The Recombobulation Area

Dan Shafer sits down with the outgoing party chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, Ben Wikler. Dan and Ben discuss the recent news that billionaire Elon Musk is stepping away from politics after the defeat in Wisconsin’s April elections, the upcoming race to fill the role of DPW Chair, and more! To learn more about […]

Guests: Ben Wikler, Dan Shafer

May 21, 2025

47:21

Dan Shafer hosts the Civic Media Radio Hour! Dan is joined for the afternoon by guest co-host Angela Lang from BLOC. In hour number two, Dan and Angela speak with immigration attorney Kevin Layde. The three dive deep into the controversial Kilmar Abrego Garcia case, illustrating its implications for U.S. immigration policy and constitutional law. […]

Guests: Angela Lang, Dan Shafer, Emily Tseffos, Kevin Layde

Apr 21, 2025

44:32

Dan Shafer hosts the Civic Media Radio Hour! Dan is joined for the afternoon by guest co-host Angela Lang from BLOC. Dan and Angela welcome filmmakers Laura Dyan Kezman and William Howell to discuss their documentary “Cycle”. The film is premiering at the Milwaukee Film Festival later this month, and delves into the tragic 2019 […]

Guests: Angela Lang, Dan Shafer, Joe Zepecki, Laura Dyan Kezman, William Howell

Apr 21, 2025

44:32

There’s been a whole lot happening in recent months as Donald Trump has returned to office as president, and Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has begun to take a wrecking ball to various federal agencies, making drastic cuts to the federal workforce.  Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes is helping tell the […]

Guests: Dan Shafer, Katia Wanish, Mandela Barnes

Mar 10, 2025

30:44

Last week, the Office of Management and Budget issued a memo essentially freezing payments from the federal government. The memo was rescinded, but perhaps it’s a sign of what’s to come from the Trump administration. Regular Recombobulation Area contributor and Marquette University professor Phil Rocco, who has written and researched extensively on the relationship between […]

Feb 2, 2025

41:18

Donald Trump said immigration was his No. 1 issue. So, let’s talk about it. A big picture podcast discussion with immigration attorneys Gabriela Parra and Kevin Layde, and guest co-host Angela Lang.

Jan 27, 2025

58:30

Dan Shafer hosts Phillip Roccco, the Editor for Marquette University and the author of “Prisoners of the State,” in the Recombobulation Area. In their discussion, Phillip and Dan explore proposals designed to provide state counties with a slight increase in funding to sustain programs that are at risk of elimination, which would be financed through […]

Guests: Dan Shafer, Philip Rocco

Jan 3, 2025

45:07

Dan Shafer returns to the Maggie Daun Show to address the financial requirements of Waukesha County and other regions. In recent developments, Mike Johnson has been reinstated as Speaker of the House. Furthermore, newly elected officials, such as Tammy Baldwin, have taken their oaths in the Senate. Chris Drosner also participates in the discussion, focusing […]

Guests: Chris Drosner, Dan Shafer, Philip Rocco

Jan 3, 2025

45:08

Dan Shafer and Angela Lang will host a discussion with Jeff Mandell from LAW FORWARD on the complexities of ACT 10 and its repeal. Enacted in Wisconsin in 2011, ACT 10 severely limited public sector unions’ collective bargaining rights, sparking protests and debates over workers’ rights. Jeff Mandell analyzes the distinctions between State Constitutions and […]

Guests: Angela Lang, Dan Shafer, Jeff Mandell

Jan 2, 2025

45:07

Dan Shafer steps into the role of guest host on the Maggie Daun Show, sparking an animated discussion with Angela Lang, a writer for the Recombobulation Area. They dive into her newly released article, pondering the question of what lies ahead. As Dan and Angela reflect on their past New Year’s Eve celebrations, the conversation […]

Guests: Angela Lang, Dan Shafer

Jan 2, 2025

45:08