Civic Media Mid-Mornings

Weekly Best of Civic Media Mid-Mornings for Feb 14

Civic Media — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000

For our last best of, we're giving you the highlights from our last show with Greg's thoughts on what they've all accomplished as well as a an interview with Congressman Mark Pocan on everything from Wisconsin Congressional Maps to ICE to what he is hearing from the people in an out of his district. It all wraps up with a handy tip from Greg on how we can all be engaged and be better.

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!

Mid-Mornings Farewell (Hour 2)

Civic Media — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

As Greg Bach wraps up Civic Media Mid-Mornings, the final episode feels less like a standard sign-off and more like a strategy session for what’s next. Looking toward 2026, Greg and guest Dan Shafer pull back the curtain on a massive year for Wisconsin, framing the upcoming governor’s race and the fight for legislative control as the ultimate tipping point for the state.

They dive into the long-standing tug-of-war between Tony Evers and Robin Vos, questioning if we’re finally seeing the end of an era that has defined Madison for years. While the show is ending, Greg’s parting message is a heavy nudge to the audience: don’t tune out now. He makes a sincere case for staying sharp and hopeful, arguing that a more proactive, less divided Wisconsin is actually possible if people stay in the game.

Guest: Dan Shafer

Maps and Mandates (Hour 1)

Civic Media — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Greg Bach’s final sign-off on Civic Media Mid Mornings felt less like a goodbye and more like a passing of the torch. While he’s stepping away from this specific slot, he assured listeners his voice isn't disappearing from the airwaves anytime soon.

The episode really dug into the grit of Wisconsin politics, featuring a conversation with Congressman Mark Pocan about the high stakes of redrawing the state’s congressional maps and the "unsettling" arrival of ICE operations.

Greg didn't hold back his frustration with the GOP’s focus on culture wars and transgender bills, calling them out as noise designed to distract from the "real world" crises in healthcare and education. He wrapped things up with a heavy emphasis on the upcoming elections, making a passionate plea for people to actually talk to one another across the political aisle before the state reaches a breaking point.

Guest: Mark Pocan

Speed Skates & DEI Debates (Hour 2)

Civic Media — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Host Greg Bach dives into a heavy-hitting talk with Angela Lang, Co-Exec Director of Black Leaders Organizing Communities, about that controversial amendment aimed at banning DEI practices in Wisconsin, stripping away the political jargon to reveal what’s actually at stake for the state. They get into the weeds of how these proposals are framed and the real-world racial tensions they stir up, especially heading into a major election cycle.

Finally, On the lighter side, we’re celebrating some massive Wisconsin pride as Kewaskum’s own Jordan Stolz just smashed an Olympic record to grab gold in the 1,000m speed skating final. Greg also goes to bat for curling, shutting down the haters who say it’s not a "real" sport, before catching up with J.R. Radcliffe on the Brewers’ latest move bringing Gary Sánchez back on a one-year deal.

Guests: Angela Lang, Jr Radcliffe

ICE Operations in Small-Town Wisconsin (Hour 1)

Civic Media — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Hello Civic Media Mid-Morning listeners! Henry Redman, a staff reporter for the Wisconsin Examiner who focuses on covering Wisconsin's towns and rural areas, joins Greg to break down his reporting on how ICE’s Twin Cities office has been expanding its reach deep into rural Western Wisconsin communities (like Baldwin). He’ll explain why these smaller towns are being targeted and how the lack of a major activist presence in rural areas changes the way these federal operations actually play out on the ground.

Greg also digs into the "chilling effect" this has on local residents and the growing wedge it drives between immigrant families and local police. Henry shares what he’s heard from people living through this, highlighting a massive disconnect between the resources available in big cities versus the isolation felt in Wisconsin’s rural heartland.

Guest: Henry Redman

The Oscars Game (Hour 2)

Civic Media — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Greg Bach sits down with Pete Schwaba, host of NiteLite, to talk about where entertainment and real life collide. Schwaba shares how he went from doing stand-up comedy to writing screenplays, and what it’s actually like trying to make original films in an industry that seems obsessed with sequels and franchises.

With the Oscars coming up, they swap predictions, debate possible surprises, and give some love to standout non-franchise films like One Battle After Another and Sinners. The conversation also turns local, as they talk about why tax incentives matter for growing Wisconsin’s film scene and what it takes to build something sustainable outside of Hollywood.

