Podcasts
Travel Calumet Original Podcast is also available through most podcast directories including: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podcast Index, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, TuneIn+Alexa, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Pocket Casts, Deezer, Listen Notes, and Player FM.
Episode 72 (February 2026)
Dion Block, Director of Operations, for Waverly Beach Bar & Grille and Banquets joins host Rick Sense to talk about one of Calumet County's true treasures, Waverly Beach.
Waverly Beach Bar & Grille is known for serving up some of Wisconsin’s best lunch and dinner favorites including the popular Wisconsin fish fry. Waverly is also known for having one of the coolest beach-bar venues and atmospheres north of Florida as it is situated on the north end of Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, Lake Winnebago. Dion and Rick discuss this atmosphere, the amenities, and Waverly Beach hosting its annual Sturgeonfest 2026, happening on February 14th.
Episode 71 (December 2025)
Jackie Hering, the guest on Episode 70, makes a return visit to the Travel Calumet Original Podcast on an abbreviated Episode 71, as she joins host Rick Sense to discuss her winning the US and World Snowshoe Championship events at the 2025 World Snowshoe Championship presented by Nicolet National Bank and hosted by Ariens Nordic Center.
Jackie is one of the elite athletes from all around the world that competed in the event organized by the North Country Sports Council, held December 19th-21st, in Brillion, Wisconsin.
Jackie, a professional triathlete, has competed at an elite level in numerous sports, including snowshoe, where she is a former US Snowshoe Racing National Champion. She also has competed in Ironman all over the world and is known for recording the fastest time ever by an American woman in an Ironman event, done earlier in 2025 in Hamburg, Germany.
Episode 70 (November 2025)
Jackie Hering, one of the elite athletes that will be competing in the 2025 World Snowshoe Championship Presented by Nicolet National Bank, the North Country Sports Council, and in partnership with Ariens Nordic Center the weekend of December 19th-21st, joins host Rick Sense for Episode 70 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast.
Jackie, a professional triathlete, has competed at an elite level in numerous sports, including snowshoe, where she is a former US Snowshoe Racing National Champion. She also has competed in Ironman all over the world and is known for recording the fastest time ever by an American woman in an Ironman event, done earlier in 2025 in Hamburg, Germany.
From Madison, Wisconsin Jackie is competing at the 2025 World Championship next month at Ariens Nordic Center on home turf and we at Travel Calumet are excited to see a local athlete compete for the world championship in December!
Episode 69 (November 2025)
The Travel Calumet Original Podcast focuses on the holiday season as the organizers of the 30th Annual Chilton Christmas Parade of Lights join host Rick Sense on the program. Jerry Mallmann of Chilton Furniture and Terry Friederichs & Paula Mortimer of Friederichs Abstract & Title Service are the program's special guests.
Paula, known by most everyone in the Chilton Area as Elf Mort, shares her Christmas spirit and enthusiasm while Jerry, Terry, and Rick all try to keep up in this great discussion about the 2025 edition of this iconic Chilton and Calumet County institution, the Chilton Christmas Parade of Lights, taking place on Saturday, December 6th at 5:30pm.
So, grab some egg nogg, put another log on the fire, pull up your favorite comfy chair, and tune in the Travel Calumet Original Podcast on your favorite podcast channel, and join us for this special holiday show.
Episode 68 (November 2025)
Dan Ariens, Chairman and CEO of AriensCo in Brillion joins host Rick Sense on episode 68 of The Travel Calumet Original Podcast to discuss the recently, AriensCo published, “The Nature of Business” - its Corporate Conservation Report. The report is a beautiful and interesting review of the efforts underway at AriensCo to reclaim local native biodiversity. Dan discusses the work, planning behind the efforts, the impact it is having on tourism in our area and how it is important to the quality of life in Calumet County and beyond.
Episode 67 (October 2025)
Matt Dougherty, Executive Director of the North Country Sports Council, joins host Rick Sense to discuss the upcoming World Snowshoe Championship Presented by Nicolet National Bank, to be held December 19th-21st, at Ariens Nordic Center in Brillion.
