Dan Shafer

Hold the Vote, Mr. Speaker

April 25, 2025

Guest: Dan Shafer

I’m Dan Shafer. Let’s recombobulate. 

On April 22 in the Wisconsin State Senate, something happened that you don’t see too often — a high profile bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. The Republican-controlled chamber voted 32-1 to extend Medicaid coverage for new moms from 60 days to 12 months. Wisconsin is one of only two U.S. states to not have already extended this critical postpartum coverage. 

So, with that kind of support, you’d expect the bill to pass, right?

Well, not exactly. Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has repeatedly blocked this legislation from coming up for a vote. Several Republican state representatives have been speaking out on this, urging Vos to change his tune, but he has not budged. 

It’s time for Vos to end this charade and allow this bill to come up for a vote. If he’s opposed, he can still vote against it, but one person should not block a bill that has already been supported by the majority of his own party, the majority of his own caucus. Let the people vote, Mr. Speaker.

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 Sign? (Hour 2)

April 25, 2025

Guest: Dan Shafer

In the second hour, Civic Media's Political Editor and Recombobulation Area Founder Dan Shafer is here to break down the news. We expound on more info regarding the Milwaukee Judge who was arrested by the FBI. We also discuss the NFL Draft and big news about The Laughing Tap! For today's Audio Sorbet; hey...what's your sign? Because this will determine your ideal grilled cheese sandwich. And it's the end of the week, so let's celebrate with This Shouldn't Be A Thing - When Love Comes Knocking 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!

Justice Lies and Vos’s Vendetta

April 22, 2025


Maggie delves into the chaotic realm of politics and policy, dissecting the latest legal battles over due process rights under the Alien Enemies Act. She and Gray Gunderson spend "Your Neck of the Woods" lambasting Justice Samuel Alito's dissent as partisan hackery, exposing the lies and flaws in his arguments. Meanwhile, despite overwhelming bipartisan support, Wisconsin's political landscape is ablaze with Robin Vos blocking Medicaid expansion for new moms, as Political Editor Dan Shafer explains during "State Slate". Plus, Jeramey Jannene from "Urban Milwaukee" joins Maggie this hour to discuss the use of drones by the Milwaukee police departments. Read more here: https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2025/04/22/milwaukee-police-creating-a-drone-team/.

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!

Immigration implications and the ‘quiet war’ on education (Hour 2)

April 21, 2025

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.

In the final half hour of the show, Emily Tseffos joins Dan and Angela to highlight the GOP's 'quiet war' on public education in Wisconsin, critiquing inadequate funding and legislative neglect. On a lighter note to end the show, Dan and Angela hold a spirited debate over the best Girl Scout cookies, revealing stark differences in their cookie preferences.

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 FacebookBlueSkyYouTubeX, and Instagram to keep up with Civic Media!

A film premiere and the race for DPW Party Chair (Hour 1)

April 21, 2025

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 police shooting of 18-year-old Tyrese West in Racine, Wisconsin. The film explores systemic injustices and the historical cycle of racial violence, emphasizing the need for understanding and change.

In the second half hour, Joe Zepecki joins Dan and Angela to discuss his candidacy for Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair. Joe shares what his vision would be as chair, advocating for bold leadership and urgent reforms, particularly in immigration and communication strategies. Joe also urges Democrats to stand firm on their values.

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 FacebookBlueSkyYouTubeX, and Instagram to keep up with Civic Media!

Earls Last Stand but not the End (Hour 2)

April 21, 2025

Guest: Dan Shafer

Earl Ingram says goodbye to his radio show, looking back on his path from a segregated audience to one that embraces diversity. He highlights the significance of community conversations and commits to ongoing advocacy for pressing matters, such as lead exposure in Milwaukee's educational institutions. In his emotional farewell, listeners call in to commend his honesty and influence. Alongside Dan Shafer, they explore Earl's upcoming emphasis on Milwaukee's political landscape and community concerns. As he wraps up, Earl's steadfast commitment to truth, social justice, and the strength of united voices shines through.

The Earl Ingram Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 8-10 am across the state. 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 and X to keep up with Earl and the show!

