Rational Revolution

Hello and welcome to this best of edition of the Civic Media Spotlight! We kick things off with Mornings with Pat Krietlow. Pat talks with Joe Zepecki and Melissa Baldauff about where the last year has taken them personally and politically, using Wisconsin as the lens. The conversation looks at what worked, what didn’t, and how Democrats might realistically position themselves to take full control of state government in 2026.

Up next, John and Gordy welcome Mike McCabe for a deep dive into the growing crisis facing Wisconsin farmers. McCabe connects immigration policy, the Egg Bill, and labor shortages to an alarming rise in farm bankruptcies, painting a picture of how policy decisions are hitting rural communities hard.

On Max Ink Radio, Teri Barr sits down with Kirstie Kraus, fresh off her second tour of England. The Janesville-born artist talks about expanding her career in Nashville, collaborating with high-level musicians, and putting a new spin on a familiar Christmas favorite.

Mike McCabe joins John and Gordy for another conversation to unpack his latest Substack piece, “Looking the Wrong Way.” He explains how political leaders often focus on the wrong targets, avoiding the deeper issues that actually need attention.

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!

Mark is joined by returning favorite Carlton Huffman to do a special “Year in Review.” Mark and Carlton talk about the biggest headlines from 2025, and make predictions for what is to come in 2026!

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!

This week, Mark is joined by Dr. Jacqueline Murray, accomplished medieval historian from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. Dr. Murray, who was recently elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (Canada’s highest award for academics), joins to talk about how Christmas traditions can be traced directly back to Medieval times, but not through the lens we view it nowadays. 

Mark then talks about Donald Trump’s address and how that can be used as a bellwether for 2026.

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!

Mark sits down with Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich. They talk about what’s happening in Green Bay.

They also cover the recent incident in the Bay Park Square Mall where a worker racial attacked a Somali immigrant and what the City of Green Bay did to show their support. They also talk about Mayor Genrich’s recent endorsement of Mandela Barnes in the Governor’s race.

Mark then talks about his hopes for people to be like Scrooge and see outside themselves this Holiday season.

This week, Mark is joined by friend of the show, founder of the award winning Recombobulation Area, Civic Media Political Director Dan Shafer! On the heels of Mandela Barnes’ announcement, they talk about the race for Governor. Is the field set? What’s next? What type of campaign can we expect next year?

In Mark’s Musings, he talks about the Wisconsin Congressional makeup, and he makes the case for why we need a new candidate in the 8th District.

They talk about running in a district that is primed to be flipped, but still an uphill battle. Emily shares her priorities for what she would do if elected, and they talk about how Wisconsin needs a legislature that actually represents the will of the people. 

Mark then shares his thoughts on having an “attitude of gratitude” this Thanksgiving, as his mother always would say.