Scaffidiology

Steve Scaffidi speaks with conservative writer James Wigderson about the Democrats’ sweeping election-night victories and what the results mean for Donald Trump, the Republican Party and the future of MAGA politics. They discuss Trump’s record, Republican accountability, the next two years of his presidency, Derek Van Orden, the future of Wisconsin conservatism and whether Democrats will use their momentum responsibly. James also shares his outlook for the future of American democracy.

On this episode of Scaffidiology, Steve Scaffidi talks with James Donald, a member of Papua New Guinea’s National Parliament, and Werner Winter, a parliamentary staff member, about government, politics and daily life in their country. They discuss Papua New Guinea’s diverse population, more than 40 political parties, access to basic services, remote communities, social media and the country’s 800 languages and 1,000-plus tribes. They also compare politics in Papua New Guinea and Wisconsin, talk about rugby and the Brewers, and explore the connections between people and governments around the world.

On this episode of Scaffidiology, Steve Scaffidi talks with WTMJ journalist Neil Doyle about covering Wisconsin elections and the 2026 governor’s race. They discuss the difference between reporting and commentary, getting straight answers from candidates, the role of personality versus policy, media access, debate coverage and the reliability of political polling. Neil also shares what he looks for when covering campaigns and the journalists who have influenced his work.

Steve Scaffidi talks with Kevin Cullen, executive director of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, about the state’s connection to the Great Lakes and the stories preserved beneath Wisconsin’s waters. Cullen discusses the USS Cobia, underwater archaeology, historic shipwrecks, artifacts recovered from Lake Michigan and the ongoing search for undiscovered wrecks. He also explains how maritime history, Native American canoes and underwater discoveries offer a deeper look at Wisconsin’s past.

Faith and politics are often treated as separate worlds, but for many people, they are inseparable. In Faith in Politics, 620 WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi speaks with faith leaders from Catholic, Episcopal, Jewish, Muslim, Pentecostal and Methodist traditions about how belief shapes public life. The series explores voting and civic responsibility, justice, immigration, religious freedom, political disagreement, polarization and the challenge of living out faith beyond a place of worship. Together, these conversations examine whether faith can help restore dignity, dialogue and unity to an increasingly divided country.

In the final episode of his Faith in Politics series, Steve Scaffidi speaks with Minister Jalal about the Muslim faith, service to humanity, and the importance of building bridges across religious and political divides. They discuss immigration, religious freedom, justice, political participation, generational differences, and the responsibility to stand up against injustice. Minister Jalal also explains how faith can bring people together during a time of increasing division—and why love, peace and service should transcend politics.

Steve Scaffidi begins a new Scaffidiology series on social media with Mike Zussman , an adolescent and adult therapist. They discuss the benefits and risks of social media for young people, including cyberbullying, mental health, addictive algorithms, screen time, and the challenges parents face. The conversation also explores whether social media companies and lawmakers should do more to protect children—and why adults may be just as dependent on their phones.

Steve Scaffidi sits down with attorney Edo Walny of Walny Legal Group for a conversation about life, career, communication, and the importance of planning for the future. Walny shares how beginning his legal career just days before 9/11 shaped his professional journey, the advice that helped guide his career, and why so few Americans have an up-to-date estate plan. He also discusses his work with families, including those caring for children and adults with special needs, and the lessons he has learned from meeting clients during some of life’s most important moments. Plus, Walny explains how he became a more co...

Steve Scaffidi sits down with author and Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson to discuss his new book, "The Green and Gold Standard: A People’s History of the Green Bay Packers." Nelson shares the personal experiences that inspired him to write the book, along with stories from more than a century of Packers history from Curly Lambeau and the team’s early struggles to Brett Favre, Reggie White, the Packers-Bears rivalry, and the generational bond shared by Packers fans. Steve and Tom Nelson also discuss what makes the Packers unlike any other franchise in professional sports, including the team’s small...

Steve Scaffidi had a chance to sit down with three African journalists through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) to discuss their home countries and why journalism matters not only in the United States, but across the globe. Abubakair Sadiq Sulemana, from the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation; Sandrine Butera, from the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency; and Cassandra Zungu from South African Broadcasting Cooperation joined Steve for a fascinating conversation about their home countries and what inspired them to get into journalism. "I've seen what the media can do. People listen to the radio; they see you, as a voice when you say...

