The Defender Podcast

Amy talks with a researcher who took a deep dive into the water impacts of AI data centers. What she found is something you’re not hearing many tech companies talking about. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Hannah Richersen, Water Policy Manager, Clean Wisconsin Resources for You: New Analysis: Data Center Water Consumption Will Be Far Higher […]

Tue Apr 28, 2026

25:25

Wisconsin was one of the first places where the farm-to-table movement really took root. But now that movement is changing, becoming more urgent in the face of the flooding, droughts, and changing weather patterns that are taking a toll on our food systems. In this episode, Amy welcome Madison’s 2025 Chef of the Year Evan […]

Mon Apr 6, 2026

36:43

Right now there are three AI data centers under construction in Wisconsin. So how do you minimize the toll they will take on our environment and our energy bills? On this episode, a deep dive into data center tariffs at the PSC and what they means for you. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Clean Wisconsin Attorney […]

Mon Mar 23, 2026

31:28

The science supporting climate change has long been settled, but progress remains painfully slow. Especially here in Wisconsin, where we have laws on the books that are actively helping to keep fossil fuels burning here. But maybe not for long. In this episode meet one of 15 kids who is suing our state over climate […]

Mon Mar 16, 2026

22:53

On this episode, a look at the fallout from a rapid-fire dismantling of environmental protections, and what groups like Clean Wisconsin and so many others are doing to keep people safe. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Katie Nekola, Clean Wisconsin General Counsel Resources For You: Economic Impacts of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” Energy Provisions […]

Mon Mar 9, 2026

20:21

What makes the food you eat healthy? Turns out it’s a pretty complicated question that goes way beyond the four food groups. In this episode, Amy visits Starry Nights Farm in Burlington to learn about some groundbreaking research—involving beef raised right here in Wisconsin—that’s changing the way we look at food and nutrition. Host: Amy […]

Mon Mar 2, 2026

25:06

Communities across Wisconsin are starting to push back when energy utilities come to town with big plans for big gas plants. But how do you turn opposition into victory? In this episode, Amy talks with the mayor of Superior about the city’s long journey to defeat the Nemadji Trail Energy Center—the ugly gas plant with […]

Mon Feb 16, 2026

27:14

There is a lot of new excitement around nuclear energy these days, and no coincidence, it comes as we face staggering energy demands from AI data centers. Now, the Trump Administration is relaxing environmental and safety regulations for new nuclear reactors. In this episode, a look at what would happen to our environment – and […]

Mon Feb 9, 2026

25:57

In the race to transition to clean, safe energy, there are lessons to be learned just about everywhere, including in Texas. In this episode, what January’s major winter storm is teaching us about our power grid—and the painful lesson we are all going to learn this month about natural gas. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Ciaran […]

Mon Feb 2, 2026

37:19

On this episode, some real hope that a bipartisan solution for state PFAS funding is at hand — and the industry that is coming in at the last minute to try to kill it. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Erik Kanter, Government Relations Director, Clean Wisconsin Resources for You: Clean Wisconsin Action Network

Mon Jan 26, 2026

24:59