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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

42:15

Diplomatic Drama and Local Triumphs

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/08/15

Maggie unpacks a whirlwind of politics and policy: Donald Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin in Anchorage sparks global concern as Ukraine is left out of the peace talks. She also takes aim at the Trump administration’s failed bid to seize control of DC’s police force and its punitive approach to homelessness. Closer to home, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District earns praise for three decades of successful flood risk management — a national model for climate adaptation. Find out more here:

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42:56

Power Plays and Pomp: Trump, Putin, and the Politics...

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/08/15

It's a whirlwind of political intrigue and a whole lot of legal drama. In this first hour, Maggie dives into the latest clashes in American politics: the controversial use of the 'Rule of Five' to demand Epstein files from the Trump administration, and the brewing showdown in Washington as Trump pushes for a federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police. On the international stage, all eyes are on Alaska, where Trump and Putin’s summit raises questions about possible territorial concessions in

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0:00

Trump, Tariffs, and Transparency: A Deep Dive

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/08/14

Maggie critiques Donald Trump, calling him the most anti-business president in modern history. She argues that his erratic tariff policies and attacks on university research undermine free markets, stifle innovation, and favor monopolies over small businesses. Maggie connects these actions to higher consumer prices, countering the narrative that Trump is pro-business. She also spotlights local political activism, with a La Crosse protest targeting Congressman Derek Van Orden for avoiding constituent

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41:37

From Floods to Facts: Navigating Public Safety and...

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/08/14

Maggie unpacks the gap between public perception and reality in crime statistics, showing how fear often outweighs hard data. Chandler Hall of the Center for American Progress Action Fund spotlights community-led violence prevention as the true champion in reducing crime, challenging the myths of mass policing. Meanwhile, breaking developments in Texas politics collide with Wisconsin’s flood recovery efforts, highlighting both the human and policy dimensions of disaster response. If you have

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42:12

Brewers’ Winning Streak and Political Strategy

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/08/13

Milwaukee is buzzing as the Brewers notch a 12-game winning streak, sparking free George Webb burgers and memories of the 1987 frenzy. Maggie then pivots to politics, unpacking the DC Court of Appeals decision allowing Trump to withhold foreign aid and his extended control over the DC police. In Wisconsin, state politics heat up with Mike Van Someren’s candidacy, where he champions unity and fair economic opportunities. The conversation also critiques Texas’s aggressive gerrymandering and weighs

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41:51

Democracy in the Balance: Gerrymandering and...

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/08/13

Maggie explores the high-stakes battle over partisan gerrymandering with Ruth Conniff of the Wisconsin Examiner. As Texas Republicans, led by Governor Greg Abbott, push to strip Democrats of congressional seats, Conniff warns against Democrats adopting the same tactics, calling it a threat to the nation’s democratic foundation. Wisconsin Representative Ann Roe joins to discuss the power of listening to constituents and bridging political divides. Against the backdrop of alarming actions by Donald

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41:19

Racing to the Bottom: Gerrymandering and Democracy’s...

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/08/12

Maggie dives into the turbulent world of gerrymandering with Congresswoman Gwen Moore, fresh from the Texas legislative battles in Austin. Moore breaks down the consequences of mid-decade redistricting, revealing how it has turned democracy into a contest where elected officials choose their voters, not the other way around. Together, they explore the racial and partisan dimensions of gerrymandering and emphasize the urgent need to strengthen the Voting Rights Act. The conversation also touches on

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0:00

Floods, Courts, and Controversies

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/08/12

Southeast Wisconsin faces devastating floods, spurring Republican Congressman Scott Fitzgerald to seek emergency aid from the Trump administration. Maggie critiques the government’s response and welcomes legal expert Jim Santelle to unpack recent court actions — including a judge’s sharp rejection of the Trump administration’s push to release grand jury transcripts in the Ghislaine Maxwell case. The episode also examines a Supreme Court challenge to marriage equality, led by Kim Davis, the former

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41:58

Floods, Fascism, and Brewers Magic

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/08/11

Maggie tackles the dangerous crossroads of climate change and creeping authoritarianism. As Wisconsin reels from catastrophic floods, she draws the connection to climate change, blasts Ron Johnson’s climate indifference, and calls out Donald Trump’s misleading rhetoric and federal takeover of D.C.’s police — branding it a step toward fascism. Pushing back against Trump’s false crime claims, Maggie makes the case for fact-driven governance. And in the midst of political and environmental upheaval,

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42:40

Floods, Federal Overreach, and Fearless Fireside Chats

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/08/11

It’s a stormy Monday. Maggie and guest co-host Matt Rothschild dig into Milwaukee’s unprecedented flooding and Donald Trump’s alarming bid to federalize local law enforcement under the guise of fighting crime. They unpack the misleading crime stats, the racist undertones behind his rhetoric, and what it means for Wisconsin. Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski and Emergency Management Director Cassandra Libal join to share the city’s heroic flood response and stress why calling 211 is critical for

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42:04

Is America Already A Dictatorship?

