Later in the spotlight, Climate Outreach Specialist Amanda Latham joins the Matenaer on Air show to discuss her work with the Wisconsin State Climatology Office. She explains a new road show designed to reach rural communities, how climate data is gathered and used, and why listening to local concerns is just as important as sharing information.

Guest hosts Jamie and Aaron C step in for the John and Gordy Morning show with a timely holiday discussion, focusing on the often-overlooked workers who rely on tips this season and why a little generosity can go a long way.

Political commentary rounds out the hour as Pat Kreitlow from Mornings with Pat Kreitlow examines the idea that those who claim to hate government are often the least equipped to run it. He breaks down examples from Madison and Washington where dysfunction isn’t accidental, but intentional, creating the very failures critics love to point to.

The weekend wraps up on a musical note with Max Ink Radio, featuring an interview with musician Tyler SJ. The segment highlights his music, creative process, and what’s next on his artistic journey, closing out the Spotlight with sound and style.

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!

This Civic Media Spotlight kicks off with a powerful and heartfelt conversation about Madison’s Freezing Man Festival, a one-of-a-kind music event raising funds for epilepsy research through Joey’s Song. Founder Mike Gomoll joins Nite Lite to share the story behind the festival, its all-star lineup of legendary musicians, and the deeply personal mission that drives the event in honor of his late son, Joey.

Next, the focus turns to northern Wisconsin politics as Chad Holmes from the WXCO Morning Report sits down with 7th District congressional candidate Fred Clark. The conversation centers on Clark’s background, priorities, and how he hopes to make an impact in the region.

John and Gordy in the Afternoon brings a lively and relatable debate as Mike McCabe joins the show to tackle a question many parents wrestle with: are kids being “ruined” by technology, or is bad parenting getting the blame? The discussion takes a humorous and pointed turn when a caller from Madison drops a reality check about who’s really handing out the iPads.

John and Gordy continue their conversation with Mike McCabe continues with a lighter holiday twist, diving into Christmas chaos, family traditions, and what it really means to be labeled a “bad parent” this time of year.

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!

Welcome to hour two of the Civic Media Spotlight! On Nite Lite, we bring you Jane Matenaer’s heartfelt farewell as she reflects on an extraordinary 44-year career in radio. She opens up about the emotional weight of covering tough stories, the joy of connecting with listeners, and what she’s looking forward to in retirement. It’s an honest, moving moment from a Wisconsin broadcasting legend.

Staying with Nite Lite, Pete continues the celebration of Jane’s career with more stories, memories, and reflections on her legacy. Together they revisit the highlights of her decades-long journey in radio and the impact she’s had on listeners and colleagues alike. It’s a warm and fitting continuation of her send-off.

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!

Welcome to the Civic Media Spotlight! We start with a standout conversation from Afternoons with John and Gordy, where John and Gordy talk with media historian Barry Orton. He breaks down the long pattern of media company takeovers and explains why the big new Netflix deal isn’t actually anything new. It’s a sharp, accessible look at how this industry has been repeating the same playbook for decades.

Next up, we revisit a truly emotional moment for the Matenaer on Air Show as the entire team gathers for Jane’s final goodbye. Friends, coworkers, and listeners celebrate her incredible impact on the station, sharing stories, laughs, and heartfelt thanks. It’s a warm tribute that captures just how much Jane has meant to so many people!

From the John and Gordy Morning Show, we highlight a timely discussion with guest Savanna Tomei-Olson about the Monona Terrace workers’ strike. She walks through what’s behind the labor action, how workers are organizing, and what the community should know as negotiations move forward. It’s grounded reporting on a major local workplace story.

We then feature a segment from the WXCO Morning Report, where Chad Holmes talks with Marathon County Democratic Party chair Nancy Stencil. They dig into the political issues shaping the region, what organizers are hearing on the ground, and how local conversations are influencing the broader political landscape.

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!

Enjoy spotlight segments from Civic Media programs including The Maggie Daun Show, the WXCO Morning Report, Matenaer On Air, and Valley Focus!

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!

Enjoy spotlight segments from Civic Media programs including The Todd Allbaugh Show, Nite Lite with Pete Schwaba, Mornings with Pat Kreitlow, and John & Gordy in the Morning!

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!

The spooky segments aren't over yet with John and Gordy up first! Sha’Ron Buie joined to talk about his incredible work across multiple justice and community organizations — from the Federal Defender Service to Madison’s Police Advisory Board and Reentry Councils in both Madison and Milwaukee. He also shared the exciting news that MOSES will be honoring him this November for his ongoing commitment to criminal justice reform and equity.

