Hundreds of Wins Against Trump While the Trump-Vance administration has attempted to freeze funding, strip healthcare coverage from millions, and attack reproductive rights, one organization has been fighting back in court - and winning. Democracy Forward didn't wait for Inauguration Day to prepare. Anticipating the threats of Project 2025, they built a strategic network of over 650 diverse partner organizations, positioning legal expertise exactly where it would be most effective: in the courts. The result? The moment Trump took office, they were ready, and they've been winning ever since. This week, Dr. Lyerly sits down with Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward and one of “TIME100’s Most Influential People in the World” to discuss the hundreds of legal victories they've secured since January 20th. From protecting immigrant communities to shielding medication abortion from legal attacks, Democracy Forward is serving as a critical check on executive overreach. If you're tired of feeling helpless, this conversation will remind you that resistance isn't futile - it's winning. Guest: Skye Perryman

Plus Our Faves From 2025 Last week, everything changed in an instant. A serious car accident turned this doctor into a patient, and the strangers who became heroes - the volunteers and healthcare workers who rushed to help - reminded me exactly why we do this show. Community isn't just a buzzword. It’s how we take care of each other. It's our foundation. It's what builds our democracy. And what a year of community building it has been! In 2025, I sat down with some of the most interesting and engaging voices in Wisconsin and beyond - people who step up and speak out in the places where they are needed the most. These aren't just interviews, these are the conversations that shaped the year. From the fight for healthcare to the future of Wisconsin, from tariffs to protecting our voting rights, we've covered it all. Join us as we relive the moments that hit hardest, celebrate the wins, and get fired up for what's coming next…because we’re just getting started! Guests: Tom Nelson John Brogan Sachin Shivaram Kurt Voss Francesca Hong Kelda Roys Sara Rodriguez Missy Hughes Kristin Brey Pat Kreitlow Kate Duffy Laura Hanks  Skye Perryman Credits: Producer: Abraham Lyerly Music: Nic Tierman & Abraham Lyerly Guest: Abraham Lyerly

Missy Hughes on Building a Main Street Economy Wisconsin's 2026 gubernatorial race is wide open - and the stakes couldn't be higher. With no incumbent for the first time since 2010, a large and diverse field of Democrats are vying for the nomination in what will be one of the most watched races in the country. In this episode, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Missy Hughes, the former CEO of Wisconsin's Economic Development Corporation and longtime Organic Valley executive who's running on a platform of economic opportunity for all 72 counties. Hughes isn't your typical candidate. She lives in western Wisconsin on a farm outside of Viroqua with 70 sheep, two donkeys, and a passion for growing dahlias. She's run eight marathons. She's a lawyer who spent 17 years in the dairy industry before leading the state agency that brought Microsoft, Eli Lilly, Milwaukee Tool, and Kikkoman to Wisconsin - securing over $10 billion in investment and 45,000 jobs. Her pitch? I'm not a politician, and that's the point. We talk about her unlikely path from growing up in New York to rural Wisconsin, what a "Main Street Economy" actually means in practice, how she plans to bridge urban and rural divides, and what sets her apart. Guest: Missy Hughes

What happens when moms stop asking and start organizing? This week on The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show, Dr. Lyerly sits down with Kate Duffy, founder of Motherhood for Good, a movement mobilizing moms across Wisconsin and beyond into a powerful political force. From the origin story of turning social media frustration into grassroots action, to her new venture with Kristin Brey, Kate shares how mothers are reclaiming the political narrative and building real power. In this candid, entertaining conversation, Kate and Dr. Lyerly discuss what makes moms unique, which issues are driving mothers to the polls, and why politicians should be paying attention. They explore the intersection of motherhood and activism, the future of mother-led organizing, and what it takes to sustain a movement while still packing school lunches. If you've ever wondered whether mom rage can be a political strategy - or if you're ready to channel yours - this episode is for you. Guest: Kate Duffy

Inside the Battle for Fair Maps  Gerrymandering isn't just a political buzzword—it's the practice of manipulating voting district boundaries to predetermine election outcomes, and it's happening in states across America right now to stack the deck in favor of the people in power. In this episode, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Mark Gaber, Senior Director of Redistricting at the Campaign Legal Center, to break down the current battles over fair maps. From landmark cases in Texas and California to emerging fights in Indiana and Illinois, Mark walks us through how partisan gerrymandering undermines democracy, what's being done to stop it, and where fair maps have won in the past (hint: Michigan and Wisconsin, at least for now). You'll learn: How gerrymandering actually works and why both parties do it The legal strategies being used to challenge unfair maps in court What role technology and AI might play in creating neutral districts Why the Midwest is becoming the next major battleground for redistricting What everyday citizens can do to demand fair representation Whether you're new to redistricting or following these cases closely, this conversation offers critical insight into one of the most consequential—and least understood—threats to American democracy. Credits: Producer: Abraham Lyerly Music: Nic Tierman & Abraham Lyerly Guest: Mark Gaber

