Point Taken with Steve Scaffidi & Kristin Brey

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by Joe Zepecki and Jake Curtis to discuss the latest developments in the Iran conflict, the escalating Wisconsin governor’s race, and whether recent convention straw poll results actually mean anything. The conversation also turns to the 2026 midterms, challenges facing both parties, and the opening of the Obama Presidential Center. The show wraps with Say Something Nice, Grab Bags, the Week-In-Review, and a look at the start of Summerfest.

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Kristin Brey celebrates a milestone birthday while Steve Scaffidi helps break down the latest developments in the ongoing Iran conflict, including a proposed 60-day ceasefire and what it means for the U.S. Later, the hosts discuss the growing challenge of AI-generated deepfakes before City Stories with Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene covers the firing of Wisconsin Center District CEO Marty Brooks, changes to police pursuit policies, transit updates, and major development projects shaping Milwaukee’s future.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert may have ended, but Steve and Kristin decided to spend this week's episode of Overtime taking his famous Colbert Questionert (yes it's spelled that way); 15 questions he would ask celebrity guests on his show. How will they answer? Listen and find out!

Steve and Kristin began the first hour by former U.S. Attorney James Santelle to talk about upcoming U.S. Supreme Court cases and why it feels like there aren’t as many on the docket on the latest constitutional crisis created by the White House. Then pivot to talking about positive experiences in America from our friends across the pond. They closed the show on Trump's blue reflecting pool turning green and the rise of dual-income households.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey explore what patriotism means in modern America, reacting to President Trump’s planned UFC event at the White House and new polling showing record-low levels of national pride. They also discuss how Americans define patriotism and whether that definition has changed over time. Later, the conversation turns to the U.K.’s social media ban for children under 16, parenting in the digital age, and what childhood should look like in a smartphone-driven world. The show wraps with a look at OnlyFans, consumer spending habits, and the vices people choose to spend their money on.

Steve Scaffidi is joined by WISN political director Matt Smith to break down the Wisconsin Democratic Convention, the governor’s race straw poll, and what party leaders believe about Democrats’ chances in the 2026 midterms. Later, Steve discusses social media restrictions for teenagers in the U.K., checks in on the economy with Annex Wealth Management’s Dave Spano, and welcomes Joe Zepecki for a deeper look at what the convention results may — and may not — mean for Wisconsin voters.

Kristin Brey is joined by Joe Zepecki and Bill McCoshen to discuss the ongoing war with Iran, growing calls to limit presidential war powers, and the political implications heading into the 2026 midterms. They also break down the SAVE Act, key Senate races across the country, and new developments in Wisconsin’s governor’s race. Later, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley joins to discuss the FBI’s investigation into election administration, county budget challenges, and what to expect at this weekend’s Wisconsin Democratic Convention.

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Kristin Brey and guest co-host Todd Allbaugh discuss the state of Wisconsin politics, frustrations with both parties, and what the crowded governor’s race says about the future of political leadership. Later, City Forward Collective’s Colleston Morgan joins to discuss literacy instruction and education reform, while University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Kevin O’Connor previews the World Cup and why it matters in the U.S. The show wraps with a conversation on community-building through the nationwide Declarations of Interdependence Relay.

Kristin Brey is joined by Institute for Reforming Government General Counsel Jake Curtis to discuss what Wisconsin lawmakers accomplished — and failed to accomplish — during the latest legislative session, along with broader debates over taxes, education, and the future of state government. Later, Wisconsin Policy Forum Research Director Joe Peterangelo joins to discuss the state of small businesses in Wisconsin, while the second hour tackles controversial elections, AI-generated political ads, and the future of youth and college sports.

Kristin Brey is joined by retired Milwaukee County Judge Mary Kuhnmuench to discuss election administration, vote-by-mail systems, and the growing distrust surrounding election results. They also examine claims of voter fraud in California and what Americans expect from modern elections. Later, Wisconsin Assemblyman Amaad Rivera-Wagner responds to claims about election “improprieties” in Green Bay, and the show wraps with a conversation about the future of high-speed rail in Wisconsin and what it would take to make it a reality.

Kristin Brey is joined by WISN political director Matt Smith to break down President Trump’s first Wisconsin visit of his second term, the latest developments in the governor’s race, and what to expect from this weekend’s Wisconsin Democratic Convention. Later, Annex Wealth Management’s Brian Jacobsen joins for a Monday Market Preview on gas prices, the ongoing Iran conflict, SpaceX’s IPO, and the latest jobs report. The show wraps with reflections on Milwaukee Pride weekend and a look at the increasingly niche world of online dating apps.

