Passport
‘Wisconsin Life’ producers pick their season 11 favorites
December 16, 2024 Leave a Comment
PBS Wisconsin caught up with some members of the Wisconsin Life team to ask about their favorite moments from the first seven episodes of this season and what they’re looking forward to in the final three episodes, premiering 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025!
What story from the first seven episodes of this season made the most impact on you?
“The story about Motorcycle Cannonball is inspiring. Not only because of the endurance it takes to cross the country (from Virginia Beach to Oceanside, California) on an antique motorcycle going 35 miles per hour, but because of the adversities overcome before and during the race.
For Jonas Zahn, his love for motorcycles and traveling on America’s backroads endured despite losing a leg in a motorcycle accident years ago. The Motorcycle Cannonball would be the first time he traveled across the Wisconsin state line since his accident.
Fierce determination best describes Zahn’s motorcycle partner, Brenda Kuhl. When the antique motorcycle with a sidecar broke down at the 100-mile mark, Zahn was able to find a new vintage bike to complete the race but for Kuhl, the race was over. Or was it? Kuhl saw this race as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and wasn’t about to let it go. She hopped on a plane and flew back to Wisconsin the next morning then jumped on her Harley-Davidson motorcycle and caught up with the other racers in Missouri before completing the race route. Now that’s determination!” — Joel Waldinger, producer
“I loved the story featuring Jerry Jordan, the artist who paints oil portraits. His style jumps off of the screen at me. I would love to see his work in person. Now that’s on my list!” — Emily Julka, producer
“There’s a unique story about a Mount Horeb golfer who set an unofficial world record. He began with a goal of playing 10,000 holes in a year, eventually reaching over 18,000 holes in 2022! It seems impossible — especially with Wisconsin winters — but it highlights an individual’s determination and the pursuit of personal goals.” — Josh Kappler, editor and producer
“My favorite stories are the ones that go beyond state lines like the Rascal anime story. People around the world are appreciating the values of friendliness and connection to nature through the work of a Wisconsin-born author.” — Jess Miller, production assistant
“Our visit to Eau Claire, the self-proclaimed ‘Kubb Capital of North America,’ showed me how and why the Nordic lawn game is embraced there. Competitors from across the country expressed that the city was the mecca for Kubb. The warm vibes were tangible as people tossed wooden batons at the wood blocks.” — Andy Soth, Producer
What theme is present throughout the season? What does this say about the people of our state?
“Throughout this season, I’ve seen people take a lot of joy in a variety of stories, ranging from racing buses (or pigeons!), to collecting Indiana Jones memorabilia or managing an ice cream business. It’s not about fame or fortune, everyone simply enjoys what they do!” — Kappler
“The theme I see throughout the season is the ‘spirit of Wisconsin.’ From a bear researcher protecting our natural resources to a Milwaukee fashion school giving people from all backgrounds a pathway to success, you can see that same spirit in the mother-and-son pigeon-racing team or the teen who wants to turn his hobby of planespotting into a career as a pilot. You feel a spirit of determination for success when you meet a family of barefoot waterskiers from Wisconsin Rapids. One member of the family won the title of the world’s best barefoot waterskier — not once, but twice! All are uniquely Wisconsin!” — Waldinger
Which story are you looking forward to most in the final three episodes?
“I’m looking forward to seeing wherever host Angela Fitzgerald goes next, including Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, a place I want to check out myself!” — Julka
The family of Wisconsin Life producer Joel Waldinger, including his father in the middle, enjoying ice cream.
“The story I’m looking forward to sharing most is about the family-owned Windmill Ice Cream Shoppe near Tomahawk. It’s where my dad — who loved ice cream — enjoyed taking his five grandkids. My dad was 91 years old when he passed away last April but his legacy and love of ice cream live on. Good memories and ice cream!” — Waldinger