The World Snowshoe Championships draws elite athletes from around the world. In 2024 the event was held in central Spain with athletes participating from not only Spain, but also the US, Italy, France, Great Britain, Argentina, India, Canada, and Sweden.
As part of this year's World Snowshoe Championship Presented by Nicolet National Bank, the North Country Sports Council, in partnership with Ariens Nordic Center, is adding the US Snowshoe Championships and an Open Championships competition to the docket, allowing snowshoe enthusiasts and fans three days of snowshoeing. This year’s prize money is the largest purse ever offered for a snowshoe event in North America, further elevating the competition’s prestige.
Episode 66 - Part 2 of 2 (October 2025)
In episodes 65 and 66, host Rick Sense and his guests delve into the dramatic arts in Calumet County as they discuss the upcoming production season of the Chilton School District’s vibrant performing arts programs and why these programs are a great reason to travel to Chilton to take in a performance and enjoy the amenities of Calumet County to make it a total evening experience.
Joining in the discussion are:
Charlotte Deehr – to talk about the Chilton High School musical production of The Little Mermaid & talk about Trunk-or-Treat at Chilton Elementary School
Jenie Farrell – to discuss the Engler Center for the Performing Arts Student Leadership's production of the play, Cabin Chronicles and ticketing and community development
Kim Tiegs – to share about the Chilton Elementary School’s musical production of 101 Dalmatians KIDS
Addy Hanson and Michelle Kochan – from Chilton Middle School to discuss the musical production of Matilda JR.
Aaron Juhl – from the district’s Music area to discuss the productions and the role music will play in them all.
Episode 65 - Part 1 of 2 (October 2025)
In episodes 65 and 66, host Rick Sense and his guests delve into the dramatic arts in Calumet County as they discuss the upcoming production season of the Chilton School District’s vibrant performing arts programs and why these programs are a great reason to travel to Chilton to take in a performance and enjoy the amenities of Calumet County to make it a total evening experience.
Joining in the discussion are:
Charlotte Deehr – to talk about the Chilton High School musical production of The Little Mermaid & talk about Trunk-or-Treat at Chilton Elementary School
Jenie Farrell – to discuss the Engler Center for the Performing Arts Student Leadership's production of the play, Cabin Chronicles and ticketing and community development
Kim Tiegs – to share about the Chilton Elementary School’s musical production of 101 Dalmatians KIDS
Addy Hanson and Michelle Kochan – from Chilton Middle School to discuss the musical production of Matilda JR.
Aaron Juhl – from the district’s Music area to discuss the productions and the role music will play in them all.
Part 1 - Episode 65; Part 2 - Episode 66
Episode 64 (October 2025)
Ben and Sharon Henke, the owners of the new tourist start-up destination Our Little Farm, located on 5 acres just outside of New Holstein, join host Rick Sense for episode 64 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast.
Our Little Farm specializes in growing ancient Einkorn wheat along with other fruits and vegetables.
Additionally, Ben and Sharon are in the process of building a commercial kitchen and farm store at their location with a tentative completion date of spring, 2026. The kitchen will specialize on products sourced from Einkorn Wheat.
Episode 63 (September 2025)
Mike Buboltz, part of the ownership/management group behind the new Circle of Friends Luxury Suites facility in Brillion, joins host Rick Sense for Episode 63 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast. In addition to the interview, Mike provides listeners a tour of the facilities available at the venue.
Circle of Friends Luxury Suites is the exciting and newest short-term rental facility to come online in Calumet County, a facility that caters to tourists, athletes, wedding attendees, corporate retreats, business travelers, and others visiting the Travel Calumet area year-round.
Episode 62 (September 2025)
On October 1, 2005, Patrick and Bonnie Keyes opened the barn doors on Hilbert’s beloved hands-on educational petting zoo and pumpkin patch called Mulberry Lane Farm. And, just around the corner, Bonnie and Patrick will be leading the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of this iconic Calumet County destination.
