Word of Mouth: Oct 8

From your friends at Isthmus, Madison's alt-weekly.

What we're going to listen to

Judy Davidoff, Isthmus editor:

Sunday afternoon we hit the usual traffic outside of Chicago as we began our trek back to Madison. I thought about what could have been had Gov. Scott Walker not put the brakes on the proposed high-speed rail line that would have connected the two cities and was, in 2010, close to becoming a reality. Wisconsin Public Radio reporters Bridgit Bowden and Shawn Johnson have also been giving the doomed project a lot of thought as the producers of a new limited-run podcast, Derailed, which premieres Oct. 9 (subscribe here). They look closely at the project’s history, its proponents and opponents, and what the entire controversial event says about “how Wisconsin has changed.”

What we're eating

Mallory Bell, senior analyst at American Family Insurance:

HOT TAKE: Right Bauer Brewery in Sun Prairie has THE BEST cheese curds. I had heard good things about the BBQ, but wow, those curds. They were huge chunks of salty, melty, happiness with a crisp, light batter. Those alone would be worth the trip, but the beers are also great! They have something for everyone, whether you are really into sours at the moment, an IPA person just looking for all the IBUs, or just want to be cozy and have an Oktoberfest.

Where we're reading

Julianne Lind, Isthmus advertising rep:

I just finished Elizabeth Gilbert's City of Girls. This book was extremely hyped up, both by friends and all my favorite bookstagram celebs, and I have to say, it did not disappoint! The characters were lovable yet complex and the ending (although not a shock) was satisfying. Look forward to carefree, raunchy showgirls and discussions of sexuality and feminism in the 1940s, with the backdrop of a dilapidated theater in New York City. All in all, a good historical fiction book.

What we're doing with friends

Who we're running for

Chelsey Dequaine, Isthmus social media & marketing director:

This Sunday will be my third time running the Trick or Trot 5K for GSAFE. It's always a beautiful fall run throughout Madison, and it's even better when you're supporting an awesome nonprofit like GSAFE who works to create a Wisconsin where LGBTQ youth can thrive. You can also choose to run as a mythical dragon or unicorn. Of course I chose a unicorn.

Who we're following on social

Oscar Mireles, Madison poet laureate and executive director at Omega School:

Veronica Figueroa is a force to be reckoned with. She has been the executive director of UNIDOS for over six years, working with both women and men to break the vicious cycle of domestic violence that affects our community. She was also one of the leaders of the Puerto Rico Relief Fund of South Central Wisconsin last year, helping raise $70,000. This weekend her talent as a visual artist will be on display at the Overture Center for the Arts as a key part of the Latino Art Fair.

What we're making

Kori Feener, Isthmus videography director:

Tis the season, for apples! After a fun and informative visit at Munchkey Apples, I took their advice and made applesauce out of their blondie variety. I canned five mason jars worth and am looking forward to enjoying some tasty applesauce post apple season. In the meantime, I'll be munching on their honeycrisp variety which is so sweet, it tastes like candy.