Published by 620 WTMJ
Hosted by Steve Scaffidi & Kristin Brey, Point Taken is for the politically curious and self described political junkie. Steve & Kristin explore, debate, & offer insight into the world of Wisconsin & national politics.
Listen on Apple PodcastsSteve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discuss the ongoing protests in Madison following the police shooting of Corey Ruiz before reflecting on the 14th anniversary of the Sikh Temple shooting in Oak Creek. Steve shares personal memories from his time as mayor and the lessons he learned about leadership, community, and resilience. Later, the hosts break down the latest Marquette Law School Poll on Wisconsin's governor's race, discuss what voters are looking for in their next governor, and preview another year broadcasting live from the Wisconsin State Fair.
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discuss the latest U.S. tariffs on Canada with economist Todd Hirsch before asking a bigger question: if Americans could build a platform for an independent political candidate, what issues could everyone actually agree on? Later, the hosts react to Aaron Rodgers' latest comments about Dr. Anthony Fauci, new messaging from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on vaccines, the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak, and a surprising workplace trend involving Generation Z employees bringing their parents to job interviews.
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by WISN-TV Political Director Matt Smith to look back at last week's Democratic gubernatorial debate, discuss Francesca Hong's growing momentum, and ask whether she's winning the race—or if everyone else is simply falling behind. Later, Annex Wealth Management CEO Dave Spano joins for a Monday Market Preview on the latest jobs report, GDP growth, and what Wisconsin's governor's race could mean for the economy. The show wraps with Kristin sharing stories from the Bristol Renaissance Faire and a behind-the-scenes tour of Milwaukee's historic Central Library.
Joe Zepecki and Bill McCoshen join Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey to react to Mandela Barnes dropping out of Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, what it means for Francesca Hong and the remaining candidates, and whether Democrats can unite before facing Republican Tom Tiffany. The panel also discusses Ben Wikler’s political future and the continuing scrutiny of Dr. Anthony Fauci. It wraps up the week with Say Something Nice, Grab Bags, the Week-In-Review, and a few lighter conversations heading into the weekend.
A Tornado sweeps through the Fox Valley, the Governor's race thins, Packers training camp begins, and more… It's the Week-In-Review brought to you by Outdoor Living Unlimited.
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey dive into one of Wisconsin's fastest-growing political issues: data centers. After Kristin MC'd a gubernatorial forum on the topic, the hosts break down where the Democratic candidates stand, how communities are responding, and whether the incentives offered to tech companies are worth it. Later, City Forward Collective's Colleston Morgan discusses school choice in the governor's race, WIARA President Ross Winklbauer shares the biggest concerns facing Wisconsin's aging population, and the show wraps with a spirited conversation about profanity in politics following a Senate hearing featuring Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey break down Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial debate, discussing which candidates helped themselves, why the tone stayed surprisingly civil, and what the latest Marquette Law School Poll says about the race heading into the final stretch. Later, We Energies' Brendan Conway explains how utilities manage trees after severe storms and the growing demand for power from data centers. The show wraps with a preview of the Wisconsin State Fair, complete with cream puffs in studio.
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey ask a simple question with complicated answers: what does it really mean to be "America First?" They debate manufacturing, wages, corporate responsibility, and hear from listeners before turning their attention to Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial debate and the impact of Governor Tony Evers' endorsement. Later, former U.S. Attorney James Santelle and retired Judge Mary Kuhnmuench join the show to discuss legal challenges involving mail-in ballots, election law, the U.S. Supreme Court, and several major cases working their way through Wisconsin's courts.
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by WISN-TV's Matt Smith and Gerron Jordan to preview Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary debate. The moderators discuss what goes into preparing for a debate, the biggest storylines heading into the night, and what they'll be looking for from the candidates. The hosts also discuss President Trump's recent White House Correspondents' Dinner speech before severe weather coverage cut the show short.
Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki and Republican strategist Bill McCoshen take over Point Taken to break down the final stretch of Wisconsin's gubernatorial primary. They discuss Francesca Hong's momentum, what each campaign needs to do in the closing days, and whether either party will ultimately unite behind its nominee. Later, WISN-TV Political Director Matt Smith joins the conversation to preview next week's Democratic debate, discuss the latest Marquette Law School Poll, and explain what he'll be watching as moderator. The show also examines the political impact of the war with Iran, a police shooting in Madison, and wraps up with Say Something Nice, Grab Bag, and a Week-in-Review.
Crowley re-enters the race, the Wisconsin Badgers return, AirVenture is underway, & more… It's the Week-In-Review brought to you by Outdoor Living Unlimited.
Steve Scaffidi is joined by ESPN Milwaukee’s Alex Strouf to react to WTMJ becoming the new radio home of Wisconsin Badgers football, men’s basketball, and volleyball. They discuss what the partnership means for the future of Badgers athletics, Jordan Love’s outlook heading into the Packers’ season, and Steve’s upcoming trip to Cabo with Fox World Travel’s Rose Gray. Later, City Stories with Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene covers the latest developments surrounding former Wisconsin Center District CEO Marty Brooks, new reporting on David Crowley’s old social media posts, and several major development projects across Milwaukee.
With Kristin away this week, Steve flies solo on Overtime. He shares his perspective on Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial race, why he believes the party is creating unnecessary chaos, and how its messaging could be costing it support among independent voters. Agree or disagree, it's a candid look at campaign strategy from the other side of the aisle.
Steve Scaffidi breaks down the latest twist in Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary after Democrats asked the Wisconsin Elections Commission to let absentee voters redo their ballots following weeks of candidate shakeups. He also examines what the political chaos could mean as momentum continues to shift heading into the primary. Later, Steve asks listeners which issues matter most to them in Wisconsin, discusses the rise in measles cases and declining vaccination rates, revisits the health benefits of coffee, and shares why unplugging from your phone might be one of the healthiest things you can do.
Steve Scaffidi and guest co-host Todd Allbaugh take a deep dive into Wisconsin’s rapidly changing gubernatorial race and the growing divide between Democratic establishment leaders and the party’s progressive wing. Later, Dawn Carillo shares why buying local at farmers markets matters now more than ever, the hosts react to new research on coffee and heart health, and Lincoln Project Senior Advisor Trygve Olson weighs in on where the governor’s race goes from here.
Steve Scaffidi is joined on the phone by Milwaukee Brewers Outfielder Sal Frelick to talk about his upcoming Best Buddies fundraiser, "Game Night" with Sal," growing up in Massachusetts, and coming to the Brewers!
Steve Scaffidi is joined by WISN-TV Political Director Matt Smith to break down another dramatic shakeup in Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary after David Crowley re-entered the race, Sara Rodriguez exited, and Governor Tony Evers threw his support behind Crowley. They also discuss why the latest Marquette Law School Poll may already be outdated and what to watch for in the upcoming primary debate. Later, Annex Wealth Management CEO Dave Spano joins for a Monday Market Preview, and Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick and Best Buddies Wisconsin’s Jennifer Walkowiak stop by to talk about their upcoming fundraiser and the organization’s mission of creating opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by Joe Zepecki and Jake Curtis to react to the breaking news that Sara Rodriguez has dropped out of Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary. They discuss how the race changes overnight, who benefits, and whether Rodriguez has a future in politics. Later, the panel debates President Trump’s latest address on election integrity, voter fraud investigations in Wisconsin, and other national political headlines before wrapping up with Kinship Community Food Center’s vision for its new home in Milwaukee.
A scandal in the Governor's race, smoke fills the city, the Greek Freak hits Miami, and more… It's the Week-In-Review brought to you by Outdoor Living Unlimited
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey break down the latest campaign finance reports in Wisconsin’s governor’s race, discussing which candidates gained momentum, who stumbled, and why they believe it’s too early for absentee voters to mail in their ballots. Later, City Forward Collective’s Colleston Morgan joins to compare the candidates’ education plans, while City Stories with Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene covers Milwaukee’s newest riverwalk, transit changes, ICE enforcement, and several major development projects across the city.