The Big Outdoors

WLWAM

on 700 WLW

  1. Oct 17

    The Big Outdoors -- 10/17/26

    As the weather cools down and the great outdoors beckons, it's time to talk about one of the most unwelcome visitors to your backyard: ticks. This episode of The Big Outdoors delves into the world of these pesky parasites, exploring the latest research and insights from Dr. Risa Pesapain, an expert in tick-borne diseases from the Ohio State University. Dr. Pesapain shares her expertise on the changing landscape of ticks in Ohio, where the number of species and cases of tick-borne diseases have skyrocketed in recent years. From the Asian longhorn tick to the black-legged tick, we discuss the most common types of ticks and the diseases they carry, including Lyme disease and alpha-gal. We also explore the reasons behind the surge in tick populations and the impact on local wildlife. One of the most fascinating topics discussed is the unique life cycle of ticks, which involves feeding only once per life stage and molting to progress to the next stage. We also touch on the importance of understanding the relationship between ticks and their hosts, including deer and birds. With the rise of tick-borne diseases, it's essential to stay informed and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. If you're concerned about ticks and want to contribute to the research, Dr. Pesapain invites listeners to submit ticks they encounter to her lab at the College of Veterinary Medicine. With the right information and precautions, you can enjoy the great outdoors while minimizing the risk of tick-borne diseases. Tune in to this episode to learn more about the world of ticks and how to stay safe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. Oct 10

    The Big Outdoors --10/10/26

    This episode of The Big Outdoors is a must-listen for anyone passionate about environmental conservation and the Ohio River Basin. Join Chip Hart as he sits down with Professor Chris Lorenz, a professor of biology at Thomas More University and chair of the Ohio River Basin Alliance, to discuss the upcoming Ohio River Basin Alliance Summit and the importance of protecting our waterways. The Ohio River Basin Alliance is a nonprofit organization that brings together a diverse group of stakeholders to address the challenges facing the Ohio River Basin. With over 1,000 members and a strong presence in the region, the Alliance is working tirelessly to promote the health and sustainability of the basin. Professor Lorenz shares his insights on the Alliance's efforts to gather scientific data, engage with the public, and collaborate with government agencies to protect the basin. The conversation touches on the Alliance's annual conference, which will take place in Columbus next week, featuring keynote speakers and breakout sessions on topics such as data centers and workforce development. Professor Lorenz also discusses the importance of legislation currently in Congress, the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, which aims to bring $350 million in funding to protect the basin's waterways. If you're interested in learning more about the Ohio River Basin Alliance and how you can get involved, tune in to this episode of The Big Outdoors. Professor Lorenz shares his vision for the future of the basin and the Alliance's efforts to make a positive impact. Don't miss this informative and engaging conversation that highlights the importance of protecting our waterways and the people working tirelessly to make a difference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. Sep 26

    The Big Outdoors -- 9/26/26

    As the weather warms up, many of us are heading outdoors to enjoy the beautiful Ohio landscape. But with the great outdoors comes a not-so-great problem: ticks. This episode of The Big Outdoors delves into the world of these pesky parasites, discussing the recent surge in tick-borne diseases and what's behind it. Joining the conversation is Dr. Risa Pespain, an expert on ticks and vector-borne diseases from the Ohio State University. Dr. Pespain shares her insights on the changing landscape of ticks in Ohio, including the introduction of the Asian longhorn tick, which is causing problems for livestock producers. She also talks about the diseases ticks can transmit, such as Lyme disease and alpha-gal, a red meat allergy caused by an allergic reaction to a tick bite. The conversation also touches on the impact of climate change and the role of wildlife in the tick population. One of the most interesting aspects of this conversation is the discussion on the life cycle of ticks, including how they feed and how often they need to eat. Dr. Pespain also shares some surprising facts, such as the fact that adult ticks are active year-round and can be found on white-tailed deer even in the winter. If you're concerned about ticks and want to learn more about how to protect yourself and your pets, tune in to this episode of The Big Outdoors News Radio 700 WLW Cincinnati. Dr. Pespain also shares some practical tips on how to collect and submit ticks for research, and discusses the importance of understanding the tick population in Ohio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. Sep 12

    The Big Outdoors -- 9/12/26

    This episode of the Big Outdoors is a must-listen for anyone interested in Ohio's agricultural industry. Join Chip Hart as he sits down with Ryan Matthews, Director of Communications for the Ohio Farm Bureau, to discuss the latest developments in farming and the challenges facing Ohio's farmers. In this episode, Ryan shares his insights on the current state of the farm bill, trade negotiations with China, and the impact of beef imports on the domestic market. He also talks about the importance of the farm bill, which provides crucial support for farmers, and the need for updates to crop insurance, trade investments, and tax provisions. Additionally, Ryan discusses the Ohio Farm Bureau's efforts to promote year-round E15, a biofuel that benefits both farmers and consumers. Ryan also delves into the world of CAUV, or current agricultural use value, and the recent updates that have brought relief to many farm families. He explains how the Ohio Department of Taxation's decision to make permanent pasture value at the minimum woodland CAUV will help farmers continue to operate in the next season. With the reappraisal cycle ongoing, Ryan highlights the importance of this change and its potential impact on rural communities. If you're interested in learning more about the Ohio Farm Bureau and its efforts to support farmers and rural communities, tune in to this episode to hear Ryan's thoughts on these critical issues. You can also find out how to connect with the Ohio Farm Bureau and learn more about their advocacy work, membership opportunities, and community resources. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
5 Ratings

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on 700 WLW