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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

42:52

Tariffs, Trauma, and Trailblazers

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/04

Maggie begins today by unpacking the economic and social pressures facing Wisconsin. Agricultural economist Dr. Chuck Nicholson from University of Wisconsin - Madison joins to explain how Trump-era tariffs continue to harm the state’s dairy industry, disrupt global trade partnerships, and squeeze family farms. Then, Maggie shifts focus for "Broad Appeal" and speaks with Dr. Kristin Lyerly and Leah Hibl of the Sheboygan School Board about the urgent mental health crisis among Wisconsin’s youth. They

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41:52

Tariff Terror and Political Cons

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/03

Maggie Daun and guest co-host Jim Santelle explore the economic toll of Trump-era tariffs on small businesses. Shawn Phetteplace of the Main Street Alliance and Mitch Prejbeanu, a small business owner from Paul’s Jewelers in West Allis, reveal how unpredictable and unevenly applied tariffs place small enterprises at a severe disadvantage—while large corporations weather the storm. Maggie and Jim also unpack the “political con,” warning of how trust in institutions erodes when leaders act without

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41:48

The Dangers of the D-List

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/03

Maggie and guest co-host Jim Santelle dissect the troubling trend of former President Trump appointing underqualified loyalists to vital government roles. They argue that these so-called "D-list" appointees—lacking both credibility and expertise—are dangerously dependent on Trump’s authority, weakening institutions and opening the door to corruption. Maggie and Jim provide some absurd examples—like a FEMA director unfamiliar with hurricane season and an IRS official unable to interpret basic law

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42:08

Unmasking the Issues

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/02

Maggie and guest co-host Matt Rothschild take on the spiraling costs of incarceration in Wisconsin, exposing the shocking expense of housing youth offenders. They condemn ICE’s use of masks during raids as a tool of intimidation and a shield from accountability—while pointing out the hypocrisy of banning masks at protests. Maggie shares personal stories of protests at her home, emphasizing the importance of transparency for public officials. This hour has it all—a powerful call for justice, fiscal

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43:17

Budget Battles and Political Showdowns

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/06/02

Maggie Daun and guest co-host Matt Rothschild dive into the political fray with fiery commentary on the latest budget battles and partisan antics. She unpacks a startling amicus brief filed by conservative legal scholars challenging Trump’s tariff authority—an example of power politics overtaking principle. They also take aim at Senator Joni Ernst’s flippant remarks downplaying the deadly consequences of Medicaid cuts. Senator LaTonya Johnson, Democratic member on the Joint Finance Committee, joins

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41:59

Legal Jeopardy and Government Overreach

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/05/30

In this hour, Maggie exposes troubling government overreach in the case of an immigrant in Wisconsin falsely accused of threatening President Trump — a claim that now jeopardizes his ability to remain in the U.S., despite full cooperation with law enforcement. Milwaukee Journal Sentinal reporter Eva Wen joins Maggie to tell the story of Ramón Morales Reyes. Maggie sharply criticizes the Department of Homeland Security for its unfounded allegations and refusal to issue a retraction, emphasizing the

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0:00

Shadow Docket Showdown: Immigration Chaos and Trump’s...

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/05/30

Maggie and Jim Santelle delve into the turbulent state of U.S. politics during a particularly chaotic week under the Trump administration. They examine the Supreme Court’s use of the shadow docket to permit Trump’s revocation of immigration parole for nearly a million people — a move that raises serious concerns about due process and judicial transparency. The conversation also explores the growing concentration of executive power, including Trump’s ability to fire officials from supposedly

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41:52

Rojo’s Rants and Trump’s Ukraine Conundrum

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/05/29

In this hour, Maggie takes aim at Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson’s dangerous disinformation—from his anti-vaccine rhetoric to his open contempt for peer-reviewed science. While Johnson spins conspiracy theories and stumbles on basic economic and public health facts, University of Wisconsin-Madison political science professor Dr. Yoshiko Herrera brings some foreign policy clarity. She breaks down the geopolitics of the Russia-Ukraine war, Trump’s incoherent stance, and the real-world stakes of

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41:46

Tips, Tricks, and the Big Beautiful Bill

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/05/29

Maggie and Chef Gregory Leon, Owner of Amilinda, start today's show with takedown of Trump’s “No Tax on Tips” proposal cuts through the spin to expose what’s really at stake. Policy expert Lily Roberts from Center For American Progress, also unpacks how the plan dangles a temporary, tiny break for tipped workers—while keeping payroll taxes intact and ignoring the majority of low-wage earners. Behind the flashy promise lies a harsh reality: permanent cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and other vital safety

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42:06

Trump’s Tariff Terror and the Small Business Squeeze

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/05/28

Maggie unpacks the chaos unleashed by "Trump’s Tariff Terror.” She’s joined by Michael Negron, former special assistant to President Biden, to explore how this economic whiplash is paralyzing small businesses—making it nearly impossible for them to plan, invest, or survive. With 68 million Americans employed by small businesses, the stakes are high. Maggie and Michael connect the dots between economic instability, rising consumer prices, and a worsening squeeze on entrepreneurs. They also take aim

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0:00

The Big Brutal Bill Breakdown

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/05/28

Maggie exposes the stark consequences of a controversial House bill proposing deep cuts to SNAP benefits—cuts that could strip school lunches from over 18 million children and worsen hunger nationwide. Joined by Bobby Kogan of the Center for American Progress, they unpack how this legislation offloads costs onto states like Wisconsin, burdens taxpayers, and disguises harm under the banner of "fraud prevention." Plus, Dr. Kristin Lyerly and Laura Benjamin (3rd Congressional District candidate) urge

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42:25

Childcare Crisis and Economic Realities: Wisconsin’s...

