Matenaer on Air

It's Friday and the weekend, starts here . The show kicks off with data centers and a new bill from Republicans in Madison who want to protect communities from the enormous costs tied with the building of these places. This is the second bill out of the legislature dealing with this topic. Next we speak with Layla Merrifield , she is the President of The Wisconsin Technical College System about a...

A man in Italy believes a viral video from a restaurant is the sole reason his wife has left him, as well as thrown him out of the house. And in no way, shape or form does it have anything to do with WHY he was there in the first place. And if you spot a thing that shouldn’t be, send it in to  janesays@civicmedia.us  and we might use it on the show! So join us Monday through Friday at 11:52 a.m. f...

In the second hour, Jim Santelle is sticking around to talk about the bombing in the Capital of Venezuela this past Saturday and what it means for national, as well as International Law . We also update the listeners on Judge Hannah Dugan including an announcement from the governor and what the road ahead for her will look like now that she has been convicted. Then, we talk sports with Acme Packin...

In the Congress, a vote is being taken up to extend subsidies for those who use the ACA for their health insurance . Subsidies which expired last year and a bill on which the House Speaker does not to discuss. Next, while folks in Wisconsin struggle with affordability and access to health care, lawmakers in Madison want to make it easier to obtain firearms , because it's an important issue to tack...

In the second hour, we speak with Mark Sommerhauser from The Wisconsin Policy Forum . He is the Communications Director and a Policy Researcher for the non-partisan organization and they released their Top Five Findings of 2025 . This article covers some of the most important reports they released in the last year, including one that will impact taxpayers across the state . Then for Audio Sorbet,...

A small town in Wisconsin is finally about to access something they've been missing for over five years . Then, freezing of child care funding for states around the country have knock on affects for the state as we wait for more information from the federal government . Next, it's a short work year for the Wisconsin Legislature, new bills are being introduced and we want to know if they reflect th...

From time to time, we here at the show learn something new and it's through the story of a man who decided to run au natural in front of the Japanese Emperor , so we say thank you, nameless man...the more you know. And if you spot a thing that shouldn’t be, send it in to  janesays@civicmedia.us  and we might use it on the show! So join us Monday through Friday at 11:52 a.m. for “ This Shouldn’t Be...

For the second hour, we welcome Dr. Connie Siskowski, the Founder and President of The Association of Caregiving Youth . She discusses the mission of the organization and the problems kids face when they are the chief caregiver for an adult . Then we speak to you, the listeners about your experiences in the tech school world and those who have experience caring for loved ones. Then we close it all...

It is the 5th anniversary of the attacks on the US Capitol. With the president, along with some lawmakers (who were initially targeted) attempting to rewrite history, NPR is protecting that story and we also discuss a simple plaque that remains hidden . Next, we discuss a Wisconsin Watch which breaks down the history, both legacy and financially of the state school voucher program. And you want to...

In the battle over AI and how it is being used, we can talk about transparency and privacy, even artistry! But a lesson being learned by a Utah Police Department is a set of human eyes is good for revisions . And if you spot a thing that shouldn’t be, send it in to  janesays@civicmedia.us  and we might use it on the show! So join us Monday through Friday at 11:52 a.m. for “ This Shouldn’t Be A Thi...

In the second hour, we're talking about Transformation January! We'll be discussion how to make changes in our lives. We welcome our guest John Englund from the Menomonie East And South YMCA to talk about how to start your journey and what to look out for, as well. Then we hear from you about your goals for the new year and how we can hold each other accountable. And we close out this first show o...

It's a new year, and we here at the show welcome you to it! Everything kicks off with an announcement from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz . We stay in the state and discuss how their child care scandal isn't a new story , but it's spotlight has ramifications on Wisconsin's child care funding and public perception . Then we speak to Civic Media's very own Melissa Kaye about the changes to WFHR , how t...

In the second hour, we welcome Civic Media's Genie Of Just About Everything back to the show ! We're talking about hunger in Wisconsin and what is causing it. We also touch on the need for leadership in the halls of power and investment in our communities to combat food insecurity . We also hear from a musician in Waukesha who has been doing all he can to help the people of Jamaica, especially tho...

