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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

42:53

Billionaires, Bombs, and Bribery: A Crisis Unfolds

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/18

Maggie tackles two explosive stories shaking the nation. First, she breaks down a new lawsuit alleging Elon Musk attempted to buy influence in Wisconsin’s elections. Joined by Jeff Mandell and Scott Thompson of Law Forward, the conversation explores how billionaire interference threatens to turn elections into auctions. Then, foreign policy expert Ilan Berman from the American Foreign Policy Council (afpc.org) joins to analyze growing tensions with Iran, as reports emerge that Trump approved—but

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42:02

Reverse Robin Hood & Mideast Tensions

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/17

Maggie breaks down the Senate’s brutal budget bill—slashing Medicaid while handing out tax breaks to the ultra-rich. With razor-thin margins and growing public backlash, Americans are seeing through what Maggie calls a modern-day 'Reverse Robin Hood' scheme. As domestic policy tightens its grip on working families, international tensions escalate. Trump signals possible military action against Iran, reigniting fears of another destabilizing conflict in the Middle East. And State Senator Dora Drake

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42:05

Passion, Politics, and Unraveling Policies

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/17

Maggie dives headfirst into a whirlwind of political drama and policy shifts in this hour. From the arrest of NYC Comptroller Brad Lander to the Trump administration’s escalating attacks on Democratic-led cities, Maggie unpacks the rhetoric—and the risks. Iowa State Rep. J.D. Scholten (scholtenforiowa.com), a professional baseball player (who plays for an official partner to MLB) turned Senate candidate, joins to share the grassroots energy behind his campaign to unseat Joni Ernst. Meanwhile,

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42:21

Political Rhetoric and Responsibility: Who’s to Blame?

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/16

Maggie and guest co-host Matt Rothschild dive into a critical debate: Do Democrats share any blame for the rise in political violence, or does it stem squarely from Donald Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric? As Trump continues to incite violence and demonize his opponents, Maggie and Mat examine the consequences of escalating political language. They also confront the media's tendency toward false balance and explore the concept of "stochastic terrorism"—violence inspired by indirect incitement. And

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42:56

Judicial Shockwaves and Political Tragedy

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/16

In this hour, Maggie Daun and guest co-host, Matt Rothschild delve into the political tumult of the weekend. A Reagan-appointed judge, William Young, declared cuts to NIH grants by the Trump administration illegal, citing them as discriminatory against racial and LGBTQ communities, delivering a rare judicial rebuke with startling language. Simultaneously, Minnesota reels from targeted political assassinations, including the killing of Speaker Melissa Hortman. Matthew Blake, reporter at minnpost.com,

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41:48

Suckerization of America and Wake Boat Wars

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/13

Maggie and guest co-host Jim Santelle take aim at Tony Wied’s unconstitutional bill targeting so-called “anarchist jurisdictions,” calling out its performative politics and the deeper issue of wealth being siphoned upward. They expose MAGA hypocrisy and the ongoing “suckerization” of American voters, urging a shift in focus toward real economic injustices. And in another weekly edition of "Ask Maggie," your questions spark a thoughtful discussion on peaceful protest—what’s protected, what crosses

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42:32

A Civic Wake-Up Call

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/13

Happy Friday! To begin this hour, Maggie and guest co-host, Jim Santelle, dive into Wisconsin’s budget standoff, exposing the GOP’s refusal to fund public schools while doubling down on incarceration spending. Senator LaTonya Johnson, ranking Democrat on the Joint Finance Committee, joins to call out the hypocrisy and advocate for investments in education and reentry programs as real solutions to prison overcrowding. Jim also breaks down recent court rulings pushing back against Trump-era

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42:12

Stand Up Against Tyranny

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/12

Maggie sounds the alarm on rising authoritarianism as protests erupt over Trump’s military deployment in California. Rallying behind the growing No Kings movement, Maggie urges us to embrace peaceful resistance and stand firm in defense of democracy. With Trump’s approval ratings in freefall and accusations of unconstitutional overreach mounting, the segment dives into the fragility of civil liberties in today’s political climate. Callers from across Wisconsin weigh in—some voicing fear over

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0:00

Budget Cuts, Red Lights, and Rising Resistance

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/12

Maggie dives deep into new analyses with Mark Sommerhauser from the Wisconsin Policy Forum and Natasha Murphy from the Center for American Progress. They unpack the devastating potential of the “Big Brutal Bill.” With $87 billion in federal funding at stake, Wisconsin’s working families could face a harsh new economic reality if proposed budget cuts move forward. Maggie also discusses a shocking moment in national politics—the forcible removal of Senator Alex Padilla during a Department of Homeland

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41:11

Tariff Chaos and Economic Turmoil

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/11

Maggie is joined by economic policy expert Bharat Ramamurti to unpack the far-reaching consequences of Trump’s reckless tariff agenda. With no clear strategic goals, these tariffs are creating widespread uncertainty for businesses, driving up costs, and stalling investment in American manufacturing. As inflationary pressures mount, the conversation turns to the “big brutal bill” slashing Medicaid to fund tax breaks for the wealthy—deepening deficits and threatening coverage for millions. Maggie also