What role should faith play in politics—and what responsibility do people of faith have as American citizens? Steve Scaffidi sits down with Pastor Tim Peters of Parkway Church in Oak Creek for a wide-ranging conversation about faith, culture, politics and the importance of meaningful dialogue. Pastor Peters shares his unconventional path into ministry, how his experiences outside the church shaped his approach as a pastor and why listening is often just as important as preaching. He also explains why he believes Christians have a responsibility to vote, how he approaches political disagreements within his own congregation and why he we...

In the fourth episode of “A Matter of Faith,” a special series from The Scaffidiology Podcast, host Steve Scaffidi sits down with Father Tim Kitzke, a Catholic priest who has served southeastern Wisconsin for more than 37 years. Father Kitzke shares his perspective on the relationship between faith and politics, explaining why he believes political division can become a barrier to both faith and community. He discusses how he approaches preaching, encourages meaningful dialogue, and challenges people to live out their beliefs beyond the walls of the church. Together, Scaffidi and Father Kitzke explore fundamental questions facing faith communities today: How much...

Veteran journalist, author, and longtime 620 WTMJ contributor Anne Schwartz joins Steve Scaffidi on the latest episode of The Scaffidiology Podcast. Best known for breaking the story of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in 1991 and authoring Monster: The True Story of the Jeffrey Dahmer Murders, Schwartz discusses her newest venture: Explain Yourself, her Substack newsletter that goes beyond the headlines to explore the human stories behind crime, law enforcement, and public service. Drawing on decades of experience in journalism and communications, Schwartz reflects on what she's learned from covering some of Wisconsin's biggest stories, why the truth is often more complicated than...

Why are there so many different versions of the same animal? And how did evolution shape the incredible diversity of life on Earth? On this week's Scaffidiology Podcast, Steve Scaffidi sits down with Dr. Tony Gamble, professor of biology at Marquette University, for a fascinating conversation about evolutionary biology. From dinosaurs and Darwin to the ongoing pace of evolution, Dr. Gamble explains the science behind how species change over time and what makes Earth's biodiversity so extraordinary. Drawing from his own research on lizards and snakes, Dr. Gamble offers an accessible look at the evolutionary processes that continue to shape...

This week on The Scaffidiology Podcast, the tables are turned. For the first time, Steve Scaffidi leaves the interviewer’s chair and becomes the guest as ESPN Wisconsin’s Alex Strouf takes listeners through the remarkable personal and professional journey that shaped one of Wisconsin’s most recognizable voices. From growing up in southeastern Wisconsin and attending UW-Milwaukee to career stops in San Francisco and Chicago, Steve reflects on the experiences that defined his path. The conversation also explores his return home, his years in public service, and his tenure as Mayor of Oak Creek, including leading the community through the tr...

The latest episode of The Scaffidiology Podcast goes full breakbeat and turntablism with Greg Marshall — Emmy-winning storyteller, branding expert, performer, and creative force. Marshall joins Steve Scaffidi for a fast-paced, wide-ranging conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, fatherhood, and the unlikely ways hip hop culture has influenced his personal and professional life. A father of four daughters, Marshall shares how storytelling, performance, and innovation have shaped his approach to everything from the arts to the corporate world. From his one-man show, "Greg Marshall Pops Out of the Trees," to helping organizations better understand their people and purpose, Marshall has built a career th...

This week on The Scaffidiology Podcast, Steve Scaffidi goes deep into the legal and political issues shaping the country with two of Milwaukee’s most respected legal minds: former U.S. Attorney James Santelle and attorney Matt O’Neill. From the current state of the U.S. Department of Justice to recent efforts challenging long-standing Supreme Court precedents, the conversation covers some of the most consequential legal debates in America today. Santelle and O’Neill discuss what they describe as a “talent drain” within the DOJ, the evolution of executive power, and the legal theories shaping today’s political landscape. The discussi...

On this episode of The Scaffidiology Podcast, Steve Scaffidi is joined by Colleston Morgan, Executive Director of City Forward Collective, and Dr. Howard Fuller, Marquette University Professor Emeritus and former Milwaukee Public Schools superintendent, for a critical conversation about the future of education in Milwaukee. Focusing on Milwaukee’s north side and a recent CFC report, the discussion explores how the city — and Wisconsin as a whole — have fallen behind nationally in education outcomes. Dr. Fuller calls for what he describes as an “education Marshall Plan,” emphasizing that solutions must be built for today’s realities, not the past. From rightsizing...

Ever wonder where the 26 letters of the alphabet came from — or how English became the world’s lingua franca? Linguist and author Danny Bate joins Steve Scaffidi on The Scaffidiology Podcast for a fascinating, history-filled conversation about language and the building blocks of how we communicate. Bate, author of Why Q Needs U: A History of Our Letters and How We Use Them, explores how the alphabet evolved — and how something so familiar quietly shapes the way we think, read, and interact every day. It’s an engaging and insightful look at one of humanity’s most essential tools.

