

Point Taken with Steve Scaffidi & Kristin Brey
620 WTMJ
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 3min
Democrats Got Big Wins; What's Next For Republicans?
WTMJ hosts Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey break down the major Democratic wins from Election Day with strategists Joe Zepecki and Bill McCoshen. They dig into what affordability means for both parties, the state of the government shutdown, and even the controversy surrounding Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes. Plus—FoodShare benefits return to Wisconsin, Elon Musk’s trillion-dollar payday, and a few good things to say on “Say Something Nice.”

Nov 6, 2025 • 60min
If You Thought Flight Delays Were Already Bad...
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey dig into the Supreme Court’s debate over presidential power on tariffs and how the ongoing government shutdown is grounding air travel further. Later, Tom Content from the Citizens Utility Board joins to unpack how AI and data centers are driving up energy costs, and Jeramey Jannene gives updates on Milwaukee’s roads, historic sites, and shifting city priorities.

Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 3min
Big Wins, Bigger Issues
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey break down the big Democratic wins across the U.S., Trump’s reaction to GOP losses, and how Canada is coping with U.S. tariffs with economist Todd Hirsch. Then, they dive into Jill Underly addressing the DPI controversy, Governor Evers’ school cell phone ban, and—on a lighter note—how to keep the magic alive in marriage.

Nov 4, 2025 • 1h 5min
AI Voices & Crypto Choices
From AI obsession to Election Day outcomes, Steve and Kristin cover the week’s biggest stories, including the future of cryptocurrency, Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race, and a candid conversation with comedian Trae Crowder.

Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 4min
Politics, Paychecks & Packers Problems
WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey were joined by WISN 12 political director Matt Smith to discuss the ongoing government shutdown, including clips from his interviews with U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Congressman Derrick Van Orden, and Marquette poll director Charles Franklin on who’s to blame and how it’s affecting Americans. Later, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporters Dan Bice and Mary Spicuzza joined to talk about the 2026 Wisconsin elections and how the shutdown is worsening food deserts across the state.
In the second hour, Steve and Kristin were joined by Annex Wealth Management CEO Dave Spano to discuss the economic fallout of the shutdown and the performance of major tech companies. They also recapped U.S. President Donald Trump’s interview on 60 Minutes, Steve’s frustrations with the Packers’ latest loss, and Kristin’s night at Les Misérables at the Marcus Performing Arts Center.

Oct 31, 2025 • 1h 5min
The Horrors of a Month-Long Shutdown
WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey were joined by strategists Joe Zepecki and Bill McCoshen to discuss the near month-long government shutdown, the possible elimination of the filibuster, and the discontinuation of SNAP benefits. They also talked about rising healthcare premiums, U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to China, his push to resume nuclear testing, and the latest Marquette Law School poll showing low voter awareness of Wisconsin’s candidates. Later, Steve and Kristin were joined by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Dan Bice to preview his new Monday segment and discussed their upcoming “Extra Points” newsletter.

Oct 30, 2025 • 1h 1min
Trump Goes Nuclear (Literally)
WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey reacted to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that the U.S. would resume nuclear testing for the first time in 30 years, sparking debate and listener reaction. They also spoke with Washington County Executive and Republican gubernatorial candidate Josh Schoemann about his campaign and voter awareness. Later, Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene joined to discuss Milwaukee’s police contract, the long-delayed demolition of Northridge Mall, efforts to remove The Hop streetcar, and the city’s financial pressures—including proposals to raise the wheel tax and expand parking meter hours.

Oct 29, 2025 • 10min
Local food pantry prepares for SNAP/Foodshare cuts.

Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 3min
Now Is The Time To Be A Good Neighbor
WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discussed Wisconsin’s looming Foodshare crisis caused by the government shutdown and asked listeners how well they know their neighbors in times of need. They were joined by Kinship Community Food Pantry director Vin Noth, who explained how his organization is preparing to help and where donations can make a difference. Later, they covered Wisconsin’s lawsuit against the USDA over SNAP cuts, the growing “AI job apocalypse,” pieces of Milwaukee’s famed “Deep Thought” boat going up for grabs, and wrapped up with their “Ask Us Anything” segment on politics, parenting, and deer hunting.

Oct 28, 2025 • 1h 3min
ICE is Under Pressure from the President
WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey discussed the record rise in Medicaid and employer insurance premiums amid the ongoing government shutdown, taking listener feedback on how worried people are about rising healthcare costs. They also spoke with Wisconsin State Senate candidate Emily Tseffos about campaigning as a Democrat in a Republican district, examined ICE’s use of AI and the rise in self-deportations, debated new credential rules for social media influencers in China, and closed the show with updates on Category 5 Hurricane Melissa hitting Jamaica.