Valley Focus with Lisa Hale got into the Halloween spirit with Ieva Engel, executive director of the Oshkosh Area Humane Society. Ieva shared important pet safety tips to keep your furry friends safe and stress-free during the holiday — from candy hazards to costume comfort — ensuring that every four-legged ghoul can join in the spooky fun safely.

On the Todd Allbaugh Show, it was another round of “Mondays with Matenaer,” as Todd and Jane dove into the topic of political tribalism. They took aim at both sides of the aisle — Republicans dodging blame for the government shutdown, and Democrats refusing to call out their own over leadership issues at DPI. The conversation was sharp, honest, and refreshingly self-aware, challenging listeners to demand better accountability from everyone.

Last but not least, on the WXCO Morning Report, Chad welcomed Cheryl Martino from NAMI Northwoods to discuss the vital mental health services available in Wausau. Cheryl explained how NAMI’s programs provide support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families navigating mental health challenges — an important reminder that help and community are always within reach.

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!

Welcome to the spooky edition of the Civic Media Spotlight! First up is Nite Lite, where things got spooky as host and storyteller Carl Sarecki of the Door County Ghost Trolley Tours spun eerie tales from Wisconsin’s peninsula. From haunted happenings in Fish Creek to mysterious sightings in Peninsula State Park, Carl shared the chilling history behind Door County’s haunted past — including the infamous “Murder and Mayhem” tour that keeps even locals on edge.

On The Maggie Dawn Show, guest Rachel LaCasse-Ford joined to discuss how political games are leaving families like hers struggling with unaffordable healthcare. While Republicans blame the Affordable Care Act, Maggie and Rachel exposed the hypocrisy of offering no real alternative — leaving everyday Americans to shoulder skyrocketing premiums and uncertainty about their future coverage.

Former U.S. Attorney James Santelle stopped by Matenaer on Air for an in-depth conversation about justice, accountability, and the rule of law. They explored the work of Judge Sara Ellis in holding ICE to task in Chicago, and the broader importance of maintaining legal guardrails when government agencies overreach. It was a powerful reminder that standing up to intimidation is essential for protecting communities and democracy itself.

On Mathew P. Kennedy, journalist Ruth Conniff from the Wisconsin Examiner tackled a double-barreled discussion — the mishandling of misconduct investigations within the Department of Public Instruction, and the political hypocrisy fueling it. Ruth pointed out how Republican grandstanding has made it harder to address real problems in education, while also breaking down the ripple effects of the GOP’s government shutdown, including rising ACA premiums and farm labor challenges.

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!

For the second hour of the Civic Media Spotlight,  Professor John Hall joins Maggie Daun to discuss the crucial balance of maintaining an apolitical military amidst the political turbulence of a Trump administration. They explore the implications of military resignations and the unsettling trend of using the National Guard for political gain.

Next up we have the WXCO Morning Report with Chad Holmes. Chad sits down with Hillary Hastings and Erin Noll of the Central Wisconsin Educational Theater Alliance to discuss “Designer Handbag Bingo” this Saturday and the upcoming production of “Shrek: The Musical”.

Nite Lite with Pete Schwaba is next up where Phil Johnston discusses his film 'The Twits,' a tale of empathy and power, with Natalie Portman lending her voice. Schwaba dives into Johnston’s journey from live-action comedies like 'Cedar Rapids' to animated hits like 'Wreck-It Ralph,' revealing the iterative nature of animation storytelling.

Last but certaintly not least, we have the John & Gordy Show! John and Gordy talk with former three time Madison Mayor Paul Soglin about how protests invigorate movements. As a democrat, you do not want to push forward with protests but rather keep them in moderation. He also talked about the significance of moderate candidates in swing districts.

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!

Hello and welcome to the Civic Media Spotlight! We kick of the first segment with the Todd Allbaugh Show.  Todd welcomes Cap Times Enterprise and Investigative Reporter Danielle DuClos. Danielle is the author of last week’s article calling out Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction on some questionable practices surrounding alleged sexual misconduct cases. She has been following this trail of records for a few years now and is ready to bring us the facts.

In the second segment, we listen in on our Civic Media reporters talk about the No Kings Protest that happened last weekend. We listen in on Reverend Everett Mitchell on in Madison talk about what needs to be done for the future of America.

Following up on that, Pat from Mornings with Pat Krietlow talks deeply about the families of people with developmental disabilities and how they are especially worried about their future now that Republicans have shut down access to key government services and are making health insurance less affordable. Knowing that around 80% of women with some form of intellectual disability have been sexually assaulted, access to contraception and other affordable care is especially important. Pat talks to one mother about the real-life impact of the GOP’s political games on her daughter.

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!