In a bit of a turn for the last live show of 2025, we talk with our Civic Media friends Teri Barr and Adam Hess about their takes on the year that was and what we'd like to see in 2026. And if you spot a thing that shouldn’t be, send it in to  janesays@civicmedia.us  and we might use it on the show! So join us Monday through Friday at 11:52 a.m. for “ This Shouldn’t Be A Thing !” or search for it...

In this, the last live show of the year, we take a look at a story in The New York Times regarding outgoing Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, which we use to take a wide look at when someone isn't "MAGA enough" and what we as concerned friends and family should do with faced with those who have doubts. Then we speak with Zak Kallenborn, an expert of modern warfare (as well as an official Mad S...

In the second hour, we welcome Abigail Swetz back to the show. She is the Executive Director of Fair Wisconsin and we talk about the proposed rules announced last week from The Department of Health and Human Services which target Trans kids and threaten our healthcare providers . We talk about how pseudoscience and fear is driving this narrative and how you can stand up (safely) for Trans youth in...

Ok, this one is a divisive, because one party believes that "rules" should be followed to ensure safe travel, but the other party wants to know if this rat just needed a vacation ! And if you spot a thing that shouldn’t be, send it in to  janesays@civicmedia.us  and we might use it on the show! So join us Monday through Friday at 11:52 a.m. for “ This Shouldn’t Be A Thing !” or search for it on Sp...

Dive into Wisconsin's political landscape as we recount four significant instances of bipartisan cooperation in 2025 . From the contentious biennium budget to breast cancer screenings, watch how Democrats and Republicans worked together despite challenges. We discuss the 2026 elections that could flip the legislative power dynamic and why Democrats say it will be different . Plus, we spotlight the...

.Happy holidays and all the good wishes for you and your family!! We're off today, so we have a specially curated, best of highlighting the road to retirement for our very own Jane Matenaer!! We'll take a look back at our favorite moments from her announcement to discussions with her favorite people to her final moments on the air, closing out a fantastic 45 year career in radio. We hope you enjoy...

Happy holidays and all the good wishes for you and your family!! We're off today, so we have a specially curated, best of highlighting the road to retirement for our very own Jane Matenaer!! We'll take a look back at our favorite moments from her announcement to discussions with her favorite people to her final moments on the air, closing out a fantastic 45 year career in radio. We hope you enjoy...

In the second hour, Isiah Holmes is a journalist and videographer for The Wisconsin Examiner (as well as many other outlets) and he joins the show to talk about a brand name surveillance system that is being utilized across the state and country . We discuss the need for oversight and accountability with technology that is able to track the people , how this technology can actually be used and why...

We love Christmas carols as much as the next person, but one of the things that makes it great...a break . If we wanted non-stop holiday music, we'll turn on our TVs. And if you spot a thing that shouldn’t be, send it in to  janesays@civicmedia.us  and we might use it on the show! So join us Monday through Friday at 11:52 a.m. for “ This Shouldn’t Be A Thing !” or search for it on Spotify, Apple o...

In our last show before the holiday break , we discuss a matter right in the heart of Milwaukee where folks are fighting back against Milwaukee Area Technical College and The White House regarding the termination of four employees , the reason why it happened and why it is based in disinformation . Then, Amanda Merkwae is the Policy Director for The ACLU of Wisconsin and she is our guest to talk a...

A group of people dressed as Santa and his elves seem to have pulled a Robin Hood on a large store in Canada , so we ask the question...are they on the naughty or nice list? And if you spot a thing that shouldn’t be, send it in to  janesays@civicmedia.us  and we might use it on the show! So join us Monday through Friday at 11:52 a.m. for “ This Shouldn’t Be A Thing !” or search for it on Spotify,...

In the second hour, we catch up with Civic Media's own Adam Hess from WRCO in Richland Center . He tells us what's going on in Richland Center including a breakthrough in medical technology , staying safe in the cold months and how when he was a kid, Adam sold a bike on the radio ! For Audio Sorbet, we want to know your least favorite holiday movies as well as the bad ones you love to watch . To k...