Every week, Dr. Kristin Lyerly shows up on Pat Kreitlow's morning radio show to talk politics and healthcare. She answers his questions, follows his format, plays by his rules. But today? The tables have turned. In this special episode, Kristin interviews her friend Pat Kreitlow—former Wisconsin State Senator, veteran broadcaster, and one of the last voices keeping local journalism alive in Wisconsin. They dive into his unlikely journey from anchorman to the Senate floor to the radio studio, what's really happening in Wisconsin politics that no one's paying attention to, and whether local media can actually survive in the age of TikTok and cable news rage-bait. But this isn't your typical serious policy interview. Kristin also grills Pat on the important questions: Does he practice his radio voice in the mirror? Is he actually that cheerful at 6 AM? And what's the most ridiculous thing that's happened while he was broadcasting live? If you've ever wondered what happens when two Wisconsin media personalities who actually like each other sit down for a real conversation—part serious, part silly, all honest—this is it! Guest: Pat Kreitlow

Sara Rodriguez on Making History Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez joins Dr. Lyerly to discuss her campaign to become Wisconsin's first female governor. Photo credit: Nick Garcia From their shared experience as healthcare professionals entering politics during the pandemic to the fight for Medicaid expansion and reproductive rights, this conversation explores what it takes to lead boldly in uncertain times. Sara shares her vision for Wisconsin's future and why healthcare expertise matters in the governor's office. Guest: Sara Rodriguez

Bridging Divides and Whether Feminism Broke the Workplace Fellow radio host and Wisconsin mom Kristin Brey joins the show for a conversation that covers everything from bridging divides to government shutdowns and doesn’t shy away from the big questions: Has the Democratic Party lost touch with the people? Did liberal feminism actually ruin the workplace? Kristin brings honesty, humor, and the perspective of someone living it all in real time. This one is equal parts fun and real talk—don't miss it. Guest: Kristin Brey

Wauwatosa Mayor Dennis McBride on Leading Through 2020's Perfect Storm Dennis McBride won his hometown mayoral race in April 2020 with nearly 60% of the vote. One month later, his world - and America's - exploded. Over the next twelve months, the new mayor of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin navigated a pandemic, 98 days and nights of racial justice protests, a mass shooting at the local mall, and a high-stakes presidential election. For 40 nights, he and his wife barricaded themselves in their home while protesters chanted outside, flashed lasers through their windows, and threw trash on their lawn. He told his adult children there was a real possibility someone might take his life. Five years later, Mayor McBride has written "A City on the Edge: Pandemic, Protest, and Polarization," a gripping firsthand account of leadership during America's most turbulent year in generations. He argues that Wauwatosa was "a microcosm of everything that was going on in America" and that we still haven't escaped the forces unleashed in 2020. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Mayor McBride to explore the impossible decisions leaders faced, the personal toll of public service, and whether there's a path forward for a deeply divided nation. As McBride says: "We only come out of things if we work hard to make good things happen, and we have to do that by reaching across the aisle to people that we don't normally agree with." This is a story about courage, resilience, and what it takes to lead when everything is falling apart. Follow Mayor Dennis McBride on Facebook @dennis.mcbride.737 Listen at CivicMedia.us or wherever you get your podcasts Find “A City on the Edge: Pandemic, Protest, and Polarization” at Amazon, IU Press, and more Guest: Dennis McBride

