Our Story
Beginning in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, Russ Saari and Erik Sturgeon were schoolmates and friends before joining forces in the podcast world. In 2008 the duo would gain an even closer bond as musicians and bandmates working in tandem to write music they would eventually record and play live in clubs around the Madison and Milwaukee area. Amidst a pandemic, the pair found balance in podcasting about things they each loved: Wisconsin History and Culture, Wisconsin Products, and Wisconsin Music.
As a professional mechanical engineer and self-proclaimed nerd, Russ has a passion for all things electrical and mechanical. This has made him the perfect candidate to research and confer with regarding Wisconsin’s greatest historians, inventors, and entrepreneurs. Erik is an excellent right-hand man, helping to disentangle the often technical and scientific jargon. With such topics as outboard motors, guitars, farming, and brewing, Wisconsin Drunken History explores nearly all facets of Wisconsin’s midwestern lifestyle and manufacturing. The pair also explores many famous Wisconsin traditions including Friday fish fries, the brandy old fashioned, UW Badgers “jump around,” and tailgating. From circus history to hamburgers and sundaes, Wisconsin Drunken History dives deep into our truly diverse beginnings and culture.
Telling the stories behind giants such as Ariens, Harley Davidson, Klement’s, Koss, Neenah Foundry, and a seemingly infinite number of craft breweries, the two minds behind Wisconsin Drunken History have educated listeners about nearly all the prominent manufacturers and figures in the state of Wisconsin and work to reinforce the importance of buying local and supporting brands with Wisconsin roots. Additionally, they’ve featured a number of local companies and developed a connection with many small businesses including Hansen Screen Printing, Black Husky Brewing, Smitten & Sundays, and Matty B’s.
As two former musicians, highlighting and promoting local artists and bands is fundamentally key to the construction of each episode. The show encourages listeners and fans alike to support our state’s vast artistry. Russ and Erik have incorporated much of Wisconsin’s eclectic musical catalogue and created relationships with many of Wisconsin’s premier acts.
With an international audience spanning from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Belgium, and Ireland all the way to Egypt, Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand, Wisconsin Drunken History has gained a following of nearly one thousand listeners a week and growing. From the initial inspiration and goal of offering an entertaining and educational podcast about all things Wisconsin, Russ and Erik have exceeded initial expectations and continue to reset their sights to accomplish new feats.