Civic Media Spotlight

Civic Media Spotlight

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Civic Media Spotlight episodes

  • The Gerrymandering Gambit and Political Conundrums

    Gerrymandering is reshaping American political power and fueling voter disengagement, as experts Charles Franklin and Barry Burden discuss the grim landscape of political manipulation. Mid-decade redistricting is poised to skew the balance of power further, energizing some voters while disenfranchising others. The conversation weaves through the nuances of political violence, where starkly divided perceptions and rising tribalism challenge our democratic fabric. Democrats falter with messaging, struggling to convey their policy strengths amid the chaos of Trump’s relentless rhetoric. As they grapple with leadership voids and internal rifts, the question remains: Can they unify and reclaim their narrative.

    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: Charles Franklin, Barry Burden
    43 min
  • Shutdown Showdown: The Great Government Gamble

    Maggie dives into the political chaos surrounding government shutdowns and partisan brinkmanship. She exposes Speaker Mike Johnson’s lack of leadership, the Trump administration’s sweeping layoffs, and the alarming resurgence of measles amid gutted public health programs. Maggie also condemns the GOP’s prioritization of tax breaks for the wealthy over essential services like special education and community health. Drawing parallels to Orwellian warnings, she calls for renewed trust in science, journalism, and civic participation—reminding listeners that informed voting is the cornerstone of 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!

    Guest: Brienne Brown
    43 min
  • Trump’s Loaded Weapon: Power, Law, and the Perils of Prosperity Theology

    Maggie and Professor Howard Schweber dissect the Trump administration's alarming use of unchecked power, likening it to a loaded weapon ready to infringe on democratic principles. They highlight how Trump's actions echo the dangerous precedents set by historical cases like Korematsu. This hour also critiques the administration's deceit and manipulation of legal frameworks, emphasizing the need for constraints on presidential powers. Maggie also explores the troubling alignment of evangelical support with Trump's rhetoric, which contradicts Christian teachings.

    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: Howard Schweber
    42 min
  • Unchecked Power: The Threat to Democracy

    Maggie and Professor Howard Schweber dive into the alarming expansion of presidential powers under Trump, focusing on the extrajudicial killings of alleged cartel members and the unrequested deployment of National Guards. They expose the administration's reliance on flimsy legal justifications and refusal to provide evidence in Congress or courts, asserting unchecked executive power. The discussion highlights historical warnings from Justice Jackson about prosecutorial overreach, likening current federal law enforcement practices to authoritarian regimes.

    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: Howard Schweber
    43 min
  • Unmasking Political Gambits and GOP Lies

    Maggie and Tom Palzewicz dissect the ongoing political turmoil, focusing on the House shutdown led by Speaker Mike Johnson. They reveal the GOP's efforts to block a discharge petition that could release Epstein files, highlighting Trump's influence over the Speaker. Maggie exposes the Republican lie claiming Democrats want to give free healthcare to undocumented immigrants, showing it's a baseless narrative. They also discuss the potential harm of removing ACA subsidies, emphasizing the impact on millions of Americans, including small business owners and gig workers.

    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: Tom Palzewicz
    43 min
  • Qatar Quandary and the Corruption Carousel

    In this first hour, Maggie Daun and Tom Palzewicz dissect the tangled web of political corruption and hypocrisy surrounding U.S.–Qatar relations. Once branding Qatar a “funder of terrorism,” Donald Trump has since reversed course—now approving a U.S. Air Force base in Idaho while reportedly securing a $5.5 billion golf resort deal in Qatar. Maggie and Tom expose this blatant pay-to-play politics and criticize the media’s silence in the face of such glaring conflicts of interest. The discussion expands to the Trump administration’s dubious crypto connections and questionable Middle Eastern ties, painting a troubling picture of influence and greed. Meanwhile, callers voice outrage over military families forced into food lines during the government shutdown, condemning both congressional dysfunction and the administration’s deepening ethical void.

    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: Tom Palzewicz
    43 min
  • Civic Media Spotlight (Hour 2)

    On the second hour of the Civic Media Spotlight, we listen to Todd from The Todd Allbaugh show. Next week Wednesday, October 15th at the Marcus Majestic Cinema in Waukesha, Todd will be covering the VIP world premiere of No Packers, No Life. The latest project from producers Sean Hanish and Paul Jaconi-Biery of Just A Bit Outside, this feel good film documents an unexpected pocket of Packers fans on the other side of the world. Producer Sean Hanish makes a surprise visit to announce some of the Packers legends that will be present at the premiere, including running back Ahman Green! Todd and Sean give away some tickets to a lucky winner.

