Recent guests

Alle Willis

Grammy-winning songwriter

Willis is a 1969 journalism and mass communication graduate. Her songs — including Earth, Wind & Fire's "September" and "Boogie Wonderland"; the Pointer Sisters' "Neutron Dance"; the Pet Shop Boys' "What Have I Done To Deserve This"; and the theme for "Friends" — have sold more than 50 million records. She also co-wrote the Oprah Winfrey-produced musical "The Color Purple." In addition, she's an artist and cyber-pioneer.

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Paul Soglin

Former Madison Mayor

A chicago native, Soglin graduated with honors from the UW-Madison in 1966, and received his law degree from the University in 1972. His name is written all over the political pages of Madison's recent history. From his time as an anti-war activist in the 70's, to his two terms as Madison's mayor, Soglin has lived his life in the public eye, fighting for causes he believes in.

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Mark Johnson

Coach of the Badger women's hockey team

Johnson's teams have earned two national championships and a runner-up performance. His personal history includes 11 standout seasons in the NHL and two collegiate All-America selections while at UW-Madison. He was a player on the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" team and assisted on the winning goal against Finland in the gold medal game. He earned his degree from the university in kinesiology.

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Michael Feldman

National Radio Show Host, "Whad'Ya Know?"

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Suzy Favor Hamilton

Elite Runner, Former 3-Time Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year

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Kelly Cobiella

CBS News Reporter

She started small, doing a one-woman newscast (including the weather) in a tiny Colorado town. Find out how she made it to the big time as a correspondent for the CBS Evening News.

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Aaron Kennedy

Founder/President/CEO Noodles & Company

He sketched a business plan on a napkin and turned it into a national restaurant chain. Get the inside story of how this heady entrepreneur went from MBA to founder of Noodles & Company.

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Pat Richter

Former UW-Madison athlete and athletic director

He's possibly the greatest Badger ever. See what it takes to letter three times in three Badger sports and then lead the UW Athletic Department out of dire straits and back to the Rose Bowl.

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Jim Hirsch

Hollywood screenwriter and producer

His career has run the gamut from "The Incredible Hulk" to "Rome." Get the behind-the-scenes story of a successful Hollywood writer, producer and literary agent.

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Scott VanderSanden

President, AT&T Wisconsin

He's played just about every sport and loves competition, so he's in the right business. Meet the president of AT&T Wisconsin, the youngest person to lead the company in the rapidly evolving world of telecommunications.

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Kitt Reuter-Foss

Opera singer

She's sung her heart out at the Metropolitan Opera and on other major stages around the world. But just a few years ago, this mezzo soprano thought she had sung her last aria. Hear the story of her comeback.

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Paula Bonner

President and CEO, Wisconsin Alumni Association

How did a native Southerner end up as the number one Badger? Find out the reason why there's much more to the Wisconsin Alumni Association than pep rallies and bowl games.

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Kit Saunders-Nordeen

First UW Women's Athletic Director

Athletes had to carpool and share shoes when she first led the brand-new women's athletic program in 1974. Hear the story of the advent of Badger women's sports.

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Ben Sidran

Acclaimed jazz pianist

He's worked with Diana Ross, Steve Miller and Van Morrison, to name a few, while keeping his roots in Wisconsin. Find out why this versatile musician who has played with the greats has stuck close to home.

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Al Toon

Star Badger wide receiver and a successful Madison-area businessperson

Nine concussions forced this Pro-Bowl wide receiver to retire from the NFL at the top of his game — but he didn't look back. Learn how he created a second act as successful as the first.

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