John Maino
Let’s Honor Memorial Day
It’s Memorial Day Weekend, and that’s our theme on NEWisco Weekend.

Our cover story features Civic Media’s very own John Maino and why telling the stories of veterans and those we’ve lost in service to our country is so important to him.
Teri Barr has a feature on the history of Memorial Day. Pete Schwaba stays on theme with a poignant film perfect for the weekend. We’ll have stories on Quilts of Valor and Summer safety when boating or swimming from Melissa Kaye, and Konrad Krueger tells us about the Green Bay Action Sports Organization. We wrap things up with Operation Song. It’s a meaningful and moving issue of NEWisco Weekend.

NEWisco Weekend is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays at 8 am and Sundays at 11 am on 97.9 WGBW and 98.3 and 96.5 WISS. 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, visit https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast lineup. Follow the show on Facebook to keep up with NEWisco Weekend.
Civic Media Spotlight for May 10th & 11th (Hour 2)
Up first this hour, State Rep Amaad Rivera-Wagner of the Green Bay area joins the Todd Allbaugh Show to talk about how he's working across the aisle to preserve the Green Bay Conservation Corps, Wisconsin's only local municipal branch of AmeriCorps. There's some really great stuff here about how people of WI (particularly GB) want to take care of each other.
Then on Maino & the Mayor, Alicia Wenger joins the show from Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services in Oshkosh. She shares the story of the organization's namesake and talks about all of the services that they offer individuals and families. Christine Ann touches the whole community from in-school programs to community education sessions.
Following that, Corinne Hendrickson is a child care professional and returns to Matenaer On Air to talk about the National Day of Action event happening on May 12 and the dire need for child care funding increases, which seems to be on the chopping block by the Wisconsin GOP. This will be their fourth year running "Day Without Childcare" as an event, which is taking place state-wide, too.
We wrap up the hour with a clip from Nite Lite with Pete Schwaba talking fairways and greens. Pete and producer Konrad talk about Kon’s golf game. Kon brags that he broke 100, and Pete jokes he almost did as well, but the windmill messed him up.
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!
Civic Media Spotlight for the Weekend of April 12th & 13th (Hour 1)
First up, in Matenaer On Air's next edition of Beyond The Cheese, we welcome Jeff Burns, President of Weinbrenner Shoe Co. and maker of Thorogood Boots. Located in Wisconsin since their start in 1892, Weinbrenner makes and ships shoes all over the world. A key point of the interview is Jeff speaking about changing the culture of the company from "Shut Up And Work" to focusing on employees knowing their value and the importance of family, which is how he refers to those who work at the company.
Then, Maino & the Mayor are joined by Dan Vermeulen to let us know about the work of Sleep In Heavenly Peace in Brown County. The group brings residents together to build beds for children under 17. Peace believes service is about much more than constructing beds for kids in need. Their mission is "No kid sleeps on the floor in our town." There are chapters in Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, and Appleton, and Dan says SIHP could also use chapters on the lakeshore.
Following that, during the middle of the Todd Allbaugh Show this week, Todd learns on-air about Trump's announcement of a 90-day pause on most non-China tariffs. The inconsistency and unpredictability of this administration are astounding. Todd talks about the impact of these actions on all of us.
Last up for this hour, Nite Lite with Pete Schwaba welcomes Mike Mercury to the show to talk about the bizarre tornado taco warnings on TV, questioning the nation's intelligence. Pete and Mike tell stories from the comedy circuit, venture into local casino gigs, and wrap up with a debate on the best White Lotus season.
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!
Civic Media Spotlight for the Weekend of April 5th & 6th (Hour 1)
It’s a really remarkable journey. And as parents, Chari and Kon Knueppel are enjoying every step of the way. The Milwaukee area couple’s oldest son, Kon, Jr., is a player on the Duke University basketball team. He’s a Freshman but is having quite a season. The Blue Devils will be playing in the Final Four – and with a win, there’s a chance to earn a spot in NCAA championship game. Chari and Kon are trying to attend every game. They joined John Maino and Jim Schmidt, hosts of Maino and the Mayor, to share the pride they’re feeling regarding their son’s accomplishments, and a brief update on why you may want to keep an eye on their other boys, too. (Kon will likely go in the 10th round of the NBA draft!)
