Advertise on podcast: Point Taken with Steve Scaffidi & Kristin Brey
Rating
4.1from
This podcast has
100 episodes
Explicit
No
Date created
2024/02/17
Latest episode
2026/10/01
Average duration
51 min.
Release period
2 days
Description
Hosted by Steve Scaffidi & Kristin Brey, Point Taken is for the politically curious and self described political junkie. Steve & Kristin explore, debate, & offer insight into the world of Wisconsin & national politics.
Podcast episodes
Check latest episodes from Point Taken with Steve Scaffidi & Kristin Brey podcast
Media Battles, Supreme Court Cases & Milwaukee Headlines
2026/10/01
With Steve Scaffidi off, Kristin Brey is joined by former U.S. Attorney Jim Santelle to discuss the Trump administration’s fight with the media, campaign press restrictions, Wisconsin Supreme Court cases, and the difference between what is legal and what is right.
They also examine the Cornell sexual assault case, fraternity accountability, and campus rape laws. In Hour 2, Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene breaks down Milwaukee’s latest headlines, including leadership changes at the Wisconsin Center District, cuts to the county courthouse project, an immigration case involving a Milwaukee Muslim leader, and the opening of the Gary Grunau Memorial Plaza.
Misinformation, “Super Intelligence” and Milwaukee’s Food Deserts
2026/09/30
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey examine a congressional blunder involving Jack Smith, the dangers of political news silos, and the Watertown School District’s decision to allow Flashdance as a school play.
Trade Ambassador Jameson Greer joins the show to discuss the G20, tariffs, and the Trump administration’s trade agenda. Plus, Steve and Kristin react to the rebranding of artificial intelligence as “super intelligence,” debate data centers in the Crowley-Tiffany governor’s race, and speak with Brian Reisinger about food insecurity, food deserts, and the loss of grocery stores in Milwaukee.
OVERTIME: Charlie Berens on AI, Data Centers & Building Wisconsin’s Future
2026/09/30
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey welcome comedian and Wisconsin advocate Charlie Berens to discuss his new organization, Build Wisconsin Better, and the growing debate over artificial intelligence and data center construction.
Berens explains why he believes Wisconsin should pause new data center projects until communities have a clear plan, how AI could concentrate power in fewer hands, and why the technology’s potential benefits must be weighed against its environmental, economic, and social risks.
The conversation also covers political accountability, renewable energy, the race to compete with China, and how Wisconsinites can have a greater voice in shaping the state’s future.
Overtime is exclusive to the Extra Points newsletter.
Trump’s Political Push, Rising Prices and the Crisis Facing Young Americans
2026/09/29
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discuss President Trump’s campaign involvement, political spending, and whether a controversial government-funded PSA crosses the line. They also respond to listener concerns about rising gas and grocery prices and Congress’ lack of action.
Justice Rebecca Dallet joins the show for Jury Appreciation Month to explain the importance of jury service, the selection process, and how technology is changing jury searches. Plus, Steve and Kristin examine rising death rates among young Americans, the opioid and suicide crises, and the impact of GLP-1 medications. Forward Together’s Colleston Morgan discusses MPS’ excess school buildings, declining enrollment, and the financial burden facing the district.
Wisconsin’s Governor Race, Campus Safety and a Historic Brewers Season
2026/09/28
WISN’s Matt Smith joins Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey to discuss Francesca Hong’s campaign, the upcoming attorney general debate, and the latest developments in Wisconsin’s statewide races. They also examine the controversy surrounding the Tom Tiffany campaign blocking Journal Sentinel reporters from an event.
The show tackles a sexual assault case at Cornell and the broader conversation about campus safety and institutional accountability. Plus, Dave Spano breaks down housing inventory, interest rates, gas prices and tariffs, while Steve and Kristin honor Dan Bice, react to a Trump administration PSA, and celebrate the Brewers’ historic 103-win season.
Tiffany Blocks the Media, Inflation Hits Voters and the Packers Hit Rock Bottom
2026/09/25
Steve Scaffidi hosts the Political Power Hour with Joe Zepecki and Jake Curtis to discuss Tom Tiffany blocking a Journal Sentinel reporter and how it compares with the Trump administration’s treatment of the media.
The conversation also covers rising gas and grocery prices, inflation’s impact on the midterm elections, U.S.-China relations, and growing concerns about artificial intelligence. Plus, the show’s “Say Something Nice” segment, a look at the Obama Presidential Center, and Alex Strouf joins to discuss whether the Packers have officially hit rock bottom.
Week-In-Review: 100 Wins, White House Ban, & Hazing
2026/09/25
100 wins for the Crew, media organizations banned from the White House, hazing in Madison, and more...
It's the Week-In-Review brought to you by Outdoor Living Unlimited.
