Passport
New ‘Wisconsin Life’ season begins Oct. 10 – read a Q&A with host Angela Fitzgerald
October 7, 2024 Leave a Comment
Celebrating our state’s unique people and places, season 11 of Wisconsin Life premieres 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 on PBS Wisconsin. You can also watch the season premiere on pbswisconsin.org and in the free PBS app on Roku, Apple TV, smart TVs and everywhere you watch TV.
PBS Wisconsin spoke with host Angela Fitzgerald in anticipation of the premiere.
PBS Wisconsin: Everyone is looking for the next big thing or a new way to improve how we do things. So what were some of the innovations you saw either from organizations or people?
Angela Fitzgerald: The Zócalo Food Park absolutely stands out as innovation in action. This creative outdoor gathering place features amazing food trucks from numerous diverse cultures, while providing an incubator space for emerging entrepreneurs to learn how to develop and grow their food businesses. It was inspiring to see all that was taking place within that space in Milwaukee, and the community was present in droves to support.
PBS Wisconsin: Entering its 11th season, how has Wisconsin Life evolved as a show?
Fitzgerald: We’ve definitely become more efficient in the approach used to produce the show, which has simplified our process and made it easier to respond to unexpected elements that pop up. We’re also increasingly more intentional about highlighting the unique aspects of the state that even people born and raised in Wisconsin may not know about.
Some folks default to thinking primarily about Madison and Milwaukee when considering what Wisconsin has to offer, and while we acknowledge the contributions of those two locations, there are many other locations across the state that also have amazing things to share. The production team diligently researches to seek out those gems that might not be widely known. And we ask our viewers to submit their ideas for consideration to be featured in the show.
PBS Wisconsin: What surprised you the most while filming this season?
Fitzgerald: I was surprised at the different opportunities for career and creative outlets that we were able to feature. For example, I was introduced to experimental music and the creative spaces to support those musicians through the Blackbird Creative Lab at Yerkes Observatory. After meeting with an art conservationist at the Wisconsin Concrete Park, I also learned that the climate conditions in Wisconsin contribute to sculpture maintenance opportunities for art conservationists.
What do you hope viewers will take away from this new season of Wisconsin Life?
Fitzgerald: I hope that viewers take away from this season of Wisconsin Life what I hope they glean from every season of the show — and that is an opportunity to learn about and reflect on all that is taking place within our state. There are so many interesting things happening statewide for each of us to experience, and I hope that viewers feel inspired and emboldened to seek out those experiences.
