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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

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All Episodes

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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42:16

Corruption: A Bipartisan Affliction

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/30

We're cutting across the party lines. Maggie is joined by Howard Schweber for a candid conversation about the deep roots of corruption in American politics. Together, they examine conflicts of interest—like lawmakers owning individual stocks—and the inadequacy of current ethics regulations. The discussion expands to systemic problems, including gerrymandering and its role in fueling political extremism. Schweber issues a stark warning about democracy’s fragility, drawing on historical parallels,

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0:00

Corruption, Candidates, and Capital: Cutting Through...

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/30

Maggie begins this hour by navigating the turbulent world of political corruption and the influence of wealth in Wisconsin politics. Spotlighting Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez’s courageous stand against baseless xenophobic attacks and unpacking the questionable loyalties of Congressman Derek Van Orden, the conversation digs deep into the state’s political climate. Joining Maggie is Morris Pearl, former BlackRock executive, who breaks down how the tax code favors the ultra-rich and why fair

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42:02

Unveiling the Epstein Files: The Unending Scandal

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/29

Maggie confronts the enduring scandal of Jeffrey Epstein, exposing the systemic failures that allow sexual violence to persist and the political hypocrisy surrounding the case. Joined by Professor Mariel Barnes, the conversation explores the deep-rooted culture of misogyny, economic vulnerability of victims, and chronic underfunding of law enforcement and support systems. Barnes provides insight into how power and privilege shield perpetrators while silencing survivors. Maggie also scrutinizes

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41:21

Unmasking Power: From Courts to Campaigns

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/29

Maggie unpacks the legal and political chaos of the Trump administration, spotlighting its environmental rollbacks and a high-profile clash with Judge Boasberg. Former U.S. Attorney Jim Santelle contextualizes the ethics complaint filed against Boasberg as a direct assault on judicial independence. Later, Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez joins the show to officially announce her 2026 gubernatorial run. Drawing on her healthcare background and bipartisan credentials, Rodriguez outlines a platform

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41:38

Glass Ceilings and C-Suites: Breaking Through the...

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/28

This hour, Maggie explores the persistent gender gap in leadership across politics and the corporate world. Joined by Lori Richards, CEO of Mueller Communications, the conversation unpacks the systemic hurdles women continue to face—from entrenched old boys’ networks to the lasting effects of the COVID-era “she-cession.” They challenge the slow pace of progress, examining how women’s appearances, perceptions of risk, and the myth of meritocracy still influence who rises to the top. Together, they

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42:03

Debunking Lies and Spotlighting Leadership

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/28

In a fiery first hour, host Maggie Daun tackles political misinformation while unpacking the evolving landscape of Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race. With former Governor Scott Walker officially out, new contenders like Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez are stepping into the spotlight. Maggie sharply critiques GOP candidate Tom Tiffany’s misleading claims about Wisconsin’s standing, countering his rhetoric with hard facts and data. The discussion also dives

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40:49

Reviving Local News: From News Deserts to Storm Chasing

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/25

Maggie tackles the crisis of news deserts, spotlighting the decline of local journalism and its dire effects on communities—lower wages, corruption, and misinformation. Chatting with Kory Hartman, VP at Civic Media, they explore the media’s mission to revive local news, combating consolidation and deserts with grassroots radio. Kory also shares his storm-chasing adventures, emphasizing weather’s role in local reporting. This Friday closes with a nod to Wisconsin's recycling pioneer, Millie Zantow,

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40:54

Kayfabe Politics and the Supreme Court’s Power Play

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/25

In this Friday episode, Maggie is joined by former U.S. Attorney Jim Santelle to explore the concept of kayfabe in American politics—drawing striking parallels between Donald Trump's persona and the theatrics of professional wrestling. Together, they scrutinize recent Supreme Court decisions, calling out the Court’s unchecked power and deepening ideological tilt. Santelle highlights a controversial ruling allowing Trump to dismiss members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission who oppose unsafe

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0:00

Democracy’s Dilemma: Fixing the System from the...

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/24

In this critical hour, Maggie is joined by Professor Michael Wagner and activist Christy McGillivray to confront the deep-rooted challenges threatening American democracy. From gerrymandering and dark money to expanding news deserts, the conversation exposes how structural imbalances and disinformation erode public trust and representation. The guests spotlight efforts like the National Popular Vote Compact, campaign finance transparency, and independent redistricting as essential reforms. With a

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41:44

Democracy on the Brink: Gerrymandering, Dark Money,...