State Rep. Francesca Hong on Running for Wisconsin Governor State Representative Francesca Hong isn't your typical gubernatorial candidate - and she'll be the first to tell you that. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with the first Asian American member of the Wisconsin Legislature, who's now running to become the state's next governor. Hong brings a perspective rarely seen in executive politics: she's a chef, a bartender, a single mother navigating affordable housing challenges, and a Democratic Socialist who's promising to be the "wild card" in Wisconsin's 2026 race. From the dish pit to the State Capitol to the campaign trail, Hong shares her journey and her vision for a Wisconsin that centers working-class families. She discusses her progressive platform - including universal childcare, paid family leave, and affordable housing - and explains why she believes Wisconsin needs a movement, not just another establishment candidate. Dr. Lyerly and Rep. Hong tackle the tough questions: How does Hong plan to win without corporate PAC money? What does democratic socialism mean to Wisconsin voters? How would she work with a potentially Republican-controlled legislature? And what does it mean to be a politician who still picks up bar shifts and knows what it's like to struggle with rent? Whether you're a progressive looking for bold leadership or a skeptic wondering if Wisconsin is ready for such a departure from traditional politics, this conversation offers an unfiltered look at one of the most unconventional candidates in Wisconsin's political landscape. This is the second in our series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum. Listen to the rest of the series here: Guest: Francesca Hong

Dr. Anita Bublik-Anderson on Reclaiming Women’s Healthcare This episode is for every woman who has felt dismissed. Women have been told to suffer through menopause in silence for far too long. But physicians like Dr. Anita Bublik-Anderson are saying enough is enough. This week, I sit down with Dr. Bublik-Anderson, a colleague, breast cancer survivor, and the force behind a new groundbreaking menopause and sexual health clinic opening in Wausau. She’s filling a critical gap in care that has left countless women struggling without answers, without support, and without hope. The statistics are staggering: only 31% of OB/GYN residency programs include menopause curriculum. Just 2,500 specialists serve 1.3 million women entering menopause each year. One in three women are misdiagnosed, and 60% find their doctor’s advice unhelpful. This isn’t just a care gap—it’s a crisis. We talk about why this is happening. How medical education has failed women. How the politicization of medicine has created barriers to evidence-based care. How ageism and sexism intersect to dismiss women’s health concerns as they age. And how the shame and stigma around menopause have kept women suffering in silence when they should be getting comprehensive medical attention. But this conversation is also about hope and action. From Capitol Hill to Hollywood, advocates are rising up. Halle Berry—who was misdiagnosed with herpes when she was actually experiencing perimenopause—has become a powerful voice for change. Physicians like Dr. Bublik-Anderson and me are opening clinics, educating patients, and demanding that our medical system do better. And legislators including Rep. Robyn Vining and Sen. Dianne Hesselbein right here in Wisconsin have introduced a bill to ensure that women have the information they need to live their best lives.  During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Bublik-Anderson also shares her personal journey as a breast cancer survivor and addresses the unique challenges cancer survivors face navigating menopause—from treatment-induced symptoms to the complexity of hormone therapy decisions. This episode is for every woman who has felt dismissed, every patient who couldn’t get answers, every person who believes that half the population deserves better than a medical system that has historically ignored and underfunded their care. It’s time to break the silence. It’s time to demand better. It’s time to reclaim women’s health. Guest: Dr. Anita Bublik-Anderson

Dr. Pat McBride on Being the Brewers' First Bat Boy, Bob Uecker, and What This NLCS Run Means to Wisconsin Means to Wisconsin The Milwaukee Brewers are in the NLCS—and we're talking to the man who was there from the very beginning. On this special episode, recorded on the day of Game 1 of the National League Championship Series, Dr. Kristin Lyerly sits down with Dr. Pat McBride, former Dean of Students at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and author of The Luckiest Boy in the World. But before his distinguished career in medicine and education, Pat had another distinction: he was the Milwaukee Brewers' very first bat boy. Pat takes us back to the early days of the Brewers in Milwaukee, sharing stories from inside the clubhouse and the dugout—including unforgettable tales about the legendary Bob Uecker. We explore how those formative experiences shaped his life, why he considers himself "the luckiest boy in the world," and what professional baseball taught him about leadership, resilience, and community. With the Brewers breaking a six-year postseason series drought and facing the Dodgers in a rematch of the heartbreaking 2018 NLCS, this conversation couldn't be more timely. Pat offers unique perspective on what this team means to Wisconsin, why Saturday's victory over the Cubs felt so significant, and what's at stake as the entire state watches with hope. Whether you're a lifelong Brewers fan, a student of Wisconsin sports history, or simply love a great story about how childhood dreams shape our lives, this episode delivers. Go Crew! Guest: Dr. Pat McBride

