Civic Media Spotlight

Maggie has a complicated discussion on extremism with Luke Baumgartner, a research fellow at George Washington University specializing in domestic violent extremism. They delve into the rise of right-wing violence in the U.S. and the dangerous rhetoric of the Great Replacement Theory, which falsely claims a conspiracy to replace white populations. Baumgartner highlights the role of unregulated platforms like 4chan and Telegram in fostering extremist ideologies. The conversation also touches on the concept of stochastic terrorism, where widespread hate speech statistically incites violence. Baumgartner gives this advice on engaging with those at risk of radicalization: Talk to them.

Maggie and her guest, Professor Howard Schweber, dissect the Trump administration's alarming impact on public policy and science. This hour highlights the CDC's vaccine panel debacle, where anecdotes were mistaken for data, and Trump's baseless claim linking Tylenol to autism. They discuss the broader implications of these actions, including the erosion of expertise and the politicization of independent agencies. There is an urgent need for reliable information amidst a government seemingly allergic to facts, stressing the long-term challenges of rebuilding trust and competence in public institutions. As the MAGA regime undermines objective analysis, the stakes are dangerously high.

The Maggie Daun Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 2-4 pm across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Maggie and the show!

To begin the second hour, Todd from the Todd Allbaugh Show brings Cracked.com writer/editor Keegan Kelly, who joined us to talk about the cancellation of Colbert's show, to talk about the end of Jimmy Kimmel Live. Right at the end of the segment, Keegan reminds us that the head of the FCC wrote part of Project 2025. This isn't about what Kimmel said in his show on Monday. It's just an excuse to execute the next part of their plan. I thought it was very punchy.

Karen Schneider, publisher of the Oshkosh Herald and the Neenah News joins Lisa Hale from Valley Focus to talk about the stories in the September 17th edition of the Oshkosh Herald. From the status of a sales tax for the county and more, read this week's edition or find out how you can get a copy of the Herald at https://oshkoshherald.com/.

Next, John and Gordy have a light hearted conversation with Gary Albrecht, cancer survivor and soon to be 1k Badger Challenge Runner. He talks about the challenges of having cancer, what it took for him to overcome this disease, and why he runs in marathons at 75 years old!

To end the Civic Media Spotlight, Chad Holmes sits down during the WXCO Morning Report with Wausau Sustainability, Energy and Environment Committee members Jean Abreu and Carol Lukens.

To learn more about these shows and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the network on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram to keep up with Civic Media!

To kick things off, we have the Matenaer on Air Show with Jane and Greg discussing a story regarding an elected official who is receiving death threats because of his support of a law restricting certain flags from flying. And though we disagree with the law, we remind the audience that political violence (whether the action or threat) is not right and gets nothing solved. We remind everyone that voting is how we raise our voices and if you don't like who represents you, seek out those who will and vote them into office. We then go on to highlight a person who is very upset with us and shows it through the Voice Note feature of the Civic Media App and though his words are colorful, graphic and a bit unhinged, we support his right to speak his mind and would never want his 1st Amendment rights infringed.

Dr. Kathleen Bartzen Culver, Director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, joins the Maggie Daun Show to discuss the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel. She warns that efforts to amend or undermine a free press squander one of democracy’s core protections. Dr. Bartzen Culver emphasizes that democracy cannot function without a free, independent, and objective press.

On Mornings with Pat Krietlow, a new made-up vaccine review panel created by Health Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr., parents need a way to look beyond the quackery in Washington, DC to get science-based answers to their vaccine questions. We talk to Wisconsin pediatrician Dr. Kellie Snooks, who has started a new video series for UpNorthNews that includes information about how vaccines work. She gives parents advice on how to work with trusted, fact-based physicians to determine how to keep their children safe from preventable diseases that are, unfortunately, likely to skyrocket soon.

To end the first hour, Nite Lite with Pete Schwaba is joined by comedian Greg Schwem for a discussion on his upcoming charity event for colorectal cancer at Zany's in Rosemont. The guys humorously debate the best athletes-turned-actors, with nods to David Bautista and Jason Statham, and discuss bad stadium behavior, including a viral Phillies game incident.

