Pat Krietlow filled in for Joe Zepecki on Friday’s show
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Extra Content You May Have Missed
Over Time: The Death of Expertise
WTMJ Outdoors: Outdoor events and reading to catch up on
ICYMI
MONDAYS WITH MATT! WTMJ host Kristin Brey was joined by WISN-TV political director Matt Smith to talk about America’s 250th celebrations in Wisconsin, and she shared a personal story about her daughter watching the 4th of July fireworks. Kristin also highlighted the recent bonus podcast with Bill McCoshen, Joe Zepecki, and Steve, where they looked at our country’s history, and what our founders would think about today’s tumultuous political climate.
MAINE DEMS JUST SAY NO! After his 4-day weekend, Steve was back, and they took on the strange case of Graham Platner, the now former Maine Senate candidate, who went from a Democratic rising star to down and out in just one month after his primary win. Ben Brust, host of Kyle and Brust on 94.5ESPN, stopped by to break down UW-Madison’s hiring of a new Athletic Director and what that means for Wisconsin sports.
IN WISCONSIN WE TRUST? The Wisconsin Policy Forum’s Mark Sommerhauser joined Steve and Kristin for a look at a recent study that finds Wisconsin ranks eighth among the states in a new national report assessing all 50 states. It examines 31 measures of each state’s economy, environment, and labor force, as well as the education, health, safety, and well-being of its residents. And apparently, we don’t trust politicians at all but trust each other immensely. Go figure.
A LIFE WELL LIVED - Tracy Johnson, President and CEO of the Commercial Realtors of Wisconsin, visited the show and shared her memories of Washington County Executive Paul Farrow. who passed away at the age of 61 this week. Jeramey Jannene of UrbanMilwaukee.com hit the local headlines on his regular Thursday visit to Point Taken.
ANOTHER FRIDAY, ANOTHER GUEST PANELIST? With Joe Zepecki out, former Wisconsin State Senator and radio and TV broadcaster Pat Kreitlow joined the Friday panel for a robust conversation on a week in politics that saw some changes for Democrats in two races, one for the democratic nomination for Governor in Wisconsin, and one in the U.S. Senate race in Maine. It’s your weekly political punditry panel!
If you missed anything, go back and listen or watch
Across Wisconsin
Steve
I had the pleasure of both knowing and working with Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow, who passed away this week from a rare form of cancer. Paul was a tremendous local leader, a passionate public servant and someone who was known for political collaboration and his great sense of humor. He will be missed.
Kristin
A listener sent me this event for the book launch of Lambeau Ladies: The Boundary-Breaking Women Behind Lombardi's Packers by mother-daughter duo Laura Kostelnik Biskupic and Katherine Biskupic. Hosted by the Appleton Historical Society, and Wisconsin Historical Society at the Appleton Public Library on thursday, August 6, 2026. Now that I know about the book, Steve and I are going to get the authors on the show as the release date approaches! Stay tuned!
This Week’s Poll
Graham Platner. That’s it. That’s the survey. Let us know your thoughts in this week’s survey.
Last Week’s Poll
Recommendations
Steve
Extra Point Newsletter subscribers know that I’m a big fan of the BBC and their amazing news and podcast content. I recently discovered the Rosebud Podcast hosted by Gyles Brandreth, a legendary British writer and broadcaster. Brandreth does long-form interviews with a diverse roster of guests, including Ralph Fiennes, Anthony Scaramucci, and Harlan Coben. In-depth conversations with amazing guests, done in a format that’s inspired by its name. Give it a listen!
Listen to the Rosebud Podcast
Kristin
If you have a child in your life and you are both free at 2:30 p.m. this Wednesday, join me at The Little Village Play Cafe, where I’ll read a favorite book aloud, followed by a story-inspired craft. (I can’t decide between Eloise at the Plaza of Cat in the Hat)
It’s a "pay what you can" story hour, with 50% of all proceeds supporting The Milwaukee Diaper Mission.
📍 Little Village, 6505 W. North Ave, Wauwatosa
Ask Us Anything
Submit your questions for Steve and Kristin to answer on their next bonus mailbag podcast episode!