    We move onto The Maggie Dawn show. Professor Josh Braver, Assistant Law Professor at the University of Wisconsin, joins Maggie to examine the troubling misuse of military force in domestic politics, spotlighting Donald Trump’s controversial deployment of the National Guard and ICE agents in cities like Chicago. He stresses the constitutional risks of eroding civilian control of the military and Trump’s disregard for established legal norms.

    Max Ink makes an appearance on Spotlight! This features a piece of the interview and live music from The Mascot Theory, just before releasing a new, emotional, personal album. The two songs here were played live for the first time in the studio!

    The last segment for the Civic Media Spotlight is the John & Gordy show! With Matt Rothschild filling in for Gordy, John and Matt spoke with Conor Caloia, owner of Wisconsin Forward FC in Madison. Conor announced the formation of a new professional women's soccer team in Madison, explaining how the sport's growth in the U.S is starting to show life. They also talked about the barriers of entry for young talent trying to make a name for themselves in the U.S.

    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)

    Hello and welcome to the first hour of the Civic Media Spotlight! This is where you can listen to all the best segments of all the shows throughout the network. We kick off with the Matenaer on Air show! Civic Media's Sports Director Jimmie Kaska joins the show to talk about the loss by the Brewers in the NLDS. Jane gets Jimmie to calm Greg down (even though Greg is perfectly calm) and they discuss the pure meltdowns of those in the business of Chicago Sports Writing and why the advancement of the Brewers seems to ruffle the feathers of those who believe "my city deserves it!!". They also talk about the "trade talks" regarding Giannis and why even though the Packers have had a rocky start, there is plenty of season left and we should never count out The Green and Gold.

    We move onto Nite Lite with Pete Schwaba. Pete talks with Fantasy football fanatic Peter Van Doren, who shares draft strategies, league dynamics, and insights into optimizing your fantasy roster.

     With Mornings with Pat Kreitlow, they talk with Chuck Collins. During commercial breaks on Civic Media, Chuck talking about the need to confront this new Gilded Age of billionaires not only buying political power but finding new ways to extract more wealth from the middle class. As the great grandson of a family dynasty, Chuck knows about massive generational wealth and how it’s past time to stem its abuses. He talks to us about his new book, “Burned by Billionaires.”

    To finish off the first hour of the Civic Media Spotlight, Christine Daniels and Britnie Remer of the Wausau Sustainability, Energy and the Environment Committee join the WXCO morning report with Chad Holmes.

    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
  • ACA Under Siege: Health Insurance Crisis Looms

    As political tensions escalate, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) faces an existential threat. Health policy expert Jennifer Sullivan outlines the devastating impact of cutting premium tax credits—jeopardizing coverage for more than 22 million Americans. With the MAGA regime tightening its hold on power, Democrats scramble to safeguard access to affordable healthcare. The unstable insurance marketplace risks triggering a domino effect of rising premiums, insurer withdrawals, and widespread loss of coverage. Jennifer warns this is no accident but part of a calculated GOP strategy to dismantle the ACA. As enrollment deadlines approach, Maggie and Jennifer stress that immediate action is essential to prevent a nationwide healthcare catastrophe.

    Read more from the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities:

    https://www.cbpp.org/research/health/five-key-changes-to-aca-marketplaces-amid-uncertainty-over-premium-tax-credit

    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, Jennifer Sullivan
    43 min
  • Fighting Fire with Facts: Truth in Tumultuous Times

    Maggie unpacks a storm of political deceit and policy fallout, spotlighting a federal court’s rebuke of Trump-era tactics. Judge April Perry’s ruling exposes how the administration exaggerated claims of rebellion to justify the misuse of federal forces against peaceful protesters. Maggie also calls out the hypocrisy of political figures like Kristi Noem, contrasting their past defenses of states’ rights with their current overreach. Amid the political turmoil, she turns to the real-world consequences faced by Wisconsin farmers, caught in the crossfire of tariffs and immigration crackdowns.

    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: Jeramey Jannene
    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…