Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey opened the show with the tragic news out of Minneapolis, speaking with Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty attorney Rick Esenberg about the ICE agent who shot a woman in her car. The conversation unpacked the rapidly forming partisan fault lines, with responses from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, while also examining the legal questions, accountability, and what to watch as the investigation unfolds. The focus then shifted to Wisconsin’s local and long-term challenges. In the “Forward Thinking” segment, City Forward Collective executive director Colleston Morgan joined in studio to explain why property taxes are rising across multiple communities as school districts struggle to fund education, particularly special education, amid limited state support. That discussion continued into Milwaukee’s outsized role in those increases. The second hour leaned into hyperlocal reporting with Urban Milwaukee president Jeramey Jannene, who delivered updates on the city’s crackdown on habitual parking violators (the other HPV), debated speed bumps and sidewalk shoveling, and highlighted adaptive reuse projects like converting a historic church into apartments. The show wrapped with a deep dive into City Hall power struggles, police settlement costs, and Milwaukee’s push to incentivize affordable housing development.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey opened the midweek edition of Point Taken with a pointed discussion about the Trump administration rewriting references to the January 6th Capitol attack on government websites, and whether the country has reached a point of no return when it comes to facts versus opinion. They engaged directly with listener texts pushing back and reacting to the revisions before turning to criticism from the U.S. Secretary of War aimed at Senator and former astronaut Mark Kelly, while Producer Jazz resurfaced a 2016 clip highlighting similar rhetoric from years earlier. The show then broadened into culture and technology, reacting to a CNN poll suggesting Americans increasingly identify more by age than race or gender — with Steve sharing frustrations about generational stereotypes. That theme of societal erosion carried into a conversation about X’s AI chatbot Grok being used to undress women and girls, regardless of age, and what it says about the decline of online community standards. In the second hour, Steve and Kristin examined the rapid expansion of prediction markets into politics and sports before welcoming ESPN Milwaukee’s Alex Strouf for an in-depth breakdown of the Packers’ high-stakes playoff matchup against the Bears. The show wrapped with a Milwaukee Boat Show giveaway and a lively “Ask Us Anything” segment that bounced from Las Vegas tourism and Venezuela to sports gambling ads, cultural quirks, and whether Milwaukee needs a Laverne & Shirley statue.

Steve Scaffidi returned alongside co-host Kristin Brey for his first Point Taken of 2026, opening the show with reflections on a recent trip to Las Vegas and a sober conversation marking the fifth anniversary of the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. Steve and Kristin examined the evolving legacy of the riots — including convictions, pardons, and continued efforts by some Republicans to downplay the events — before turning to breaking international news. The pair shared their initial reactions to the U.S. invasion of Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, analyzing intent, next steps, and how the press and political leaders responded. The show balanced heavy politics with lighter moments, including a Milwaukee Boat Show giveaway and a playful debate over whether Steve is a “boat guy.” Back on the global stage, they discussed reactions from Venezuelan leadership and weighed in on controversy sparked by a social media post from the wife of Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller amid renewed talk of acquiring Greenland. In the second hour, “The Anger Professor” Dr. Ryan Martin joined by phone to discuss his new book 50 Ways to Feel Better Fast, breaking down the role anger plays in everyday life and who the book is designed to help. The program wrapped with conversations about GLP-1 weight-loss drugs becoming available in pill form and a nostalgic turn to food culture, as Steve and Kristin invited listeners to weigh in on the decline of pizza delivery and the meals they’d still order instantly.

WTMJ host Kristin Brey kicked off what she called the “real start to 2026” with a fast-moving and consequential show centered on the U.S.’s stunning military action in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Joined in studio by WISN-TV political director Matt Smith, Kristin unpacked how Wisconsin politicians were reacting to the news and what former RNC Chair Reince Priebus told Smith on UpFront about President Trump’s influence on upcoming midterms and the Wisconsin governor’s race. The show then turned to state and regional political fallout, with Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Mary Spicuzza breaking down former Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan’s resignation following her felony conviction and the political pressure surrounding it. Kristin also covered Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s surprise decision not to seek reelection and revisited the alleged childcare fraud scandal that has rippled into Wisconsin discourse. In the second hour, Annex Wealth Management CEO Dave Spano joined Kristin to discuss market reactions to the Venezuela invasion, lessons from the 2025 economy, and Warren Buffett’s retirement. The show closed with robust listener engagement, as Kristin took calls and texts reacting to the Venezuela situation, openly debating the Trump administration’s actions while finding moments of common ground with listeners.

