Nite Lite with Pete Schwaba and Greg Bach

Dr. Kristen Lyerly joins Pete and Greg to talk about the importance of men staying on top of their health. She breaks down why regular checkups matter, what often gets overlooked, and how small steps can make a big difference long-term.

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Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway joins Pete and Greg to talk about life as mayor and what it takes to lead one of the fastest-growing areas in the state. She shares how the city is handling recent storms, managing rapid population growth, and tackling big issues like housing and infrastructure. Plus, a look at what might surprise people about the job—and a few lighter Nite Lite questions.

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Hello and welcome to the best four segments of Nite Lite over the past week!

Coming up on this week’s Best Of podcast, Pete and Greg talk with Dr. Donald Chi from the University of Washington about the growing conversation around fluoride. He breaks down the facts, what the research really says, and why access to dental care matters so much for many communities.

They also catch up with sports reporter Mike Clemens for the latest on the Bucks and Brewers, including Doc Rivers’ recent comments, the Bucks’ fast start, and what the Brewers need t...

Pete and Greg bring back Binge or Cringe, running through everything from the NBA Playoffs and Yellowstone to Crocs, food delivery apps, and whether sleeping with socks on is acceptable. Nothing is safe, and the takes get questionable fast.

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Milwaukee film critic Matt Mueller, author of A Man About a Film, joins Pete and Greg to talk movies, streaming, and what’s actually worth watching right now. He shares his latest takes, what’s flying under the radar, and where the film world is heading.

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Pete and Greg dive into When Harry Met Sally…, breaking down some of the film’s most iconic moments. From Harry’s thoughts on relationships over time to Sally’s unforgettable diner order, plus the legendary “I’ll have what she’s having” scene and that classic New Year’s Eve line, they revisit why the movie still holds up as one of the all-time great rom-coms.

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Michael Negron, Senior Fellow for Economic Opportunity at the Center for American Progress and former Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, joins Pete and Greg to break down the impact of the “Liberation Day” tariffs one year later. He explains how the policy has affected small businesses across the country, why costs have surged, and what it means for prices, hiring, and economic growth moving forward.

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Logan Wroge, Senior Communications Specialist for Travel Wisconsin, joins Pete and Greg to share some of the best ways to explore the state this season. From birding hotspots and scenic trails to agritourism destinations and unique camping experiences, he highlights must-visit spots and hidden gems across Wisconsin.

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Pete and Greg kick things off with a Wisconsin-themed quiz, putting their knowledge of the Badger State to the test. From history to pop culture and everything in between, it’s a fun, fast-paced round of trivia celebrating all things Wisconsin.

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Dr. Susan Kerns, Executive Director of Milwaukee Film, joins Pete and Greg to preview the 2026 Milwaukee Film Festival. She highlights some must-see films, what makes this year’s lineup special, and how the festival continues to grow as a major cultural event in Wisconsin.

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Donald Chi, DDS, PhD, Professor of Oral Health Sciences at the University of Washington, joins Pete and Greg to break down the growing debate around fluoride. He explains the science behind fluoride use, responds to recent political efforts to limit or ban it, and shares what the research says about its impact on communities—especially those facing barriers to dental care. He also dives into what actually works when it comes to improving oral health beyond fluoride.

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Rel...

Dan Shafer joins Pete and Greg to talk about his upcoming live podcast in celebration of Milwaukee Day. He shares what listeners can expect from the event, why 4/14 is such a big deal for the city, and how his work continues to break down Wisconsin politics and culture.

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Sports reporter Mike Clemens joins Pete and Greg to break down the latest from the Bucks and Brewers. They react to Doc Rivers’ comments on the season, discuss the team’s explosive first quarter performance, and check in on the Brewers as they try to snap their recent losing streak.

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Herman Pontzer, a professor at Duke University, joins Pete and Greg on Nite Lite to talk about his book Adaptable and how our bodies really use energy. He gets into the science of metabolism and clears up some of the biggest myths around exercise and weight loss. The conversation keeps going as Pontzer digs deeper into why a lot of what we think we know about fitness just isn’t true.

To learn more about these shows and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the en...

Producer Dom Lee is back with another chaotic quiz, this time challenging Pete and Greg to figure out which headlines are real and which are completely made up. Expect wild guesses, big reactions, and plenty of laughs.

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Musician Marta Hansen joins Pete and Greg for a special live in-studio performance. She shares her sound, stories behind her music, and what inspires her as an artist, along with a live set you won’t want to miss.

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Pete and Greg dive into their latest Movie Club pick, The Gentlemen, breaking down what works, what doesn’t, and where it stacks up in Guy Ritchie’s catalog. They share their takes on the film’s style, characters, and whether it delivers on the classic crime caper vibe.

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Wisconsin Watch reporter Tom Kertscher joins Pete and Greg to break down the latest news around data centers in Wisconsin and the role NDAs are playing behind the scenes. He shares insight from his reporting, what it means for communities across the state, and why this story is getting so much attention right now.

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Dennis Graham joins Pete and Greg to talk about Rockonsin and its impact on Wisconsin’s local music scene. He breaks down how bands can get involved, what the application process looks like, and why supporting local artists continues to be so important.

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Pete and Greg kick things off with some of their favorite movie quotes before diving into the latest Wisconsin Spring Election results. They also break down the ongoing headlines surrounding Trump, including another deadline extension, and react to trending political moments making waves online.

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Kerstin Larson, Programming Director of Milwaukee Film, joins Pete and Greg to preview this year’s Milwaukee Film Festival. She shares how films are selected, what audiences can expect from this year’s lineup, and why the festival continues to be a major event for film lovers across Wisconsin.

