We discuss what’s behind a sharp rise in alcohol-related deaths in Wisconsin over the last 20 years. We also consider the downsides of a growing focus on personalized genetic medicine. Plus, a photographer shares her approach to seeking out images of rural Wisconsin.
Featured in this Episode
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The health consequences of Wisconsin's drinking culture
Alcohol-related deaths in Wisconsin nearly tripled from 1999 to 2020. The state has among the highest rates of alcohol consumption in the nation — and among the lowest perceptions of binge-drinking as risky behavior. We talk to an expert about Wisconsin’s drinking problem, and evidence-based polices to address it.
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The public health drawbacks of a medical community focus on genetics
Our guest argues that a push for more personalized medicine, based on a person’s genes, is leaving promises of curing people unfulfilled, and resulting in treatments that don’t benefit most patients.
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A photographer's portrait of rural Wisconsin
Photographer Erinn’s Springer’s family has lived in rural Wisconsin for more than seven generations. It makes her the perfect person the capture images of that place—in her words, “a mental space and physical place at the heart of an old dream and at the edge of a transformation.” We talk to her about her new book of photos, “Dormant Season,” and her process of documenting the heart of rural America.
Episode Credits
- Rob Ferrett Host
- Erinn Springer Guest
- James Tabery Guest
- Maureen Busalacchi Guest
- Sarah Hopefl Technical Director
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