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/08/07

Guest hosts John and Gordy tackle the tumultuous state of American democracy, touching on topics from Trump’s authoritarian ambitions, including potential federal control over D.C. in the wake of a vicious attack on MAGA's Big Balls, to RFK Jr.'s controversial vaccine views. They listen back to that one famous clip from Newsroom of Jeff Daniels saying America isn't the greatest country in the world and compare it to him speaking without music. The duo discusses the cutting of mRNA research funding,

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42:08

John and Gordy’s Census Chaos

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/08/07

John and Gordy step in for Maggie Daun, tackling hot topics including Tesla being afraid to leave Elon and the contentious future of the U.S. Census. Amidst humorous tales of EV mishaps, they dissect Trump's audacious census overhaul plan aimed at excluding immigrants, challenging constitutional norms. Sports takes a spotlight with Mike Clemens reporting live from Packers training camp and talking Green Bay's upcoming season and the Brewers' winning streak. Dean Cain's surprising ICE agent

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41:47

You Can’t Gerrymander Away Climate Change

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/08/06

Guest host Jim Santelle tackles the contentious Texas redistricting saga, where a GOP push to redraw congressional maps aims to secure a House majority. The episode dives into the historical and current implications of gerrymandering and Voting Rights Act challenges, spotlighting state-level quorum-breaking tactics. Later, Jim chats with Dean Muller from Wisconsin for Environmental Justice about leveraging tort claims to hold companies that pollute accountable for climate-related damages. The

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41:01

From Reckless to Wreck-less.

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/08/06

Guest host Jim Santelle is joined by special guest Alexander "Sandie" Pendleton to highlight Milwaukee's reckless driving epidemic and advocate for tech solutions like automated cameras and legislative reforms. The harrowing tale of Erin Mogensen, a victim of reckless driving, underscores the urgency to confront this entirely avoidable scourge. Amid breaking news on gun violence and DOJ investigations, the episode calls for public engagement in safety, justice, and legislative action as we try to

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40:57

Rust Belt Resurgence: Messaging with Authenticity

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/08/05

Guest host Matt Rothschild, along with Angela Lang, steers a lively discussion with former State Rep Katrina Shankland about revitalizing Democratic messaging in the Midwest. Shanklin, now leading Rust Belt Rising, emphasizes empowering Democratic candidates with authentic messaging, focusing on working families and labor unions. She advocates for candidates to showcase genuine values rather than pandering to political stereotypes. The episode dives into the pervasive distrust in political systems

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0:00

Flipping the Script in Wisconsin Politics

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/08/05

Guest host Matt Rothschild and Angela Lang dive into Wisconsin's political landscape, focusing on the potential to flip the state Senate and discuss progressive policies with Representative Robyn Vining. Highlighting historical reflections, the episode touches on past pivotal moments like the Hiroshima bombing and Nelson Mandela's legacy. The hosts criticize political stalemates, notably the GOP's block on postpartum Medicaid expansion, emphasizing the need for accessible healthcare and fair

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40:57

Judge Chris Taylor’s Vision for Wisconsin

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/08/04

Guest host Matt Rothschild, alongside Angela Lang, delves into the dynamic landscape of Wisconsin politics, highlighting Judge Chris Taylor's vibrant campaign for the state Supreme Court. Guest Judge Chris Taylor emerges as a beacon of change, steering clear of divisive tough-on-crime rhetoric, and embraces a people-centric approach. Callers stress the need for unity and a leader who celebrates Wisconsin's diverse communities. As the gubernatorial race looms, Rothschild and Lang ponder over

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40:29

Media, Democracy, and the Battle for Wisconsin

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/08/04

Matt Rothschild and Angela Lang guest-host, tackling key issues in politics and media. They discuss Angela's birthday, community organizing, and a march against authoritarianism. Professor Victor Picard joins to critique America's media system, highlighting its corporate dominance and lack of public funding. He calls for a new, democratized public media to counteract news deserts and misinformation. The conversation shifts to Wisconsin's political future and concerns over candidate safety amid

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41:30

Crypto Chaos: Corruption and Crisis Loom

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/31

In this hour, former White House ethics attorney Richard Painter sounds the alarm on the dark side of cryptocurrency. He warns that the lack of transparency in digital currencies opens the door for foreign influence in U.S. politics and exposes deep vulnerabilities in the financial system. Painter draws striking parallels between today’s crypto landscape and the deregulation that led to the 2008 financial collapse. From the Trump family's crypto entanglements to the downfall of Sam Bankman-Fried,

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0:00

Cryptocurrency Unplugged: Myths, Morals, and Money

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/31

On this special episode, Maggie takes a deep dive into the world of cryptocurrency—once a topic she dismissed, now one she approaches with fresh curiosity and healthy skepticism. Joined by philosopher and Bitcoin advocate Bradley Rettler, they explore the surprising intersections of philosophy, ethics, and digital finance. Together, they break down the basics of crypto and blockchain, while tackling the moral and practical dilemmas of a currency system untethered from traditional institutions

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