CouleeConservatives Weekly Recap

What drives a retired infantryman and grandfather of six to step forward for another tour of service—this time in Madison?

Over a smoky brandy Old Fashioned, Chris Muller sits down with Wisconsin’s 94th Assembly District candidate Keith Purnell for a candid conversation about service, responsibility, and the future we leave our grandchildren.

From his childhood in Alabama to a 22-year Army career, teaching ROTC, helping veterans, and cleaning classrooms at his church, Keith shares the experiences behind his simple philosophy: bring what you have to the table and give it.

That same outlook shapes his approach to government. Keith explains why he wants stronger reading skills, higher academic expectations, and teachers equipped to meet their students’ needs. Drawing on his accounting background, he also proposes independent audits with public reports that help taxpayers understand where their money goes.

Along the way, Chris and Keith explore protecting constitutional freedoms, finding common ground without demanding perfection, and why political apathy carries a cost.

Listen for the personal stories, practical proposals, and a grandfather’s determination to give the next generation a better future.

Who were your childhood heroes—and are you becoming someone worth looking up to?From Pappy Boyington and John Wayne to Han Solo and the family members who shaped their lives, Chris and Dana “Ace” explore how our heroes influence the people we become. What begins with stories of courage, adventure, and a little rebelliousness becomes an honest conversation about integrity, patience, faith, and the daily work of becoming a better man.With humor and candor, they confront struggles many of us recognize: losing patience, getting pulled into social media arguments, and letting disagreement overshadow kindness. Drawing on Scripture and personal experience, they consider how to stand firm in your convictions while treating others with love—and whether meaningful change in a divided country can begin with our own character.You’ll hear reflections on leadership, hard work, finding common ground, and following Christ when our first instinct is to fight.Listen in, think about the people who shaped you, and join the conversation: Call or text 985-465-0443 to share your childhood heroes and the qualities you admired most.

What happens when citizens stop watching from the sidelines and start shaping Wisconsin’s future?

In this week’s CouleeConservatives.com recap, Chris Muller brings passion, personal stories, and a conservative perspective to the issues affecting your family, your freedoms, and your community.

From a neighborhood meet-and-greet with Keith Purnell to a chili cook-off supporting youth shooting sports, Chris shares a busy week of turning conviction into action. Then he tackles the bigger debates: constitutional proposals concerning equal treatment, taxes, and religious freedom; Congressman Derrick Van Orden’s efforts on Driftless landowner concerns and the right to repair; and Tom Tiffany’s return to campaigning after a frightening emergency plane landing.

Chris also challenges media coverage of Wisconsin’s campaigns, discusses election integrity, and examines Eric Toney’s criticism of crime lab delays. A sobering look at local crime brings the conversation home—and raises urgent questions about public safety and accountability.

Through it all runs one unmistakable message: “Nothing will change if nothing changes.”

Listen for a spirited discussion of faith, liberty, and civic responsibility—and an invitation to get informed, get involved, and help shape what comes next. Share this episode with someone ready to join the conversation.

Campaign ads tell one story. What happens when you look behind the image?

Chris and Mike return for a spirited episode of On the Issues, opening with frustration over the Packers, renewed hope for the Badgers, and excitement about the Brewers’ postseason prospects—before turning to Wisconsin’s heated election battles.

They challenge Rebecca Cooke’s campaign messaging, discuss reporting on political funding, and examine disputes over debate invitations in her race against Congressman Derrick Van Orden. The conversation also takes on David Crowley’s Milwaukee County record, media accountability, and the hosts’ concerns about election integrity.

At the heart of the discussion is a bigger question: What do candidates’ policies mean for constitutional freedoms, taxpayer dollars, and the future of Wisconsin? Chris and Mike make their case for limited government and Second Amendment protections, arguing that voters need to look beyond polished advertising and demand substantive answers.

With humor, pointed commentary, and an urgent closing challenge to vote and encourage others to participate, this episode brings Wisconsin sports and politics together in a conversation that won’t leave you without an opinion.

Listen in, weigh the arguments, and decide what’s at stake.

The Maple Leaf Parade brought thousands of neighbors into the streets, and Chris Muller was there with the candidates and volunteers who made it a memorable day. In this week’s CouleeConservatives.com recap, he shares the energy of Oktoberfest, a personal anniversary, and the moments that reminded him why local involvement matters.