Then, on Wednesday's Matenaer On Air show, the election is over, the ballots are (mostly) counted and Wisconsin is breathing a sigh of relief as the results show that we, the people are not for sale. Jane, Greg and Calvin give an overview of the election results and discuss what this means for Wisconsin and the country, going forward. They take calls from the listeners and read texts, as well who very happy to share their thoughts with the gang about Tuesday night.
After that, the Maggie Daun Show is joined by Gbenga Ajilore (Banga A 'as in apple'-juh-loree), Chief Economist at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Maggie and Gbenga discuss Trump's Liberation Day tariffs and their impact on farming and rural communities.
In the hour's final segment, Cliff Wall and Sam Vainisi join the Nite Lite with Pete Schwaba. Sam is the brother of Jack Vainisi, who is in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. Sam and Cliff share their pitch for why Jack's name should be considered for the NFL Hall of Fame.
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!
Civic Media Spotlight for March 22nd & 23rd (Hour 2)
To begin this hour, we check in on a conversation had on Maino & the Mayor this week. Cari Josephson from the Walk To End Alzheimer's brings a special guest with her: former Wisconsin Governor Marty Schreiber. Governor Schreiber has recently penned a book called My Two Elaines about his story of caregiving for his wife, Elaine. H e writes about having to watch his beloved wife gradually transform from the woman who had gracefully entertained in the Executive Residence to one who sometimes no longer recognized him as her husband. Net proceeds from the sales of My Two Elaines will be used to promote Alzheimer’s caregiver support programs.
After that, on the John and Gordy Show, the guys chat with Pam Jahnke from the Midwest Farm Report about some stories on her radar this week, including big changes coming to milk processing for cheese, and a new study out analyzing just how rural Wisconsin is these days.
Next, the Dom Salvia Show - with Matt Rothschild as cohost - talks with Julie Bomar, executive director of Wisconsin Farmers Union, about the devastating impact of President Trump's service cuts on Wisconsin farmers and food insecure populations. The programs cut in Wisconsin also linked farmers directly to schools, providing high quality nutritious food for students.
Closing out the week, UpNorthNews’ Christina Lorey joins Nite Lite with Pete Schwaba! Christina and Pete talk about the great work that UpNorthNews does, the best frozen pizzas in Wisconsin, and some inventions you might not know were from Wisconsin.
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!
Civic Media Spotlight for the Weekend of March 8th & 9th (Hour 2)
We cover a lot of politics on Civic Media, but we all need a break from the daily grind and some folks find that in a book club. Author Laura Bird is back on UpNorthNews Radio and instead of recommending books, she’s telling us all about how to find a good book club or how to create one that’s just right for you and your friends.
The, Maino & the Mayor is joined by Will Kocken from H.O.O.A.H, WI, to discuss what you can do this week: Invest in Veterans Week. He suggests reaching out one-on-one to have a conversation and donating to local veterans service organizations. Will also says that Northeast Wisconsin is very supportive of veterans and veteran service organizations.
After that on Matenaer On Air, Jane, Greg and Calvin are joined by host of Amicus: A Law Review, Jim Santelle for the start of a weekly segment where we will take a deep dive into the news coming out of the courts around the country, and possibly the world. This week we're talking about the decision from SCOTUS on whether or not President Trump can withhold payments from foreign aid groups and how one ally voted against the president. Jim also draws comparison between Trump and leaders of bygone days when they declare "I am the law".
The hour closes out with The John and Gordy Show welcoming back Mike McCabe to talk about claiming white as the symbolic color of those unhappy with either party.
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!
Civic Media Spotlight for February 22nd & 23rd (Hour 2)
Kicking off this hour, Maggie invites Gray Gunderson of Park Falls to talk about the Birkie on the Maggie Daun Show! They have a lot of great conversations, including a call from Jim in Brookfield about how much the event means and how little known it is here in WI despite drawing international visitors.
Then, Paul Vanden Plas with Wonderfully Wisconsin joins Maino & the Mayor. Paul uses social media platforms to share all the wonderful things Wisconsin has to offer. From local dive bars to state parks that folks may not know, Paul takes us there and shares the places, people, and history that make this state so awesome.