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/24

With Governor Evers officially announcing he won’t seek reelection, a political power vacuum emerges in Wisconsin. Maggie unpacks the high-stakes moment with expert guests, zeroing in on the urgent need for democracy reform. The conversation explores how partisan gerrymandering continues to distort fair representation, and why independent redistricting is essential. Attention then turns to the corrosive impact of dark money since Citizens United, with state-level solutions—like Arizona’s

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41:38

Political Rants and Legal Insights

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/23

From political power plays to legal intricacies, this episode delves into the democratic underpinnings of elected seats, Medicare cuts, and the political theatrics of Ronald Reagan. Jim Santelle, former U.S. Attorney, dissects the firing of a U.S. Attorney and the blurred lines between politics and justice under Trump’s administration. The hosts tackle immigration policy, the U.S. Attorney’s Office chaos, and gerrymandering threats. Amid legal jargon, the conversation shifts to entertainment with

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41:51

Stormy Skies and Political Rants

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/23

John Peterson and Gordy Young fill in for Maggie, starting with Midwest weather chaos and Ozzy Osbourne nostalgia. They dive into politics, with Trump targeting Obama and discussing the Epstein files. Tulsi Gabbard's revelations stir the pot, while Reagan's immigration views clash with current policies. Trump’s media antics and Stephen Colbert's impending show end are debated, alongside a surreal trip down Milwaukee radio war memory lane. Meanwhile, Chicagoans scream by the lake in frustration

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42:11

Uniting the Democratic Tent: Challenges and Strategies

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/22

Maggie is joined by State Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim for a candid discussion on the Democratic Party's internal tensions and the high-stakes political environment ahead. They explore the uncertainty surrounding Governor Evers’ potential third-term bid and unpack the recent Wisconsin budget compromise. With Trump looming as an existential threat to democracy, the conversation turns to how Democrats can broaden their coalition. Senator Dassler-Alfheim advocates for pragmatic progress and warns

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41:59

Uniting the Left: A Political Crossroads

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/22

In a whirlwind of political discourse, Maggie explores the tension between progressive and centrist Democrats with guests Angela Lang and Paul Fanlund. Angela pushes for bold, urgent action on issues like police reform and Gaza, while Paul underscores the value of open dialogue—highlighting events like IdeaFest and voices such as Stacey Abrams. Together, they dissect the challenge of uniting Democrats against the MAGA movement, diving into themes of political authenticity, the dangers of elitism,

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40:21

Redrawing Democracy

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/21

Matt Rothschild and Angela Lang are filling in for Maggie. They are joined by State Representative Jenna Jacobson, who recently launched her campaign for the Wisconsin State Senate. Jacobson shares her vision for a more accountable and equitable democracy, emphasizing the urgent need for fair maps and stronger investment in education, rural infrastructure, and affordable housing. She critiques the current state budget for falling short—particularly for rural schools and broadband access—and outlines

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40:18

Reclaiming the Cross: A Call to Action

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/21

Matt Rothschild fills in for Maggie Daun and is joined by Angela Lang and Reverend David Couper, former Madison police chief. Reverend Couper is leading a faith-based rally on August 2 in Madison to confront the rise of Christian nationalism and authoritarianism. Carrying a 250-pound cross as a powerful symbol, the march seeks to reclaim religious imagery from extremist narratives and reassert its role in defending truth, democracy, and the most vulnerable among us. The conversation explores the

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44:02

Feeding Wisconsin and Fighting Hypocrisy

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/18

Maggie confronts the growing crisis of food insecurity in Wisconsin, where over 700,000 residents—including one in six children—struggle to access basic nutrition. She speaks with Jackie Anderson from Feeding Wisconsin about the alarming rise in pantry usage, the impact of federal aid cuts, and what legislative solutions are urgently needed. The conversation then shifts to political hypocrisy, as Maggie unpacks the double standards surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump. She questions the

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44:02

Wisconsin’s Ice Cream Trail: A Sweet Adventure

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/18

Celebrate National Ice Cream Month with a delicious journey along Wisconsin’s Ice Cream Trail! From creamy custard to rich pistachio gelato, Maggie Daun and Teri Barr explore the state’s favorite frozen treats and the scenic small towns that serve them. Maggie shares her love for pistachio gelato and fond memories of custard runs, while Teri brings the facts—did you know the average American consumes 20 pounds of ice cream each year? Custard loyalists beware: the debate heats up over what truly

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41:09

Atlas 15, Flood Risks, and the Cost of Ignoring...

Civic Media Spotlight ·

2025/07/17

Maggie exposes the dangerous consequences of climate denial, focusing on the Trump administration’s defunding of the Atlas 15 project—a crucial initiative meant to update the data used for infrastructure and flood planning in the era of extreme weather. Joined by climate scientist Tom Di Liberto, the discussion reveals how outdated rainfall estimates and lack of federal support have left communities vulnerable, especially as flash floods become more frequent and intense. The conversation zeroes in

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942 results

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