Rational Revolution

Mark sits down with Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich. They talk about what's happening in Green Bay.

They also cover the recent incident in the Bay Park Square Mall where a worker racial attacked a Somali immigrant and what the City of Green Bay did to show their support. They also talk about Mayor Genrich's recent endorsement of Mandela Barnes in the Governor's race.

Mark then talks about his hopes for people to be like Scrooge and see outside themselves this Holiday season.

This week, Mark is joined by friend of the show, founder of the award winning Recombobulation Area, Civic Media Political Director Dan Shafer! On the heels of Mandela Barnes' announcement, they talk about the race for Governor. Is the field set? What's next? What type of campaign can we expect next year?

In Mark's Musings, he talks about the Wisconsin Congressional makeup, and he makes the case for why we need a new candidate in the 8th District.

This week Mark is joined by State Senate candidate Emily Tseffos!

They talk about running in a district that is primed to be flipped, but still an uphill battle. Emily shares her priorities for what she would do if elected, and they talk about how Wisconsin needs a legislature that actually represents the will of the people. 

Mark then shares his thoughts on having an "attitude of gratitude" this Thanksgiving, as his mother always would say.

Joining Mark is author Tom Nelson to talk about the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald as his new book "Wrecked: The Edmund Fitzgerald and the Sinking of the American Economy," climbs up the charts. Tom shares his years worth of research into what happened, why it happened, and his overarching theme of how corporate greed cost twenty-nine sailors their lives.

In Mark's Musings segment, he shared a wild story about a conversation he had with former Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis. You don't want to miss that!

Mark is joined by WisDems Chairman Devin Remiker to break down the stunning election results from this past week. Mark asks the question, "are the Dems back?" They talk about what this means for midterms and what direction the Democratic Party is going as a whole. Devin talks about what races can be impacted and how focusing on kitchen table issues is winning for the Democratic Party.

Mark then gives an empassioned thought on what hope the results give to people in his musings segment, and how this opportunity cannot be wasted.

A very special Halloween episode airs this week featuring paranormal and true crime podcast host Todd Michaels! Mark and Todd talk about their experiences with the paranormal, and Todd shares some wonderful stories about experiences he's had ghost hunting! They talk about everything from ghosts to monsters and aliens! Enjoy the spooky special episode, and happy Halloween!!

Dairy Farm Consultant Daniel Olson returns to talk about how the tariffs are impacting local, and national farmers. He educates us on how farmers sell their crops, and what part of the tariffs hurt the most. Daniel also gives his expert opinion on what the future holds for farms if the tariffs continue, and what would happen if they stop.

In the final segment, Mark talks about an interesting conversation he had with former Governor, Tommy Thompson. You won't want to miss this!

Regular guest Carlton Huffman joins to do a recap of all the headlines. From the breaking news of the Israel/Gaza peace deal to Trump's fight to retaliate against his political enemies to who is MAGA's heir apparent, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Congressman Mark Pocan joins the show to give an update on the shutdown. He answers how we got here, what are we doing about it, and is there progress or are we just stuck?

The Marks also talk about the state of American Democracy. Rep. Pocan gives very candid thoughts on where our country is as the Trump administration stretches democracy to its very limits.

Fresh off her announcement that she is running for Governor, State Rep Francesca Hong joins the show. She talks about why this is the time for a movement, and how her background in the service industry is uniquely qualifying for this moment.

Mark asks her how she plans on reaching the "purple people" in Wisconsin, and they discuss the stigma of being a Democratic Socialist, and how to overcome that with voters.

Rational Revolution with Mark Becker is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays at 2 across the network. Subscribe to t...

Fresh off her announcement that she's running for Lt. Governor, Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski stops by to talk about her campaign!

She gives great insight into what the Secretary of State actually does, and she talks about the difficulties of getting things done despite push back from the Republican controlled legislature. Sarah then discusses why she's the right person for the job of Lt. Governor, and how she can use her experience to help the people of Wisconsin.