Joining host Rick Sense for the 62nd episode of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast is Bonnie Keyes, who along with her husband Patrick, own Mulberry Lane Farm. In addition to answering some questions about the upcoming milestone, Bonnie also provides listeners with a tour of the facility.
Listen and learn what Bonnie and Patrick have in store for the 20th Anniversary celebration!
Episode 61 (September 2025)
Pull up a barstool and listen in as participants in the Harvest to Holiday Shopping Season happening from September 25th-27th join host Rick Sense at Schumacher's Shanty in Stockbridge.
The Harvest to Holiday Shopping Season invites you to ditch the frantic crowds and the click-happy world of online shopping and instead, Shop, Sip & Savor your way through fabulous gift shops, cocktail spots, orchards, boutiques, and more along Lake Winnebago’s East Shore. Snag exclusive deals, holiday-inspired goodies, and chances to win prizes, gift cards, and even cash!
So, learn why you will want to grab your friends and embark on a road trip along Lake Winnebago’s east shore and beyond! You’ll find businesses from Fond du Lac to Stockbridge, to Sherwood, to Chilton, and even New Holstein participating. The event features the best rural Wisconsin has to offer, including wonderful shops, restaurants, wineries, artisans, and more. There is something for everyone!
Episode 60 (September 2025)
Join us onstage for part 2 of this special 2-part episode focusing on the Engler Center for the Performing Arts. Bill and Mike Engler, patrons of the state of the art and intimate performing arts center located in Chilton; Brian Bartel, the president of the Friends of the Engler Center and the technical genius behind the scenes at the Engler Center; Brady Kees, the Secretary of the Friends of the Engler Center and alum of the theatrical program at ECPA; and Jenie Farrell, the PAC Director at the Engler Center for the Performing Arts all join host Rick Sense in this discussion about the Engler Center and its impact on lives and the community. Join us to learn more about this happening destination.
To hear part one, listen to episode 59.
Episode 59 (August 2025)
On episode 59 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast host Rick Sense is joined by Bill and Mike Engler, patrons of the state of the art and intimate performing arts center located in Chilton. Additionally, Brian Bartel, the president of the Friends of the Engler Center and the technical genius behind the scenes at the Engler Center joins the conversation. This is part one of a special two-part episode focusing on the development and history of Chilton's Engler Center for the Performing Arts and on why it is such a great destination for visitors.
Making cameo appearances are Brady Kees, Secretary of the Friends of the Engler Center, and Jenie Farrell, the PAC Director at the Engler Center for the Performing Arts. Jenie and Brady are featured guests in episode 60.
Episode 58 (August 2025)
Jerry Mallmann, owner and CEO of Chilton Furniture and past president of the Chilton Chamber of Commerce, joins host Rick Sense on the Travel Calumet Original Podcast. Jerry discusses the 23rd annual Crafty Apple Fest happening on Saturday, September 6th from 9am to 4pm in Chilton. Jerry explains why you don't want to miss this craft show, and family fun event that includes a car show, great food, Rowland's Calumet Brewing Co.'s apple and pumpkin beer, pumpkin bowling, and so much more!
Additionally, Jerry relates that this year's event is dedicated to the late Tammy Pethan who passed away in July. Tammy played an important part in the development of the Crafty Apple Fest and was a big reason for the fest and chamber’s success over many years.
Episode 57 (July 2025)
Voices of Peace Gospel Music Fest organizers Bud & Carolyn McAtee, Pastor Marc & Jeanne Axelrod, and Bud Wieting join Travel Calumet Original Podcast host Rick Sense in a conversation about the 2025 event that is taking place August 15-16, at Hilbert Civic Park. The Voices of Peace Gospel Music Fest is one of the Midwest's largest annual gospel music festivals and has drawn performers from across the U.S. and other parts of the world.