  Wisconsin State Senator Kelda Roys is running to be the state's next governor, leveraging years of legislative experience and proven bipartisan wins to make her case to Wisconsin voters. From growing up in a converted one-room schoolhouse in rural Taylor County to leading fights for reproductive rights and workers' freedoms in the state legislature, Roys brings more than two decades of progressive advocacy to this race. As a mom and stepmom of five, small business owner, attorney, and longtime champion for women's health, Roys has built a reputation for seeing political threats before they materialize and building coalitions to fight back. She was in the streets protesting Scott Walker's Act 10 in 2011, helped pass Wisconsin's first pro-choice legislation in 30 years, and now co-chairs the Legislature's Reproductive Freedom Caucus. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss how she thinks about leadership and compromise in a purple state, her vision for education and healthcare, what drives her advocacy work, and how she manages the chaos of running a small business and raising five kids while serving in the state Senate. This is the first in our series of conversations with candidates for Wisconsin governor across the political spectrum. Guest: Kelda Roys

This week on The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show, OB/GYN expertise meets unfiltered conversation! Join Dr. Kristin Lyerly and her colleague Dr. Laura Hanks—aka "Dr. Hanks at Your Cervix"—for candid, lively discussions about reproductive health that you won't hear anywhere else. With the unique humor and insight that only two seasoned OB/GYNs can bring, Drs. Lyerly and Hanks tackle the topics that matter most—from navigating Wisconsin's ever-changing abortion landscape to answering the questions you've been too afraid to ask your own doctor. Is Tylenol really safe during pregnancy? Is birth control safe? Should I exercise during pregnancy? They're breaking it all down with evidence-based answers, real talk, and plenty of laughs. Whether you're curious about your own health, passionate about reproductive justice, or just love a good doctor-to-doctor debate, this podcast delivers medical expertise without the jargon and important conversations without the stuffiness. Guest: Dr. Laura Hanks

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Dr. Lyerly talks with Laura and Patrick DuSchane, the parents of a three-year-old boy who was present at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis during the tragic shooting on August 27th that claimed the lives of two children and injured 18 others. In this raw and honest conversation, they share their story of that horrific morning - the chaos, the fear, and the immediate aftermath that no parent should ever have to endure. But this episode is about more than just surviving tragedy. These parents open up and share how their experience has transformed them, turning their grief and trauma into a driving force for change. They discuss the difficult journey of processing what happened, supporting their young child through the trauma, and finding their voice in the fight for school safety and gun violence prevention. Their message is clear and urgent: thoughts and prayers are not enough. This is a story about ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances, choosing to channel their pain into purpose. It's about refusing to accept that such violence is inevitable, and demanding that we all "do something" to protect our children and communities. Guests: Laura DuSchane, Patrick DuSchane

Ready for politics, music, and good vibes? This week on “The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show”, I’m hanging out with Wisconsin State Representative Amaad Rivera-Wagner for a fun chat about everything from Trump's budget shenanigans to Green Bay's awesome music scene. How do federal decisions actually affect your everyday life? What's cooking in Madison? And why is our local arts community so darn cool? Rivera-Wagner breaks it all down with the perfect mix of policy smarts and genuine love for Green Bay culture. Plus, we're featuring local bands 7000apart and Pegasis, because who doesn't love discovering amazing local talent? Whether you're a political junkie, a music lover, or just here for good conversation, this episode's got you covered. Let's dive in! Guests: 7000apart, Amaad Rivera-Wagner, Pegasis

When the Dobbs decision came down, Emily Kraynak and Sarah White weren't seasoned activists—they were working professionals with young families trying to make sense of a rapidly changing world. What began as a response to that pivotal moment has blossomed into Northern Door Activism, a Wisconsin-based community organization that's redefining what grassroots engagement can look like. In this conversation, Emily and Sarah share their journey from concerned citizens to skilled community builders, revealing how they and their neighbors have created space for others to find their own path into civic engagement. Rather than following traditional activist playbooks, they've crafted something uniquely their own—blending community building with advocacy in ways that reflect the character of their little corner, peninsula really, of Wisconsin. Featured Guests Emily Kraynak - Co-founder of Northern Door Activism Sarah White - Co-founder of Northern Door Activism Key Topics Discussed How the Dobbs decision catalyzed the formation of Northern Door Activism Balancing community building with political advocacy Creative approaches to grassroots organizing in small-town Wisconsin Making civic engagement accessible to busy families and working professionals Growing from a small group of concerned citizens to a thriving community organization Unique events and initiatives that reflect their local community Lessons learned from building something from scratch Featured Music by: Dorothy Scott & the Peacekeepers highlight the best of Pop, Folk, and Blues. About Northern Door Activism Northern Door Activism is a grassroots community organization based in Wisconsin that emerged in response to the 2022 Dobbs decision. The group focuses on blending traditional activism with community building events, creating accessible pathways for civic engagement while fostering meaningful connections among community members. Connect To learn more about Northern Door Activism or get involved in their initiatives, visit them on IG @northerndooractivism or www.northerndooractivism.com Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share with others who might be interested in grassroots organizing and community building. Guests: Sarah White, Emily Kraynak, Dorothy Scott and the Peacekeepers