On the first Point Taken of 2026, Kristin Brey was joined in studio by Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki and Republican strategist Bill McCoshen for a wide-ranging, bipartisan breakdown of the political landscape. The hour began with a deep dive into YouTuber Nick Shirley’s investigation into alleged childcare fraud in Minnesota, examining what the scandal could mean for a reliably blue state, its convicted figures, and potential fallout for Governor Tim Walz ahead of future elections. From there, the panel zoomed out to national and global stakes — questioning why the war in Ukraine continues despite President Trump’s pledge to quickly end it in his second term, and reacting to the House Judiciary Committee’s surprise release of closed-door testimony from former Special Counsel Jack Smith. The second hour shifted closer to home, with analysis of Wisconsin’s governor’s race, looming campaign finance disclosures, and listener frustration over the outsized role of money in politics. The show wrapped with reflections on 2025, expectations for 2026, thoughtful cross-aisle shoutouts, and a grab bag touching on foreign policy, media trust, and pop culture moments from New Year’s Eve.

It’s New Year’s Eve, and Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey ring out 2025 by revisiting Steve’s ongoing saga with a Facebook troll, then highlight some of the best things that happened in 2025, from medical breakthroughs to the rise of weight-loss drugs. Kristin questions why New Year’s falls in the dead of winter (blaming Julius Caesar), before the duo turns to New Year’s resolutions, reading listener goals for the year ahead. In the second hour, they talk about what they’re officially done with in 2026 — from endless Microsoft Teams meetings to doom-scrolling. As Kristin heads off to the ball drop at Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Steve wraps up the show solo with Ask Steve Anything, taking listener questions, ideas for 2026, and sharing thoughts on conversations he hopes to have with faith leaders about the role of faith in modern life.

With the year coming to a close, Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey reflect on time, aging, and what it means to move forward — sparked by Steve realizing it’s been almost 50 years since he graduated high school. The duo takes on a 2025 news and pop-culture quiz (courtesy of Yahoo News, Producer Jaslyn and ChatGPT), then zooms out to discuss the biggest stories and themes of the year — from political violence and natural disasters to viral moments and cultural overload. Listeners weigh in on what defined 2025 for them. They swap favorites from TV and movies, compare them to what actually topped the charts, and then turn their attention to the future. Inspired by “New Rules” lists, Steve and Kristin (and the audience) lay out personal rules and predictions for 2026 — covering politics, AI, sports, and a few truly wild guesses.

It’s the final week of 2025, and Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey break down a 60 Minutes report on a U.S.-linked detention center in El Salvador that was pulled at the last minute in the U.S. but aired in Canada, raising questions about editorial judgment, news deserts vs. news floods, and whether the word “fact” still means the same thing. A debate over music from the new Wicked movie sparks a broader conversation about how politics increasingly shows up in pop culture and storytelling. Then, the focus shifts to Minnesota, where a YouTube exposé revealed alleged childcare fraud, prompting Steve to share his own experience with COVID relief misuse. In the Monday Market Preview, Annex Wealth Management’s Dave Spano joins to look ahead to 2026 economic predictions, from silver prices to what businesses and consumers may be underestimating — and where optimism might be warranted. The show wraps with sports and fun: the Packers’ tough loss to the Ravens, questions around Malik Willis and Matt LaFleur, the origin of the cheese grater hat, and a lighthearted discussion about who you’d want a Cameo from to close out the year.

Happy Holidays from Steve and Kristin. We are highlighting some of our best interviews including: Stephanie Hauser - Executive Director of the WIAA Megan Greenwell - Author of "Bad Company: Private Equity and the Death of the American Dream” Steven Olikara - Founder of Bridge Entertainment Labs Trae Crowder - Comedian Dr. Matthew Boedy - Author of "The Seven Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize American and Destroy Democracy" Pam Jahnke - Host of the Midwest Farm Report (at the State Fair!) Paul Wilson, Expert on Sustainable Nuclear Energy, Energy Policy and Radiation Transport of Nuclear Systems at the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin Madison

It’s Christmas Eve on Point Taken — and for once, there’s no news. Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey open the phones and text line to hear listeners’ Christmas wishes, favorite gifts, and most disappointing surprises. Kristin shares the best gift she’s ever received, Steve vents about the missing eggnog latte at Milwaukee Starbucks, and the two sprinkle in a little Pay It Forward encouragement for holiday drivers. The heart of the show comes with holiday storytelling, as Kristin reads her “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” piece from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, followed by Steve’s version from 2017. They reflect on traditions, buying gifts for yourself (and mom), grandchildren, and what they hope to do better in 2026.