Rugby, Comprehensive Plans, and the Fight for Wisconsin’s Land

April 15, 2025


Gray Gunderson joins Maggie for "Your Neck of the Woods. Maggie and Gray dive into the intricacies of comprehensive plans, highlighting the impact on zoning, land use, and community development. They emphasize the ongoing battle in Oneida County over extractive land use, where economic interests clash with environmental preservation. Maggie explains the concept of 'negative externalities', urging us to consider who truly benefits from zoning decisions. Dan Shafer, Political Editor, joins Maggie for "State Slate" offers insights into Wisconsin's political scene, focusing on potential gubernatorial candidates and the leadership race within the Democratic Party. Plus Jeramey Jannnene from 'Urban Milwaukee' joins Maggie for "Milwaukee As a Microcosm." Maggie and Jeramey touch on the alarming cuts to the CDC's lead program under the Trump administration, raising concerns about public health preparedness. You can read more by going to https://urbanmilwaukee.com/.

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!

Addressing Lead in Milwaukee Schools

April 15, 2025

Guest: Dan Shafer

I’m Dan Shafer. Let’s recombobulate. 

In recent months, Milwaukee health officials have uncovered significant lead hazards in city schools, mostly due to lead-based paint. Several schools have been closed as the problem has been found to be more widespread.

In late March, city officials formally requested help from the CDC  , but in doing so, they learned that the CDC’s entire lead program had been eliminated by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 

This is a major problem. Children in the state’s largest city are being exposed to lead poisoning at their schools, and the Trump administration is not only refusing to provide assistance, they are eliminating the entire lead program that would help in cases like this one. 

Now, state and local officials must step up to do something for these kids, since Trump and RFK Jr. are gutting federal support. Milwaukee’s children deserve 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.

Happy Milwaukee Day with Dan Shafer (Hour 1)

April 14, 2025

Guest: Dan Shafer

This morning, a crew of six women including Gayle King and Katy Perry made their way into space before safely touching back down. Todd watched live, and he gives us a recap. 

Happy 414 Day! Dan Shafer, Founder of The Recombobulation Area and Civic Media’s Political Editor, joins us to celebrate Milwaukee. As part of 414 Day, paid subscriptions to The Recombobulation Area are 41.4% off, and there will be some giveaways to new subscribers. Head over to www.therecombobulationarea.news to learn more about how you can stay up-to-date on Wisconsin politics and support independent journalism. 

At the bottom of the hour, Todd takes a break in covering all of Trump’s tariffs to remind us that MAGA merch is made in China. Donald Trump is a fundamentally dishonest man who will do anything for money. Despite all of his anti-China rhetoric, he still does business there. This weekend, Trump also spoke on immigration policy, proposing that all undocumented people should be deported and then given an opportunity to come back “the right way.” Todd has experience working with US immigration policy, and this approach is absolutely divorced from reality. 

The Todd Allbaugh Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 12 - 2 pm across Wisconsin. 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 YouTube to keep up with Todd and the show!

Civic Media Spotlight for the Weekend of April 12th & 13th (Hour 2)

April 12, 2025

First up this hour, Earl shares the story of the upcoming annual Special Needs Prom coming up at Washington High School on the Earl Ingram Show. The event is one of the most anticipated events of the year. This year, they are turning the cafeteria into a stunning Emerald City. In its 22nd year, this beloved occasion promotes inclusion and provides a catered dinner, elegant attire, and an evening filled with unforgettable happiness for students with special needs.

After that, John and Gordy in the Morning welcome back Mike McCabe to talk with the show about Byron Kilbourn, a Wisconsin politician from the 1800s, and the parallels between him and  Elon Musk with corruption and money in politics.

Next, UpNorthNews Radio with Pat Kreitlow talks rural healthcare. Even as more rural hospitals close and corporate medicine shrinks its local footprints, a group in the Chippewa Valley believes the time has come to return to a hospital model based on local, nonprofit, independent ownership. If they succeed in replacing hospitals that closed last year in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, will it be a blueprint for restoring healthcare options around the rest of the state?

And last but not least, Dan Shafer joins the Maggie Daun Show to discuss the breaking news that Ben Wikler will not be re-running for WI Democrats chair. Dan provides some background on Wikler and discusses possible names that could run for the position.

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!

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