Schwaba lights up when the Door County Film Festival comes up, calling it proof that grassroots art still matters — and that creative communities don’t have to live in L.A. or New York to thrive.

Bottom line? If you care about original storytelling, show up for it. Support indie art.

Guest: Pete Schwaba

Erasing History: Flags, Monuments, and Truth (Hour 1)

Civic Media — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Greg Bach takes a closer look at the Trump administration’s controversial efforts to reshape how American history is presented — from the removal of the Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument to changes at Independence Park that critics say downplay the history of slavery. Supporters call it a move to “restore truth and sanity.”

Greg and his producer, Dom, dig into what this means — not just politically, but culturally. They talk about how different generations understand history, why some stories feel newly visible while others feel pushed aside, and why it matters that young people learn to question how history is framed, not just memorize it.

Slopes to Ballots (Hour 2)

Civic Media — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Civic Media Mid-Mornings, Greg Bach and Jim Santelle prove that even in the dead of a Wisconsin winter, the news cycle has absolutely no chill.

They pivot to the essential stuff: dissecting the Brewers' trade of Caleb Durbin to the Red Sox—which we’re choosing to view as a strategic masterstroke rather than an early-onset heartbreak—and recapping the frozen glory of Mitten Fest and the Frozen Assets 5K. Finally, we listen to the very handy tip from Greg!

Guest: Jim Santelle

Unmasking Project 2025 (Hour 1)

Civic Media — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Civic Media Mid-Mornings, Greg Bach and legal expert Jim Santelle dive headfirst into the chaotic intersection of sports, politics, and the planet’s slow-motion meltdown. We kick things off with the Olympic-sized drama surrounding skier Hunter Hess.

Jim then joins to break down the "Endangerment Finding," explaining how the administration is trying to convince us that carbon dioxide is basically plant food while simultaneously making voting as difficult as a high-stakes escape room with the MEGA Act.

Guest: Jim Santelle

The Halftime Report (Hour 2)

Civic Media — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

In the second half of the show, Greg welcomed Dr. Kristen Lyerly to talk about how expanding Medicaid isn't just a political talking point—it's actually saving lives, specifically pointing to a new study showing higher breast cancer survival rates in states that took the leap. After the heavy health talk, they pivoted to the Super Bowl, checking the pulse on the Olympics, and Greg giving his review of Bad Bunny’s halftime show. To wrap it all up, Greg shared some "Olympic-level" sleep hacks, because apparently, if we want to function like world-class athletes, we need to stop doom-scrolling and start napping like we’re chasing a gold medal.

Guest: Dr. Kristin Lyerly

Counting Without the Chaos (Hour 1)

Civic Media — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

On today's show, Greg Bach kicked things off by diving into the local drama of Milwaukee County trying to keep ICE out of the parks.

After helping listeners navigate the labyrinth of the February 17th primary, the show brought in Sam Liebert from All Voting is Local to dissect Congressman Bryan Steil’s "MEGA Act," a bill so packed with bans on things like ranked choice voting and ballot harvesting that it makes a HOA rulebook look chill.

Sam broke down why these "integrity" reforms might actually be doing more work just to solve problems that don't exist, while Greg tried to wrap his head around why we can't just have nice things—like a simple trip to the polls without a side of federal legislation.

Guest: Sam Liebert

Baking Your Way to the Big Game (Hour 2)

Civic Media — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Our second hour featured the delightfully "infamous" Naomi Kritzer, a sci-fi author who spends her downtime being the Batman of St. Paul’s down-ballot elections, providing deep-dives on candidates that the mainstream media treats like the fine print on a CVS receipt. We pivoted from local democracy to the big game, debating if your game-day spread should officially be more expensive than your mortgage and marveling at the woman baking her way to San Francisco like a carbohydrate-fueled Uber. We even touched on the Milan Olympic Village, where athletes are apparently taking sound baths—which is a great way to say "I'm stressed" in a way that sounds expensive.

Relevant Links:

Guest: Naomi Kritzer

Ballot Box Secrets (Hour 1)

Civic Media — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

In our first hour, we tackled the heavy-hitting headlines of Operation PARRIS, which sounds like a rejected Bourne movie title but is actually a very real, very controversial federal push to re-interview refugees who have already been through the geopolitical equivalent of a colonoscopy. Gail Cornelius from World Relief Wisconsin joined us to explain why faith leaders are up in arms over these ICE activities and why "extreme vetting" feels a bit redundant for people who have already been background-checked into oblivion. It was a sobering look at how our neighbors in Minnesota are holding up, minus the cozy Midwestern "ope, just passing through" vibes.

