Dependence and self-reliance, Railroad history

Air Date:
Heard On Central Time
A small, child's hand holds a larger adult's hand
A boy holds the hand of his adoptive father as they prepare to leave for a family outing from their home in Springfield, Mass., on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015. Charles Krupa, File/AP Photo

A journalist looks at the societal pressures of self-reliance versus relying on other people. Then, a museum curator teaches us about the history of railroads in Wisconsin.

Featured in this Show

  • American self-reliance can steer us wrong. Can the 'art of dependence' take its place?

    Self-reliance and “bootstrapping” are ingrained in American culture, but our guest says they can have negative personal and societal consequences. She talks about why and how we can encourage more cooperation and independence in our lives.

  • WHYsconsin: History of railroads, beginning of Rails-To-Trails

    A museum curator and a director with Rails-To-Trails help answer two WHYsconsin questions about the history of railroads in Wisconsin and the creation of Rails-To-Trails within the state.

    This segment was inspired by audience questions as part of the WHYsconsin project. Submit your question at wpr.org/WHYsconsin and we might answer it in a future story.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Sarah Hopefl Technical Director
  • Dean Knetter Producer
  • Emilie Burditt Producer
  • Alissa Quart Guest
  • Eric Oberg Guest
  • Daniel Liedtke Guest

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