

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

Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 6min
Is Robin Vos's Tenure Reaching an End?
Kristin Brey was joined by WISN Channel 12’s Matt Smith to unpack Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos’s influence, his re-election prospects, and who could replace him. They also discussed new polling in the governor’s race, and how campaign demands affect candidates’ day jobs. Later, Kristin explored a new dining trend—restaurants offering smaller portions as customers tighten budgets—and shared listener reactions.
In the second hour, Kristin talked with Annex Wealth Management’s Dave Spano about the early economic effects of the federal government shutdown, Trump’s tariff policies heading to the Supreme Court, and OpenAI’s market dominance. She also spoke with Hudson Munoz of Guns Down America on how small businesses can help curb gun violence, wrapped up with the Milwaukee Brewers’ playoff push, and previewed her appearance at the "Roast of Milwaukee".

Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 4min
How Both Sides Explain the Shutdown
Kristin Brey was joined by strategists Joe Zepecki and Bill McCoshen to break down the ongoing government shutdown, the partisan budget stalemate in Congress, and President Trump and Pete Hegseth’s military “rally.” They also tackled Trump’s new “war on drugs” and wrapped the first hour with thoughts on the federal government’s gridlock.
In the second hour, the group turned local, digging into Wisconsin’s governor’s race with Missy Hughes entering, Bill Berrien dropping out, and Tom Tiffany gaining momentum. They shared their “Say Something Nice” shoutouts, Grab Bag highlights from baseball to Oktoberfest, and Kristin and Joe closed with a discussion on how Democrats can broaden their base—ending with a thoughtful quote from the late Dr. Jane Goodall.

Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 2min
The Government Shutdown is a Both Sides Problem
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey kicked things off with the latest Marquette Law School Poll on political violence, joined by poll director Charles Franklin for a deep dive into voter attitudes and divisions. They also tackled the looming government shutdown and Wisconsin Republicans’ push for medical marijuana.
In the second hour, Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene joined in-studio to talk garbage drop-off sites, lead pipe removal, and a new Milwaukee lighthouse. The hosts also dug into the future of the Panther Arena and Miller High Life Theater, looming Milwaukee County budget cuts, and what’s next for local transit, bars, and community centers.

Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 4min
Will the Political Pendulum Ever Swing Back to Center?
Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey opened the show with the nation’s 15th government shutdown since 1981, debating who’s to blame and how long it could last. They later welcomed Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, who shared why he’s running for Wisconsin governor and his priorities on retirees, veterans, and city funding.
In the second hour, the hosts reacted to President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s rally-like meeting with military leaders, took listener reactions, and closed the show with their weekly Ask Us Anything segment—covering everything from the Brewers’ playoff hopes to kids’ soccer to whether the political pendulum will ever swing back to center.

Sep 30, 2025 • 1h 3min
American Tribalism on Display at the Ryder Cup
WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey were joined by former U.S. Attorney James Santelle to break down the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, President Trump’s use of power, and Justice Clarence Thomas’s recent remarks on precedent. Later, they welcomed former Wisconsin Head of Economic Development Missy Hughes to discuss her run for governor, her policy positions, and what sets her apart in the race.
In the second hour, Steve and Kristin examined the proposed Gaza peace agreement, reflected on how the conflict has escalated, and shifted to the Ryder Cup controversy—where American heckling of Rory McIlroy raised questions about sportsmanship and the broader tone of political discourse.

Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 6min
Keeping Track of the Governor's Race
WTMJ's Kristin Brey is joined in the first hour by Dan Bice and Mary Spicuzza. They discuss Dan's role in Bill Berrien's withdrawal from the Governor's race, the case of Hannah Dugan, the upcoming Supreme Court election, and more. In the second hour, Kristin is joined by Annex Wealth Management Chief Economist Brian Jacobsen. They discuss the looming government shutdown as well as "economically invisible" Americans. Then, Kristin is joined by Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul to discuss the 32 multi-state lawsuits Wisconsin is involved in against the Trump administration.

Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 4min
Tom Tiffany's In, Is Bill Berrien Out?
WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey were joined in-studio by Republican strategist Bill McCoshen and Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki to break down the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, President Trump’s controversial remarks on acetaminophen and autism, and his fiery speech at the United Nations. They also explored the shifting dynamics of Wisconsin’s gubernatorial race, with Tom Tiffany entering the field and Bill Berrien likely stepping out.
The crew shared their “Say Something Nice” picks, from Pete Buttigieg to Lisa Murkowski, and dove into sports and personal shoutouts in their “Grab Bag.” Later, Steve and Kristin tested their ears in an AI vs. human voice quiz, gave away Oktoberfest tickets, and had some fun conversations about pillow menus, new slang, and the dangers of misinformation.

Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 4min
A Lot At Stake in Looming Government Shutdown
WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey kicked off the show with Wisconsin Congressman Bryan Steil, who weighed in on the looming federal government shutdown, what’s at stake, and how Congress is handling the pressure. Later, their Forward Thinking segment with Coleston Morgan from City Forward Collective focused on student testing, attendance, and improving outcomes in local schools.
In the second hour, Urban Milwaukee’s Jeramey Jannene (on his birthday!) joined to break down Milwaukee’s ongoing police union arbitration, the city budget’s impact on libraries, and the long-delayed demolition of Northridge Mall. They also covered the paused timber structure project, campaign fund misuse, Cactus Club’s new accessibility upgrades, and the Iron Horse Hotel’s next chapter.

Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 6min
A Look at Trump's "Fiery" UN Speech
WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey welcomed author and farmer Brian Reisinger in-studio to talk about farming challenges, political divisions, and his book Land Rich, Cash Poor. They also covered Oak Creek’s push for a Buc-ee’s travel center, Steve’s upcoming trip to Cancun, and President Trump’s "fiery" United Nations speech.
Later, the hosts discussed Jimmy Kimmel’s return to ABC, Wisconsin Badgers fans calling for Coach Luke Fickell’s job, and Barry Alvarez’s pushback. They wrapped up with an “Ask Us Anything” session, answering listener questions on weddings, Packers football, nuclear energy, and more.

Sep 23, 2025 • 60min
The Current State of the American Dream
WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey unpacked President Trump’s controversial claims linking Tylenol to autism, his latest press conference missteps, and the looming government shutdown. They also tackled what the American Dream means today, with listeners weighing in on whether it’s still attainable.
Later, the hosts discussed Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late-night, before welcoming Wisconsin State Senator and Democratic candidate for governor Kelda Roys to share why she’s running and how she plans to stand out in a crowded primary. The show wrapped with some lighter talk on the start of Fat Bear Week.