It’s still Christmas week, and Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey kick things off with a holiday question many people can relate to: are gift cards a thoughtful present — or a lazy one? With one in five Americans receiving a Starbucks gift card, Kristin explains why Starbucks increasingly operates like a bank, while listeners weigh in with strong opinions. Then, friend of the show Brian Reisinger joins to discuss his latest Milwaukee Journal Sentinel column on the necessity of deer hunting in Wisconsin, from population control to the reality of hitting a deer on the road. Next comes a Festivus tradition — Steve, Kristin, and listeners air their grievances, aluminum pole not included. Then, former Lieutenant Governor and 2026 gubernatorial candidate Mandela Barnes joins in-studio to explain why he’s running, how he’d tackle affordability, what he learned from his 2022 Senate race, and how he’d govern with a Democratic legislature. They wrap things up with Pay It Forward, keeping the holiday spirit alive.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined by WISN-TV political director Matt Smith to unpack his firsthand coverage of the Judge Hannah Dugan trial, including what stood out in court and what could come next on appeal. They also break down new investigations involving the Wisconsin Department of Justice, from scrutiny over a Bloomberg-funded investment to a federal DOJ request for voter information — and Attorney General Josh Kaul’s sharp pushback. Then the show lightens up. Steve and Kristin open the phones to ask listeners one essential holiday question: what’s the most overrated Christmas thing? (Steve has strong feelings about McDonald’s dropping the Eggnog shake.) In the Monday Market Preview, Annex Wealth Management weighs in on holiday spending, credit card debt, the possibility of a Santa Claus Rally, and what the economy could look like in 2026. They close with ESPN Milwaukee’s Alex Strouf, breaking down the Packers’ tough loss to the Bears, media meltdowns, and Christmas plans.

WTMJ hosts Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey welcomed Republican strategist Bill McCoshen and Democratic State Rep. Deb Andraca for a wide-ranging, spirited conversation that moved from Wisconsin politics to national headlines—and back again. The panel dug into the split verdict in the Judge Hannah Dugan trial, what it could mean for her future, and how both sides of the political aisle were poised to weaponize the outcome. They also examined Trump’s recent address to the nation, the spotlight on Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and the growing political implications of rising Wisconsin property taxes ahead of the 2026 governor’s race. The hour balanced sharp analysis with lighter moments, including the group’s weekly “Say Something Nice,” discussions on Packers-Bears fandom, women’s health breakthroughs, and whether driverless taxis could ever work in Milwaukee. From serious reflections on civic discourse to feel-good stories of everyday heroism, the conversation wrapped with a reminder of the value of paying it forward—even in divided times.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey open the show by breaking down President Donald Trump’s national address, including his unexpected proposal for stipend checks to military service members funded by tariff revenue. They analyze contradictions in Trump’s economic messaging and ask listeners whether the speech changed their view of the administration. Then they turn local, discussing rising property taxes across Wisconsin as homeowners receive their bills. Listeners share how these increases are hitting their households. In City Stories, Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene brings updates on the Judge Hannah Dugan trial, former Mayor Tom Barrett’s involvement, shifting power dynamics between Mayor Cavalier Johnson and the Common Council, executive salaries, Shorewood’s plan to move its public works site, and yet another debate over historic preservation. They also break down how Milwaukee property taxes are allocated and new efforts to crack down on fare evasion in the county transit system.

Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey welcome Milwaukee County Executive and Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Crowley to recap 2025 — including his relationship with the county board, the future of the Milwaukee County Transit System, and what happens if expected federal funding doesn’t come through. Crowley also shares how he balances governing with campaigning as he heads into a competitive primary. Steve and Kristin then break down White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles’ unusually candid interviews about President Trump and preview what Trump might address in his nationwide speech that evening. In hour two, the hosts examine the House GOP rebellion forcing a vote to extend ACA subsidies, a sign that Republicans in purple districts are worried heading into the 2026 midterms. They also discuss declining social media usage and how it could reshape voter behavior. They wrap with Ask Us Anything, covering Kristin’s acting past, “Dead Internet Theory,” casino losses, and even cookies.

