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Former Wisconsin Badger Brett Valentyn joins Butchie in The Den to look back on his Wisconsin basketball journey, from walk-on memories and locker room stories to the off-court moments that made the Badger bond last. Brett and Butchie talk about Bo Ryan, scout team battles, Madison, tough NCAA Tournament losses, Wisconsin basketball culture, and why the program still feels like family long after the games are over. They also discuss the support around Coach Howard Moore, Brett’s life after basketball, and what makes the Wisconsin basketball community so unique. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

14-year (and not done yet) NFL veteran and Wisconsin legend Kevin Zeitler reveals the wild, unexpected turns in his recruiting journey, including a Michigan offer that disappeared in just 12 hours and how he ultimately became a Badger. This episode dives into: * The real story behind his commitment to Wisconsin. * The unique pressure and pride of being a Wisconsin kid playing for UW. * Behind-the-scenes locker room stories and the famous 'moped on campus' moment. * What made his Wisconsin O-line era so dominant. * His incredible 14-year NFL career and what keeps him going. Listen now for an authentic, player-driven conversation with one of Wisconsin's all-time greats. Follow Butchie's Den on Spotify: 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

Former Wisconsin Badger and NFL wide receiver Jared Abbrederis joins Butchie to settle the debate: Who threw a better ball – Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, or Matthew Stafford? Abbrederis, who caught passes from all three, gives his candid ranking and breaks down their unique styles. Listeners will hear about: - The surprising challenges and pressures of playing for the Green Bay Packers as a Wisconsin native. - Hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from his Badger days, including his unforgettable 5 AM workout mishap. - His most cherished moments playing at Camp Randall and the unique atmosphere of Big Ten Championship games. - Why he avoids the spotlight despite an incredible career. Tune in for an authentic, player-driven conversation with one of Wisconsin's favorite sons. Follow Butchie’s Den on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts for more Wisconsin sports talk! Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/butchies-den/id1877905664 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wisconsin Badger legend Devin Harris joins Butchie's Den for an unfiltered chat about his iconic career. From his days under Coach Bo Ryan to his journey in the NBA, Harris pulls back the curtain on what it took to succeed at the highest levels of basketball. Butchie and Devin reminisce about Bo Ryan's legendary coaching, including the "shoebox incident" that shaped the program, and Bo's relentless pursuit of intensity on every possession. Harris shares his "welcome to the NBA" reality check, his proudest career moments, and the tough decision to leave Wisconsin early. He also talks about the deep bond shared by Badger teammates and what the program meant to him. Tune in to hear Devin's all-time Wisconsin starting five, his take on the most underrated Badgers, and candid stories about his NBA career, including facing Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Don't miss this insightful conversation with a true Wisconsin icon. Listen and follow Butchie's Den: https://open.spotify.com/show/3h0MFGiKuBM8TfirIEhMz2?si=qoAPJ9tNQySmFDydIhmEyw Also available on Apple Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New WBCA Executive Director Todd Fergot joins Butchie in The Den for a conversation about the future of Wisconsin high school basketball. Todd breaks down the shot clock pilot program, what still needs to happen before full implementation, why coaches are pushing for state tournament expansion, and what an expanded tournament could look like. Butchie and Todd also discuss declining girls basketball numbers, club basketball, summer contact days, multi-sport athletes, and how to keep high school sports healthy for players, parents, coaches, and communities across Wisconsin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Wisconsin Badger Mike Kelley joins Butchie in The Den for a conversation about Wisconsin basketball history, the foundation of the program, and the culture that still carries through today. Mike looks back on playing for Dick Bennett, the five pillars, the 2000 Final Four run, the locker room bond that made that team special, and why wearing the Wisconsin jersey still means something. Butchie and Mike also talk about Bo Ryan, Greg Gard, today’s Badgers, Wisconsin’s style of play, Final Four memories, favorite teammates, toughest matchups, Wisconsin golf, Culver’s, cheese curds, and plenty more. A strong listen for Badger fans who love the history, stories, and people who helped build Wisconsin basketball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Milwaukee Brewers third base coach Matt Erickson joins Butchie in The Den from the dugout at American Family Field. Matt talks about his journey from Appleton West to professional baseball, his brief time playing for the Brewers, his first Major League hit off Greg Maddux, and how his path eventually led him from the Timber Rattlers to the Brewers big league staff. Butchie and Matt also discuss Jacob Misiorowski, Pat Murphy, the Brewers’ clubhouse culture, third-base coaching, Robin Yount, Ryan Braun, and what makes this Milwaukee team so tough to play against. A great conversation for Brewers fans, Appleton sports fans, and anyone who loves Wisconsin baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Wisconsin Badger Freddie Owens joins Butchie in The Den for a conversation about his playing days, the foundation of the Bo Ryan era, back-to-back Big Ten titles, and the relationships that made that Wisconsin basketball run so special. Freddie also shares stories about playing for Dick Bennett and Bo Ryan, the famous “corner pocket” shot, his coaching journey, becoming a teacher and father, and his book Echoes of Stark Park. A great listen for Badger fans who love Wisconsin basketball history and the people who helped build it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Giannis Antetokounmpo is officially gone, and the Milwaukee Bucks are entering a new era. Butchie reacts to Giannis being traded to Miami, what his time in Milwaukee meant, why Bucks fans should still say thank you, and whether the Bucks got enough back in the deal. He also breaks down the young pieces, the draft picks, the ownership questions, Jon Horst’s role, and what comes next for Milwaukee as the rebuild begins. A sad day for Bucks basketball — and a massive turning point for the franchise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wisconsin’s Hayden Jones joins Butchie in The Den for a conversation about his journey, what brought him to Madison, life inside the Badger program, and what he’s working toward as he continues building his game. A great listen for Wisconsin fans who want to get to know Hayden better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices