Point Taken with Steve Scaffidi & Kristin Brey

WTMJ’s Kristin Brey explores the intersection of tech, politics, and culture, starting with Meta’s efforts to protect children online and Wisconsin’s proposed school phone ban. She then dives into a leaked Telegram chat filled with racist messages from "Young Republicans", the dangers of online echo chambers, and a disturbing incident involving the Democratic Party of Winnebago County at a local farmers market. Kristin is joined by Brewers documentary filmmaker Sean Hanish to talk about his latest doc on Packers fans in Japan "No packers No Life", and shares a feature from Erik Bilstad on the upcoming Type-1 Diabetes Walk. In the second half, Kristin speaks with U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin about the government shutdown’s impact on healthcare and the political gridlock in Congress. She also covers the Democratic primary challenge to Senator Susan Collins in Maine, answers listener questions on everything from Milwaukee Brewers parades to brat toppings, and reflects on toxic online politics, protest movements, and parenting in Wisconsin winters.

WTMJ’s Kristin Brey is joined by former U.S. Attorney James Santelle and retired Milwaukee County Judge Mary Kuhnmuench to break down the new U.S. Supreme Court term, starting with Louisiana v. Callais, a case challenging the Voting Rights Act,, then they dive into other major cases on the docket—including one targeting conversion therapy—and what they reveal about the Court’s priorities. The conversation also touches on the Hatch Act controversy involving Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and the ongoing legal battles over redistricting. Later in the show, Kristin speaks with OBGYN Dr. Kristin Lyerly about the complex legal landscape surrounding abortion care in Wisconsin and how federal policy shifts are affecting patients and providers. The episode wraps with a look at the State of Working Wisconsin Report from UW-Madison’s High Road Strategy Center, examining how Wisconsin workers are faring in today’s turbulent economy and where the data comes from.

On this episode of Point Taken, WTMJ’s Kristin Brey sits down with WISN’s Matt Smith to unpack the Milwaukee Brewers’ NLDS win and the political fallout from the federal government shutdown. Smith shares insights from his interviews with Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee and Rep. Scott Fitzgerald. They also discuss potentially flipping Wisconsin Senate seats in 2026 with Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein and react to Vice President J.D. Vance’s tense exchange with George Stephanopoulos. Later, Kristin is joined by Annex Wealth CEO Dave Spano to explore the shutdown’s effect on the markets and why more companies are going private. The episode wraps with political scientist Dr. Lindsey Cormack, who explains the decline of civics education and why it’s crucial to raise informed citizens.

WTMJ’s Kristin Brey speaks with Democratic candidate Governor, Wisconsin Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez. Rodriguez discusses her decision to run, her background, the challenges of reaching voters in a purple state, her thoughts on outgoing Governor Tony Evers, the upcoming primary, and why she believes Wisconsinites should vote for her.

WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey speak with Milwaukee beer vendor and Democratic candidate for Wisconsin Governor Ryan Strnad. Strnad discusses why he’s running, his decision to switch from the Republican Party, and his background as a longtime beer vendor for the Milwaukee Brewers. He also outlines the key policies from his campaign platform and what he would prioritize as governor.

WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey speak with former Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation CEO Missy Hughes, who recently announced her candidacy for Governor as a Democrat. Hughes discusses why she’s running, her background, and what sets her apart from elected officials. She also shares her views on legalizing medicinal marijuana, key policy priorities, what she believes Wisconsin voters are looking for, what she’s most excited about in her campaign, and how her experience in western Wisconsin shapes her statewide perspective.

WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey speak with Wisconsin State Senator and Democratic candidate for Governor Kelda Roys. Roys discusses why she’s running, what distinguishes her from other Democratic candidates, what actions she would have taken if she were already governor, and why she believes Wisconsinites should support her campaign.

WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi is joined in-studio by Wisconsin Court of Appeals Judge Chris Taylor, who recently announced her candidacy for the next State Supreme Court race. Judge Taylor discusses her background, why she’s running, and her views on judicial recusal, civility within the court system, and the significance of an all-women State Supreme Court. She also shares her thoughts on Justice Rebecca Bradley’s decision not to seek reelection for the seat she’s pursuing.

WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey speak with Washington County Executive and Republican candidate for Wisconsin Governor Josh Schoemann. Schoemann discusses his decision to enter the race, his focus on supporting Wisconsin retirees, bringing residents back to the state, and his plans for veterans. He also talks about uniting Republicans divided over President Donald Trump, the sale of a Universities of Wisconsin campus in Washington County, his relationship with Milwaukee County, and ideas for improving city funding.

WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey are joined in-studio by Democratic State Representative Francesca Hong of Madison, another candidate to announce a run for Wisconsin Governor. Hong discusses her campaign messaging, her background, ideas for Wisconsin’s budget surplus, and key policy priorities. She also addresses her label a socialist, how she plans to stand out in a crowded Democratic field, and her views on education in Wisconsin.