The gloves come off as Wisconsin business leaders square off over one of the most divisive economic policies of our time. In this explosive episode, Dr. Kristin Lyerly moderates a no-holds-barred discussion between CEOs who couldn't disagree more about Trump's tariffs. On one side: executives who see tariffs as the lifeline American manufacturing desperately needs. On the other: business leaders watching their costs skyrocket and markets disappear. And let’s not forget the result? A heated debate that reveals just how deeply these policies are dividing Wisconsin's business community. These aren't abstract policy discussions—they're battles over real jobs, real profits, and the real future of Northeast Wisconsin's economy. Guests Sachin Shivaram, CEO - Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry Kurt Voss, CEO and Owner - AmeriLux Family of Companies John Brogan, CEO - The Bank of Kaukauna Featured Music by Dr. Kristin Lyerly brings Northeast Wisconsin the conversations that matter most—from the kitchen table to the boardroom. Each week, she tackles the issues shaping our communities with the insight, compassion, and tough questions you expect. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or listen live on the Civic Media app! Guests: Sachin Shivaram, Kurt Voss, John Brogan, The Wishbone Breakers

Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer's disease. In this heartfelt and informative episode, we bring together dedicated voices from Wisconsin's Alzheimer's community to share hope, resources, and practical guidance for families navigating this journey. Our Guests Wendy Betley - Senior Director of Programs, Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin Chapter: Wendy discusses the latest advances in Alzheimer's research, treatment options, and the often-overlooked resources available to Wisconsin families. Dr. Dave Ferguson - Owner, DJ Ferguson & Associates Life Care Planning: Dr. Ferguson provides essential guidance on legal and financial planning, helping families prepare for the road ahead while maintaining dignity and hope. What You'll Learn Current breakthroughs in Alzheimer's research and treatment Free resources available through the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Association When and how to start life care planning conversations Ways to support loved ones and community members affected by Alzheimer's How to get involved in Green Bay's Walk to End Alzheimer's on September 27th Key Takeaways Whether you're personally affected by Alzheimer's, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand this disease that touches so many lives, this conversation offers practical tools and genuine hope. Our guests emphasize that while Alzheimer's presents challenges, families don't have to face them alone. Get Involved Green Bay Walk to End Alzheimer's - City Deck Date: September 27, 2025 Learn more and register at www.alz.org 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900 Guests: Wendy Betley, Dr. Dave Ferguson

The political conversation America needs but doesn't want to have. What happens when a Gen X mom sits down with three Gen Z men to debate the most explosive political issues tearing America apart? You get raw, unfiltered discussion about Trump, socialism, identity politics, and whether this country is worth saving or needs to be burned down and rebuilt. Dr. Lyerly brings the perspective of someone who remembers when politics was predictable and boring - back when politicians at least pretended to work together. Abe, Alan, and Landiran represent a generation that's never known political "normal" and isn't interested in playing by the old rules. This isn't your sanitized NPR interview or your rage-bait cable news segment. It's an honest conversation between people who fundamentally disagree about America's past, present, and future. Expect heated debates about: Whether Trump is a legitimate leader or an existential threat If "woke" politics have gone too far or not far enough Should police be defunded or reformed? Is capitalism fundamentally broken? Are older generations too racist to understand modern values? Would packing the Supreme Court save or destroy democracy? Sometimes they find surprising common ground. Sometimes they expose divides so deep you'll wonder how people this different can coexist in the same democracy. But they always tell you exactly what they think - no corporate PR speak, no political consultant talking points. Content Warning: This episode discusses adult themes and controversial political topics without pulling punches. If you're looking for comfort food politics that confirms what you already believe, this isn't for you. Join the most uncomfortable political conversation in America. Because the issues dividing us aren't going away just because we're too polite to talk about them. Musical feature for this week's episode is Horace Greene. Guests: Alan Tipple, Abraham Lyerly, Landiran Kern, Horace Green