Kristin Brey welcomes Kyle Wallace as he fills in and talks about his introduction to Point Taken, his history with Good Karma Brands, and the different hosting roles he’s held along the way. Kristin and Kyle also dig into the Wisconsin governor’s race, why Kyle says he is unimpressed so far, and why he wants to see candidates start “throwing some elbows.” Later, they react to audio from former Kenosha police officer Brian Gonzales reflecting on a powerful conversation tied to a shooting more than 20 years ago. The show also turns personal with a conversation about what couples should d...

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Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey debate a proposal from Senator Bernie Sanders that would give Americans a direct ownership stake in major AI companies, raising bigger questions about who benefits from technological change and economic growth. Later, Glendale Mayor Bryan Kennedy joins to discuss his new book, It’s All Local, and the importance of local government in strengthening democracy. In City Stories, Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene covers major Milwaukee developments, including legal settlements, infrastructure projects, housing initiatives, and leadership changes at the Wisconsin Center District.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey ask listeners a fundamental political question: how much personal baggage can a candidate carry before voters walk away? The discussion stems from news involving gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong and quickly expands into the broader issue of electability versus policy. Later, Tim Sullivan of Adams MultiMedia joins to discuss the controversy surrounding a Watertown school concert and the fallout from removing a song tied to LGBTQ history. The show also examines changes at CBS News and what they may signal for journalism before wrapping up with gardening tips and healthy aging advice from Melinda Myers and...

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey examine the political crossroads facing both parties, discussing whether Democrats should move further left or toward the center as the 2026 midterms approach, and what the Republican Party looks like after the Trump era. Later, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporters Caitlin Looby and Tamia Fowlkes join to discuss their investigation into PCBs in Wisconsin waterways and the long-term health impacts on affected communities. The show also tackles the future of work for Gen Z, remote employment, and features Milwaukee K9 Officer Shawn Burger as part of Salute to Service.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discuss whether Wisconsin’s failed bipartisan tax relief and education funding bill deserves a second chance after new comments from Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. They also examine the latest developments in the governor’s race as candidates race to meet filing deadlines. Later, the conversation turns to a surprising labor statistic showing one in three men are not working and what it says about work, community, and modern life. Annex Wealth Management’s Brian Jacobsen joins for a Monday Market Preview on the economy, inflation, interest rates, and the impact of the Iran conflict.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by Joe Zepecki and Bill McCoshen to break down the early battle for control of the U.S. Senate in 2026, the state of Wisconsin’s governor’s race, and whether recent polling vindicates supporters of the failed bipartisan tax relief and education funding deal. The panel also discusses President Trump’s shifting rhetoric on Iran, the importance of candidates reaching outside their political comfort zones, and the broader challenges facing both parties. The show wraps with Say Something Nice, Grab Bags, the Week-In-Review, and a conversation about public reactions to billionaire-led space exploration.

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Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey preview their interview with Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany before pressing him on election integrity, affordability, healthcare costs, education reform, and his opposition to Wisconsin’s failed bipartisan tax relief package. Later, City Stories with Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene covers major developments in Milwaukee, including likely leadership changes at the Wisconsin Center District, controversy surrounding Flock cameras, housing projects across the city, and growing concerns around transit funding and county government.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by former U.S. Attorney James Santelle to break down major upcoming Supreme Court cases involving birthright citizenship, redistricting, voting records, and mail-in ballots — along with what this era of the court may ultimately be remembered for. Later, Marquette Law School Fellow and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel columnist Craig Gilbert joins to discuss new polling showing Democratic voters shifting left faster than Republicans are shifting right. The show also touches on jury duty frustrations and a closely watched Senate runoff in Texas.

Steve Scaffidi opens the show by asking listeners whether rising gas prices changed their Memorial Day travel plans before diving into new polling on Wisconsin’s failed bipartisan tax relief and education funding package with Marquette Law School Poll director Charles Franklin. Later, Steve discusses the importance of summer jobs for teenagers, checks in on the broader economy with Annex Wealth Management CEO Dave Spano, and welcomes City Forward Collective’s Colleston Morgan to examine what the failed bipartisan deal means for education funding and Milwaukee Public Schools moving forward.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by Joe Zepecki and Bill McCoshen to break down the latest controversies surrounding President Trump, Congress’s failure to act on war powers, and the growing questions facing both political parties heading into 2026. The panel also discusses the newly released Democratic autopsy report from 2024, foreign policy tensions involving Cuba and Iran, and the state of Wisconsin’s governor’s race. The show wraps with Say Something Nice, Grab Bags, and the final honoree of Salute to Service Hero Week.