Episode 56 (July 2025)
Paul Schommer, bi-athlete, member of the US Biathlon Team and veteran of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games, joins host Rick Sense on this episode of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast. Paul talks about his Appleton and Calumet County roots, his training regimen, U.S. Biathlon Olympic Team training at Ariens Nordic Center, the upcoming 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Games, and life after Olympic competition. Make sure to catch Paul's advice to young athletes as well!
Episode 55 (June 2025)
Perry Welch, owner of Welch’s Aviation, and the Airport Manager of the New Holstein Municipal Airport, joins host Rick Sense to talk about the airport and 2 upcoming special events-July's Airport Day and September's Wings & Wheels event.
Episode 54 (June 2025)
Join host Rick Sense in part two of a special two-part series from the AriensCo Museum in Brillion, Wisconsin. Alissa Beyer, Senior Director of Hospitality & Corporate Communications for AriensCo and former AriensCo employees and current AriensCo Museum committee members and tour guides, Bob Denor and Mel Edinger, provide an insightful and interesting tour of the museum to listeners of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast. Alissa, Bob, and Mel share anecdotes and insights of the fascinating history gathered at the AriensCo Museum, a museum 90+ years in the making.
Episode 53 (June 2025)
In honor of the opening of Brillion's AriensCo Museum to the general public you are invited to take a special virtual tour of the museum! Joining host Rick Sense in part one of a special two-part series is Alissa Beyer, Senior Director of Hospitality & Corporate Communications for AriensCo and former AriensCo employees and current AriensCo Museum committee members and tour guides, Bob Denor and Mel Edinger. Alissa, Bob, and Mel provide an insightful and interesting tour to listeners of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast, sharing anecdotes and insights of the fascinating history gathered at the AriensCo Museum, a museum 90+ years in the making.
Episode 52 (May 2025)
While immersed in the collected history of the city of Brillion at the Brillion Historical Society's Museum at 110 N. Francis Street, Jane Fuhrmann, president of the society joins host Rick Sense to discuss the summer season at the museum for this episode of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast.
Episode 51 (May 2025)
Joining host Rick Sense for episode 51 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast are Mike Pichee and Terry Friederichs from the Calumet County Historical Society to discuss the historical society's museum and the upcoming open house taking place on site (N3327 Irish Road in Chilton) on Sunday June 8th, from 1-4pm.
Episode 50 (May 2025)
Joining host Rick Sense for episode 50 is Jerry Mallmann, the owner of Chilton Furniture and member of the Chilton Chamber of Commerce. Jerry discusses the upcoming Chilton Summer Festival taking place June 12th-15th, the work done behind the scenes by members and staff of the Chilton Chamber of Commerce and the support received from event sponsors.
Episode 49 (May 2025)
Bruce Keller, the owner of the World-Famous Keller’s Retired Tractor Museum, a collection of nearly 600 rare collectible farm tractors featuring John Deere and Minneapolis Moline Tractors, joins host Rick Sense on episode 49 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast. Bruce also talks about the upcoming Classic Green Reunion event taking place from June 12-14, 2025, that includes organized motorcoach tours originating from the event to the museum in Calumet County.
Episode 48 (May 2025)
Troy Campbell, the creator of The North Pole Christmas Village in Chilton, Wisconsin joins host Rick Sense on this episode of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast. Troy discusses this past Christmas season, some changes happening at the North Pole Christmas Village and some exciting fun summer news that is an early Christmas present to everyone listening to the Travel Calumet Original Podcast.
Episode 47 (May 2025)
Joining host Rick Sense on the Travel Calumet Original Podcast is Lori Lamers, the creator of Fauna Farm Family Day at the Fauna Farm in Hilbert. Fauna Farm Family Day is taking place on Saturday, June 7 from 10am-2pm. Taped while sitting with Lori in one of her animal barns, it was great to have her four-legged and web-footed friends chime in from time to time during the conversation. Lori and I discussed all the fun things that are planned for the event, from education stations to animal experiences to mini golf and so much more!
