeated a Gas Plant
Katie Nekola
General Counsel for Clean Wisconsin
Clean Wisconsin
Episode: The Nuclear Option
Nick Mayhew
Researcher at UW's Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Episode: What did the EPA just do?
Prescott Balch
A resident of Caledonia instrumental in opposing the AI data center proposal
Episode: How Caledonia WI Defeated a Data Center
Sara Walling
Water and Agriculture Program Director
Clean Wisconsin
Episode: What to know about PFAS pesticides
Robin Greenfield
Wisconsin native and expert forager
Episode: Goodbye Grocery Store?
Tom Content
Advocate for homeowners, renters, and small businesses from the Citizens Utility Board.
Citizens Utility Board
Episode: Who's Really Paying for Data Centers?

Host

Amy Barrilleaux
Former radio and TV journalist, host of an environmental podcast dedicated to addressing critical ecological issues in Wisconsin.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 32 ratings
  • excellent!!

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    chicsweetie88
    United Statesa month 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 States5 months 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 Statesa year 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 Statesa year ago
  • Approachable, accessible, important

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BeccaLuke
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the podcast's capacity to break down complex environmental issues in an accessible manner.
Audience members value the expert insights shared, marking the show as a trusted resource for staying informed on urgent matters.
People note the importance of practical advice given for individual actions toward environmental protection.
The discussions are perceived as both informative and engaging, fostering a deeper understanding of local ecological dynamics.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Truth About Grassfed Beef
Q: What impact does grass-fed, pasture-raised beef have on health and nutrition compared to conventional beef?
They point to the Utah State University study showing higher omega-3 levels and a healthier omega-6 balance in grass-fed beef, along with richer phytochemicals and minerals, arguing the broader diet improves overall health.
The Truth About Grassfed Beef
Q: How do you explain regenerative agriculture to visitors and customers who come to the farm?
They describe it as nature-based, with grazing, moving cattle between pastures, and letting manure fertilize soil, emphasizing that the system mirrors natural grassland ecosystems and aims to rebuild soil biology over time.
The Truth About Grassfed Beef
Q: Is it hard to drive around Wisconsin and see still so much of this kind of conventional agriculture that has been so hard on the soil and landscapes?
Paul and Marisa describe the journey away from conventional methods as a deliberate shift toward soil restoration, long-term profitability through biodiversity, and a belief that regenerative practices can be scaled by connecting farmers directly with consumers.
How Superior WI Defeated a Gas Plant
Q: What would you say? What should they do when a project like this comes to town?
Do not try and figure this out alone. You aren't the only one facing this and there are allies and experts who can help.
How Superior WI Defeated a Gas Plant
Q: How did it all kind of start?
It started with community concerns over the economic implications and environmental impact when a new gas plant was proposed.

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?

Focusing on urgent environmental issues within Wisconsin, this podcast features discussions on various topics including climate policy, sustainable living, and community action. The content is enriched by insights from experts such as environmental advocates, economists, and policymakers, presenting both the challenges and innovative solutions related to environmental protection in the region. Unique to the podcast is its emphasis on actionable steps that individuals can take to contribute to a healthier planet, making it a practical resource for anyone invested in environmental matters.

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How many listeners does The Defender get?

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How many subscribers and views does The Defender have?

To see how many followers or subscribers The Defender has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to The Defender?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Defender:

1. Radiolab
2. Throughline
3. This American Life
4. The Wirecutter Show
5. On the Media

How many episodes of The Defender are there?

The Defender launched 6 years ago and published 72 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Defender?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Defender?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for The Defender from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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What guests have appeared on The Defender?

Recent guests on The Defender include:

1. Paul Maggio
2. Marisa Wiewall
3. Jim Payne
4. Katie Nekola
5. Nick Mayhew
6. Prescott Balch
7. Sara Walling
8. Robin Greenfield

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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