In the shadow of the murder of Charlie Kirk, WisGOP's 8th District Chairman Ken Sikora joins the show. Mark and Ken talk about a wide range of issues, but most importantly, they try to answer the question of how can we come together in this politically charged climate? They tackle a wide range of issues, including LGBTQ rights, and what is the root cause of extremism?

In the shadow of the murder of Charlie Kirk, WisGOP's 8th District Chairman Ken Sikora joins the show. Mark and Ken talk about a wide range of issues, but most importantly, they try to answer the question of how can we come together in this politically charged climate? They tackle a wide range of issues, including LGBTQ rights, and what is the root cause of extremism?

Rational Revolution with Mark Becker is a part of the Civic Media radio network  and airs Saturdays at 2 across the network. . Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss ou...

This week, Mark sits down with another Democratic candidate for Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District, Rick Crosson. Rick talks about his military experience, business experience, and civic experience and how he believes he can use that to mount a challenge to Tony Wied.

Mark also asks Rick a tough question; if you believe the Democratic Party is the right way forward, why did you accept the Republican Party's endorsement earlier this year?

Mark then gets real about what we need to see in next year's midterm elections. 

This week Mark sits down with 8th District Congressional candidate Mark Scheffler.

Photo from the Post Crescent

In the discussion, Mark talks about what he hopes to do if elected. He also makes a shocking statement about renouncing his party label if elected that takes our fearless host by surprise. 

In his musings, Mark talks about what he believes is the roadmap to success in 2026, and how candidates need to craft their message to meet the moment with more centrist voters. This one is a can't miss!

Geoff Kabaservice joins the program to talk about the historical parallels between today's politics and some of history's more notorious authoritarian leaders. They discuss the redistricting “Civil War” going on, and what Ronald Reagan would say about today's Republican Party.

Mark then shares a story about the death of Dr. James Dobson and how his legacy was one of pain and discrimination.

Rational Revolution with Mark Becker is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays at 2 across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a si...

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jill Underly joins the show. They talk all things back to school, from the new re-organization of DPI to the new ways school districts work with children who have learning disabilities. They also spend time talking about vouchers and how school funding is, as Dr. Underly said, "a car running on fumes."

Mark then talks about his experience going through school as a child with ADHD and talks about how he is encouraged to see education changing in how they help those kids.

Rational Revolution with Mark Becker is a p...

Mark is joined by Festival Foods CEO Mark Skogen (amongst many other titles)! They talk about what makes Festival Foods special and why it means so much to give back to the community. Mark shares about his baseball team The Green Bay Rockers, the concert event center, and how he got through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Rational Revolution with Mark Becker is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays at 2 across the network. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show...

Fresh off announcing her candidacy for Governor, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez joins the show! Lt. Gov. Rodriguez talks about how Covid sparked her interest in politics, and how she's stepped to the next level quickly. She shares how her family reacted to the decision, as well as how she plans to govern.

Mark then turns the spotlight on Congressman Tony Wied as he tries to find traction during his first term in office. Mark talks about why he has earned the nickname, "Tone Deaf Tony." TUNE IN!

Rational Revolution with Mark Becker is a part...

Thanks for joining us this weekend for another edition of Rational Revolution across the Civic Media radio network. This week, Mark Becker sits down with CEO of Festival Foods Mark Skogen for a conversation about business, life and so much more.

Rational Revolution with Mark Becker is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Saturdays at 2 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...

Mark is joined by Laura McCoy, member of and former President of the Green Bay Area Public School Board. They talk about a wide range of issues from what it means to be a member of the board, and how transparency can be difficult. They then do a deep dive on school funding, vouchers, and the impacts of the state budget to the local school districts.

In Mark's Musings, he builds on the conversation with Laura McCoy and talks about how vouchers negatively impact this community and he cites a local example of what happens when voucher...

This week, State Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim joins the show to talk about the state budget! They discuss how negotiations went, where the state is headed, and how the budget will impact families in Wisconsin.

Mark then asks Senator Dassler-Alfheim, "why do you do it?" They talk about how to find the joys in watching their children grow instead of focusing on the loss of their childhood.

Rational Revolution with Mark Becker is a part of the Civic Media radio network  and airs Saturdays at 2 across the network. . Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not t...

