Civic Media Spotlight

Civic Media Spotlight

By Civic MediaNewsNews Commentary
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Civic Media Spotlight episodes

  • Diplomacy Decoded

    Maggie Daun is joined by guest co-host Matt Rothschild and foreign policy expert Ilan Berman from the American Foreign Policy Council (afpc.org) to unpack the volatile terrain of U.S. diplomacy. They examine Iran’s retaliatory strikes, the legal boundaries of American military actions, and the complex strategy of coercive diplomacy. The conversation also dives into the growing rift between U.S. and Israeli intelligence on Iran’s nuclear capabilities—and what that means for global security. Then they shift focus to the cultural front, where Maggie speaks with Patrick Farabaugh, founder of Our Lives magazine, about the transformative power of media in advancing LGBTQ+ understanding. Through a deeply personal story of change and connection, they explore how honest representation and truly listening can shift hearts and minds.

    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!

    Guests: Matt Rothschild, Ilan Berman, Patrick Farabaugh
    43 min
  • Civic Media Spotlight (Hour 2)

    To start off the second hour of the Civic Media Spotlight, we tune into Matenaer On Air with radio veteran Jane Matenaer and Greg Bach. They talk with Retired Army Major General Randy Manner who returns to the show to explain the military parade which took place last Saturday.

    We switch over to Maino and the Mayor where they welcome Pam Jahnke, the Fabulous Farm Babe, to discuss Dairy Month, farm breakfasts, and the mental health challenges farmers face around the state. Next, we move to the John and Gordy Show where they meet with guest, Jesse Christianson, from Cannabis DNP! Jesse is a registered nurse and is an expert on cannabis and other psychedelic's. He is a product of Madison's nursing department too!

    To end the Civic Media Spotlight this week, Chad Holmes chats with Robyn Vargas of the Marathon County Public Library for a local update on the WXCO Morning Report during Mornings with Pat Kreitlow. Vargas talked about all the cool and different events that are happening all throughout the summer at the Marathon County Public Library!

    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, BlueSky, YouTube, X, and Instagram to keep up with Civic Media!

    45 min
  • Civic Media Spotlight (Hour 1)

    Lots of stories were covered this week and to kick us off, we have The Maggie Dawn Show talking about Elon Musk's shady procedure to gain influence in Wisconsin's election. Maggie is joined by Jeff Mandell and Scott Thompson from Law Forward to discuss the importance of elections and how they have turned into "auctions".

    Next, we focus our attention to Mornings with Pat Krietlow. Pat talks about how the UW System is one of the least-supported in the country when it comes to public funding. He talks about how GOP lawmakers are talking about further cuts to UW funding. Their perpetual whining about “political correctness” has them demanding changes in how ideas are discussed. Also, in The Todd Allbaugh Show, Todd and producer Aaron hear that the Joint Finance Committee was planning to announce an $87 million budget cut to the UW System, similar to what Pat was describing.

    We end this hour of the Civic Media Spotlight with Pete Schwaba. We hear from guest, David Paterson, writer and producer of 'Bridge to Terabithia'. Paterson shares tales from his multi-faceted career as a stuntman, playwright, and fire department volunteer!

    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, BlueSky, YouTube, X, and Instagram to keep up with Civic Media!

    45 min
  • Wisconsin’s Budget Battle and Timber Triumphs

    Maggie Daun explores the intersection of politics and policy in Wisconsin, featuring Dan Schafer's interview with Senator Raphael Warnock, who made a powerful impression at Wisconsin Democratic state convention. They dive into the heated state budget debate, where Republicans are proposing an $87 million cut to the UW System—despite a $4 billion surplus—raising alarms over potential campus closures and urging public pushback. Later, Jeramy Jannene joins for "Milwaukee As A Microcosm." He spotlights Milwaukee’s innovative use of mass timber in construction, a sustainable approach that could transform the city’s skyline and boost economic development. And in another edition of "Ask Maggie," Maggie discusses her idea of a favorite summer road trip reflections and encourages us to enjoy Wisconsin’s great outdoors. If you have a question for Maggie, remember to email [email protected].

    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!

    Guests: Dan Shafer, Jeramey Jannene
    0 min
  • Guarded Borders and Dairy Delights

    Happy Friday! Maggie and guest co-host Jim Santelle unpack the Trump administration’s controversial use of military force in response to protests over deportation raids, spotlighting an op-ed from former governors warning against federal overreach. They delve into the constitutional implications and court rulings that challenge the legality of such actions. Plus, Teri Barr joins to discuss "What's Good, Local, and Overlooked in Wisconsin." Today, we explore Wisconsin’s National Dairy Shrine—a delightfully quirky museum showcasing everything from butter-churning dogs to vintage milking equipment. Maggie and Terry debate cheese favorites while celebrating Wisconsin’s dairy heritage. Cheddar, Swiss, or another flavor?

    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!

    Guests: Jim Santelle, Teri Barr
    0 min
  • Celebrating Juneteenth: Voices of Black Women Leaders

    In this Juneteenth special, Maggie is joined by a panel of trailblazing Black women leaders. Sabrina Madison, CEO of the Progress Center for Black Women, and Dana Pellebon, Executive Director of the RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center, discuss the importance of community care, economic empowerment, and reimagining support for survivors. Elle Halo, founder of Trans Consulting, shares her journey as a Black trans woman and the joy that drives her advocacy. Together, they explore the transformative power of Black leadership, calling on white allies to uplift—rather than overshadow—the movement. This is an hour of celebration of resilience, joy, and the urgent need for true equity

    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!

    Guests: Sabrina Madison, Dana Pellebon, Elle Halo
    42 min
  • Juneteenth Celebration and Black Women’s Leadership

    In this powerful Juneteenth special, Maggie spotlights the leadership, resilience, and vision of Black women shaping Wisconsin’s future. Milwaukee County Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson joins a panel of dynamic voices to discuss the systemic barriers Black women face—from workplace inequity to political marginalization—and the strength it takes to lead despite them. Maggie and Marcelia explore the intersection of race, gender, and justice, highlighting Nicholson’s groundbreaking role in declaring racism a public health crisis and the push for structural reforms like universal healthcare. Maggie and Marcelia call for equity, allyship, and transformative change.

    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!

    Guest: Marcelia Nicholson
    42 min
  • Fed Rates, Trans Rights, and Economic Turbulence

    The Federal Reserve keeps interest rates steady, signaling caution amid persistent inflation and rising unemployment—drawing fire from Donald Trump. Economist Indi Dutta-Gupta explains how inconsistent economic policy, including tariffs and tax cuts, has fueled uncertainty. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care sends shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community, threatening decades of progress. Abigail Swetz of Fair Wisconsin offers clarity and reassurance, reminding listeners that trans youth in Wisconsin still have access to vital care. Maggie calls for empathy, resilience, and informed advocacy in the face of economic and social upheaval.

    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!

    Guests: Abigail Swetz, Indivar Dutta-Gupta
    43 min
  • Billionaires, Bombs, and Bribery: A Crisis Unfolds

    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 paused—a military strike. With nuclear diplomacy hanging by a thread, the stakes are rising both at home and abroad. Democracy and global security are on the line.

    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!

    Guests: Jeff Mandell, Scott Thompson, Ilan Berman
    43 min
  • Reverse Robin Hood & Mideast Tensions

    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 joins the conversation to spotlight how these budget cuts hit marginalized communities hardest, while also reflecting on the cultural and political significance of Juneteenth.

    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!

    Guest: Dora Drake
    43 min

About Civic Media Spotlight

From the publisher's feed

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…