Butchie's Den

Wisconsin Hall of Famer Mike Wilkinson joins Butchie's Den for a conversation you won't want to miss. Hear the real story behind Bo Ryan's coaching tactics, including whether he ever laid into Devin Harris. Mike shares incredible tales from his 9-year overseas career, featuring everything from duct-taped airplanes to ref scandals and players running their own practices. This episode covers: - Life after basketball: farm, business, and family - The transition from Dick Bennett to Bo Ryan - Bo's unique motivational strategies - Hilarious insider stories about Badger teammates like Devin Harris - The extreme physicality of Wisconsin practices - Mike's journey through professional basketball in Greece, Russia, Turkey, and Bulgaria - Unforgettable moments and lessons learned as a Badger Listen to the full episode for a fun, authentic dive into the life of a Wisconsin legend. Follow Butchie's Den on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3h0MFGiKuBM8TfirIEhMz2?si=qoAPJ9tNQeSmFDydIhmEyw Available on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Head Coach Mike Hastings joins Butchie to talk all things Wisconsin Badger Hockey! Tune in to hear his fun insights on bringing Badger alumni like Joe Pavelski and Andy Brandt back into the program, the excitement building for their Lambeau Field game, and what it truly means to lead the Wisconsin Badgers. Coach Hastings also shares his philosophy on player leadership, overcoming challenges, and what he looks for in recruits. Don't miss the rapid-fire round where he reveals his favorite NHL team, all-time players, and the toughest player he's coached! Listen to more from Butchie's Den on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3h0MFGiKuBM8TfirIEhMz2?si=qoAPJ9tNQySmFDydIhmEyw Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/butchies-den/id1877905664 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bronson Koenig joins Butchie in The Den for a powerful conversation about basketball, Wisconsin, and what it means to chase one more shot. Koenig opens up about trying to come out of retirement after six years, why the way his career ended never felt right, and the physical, mental, and emotional work behind his comeback attempt. He also talks about practicing with the Badgers this summer, Greg Gard welcoming him back, what he saw from this year’s Wisconsin team, the 2015 Final Four win over Kentucky, Bo Ryan stories, rapid fire memories from his Wisconsin teammates, and his message of gratitude for Badger fans. Life. Ball. Everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Butchie gets you ready for the Packers season with a full Green Bay-focused preview of the biggest storylines, key questions, players to watch, and what fans should be paying attention to as the season gets rolling. We’ll break down expectations for the Packers, position groups to watch, schedule challenges, key players, and what needs to happen for Green Bay to take a step forward this season. Plus, Butchie shares his outlook on where this team stands heading into the year and the biggest questions that could shape the Packers’ season. Have a question for Butchie? Send it to the mailbag at butchiesden@gmail.com. Life. Ball. Everything. #ButchiesDen #Packers #GreenBayPackers #PackersFootball #GoPackGo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Badger Justin Ostrowski opens up about his career-ending injuries and how the Wisconsin football program's unique family culture supported him through life's toughest moments. This isn't just about football; it's about the unwavering support that defines being a Badger. Justin shares his journey from elite AAU and multi-sport high school star to Parade All-American and Wisconsin recruit, discussing the immense pressure of playing for your home state. He reveals how Coach Beoma and the university stood by him after injury, validating the 'Wisconsin family' promise. We dive into the importance of multi-sport participation for young athletes, the current state of alumni connection under Brady Collins, and insider stories about legendary coaches like Barry Alvarez and Bret Bielema. Plus, hear Justin's take on Joe Thomas, his favorite Camp Randall memories, and a rapid-fire round on his toughest and funniest teammates. Listen now for an authentic look into the Wisconsin Badger experience. For entertainment purposes, not medical advice Listen to more Butchie's Den episodes: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3h0MFGiKuBM8TfirIEhMz2?si=qoAPJ9tNQeSmFDydIhmEyw Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/butchies-den/id1877905664 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wisconsin Assistant Coach Lance Randall pulls no punches on the current state of college basketball, NIL, and the transfer portal. Hear his honest take on why the system is 'not tenable,' how it impacts young athletes, and what it means for the future of the game. Butchie and Coach Randall also break down the new-look Badger team, focusing on the strong front line, offensive balance, and the team's commitment to defensive improvement. Plus, don't miss his insights on summer standouts and a fun rapid-fire segment, including his blind ranking of coaching jobs! Listen now for an authentic, fun, and direct conversation about Wisconsin hoops and the biggest challenges facing college basketball. For entertainment purposes, not medical advice. