Civic Media Spotlight

Civic Media Spotlight

By Civic MediaNewsNews Commentary
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Civic Media Spotlight episodes

  • Paws for Patriots: Healing Veterans Through Canine Companions

    Happy Friday! Maggie begins today's show by shining a light on the transformative work of Patriot K9s of Wisconsin with Executive Director Lani Rethaber. This remarkable organization pairs service dogs with veterans facing PTSD and other mental health challenges. Through a unique training model that involves both community volunteers and prison programs, these dogs are specially trained to detect stress hormones and provide deep pressure therapy—empowering veterans to reclaim their independence and restore personal connections. With veteran suicide rates at crisis levels, the conversation underscores the critical need for programs like this. It's a true testament to the healing power of the human-animal bond and the lives being changed across Wisconsin thanks to these devoted canine companions.

    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: Teri Barr, Lani Rethaber
    0 min
  • Navigating Veteran Support and Political Churn

    In this hour, Maggie welcomes Commander Greg Palo and Al Labelle from Disabled American Veterans Wisconsin to discuss their mission supporting disabled veterans. They delve into the often-complicated process of securing veteran benefits and how DAV helps bridge the gap with critical services and advocacy. Maggie also breaks down the political upheaval surrounding the latest budget reconciliation bill. She critiques proposed cuts to VA services and controversial amendments impacting everything from Medicaid to gun silencers. She exposes the deliberate pressure placed on federal employees and the broader human costs of these policy decisions—ultimately calling for empathy, accountability, and unity in the face of political dysfunction.

    If you are a veteran or know someone who is looking for assistance, contact the DAV Wisconsin: https://dav-wi.org

    DAV Wisconsin Headquarters - (920) 338-8620

    DAV Wisconsin Regional - (414) 902-5736

    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: Al Labelle, Greg Palo
    42 min
  • Cuts, Court Chaos, and Veteran Vexations

    Maggie unpacks a week of political upheaval, starting with the House's late-night passage of a bill slashing vital programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and food assistance. She explores the devastating consequences for millions—particularly veterans—who rely on these federal benefits. The conversation intensifies with a deep dive into the Supreme Court’s controversial stay, which greenlights Trump’s removals at the National Labor and Relations Board (NLRB), raising alarm bells about judicial overreach and democratic backsliding. Joined by Allison McManus, Managing Director for the National Security and International Policy department at Center For American Progress, Maggie highlights how the looming budget cuts will severely affect veterans. She also challenges narratives blaming left-wing media for political violence, turning the spotlight on the MAGA regime’s role in escalating tensions. The episode is a powerful call for accountability, clarity, and unity in the face of growing authoritarianism.

    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: Jeramey Jannene, Allison McManus
    43 min
  • The Big, Brutal Bill & Trump’s Oval Office Outburst

    In this hour, Maggie navigates the stormy waters of today’s political chaos. She exposes Donald Trump’s questionable acceptance of a Qatari jet, which raises serious constitutional red flag and unpacks a disturbing Oval Office meeting where Trump falsely invoked the myth of a “white genocide” in South Africa. Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, Congress is locked in battle over a MAGA-driven bill that threatens to gut Medicaid and food assistance, potentially adding trillions to the deficit and devastating millions of Americans - particularly the middle class. As Trump faces renewed accusations of racism and willful ignorance, Maggie calls out the deafening silence from Republican leaders and emphasizes the urgent need for political vigilance to protect our 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!

    42 min
  • The Big, Brutal Budget Battle

    Maggie pulls back the curtain on the latest political chaos, dissecting the high-stakes budget showdowns unfolding in both Washington D.C. and Wisconsin. She takes a hard look at the “big brutal bill” championed by the MAGA regime - a proposal that threatens to slash healthcare access, dismantle childcare programs, and further pad the pockets of billionaires, all at the expense of working families. Plus, Senator Kristin Dassler Alfheim (SD 18) and Dr. Kristin Lyerly join Maggie for another edition of "Broad Appeal." They expose the dangers of partisan gridlock, the corrosive effects of gerrymandering, and the urgent need for bipartisan solutions. Policies loom that could upend middle-class stability. They tell us to demand accountability and transparency from those in power.

