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PODCAST

Civic Media Spotlight

Civic Media is a pro-democracy radio network serving local communities in Wisconsin. Hear a sample of our best programming from the past week from across our statewide network. Listen Live: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Saturday Sunday

news news commentary

All Episodes

42:58

Democracy’s Check-Up

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/02

Maggie hosts a July 4th special dissecting America's democratic foundations and current challenges. Historian David Voelker explores myths like Manifest Destiny and American exceptionalism, emphasizing the complexity and influence of Native cultures in shaping the U.S. He highlights the Declaration of Independence as an 'accountability document' urging citizens to uphold democratic ideals. Political scientist Howard Schweber critiques the erosion of the separation of powers in modern America,

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41:45

Underestimate Us At Your Own Peril

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/01

In the second hour, Maggie and guest co-host Jim Santelle dive into whether Democrats are constantly playing catch-up—struggling to anticipate the next move from the Trump administration. They argue that it's time to stop reacting and start seeing the bigger picture. It’s not enough to simply decry the courts or the administration—we need to connect the dots and explain how these actions directly impact people’s lives. They also discuss the real point of the so-called "Big Brutal Bill?" Tax breaks

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41:58

Breaking the Norms

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/01

Maggie is joined by guest co-host Jim Santelle as they kick off the hour with Senator LaTonya Johnson. She breaks down the newly agreed upon Wisconsin budget bill and highlights the compromises struck between Republicans and Democrats—emphasizing that, at times, concessions are necessary to improve the lives of Wisconsinites. Senator Johnson also underscores key wins in the budget, including increased funding for childcare and education across the state. Then, Maggie and Jim turn their attention to

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41:19

What’s the Fallout?

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/30

As Maggie enjoys an extended holiday weekend, Matt Rothschild and Angela Lang step in as today’s guest co-hosts. They kick off the hour with Tanya Atkinson, President of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin, to unpack the potential fallout from the so-called “Big Brutal” bill. This legislation aims to eliminate Medicaid funding for services provided by Planned Parenthood—a move that could have devastating consequences for healthcare access statewide. With 60% of Wisconsinites relying on

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40:32

Taking It To the Streets

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/30

While Maggie is away for the long pre–July 4 weekend, today's show is guest-hosted by Matt Rothschild and Angela Lang. They kick off the hour with a timely conversation about what Independence Day means in 2025—especially at a time when many Americans are struggling to celebrate freedoms they feel are under threat. Later in the hour, Iuscely “Cely” Flores from the Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition (fairmapswi.com) joins the conversation. Cely shares details about the statewide community hearings on fair

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40:39

Supreme Court Shocker: Universal Injunctions Nixed!

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/27

In a seismic 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the use of universal injunctions, limiting federal judges' ability to block executive actions nationwide. The ruling carries far-reaching consequences—from immigration policy and birthright citizenship to civil rights enforcement—reshaping the legal landscape across the country. As guest host Jim Santelle discuses, Justice Sonia Sotomayor blasted the majority opinion as a “travesty,” warning of a chaotic legal patchwork that could

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40:34

Challenging the Status Quo

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/27

Guest host Jim Santelle guides us through a high-stakes day in U.S. law and politics as the Supreme Court releases six consequential opinions, including a landmark ruling on birthright citizenship and a decision curbing the power of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions. Jim is joined by John Vaudreuil of Keep Our Republic to unpack the persistent—and unfounded—claims of 2020 election fraud that continue to resurface. They spotlight the strength and transparency of Wisconsin’s voting system

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41:52

Judicial Double Standards and the Big Brutal Bill

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/26

Maggie unpacks the ethical firestorm surrounding Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley’s appearance at a partisan fundraiser, raising serious questions about judicial integrity. She contrasts the outrage—or lack thereof—with scrutiny faced by Justice Rebecca Dallet, highlighting glaring double standards within the judiciary. Maggie also focuses to the devastating implications of the so-called “Big Brutal Bill,” a Republican-led proposal slashing Medicaid and vital social services. With the

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41:37

Bombs, Budgets, and Badger State Disparities

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/26

Maggie begins today's show by unpacking the far-reaching consequences of recent U.S. military strikes on Iran with expert guests Russell Lucas and Allison McManus. Together, they explore whether the bombings deterred Iran’s nuclear ambitions—or merely poured fuel on an already volatile situation. The discussion then shifts to the stark contrast between the Trump administration’s soaring military expenditures and its deep cuts to veterans' programs and essential social services.The Maggie Daun

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42:01

Wisconsin’s Childcare Crisis: Ticking Time Bomb

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/25

As Wisconsin’s childcare funding cliff approaches, up to 90,000 slots could vanish by June 30—leaving families and providers in a state of emergency. Guests Corrine Hendrickson and Tricia Peterson sound the alarm, detailing how families could soon face monthly costs exceeding $1,600. Despite a $4 billion state surplus, GOP leaders Robin Vos and Devin LeMahieu have yet to take meaningful action. This bipartisan crisis threatens working parents, the economy, and the stability of early childhood

