Dan Shafer
Where You Finding Your Joy? (Hour 2)
He was off last week, but Civic Media Political Editor Dan Shafer is here to recombobulate this week's biggest headlines from Wisconsin including Wisconsin's Senior Senator Ron Johnson appearing in Wisconsin, a lot. Dan also gives an update on the big fight over 794. For our Friday installment of Audio Sorbet, we stories about The National Spelling Bee, racing sausages and a lost puppers who was found, so we want to know; where are you finding your joy? And we welcome the weekend, and we're closing the show with This Shouldn't Be A Thing - Get Off My Lawn 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 Monday through Friday from 9 -11 am 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, they go a long way!
To learn more about the show 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 show on Facebook, X and YouTube to keep up with Jane and the show!
Best Of Mornings: Phelps, Ingram, Martinez, Shafer (Hour 1)
State Assembly Rep. Christian Phelps (D-Eau Claire) has an update on an Assembly Education Committee with Republican leadership more interested in culture wars and sideshows than on improving our kids’ schools. Earl Ingram sets up an interview series with Dr. Howard Fuller about the earliest days of the voucher schools program. Benefit specialist Zab Martinez outlines how Trump’s massive budget cuts will hurt lots of families in Wisconsin. Dan Shafer previews his new column on lawmakers he’ll be watching as the Legislature’s session rolls into the 2026 elections.
Mornings with Pat Kreitlow airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up.
One-on-one with Ben Wikler
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 this show 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!
Derrick Van Orden’s Metamorphosis Is Complete (Hour 1)
Remember when US Rep. Derrick Van Orden, a former Navy SEAL, claimed he would be an independent voice for veterans and positioned himself as standing up against budget cuts that would hurt vets? After stiff-arming constituents by refusing to hold town halls, the only voice he’s hearing is from the guy in the White House who wants massive cuts to the Veterans Administration. So it wasn’t a big surprise to hear Van Orden trot out the “bureaucracy” bogeyman in his latest promise that VA cuts would be all about bureaucrats and not the quality of veterans’ health care. Also: Dan Shafer talked to us about his recent column on which legislators will be watched closely for signs of bipartisanship in their newly-competitive districts.
Mornings with Pat Kreitlow airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up.
Trumpism With Trump Is A Non-Starter (Hour 3)
Pat and Dan Shafer talk about recent election results around the world that again show how politicians trying to bring Trumpism to their countries aren’t seeing a lot of results at the ballot box. And Chad Holmes talks about a personal healthcare experience that should remind all men of a certain age not to take their health for granted.
Mornings with Pat Kreitlow airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up.
Wisconsin’s Political Off-Season
I’m Dan Shafer. Let’s recombobulate.
We are in a rare moment right now in Wisconsin politics. Why, you ask? Well, it’s because we are not actively in the middle of a campaign cycle. It’s been more than six weeks now since any of us have seen a campaign ad. It’s been pretty nice, hasn’t it?
This moment we’re in is as close as we’re going to get to a political offseason here in Wisconsin. And we need to take advantage of this moment by taking action to improve our democracy. That means taking steps to address money in politics, cleaning up some issues with election administration, and creating a long-term plan for nonpartisan redistricting.
In some cases, we can’t make these kinds of changes in the middle of the campaign. So we need to be thinking about what we can do now. There’s a lot both parties can agree on here, too. So let’s make some moves this offseason, Wisconsin. Seize this moment to make a better, stronger, more inclusive democracy.
Find all of Dan's work at The Recombobulation Area. Subscribe to The Recombobulation Area's podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and see more the Civic Media website.
What’s Your Summer Jam? (Hour 2)
We always enjoy having him on the show, because it's Friday and time to Recombobulate with Civic Media Political Editor Dan Shafer! He's got a new article on The Recombobulation Area about the 23 Wisconsin elected officials to watch in the next election. And Senior US Senator Ron Johnson has a problem with the budget bill and it's exactly what you think. Hey wanna see a play, go see Hairspray in Kenosha!! Wanna laugh? Go to The Laughing Tap this weekend!! And we discuss our favorite summer songs!! And because we love you, here is another This Shouldn't Be A Thing - Bottom Of The Bottle 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 Monday through Friday from 9 -11 am 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, they go a long way!
To learn more about the show 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 show on Facebook, X and YouTube to keep up with Jane and the show!
Sprinklers: A Matter of Life…and Cost
Maggie dives into the controversial discussion on the House Ways and Means Committee's tax proposals favoring the wealthy while gutting social benefits. She also critiques Trump's international dealings and highlights potential ethics violations. Dan Shafer, Political Editor, joins Maggie for "State Slate." Dan discusses the tragic Milwaukee apartment fire that killed five, spotlighting Wisconsin's lax sprinkler laws. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos's is against mandating sprinklers due to cost concerns. Is that enough to disregard a low-income tenants' safety? Maggie emphasizes the societal cost of inaction, urging for solutions that prioritize human life without exacerbating housing unaffordability.
The Maggie Daun Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 2-4 pm across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show 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 show on Facebook, X and Instagram to keep up with Maggie and the show!
Universities In The Face Of Fascism (Hour 3)
Professor Leah Horowitz spearheads a resolution for Big Ten schools to unite in defense of academic freedom, resisting pressure on curricula and funding. Facing legal threats, universities aim to form a mutual defense compact, with UW-Madison faculty overwhelmingly in support. Despite potential backlash, they argue acquiescence isn’t effective, pushing for solidarity among academic and public communities. The episode also touches on Wisconsin’s political maneuvers and the Republican state convention, underscoring the importance of civic engagement and activism.
Mornings with Pat Kreitlow airs on several stations across the Civic Media radio network, Monday through Friday from 6-9 am. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up.
Refusing to Have the Debate
I’m Dan Shafer. Let’s recombobulate.
The biggest thing that happens in Wisconsin's state government every two years is the state budget, and last week at the state capitol, Republican lawmakers took a step forward in the process, by voting out more than 600 measures from Governor Tony Evers’ proposal. This is now the fourth budget proposal that Evers has put forward, and each one has been met with a similar familiar fate.
Even as this has become the custom, it doesn’t have to be this way. Republicans could honestly engage with this budget and debate it on its merits. There are good, smart proposals here on everything from health care to education to child care to environmental protection. And if there are items here they disagree on, make the case! Have the debate!
By voting everything out and starting from scratch, they are letting down the people of Wisconsin they are elected to represent by refusing to have this debate on a very basic level. We should expect better.
By voting everything out and starting from scratch on their own, they are doing themselves a political disservice by continuing to adopt these stubborn, obstructionist tactics, and more importantly, they are letting down the people of Wisconsin they are elected to represent by refusing to have this conversation on a very basic level. We should expect better.
Find all of Dan's work at The Recombobulation Area. Subscribe to The Recombobulation Area's podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and see more the Civic Media website.