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Milwaukee Film Festival April 16th - 30th

Herman Pontzer, Ph.D., Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology and Global Health at Duke University, joins Pete and Greg to talk about his book Adaptable and the science behind how our bodies use energy. He breaks down common misconceptions about exercise and weight loss, what actually matters for long-term health, and why the way we think about calories might be all wrong.

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Filmmaker, musician, and founder of Wisconsinology Frank Anderson joins Pete and Greg to explore the unique and often strange history of Wisconsin. He shares some of his favorite stories, what inspired his work, and why the state’s past is full of surprises.

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Oliver Anderson's Frognight website

Wisconsin cool facts and history

Climatologist and science communicator Tom Di Liberto joins Pete and Greg to talk about what to expect from this spring’s weather and whether anything unusual is happening in the Midwest. He breaks down recent patterns like El Niño, what it means for Wisconsin, and how to stay optimistic in the face of unpredictable forecasts and changing seasons.

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Hello and welcome back to the weekly best of Nite Lite. We had great segments this week with wonderful guests but two stood out from the rest!

Segment 1+2 An Interview with Don Martin

Bestselling author and podcaster Don Martin joins Pete and Greg for a thoughtful conversation on the proposed national book ban bill H.R.7661. He breaks down why the legislation could impact children’s education and access to language, while also diving into his own books Verity Vox and Where Did Everybody Go? The discussion wraps with a candid look at separating art fr...

Producer Dom Lee gives Pete and Greg with fun BrainRot Quiz, testing their knowledge on random, ridiculous, and often impossible-to-guess words. Expect laughs, confusion, and plenty of “what are you talking about?” moments.

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Jim and Michelle, known as the Supper Club Chasers, join Pete and Greg to talk about exploring the best supper club dining across Wisconsin. They share favorite spots, what makes supper clubs a unique part of Wisconsin culture, and tips for anyone looking to experience these classic restaurants.

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Pete and Greg close out the show with a movie pick, diving into the classic The Sandlot. They break down what makes the film so timeless, share their favorite moments, and revisit why it still hits for sports fans and movie lovers alike.

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Sandlot IMDB

Sandlot WIKI

Sandlot on Rotten Tomatoes

Lewis Smith, Executive Director of The Chad Smith Foundation, joins Pete and Greg to talk about bringing the foundation’s mission to Milwaukee. He shares the origin behind Chad Smith’s vision, why music education matters so much, and how local partnerships are helping expand access for young musicians. Lewis also dives into what drew him to the role and what’s next for the foundation’s future.

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MJS on Chad Foun...

Cheri Stoka, owner and founder of Weightless MD, joins Pete and Greg to talk about her approach to health and wellness. She shares how her program works, what makes it different from traditional weight loss methods, and how she helps clients build sustainable habits.

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Website for Weighless MD

Former Treasury Senior Policy Advisor and Roosevelt Institute Fellow Anisha Steephen joins Pete and Greg to break down the challenges facing taxpayers this season. She explains the growing delays in IRS refunds, how policy changes are affecting working families, and why those without access to banking or free tax help are being hit the hardest.

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Ben Reiser, Outreach Program Manager for the Wisconsin Film Festival, joins Pete and Greg in the second hour to talk about what makes the festival such a standout event. He shares what goes into programming the lineup, what audiences can expect this year, and why the festival continues to be a must-see experience for film lovers across Wisconsin.

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The bestselling author and podcaster Don Martin joins Pete and Greg in this first hour to talk about the recent national book ban proposed in the bill H.R.7661. Listen to Don’s thoughts on why this bill is harmful to all children – and deprives much-needed language and education. Don also discusses his books Verity Vox and Where Did Everybody Go? Later, Don walks Greg and Pete through how fans should handle the Harry Potter series after J.K. Rowling’s many transphobic public actions, and how readers and viewers should feel about the nature of fandom. 

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Wonderfully Wisconsin’s Paul Vanden Plas joins Pete and Greg to break down his picks for the best hamburgers across the state. He shares what makes a great burger, some standout spots people need to try, and how he built a following highlighting hidden gems around Wisconsin.

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Best Hamburgers in Wisconsin (Facebook)

Best Hamburgers in Wisconsin (Instagram)

Rebecca Petrowsky of Deathwalker Doula Services joins Pete and Greg to talk about the growing trend of Death Cafes and how they’re creating open, honest conversations around death and dying. She shares what these gatherings are really like, how her work supports people through end-of-life experiences, and why these conversations matter more than ever.

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Jennifer Nowicki, owner of Cultivate Taste Tea and a certified tea specialist through the Specialty Tea Institute, joins Pete and Greg to talk all things tea. She shares her expertise on different types of tea, the benefits of incorporating it into your daily routine, and simple ways anyone can start exploring the world of tea.

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Her website: CULTIVATE TASTE TEA​

Her Linkedin

In the first hour, Pete and Greg sort through the latest in TV and movies to decide what’s worth your time—and what you should probably skip. From buzzy new shows and early Oscar contenders to questionable reboots and internet-fueled controversies, they help you figure out your next watch… or your next pass.

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Stuff Mentioned:

Reports of an AI-generated version of Val Kilmer appearing in a new film project following his death in 2025, r...

Sports reporter Mike Clemens joins Pete and Greg to preview the Brewers’ opening day and what fans can expect from the 2026 season. He breaks down the team’s strengths, potential challenges, and the storylines to watch as the season gets underway.

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Cindy, professor at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, joins Pete and Greg to break down the rapidly growing world of online betting and prediction markets. She explains why the industry feels like the “wild west,” what platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket are doing, and the risks and potential regulation shaping the future of online gambling.

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