This week's show starts with a message from Rational Revolution Host Mark Becker. Mark clarifies some statements he made about the 2024 election in last week's show.

"If I make a mistake that might cast doubt in the hearts and the minds of our listeners, especially when it comes to things like the election, I do want to get that corrected. Because that's true to my integrity, and it's true to the integrity of the show. Last week, in the heat of discussion, I incorrectly said that Kamala Harris got more votes than Donald Trump. She didn't. She...

Carlton Huffman joins the show and talks about the impacts of the bombing attacks on Iran. Were they needed? Were they impactful? What type of uncertainty is opened up now with Iran? Carlton and Mark then talk about the "One Big Beautiful Bill." Is it going to pass? What will it do to our budget? How will it hurt people on Medicaid?

Mark then gives thanks for the mentorship and guidance of Civic Media's own, Todd the God. Tune in!

Rational Revolution with Mark Becker is a part of the Civic Media radio network  and a...

This week, Mark sits down with former Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen to talk about his work with the Democracy Defense Project. They talk about initiatives the bipartisan group supports, including the common sense effort to allow municipalities to begin working on mail-in ballots before the polls close.

Mark asks the question of how JB can consider himself a Republican while the head of the party is the world's most famous election denier? 

Rational Revolution with Mark Becker is a part of the Civic Media radio network  and airs Saturdays at 2 across the network. . Sub...

This week, Mark sits down with Civic Media Political Director Dan Shafer. They discuss Dan's blockbuster article that urges Gov. Tony Evers to NOT seek another term. They talk about the ramifications of that decision, who may be a good alternative, and the feedback he's received. 

Mark then talks about how people on the left need to condemn violence in protests, even when it's hard to do so. 

Rational Revolution with Mark Becker is a part of the Civic Media radio network  and airs Saturdays at 2 across the network. . Subscribe to the podcast to be sure...

This week, Mark sits down with State Representative Amaad Rivera-Wagner. They talk about the state budget, and the issues facing the budget's passage, and how items were removed that help schools, students, and women. They also talk about the relocation of a famous Green Bay landmark!

In the final segment, Mark talks about how a legacy doesn't need to be written in marble, or flashing on a billboard, but in a humble life that serves others.

Rational Revolution with Mark Becker is a part of the Civic Media radio network  and airs Saturdays at 2 across t...

This week joining the Revolution is candidate for WisDems Chair, Devin Remiker! Mark and Devin discuss his plans for running the party and the steps they need to take to "cast a wider net." They also discuss the legacy of Ben Wikler, and how Devin can build on the momentum created to win some major elections in 2026 and beyond.

In Mark's musings, he talks about what it means to "live life like Thelma," and how to cherish every moment you have.

Rational Revolution with Mark Becker is a part of the Civic Media radio network  a...

Newspaper industry has changed a lot over the years and some may be surprised it's still standing today. Most people don't read print anymore and instead everyone gets news on their phone. Mark sits down with Press Gazette Investigative Reporter, Doug Schneider, who says "once it's been printed, it's old news."

Mark's Musings dives into Mark's recent trip to Boston.

Rational Revolution with Mark Becker is a part of the Civic Media radio network  and airs Saturdays at 2 across the network. . Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single e...

Mark is on vacation! This week, Pastor Jerry Bader steps in to guest host Rational Revolution.

It's a topic that's been burning up Green Bay area social media. It's called the "Silent Epidemic:" adult children estranged from their parents. There is now a peer group in Green Bay to support parents: PEACE. Pastor Jerry Bader of Samaritan's Heart Mission Church talks with Brian Briscoe, founder of PLACE, Parents Living After Child Estrangement.

They're cutting vital programs like Social Security and Medicaid that Americans have paid into throughout their working lives - not to balance the...

Lynn Meshke joins Mark to talk about "Saving Medicaid." They go in depth to talk about who is served by Medicaid and how the scope of service will surprise you.

Lynn gives her personal story on how she became involved in the fight, and she answers the question of whether or not legislators know the truth, all while shouting how "waste, fraud and abuse" is rampant. Lynn then details what is on the chopping block and how soon we could see action on it.