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41:41

The MAGA Murder Bill and Defending Healthcare

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/11

In this first hour, Maggie unpacks the devastating implications of the so-called "MAGA Murder Bill" with guests Rep. Renuka Mayadev and Tanya Atkinson, President of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin. This hour explores how the bill threatens to dismantle healthcare access across Wisconsin—through Planned Parenthood defunding and deep Medicaid cuts—endangering maternal and infant health in particular. Rep. Mayadev outlines her bold self-help legislation designed to counteract Trump-era

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40:38

A Choice Between Leadership and Legacy

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/10

Guest hosts Angela Lang, Dan Schafer, and Matt Rothschild explore the future of Democratic leadership in Wisconsin. With the possibility of a third term for Governor Tony Evers on the horizon, they weigh the tension between experienced leadership and the urgent need to elevate fresh, energized voices. Drawing parallels to the national conversation around Joe Biden’s re-election campaign, the discussion highlights the growing demand for generational change in the face of escalating crises. They make

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41:17

Protests, Politics, and Party Leadership: A Wisconsin...

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/10

Angela Lang and Dan Schafer are today's guest hosts. They begin this hour by breaking down the intensifying protests in Los Angeles over ICE raids, as Trump deploys the National Guard and flirts with martial law. Matt Rothschild warns of creeping authoritarianism, spotlighting Trump’s dangerous obsession with military force and its collision with democratic norms. They also call out misleading media narratives and elevates the importance of peaceful protest and civic vigilance. Rep. Darrin Madison

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41:36

Chaos, Courts, and the Crisis at the Border

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/09

Maggie and guest co-host Matt Rothschild confront the escalating immigration crisis, analyzing the unprecedented deployment of active military forces to Los Angeles in response to protests sparked by Trump-era policies. With expert insight from Erin Barbato, Director of the Immigrant Justice Clinic at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, they explore the murky legality of sanctuary cities, aggressive ICE tactics, and the complex legal barriers facing immigrants. Maggie and Matt also discuss the

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41:53

A Democracy on Edge

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/09

Chaos erupts as President Trump deploys the National Guard and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles in response to peaceful protests against ICE deportation raids. Maggie and guest co-host Matt Rothschild dives into the alarming federal escalation. They spend this hour trying to unpack Trump’s use of a rarely invoked legal provision that allows federalization of troops without state consent. This unprecedented move sparks widespread concern over creeping authoritarianism, with legal experts warning of the

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0:00

State of Affairs

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/06

Dan Shafer joins Maggie for another edition of 'State Slate.' Dan breaks down the latest chaos in the Capitol as Wisconsin Republicans abruptly end budget negotiations. With real progress and rare compromises on the table, Governor Tony Evers now faces tough choices. Should he threaten a full veto if Medicaid expansion is excluded? Dan lays out what’s next as the GOP focuses on slashing critical programs for Wisconsin families. Then, it’s time for another lively round of 'Ask Maggie!' Producer Jamie

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0:00

Trump, Terrorism, and Tossing Bags

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/06

Maggie dives into the puzzling state of U.S. foreign policy, asking if Trump got played—again—as Israel cozies up to Russia. Then, eyebrows (literally) are raised as the Department of Homeland Security appoints 22-year-old Thomas Fugate—former grocery store clerk—to lead terrorism prevention. What qualifications does he bring beyond an ominous official photo? Plus, Gray Gunderson and Joel Karnick from WCQM drop in for “What’s Good, Local, and Overlooked.” Today’s topic? Cornhole (or bags, depending

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41:22

Medicaid Myths and Billionaire Brawls

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/05

In this hour, Maggie unpacks the real-world consequences of the Republican-led “big brutal bill” with guest William Parke-Sutherland from Kids Forward. Together, they expose the false zero-sum narrative in public policy—the idea that helping marginalized communities somehow hurts others. Parke-Sutherland warns that proposed Medicaid cuts won’t save money—they’ll raise costs for everyone in Wisconsin through higher premiums and reduced services. Meanwhile, the surreal feud between Elon Musk and

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42:03

MAGA Mayhem, Healthcare Havoc, and Musk vs. Trump

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/05

Maggie breaks down the latest political chaos, featuring a fiery clash between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Wisconsin Congressman Mark Pocan joins to weigh in—not just on the feud, but on the devastating consequences of the so-called “Big Brutal Bill,” which threatens healthcare for millions of ACA enrollees. Pocan exposes hidden Medicare cuts buried in the bill and calls out the MAGA regime’s deceptive policies, including dangerous falsehoods spread by figures like Russell Vought. Maggie also

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41:49

Diplomatic Adventures and the Power of Soft Diplomacy

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/04

Maggie sits down with Ambassador Cynthia Efird, a 40-year veteran Foreign Service Officer, for a fascinating conversation about the often-overlooked impact of diplomacy. From an unexpected encounter with rapper 50 Cent in Angola to the critical role U.S. embassies play as global early warning systems, Efird brings diplomacy to life with vivid storytelling and deep insight. She explains how soft power—through aid, advocacy, and cultural exchange—advances American interests, promotes human rights, and

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942 results

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