Mike McCabe
Palantir Paranoia and Paper Boy Problems (Hour 2)
Today's episode kicks off with a drizzle-laden weather update before diving into a text-to-win contest for Brewers tickets. The conversation takes a serious turn with a deep dive into Palantir—an ominous data mining operation linked to the Trump administration and the military-industrial complex. John and Gordy discuss the unsettling implications of Palantir's data control over government agencies. Switching gears, they talk Florida's school vouchers being used for Disney Park tickets. Mike McCabe joins to discuss the evolution of news consumption from hefty newspapers to tweets, and the cultural shift in how we process information. Finally, the crew pokes fun at Trump’s attention span with the idea of turning intelligence briefings into Fox News-style broadcasts.
The John and Gordy Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-8 am on WMDX in Madison. 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 John & Gordy!
Forging Peace: Guns to Gardens (Hour 2)
Jeff Wilde and Dan Elsass discuss their innovative Guns and Gardens Safe Disposal Project, transforming firearms into gardening tools. Inspired by the book 'Raw Tools' by Michael Martin and Shane Claiborne, the project aims to get guns off the streets, offering gift cards for surrendered firearms. The initiative aligns with National Gun Violence Awareness Month, urging stricter background checks and red flag laws. Meanwhile, Mike McCabe critiques societal hypocrisy, contrasting modern actions with Christian teachings, highlighting the need for kindness in a cruel age. Weather forecasts and light banter with meteorologist Brittany Merlot offer a brief respite from the weighty topics.
The John and Gordy Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-8 am on WMDX in Madison. 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 John & Gordy!
Rural Revolts and Revolutionary Fans (Hour 2)
John and Gordy dive into a whirlwind of topics, from the reveal of producer Dom's real middle name to an amusing tale about a battery-operated pedestal fan. Kathryn calls in with a hilarious anecdote about Pete Schwaba's fasting mishap, and the episode takes a serious turn with Mike McCabe, discussing historical farmer revolts in Wisconsin and their impact on policy. The duo also discusses a contentious bill (the Big Bad Bill) affecting social safety nets and state responsibilities. Meteorologist Brittany Merlot joins to talk about the weather near and far, as distant as space! The show wraps with a nod to past agricultural struggles and future possibilities.
The John and Gordy Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-8 am on WMDX in Madison. 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 John & Gordy!
The Costly Casualties of Imagination (Hour 2)
In this lively episode, John and Gordy tackle the trials of modern America, from Trump's controversial policies to the housing crisis squeezing young families. They critique Trump's cuts to essential services like Medicaid and Meals on Wheels, questioning who truly benefits. Special guests, including Substack writer Mike McCabe, advocate for fresh ideas to tackle housing and education, like prohibiting hedge funds from buying single-family homes and expanding education to a P-14 system. The episode also covers Iceland's successful four-day workweek and the desperate need for universal healthcare. A stark call for imagination and reform in today's political landscape.
The John and Gordy Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-8 am on WMDX in Madison. 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 John & Gordy!
T-Shirts, Tariffs, and Tension (Hour 2)
John and Gordy kick off with playful jabs at dating advice and fashion faux pas—tucked-in T-shirts being a prime culprit. They shift to heavier topics like the FAA's staffing woes, linked to Sean Duffy and Elon Musk's mishaps. Talk of tariffs leads to Mattel's overseas manufacturing, raising questions about economic policy. Mike McCabe shares insights on rising wealth inequality and political frustration, while Judy Davidoff highlights local journalism challenges. The segment ends with a nod to the Community Immigration Law Center's efforts amid immigration tensions.
The John and Gordy Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-8 am on WMDX in Madison. 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 John & Gordy!
Even When the Sun Sets, It Shines Elsewhere
Hour two takes a bit darker and more dismal tone (great for a morning show!), as we learn about some of the high-profile and outrageous abductions (and accidental raids) by ICE. Speaking to a similar blend of cruelty and incompetence from the current administration, Mike McCabe joins us for his weekly appearance. He tells the story of an Arkansas man kicked off Medicaid, who later died as a result. Hope returns by the end of the hour, as Mike tells us that even when the sun sets, it shines elsewhere.
The John and Gordy Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-8 am on WMDX in Madison. 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 John & Gordy!
Chaos, Milk, and Medicaid Madness (Hour 2)
This episode dives into the topsy-turvy world of politics, where labels like 'conservative' and 'progressive' don't fit anymore. Elon Musk and Bill Proxmire's contrasting legacies highlight the clash between chaos and governance. The hosts also dissect RFK Jr.'s controversial moves to suspend milk quality testing amidst FDA budget cuts, sparking food safety concerns. The show tackles Medicaid cuts proposed by Republicans, stressing the urgent need for universal healthcare. With a touch of humor, they discuss bizarre public meltdowns, weather updates, and the paradox of deporting tax-paying migrants while billionaires dodge taxes. It's a whirlwind of current affairs and candid insights.
The John and Gordy Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-8 am on WMDX in Madison. 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 John & Gordy!
Evil Triplets
The Big Story of hour two is the news that Trump plans to close 30 embassies across the globe (!). We also talk about his plan to strip regulations of shower heads, put in place by the Biden administration, amid complaints that they don't provide enough water pressure. Speaking of pressure, Brittney Merlot, our WMDX Meteorologist enlightens us to the news that the high pressure system we're in will mean good weather today. Later, as we do every Wednesday, we welcome in Mike McCabe to chat about his most recent Substack article, on the evils of isolationism, protectionism, and nativism. Mike and the guys wrap up the hour chatting about hope, as well as the dire situation we face - since Harvard now sees taking an 8 billion dollar grant cut as more righteous, and less threatening, than the culture and information war by the Trump administration. Finally, someone has the guts to stand up.
The John and Gordy Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-8 am on WMDX in Madison. 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 John & Gordy!
Musk From The Past
After being surprised over the break that AI has written a first hour description for them, they read and critique it on the air, before jumping back into politics. We turn our attention outside as we chat with Brittney Merlot, our WMDX Meteorologist, for a look a the the weather, then listen to a clip of John Stewart, covering the debacle that Trump's tariffs are turning out to be. Later, we welcome in Mike McCabe for his weekly appearance. This time around, he takes us back into Wisconsin history, discussing the story of Byron Kilbourn. Much like Elon Musk, he was a business and transportation mogul - and also a corrupt politician who bought his way into power and influence. Kilbourn brought about an age of progressivism in Wisconsin (and the country!) - can Musk's actions promote, in a roundabout way, the same thing in the future?
The John and Gordy Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-8 am on WMDX in Madison. 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 John & Gordy!
Hope Comes Next
In hour two, the guys chat more about Susan Crawford's big win last night, talking with callers about their renewed sense of hope for Wisconsin. We also talk Cory Booker once again, who yesterday broke the record for longest Senate speech, in which he called on America to look in the mirror, and decide between right and wrong, rather than right and left. After the break, we welcome in Mike McCabe for his weekly appearance, and instead of chatting about his latest article on Substack, we talk about yesterday's election. He says that though no one and no thing can predict the future, we would be fools to think that yesterday didn't matter. It stands as an affront to Elon Musk, to which the discussion turns next, centered around his inhumanity in destroying the government. We also get his take on a clip, and response by a caller to it, from the last hour - with a woman angry that Democrats aren't doing anything, and the caller bringing up the few politicians who are. Mike says we ought to not just do something - we need to play offence. Instead of defending the status quo, we ought to dream about what society can be.
Read Mike's blog at mikemccabe.substack.com
The John and Gordy Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 6-8 am on WMDX in Madison. 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 John & Gordy!