In the musings segment, Mark talks about how saving medicaid can...

Former WI Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes talk with Mark about what's next for the Democratic party. Who can step into Ben Wikler shoes? What messaging should the Dems lean into? Will Governor Tony Evers run for another term? And what's next for Mandela...could he run for another office soon?

Rational Revolution with Mark Becker is a part of the Civic Media radio network  and airs Saturdays at 2 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 a...

Mark is joined by returning guest and everyone's favorite fly in MAGA's ointment, Carlton Huffman to recap the first 100 days of Trump's presidency. They talk about tariffs and how they are impacting everything from farms to Carlton's family's textile business. They then share a warning about the spread of authoritarianism and what can be done to stop it.

In Mark's musings, he asks the question on Easter weekend, "what is faith?" And, he shares a message for listeners that you don't want to miss.

Rational Revolution with Mark Becker is a part of the Civic M...

This week, Mark sits down once again with Dr. Kristin Lyerly to talk about the most pivotal issue in modern politics over the past 40 year; abortion. Dr. Lyerly uses her expertise in the field to answer questions that have surrounded the issue for decades. This discussion is a can't miss! 

Mark and Kristin also discuss her new show, "The Doctor Kristin Lyerly Show" now on Civic Media!

Rational Revolution with Mark Becker is a part of the Civic Media radio network  and airs Saturdays at 2 across the network. . Subscribe to the podcast to be sure no...

On this week's episode of the Rational Revolution, Mark sits down with former 8th District GOP Secretary Tracy Mangold to talk about the current state of the party, and the recent dust up from the caucus that made national news!

Mark and Tracy are joined by Dr. Kristin Lyerly to recap the election results and talk about what she's been up to. They discuss how election night felt, and what it means for the cause of Democracy going forward.

Mark then shares his thoughts on how to combat trap issues like the voter ID issue t...

This week we have a full episode with our old friend, State Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim! In the first segment, they are joined by State Supreme Court candidate Susan Crawford. The three talk about what is at stake for this race, and Judge Crawford gives a candid response about her thoughts over redistricting.

We’ve got a lot of work to do as a state to make sure people are represented.

Then, Mark and Kristin go into detail on how we work with the division that exists. Sen. Alfheim discusses some frustration she ha...

On this week's program, Mark Becker talks with Xochtil Torres Small, former Deputy Secretary of Agriculture under President Biden, and Daniel Olson, a Wisconsin dairy farmer. The conversation digs into how changes from the Trump administration affect our state's farming community. Xochitl speaks about what is going on from the government side of the industry, and Daniel is able to bring what's happening to a hyper-local level. The discussion also hits on the Trump administration's use of tariffs and how it's already begun to hurt our family farms. Mark ends the show by giving his thoughts on Tony Wied...

What is the purpose of the USAID?

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is the principal U.S. agency to extend assistance to countries recovering from disaster, trying to escape poverty, and engaging in democratic reforms.

Joining the Revolution this week is Kristina Drye, who was the speechwriter for Samantha Power, Administrator of USAID. Kristina goes into great detail as to why USAID matters, what the program did, and how our national security will be severely impacted by the shuttering of the agency.

She gives insight on what it was like...

Mark is joined by former Lt. Governor of Maryland and former RNC Chairman, Michael Steele. They talk about what has happened since Donald Trump's inauguration, what the path forward is, and what people can do about it.

People want to come to America despite what goes on here and now we have someone who wants to put that up for sale.

Mark talks about how he was texting with Adam Kinsinger on inauguration morning and he asked him how he was doing. Adam replied "It sucks, but I'm still hopeful." He asks Michael...

Head of WisDems, Ben Wikler, joins the Revolution this week to discuss the state of all things political! Ben gives thoughtful insight on his recent run for DNC Chair, and opens up about uncertainty over his own future.

They touch on what is at stake in the State Supreme Court race, and how that race can tip the balance of power for the House of Representatives in 2026. Ben and Mark also discuss the races for State Superintendent, and how damaging vouchers have been for public education in Wisconsin.

We don’t need to have as mu...