Dan Shafer
Your Voice Matters This Budget Season
I’m Dan Shafer. Let’s recombobulate.
There’s been a whole lot happening in the political universe these past few months. Much of it has been rather discombobulating, you might say. From the first 100 days of the Trump administration to the high-stakes race for Wisconsin Supreme Court and everything else that went into the Spring Election in Wisconsin, it’s been a lot to wrap our heads around.
But now, we’re entering a new phase on Wisconsin’s political calendar. That’s right, we’re getting into budget season.
The biennial budget is the biggest thing that happens in state politics every two years, and our elected officials in the Assembly and Senate are going to be making some important decisions in the very near future.
Now is a great time to contact your representatives and let them know what you think our priorities should be for our next state budget. Because in a government by the people, participation is power, and your voice matters.
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.
Don’t Retire, And Make More Babies (Hour 1)
We’ll ask how we ended up with a government so hostile to even the concept of immigrants that its only plans are to ask people to make more babies and put off retirement. Sean Duffy is the latest in the Trump White House to hint at making retirement tougher for air traffic controllers in order to address a shortage that’s led to major travel delays. Also: Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan is getting plenty of bipartisan, high-powered legal help in addressing her politically-motivated arrest by President Trump’s FBI.
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.
Trump’s Tumbling Approval and Democratic Dilemmas
Maggie delves into the tumultuous first 100 days of Trump's second term, highlighting dismal approval ratings and widespread disapproval. Joined by Democratic strategist Tanya Bjork, they analyze Wisconsin's thoughts, revealing pessimism about economic policies and border issues. Maggie and Tanya also discuss Democrats' struggle with messaging, candidate authenticity, and the challenge of overcoming Republican rhetoric. Legal battles loom as Wisconsin joins a multi-state lawsuit against AmeriCorps cuts. Political Editor Dan Schafer joins Maggie for another edition of "State Slate." Dan adds insights on national implications, while Trump continues to deny negative polling, showcasing his detachment from reality. Strong messaging is vital for Democrats to reclaim lost ground.
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!
Recombobulation Percolation (Hour 3)
We’ll begin a weekly series of check-ins with Dan Shafer, Civic Media political editor and founder of the online news site The Recombobulation Area. He’ll tell us about the big political stories he expects to follow each week—and we suspect he’ll also express a high level of angst about his beloved Milwaukee Bucks. Plus, he’s hosting a Recombobulation Happy Hour! We’ll also check in with Chad Holmes on stories and topics he’s following in the Wausau area.
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.
Hold the Vote, Mr. Speaker
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)
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
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)
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 Facebook, BlueSky, YouTube, X, and Instagram to keep up with Civic Media!
A film premiere and the race for DPW Party Chair (Hour 1)
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 Facebook, BlueSky, YouTube, X, and Instagram to keep up with Civic Media!
Earls Last Stand but not the End (Hour 2)
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!
