Explore every episode of the podcast Point Taken with Steve Scaffidi & Kristin Brey

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey talk with WISN 12’s Matt Smith about the upcoming Wisconsin governor’s debate, Tom Tiffany’s plane crash, and the changing political landscape. The show also examines backlash over a controversial post about Tiffany, growing concerns about artificial intelligence, interest rates and regulation with Dr. Brian Jacobsen, and the Packers’ loss with Alex Strouf. Catch Point Taken weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon Central on 620 WTMJ or wherever you get your podcasts.

Steve Scaffidi, Kristin Brey, Bill McCoshen, and Joe Zepecki reflect on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, how the attacks changed America, and whether the country can still come together during moments of crisis. 9/11 Memorial & Museum The Political Power Hour continues with a discussion of the 2026 midterms, the canceled Wisconsin Broadcasters Association gubernatorial debate, rising oil and gas prices, and the FCC’s dispute with Jimmy Kimmel. The panel also shares final thoughts on remembering 9/11, public service, and political unity. Wisconsin Broadcasters Association debate report Catch Point Taken weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon Central on 620 WTMJ or wherever you get your podcasts.

Trump rallies in Dallas, the Crew sweeps the Cubs, remembering 25 years ago, and more... It's the Week-In-Review brought to you by Outdoor Living Unlimited.

Todd Allbaugh fills in for Steve Scaffidi as he and Kristin Brey discuss President Trump’s proposed $5,000 payment, concerns about artificial intelligence, and Jimmy Kimmel moving a James Talarico interview to YouTube amid reported FCC pressure. Jeramey Jannene joins the show to discuss Milwaukee’s pothole problem, lawsuits facing the city, and MCTS plans to expand bus routes and ridership. Catch Point Taken weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon Central on 620 WTMJ or wherever you get your podcasts.

Todd Allbaugh fills in for Steve Scaffidi as he and Kristin Brey discuss the Brewers’ latest win, Tom Tiffany skipping the GOP convention, and where both parties stand in Wisconsin. Business psychologist Dr. Russell J. Barcelona joins the show to explain the roots of political polarization and how people can move beyond tribal thinking. Plus, a debate over whether artificial intelligence could threaten humanity, food recalls, and a reaction to Jon Stewart’s comments about air quality in New York City. Catch Point Taken weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon Central on 620 WTMJ or wherever you get your podcasts.

Todd Allbaugh fills in for Steve Scaffidi as he and Kristin Brey discuss Canada tariffs, Wisconsin exports, rising costs, and the debate over child care funding and stay-at-home parents. Dave Spano explains how tariffs could affect the markets and what investors can do to protect themselves. Plus, a recap of the Badgers’ loss, the incredible punt that reached the 1-yard line, the history of Labor Day, and a look ahead at the week in Wisconsin politics. Catch Point Taken weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon Central on 620 WTMJ or wherever you get your podcasts.

Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki and Republican strategist Bill McCoshen join Point Taken to discuss Donald Trump’s impact on the 2026 midterms, his potential Super PAC involvement, Pete Hegseth’s leadership at the Pentagon, and whether Americans feel safer today. The panel also debates mail-in voting, Wisconsin’s governor and attorney general races, polling, campaign spending, and the future of election strategy. Plus, Say Something Nice, the Grab Bag, and Week in Review. Catch Point Taken weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon Central on 620 WTMJ or wherever you get your podcasts.

School is in session, a building collapses, the I-94 rivalry series continues, and more... It's the Week-In-Review brought to you by Outdoor Living Unlimited.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discuss the biggest issues facing voters in Wisconsin’s governor’s race, while City Forward Collective highlights the growth of Augustine Preparatory Academy. Jeramey Jannene joins for City Stories to break down Milwaukee’s Flock camera debate, Water Street restaurant closings and new openings, workforce housing, Bay View businesses, changes inside Milwaukee city government, and a New Berlin mayor accused of anti-Muslim racism.

Kristin Brey and Steve Scaffidi dive into a bizarre social media trend involving Gen Z men embracing their “natural musk” in hopes that supposed pheromones will help attract women. The conversation somehow travels from deodorant and dating to ancient hygiene, the Oregon Trail, Steve’s preferred deodorant and the important realization that most of human history probably smelled pretty terrible. Would you date someone who stopped wearing deodorant because they thought their natural scent made them more attractive?

