Dan Shafer

Wisconsin’s Political Off-Season

May 16, 2025

Guest: Dan Shafer

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)

May 16, 2025

Guest: Dan Shafer

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

May 13, 2025

Guest: Dan Shafer

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)

May 13, 2025

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

May 9, 2025

Guest: Dan Shafer

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.

Da Pope! (Hour 2)

May 9, 2025

Guest: Dan Shafer

Dan Shafer is not only the Political Editor of Civic Media, but he's also the Found of the multi-award winning Recombobulation Area. Dan joins us every Friday to recombobulate the news from around the state. We're talking about the gutting of the state budget by the Republicans, Tax Credits for movies made in Wisconsin and The New Pope, who is Southside for life (IYKYK). We wrap it all up with This Shouldn't Be A Thing - Tanks For The Memories 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!

Hopes for a Better State Budget—Gone (Hour 1)

May 7, 2025

Guest: Dan Shafer

Republicans running the Wisconsin Legislature have just released the first list of actions they plan to take on the next state budget—starting with killing 612 items requested by Gov. Tony Evers and a parade of Wisconsinites testifying at Joint Finance Committee hearings. Help for childcare? Gone. Help with children being poisoned by lead paint or water lines? Gone. Fighting PFAS in drinking water? Gone. Expanding Medicaid to cover more families? Gone. Repealing taxes on tips and utility bills? Gone. Incentives to freeze local property taxes? Gone. And on it goes.

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.

Ed Martin’s Nomination: A Recipe for Disaster

May 6, 2025

Maggie and guest host former U.S. Attorney Jim Santelle dive deep into the alarming nomination of Ed Martin as U.S. Attorney for D.C., highlighting his startling lack of prosecutorial experience and questionable qualifications. Maggie and Jim dissect Martin's problematic history, including his ties to conspiracy theories and Russian media. They also question the moral obligations of Americans when faced with such incompetence in high office. Dan Shafer, Political Editor, also joins for 'State Slate.' Dan discusses Wisconsin's budget cuts targeting crucial social services and critiques a new GOP gubernatorial contender's divisive tactics.

Remember to contact Ron Johnson and tell him NOT to confirm Ed Martin:
Milwaukee Office: (414) 276-7282
Madison Office: (608) 240-9629
Oshkosh Office: (920) 230-7250
Washington, DC Office: (202) 224-5323

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!

Beating Up on Struggling Families–Again (Hour 3)

May 6, 2025

Guest: Dan Shafer

The Wisconsin Legislature has scheduled a busy week of committee hearings. But some of the bills being put forward by Republican lawmakers are retreads—vetoed previously by Gov. Evers and sure to be rejected again, since lots of folks think legislators could be doing more to help struggling families rather than punishing them for losing their jobs or for simply being poor. We’ll get an update from Dan Shafer. And we’ll check in on stories around the Wausau area with Chad Holmes.

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.

Please, Just Don’t (Hour 2)

May 2, 2025

Guest: Dan Shafer

In the second hour, it's Friday so it's time to Recombobulate with Civic Media's Political Editor Dan Shafer! We're talking about the Trump Administration, which has made massive cuts to The AmeriCorps Program and it's going to affect everyone. Also, there was record turnout for the last election in the face of measures to suppress and intimidate voters. Then, for our Audio Sorbet, we want to know from you: What piece of technology do you refuse to adopt? And friends...let's end this week right, with This Shouldn't Be A Thing - In Awhile Crocodile 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!

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