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/05/27

In this hour, Maggie explores Wisconsin's escalating childcare crisis, where monthly costs can soar past $3,000. Joined by early education expert Daithi Wolfe from Kids Forward, the discussion sheds light on the devastating impact of proposed Republican budget cuts that threaten vital childcare subsidies. Wolfe emphasizes the economic ripple effect—particularly on working mothers—and the urgent need for sustained investment in early education. The conversation doesn’t shy away from criticizing GOP

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41:54

Fusion Voting & the Fight for Political Choice

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/05/27

In a compelling discussion on Wisconsin’s political future, Maggie and guest host Angela Lang, along with Jeff Mandell and John Franke, explore the transformative potential of fusion voting. This system allows multiple political parties to endorse the same candidate, offering voters more nuanced choices and potentially aligning elected officials more closely with the full spectrum of voter values. Jeff and John argue that fusion voting could disrupt the entrenched two-party system, invigorate

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44:02

Memorial Day Rememberence

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/05/26

In this hour, Maggie welcomes Commander Greg Palo and Al Labelle from Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Wisconsin to discuss their mission of supporting disabled veterans. They explore the often-complicated process of securing veterans’ benefits and how DAV helps bridge the gap through essential services and dedicated advocacy. Plus, Thomas Parr, Membership Director at the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce, joins the conversation to highlight the importance of veteran-owned businesses—and how we

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44:02

Memorial Day Tributes

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/05/26

We hope you're enjoying a relaxing Memorial Day weekend. Today, we honor those who have served our nation. Maggie begins today’s show by spotlighting the transformative work of Patriot K9s of Wisconsin, with Executive Director Lani Rethaber. This remarkable organization pairs service dogs with veterans facing PTSD and other mental health challenges. Later in the show, Allison McManus, Managing Director for National Security and International Policy at the Center for American Progress, joins Maggie

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0:00

Constitutional Clashes and Memorial Day Musings

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/05/23

Maggie tackles pressing constitutional concerns—from the Trump administration’s controversial use of the Alien Enemies Act to discussions around the potential suspension of habeas corpus. She also unpacks the legal challenges facing Newark Mayor Raz Baraka and Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, who is facing charges after protesting outside an ICE facility. Maggie also raises alarms about the politicization of national intelligence, calling out Tulsi Gabbard’s leadership as troubling. Plus, we balance

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0:00

Paws for Patriots: Healing Veterans Through Canine...

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/05/23

Happy Friday! Maggie begins today's show by shining a light on the transformative work of Patriot K9s of Wisconsin with Executive Director Lani Rethaber. This remarkable organization pairs service dogs with veterans facing PTSD and other mental health challenges. Through a unique training model that involves both community volunteers and prison programs, these dogs are specially trained to detect stress hormones and provide deep pressure therapy—empowering veterans to reclaim their independence and

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41:40

Navigating Veteran Support and Political Churn

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/05/22

In this hour, Maggie welcomes Commander Greg Palo and Al Labelle from Disabled American Veterans Wisconsin to discuss their mission supporting disabled veterans. They delve into the often-complicated process of securing veteran benefits and how DAV helps bridge the gap with critical services and advocacy. Maggie also breaks down the political upheaval surrounding the latest budget reconciliation bill. She critiques proposed cuts to VA services and controversial amendments impacting everything from

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42:16

Cuts, Court Chaos, and Veteran Vexations

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/05/22

Maggie unpacks a week of political upheaval, starting with the House's late-night passage of a bill slashing vital programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and food assistance. She explores the devastating consequences for millions—particularly veterans—who rely on these federal benefits. The conversation intensifies with a deep dive into the Supreme Court’s controversial stay, which greenlights Trump’s removals at the National Labor and Relations Board (NLRB), raising alarm bells about judicial overreach

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41:51

The Big, Brutal Bill & Trump’s Oval Office Outburst

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/05/21

In this hour, Maggie navigates the stormy waters of today’s political chaos. She exposes Donald Trump’s questionable acceptance of a Qatari jet, which raises serious constitutional red flag and unpacks a disturbing Oval Office meeting where Trump falsely invoked the myth of a “white genocide” in South Africa. Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, Congress is locked in battle over a MAGA-driven bill that threatens to gut Medicaid and food assistance, potentially adding trillions to the deficit and devastating

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942 results

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