HeyJaredThe Defender
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.
- Indexed episodes, last 90 days
- 8
- Latest publication
- Sep 14, 2026
- Audience
- Checking…
- Earliest in this view
- Jul 13, 2026
Latest episodes
Our Wild 2026: What's Ahead for Wisconsin's Weather (opens the original)
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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 happened this year, and what's next. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Steve Vavrus, Wisconsin State Climatologist Resources for You: Wisconsin Center for Climatic Research One Year Later: What the Milwaukee Flood Took and What it Left Behind
SPECIAL EPISODE: Line 5 Pipeline Spill (opens the original)
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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 pipeline in Iron County. And right now, we have way more questions than answers. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Evan Feinauer, Clean Wisconsin attorney Resources for You: Pipeline Spill Video, Courtesy David Joe Bates (Facebook Post) Clean Wisconsin: S
Good News for the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee! (opens the original)
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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 back and meet the dedicated experts and volunteers who are working hard to save our pollinators.
Wisconsin Farmer Answers Your Questions About Wind Energy (opens the original)
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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
How to Take the Trash Out of Your Life (opens the original)
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Overwhelmed by the environmental problems we face? In this episode, how to use your knowledge and power - to find your happy place. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Sasha Stone, Green Life Trading Company, Zero Waste Madison Resources for You: The Defender Episode 35: Microplastics in Our Bodies - How Much do They Hurt Us? Green Life Trading Co. Find out more about Zero Waste Madison Under the Lens: Microplastics and Our Bodies
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