Episode 46 (May 2025)
Lindsay Meyer and Louise Marum from the Calumet County Parks Department join Travel Calumet Original Podcast host Rick Sense to talk about the exciting summer 2025 tourism season in Wisconsin's beautiful Calumet County. The three talk camping on the shores of Wisconsin's largest inland lake, Lake Winnebago, and about the 6 caves, trails, and fossil-rich quarry at Ledge View Nature Center. Louise also discusses Ledge View Nature Center's on-going remodel.
Episode 45 (April 2025)
Joining host Rick Sense for episode 45 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast are guests John Pakala, Sommelier, and Angela Brandenburg-Halbach, Marketing & Event Coordinator, at Calumet County’s Village Hearthstone, located in Hilbert, Wisconsin. Angela and John talk about the fine dining experience at Village Hearthstone, the wine culture of Calumet County, agritourism, and what wines are great for those summer evenings with friends.
Episode 44 (April 2025)
Joining host Rick Sense on the Travel Calumet Original Podcast are Dana and Eric Krueger, owners of the beautiful and historic Crystal Ballroom in St. John, just outside of Sherwood. Dana and Eric share what's new at The Crystal and talk about some of the exciting things on the horizon at the iconic venue, like the Daddy Daughter Dance and an upcoming A Mile Down the Road event brought to you by the same folks that are responsible for Appleton's highly successful Mile of Music event.
Episode 43 (April 2025)
Joining host Rick Sense is Pat Rowland from Rowland’s Calumet Brewing Company in Chilton. Rowland’s is an iconic Calumet County institution.
Every May, the iconic Rowland's Calumet Brewing Company hosts the Wisconsin Micro Brewers Beer Fest in Chilton, Wisconsin at the Calumet County Fairgrounds. Over its 30+ years, the long-running fest has provided tens of thousands of patrons the opportunity to sample more than 100 types of beers brewed by more than 20 Wisconsin Breweries. This year’s fest is to be held on May 18th from 1-6pm, at the Calumet County Fairgrounds in Chilton.
Episode 42 (March 2025)
Kortney Woldt, from Woldt Farms in Brillion, joins host Rick Sense on episode 42 of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast. Kourtney is a 4th generation farmer on the Woldt Farm which was established in 1911. Kortney discusses the travel destination that Woldt Farms has become and the upcoming 2025 Meet Your Local Farmer event taking place in numerous locations, including Woldt Farms, in Calumet County and beyond on April 26th.
Episode 41 (March 2025)
Joining episode 41 are some of the organizers and participants in the 2025 Meet Your Local Farmer event taking place in Calumet County and beyond on April 26th. Guests include Anna Zastrow from Chilton's KidFarm, Katie Fuhrmann from Salchert Meats in St. Cloud, Greg Vollmer from Midlakes Custom Services in Hilbert, and Clara Hedrich from LaClare Creamery in Pipe.
Meet Your Local Farmer is an event hosted in the Calumet County Area that was created to educate consumers about various aspects of agriculture in Wisconsin. Participating farmers, producers, and suppliers host an "open house" to welcome visitors to their locations to see first-hand what goes into their operations.
Episode 40 (February 2025)
Home to some of the coolest and best thrift stores in all of Wisconsin, spending the day thrifting in Calumet County is a great way to find those forgotten treasures, super bargains, and unique finds that are the stuff of legend.
Calumet County's leading thrifting experts sat around the table with host Rick Sense and discussed thrifting in Calumet County. Guests included Becca Mosier from Full Circle Community Closet in New Holstein, Julie Urness from Kiel's St Vincent De Paul Thrift Store, Lisa Martin from Wild Corgi in Chilton, and Susan Wittmann from Hilbert's St Vincent De Paul Thrift Store.
Episode 39 (February 2025)
Carol Letner joins host Rick Sense to share her passion for RVing, camping, and Calumet County tourism. Carol, who along with her husband Mike, is owner of LakeView RV Park and Cabins in Chilton. Learn more about camping in Calumet County and about all the great fun that awaits at LakeView!
