Point Taken with Steve Scaffidi & Kristin Brey

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.

With Todd Allbaugh filling in as co-host, Kristin Brey kicks off the show by introducing listeners to him and his political roots in Wisconsin’s Republican Party. Todd reflects on his time around Act 10 and Voter ID as they pivot into the day’s big story: President Trump’s new farmer bailout, brought on by tariff-driven losses. Richland County beef farmer David Unbehaun joins to share the real impact on Wisconsin agriculture — and why there’s no easy fix. In the second hour, Kristin and Todd break down the major media shake-up involving Netflix, Warner Brothers, Paramount, and the role of Trump’s FCC, before spotlighting Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius as Wisconsin’s Standout of the Year. They wrap with a Forward Thinking conversation alongside City Forward Collective’s Colleston Morgan about Milwaukee school closings, consolidations, and why community involvement matters now more than ever.

Kristin is joined by Matt Smith for the first hour of today’s show! They discuss Mandela Barnes’ bid for governor and his appearance on Up Front. Are candidates rushing to the center in an effort to appeal to the masses? Kristin and Matt also discuss the ACA and Glenn Grothman’s opposition to an extension. In the second half-hour, Kristin and Matt talk Buc-ee's, WISEye, and what's coming up on Up Front this week. In the second hour, Annex Wealth Management's Dave Spano joins the show to discuss Netflix's purchase of Warner and other economic news. Then, Kristin talks about the intersection between AI and third-party candidates.