Bubbler Talk
Society & Culture
About
What's got you scratching your head about the Milwaukee area? WUWM investigates your questions.
Episodes
- 10th anniversary: Why do we call it a Bubbler?
Bubbler Talk celebrates its 10th anniversary with a look back at its first episode, which explored the origins of the term 'bubbler' in Wisconsin. The show features listener curiosity and reporter insights from the past decade.
- Cathedral Square's 'Immigrant Mother' statue symbolizes universal motherhood
The 'Immigrant Mother' statue, located in Milwaukee's Cathedral Square since 1960, is a bronze monument depicting a mother with two children. This statue has prompted listener curiosity about its background and meaning.
- What's the story behind the cluster of cemeteries next to I-94?
A Bubbler Talk episode investigates the cluster of cemeteries situated along I-94 near American Family Field, following a listener's inquiry.
- Why did so many German immigrants move to Milwaukee in the 1800s?
Bubbler Talk explores the history of German immigrants in the 1800s and explains why they chose to make Milwaukee their home, contributing to its reputation as a "German Athens."
- A Milwaukee theater has a twin in France. How'd that happen?
Milwaukee's Skylight Music Theater shares a striking resemblance to the Théâtre de la Coup d'Or in Rochefort, France. The episode explores the origins of this architectural connection.
- Just in time for Valentine's Day: The 'blind date cookie' and its Milwaukee connection
A Bubbler Talk listener inquired about the origins of the blind date cookie and its connection to Milwaukee. This episode explores the centuries-old history of the sweet treat.
- How a medieval French chapel made its way to a Milwaukee college campus
The St. Joan of Arc Chapel, constructed in France circa 1420, has found its third home at Marquette University.
- What's the story behind the four-leaf clover shape throughout Milwaukee's Plankinton Building?
The Plankinton Building in Milwaukee, now apartments and offices, was once a grand shopping arcade. This episode explores the history and meaning behind the distinctive four-leaf clover shape found in its architecture.
- It's a bird? It's a plane? It's the Milwaukee Flyers!
The Bubbler Talk episode features the Milwaukee Flyers, a local tumbling group known for their aerial performances.
- Why is Milwaukee missing so many street signs?
Bubbler Talk investigates the issue of missing street signs in Milwaukee. The episode explores the reasons behind this problem and discusses potential actions residents can take.
- Chew on this: the life of Milwaukee's urban river beavers
This episode discusses the reintroduction of beavers into Milwaukee
- Unearthing the history of Milwaukee’s celery farms
Bubbler Talk delves into the previously unknown history of celery farming in Milwaukee. This episode uncovers a unique chapter of the city's past, highlighting the surprising connection to this common vegetable.
- The story behind the lone high-rise in Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood
Bay View Terrace is a unique 25-story condominium located in Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood, which is otherwise characterized by single-family homes.
- Remembering when Marian Anderson, world-famous contralto, shared her voice with Milwaukee
This episode of Bubbler Talk investigates whether Marian Anderson, the renowned contralto, visited Milwaukee and where she may have stayed, considering the past segregation practices.
- Did you know the Milwaukee Safety Academy used to be a Catholic girls school?
The Milwaukee Safety Academy was once an all-girls Catholic High School founded in 1965. The school closed six years after its establishment.
- 'Bubbler Talk': Discovering Milwaukee’s Water Current Walking Tour
Bubbler Talk’s episode covers the Milwaukee Water Current Walking Tour, highlighting the city’s public art, water innovation, and unique spots along its rivers.
- What happened to the historical marker at Lake Park's Native American burial mound?
A historical marker at one of Milwaukee County's last Native American burial mounds in Lake Park was removed. This episode discusses the reasons for its removal and the future of the sacred burial site.
- How a 1959 military plane crash is connected to Milwaukee’s annual Air and Water Show
This episode of Bubbler Talk investigates the 1959 military plane crash on Milwaukee's Jones Island and details its connection to the annual Milwaukee Air and Water Show.
- Who’s behind ‘The Unsung Hero,’ the 6-story mural in Milwaukee’s Third Ward?
The Bubbler Talk episode discusses the mural 'The Unsung Hero' in Milwaukee's Third Ward, focusing on identifying the artists responsible for its creation. The mural depicts a seated female figure.
- Havenwoods State Forest in Milwaukee is the result of 'healing' after a military past
Bubbler Talk explores the creation of Havenwoods State Forest in Milwaukee. A listener questioned why Wisconsin's only urban state forest was established, revealing its history rooted in a military past and subsequent 'healing' to become a…
- The history of Milwaukee's Silver City & National Park neighborhoods
Bubbler Talk explores the history of Milwaukee's Silver City and National Park neighborhoods. The episode delves into the past of the amusement park that was once located in the area.
- Where are the victims of the Bay View Massacre buried?
This Bubbler Talk episode investigates the burial locations of victims from the Bay View Massacre, a key event in Wisconsin's labor and political history. The episode delves into the identities of these victims.
- Where did the card game Sheepshead come from? Inside the cherished Wisconsin pastime
This episode of Bubbler Talk investigates the origins of the card game Sheepshead, a popular pastime in Wisconsin. It also explores the reasons behind the game's diverse set of rules.
- How Enderis Park neighborhood's namesake, Dorothy Enderis, shaped Milwaukee Recreation
The episode discusses Dorothy Enderis, the second and most influential leader of the Milwaukee Recreation Department, and the neighborhood named after her.