Episode 38 (February 2025)
High Cliff State Park is the topic as Donna Franczek and Beth Braun from the Friends of High Cliff State Park group, and Nathan Jacques from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources join host Rick Sense to talk all things High Cliff State Park on this episode of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast.
Episode 37 (December 2024)
Bud and Carolyn McAtee, founding members of the Voices of Peace gospel group, and organizers of the Voices of Peace Gospel Fest held at Hilbert Civic Park in Hilbert, Wisconsin join the Travel Calumet Original Podcast's host Rick Sense to discuss the upcoming annual gospel fest to be held on Friday, August 15th and Saturday, August 16th, 2025.
Episode 36 (December 2024)
Marking his third appearance on The Travel Calumet Original Podcast is guest Sean Becker, Director of Sports Operations for Ariens Nordic Center. Sean and host Rick Sense discuss the upcoming winter season at Ariens Nordic Center, the world class Biathlon and Nordic Skiing training and recreational venue located in Wisconsin's Calumet County. Climb aboard the Pistenbully 100 commercial snow groomer as Sean readies the course while taping this episode of the Travel Calumet Original Podcast.
Episode 35 (December 2024)
Greg Hageman from the New Holstein Historical Society joins host Rick Sense to talk about the recent roofing project at the Timm House as well as the Christmas season experience taking place in December at the iconic Queen Anne Style home.
Episode 34 (December 2024)
Dana and Eric Krueger, the owners of The Crystal of Wisconsin, Wisconsin’s iconic ballroom and entertainment facility located at the corner of County Highways B and BB in Calumet County, join the Travel Original Podcast to talk about upcoming events, dance, gymnastics, music, weddings, Mile Down the Road, and the Mile of Music, held in Appleton in August. Tune-in to learn what's new and what's to come at The Crystal!
Episode 33 (December 2024)
Step back in time to an era when Christmas windows with animated figures mesmerized and filled Christmas dreams for those waiting for that special day each year. Joining host Rick Sense is Troy Campbell, owner of The North Pole Christmas Village. The conversation focuses on the experience that Troy created and how it has grown over its 18-years of operation. A non-profit experience, Troy talks about the important role that sponsors and donors play in the success of his labor of Christmas love.
Episode 32 (September 2024)
Bobbie Jo Smith, owner and operator of Jo’s Coffee Barn LLC mobile drink truck as well as The Magdelena in New Holstein, joins host Rick Sense to talk about two upcoming events that you may want to put on your trick or treat to do list - the Spooktacular Fall Festival and the Haunted Past Time Hotel both taking place at The Magdelena in New Holstein in October.
Episode 31 (September 2024)
Are you ready for some football? A corn maze party? Then listen in as the Travel Calumet Original Podcast covers a special kickoff event at Polly's Pumpkin Patch in Chilton.
Aaron Popkey, Green Bay Packers' Director of Public Affairs, joins host Rick Sense to discuss the upcoming 2025 Draft to be held in Green Bay in April of 2025 and why the Packers wanted to highlight agriculture as part of the 2025 Draft festivities.
Sheila Everhart, the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association (WATA) discusses the event that was held at Polly's on September 19 and provides information about opportunities to win some cool prizes.
Finally, Polly Roland and Gary Juckem, owners and operators of Polly's Pumpkin Patch also share some thoughts about the event and talk about the excitement of the 2025 Draft Corn Maze at their location.
Episode 30 (September 2024)
Pull up a barstool and listen in as participants in the Fall Harvest Trail Event talk with host Rick Sense at Schumacher's Shanty in Stockbridge. The Fall Harvest Trail Event is taking place on the eastern side of Lake Winnebago and is a unique time where participating businesses offer special events, incentives, and fun experiences for visitors. Included in the discussion are:
Craig Molitor, Liz Engh, and Erin Lund from Destination Lake Winnebago Region
Jodi and Jim Schumacher from Schumacher's Shanty in Stockbridge
Kristy Pagel from Just For You Flowers & Gifts in Chilton
Torrey Gasch and Alex Soliday from Heritage Orchard in Chilton
Clara Hedrich from LaClare Creamery in Malone.