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! Civic Media Mid-Mornings 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!

Guest: Gail Cornelius

A Spine, A Mind And The Pursuit Of Justice (Hour 2)

Civic Media — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

In our second hour, Jim Santelle is sticking around and we're discussing more about the drawdown on ICE agents in Minneapolis, The SAVE Act, The MEGA Act and why both of those bills spell doom for our election processes in this country. Then we switch gears to sports with our friend Paul Noonan where we find ourselves at the crossroads with the Bucks and a Super Bowl "The Big Game" that seems more about the Halftime Show than the teams on the field. Finally, we wrap it all up with A Handy Tip From Greg and today he's talking to a guy in Florida, being all Florida about running for Governor.

Guests: Jim Santelle, Paul Noonan

Power To The People (Hour 1)

Civic Media — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

In a not so stunning story, a group of business groups are suing a Wisconsin city and county, because the people want more say in what happens to their community. Then, another update on WisconsinEye, this time we have leaders working together to preserve transparency for the public. Then Jim Santelle is here talking about all the major stories coming out of the world of law including an update on former County Judge Hannah Dugan, a small change to the 4th Amendment and a caller's questions seeks the justice against those who call themselves leaders and one man who says he is above the law.

Guest: Jim Santelle

Commonsense Guardrails And Protests Songs (Hour 2)

Civic Media — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

In these second hour, we sit down with US Senator Tammy Baldwin about her efforts to reign in spending on ICE, the reaction she's hearing from the people and why restricting the voting process harms everyone. In news that broke this morning, The US Border Czar has made an announcement regarding ICE agents in Minneapolis, but is it enough? Then for Audio Sorbet, we want to know your favorite protest song! Then we close it out with a Hand Tip From Greg and this is for all the folks who are feeling overwhelmed and why it's so important to find your people and fight, together.

Guest: Tammy Baldwin

A Trojan Horse (Hour 1)

Civic Media — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

For the second time this week, the president has called for the US elections to be nationalized and a Wisconsin Senator doesn't agree. No, the other one. Then we speak to Cam T.B. who wrote an article on the new policy from USRowing and why it's a piece to a much bigger puzzle when it comes to Trans and Non-Binary folks.

Guest: Cam T.B.

Data Centers And The Big Fight (Hour 2)

Civic Media — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Data Centers have been in the news constantly here in the state (and nationwide) and while it can seem insurmountable to take on the battle, groups such as No Data Centers DeForest are proving that when likeminded folks come together, a lot is possible. They join the show to talk about what brought them together and how their story is on the verge of victory. And for Audio Sorbet, it's National Carrot Cake day, so we want to know: Why would like this idea of a dessert? Seriously, why? Then it's time for another Handy Tip From Greg, this time for a boxer in New York and all those on a hair journey.

Guest: Trish Boehlke

A Tough Conversation, That We Nee To Have (Hour 1)

Civic Media — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Starting the show with good news, for the time being a deal has been met to fund WisconsinEye, so folks can see what happens in the Capitol. The work isn't over, but this is a good start from where they were at the beginning of the year. We also introduce you to Michael Alfonso, running for Congress in the 7th District and there's a fun little fact about him that sets him apart from the others. Then we welcome Dr. Kristin Lyerly back to the show and she is discussing the reaction from the Green Bay community over the shooting death of Alex Pretti, who grew up in the city. She also brings up the support from the bike community over this matter. We close out the hour on the matter of measles in Wisconsin, as cases arise and information from the CDC is now compromised, we must seek out credible sources regarding vaccinations.

Guest: Dr. Kristin Lyerly

A Microcosm For Wisconsin And The Nation (Hour 2)

Civic Media — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Chad Holmes is back on the air in Wausau and around the world if you have The Civic Media App! He hosts The Chad Holmes Show and their focus is on community and we talk about what goes on in The Northwoods is a decent indicator for Wisconsin and the country. It's Groundhog's Day and with the homestretch of winter ahead, we want to know how you Winterize your life and we find out about a more local, more accurate and better groundhog making weather predictions. Then it's time to close out the show with A Hand Tip From Greg and today he's talking to CBS News.