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/butchies-den/id1877905664 Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3h0MFGiKuBM8TfirIEhMz2?si=qoAPJ9tNQySmFDydIhmEyw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Butchie’s Den LIVE presents the 2026 Wisconsin Badger Football Primer on Tuesday, September 1st at 7:00 PM CT. This special edition of Butchie’s Den LIVE is sponsored by Cherryland’s Best and Middleton Ford. Cherryland’s Best Wisconsin-made dried cherries, fruit snacks, juices and more. Shop: https://www.cherrylandsbest.com/ Middleton Ford Family-owned and serving Middleton, Madison and the surrounding Wisconsin communities. Learn more: https://www.middletonford.com/ Butchie gets you ready for the Badgers football season with a Wisconsin-focused preview of the biggest storylines, key questions, players to watch and what fans should be paying attention to as the season gets rolling. We’ll talk through the outlook for Wisconsin, expectations for the team, position groups to watch, schedule challenges and what needs to happen for the Badgers to take a step forward this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tune in as Wisconsin Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst lays out his powerful vision for the future of Badgers athletics. Butchie and Eichorst discuss the critical role of education for student-athletes, the enduring lessons from legendary Coach Barry Alvarez, and the strategy to keep Wisconsin's top talent home. Hear why Eichorst believes a united Wisconsin is an unstoppable force in collegiate sports, and how the athletic department aims to achieve both competitive excellence and lifelong impact for its athletes. Follow Butchie's Den on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for more exclusive conversations. Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3h0MFGiKuBM8TfirIEhMz2?si=qoAPJ9tNQySmFDydIhmEyw Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/butchies-den/id1877905664 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Badger insider and now Parkside Head Coach Kyle Blackbourn joins Butchie to share his unique journey. From 8 years as Director of Recruiting and Scouting at UW, learning the "Wisconsin Way" from Greg Gard, to building his own program at Division 2 Parkside, Kyle offers invaluable insights. Listen in as he discusses: - The true meaning of "The Wisconsin Way" and its impact on his coaching. - How the transfer portal affects D2 basketball and recruiting strategy. - Why Parkside is a hidden gem for Wisconsin talent. - Player development at Wisconsin, featuring stories about Aleem Ford. - The emotional upcoming exhibition game where Parkside faces the Wisconsin Badgers. - His all-time Wisconsin Basketball starting five. Tune in for a deep dive into Wisconsin basketball from a coach who's lived it. Listen to more Butchie's Den conversations on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3h0MFGiKuBM8TfirIEhMz2?si=qoAPJ9tNQmFDydIhmEyw Also available on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clayton Hanson joins Butchie to reveal a classic Bo Ryan story where Coach compared his wife to a "15-seed upsetting a 2-seed" in the NCAA Tournament – and how Clayton factored into Bo's joke! Listen as the former Wisconsin Badger breaks down his walk-on journey, playing under Bo Ryan, the intense focus on improvement that defined their program, and the unforgettable Elite Eight run against North Carolina. Clayton also shares what he misses most about his playing days and tackles a rapid-fire round about his teammates. Listen to more from Butchie's Den: https://open.spotify.com/show/3h0MFGiKuBM8TfirIEhMz2?si=qoAPJ9tNQySmFDydIhmEyw Available on Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Wisconsin Badger Andy Kowske joins Butchie's Den to share how legendary coach Dick Bennett shaped him and the Wisconsin basketball program. Hear behind-the-scenes stories from the 2000 Final Four team, the unique team chemistry of the 'no cell phone camera' era, and how Bennett taught his players discipline and toughness that lasted a lifetime. Kowske also discusses the enduring 'Badger family' culture and his ideal NIL deal. Listen in for a fun, authentic look at an iconic era of Badger hoops. Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3h0MFGiKuBM8TfirIEhMz2?si=qoAPJ9tNQySmFDydIhmEyw Also available on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/butchies-den/id1877905664 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andy Kilbride, a starting guard for the historic 1993-94 Wisconsin Badgers team, shares the real story of how they broke the program's 47-year NCAA Tournament drought and established the foundational 'Badger Brotherhood.' Listen as Kilbride dives into raw, behind-the-scenes stories about Michael Finley's unsung impact, Rashard Griffith's dominance, and the emotional legacy of Coach Howard Moore. He also recounts classic 90s Badger anecdotes, like the infamous NCAA Selection Show spaghetti chaos, and offers his candid perspective on the future of NIL in college basketball. This is the authentic history of Wisconsin basketball from one of the players who lived it. Listen to the full conversation and more Wisconsin sports talk with Butchie: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3h0MFGiKuBM8TfirIEhMz2?si=qoAPJ9tNQySmFDydIhmEyw Also available on Apple Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Wisconsin Badger JP Gavinski joins Butchie's Den to share hilarious and intense behind-the-scenes stories from his time with the Badgers. From Bo Ryan's unforgettable one-liners and the legendary "dead fish handshake" to getting a tooth knocked out in practice, JP pulls back the curtain on what made