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The all-new season of “Wisconsin Life” with host Angela Fitgerald will take viewers on a trip around the state to visit their neighbors and uncover their unique stories.
During the show’s premiere, Fitzgerald will highlight Milwaukee. She'll visit Zócalo Food Park in Milwaukee where she’ll sample dishes from food entrepreneurs showcasing flavors from Puerto Rico, South Korea, Venezuela, Japan and Mexico. She’ll also sit down with Zócalo co-owner Jesus Gonzalez to learn how this cultural hub was created.
Fitzgerald will also meet with entrepreneur Mikel McGee of 414loral. McGee views her business as more than just a flower shop; it’s a space for the community. During the show, viewers will learn about 414loral events including book clubs, build-your-own bouquet bars and flower design workshops McGee holds in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood.
During the remainder of Fall 2024 episodes Fitzgerald will cross the state to explore the Butterfly Gardens of Wisconsin in Appleton, Circus World in Baraboo, Northern Wisconsin State Fair in Chippewa Falls and more. The Wisconsin Life team will also uncover and introduce creative and innovative people from all parts of the state and all walks of life.
How to watch
The premiere of “Wisconsin Life” is slated to air on PBS Wisconsin on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. and on Milwaukee PBS’ WMVT-TV (Channel 36.1) on Friday, Oct. 25. The episode will also be available to stream on the free PBS app or online at pbswisconsin/org/WILife beginning on Oct. 10. New episodes will continue to air through December 2024.
Wisconsin Life is a partnership project of PBS Wisconsin and Wisconsin Public Radio. In addition to the television program, audio stories can be heard on Wednesdays and Fridays on WPR News’ Morning Edition at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m., Wisconsin Today at 9:40 a.m. and on All Things Considered at 3:44 and 5:44 p.m. They can also be heard Wednesdays and Fridays on WPR Music’s Drivetime Classics at 6:30 p.m.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