- The Native history behind the unmarked pedestrian bridge in Milwaukee's McKinley Park
In 1971, Indigenous activists occupied a Coast Guard station in Milwaukee's McKinley Park, significantly impacting the park's future. A mysterious bridge in the park is a remnant of this history.
- What was Milwaukee's most devastating fire?
This episode of Bubbler Talk investigates historical fires in Milwaukee. It addresses listener inquiries about where and how these fires started and their lasting impact on the city's development.
- Signs around Milwaukee promise to buy your home for cash. What happens if you sell?
This episode of Bubbler Talk investigates the outcomes for homes sold to cash buyers who advertise in Milwaukee, addressing a listener's question.
- Why are there so many shipwrecks in Lake Michigan?
Bubbler Talk addresses listener questions about the abundance of shipwrecks in Lake Michigan, with a specific focus on the area off the Milwaukee coast, as posed by scuba divers Amy Gajewski and Victor Muñoz.
- What happens when an animal at the Milwaukee County Zoo dies?
This episode of Bubbler Talk explores the procedures followed when an animal dies at the Milwaukee County Zoo. It covers what happens to the animals after their death.
- What does the rooster represent at the Milwaukee Public Market?
The Bubbler Talk episode explores the symbolism of the Milwaukee Public Market's rooster logo. It also delves into the inspiration behind the 20-year-old iconic Milwaukee food hall.
- The search for the mystery artist behind the wooden birds on the Oak Leaf Trail
An unknown artist is leaving colorful, carved wooden birds in hidden spots along Milwaukee's Oak Leaf Trail. While the artist's identity remains a mystery, the local community enjoys discovering and appreciating these unique creations.
- The geological secrets of Estabrook Park
Listener Sophia Heyn discovered the geological history of quarrying in Estabrook Park for a school assignment. She and the show explored the history of the riverbed together.
- Who uses Milwaukee's downtown skywalks?
Bubbler Talk explores who uses Milwaukee's downtown skywalks after a listener's inquiry. The episode addresses the question of skywalk accessibility and usage.
- Bubbler Talk: Taking a Milwaukee County bus to landmarks — where do you want to ride next?
A Bubbler Talk episode discusses taking Milwaukee County buses (MCTS) to landmarks, prompted by a listener question about the Mitchell Park Domes. MCTS is also soliciting public feedback on potential service modifications planned for 2025.
- The Morris Pratt Institute has been a source of Spiritualist education for more than a century
The Morris Pratt Institute, located in Wauwatosa, provides education in Spiritualism. Spiritualists believe that mediums can facilitate communication with the deceased.
- Is it possible to rank custard stands?
This episode delves into the history of custard in Milwaukee, examining its connection to FDA regulations, nostalgic sentiments, and the principles of cooperative economics.
- What's going on at Milwaukee's Veterans Park lagoon?
Trees were recently removed from the southeast end of the Veterans Park lagoon in Milwaukee. This episode explains the reasons behind the removal and discusses current developments concerning the lagoon.
- Holiday hibernation: What happened to the Grand Avenue Mall's robotic bear orchestra?
The Grand Avenue Mall's Leonard Bearstein Symphony Orchestra, an animatronic band, performed for 20 years. This episode explores the mystery of where the robotic bears went.
- The history of Milwaukee's Silver City & National Park neighborhoods
Bubbler Talk discusses the history of Milwaukee's Silver City and National Park neighborhoods, focusing on the area's former amusement park.
- Is Milwaukee a community of haters?
This episode of Bubbler Talk investigates a question posed by a Milwaukee native: "Are we a bunch of haters?"
- What happened to the Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear in Milwaukee?
Bubbler Talk addresses a listener's question about the Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear in Milwaukee. The episode explores what became of this local institution.
- A Fox Point house has a twin in Fort Atkinson — how did that happen?
A house designed for Theodore Kronshage in Fox Point nearly 120 years ago has a twin in Fort Atkinson, built using the same designs. Kronshage later became Fox Point's first village president.
- Beauty, green space & stormwater management: A look at Milwaukee's bioswales
Bubbler Talk investigates Milwaukee's bioswales, sunken gardens in street medians, exploring their role in managing stormwater and enhancing green space as spring arrives.
- The story behind the lone high-rise in Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood
The podcast episode discusses Bay View Terrace, a distinctive 25-story condominium located in Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood. It is notably surrounded by single-family homes.
- Deciphering the Green Flow, the key to Brady Street's past
Bubbler Talk's "Deciphering the Green Flow" episode delves into the history of Brady Street, interpreting the visual cues within its pictures as narratives of the street's early development.
- Bubbler Talk: The Amtrak train Borealis is coming to the Chicago-Milwaukee-St. Paul corridor
The Amtrak Borealis train service begins on May 21, 2024. This new route follows years of advocacy for passenger rail.
- What happens when an animal at the Milwaukee County Zoo dies?
The Bubbler Talk episode addresses what occurs when an animal dies at the Milwaukee County Zoo. It explores the processes behind handling the death of animals that are on display for visitors.
- How Enderis Park neighborhood's namesake, Dorothy Enderis, shaped Milwaukee Recreation
This episode explores the legacy of Dorothy Enderis, the second and most influential leader of the Milwaukee Recreation Department. It also discusses the neighborhood that was named in her honor.
- Meet Ringo: The star, artist and friend of Bradford Beach
Bubbler Talk introduces Ringo, a familiar figure at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee.
- The story of an intriguing Sherman Park home begins with 1933 award-winning design
The Bubbler Talk episode features an award-winning 1933 home in Sherman Park, Milwaukee. Its sleek, boxy, contemporary style contrasts with the surrounding traditional architecture.