Next, sometimes, when a guest doesn't show up, you get a great conversation with the listeners on Matenaer On Air. In lieu of a Social Security advocate coming on the show to talk about the importance of protecting the nations most important "entitlements", we turned the mic to the audience and for three straight segments, we took call after call and listened to folks on or affected by social security, we read their texts and livestream comments. All of them express how vital that check is to their lives, and survival as well as what will happen if the current administration takes a machete to the money they've paid into, for so many years.
Last but not least, John and Gordy in the Morning welcomes back Mike McCabe to talk about the hardships, but also community from farm life, and how it can be a metaphor for what the country needs right now.
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!
Civic Media Spotlight for February 1st & 2nd (Hour 2)
To start off this hour of Civic Media Spotlight, we tune in to a segment from the Earl Ingram Show this week. Earl was joined by Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Judge Susan Crawford. They talk about what led her to choose her career path, the biggest issues she sees impacting this election, and how she hopes to navigate the highly partisan environment in Madison.
Then, on the Dom Salvia Show, Maggie Daun sticks around for the overtime with Dom to dig into the MEMO issued by Trump's White House stalling all federal loans and grants. Not an Executive Order. Not a directive to Congress to draft budget laws. A MEMO. Dom says the message is the chaos. Maggie says it's the fear. In truth, it's probably both.
After that on Maino & the Mayor, the director of the "Green and Gold Movie," Anders Lindwall, calls in to discuss the movie. Anders says that the movie is his heartfelt tribute to rural America's strength and perseverance. The movie stars Craig T. Nelson, and at its core, the movie is a tribute to the unsung heroes who shape communities and preserve traditions through kindness and hard work.
Last but not least, Nite Lite with Pete Schwaba welcomed filmmaker Nathan Deming to the show. Nathan talks about his upcoming film, February. Nathan shares dates and cities where the film is screening and Pete takes a Wisconsin based quiz that Nathan prepared.
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!
Civic Media Spotlight for January 25th & 26th (Hour 2)
This hour of Civic Media Spotlight is all about community and the sports that bring Wisconsinites together.
On Maino & the Mayor, we have a very important conversation with Sarah Danahy, the Executive Director at Community for Hope of Greater Oshkosh. She talks about "Project Safeguard" and also the Suicide Survivor Loss Support Group that they facilitate. Great tips for people thinking about suicide or folks who are concerned about family or friends who may be thinking about suicide. We have wonderful organizations in our communities to help, and we love to spread the information.
Then, on Nite Lite with Pete Schwaba, Pete is joined by comedian and actor from Major League, Skip Griparis. Skip talks about his act featuring rock music. He also shares his experience on Major League with Bob Uecker, and talks touring with Olivia Newton John.
Then, on the Maggie Daun Show, Maggie honors a former Milwaukee Brewer who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this week. Maggie brings some listeners to tears as she gives props to CC Sabathia and the incredible moment of shared joy and connection that he gave the state of Wisconsin on Sept 9, 2008.
Finally, on the John & Gordy Show, the guys are joined by Pat McBride, author of The Luckiest Boy In The World, to talk about working for the Brewers, Bucks, and Packers all at the same time, as a teenager. He also went on to medical school and is now a retired professor from the University of Wisconsin.
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!
Civic Media Spotlight for January 11th & 12th (Hour 2)
Kicking off the hour, Matenaer On Air speaks about what took place at the US Capitol 4 years ago and why we need to always remember the actions of those who tried to stand in the way of our elections and never give into the rewriting of those who stood by, supported and/or participated as "patriots" or "hostages".
After that on Nite Lite with Pete Schwaba, Madison Musician, Katie Scullin joins the show. Katie talks about what she has been doing over the past couple months. Katie shares she is writing and recording music for an album! Katie sings a song live in the studio titled "Sweet Escape."
Following that, the Earl Ingram Show is joined by Attorney Roy Evans, Earl and Roy discuss the history behind the necessity for DEI and affirmative action programs in the lead up to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.
Finally, Landon Jones from his company RSPKT joins Maino & the Mayor to talk about the commercial he created for Doritos to air during the Super Bowl! Born and raised in Green Bay, he's a semi-finalist with 24 other creators, and if his commercial is chosen, it WILL air during the game, and he will receive a million-dollar prize! If you haven't seen the commercial, you can see it HERE. We're behind this guy all the way!
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!