City Cast Madison logo
October 3, 2024

The Sausage That Links Wisconsin’s Past and Present

City Cast Madison

The Sausage That Links Wisconsin’s Past and Present

00:00:00
View all City Cast Madison episodes

“It’s fermented, cured, delicious, and often misunderstood and mispronounced.”

So says Jesse Brookstein, author of A Perfect Pair: The History of Landjaeger in Green County, Wisconsin.

They may look like beef jerky, but Jesse’s referring to the pairs of smoked, fermented sausages that hang in many bars around southern Wisconsin. The high-protein snack enjoyed by Swiss and German immigrants of the past century has found fans among many thirsty bar-hoppers in Madison today. We’re revisiting our conversation from 2023 where Jesse tells us why this salty meat snack is showing up all over. (And yes, it’s LON-yay-grrr.)

🍖 Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesemakers.

Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram

Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. 


Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast ads.


Learn more about the sponsors of this October 3rd episode here:

Jones Dairy Farm

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Madison

Sign up for your free daily toolkit to get the most of the city you love.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
August 31

City Council President Talks Ruiz, Men’s Shelter, Budget, and Beyond

The news has been nonstop for Madison recently. Today, Madison City Council President Sabrina Madison talks to host Bianca Martin about t...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 30

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Is Pittsburgh’s Airport the Gold Standard? — Presented By City Cast Madison

The Madison airport definitely has a lot going for it, but what it doesn’t have is its own electrical grid, like Pittsburgh’s does. For t...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 28

Mayoral Race Heats Up, Dolly Parton's Legacy, and City Leaders' Encampment Response

The whole world is mourning country star and philanthropist Dolly Parton, who passed away earlier this week. , Although she’s gone, kids...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 27

Hot Dog Wars, Papavero Turns 20, and begonia. Arrives on Monroe

The new restaurant begonia. opens its doors to the public on Friday. But Monroe Street diners might already be familiar with the team beh...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 26

Cinematheque Fall Season, Madison Movie Roundup, and Our Recent Faves

Did you know City Cast Madison’s Rob Thomas writes about movies on his Substack newsletter? Over on Not That Rob Thomas, Rob writes about...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 25

The Sterling Hall Bombing Rocked Madison

On Aug. 24, 1970, UW-Madison’s Sterling Hall was bombed in protest of the Vietnam War. The explosion killed a physics researcher, injured...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 24

Go With the Flow: Downtown Traffic and Period Products

Do you want to help shape the future of streets downtown? District 2 Alder Will Ochowicz is hosting a public meeting Tuesday to gather in...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 23

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Portland Made Its River Cool — Presented By City Cast Madison

How often are you out in nature in Madison? It’s not always easy to know which natural resources are clean and safe to use in an urban se...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 21

Goodman Foundation Runs Dry, Fitchburg Looks for Flock Alternatives, and Will UW Freeze Tuition?

After donating $67 million to causes across Madison over the last 15 years, the Goodman Foundation is dissolving at the end of the month....

City Cast Madison podcast episode art
August 20

Ukraine Fest, Queer Dance Floors, and a Trip to the Public Market

Madison’s fifth annual Ukraine Fest is happening this Saturday, Aug. 22 in Olin Park. The event comes at a time when 100,000 Ukrainian re...

City Cast Madison podcast episode art