Travel expert Rose Gray returns to The Scaffidiology Podcast to talk all things travel with Steve Scaffidi, including an exciting new chapter in the growing partnership between WTMJ and Fox World Travel. The latest announcement? Julia Fello, host of Wisconsin’s Afternoon News, is joining the lineup of WTMJ personalities leading listener trips with the new “British Crown Experience” — a journey exploring the history, culture, and fascination with British royalty. Having traveled to the U.K. many times, Rose shares insight into why Americans remain captivated by British culture — along with practical advice for international travelers, including one key tip: make sure...

In the third episode of “A Matter of Faith,” a special series from The Scaffidiology Podcast, host Steve Scaffidi sits down with Pastor Temo Rios, lead pastor at Urban Poiema Church in West Allis, Wisconsin. Serving a largely Hispanic/Latino congregation, Pastor Rios shares how he helps his community navigate complex and often personal issues — including immigration, identity, and the connection between current events and faith. With a focus on compassion, service, and real-world application, Rios discusses how faith leaders guide their members in living out the messages they hear inside the church once they step outside of it. In this t...

Dr. Ryan Martin — better known as “The Anger Professor” — joins Steve Scaffidi for a thoughtful and timely conversation on the latest episode of The Scaffidiology Podcast. A best-selling author, podcaster, and nationally recognized expert on emotional wellness and anger management, Martin is the author of Emotion Hacks: 50 Ways to Feel Better Fast, Why We Get Mad: How to Use Your Anger for Positive Change, and How to Deal with Angry People. He also serves as Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. In this wide-ranging discussion, Martin explores how identity politics a...

On the latest edition of Scaffidiology, Steve Scaffidi heads — almost literally — to the hallowed ground of Lambeau Field. Corey Behnke, co-founder of Cheesehead TV, joins Scaffidi from his backyard just across Lombardi Avenue from Lambeau, for a conversation that blends football fandom with cutting-edge media innovation. Best known for Cheesehead TV, Packers Transplants, and the Carry the G cream ale brand, Behnke is also the co-founder and CEO of LiveX, a leader in live design, webcast production, and global streaming events — from New Year’s Eve in Times Square to the 2020 Democratic National Convention and major worldwide sporting events. In this epi...

In the second episode of “A Matter of Faith,” a special series from The Scaffidiology Podcast, host Steve Scaffidi sits down with Rabbi Jacob Herber, Senior Rabbi at Congregation Beth El in Norfolk, Virginia, for a wide-ranging and timely conversation on faith, politics, and moral leadership.

In the first episode of a new Scaffidiology Podcast series titled “A Matter of Faith,” host Steve Scaffidi sits down with retired Episcopal priest Kevin Carroll for a thoughtful conversation on the intersection of faith and politics in the United States. As religion continues to influence how many Americans view political issues — and how they vote — the role of faith leaders has increasingly come into focus. Should political viewpoints ever enter places of worship? And how do faith leaders navigate these conversations with their congregations? Over the coming months, Scaffidiology will feature voices from a variety of faith traditions to explore...

On-air host and producer Alex Strouf is one of the fastest-rising voices at ESPN Milwaukee and Good Karma Brands, and he joins Steve Scaffidi for a lively, thoughtful episode of The Scaffidiology Podcast. Raised in Green Bay, Strouf breaks down the Packers with passion and insight, blending deep sports knowledge with an infectious broadcasting style that keeps listeners leaning in. He also opens up about the physical challenges he faced early in life, how they shaped his path into broadcasting, and what drives his approach behind the microphone today. From sports to perspective — and a few thoughts on frustrated Packers fa...

Singer, songwriter, actor, and radio host Steve March-Tormé joins Steve Scaffidi for a wide-ranging and entertaining episode of The Scaffidiology Podcast. The son of legendary jazz vocalist Mel Tormé, March-Tormé reflects on growing up surrounded by music, carving out his own creative path, and balancing life on stage with life behind the microphone at 91.1 The Avenue in Wisconsin’s Fox Valley. From early ambitions of becoming a baseball player to a career centered around music, storytelling, and performance, it’s a thoughtful and fun conversation you won’t want to miss.