Guest: Chad Holmes

Freedom Of Choice (Hour 1)

Civic Media — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

In an election year, when we hear from the folks who either want to keep the job or get hired, it's important to have choices. And regardless of your political alignment, there should always be options. In a Journal Sentinel letter to the editor, we look at how both sides of the political isle are guilty of taking this away from the voters. Then, we speak to Civic Media Reporter Teri Barr about a story she did about a young woman from Wisconsin, who now calls Minneapolis her home. If you can't be in there, you can always help, by clicking here.

Guest: Teri Barr

Best of Civic Media Mid-Mornings for January 31

Civic Media — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000

We've reached another relaxing weekend and to help you enjoy, we put together our favorite moments from this past week! This past weekend, another person was killed by ICE Agents in the streets of Minneapolis, this being the second ICE related death in the city in less than twenty days. We asked Mark Becker, host of Rational Revolution to open the show to talk about his program, it's goals and his connection with the victim, Alex Pretti. For Audio Sorbet, The Australian Open is taking place on the other side of the world and we want to know what sport or games or events will get you up early or keep you up late? Then we wrap up the show with A Helpful Tip From Greg, a new segment where he helps people, whether they ask for it or not. Today, he talks directly to Ben Shapiro on why seeing a movie is very important when reviewing said movie.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Or Listen (Hour 2)

Civic Media — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000

In our second hour, we welcome Ojibwe Professor and Author Anton Treuer to the program. He is a public speak and the author of more than twenty books including "Everything You Wanted To Know About Indians But Were Afraid To Ask" where he does just that; address these questions with honesty and compassion. We also talk about the state of Native Culture in America, the evolution of its depiction in TV and movies, as well as their growth throughout the decades which can be forgotten or ignored completely. He also talks about how their achievements can be models of success for everyone regardless of your background. Then it's time for another rousing edition of Take It Or Leave It! This time, Senior Producer Tucker is talking all things Grammy's with us and we find out how little Greg knows youths and their music. Then we wrap up the show with A Handy Tip From Greg for those looking to alter your experience or just bring flavor to a meal.

Strength In Numbers (Hour 1)

Civic Media — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

In breaking news out of Los Angeles, Journalist Don Lemon has been arrested by the FBI for what is being called by the US Attorney General "in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota." We will have more for you as more details are released, but we also talk about a new bill from a Wisconsin Congressman which seeks to "Make Elections Great Again". The thoughts and very fired up opinions of our audience are clear where they stand on the topic and we remember moments in the past where lawmakers and experts give their honest opinions on the 2020 Elections, a subject being renewed for the upcoming midterms. We also talk about the time for unity, even when that means putting down your pride.

News From The Northwoods That Affects Us All (Hour 2)

Civic Media — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000

In the second hour, we speak with Civic Media Reporter Isabela Nieto about her origin story and what brought her to Wausau. She also discusses a story regarding a local funding measure, which could feel far away from you, but it reminds us all to pay attention to what's being decided by our local public officials. And because it's Thursday, we're talking sports with our friend JR Radcliffe from The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and it's all Bucks today, specifically more trade rumors about Giannis. Finally we wrap up the show with A Handy Tip From Greg, this time he's talking to an English politician who seems to have joined a party...for the parties?

And Then There Was…Tom (Hour 1)

Civic Media — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

In a move that shocked absolutely no one, the president has officially endorsed Wisconsin Congressman Tom Tiffany in his campaign for Governor in a Tweet Truth? post on social media. In completely related an also not breaking news, the only other opponent to Mr. Tiffany has dropped out and given his endorsement to the presumptive nominee. Next, we speak with Chelsea Chandler from Clean Wisconsin about the recent bill in Madison which seeks to hold some accountability to the construction of data centers. She points out the problems with the bill and why there has to be more work done to protect the communities and land while seeking to build these structures.

Guest: Chelsea Chandler

As Goes Minnesota, So Does Wisconsin (Hour 2)

Civic Media — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000

We begin the second hour with Jim Santelle, the host of Amicus: A Law Review and we're discussing the major stories coming out of the world of law and we focus our attention on Minneapolis. We talk about Wisconsin's Attorney General supporting Minnesota in their fight for sovereignty, as well as a judge who is very tired of the lack of cooperation from federal agents. Then for Audio Sorbet, we want to know how are you coping with this super cold weather? Is it keeping you from working or getting projects done? Or do you love it and hope for six more weeks? Finally, we wrap the show up with a Handy Tip From Greg and this is for all the people who might risk life and limb (or fingers) to get a job done.

Guest: Jim Santelle