Civic Media Spotlight

Civic Media Spotlight

By Civic MediaNewsNews Commentary
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Civic Media Spotlight episodes

  • MAGA Mayhem, Healthcare Havoc, and Musk vs. Trump

    Maggie breaks down the latest political chaos, featuring a fiery clash between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Wisconsin Congressman Mark Pocan joins to weigh in—not just on the feud, but on the devastating consequences of the so-called “Big Brutal Bill,” which threatens healthcare for millions of ACA enrollees. Pocan exposes hidden Medicare cuts buried in the bill and calls out the MAGA regime’s deceptive policies, including dangerous falsehoods spread by figures like Russell Vought. Maggie also tackles the Trump administration’s extreme immigration tactics and a looming ethics complaint against Florida’s Attorney General.

    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: Mark Pocan, Tom Jawetz
    43 min
  • Diplomatic Adventures and the Power of Soft Diplomacy

    Maggie sits down with Ambassador Cynthia Efird, a 40-year veteran Foreign Service Officer, for a fascinating conversation about the often-overlooked impact of diplomacy. From an unexpected encounter with rapper 50 Cent in Angola to the critical role U.S. embassies play as global early warning systems, Efird brings diplomacy to life with vivid storytelling and deep insight. She explains how soft power—through aid, advocacy, and cultural exchange—advances American interests, promotes human rights, and fosters global stability. In a world of rising tensions, Efird makes a strong case: diplomacy isn’t just powerful—it’s essential, effective, and remarkably cost-efficient.

    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: Cynthia Efird
    42 min
  • Tariffs, Trauma, and Trailblazers

    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 spotlight the impact of programs like PATH and the vital role communities must play as political solutions stall.

    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: Dr. Kristin Lyerly, Leah Hibl, Chuck Nicholson, kristin lyerly
    43 min
  • Tariff Terror and Political Cons

    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 accountability or honesty. In the midst of all the chaos, Maggie and Jim encourage each of us to demand transparency, defend small business, and stay vigilant in the face of economic and political manipulation.

    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: Shawn Phetteplace, Jim Santelle, Mircea Prejbeanu
    42 min
  • The Dangers of the D-List

    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. All this erodes the functionality, accountability, and credibility of government. There is a clear warning: this is not just political dysfunction—it’s an authoritarian strategy. And it demands a response. Principled conservatives need to break their silence and help protect the integrity of democratic institutions before it’s too late.

    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: Jim Santelle
    42 min
  • Unmasking the Issues

    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 responsibility, and accountability in law enforcement.

    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: Matt Rothschild
    43 min
  • Budget Battles and Political Showdowns

    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 to deliver a powerful critique of the GOP's decision to gut key budget items like education and child care—laying bare the real-world impact of these cuts on Wisconsin families as federal support dwindles.

    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, LaTonya Johnson
    44 min
  • Legal Jeopardy and Government Overreach

    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 chilling effect such actions have on crime reporting within immigrant communities. And since it's Friday it's time for another edition of "Ask Maggie." Email your questions about — anything! — to [email protected]. Today, Maggie tackles growing fears over the potential suspension of elections, spotlighting recent legislative changes that complicate legal redress and weaken safeguards. She raises alarms about corruption in federal appointments, pointing to the Trump administration’s dismissal of the American Bar Association’s traditional vetting role for judicial nominees. As Maggie points out, there is escalating tension between federal power and civil liberties — a clear warning about the fragility of democratic norms in the face of unchecked authority.

    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: Eva Wen
    42 min

About Civic Media Spotlight

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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…