    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, Senator Kris Dassler-Alfheim
    44 min
  • Trump’s Naïve Arrogance and the Ukraine Conflict

    Maggie delves into the complexities of Donald Trump’s approach to the Ukraine-Russia conflict with Prof. Lowell Barrington, Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at Marquette University. Maggie and Barrington expose Trump's naive belief in his own infallibility and its potential consequences. Barrington also critiques Trump’s apparent willingness to echo Vladimir Putin’s narratives, which raises serious concerns about the implications for U.S. national security. Barrington underscores the need for nuanced leadership in ceasefire negotiations—something he argues Trump does not possess. Plus, Judge Chris Taylor, new candidate for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, shares her motivations for running and outlines her judicial philosophy. Maggie wraps up with a powerful call to defend democratic values in the face of mounting political challenges and emphasizes the importance of vigilance and civic engagement.

    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: Chris Taylor, Prof. Lowell Barrington
    42 min
  • Constitutional Chaos and the Supreme Court Shuffle

    Maggie Daun and Jim Santelle tackle a multitude of legal and constitutional crises. They highlight the Supreme Court's recent decisions on deportation and birthright citizenship and criticize the Trump administration's brazen defiance of court orders, including the attempted deportation of 12 men to South Sudan, raising alarms about a potential constitutional crisis. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem's shocking ignorance of habeas corpus is stunning. It all underscores the dangers of eroding basic rights. The debate centers on the balance between security and civil liberties, emphasizing that constitutional protections must apply to all, not just a select few.

    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
    43 min
  • Can’t Win Without Trump? GOP’s Dilemma

    Maggie and guest co-host Matt Rothschild discuss the GOP's internal chaos over the budget reconciliation bill, highlighting divisions among Republicans like Ron Johnson and Josh Hawley. They also examine the potential impact of cuts to Medicaid and social security, emphasizing public opposition to these measures. Plus, they look at the influence of corporate interests on media while highlighting CBS's recent controversies. The discussion shifts to Trump's attempts to broker peace with Russia—a move criticized as appeasement—and ends with a look at the Wisconsin GOP's struggle to find a post-Trump identity, as Ron Johnson admits they can't win without him, and Derek Van Orden calls for canceling spring elections.

    Remember...you can tell Wisconsin representatives how you feel about Medicaid and social security cuts:

    Sen. Ron Johnson

    Washington DC: (202) 224-5323
    Milwaukee: (414) 276-7282
    Madison: (608) 240-9629
    Oshkosh: (920) 230-7250
    Rep. Bryan Steil
    Washington DC: (202) 225-3031
    Milwaukee County: (414) 285-2120
    Bristol District Office: (262) 654-1901
    Janesville District Office: (608) 752-4050
    Racine District Office: (262) 637-0510

    Rep. Derrick Van Orden

    Washington DC: (202) 225-5506
    LaCrosse District Office: (608) 782-2558
    Eau Claire District Office: (715) 831-9214
    Rep. Scott Fitzgerald
    Washington DC: (202) 225-5101
    Oconomowoc District Office: (262) 784-1111
    Rep. Glenn Grothman
    Washington DC:  (202) 225-2476
    Fond Du Lac Office: (920) 907-0624

    Rep. Tom Tiffany

    Washington DC: (202) 225-3365
    Wausau District Office:  (715) 298-9344

    Rep. Tony Wied

    Washington DC: (202) 225-5665
    DePere District Office: (920) 301-4500

    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
    42 min
  • Tax Cuts for the Rich, Cuts to Medicaid

    Maggie and guest co-host Matt Rothschild dive into the "big, beautiful" bill. It's grim with implications of proposed tax cuts for billionaires, which could mean potential devastation for Medicaid and rural hospitals. Economist Gbenga Ajilore, Former Senior Advisor for Rural Development at the USDA, joins to explain how these cuts could harm rural healthcare access, particularly for childbirth and preventative care. Despite claims of 'work requirements,' Ajilore debunks the myth of the 'undeserving poor,' illustrating that most Medicaid recipients are working. Senators like Ron Johnson demand even harsher cuts, while experts warn of economic and moral consequences. Maggie and Matt Rothschild urge listeners to challenge these policies, emphasizing their cruel impact on vulnerable communities.

    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, Gbenga Ajilore
    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…