Trump’s Media Fight, America’s Reading Crisis & Milwaukee’s Budget
2026/09/24
Steve and Kristin examine the Trump administration’s restrictions on White House media access and compare them with Barack Obama’s approach to the press. They also discuss America’s troubling reading scores, Wisconsin’s education challenges, and lessons from Mississippi’s turnaround.
Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene breaks down Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s proposed $2.26 billion budget, street repairs, public safety staffing, parking-meter changes, affordable housing, and possible Common Council raises.
OVERTIME: Parents Are Hiring “Second Moms” for Their College Kids?!
2026/09/24
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey go “Overtime” to debate the rise of concierge services for college students. A business that acts as a “mom for hire” by doing laundry, cleaning dorm rooms, delivering snacks, and helping students adjust to life away from home.
Are these services helpful support for young adults, or are they preventing college students from learning how to take care of themselves? Steve and Kristin also discuss parenting, independence, mentorship, and the changing college experience.
Overtime is exclusive to the Extra Points newsletter. Subscribe to hear more conversations that go beyond the daily show.
Wisconsin Ballot Amendments, Political Money & Lambeau Ladies
2026/09/23
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discuss campaign fundraising, the role of outside money in politics, and whether candidates should distance themselves from President Trump.
Will Flanders of the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty explains the two constitutional amendments on Wisconsin’s November ballot: limits on the governor’s partial-veto power and a proposal addressing preferential treatment by governmental entities. Wisconsin referendum notice
The show also examines Kalshi and the debate over prediction-market regulation, updates from the Milwaukee Diaper Mission, and the growing influence of sports betting. Plus, Laura Kostelnik Biskupic and Katherine Biskupic discuss their book, Lambeau Ladies, and the women connected to Packers history.
Trump’s Media Ban, Canada Trade War & Wisconsin Debate Questions
2026/09/22
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discuss the Trump administration’s decision to restrict access for several news organizations, public attitudes toward partisan news, and the debate over press freedom.
Canadian economic expert Todd Hirsch joins the show to explain the impact of U.S.-Canada tariffs, immigration policy, and the ongoing trade dispute.
The show also examines Rebecca Cooke’s decision not to participate in a debate with Derrick Van Orden, the Bucks’ new jersey-patch partnership with Uline, UWM’s three-year teacher-training program for MPS, and the latest update from the Milwaukee Diaper Mission.
Data Centers, Interest Rates & Fixing the Packers’ Offensive Line
2026/09/21
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey speak with WISN 12’s Matt Smith about the debate over data centers in Wisconsin Rapids, media access concerns involving the Trump administration, and the challenges of covering political campaigns. Wisconsin Public Radio AP News
Meagan Johnson of the Milwaukee Diaper Mission discusses the organization’s work supporting families and expanding access to training pants. Dave Spano explains the Federal Reserve’s latest interest-rate decision, tariffs, AI investment, and what it could mean for consumers and investors. Federal Reserve
Plus, Alex Strouf breaks down the Packers’ win over the Jets, the team’s offensive line concerns, and what comes next after Caleb Williams’ injury.
Catch Point Taken weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon Central on 620 WTMJ or wherever you get your podcasts.
Macklemore, Iran, AI & Wisconsin’s Governor’s Race
2026/09/18
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discuss Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour after expressing support for Palestine, along with questions about free speech and celebrity activism.
Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki and Republican strategist Bill McCoshen join the Political Power Hour to discuss the possibility of a Democratic wave, rising costs, the impact of the Iran conflict, Wisconsin’s governor’s race, AI oversight, and the future of the Kennedy Center.
Catch Point Taken weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon Central on 620 WTMJ or wherever you get your podcasts.
Stolen Baby Trees, Milwaukee Raises & an MMSD Lawsuit
2026/09/17
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey welcome Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene for an abbreviated edition of Point Taken.
They discuss the mystery behind 100 stolen baby trees, questions surrounding raises for elected officials, a new dashboard tracking neighborhood displacement risk, and Veolia’s lawsuit against Milwaukee Public Schools. Plus, a debate over Milwaukee’s fire truck needs and the statewide prison tablet program.
Catch Point Taken weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon Central on 620 WTMJ or wherever you get your podcasts.
Midterm Stakes, Kennedy Center Fight & Milwaukee Gun Violence
2026/09/16
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discuss the midterm elections, rising gas and grocery prices, the potential for a shift in House control, and the debate over removing the Senate filibuster.
The show also examines the controversy surrounding the Kennedy Center, Milwaukee’s gun violence crisis with WAVE Educational Fund Executive Director Nick Matuszewski, and the role of universal background checks and extreme-risk laws. Associated Press WAVE Educational Fund
Plus, the Brewers clinch the division, Cubs fans take the rivalry too far, and Steve and Kristin turn this year’s Brewers team into a movie.
Catch Point Taken weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon Central on 620 WTMJ or wherever you get your podcasts.
Podcast reviews
Read Point Taken with Steve Scaffidi & Kristin Brey podcast reviews
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