Ever wonder what it’s really like to join a WTMJ/Fox World Travel Listener Trip? Host Steve Scaffidi sits down with travel expert Rose Gray and longtime listener Dennis Kozel for a fun, behind-the-scenes look at group adventures across the globe. From Africa and Scotland to Sicily and Hawaii, Rose shares what makes these trips special — and why traveling with an expert (and your favorite radio personalities) makes all the difference. With insider travel tips and a preview of Steve’s upcoming 2026 listener trips to Cancun and Hawaii, it’s a can’t-miss travel edition of Scaffidiology.

With nearly five decades behind the mic, legendary Milwaukee broadcaster Dick Alpert joins host Steve Scaffidi for a lively episode of The Scaffidiology Podcast. From his years on WTMJ to becoming one of the city’s most recognizable traffic voices, Alpert shares unforgettable stories, classic radio moments, and his take on where the industry is heading. Tune in for a nostalgic, insider’s look at Milwaukee radio history — and the people who shaped it. Listen now at wtmj.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

With a remarkable five-decade career behind the mic, Carole Caine joins Steve Scaffidi on the Scaffidiology Podcast to reflect on her trailblazing journey in radio. From unforgettable mornings on-air to flying with the Blue Angels (without passing out!), Carole shares her most memorable moments and the stories that shaped her career. Tune in for an engaging conversation between two radio veterans — and don’t miss Steve Scaffidi’s weekday show, Point Taken, airing 10 a.m. to noon on 620 WTMJ.

She’s an entrepreneur, speaker, and communication powerhouse. Denise Thomas joins Steve Scaffidi on Scaffidiology to share smart, practical tips for mastering communication in a fast-changing, digital world.

With vaccination rates among Wisconsin children dropping dramatically, Dr. Mary Beth Graham talks with Steve Scaffidi about what’s driving the decline, how the pandemic reshaped trust in medicine, and why the conversation around vaccines matters now more than ever.

Steve Scaffidi is joined by Kate Duffy, the founder of Motherhood for Good — a platform that gives voice to young moms and tackles everything from news and politics to culture and community. After leaving a career in advertising, Duffy turned her outrage over the Uvalde school shooting into action, building a powerful online presence and sparking conversations that matter.

They are two of the best radio journalists in Wisconsin. One cohosts Wisconsin Morning News along with Vince Vitrano, and the other is a news reporter at 620 WTMJ. Erik Bilstad has worked in radio for more than two decades, covering nearly every major news event in his various roles with WTMJ, with his incredible professionalism and the ability to tell a story with his voice. Adam Roberts is one of the newsroom leaders at the station, joining WTMJ in 2022, who delivers a daily dose of news with an occasional bit of snark. Together, they represent WTMJ’s commitment to being "Wisco...

He’s a frequent contributor on 620 WTMJ and an expert on social media and digital technologies. Martin Moore joins the Scaffidiology Podcast to take on the challenge of artificial intelligence and its impact on our social media environment. Are A.I. generated videos, which critics call “AI slop”, ruining the social media experience for most users and creating content designed solely for engagement and cashing in on the digital paydays? Filled with misinformation, outright fakes and memes, what’s the future of AI and social media? Steve Scaffidi and Martin Moore go Back to the Future,  this week on Scaffidiology. The Scaffi...

When it comes to the pop culture aspects of ancient humans, much of the conversation revolves around just one of our ancient ancestors, neanderthals. But that branch of human evolution is just one part of a complex story that covers the entire planet over hundreds of thousands of years. On this week's edition of the Scaffidiology Podcast, Steve Scaffidi explores the "The Rise of Humans" with Dr. John Hawks, subject matter expert and the Vilas-Borghesi Distinguished Achievement Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Hawks details the most recent scientific theories in the study of ancient...

Sarah Pancheri is the President and CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF) which hosts the annual Summerfest celebration along Milwaukee's lakefront, as well as many other events throughout the year at the Henry Maier Festival Park. Pancheri, who took over the reins at Summerfest after Don Smiley retired, sat down with Scaffidiology Podcast Host Steve Scaffidi for a look at her role at MWF and the bright future ahead for this incredible "1 of 1" summer event which runs for three consecutive weekends beginning on June 19th.  Scaffidi is also the co-host of Point Taken, which airs weekdays on 620 WTMJ, from 10...

He’s not only the owner of one of Milwaukee’s premier steakhouses (Carnevor), but Omar Shaikh is also a principal partner of downtown Milwaukee's 3rd Street Market Hall, which recently was voted one of the best food halls in America. Shaikh joined Steve Scaffidi for a conversation about Milwaukee, his role in the local restaurant scene, and his thoughts on leading by example on the latest edition of the Scaffidiology Podcast Steve Scaffidi is also the co-host of Point Taken, with Kristen Brey, which airs 10-12 on 620 WTMJ.