Steve Scaffidi hosts a powerhouse legal hour with retired Milwaukee County Judge Mary Kuhnmuench and former U.S. Attorney James Santelle, beginning with Milwaukee’s biggest headline: the trial of Judge Hannah Dugan. They discuss Dugan’s judicial discretion, the jury’s likely considerations, and the boundaries a judge must stay within. The conversation then shifts to major cases before the U.S. Supreme Court — including Trump v. Slaughter on the independence of federal agencies, a lawsuit challenging the legality of Trump’s tariffs (and whether farmers could be reimbursed), and predictions on a new Voting Rights Act challenge. In Closing Arguments, Judge Mary emphasizes “less is more,” urging elected officials and judges to stay in their lane, while James raises the question of whether one branch of government can be held in contempt by another. In the second hour, Steve reacts to President Trump’s insensitive comments on the murder of Rob Reiner, inviting listeners to weigh in. He also discusses holiday overspending as prices remain high and closes with Pay It Forward, encouraging small acts of kindness.

Steve Scaffidi is back, and he and Kristin Brey begin the show with a sobering recap of multiple weekend tragedies — including mass shootings in Australia and at Brown University, and the shocking stabbing deaths of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife. They discuss global differences in gun laws, mental health concerns, community response, and the heroic father who tackled the gunman at Australia's Bondi Beach. Then, WTMJ reporter Neil Doyle joins live from the Milwaukee County Courthouse with the latest on the Judge Hannah Dugan trial, breaking down opening statements and the media frenzy surrounding the case. In the Monday Market Preview, Annex Wealth Management’s Dr. Brian Jacobsen explains what the Federal Reserve’s rate cuts mean for the economy, upcoming inflation and jobs data, Black Friday credit-card spending, and whether a “Santa Rally” could still arrive for 2025. Later, ESPN Milwaukee host Alex Strouf joins in-studio to unpack the Packers’ rough loss to the Broncos, key injuries, and playoff prospects — followed by a much brighter story: the Wisconsin Badgers Women’s Volleyball team advancing to the Final Four.

Kristin Brey hosts an energetic, cross-partisan show with , Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki and special guest Hilario Deleon, Milwaukee County Republican Party chair in for Bill McCoshen. Hilario introduces himself to listeners before they all dig into the U.S. Senate’s failure to extend Medicare subsidies, the latest Trump farm bailout, and the broader affordability debate dominating national politics. The conversation shifts to the Wisconsin Governor’s race, with analysis of Joel Brennan’s entry on the Democratic side and Hilario’s Gen Z take on the Republican field — including rumors of Tim Michels possibly eyeing another run. In the 11 a.m. hour, they tackle the upcoming Judge Hannah Dugan trial, judicial activism, and the flaws in the pardon system. Then it’s time for Say Something Nice and Grab Bags, with stories ranging from Shop-With-A-Cop chaos to tech frustrations to the healing power of music. Kristin closes the show with an interview with gubernatorial candidate Joel Brennan, discussing his launch video, campaign message, and how he plans to raise his name recognition across Wisconsin.

Kristin Brey opens the show with the newest entry into Wisconsin’s governor’s race — Greater Milwaukee Committee President Joel Brennan — before diving into a headline grabbing story: a Campbell’s vice president fired after a secretly recorded rant about “bioengineered meat.” Kristin explores America’s dependence on ultra-processed foods and whether lawsuits like San Francisco’s new case against major food companies could force real change. She then shifts to another consumer controversy: personal dynamic pricing. A new report shows people are being charged different prices for the same order on apps like Instacart. Kristin breaks down how it works, what it means for shoppers, and how to avoid getting price-tested. In City Stories, Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene joins to talk about: -A Frank Lloyd Wright home becoming a new museum -Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s weakened influence -The expanding Powerline Trail -PFAS lawsuits -And concerns over surveillance tech used by the Sheriff’s Department. -And more!

Kristin Brey and guest co-host Todd Allbaugh break down President Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania, where he blamed Democrats for America’s affordability problems (again). They then look at a strong election night for Democrats — including a flipped Miami mayorship for the first time in 30 years — and discuss the Senate’s debate over the future of Affordable Care Act subsidies. Next, Reed Galen of The Lincoln Project joins to assess whether third-party or “party-less” candidates have any real path in today’s political climate. In the second hour, Climate Power’s Jesse Lee weighs in on rising energy prices driven by the explosion of data centers across the country. Kristin and Todd also examine the latest wave of manufactured AI-driven outrage, this time involving Taylor Swift. They celebrate Wisconsin legend Montee Ball’s induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, and wrap things up with Todd’s classic “What’s Worse?” holiday edition: Eggnog vs. Fruitcake.