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discuss warning signs in Florida’s housing market, whether Democrats need more “manly men,” and why voters want hard work to pay off. Waupun Mayor Ron Bishop defends his city’s use of Flock cameras, plus a look at college costs, declining enrollment, Oak Creek’s Lion Fest, Waupun’s sculptures, and the $500 AI toothbrush. Catch Point Taken weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon Central on 620 WTMJ or wherever you get your podcasts.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discuss the Trump administration’s latest boundary-pushing moves, from renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America” to the “Big Beautiful Ballroom,” and ask a bigger question: who actually steps in when the government goes too far? Plus, MapQuest unexpectedly becomes the lone holdout. Later, George Santos gets banned from Kalshi for betting on his own behavior, prompting a conversation about prediction markets, insider trading, and whether easy access to gambling is helping kill the appeal of Las Vegas. The second hour turns to back-to-school season, empty nests, and the legal documents families should consider once their children turn 18.

Broadcasting live from the Salvation Army’s Swing for the Kettle Golf Invitational, Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discuss rising back-to-school costs and hear from listeners about what families are spending this year. Milwaukee Area Commander Major Beverly Gates and Captain Shannell Johnson join to explain how the Salvation Army supports local families and what donations can do for the community. Plus, Steve and Kristin discuss political campaigns and the U.S. Department of Defense quietly paying online influencers, while Annex Wealth Management CEO Dave Spano breaks down the latest on oil, interest rates, and the economy.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki to discuss President Trump’s latest trade fight with Canada, his continued push against mail-in voting, and how his policies could affect Republicans like Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany heading into November. The conversation also covers Wisconsin’s growing tax surplus, the expanding debate over data centers, and the challenges of regulating emerging technology. Later, Steve and Kristin discuss serious allegations involving Packers running back Josh Jacobs and broader concerns surrounding player safety in the NFL before wrapping up with Say Something Nice, Grab Bags, and the Week-In-Review.

A trade war with Canada, a contentious mayor, Jacobs faces misdemeanor charges, and more... It's the Week-In-Review brought to you by Outdoor Living Unlimited.

Bill Gates is warning about the potential dangers of AI, but how worried should we actually be? Steve and Kristin discuss everything from job losses and corporate responsibility to some of the much scarier possibilities being raised by people inside the technology industry. They also ask whether tech companies can responsibly regulate themselves — and whether the government can possibly keep up. AI is already part of everyday life. The bigger question is where it goes from here.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey look ahead to the new school year as Wisconsin’s classroom phone restrictions take effect, hearing from parents, teachers, and students about how districts are preparing. Later, Teach For America Milwaukee Executive Director Michael Nguyen joins Forward Thinking to discuss why Milwaukee’s educational success matters statewide. In City Stories, Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene covers a botched response to a 911 controversy, Milwaukee’s ongoing Flock camera debate, housing concerns, and the latest claims being made in Wisconsin’s governor’s race.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discuss what makes someone a good communicator before turning to a pair of brands facing backlash over controversial ads and products. They also examine changing attitudes toward the U.S. overseas, President Trump’s continued influence within the Republican Party, and Meta’s multibillion-dollar settlement over harm to younger users. Later, Wisconsin Policy Forum’s Mark Sommerhauser joins to explain Wisconsin’s growing “brain drain” and why college-educated residents are leaving much of the Midwest. Steve and Kristin also remember Dolly Parton and the work that made her a beloved figure across political lines.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey ask a question that’s getting harder to answer: where are teenagers actually supposed to hang out? As more businesses and public spaces restrict teens, they discuss summer jobs, screen time, and whether adults have helped create the online generation they complain about. Later, the hosts react to Islamophobic social media posts from New Berlin’s longtime mayor and hear from a Muslim resident who knows him personally. Motherhood for Good founder Kate Duffy also joins to discuss teens, school-issued technology, life as an influencer, and Wisconsin politics.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by WISN-TV Political Director Matt Smith to discuss Milwaukee’s primary election clerical error and how political polling continues to evolve heading into the Crowley-Tiffany general election. Later, Steve and Kristin examine falling crime rates in Milwaukee and across the country and ask listeners whether they actually feel safer. Annex Wealth Management CEO Dave Spano breaks down the national debt, trade tensions with Canada, and America’s changing economy before ESPN Milwaukee’s Alex Strouf debuts a new weekly Packers segment, The Point After.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by Joe Zepecki and Bill McCoshen to debate whether data centers have become the defining issue in Wisconsin’s governor’s race — and why neither David Crowley nor Tom Tiffany may have landed on the position voters actually want. The panel also asks what will really decide the race by November and takes a closer look at why political polls should be treated as snapshots rather than predictions. Plus, election controversy, Say Something Nice, Grab Bags, Flock cameras and the Week-In-Review.

