Matenaer on Air

To kick off the show, we dive into the pressing issue of skyrocketing property taxes in Wisconsin, particularly in areas like Wauwatosa, Madison, and Beloit. Despite state budget surpluses, local taxpayers are shouldering the burden, often due to education funding shortfalls. The episode shines a spotlight on the need for increased state support to relieve taxpayers. Greg also chats with Eve Galanter, founder of the Wisconsin Civics Games, highlighting the importance of civic education for high school kids, amidst a backdrop of political apathy. Greg bravely tackles (or gets tackled, depending on how you hear it) some civics quiz questions, underscoring the episode’s call for informed and engaged citizens.

As always, thank you for listening, texting and calling, we couldn’t do this without you! Don’t forget to download the free Civic Media app and take us wherever you are in the world! Matenaer On Air is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs weekday mornings from 9-11 across the state. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! You can also rate us on your podcast distribution center of choice. It goes a long way!

In the second hour, Evan Feinauer is a staff attorney with Clean Wisconsin and joins us to discuss their work to protect our waterways here in the state and what you can do to get involved. Then we celebrate the life and work of Rob Reiner who, along with his wife Michele were killed in their home this past weekend. We also look at a new trend among young people. Then we close it all out with This Shouldn’t Be A Thing – Not Without My Daughter Edition.

As always, thank you for listening, texting and calling, we couldn’t do this without you! Don’t forget to download the free Civic Media app and take us wherever you are in the world! Matenaer On Air is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs weekday mornings from 9-11 across the state. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! You can also rate us on your podcast distribution center of choice. It goes a long way!

Ok, look...this one seems pretty good to us here at the show. If billionaires and their corporations get huge tax breaks, we should be able to get something off the fact that our pets still haven't gotten a job!

And if you spot a thing that shouldn’t be, send it in to [email protected] and we might use it on the show! So join us Monday through Friday at 11:52 a.m. for “This Shouldn’t Be A Thing!” or search for it on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.  And thanks for listening!

On today’s show, we start it off with tackling the pressing issues of rising utility costs and the proliferation of data centers. Charles Hua from PowerLines discusses the inefficiencies of the U.S. power grid and how optimizing it could lower utility bills and boost the economy. With utility costs soaring, he urges listeners to pressure regulators for transparency and action. Then, State Senator Jodi Habush-Sinykin is our guest and she is discussing a new bill emphasizing the need for transparency and community benefits as tech giants like Amazon and Google expand in Wisconsin. The episode underscores bipartisan concerns over energy use, water consumption, and local impacts.

As always, thank you for listening, texting and calling, we couldn’t do this without you! Don’t forget to download the free Civic Media app and take us wherever you are in the world! Matenaer On Air is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs weekday mornings from 9-11 across the state. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! You can also rate us on your podcast distribution center of choice. It goes a long way!

In the second hour, we welcome Katie Goodwin, who is the Marketing Liaison for MKE Grocery Buddy, a grassroots organization pairing Milwaukee residents in need with volunteers to help fill gaps in food security left by the SNAP funding freeze. Jacquelyn Tolksdorf from Collect and Gather shares the magic of maker spaces in Plover, Wisconsin, offering free creative spaces and thrifted art supplies to foster artistic exploration and social connection. The episode emphasizes community support, the importance of local involvement, and finding creative outlets to enrich personal and communal life. Plus, a nod to the legacy of filmmaker Rob Reiner.

As always, thank you for listening, texting and calling, we couldn’t do this without you! Don’t forget to download the free Civic Media app and take us wherever you are in the world! Matenaer On Air is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs weekday mornings from 9-11 across the state. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! You can also rate us on your podcast distribution center of choice. It goes a long way!

Greg Bach takes over hosting duties from the retired Jane Matenaer in a dynamic episode packed with engaging discussions. Blaine Halverson of the Stop the Menominee Data Center Group shares his grassroots battle against non-transparent data center developments in Wisconsin, emphasizing community involvement. Lee Clermont introduces Whimsy and Wonder Toys, a new eco-friendly toy store in Wausau, spotlighting local, sustainable gifts for the holidays. The episode also explores the power of thoughtful gift-giving and community support, urging listeners to keep dollars local.

As always, thank you for listening, texting and calling, we couldn’t do this without you! Don’t forget to download the free Civic Media app and take us wherever you are in the world! Matenaer On Air is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs weekday mornings from 9-11 across the state. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! You can also rate us on your podcast distribution center of choice. It goes a long way!

Good weekend and welcome to the show, where this week we bid farewell to our friend and fearless leader, Jane Matenaer. After 44 years in radio, she is hanging up her headphones and sleeping in, so we’ve put together our favorite moments. We are very excited to have Civic Media’s very own Dr. Kristin Lyerly here to talk about the ever growing problem of health care access, the people helping the community and why the problem won’t be helped with the new GOP proposal. We also discuss the awesomeness that is Jane and how her time on the network has affected us all. Then for Audio Sorbet, we welcome the head honchos! CEO Sage Weil and COO Kory Hartman are here to discuss why hiring Jane was a no-brainer and the mission of Civic Media as it grows around the Midwest. And to close it out, the day is here and we are going to miss our Jane so much, but it’s time for her to close this chapter and make the big step to….sleeping in.

As always, thank you for listening, texting and calling, we couldn’t do this without you! Don’t forget to download the free Civic Media app and take us wherever you are in the world! Matenaer On Air is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs weekday mornings from 9-11 across the state. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! You can also rate us on your podcast distribution center of choice. It goes a long way!

Jane Matenaer bids adieu to a legendary 44-year radio career, celebrating her final show with heartwarming farewells from colleagues and listeners. Civic Media’s Radio Park in Racine is packed as Jane reflects on her journey, highlighting the importance of staying informed, civic engagement, and community involvement. Special guests include Melissa Barclay and Dan Schafer, with surprise messages from Representative Mark Pocan and Senator Tammy Baldwin. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson declares December 12th, 2025, as Jane Matenaer Day, honoring her impact on Southeastern Wisconsin. Jane leaves listeners with bullet-point wisdom, urging kindness, action, and joy-sharing.

As always, thank you for listening, texting and calling, we couldn’t do this without you! Don’t forget to download the free Civic Media app and take us wherever you are in the world! Matenaer On Air is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs weekday mornings from 9-11 across the state. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! You can also rate us on your podcast distribution center of choice. It goes a long way!

The day is here and we are going to miss our Jane so much, but it's time for her to close this chapter and make the big step to....sleeping in.

And if you spot a thing that shouldn’t be, send it in to [email protected] and we might use it on the show! So join us Monday through Friday at 11:52 a.m. for “This Shouldn’t Be A Thing!” or search for it on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.  And thanks for listening!

In a heartfelt farewell, Jane Matenaer announces her retirement, only to humorously reconsider amidst birthday celebrations for Greg Bach. The show swings between nostalgia, thanks to the iconic ‘Packarena’ flashbacks, and current issues like the U.S. Senate’s health insurance stalemate, criticized for offering insufficient solutions to rising costs. The episode also tackles the controversial designation of AI architects as Time’s ‘Person of the Year,’ sparking debates on technological impacts versus human achievements. Meanwhile, Wisconsin’s political maneuvers and sports updates, including Packers and Bucks insights, round out a lively discussion.

As always, thank you for listening, texting and calling, we couldn’t do this without you! Don’t forget to download the free Civic Media app and take us wherever you are in the world! Matenaer On Air is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs weekday mornings from 9-11 across the state. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! You can also rate us on your podcast distribution center of choice. It goes a long way!