EPISODE LIBRARY
Cousins Subs
Cousins Subs began with one store near Milwaukee and now, over 50 years later, Cousins is one of the iconic names in the Wisconsin restaurant industry. Their popular sandwiches can be found throughout the state and beyond. It’s a fascinating story of two men, two cousins, with one dream. CEO Christine Specht joins Bob Dolan to talk about the history of the franchise and her current challenges and responsibility to keep Cousins at the top of the industry.
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Wisconsin native Laura Ingalls Wilder authored one of the most beloved and successful book series in history: Little House on the Prairie. Pulitzer Prize winning author Caroline Fraser joins Bob to tell us about Laura’s remarkable life.
Destination: Wisconsin Golf
Bob Dolan has golfed with people from California, New York, Florida, South Carolina, Ireland and England and never once did he have to leave the state of Wisconsin! Our state was recently named by Golf Magazine as the best state in the USA for a golf destination. Award-winning golf writer Gary D’Amato joins Bob in this episode to talk about the timeline, the explanation and the iconic courses of Wisconsin golf.
Orson Welles
Orson Welles gave us, arguably, the greatest film in history, Citizen Kane. This Kenosha native was a giant of both stature and skill. Author Patrick McGilligan joins Bob in this episode to discuss this Hollywood legend.
The Milwaukee Braves
The Braves remain an iconic franchise some 60 years after they left. For their loyal fans, and even for those who are just plain curious, the circumstances of their leaving Milwaukee for Atlanta remain both heartbreaking and confusing. Author Patrick Steele has researched the many factors and he provides the answers in this episode of Wisconsin Icons.
Golda Meir
Surprising to some, perhaps, but one of the most historic and powerful world leaders in the past century, Golda Meir, spent a significant portion of her youth in Wisconsin. In this episode, Bob speaks to the Director of Education at the Milwaukee Jewish Museum about Meir’s remarkable and unpredictable journey from Ukraine to Wisconsin and then on to the world stage as Prime Minister of Israel.
The Wisconsin Supper Club
The Supper Club is an iconic and beloved Wisconsin institution and tradition. It is so much more than a good meal. Documentarian and Wisconsin PBS Historian Holly De Ruyter joins Bob in this episode to discuss the appeal and history of the Supper Club.
Dan Small
Dan Small has entertained and educated Wisconsin hunters and fishermen for nearly 40 years on his Outdoor Wisconsin television and radio programs. Dan joins Bob Dolan in this Wisconsin Icons episode.
Tom Loftus
Tom Loftus was one of the longtime Democratic leaders in the Wisconsin Assembly beginning in the late 1970’s. Later in his career, he served as the United States Ambassador to Norway. Tom joins Bob Dolan to discuss his years of service and accomplishments in this episode of Wisconsin Icons.
Bonnie Blair
Bonnie Blair won five Olympic gold medals and one bronze over the span of four Olympic games. Yet, this icon remains refreshingly humble and grateful for her stunning success on the ice. In this episode, Bob speaks with Bonnie inside the U.S. Olympic Speedskating training center.
Senator Joseph McCarthy
Joseph McCarthy, born in Grand Chute, is a Wisconsin Icon for all the wrong reasons. His actions and behavior as a U.S. Senator resulted in a term still used today: McCarthyism. Author Larry Tye joins Bob to discuss how and why this Wisconsin man embraced his role in the Red Scare of the 1950’s.
Milwaukee Bucks 1971
This Milwaukee Bucks team won the NBA Championship in the 1970-’71 season and featured two of the most iconic players in NBA history; Lew Alcindor and Oscar Robertson. Fan/Author Rick Schabowski joins Bob Dolan on this episode to recall this extraordinary group.
Liberace
Liberace was a giant in entertainment. He was a flamboyant showman with an off-the-charts talent at the piano. This Wisconsin native hosted a hugely popular television program and enjoyed a Las Vegas residency for decades. In this episode, Bob talks to an Emmy nominated producer who wrote the award-winning article about Liberace, a Wisconsin Icon.
Vel Phillips
Vel Phillips was one of the leaders in Wisconsin in the fight for civil rights and open housing. Also, she was the first female elected as Secretary of State and several other offices. Research archivist Abigail Nye talks with Bob about this icon’s remarkable spirit and legacy.
A Christmas Carol
This iconic live production is now in its’ 48th consecutive year, one of the longest runs in the country. It is a Christmas tradition for thousands of families. In this episode, Bob speaks with Matt Daniels, the actor portraying Ebenezer Scrooge. Photos and video are courtesy of Frances White, Director of Media Relations at The Milwaukee Repertory Theater.
Les Paul
Waukesha born Les Paul was one of the giants of the music business as both an entertainer and an innovator. Les Paul’s great friend and historian Sue Baker joins Bob Dolan to recall this iconic figure.
Clayborn Benson
There is only one Wisconsin Black History Museum and it’s largely due to one man’s drive and dream. Clayborn Benson is this episode’s Wisconsin Icon.
Dark Sky
Wisconsin is the home of one of only dozens of parks in America to be designated as an International Dark Sky Park. Naturalist Beth Bartoli joins Bob Dolan to talk about this iconic experience.
Frank Lloyd Wright
Author Kristine Hansen joins Bob Dolan to discuss Wisconsin Icon Frank Lloyd Wright, born in Richland Center, who would become one of America’s greatest architects.
Hank Aaron
Hank Aaron was one of baseball's greatest players. He played for both the Milwaukee Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers. In this episode, Bob Dolan talks to award-winning sports author Joe Posnanski about Aaron's career, motivation and legacy.