The event runs September 27-28.
Episode 29 (September 2024)
Danielle Joerger, Brillion Nature Center’s Director and Naturalist, joins host Rick Sense to discuss the history and the attraction that is the Brillion Nature Center located in Brillion, Wisconsin.
Episode 28 (August 2024)
Maria Thomson, Calumet County Natural Resource Program Assistant and Louise Marum, Calumet County Naturalist Supervisor and the face of Ledge View Nature Center join host Rick Sense to discuss the upcoming Candlelight Cave Tour and other happenings - including a facility renovation - at the Ledge View Nature Center in Chilton.
Episode 27 (August 2024)
Polly Roland of Polly's Pumpkin Patch joins host Rick Sense to discuss Polly's partnering with the 2025 Draft-with a 2025 Draft-themed corn maze and all that's on tap for the upcoming season at the iconic Calumet County destination, opening September 13.
Episode 26 (August 2024)
Vern Gasch, one of the owners of Heritage Orchard joins host Rick Sense to discuss the upcoming season at the orchard and all the things to see and do while visiting this must-see Calumet County destination.
Episode 25 (July 2024)
Mike Malewiski and Nathan Carlton, members of the Wisconsin Steam and Antique Engine Club, join host Rick Sense to discuss the 72nd Annual Steam Engine Show taking place at the Calumet County Fairgrounds in Chilton.
Episode 24 (July 2024)
Jennifer and Larry Meyer, owner/operators of Jenlar Holsteins and Brown Swiss recently hosted more than 120 visitors from all over the United States at their Chilton operation. Jennifer and Larry take some time out of their busy schedules to talk about the visit, why it occurred, and why opening up their business to visitors is so important to their long-term growth as an operation.
Episode 23 (June 2024)
Julie Johnson, Race Director of the Community First Fox Cities Marathon Presented by Miron Construction, joins host Rick Sense to talk Marathon Race Weekend, the course winding through parts of Calumet County, opportunities to get involved, and the overall experience awaiting athletes and volunteers participating in this year's event.
Episode 22 (June 2024)
One of the fastest growing movements in the travel industry worldwide is the development of agricultural tourism opportunities, otherwise known as agritourism. Sheila Everhart, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association (WATA); Clara Hedrich, WATA Board Vice President; and Jean Bahn, Chair of WATA's Board Advocacy Committee join host Rick Sense to discuss agritourism in Wisconsin and Calumet County.
Episode 21 (June 2024)
June is Dairy Month! And to celebrate, let’s talk about Sunday June 23’s Sundae on a Dairy Farm, (actually to be held at the Calumet County Fairgrounds in Chilton, this year). Joining host Rick Sense for this episode is Sue Schultz, one of the organizers of the event.
Episode 20 (June 2024)
In episode 20, Clara and Larry Hedrich join host Rick Sense for a conversation about their KIDFARM in Chilton and then delve into the world of agritourism in Calumet County.
In the late 70’s, eager to return to their rural roots, Larry and Clara bought a “hobby farm” in the heart of Wisconsin, America’s Dairyland. Along with their homestead, they inherited two goats. Little did they realize then that the goats would soon become the focal point of the lives of their growing family and lead to making Calumet County, Wisconsin the goat dairy capital of the United States.
Episode 19 (May 2024)
Emmy Award winning producer Regan Ernst as well as Josh Ostermann, both of Discover Mediaworks (DW), join host Rick Sense to discuss the success of DW's long-running Discover Wisconsin television show and the production of Calumet County based stories for an upcoming episode of the Uniquely Wisconsin television show.
Episode 18 (May 2024)
Gloria Regan, former Calumet County and Wisconsin Fairest of the Fair and current board member of the Calumet County Agricultural Association, joins host Rick Sense to discuss the 2024 Calumet County Fair to be held over Labor Day Weekend at the Calumet County Fairgrounds in Chilton.
