Advertise on podcast: Door County Pulse Podcast

Door County relies on 11 volunteer fire departments and dedicated emergency medical responders to answer the call in our scariest moments. Debra Fitzgerald talks to one of them – Sister Bay Liberty Grove Fire Chief Mike Goldstone – about the challenges and rewards that come with the job as a volunteer firefighter in rural Wisconsin. They discuss his journey to Sister Bay, the training required for our local responders, and the emotional job he had in stepping into the shoes of his friend and former chief, the late Chris Hecht. The interview is part of the 2026 Sustainability Issue of the Peninsula Pulse that dived into the role of emergency responders in supporting a sustainable community.

Debra Fitzgerald talks with Wisconsin State Representative Joel Kitchens about the latest legislative session and what it means for local communities. They cover key accomplishments, education challenges, and environmental efforts, including PFAS legislation and what could still happen with Knowles-Nelson legislation. The conversation also touches on the state budget surplus, property tax relief, and how these decisions are impacting everyday life across Wisconsin.

Newport State Park is the only dark-sky designated park in Wisconsin, but if light pollution continues to grow in the surrounding area, it may be hard to keep it that way. Debra Fitzgerald joins Myles Dannhausen Jr. to discuss recent efforts to stop light pollution from encroaching on the park in northern Door County, and what individual property owners can do to help. Plus, they discuss why a bill was needed to stop people from throwing batteries in the trash, and why the city of Sturgeon Bay did not renew a contract with a security camera company.

The Door County Maritime Museum is celebrating a record-breaking year with a free community appreciation day and celebration on Friday and Saturday, April 3 and 4. Sam Perlman joins Myles Dannhausen Jr. to talk about the growth of the museum and the hidden treasures available to explore within its walls this weekend and beyond.

Winter Storm Elsa was a historic experience for Door County residents this week, dropping 2-3-plus feet of snow on the peninsula. Debra Fitzgerald and Myles Dannhausen Jr. discuss how it hit residents and how the county responded – and how we're still digging out of the mess.

Artificial Intelligence is changing the world in ways that seemed unthinkable to most of us just a few years ago. With each week the advancements appear to be changing new aspects of our lives. To discuss the rapid advancement, Myles Dannhausen Jr. talks to Prof. Thomas Baer of Stanford University, who will be leading a seminar series at Björklunden about AI and its implications in June. They discuss its growing impact on programming, health care, the workplace and creative pursuits. They also discuss its role in the Iran War and the growing ethical concerns about its use in warfare and the resources it consumes. ,

Jason Estes joins Myles Dannhausen Jr. to talk about life in the kitchen at Sonny's Pizzeria in Sturgeon Bay as they near their 30th year in business. They talk about Jason's path to the kitchen, opening a brewery, go-to pizzas and why deep dish isn't the Chicago staple most think.

Debra Fitzgerald talks with Vanessa McGowan, the New Zealand-born, classically trained bassist, band leader, and music-industry veteran whose career spans over two decades. A Baileys Harbor resident since 2020 via Nashville, Vanessa shares stories from her extensive touring experience, including working with Grammy-winning artists like Sugarland, Jennifer Nettles, Brandy Clark, and currently leading the band for multi-Grammy-winning Molly Tuttle. She also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at life as both musician and manager – on stage, on TV shows, on the tour bus, and reflecting on lessons learned since first landing in Nashville. Photo by Eli Spotts.

Painter Ram Rojas joins Debra Fitzgerald for a conversation about his journey from Venezuela to Door County, his classical training around the world, and the people and landscapes that have shaped his work. He reflects on what decades of painting have taught him about place, memory and community – from his studio practice in Ellison Bay to the public murals he's created across the peninsula, including the former Nelson True Value mural in Baileys Harbor, as well as works at The Clearing and the Door Community Auditorium.

Door County’s large, educated retirement population is a curious, engaged, and eager-to-learn crowd who share knowledge, making Door County’s version of Learning in Retirement a model for the rest of the state. Jeff Schmeckpeper, the nonprofit board’s current president, talks with Debra Fitzgerald about how the program has evolved, the numerous courses offered, the peer leaders who offer the courses (including the most popular) and why the program is vital in a place like Door County.

The tables are turned in this episode, when Annika Johnson interviews Myles Dannhausen Jr. about his journey from pizza tosser to reporter and many steps in between. Originally produced for the Al Johnson's YouTube series Door County Girl, this episode features two people who grew up in businesses at the feet of their parents and includes a look at life growing up here, the restaurant life, and why all politicians should have to bartend.

Dominic Frandrup, Director of Door County Libraries, sits down with Debra Fitzgerald to discuss the future of the Door County Library system. The conversation explores how these public, community-centered spaces are governed, funded and operated, as well as ongoing efforts to strengthen the library system. Consultants from Rethinking Libraries have been working with the county and the Library Board to identify opportunities to improve efficiency. With more than 75% of Door County residents holding library cards, Frandrup highlights the strong community support for local libraries, trends in circulation, and how these vital public spaces continue to evolve.

Few restaurant openings have been as hotly anticipated as that of La Sirena last summer. And no wonder - it’s the first time a restaurant has opened with a Michelin and James Beard pedigree. Chef Carlos Salgado and his wife and business partner Emilie Coulson Salgado join Myles Dannhausen Jr. to talk about what called them to Door County from California, how their restaurant vision was formed, life in family restaurants and what’s to come from the kitchen at La Sirena.

Northern Door County lost a big part of the community Monday when Sister Bay/ Liberty Grove Fire Chief Chris Hecht died from complications of an aneurysm he suffered in April. In this episode, Myles Dannhausen Jr. reflects on the many ways Hecht made an impact on the community, but also on him personally. Read more about Hecht here>>

Leadership Door County has been quietly shaping the future of our community for more than three decades. Since 1990, the all-volunteer organization has brought together professionals from across industries for an immersive, nine-month experience that goes far beyond traditional leadership training. Regan Hendrickson, the current class representative (who works as the Door County Family Court Commissioner and Register in Probate), and Kyle Veeser, alumni and Leadership Door County board president (who works as the Chief Deputy and Undersheriff with the Door County Sheriff’s Office), talk with Debra Fitzgerald about leadership, service and why investing in people is one of the most important things a community can do. (edited)