Then the conversation turns to Wisconsin’s elections. Chris examines questions about campaign fundraising, election procedures, taxes, and public safety before reading his new essay, “The Choice Before Us: Liberty or Tyranny.” Whether you agree with his conclusions or want to hear the arguments for yourself, this episode offers a passionate look at the issues he believes voters should examine before casting a ballot.

What does public service look like when you strip away the talking points and get to the person behind the politics?In this episode of Speakeasy Conversations, Wisconsin State Senator Julian Bradley sits down for a wide-ranging conversation about his unlikely political journey, the state’s energy future, public safety, technology, and why he believes disagreement doesn’t have to turn Americans into enemies.Bradley shares the fascinating story of growing up in a strongly Democratic household—and the research project that unexpectedly led him to conclude he was actually a Republican. That experience shaped an approach to politics centered on being willing to listen, debate, and stand openly for what you believe.The conversation then tackles crime and public safety, including repeat offenders, support for law enforcement, accountability, and Bradley’s experiences representing communities in southeastern Wisconsin.You’ll also hear a remarkable discussion about Tom Tiffany’s emergency plane landing—and a larger conversation about how political disagreement has become so personal that some Americans struggle to recognize the humanity of people on the other side. Bradley argues that Americans should be able to fight passionately over ideas while still respecting one another as people.Then we look toward the future.Bradley explains why he believes nuclear power—particularly small modular reactors—could become an important part of Wisconsin’s 21st-century economy. From Wisconsin's energy needs and nuclear development to data centers, artificial intelligence, electrical demand, and the infrastructure required for the next generation of innovation, this conversation explores some of the biggest technological questions facing the state.Politics, technology, nuclear energy, public safety, civil disagreement, and the meaning of service—there's a lot packed into this Speakeasy.Pull up a chair and join the conversation with Senator Julian Bradley.https://www.facebook.com/SenJulianBradley/

A frightening crash landing gives this week’s CouleeConservatives.com Weekly Recap an unusually personal opening. Chris reflects on Congressman Tom Tiffany’s close call and the reminder to cherish the people we love. Then he turns to decisions shaping the Coulee Region: a proposed transmission line through the Driftless Area, who should pay for the power infrastructure data centers need, and La Crosse County’s vote to remove a rural broadband goal from its strategic plan.

Along the way, Chris shares his views on the coming election and makes a case for looking beyond campaign ads: read the records, hear candidates speak for themselves, and get involved in your community.

Chris and Mike are back—and nothing is off limits. They begin with a blunt assessment of the Green Bay Packers before turning to Tom Tiffany’s frightening emergency plane landing and the troubling political reactions that followed. From there, they examine David Crowley’s record, missed votes by Representative Steve Doyle, allegations of campaigning on taxpayer time, and the growing battle between individual liberty and government control. They also explain why Keith Purnell’s candidacy matters and why Wisconsin voters cannot afford to sit out this election. It’s a candid, energetic conversation about media bias, political accountability, COVID-era lessons, and the power ordinary citizens still possess—if they show up and vote.

This week brought powerful reminders of how fragile life is—and why the fight for faith, truth, and liberty cannot wait. Chris reflects on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, remembers Charlie Kirk’s enduring influence, and shares the remarkable story of Tom Tiffany’s emergency landing on Lake Wausau.

Then, hear inspiring highlights from the Republican Midterm Convention featuring Derrick Van Orden, Ted Cruz, J.D. Vance, President Trump, and others. Their message is unmistakable: America has reached another time for choosing. Will our love of liberty prove stronger than those determined to dismantle it?

Listen, get informed, and discover why this moment demands more than watching from the sidelines.

What would it take to bring common sense, accountability, and genuine public service back to Madison? Wisconsin Assembly candidate Cedric Schnitzler joins Chris Muller for a wide-ranging conversation about the kitchen-table issues affecting families across western Wisconsin. From soaring property taxes and healthcare costs to education, parental responsibility, data centers, artificial intelligence, and Wisconsin’s growing energy needs, Schnitzler argues that government must listen, act transparently, and deliver results. Hear why he believes leaders must stop governing for the next election—and start working together for the people they were elected to serve.

Learn even more at https://www.schnitzlerforassembly.com/