Episode 17 (May 2024)
Sean Becker, Director of Operations and Athlete Development at Ariens Nordic Center, joins host Rick Sense to talk about the first-ever U.S. Biathlon Midwest Regional Summer Biathlon Championships and U.S. Biathlon Masters Nationals and NorAm Masters Championships to be held at Ariens Nordic Center. Additionally, Sean and Rick discuss U.S. Biathlon, US Olympian and area native Paul Schommer, the past winter that wasn't and its impact on Ariens Nordic Center and much, much more.
Episode 16 (May 2024)
Jon Woelfel and Kerri Futch join host Rick Sense to talk about Wolf and Fox Winery opening June 1, 2024, at Woelfel Homestead. We talk grapes, weddings, concerts, and about the exciting future of this beautiful Calumet County destination!
Episode 15 (April 2024)
Greg Hageman from the New Holstein Historical Society joins Rick Sense to discuss two of New Holstein's must-see destinations, the Timm House and Pioneer Corner Museum.
Episode 14 (April 2024)
Dana and Eric Krueger owners of the historic and iconic Crystal Ballroom in St John join host Rick Sense to discuss dance, live music, special news about the Mile of Music event, weddings, and so much more taking place at "The Crystal."
Episode 13 (April 2024)
The Calumet County "tourism brain trust" gathers to talk about the exciting, upcoming summer and fall 2024 tourism season. Listen to Lindsay Meyer and Louise Marum from the Calumet County Parks Department as they join host Rick Sense.
Episode 12 (March 2024)
Gravity Park USA's Bob Schneider joins host Rick Sense to discuss the iconic Calumet County racing facility, its history, upcoming season, and why it is such a 'Calumet Cool' place to be.
Episode 11 (March 2024)
Bonnie Keyes from Mulberry Lane Farm joins host Rick Sense to talk about all of the ag-venture that awaits at Mulberry Lane Farm in Calumet County!
Episode 10 (February 2024)
Jodi & Jim Schumacher from Schumacher's Shanty of Stockbridge join Travel Calumet Original Podcast host Rick Sense to discuss the story of Schumacher's Shanty, Destination Stockbridge, the recent Sturgeon Spearing Season, and Lake Winnebago recreation!
Episode 9 (January 2024)
Guest: Marko Sosa, owner of Terra Verde joins host Rick Sense to talk coffee, ice cream, and tourism in Calumet County.
Episode 8 (January 2024)
Guest: Polly Roland, from Polly's Pumpkin Patch joins host Rick Sense to reveal all that goes into the creation and construction of the annual corn maze and to discuss the store and other aspects of this premiere Calumet County destination.
Episode 7 (December 2023)
Guest: Sue Schultz, from the Delightfully Calumet Inc., Holiday Light Show, joins host Rick Sense to discuss the show's beautiful celebration of the holiday season, held annually at the Calumet County Fairgrounds in Chilton.
Episode 6 (November 2023)
Guest: Monica Ariens, Managing Director of AriensCo Hospitality, joins host Rick Sense for a discussion about upcoming events and surprises at the Ariens Nordic Center.
Episode 5 (November 2023)
Guest: Michele McCormack, Local 5 WFRV News Anchor, joins host Rick Sense for a discussion about supper clubs in Calumet County and beyond.
Episode 4 (November 2023)
Guest: Lindsay Meyer from Calumet County Parks joins host Rick Sense for a discussion about the great attractions and amenities (including camping) in Calumet County and beyond.
Episode 3 (November 2023)
Guest: Chad Pelishek from the Village of Harrison joins host Rick Sense for a discussion about the many attractions that visitors can experience in Calumet County's Village of Harrison.
Episode 2 (October 2023)
Guest: Louise Marum from Ledge View Nature Center joins host Rick Sense for a discussion about one of Calumet County's prime experience destinations.
Episode 1 (September 2023)
Guest: Sean Becker, General Manager of the Ariens Nordic Center in Brillion, Wisconsin - official U.S. Biathlon training site joins host Rick Sense to talk about the world class Ariens Nordic Center in Brillion.