Over time, they slowly developed a formula that now makes it quicker and easier.
“ It’ s been an evolution,” Seastrom said.“ At some point in that evolution, it became clear that what we were really trying to do was to be the‘ Voice of Brown County.’ And what that means is— exactly what happened here tonight. We had the superintendent of schools in here tonight, the president of the League of Women Voters, the Foundation people, and so forth. We have interviewed just about every mover and shaker that we can think of, and we also often have local musicians come in to be interviewed and to perform live original music in the studio.”
Vera Grubbs goes out into the community and interviews artists in their studios. Regular commentators like nature expert Jim Eagleman contribute pieces on different topics. The show makes note when well-known local people pass away.
“ That’ s part of the story,” Seastrom said.“ We’ re trying really hard to represent the totality of the county. It’ s also worth mentioning that we consider ourselves forest advocates. We feel like that is very much central to what is Brown County and how that shapes the people who live here.”
There are topics which are taboo on the Brown County Hour. They stay away from religion and just generally avoid proselytizing.
“ There are a lot of views that we’ d rather not give voice to,” Seastrom said.“ We’ re not into politics, we’ re trying to represent everybody. The thing about us, I believe, is we are inclusive. If you have a story to tell, if you are a member of this community, then that’ s fair game.”
The group is very pleased with their latest addition, sound engineer Chuck Wills, who fell in with the Brown County Hour through their previous sound technician Jeff Foster.
“ Chuck is bringing us into the 21 st century,” said Rick Fettig.“ His leadership has really changed everything.”
The engineer is also an IT guy, so he has improved the website and established a podcast on I-tunes, making the show viable in the present-day market.
“ Radio is a dead medium,” Seastrom said.“ Everything is moving in the podcast direction, that’ s the future.”
Continued on 46
Jim Eagleman recording his piece for the next show.
Dave Seastrom interviewing members of the Brown County Opioid Crisis Alliance.
March / April 2019 • Our Brown County 45