Volunteer firefighter, Lt. Gary Spear, works as a firefighter for the community of Mayville, and he is our final Salute to Service Honoree

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Steve Scaffidi breaks down the latest developments surrounding President Trump’s proposed White House ballroom and the broader conversation about federal spending and the national debt. In City Stories, Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene joins to discuss major developments across Milwaukee, including uncertainty surrounding Wisconsin Center District leadership, hotel expansion debates, freeway planning, and safety concerns at Jones Island. The show also honors Milwaukee firefighter and heavy equipment operator Jermaine “JP” Perry as part of Salute to Service Hero Week.

Jermaine (JP) Perry, City of Milwaukee Fire Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO), an honoree for WTMJ & WaterStone Bank Salute to Service for 2026.

Steve Scaffidi opens the show by announcing he’s taking a break from social media platform X, sparking a broader conversation about online burnout and the value of disconnecting. He also reacts to Congressman Thomas Massie losing his Republican primary and what it says about the future of the GOP under President Trump’s influence. Later, Chef Michael Feker and Capri Communities’ Kim Irwin join to preview the upcoming Active Aging Symposium, and the show honors Salute to Service recipient Noah Curtis, alongside his mentor and family, for his work in emergency response.

The third WTMJ & WaterStone Bank Salute to Service Honoree for 2026 is Racine Firefighter and EMT Noah Curtis.

A veteran of the Milwaukee Police Department, Officer Shawn Burger is our second WTMJ/WaterStone Bank Salute to Service Honoree for 2026.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey react to the latest mass shooting and hate crime at the Islamic Center of San Diego, discussing the politics surrounding gun violence, public safety, and how Americans respond to these tragedies. Later, the show examines President Trump’s proposal to reimburse January 6 defendants, controversy around lawmakers trading stocks, and the growing decline in community connection and neighborly relationships. The episode also honors Milwaukee K9 Officer Shawn Burger as the latest Salute to Service honoree.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by WISN political director Matt Smith to break down Governor Tony Evers’ frustration over the failed bipartisan tax relief deal, ongoing election investigations, and the Wisconsin GOP’s confidence heading into 2026. Later, Annex Wealth Management’s Brian Jacobsen joins for a Monday Market Preview on rising costs, gas prices, and the future of the Federal Reserve. The show also features the first 2026 Salute to Service honoree, Wauwatosa Police Officer Jaime Mohs, sharing her story and career in law enforcement.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by Joe Zepecki and Bill McCoshen to break down the collapse of Wisconsin’s bipartisan tax relief and education funding package, debating who’s to blame and what it means for both parties heading into 2026. The panel also discusses President Trump’s overseas trip, the ongoing war with Iran, concerns about attacks on journalists, and the latest redistricting battles across the country. The show wraps with Say Something Nice, Grab Bags, the Week-In-Review, and a preview of next week’s Salute to Service Hero Week.

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Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey react to the collapse of a bipartisan Wisconsin deal that would have delivered property tax relief, education funding, and no tax on tips, breaking down the political fallout and frustration from both sides. They also examine broader concerns around education as test scores continue to fall nationwide. In City Stories, Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene joins to discuss Milwaukee’s ongoing debates over leaf collection, Water Street safety, neighborhood investment, and redevelopment projects across the city. The show also reflects on the legacy of Dr. William Finlayson and new developments in a federal election investigation.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey react to comments from President Trump prioritizing foreign policy over domestic economic concerns, asking listeners whether it’s shifting their support amid rising financial pressure. They also examine messaging challenges facing both political parties and what voters are looking for ahead of the midterms. Later, Dr. Will Flanders joins to discuss a new documentary on why teachers are leaving public schools, followed by conversations on school board controversies, healthcare politics, and a rare bipartisan deal in Wisconsin on tax relief and education funding.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey break down a rare bipartisan agreement in Wisconsin on property tax relief and education funding, and the political fallout as some Democratic candidates push back. They also discuss messaging challenges within the party and what the deal signals about governing. Later, the conversation turns to declining birth rates and the idea of being “underbabied,” with insight from Motherhood for Good’s Kate Duffy. The show also highlights the impact of domestic violence with Carmen Pitre of the Sojourner Family Peace Center and ways the community can get involved.