A fight at Spin City, the Brewers bring the thunder, record-breaking debt, and more... It's the Week-In-Review brought to you by Outdoor Living Unlimited.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey tackle the national debt as it climbs past $40 trillion, asking whether voters or Congress actually care enough to do something about it. They also react to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s concerns about his daughter attending Harvard and debate whether parents should trust how they raised their kids when they head off to college. Later, Steve and Kristin reveal the results of their Extra Points survey on data centers and discuss why tech companies have done such a poor job earning the public’s trust. Plus, another controversial technology enters the conversation: Flock cameras.

Kiristin Brey and Steve Scaffidi debate Arizona State University’s new bachelor’s degree in content creation, offered through the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The program is designed to teach students how to create video, podcasts and social media content while building a personal brand. Steve sees an opportunity to produce better, more informed content creators. Kristin questions whether students should spend four years—and potentially significant tuition—learning skills they could develop simply by creating content themselves. The conversation gets into a bigger question about the future of higher education: Should college teach you how to become a creator, or should it give you expertise worth creating content about?

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discuss how businesses should respond to severe weather after tornado warnings swept through Milwaukee County, then turn to ABC and Disney pushing back against FCC threats involving broadcast licenses and what it means for a free press. Later, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter John Diedrich and firearms instructor Vee Taylor-Tate discuss responsible gun ownership and firearm education, while Citizens Utility Board Executive Director Tom Content breaks down Wisconsin’s data center boom and who could ultimately pay for the additional energy demand. Plus, who is Natalie Harp, and are Amazon delivery drones proof that we’re getting too impatient?

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discuss Canada’s push to expand citizenship through ancestry and ask listeners whether they’d ever consider moving or retiring abroad. They also tackle social media addiction and test out the Brick, a device created by UW-Madison students to help people stay off distracting apps. Later, Steve and Kristin ask whether political polling actually helps voters after another election cycle full of misses, discuss the role of focus groups, and highlight a troubling rise in fatal ATV and UTV crashes among older Wisconsinites. Plus, where do Packers fans rank among the most passionate fanbases?

Back in the studio, Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey turn their attention to the general election matchup between David Crowley and Tom Tiffany. What issues will decide Wisconsin’s next governor, and could Tiffany’s ties to President Trump and election denial become a liability? Later, Annex Wealth Management CEO Dave Spano joins for a Monday Market Preview, Steve and Kristin debate whether political disagreement has turned into hate, and they ask what grades are actually supposed to accomplish after the University of Michigan changes how first-semester students see them. ESPN Milwaukee’s Alex Strouf also previews the 2026 Packers season.

Live from the Wisconsin State Fair, Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by Joe Zepecki and Bill McCoshen to look ahead to the general election after David Crowley’s Democratic primary victory. Can Francesca Hong’s supporters rally behind Crowley, and what baggage does Republican Tom Tiffany bring into November? The panel also discusses Wisconsin’s congressional races, the ongoing Iran war and sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, inflation, data centers, and the renewed fight over vaccines before wrapping up with Say Something Nice, Grab Bags and their favorite State Fair moments.