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41:29

Budget Battles and Childcare Challenges

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/25

Maggie and Political Editor Dan Shafer unpack Wisconsin’s escalating budget crisis, focusing on the looming collapse of childcare funding as subsidies near expiration. With Republicans stalling budget negotiations, Governor Tony Evers is urged to take a firmer stand to protect working families from the growing threat of childcare deserts. Maggie calls on him to harness public support to defend education, childcare, and other vital services. Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway joins the conversation

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41:31

The Fight for Wisconsin’s Future

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/24

Maggie jumps into Wisconsin's pivotal role in national politics, emphasizing the urgent need for fair maps and the removal of money from politics to ensure true representation. With guests like Nick Ramos of Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, they tackle the looming mid-decade redistricting and its potential impact on the House of Representatives. The episode highlights the dysfunction in Congress due to gerrymandering and billionaire influence, with Elon Musk's interference in local elections as a prime

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42:14

Unraveling Wisconsin: Disparities, Budgets, and Politics

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/24

Maggie takes a deep dive into Wisconsin’s most urgent challenges with guests Angela Lang and Emily Miota from Kids Forward (kidsforward.org). Maggie takes a critical look at Milwaukee’s response to crime, calling for greater investment in violence prevention and youth programming. Emily highlights the state’s stark racial disparities in child outcomes—despite Wisconsin ranking 11th nationally in overall child well-being. With the state budget on the line, the conversation explores opportunities for

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41:44

Veto Showdown and Global Shockwaves

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/23

To begin this hour, Maggie and guest co-host Matt Rothschild discuss some big news: Governor Tony Evers draws a hard line, threatening to veto the entire Wisconsin budget unless critical childcare funding is restored—setting up a high-stakes clash with the Republican-led legislature. On the international front, President Trump’s unilateral missile strike on Iran ignites a constitutional firestorm, bypassing congressional approval and heightening fears of retaliation, including cyberattacks. The

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42:04

Diplomacy Decoded

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/23

Maggie Daun is joined by guest co-host Matt Rothschild and foreign policy expert Ilan Berman from the American Foreign Policy Council (afpc.org) to unpack the volatile terrain of U.S. diplomacy. They examine Iran’s retaliatory strikes, the legal boundaries of American military actions, and the complex strategy of coercive diplomacy. The conversation also dives into the growing rift between U.S. and Israeli intelligence on Iran’s nuclear capabilities—and what that means for global security. Then they

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0:00

Wisconsin’s Budget Battle and Timber Triumphs

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/20

Maggie Daun explores the intersection of politics and policy in Wisconsin, featuring Dan Schafer's interview with Senator Raphael Warnock, who made a powerful impression at Wisconsin Democratic state convention. They dive into the heated state budget debate, where Republicans are proposing an $87 million cut to the UW System—despite a $4 billion surplus—raising alarms over potential campus closures and urging public pushback. Later, Jeramy Jannene joins for "Milwaukee As A Microcosm." He spotlights

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0:00

Guarded Borders and Dairy Delights

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/20

Happy Friday! Maggie and guest co-host Jim Santelle unpack the Trump administration’s controversial use of military force in response to protests over deportation raids, spotlighting an op-ed from former governors warning against federal overreach. They delve into the constitutional implications and court rulings that challenge the legality of such actions. Plus, Teri Barr joins to discuss "What's Good, Local, and Overlooked in Wisconsin." Today, we explore Wisconsin’s National Dairy Shrine—a

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41:37

Celebrating Juneteenth: Voices of Black Women Leaders

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/19

In this Juneteenth special, Maggie is joined by a panel of trailblazing Black women leaders. Sabrina Madison, CEO of the Progress Center for Black Women, and Dana Pellebon, Executive Director of the RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center, discuss the importance of community care, economic empowerment, and reimagining support for survivors. Elle Halo, founder of Trans Consulting, shares her journey as a Black trans woman and the joy that drives her advocacy. Together, they explore the transformative

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41:17

Juneteenth Celebration and Black Women’s Leadership

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/19

In this powerful Juneteenth special, Maggie spotlights the leadership, resilience, and vision of Black women shaping Wisconsin’s future. Milwaukee County Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson joins a panel of dynamic voices to discuss the systemic barriers Black women face—from workplace inequity to political marginalization—and the strength it takes to lead despite them. Maggie and Marcelia explore the intersection of race, gender, and justice, highlighting Nicholson’s groundbreaking role in declaring

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42:22

Fed Rates, Trans Rights, and Economic Turbulence

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/18

The Federal Reserve keeps interest rates steady, signaling caution amid persistent inflation and rising unemployment—drawing fire from Donald Trump. Economist Indi Dutta-Gupta explains how inconsistent economic policy, including tariffs and tax cuts, has fueled uncertainty. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care sends shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community, threatening decades of progress. Abigail Swetz of Fair Wisconsin offers clarity and

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942 results

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