Celebrity Politics, Bat Transmitter In Wisconsin, Logan Paul And Internet Decency

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Scientists in Wisconsin have been able to track the state’s smallest bat using an ultra-light transmitter. We talk about what this success might mean for the tiny endangered bat species. We also discuss the actions of YouTube star Logan Paul and a top news story. And, a look at the new intersection of celebrity and presidential politics.

Featured in this Show

  • With Oprah 2020 Speculation Underway, Is Celebrity Politics The New Normal?

    After an impassioned speech at the Golden Globe awards, rumors are now furiously swirling that Oprah Winfrey will take a shot at winning the Democratic nomination for president in 2020. Certainly Oprah isn’t the first celebrity to have their name tossed out as a presidential possibility. Names ranging from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to Kanye West have been mentioned in the recent past, with the chatter about celebrity candidates really ramping up since the election of President Donald Trump. So are we now living in a world of celebrities turned politicians? And what does this all say about us, who we want for our leaders…and our democracy? A politics and pop culture expert weighs in.

  • DNR Tracks State's Smallest Bat For The First TIme

    Last spring, DNR researchers in eastern Wisconsin attached a transmitter to a tiny bat and tracked it from its hibernation site to its summer roost. It was the first successful tracking of the state’s smallest species, providing new information on its movement and habitat. A bat expert joins us to talk about the exciting research and what we can learn from it.

  • What Logan Paul Says About Internet Culture

    YouTube star Logan Paul has been weathering a barrage of controversy following his video depicting an alleged suicide victim in Aokigahara, a forest in Japan. The video–coupled with others posted on his YouTube channel–highlights a growing concern over what is being produced on social media platforms. We speak with Kathleen Culver, assistant professor and Director of UW-Madison’s Center for Journalism Ethics, about the news and what these videos say about internet culture.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Chris Malina Producer
  • Dean Knetter Producer
  • J. Carlisle Larsen Producer
  • Eric Kasper Guest
  • J. Paul White Guest
  • Kathleen Bartzen Culver Guest

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