Primary Election Day in Wisconsin, rare video games in Waukesha, the State Fair continues, & more… It's the Week-In-Review brought to you by Outdoor Living Unlimited.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey continue breaking down David Crowley’s Democratic primary victory, examining whether his more nuanced approach to issues like data centers and school choice helped push him across the finish line. City Forward Collective’s Colleston Morgan joins to compare Crowley’s education policies with Republican Tom Tiffany’s as the general election begins. Later, Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene explains the chaotic night at Milwaukee County’s Central Count, how absentee ballots helped tip the race, and what needs to change before November. Plus, plenty of Wisconsin State Fair with CEO Shari Black, Governor’s Livestock Auction winner Kallie Whitley and cream puff champion DJ Shawna.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey react to David Crowley’s narrow victory over Francesca Hong in Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary. Joe Zepecki and Bill McCoshen join to break down how Crowley defied the polls, the impact of Governor Tony Evers’ late endorsement, and what Hong’s campaign accomplished despite falling short. Then, Governor Evers joins Steve and Kristin live at the Wisconsin State Fair to discuss Crowley’s victory, bringing Hong’s supporters back together, and the general election matchup now set between David Crowley and Republican Tom Tiffany. WTMJ.com Writeup

Live from the Wisconsin State Fair on Election Day, Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey make their final predictions for Wisconsin’s primary races and look ahead to WTMJ’s election night coverage. Then it’s all things State Fair: Midwest Farm Report’s Pam Jahnke celebrates Wisconsin agriculture and century farms, Ann Schulz explains why Wisconsin remains America’s Dairyland, and Steve explores the Governor’s Livestock Auction. Plus, cream puffs, grilled cheese, thunderstorms, a State Fair tradition with Steve’s grandson Max, and a round of “Are You Smarter Than a Senior?”

Live from the Wisconsin State Fair, Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey make their final assessments of Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary before Election Day. WISN-TV Political Director Matt Smith joins to discuss Francesca Hong’s lead, Governor Tony Evers’ last-minute push for David Crowley, and whether that endorsement could help — or backfire. Governor Evers then joins the show himself to make the case for Crowley. Later, Annex Wealth Management’s Brian Jacobsen breaks down disappointing jobs numbers, inflation, and why the stock market continues climbing despite economic uncertainty.

Steve Scaffidi is joined live at the Wisconsin State Fair by Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki and Republican strategist Bill McCoshen for one final Friday breakdown before Wisconsin’s primary. With Francesca Hong leading and David Crowley close behind, they discuss what Tuesday could bring, whether Democrats will unite around the winner, and what a Hong-Tom Tiffany general election could look like. The panel also tackles the ongoing war with Iran, what it could mean for Republicans in November, surprising primary results and polling, and Wisconsin’s congressional races before wrapping up with Say Something Nice, Grab Bags and, of course, some State Fair talk.

The Brewers miss out on a big trade, the protestors return, the State Fair begins, and more… It's the Week-In-Review brought to you by Outdoor Living Unlimited.

What makes a great governor? In this special Meet the Candidates edition of Point Taken, Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey sit down with Joel Brennan, Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor, to discuss leadership. Drawing on his experience leading Wisconsin's Department of Administration under Governor Tony Evers and the Greater Milwaukee Committee, Brennan explains how he would govern, build bipartisan relationships, and tackle some of Wisconsin's biggest challenges. This interview is part of Point Taken's "Meet the Candidates" series ahead of Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary on August 11th.

What makes a great governor? In this special Meet the Candidates edition of Point Taken, Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey sit down with Kelda Roys, Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor, to discuss leadership. Drawing on her experience in the Wisconsin State Senate, she talks about working across party lines to get legislation passed on healthcare and education. She also talks about working towards building the big tent that the Democratic Party should be. This interview is part of Point Taken's "Meet the Candidates" series ahead of Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary on August 11th.

What makes a great governor? In this special Meet the Candidates edition of Point Taken, Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey sit down with David Crowley, Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor, to discuss leadership. Drawing on his experience as Milwaukee County Executive, Crowley talks about working with the state government over the years and how governing involves learning from those around you. This interview is part of Point Taken's "Meet the Candidates" series ahead of Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary on August 11th.

Broadcasting live from the Wisconsin State Fair, Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by West Allis Mayor Dan Devine to kick off opening day before diving into Wisconsin politics, education, and Milwaukee development. Later, City Forward Collective’s Colleston Morgan breaks down the realities of school choice funding and the debate surrounding it, while City Stories with Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene covers new downtown development, Tearman Spencer’s felony conviction, updates to Milwaukee’s police pursuit policy, and more.

Steve 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.