To learn more about these shows and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the network on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram to keep up with Civic Media!

Maggie unpacks the growing danger of “censorship by proxy,” where government pressure and political influence shape media mergers and silence voices. With the FCC and figures like Charlie Kirk at the center, she and former US Attorney, Jim Santelle, expose the hypocrisy of those who once championed free speech but now embrace censorship when it suits their agenda. Maggie highlights the rise of far-right violence—contrasting it with suppressed DOJ data on leftist violence—and calls out how hate speech is too often cloaked as free expression. She also challenges all of us to confront our own biases, recognize the stakes for democracy, and stand united against bigotry and oppression.

The Maggie Daun Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 2-4 pm across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Maggie and the show!

Maggie dives into the heated national debate over free speech versus hate speech in today’s volatile political climate. Joined by former U.S. Attorney Jim Santelle, she unpacks GOP claims of “hate speech” by liberals in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. The conversation examines incendiary rhetoric from Donald Trump, Kirk, and others, and asks: where is the line between protected expression and dangerous discourse? Maggie pushes back on the idea that calling out fascistic tendencies qualifies as hate speech—arguing instead that it’s a vital act of democratic accountability. Together, they explore the consequences of unchecked rhetoric, the risks of censorship, and the urgent need for a shared understanding of extremism’s real-world impact.

The Maggie Daun Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 2-4 pm across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Maggie and the show!

Maggie interviews retired U.S. Army Green Beret Lieutenant Anthony Aguilar, who blew the whistle on dire conditions in Gaza while working with UG Solutions. Aguilar describes chaotic humanitarian aid sites tied to a U.S.-Israeli initiative, where desperate civilians were met with violence—including live ammunition fired by contractors. His revelations allege murder, systemic failures, and private interests exploiting humanitarian efforts. Aguilar directly challenges U.S. accountability, exposing a troubling intersection of military aid and profit-driven agendas

The Maggie Daun Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 2-4 pm across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Maggie and the show!

Maggie unpacks the firestorm surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s cancellation and the FCC’s unprecedented pressure on ABC affiliates. After Kimmel’s sharp comedic jab following Charlie Kirk’s murder, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr accused affiliates of “news distortion” and urged them to preempt the show—an ironic turn given his past defense of free speech. Maggie explores the chilling implications of government influence over media, the fine line between comedy and political commentary, and the corporate interests at play with a looming $6.2 billion merger. With expert analysis from Dr. Kathleen (Katy) Bartzen Culver, this episode lays bare the fragility of free speech in American democracy.

The Maggie Daun Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 2-4 pm across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Maggie and the show!

Maggie delivers a powerful hour with retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré, who connects the dots between climate change and national security. Drawing on his leadership during Hurricane Katrina, Honoré warns of the military and intelligence challenges posed by melting ice caps, rising seas, and extreme weather, while sharply criticizing the Trump administration’s environmental rollbacks as reckless and dangerous. The hour pivots to healthcare as Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim unpacks the instability facing ACA insurance exchanges. With federal subsidies under threat, she warns of skyrocketing premiums and coverage gaps, urging swift action from state and federal leaders to prevent millions from being left uninsured.

The Maggie Daun Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 2-4 pm across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Maggie and the show!

Maggie takes aim at the ongoing assault on Wisconsin’s public education system, exposing the chronic defunding and the unchecked expansion of voucher schools that drain resources without accountability. She speaks with Representative Angelina Cruz, who shares her journey from teacher to lawmaker—sparked by anti-union legislation and deep education cuts. Maggie also unpacks the political battleground over vaccines, calling out RFK Jr.’s anti-science rhetoric and warning of the public health risks it poses. With urgency and conviction, she challenges all of us to stand up against policies that endanger both education and community well-being.

Follow-up from yesterday’s conversation with Rep. Amaad Rivera-Wagner: The VHRP bill (Senate Bill 385, Assembly Bill 383) was referred in the Senate to the Senate Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, and State and Federal Affairs, chaired by Sen. Chris Kapenga.

The Maggie Daun Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 2-4 pm across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up. Follow the show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Maggie and the show!