that era of Wisconsin basketball so special. Butchie and JP dive into the toughness, camaraderie, and the lasting brotherhood of Badger hoops. For entertainment purposes, not medical advice. Listen to the full conversation and follow Butchie's Den: https://open.spotify.com/show/3h0MFGiKuBM8TfirIEhMz2?si=qoAPJ9tNQmFDydIhmEyw Also available on Apple Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder what it's like to play quarterback for the Wisconsin Badgers with Aaron Rodgers setting the bar on Sundays? Former Wisconsin QB Joel Stave tells all. He joins Butchie to discuss the immense pressure, the legendary Badger culture, and how Russell Wilson's arrival changed everything. Listen as Joel breaks down: * The unique expectations for a Wisconsin QB. * What made the O-Line and run game so dominant. * The lasting power of Badger football culture and leadership. * Russell Wilson's meticulous preparation and impact. * His most memorable Camp Randall moments and biggest regrets. * Life after football, family, and his career at Myron Construction. Follow Butchie's Den on Spotify for more Wisconsin sports conversations: https://open.spotify.com/show/3h0MFGiKuBM8TfirIEhMz2?si=qoAPJ9tNQeSmFDydIhmEyw Also available on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/butchies-den/id1877905664 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Current Wisconsin Badger Football player Charles Perkins joins Butchie's Den for an inside look at the program. Hear Perkins' unique perspective on Coach Fickell's culture rebuild, how alumni return to set the standard for toughness, and the team's mindset heading into the high-stakes Lambeau game against Notre Dame. Charles also shares his powerful player's insight into NIL, revealing how it allowed him to care for his family. Plus, get his breakout player prediction, Rapid Fire answers, and a surprise rap performance! Listen to more Butchie's Den on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3h0MFGiKuBM8TfirIEhMz2?si=qoAPJ9tNQySmFDydIhmEyw Also available on Apple Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brooks Bollinger, legendary Wisconsin Badgers Rose Bowl champion QB, joins Butchie to dive deep into the iconic Barry Alvarez era. Hear untold stories about Alvarez's unique leadership, the pressure of playing for a state, the electric atmosphere of Camp Randall, and what truly defined the "smart, tough, dependable" Badger football identity. Bollinger shares defining moments, unsung heroes, and the "Norman Rockwell era" of college sports. Listen now for an exclusive look at the foundation of Wisconsin's football dominance. Follow Butchie's Den on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3h0MFGiKuBM8TfirIEhMz2?si=qoAPJ9tNQnSmFDydIhmEyw Also available on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/butchies-den/id1877905664 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Wisconsin Badger Carter Gilmore joins Butchie's Den to discuss the shocking reality of professional basketball after college, contrasting the "Wisconsin Standard" with the grind of playing overseas. Carter offers an insider's perspective on Chucky Hepburn's transfer from UW, NIL's impact, and how the Badger program prepares players for the next level. He also shares his personal journey of accepting a challenging role at Wisconsin and names his All-Time Badger Starting Five. Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories, player insights, and a deep dive into what it means to be "Once a Badger, Always a Badger." Listen and follow Butchie's Den wherever you get your podcasts. Also available on Apple Podcasts. For entertainment purposes, not medical advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis Beckum, former Badger standout and NFL Tight End, joins Butchie to share his incredible journey. Hear how Beckum's position switch redefined Wisconsin's tight end pipeline, the story behind Coach Bielema's initial reaction, and his path to a Super Bowl championship with the Giants. They also dive into the identity of Wisconsin football, hilarious rapid-fire questions, and controversial rankings of Badger traditions and NFL alumni. Listen to Butchie's Den on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3h0MFGiKuBM8TfirIEhMz2?si=qoAPJ9tNQySmFDydIhmEyw Also available on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/butchies-den/id1877905664 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Manchester joins Butchie in The Den to talk about choosing Wisconsin and beginning his Badger basketball journey. Josh shares what it meant to get the offer from his dream school, why he took it on the spot, how his first few weeks in Madison have gone, and what he is learning as he adjusts from high school basketball to the college level. He also talks about summer workouts, Coach Gard’s teaching points, Wisconsin’s veterans helping him settle in, golf with teammates, Rapid Fire, and what it will mean to wear Wisconsin across his chest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jackson Ball joins Butchie in The Den to talk about his journey from New Zealand to Madison. Jackson shares how he first connected with Wisconsin, what stood out about the Badger basketball program, his experience playing professionally overseas, and how his first month in Madison has gone. He also talks Coach Gard’s traditional drills, partner passing, New Zealand basketball culture, rugby, cheese curds, Packers fandom, and what he wants Badger fans to remember about him beyond basketball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices