Kirk Bangstad - Podcast Details

Shows

Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez (Featured Interviews)WCPT 820 Interview: Kirk Bangstad of Minocqua Brewing CompanyPatti Vasquez is joined by Kirk Bangstad, CEO and founder of the Minocqua Brewing Company. Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026-02-0443 min

New Fashioned Conservatives Ep. 9 - Bill Berrien, Bangstad, and Brawls | Part 2 | 7/15/25Send a textIn this episode of New Fashioned Conservatives, two semi-involved Wisconsin guys deliver Part 2 of the most recent episode, diving into the jam-packed political and cultural scene. The focus kicks off with Bill Berrien’s bold entry into the 2026 gubernatorial race, announced July 9, 2025, as a former Navy SEAL and businessman aligning himself with Trump’s “Wisconsin First” agenda. But with his past support for Nikki Haley and ranked-choice voting, the hosts question whether Berrien’s conservative credentials can withstand a tough GOP primary. Next, they tackle Minocqua’s Kirk Bangstad, the outspoken brewery owner stirring trouble agai...

2025-07-1556 min

The Chad Holmes Show Kirk Bangstad of the Minocqua Brewing Company joins us to discuss a GOTV event coming to Wausau this Friday.The Minocqua Brewing Company is sponsoring a GOTV Extravaganza tour around the state that will be coming to Stevens Point on Thursday and Wausau on Friday. We learn the details from MBC owner Kirk Bangstad. Also our "Daily History Lesson" and Ian tries for a second straight correct answer in our "Number of the Day" quiz! The Chad Holmes Show is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Monday through Friday from 8-10 am on WXCO in Wausau, WI. Subscribe to the podcast to be sure not to miss out on a single episode...

2024-09-2444 min

Civic Media Spotlight Civic Media Spotlight for August 3rd & 4th (Hour 1)First, the Earl Ingram Show is joined by Kirk Bangstad from Minocqua Brewing along with Matt Grove from Equality Vines to talk about their new wine that supports Women's reproductive rights. After that, Pat Kreitlow plays back some of the Atlanta rally remarks from Vice President Kamala Harris. While former President Trump is promising higher tariffs that raise consumer prices, Harris outlines how to help consumers deal with price gouging and other corporate tricks. Meanwhile, Trump and the Project 2025 network of right wing groups pretend not to know each other. Next on Matenaer On Air...

2024-08-0445 min

Outside the Box with Ben Cominos 01/05/24| Interview Only- Kirk Bangstad-SuperPAC Sues To Remove Trump From WI Primary BallotMy chat with Kirk about why he believes there is a legal case to remove Trump from the ballot

2024-01-0521 min

Up North Podcast Ep 10: Are Voucher Schools Really Good for Students of Color?In Patti and Kirk’s last episode covering the "Right Wing War on Education,” they talked to Dountonia Batts and Dr. Preston Green about the issue of race as it relates to voucher schools. This is important because private school vouchers are often presented as opportunities specifically advantageous for students of color. So it is fair to ask … Are they? Hint hint, they aren’t. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023-11-1950 min

Up North Podcast Ep 9: Up North Vouchers - and why are our legislators voting for this?!On this episode of The Right Wing War on education, Michael Johnson, Superintendent of the Eau Claire school district, John Gaier, Superintendent of the Neillsville school district, and with Chris Hambuch Boyle, the Northern Wisconsin Regional Coordinator for the Wisconsin Public Education Network, talk about how our public school tax dollars are flowing out of rural small towns #upnorth to support private (and often religious) schools in their communities and in urban areas far away from their districts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023-11-1249 min

Up North Podcast Ep 8: Milwaukee - Ground Zero for Vouchers in AmericaPatti and Kirk talked to Marva Herndon, President of the Milwaukee Public School Board, and Ingrid Walker Henry, Vice President of the Milwaukee Teacher Education Association and a member of Schools & Communities United, about what has happened to Milwaukee public schools since the first voucher school program in the country was implemented in Milwaukee over 30 years ago. Hint, it ain’t pretty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023-11-0751 min

Up North Podcast Ep 7: Racine is losing out and this seems intentionalPatti and Fred, MBC’s Lawyer aka the “Irrepressible Ginger,” talk to Cory Mason, Mayor of Racine, and Angela Cruz, President of the Racine Educators Association, about the gaping hole in the Racine’s public education budget due to the parasitic private voucher school programs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023-10-3048 min

Up North Podcast Ep 6: Deep dive into our voucher lawsuit complaintThis week we talked to our lawyers about the lawsuit we just filed as original action to overturn the voucher system in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court, and we also talked to two plaintiffs to get their story and why they wanted to participate in this very important lawsuit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023-10-2150 min

Up North Podcast Ep 5:Wisconsin Vouchers and Special Education: How kids are kept out, kicked out, and not servedPatti and Kirk spoke with Nicki Vander Meulen and Martha Siravo. Nicki is an attorney, advocate for kids with special needs, and member of the Madison Metropolitan School District Board. Martha coordinates Madtown Mommas and Disability Advocates which supports parents and caregivers of students with disabilities.They helped us understand how why the voucher system has decimated the funds available for special education, and how the voucher system all-to-frequently hurts kids with special needs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023-10-1548 min

Up North Podcast Ep 4: How the a parasitic private school voucher school system hurts teacher and studentsKirk and Patty talked to Bob Baxter, Executive Director for the Wisconsin Teacher's Union, aka the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), and Heather Dubois Bourenane, Executive Director for the Wisconsin Public Education Network.They helped us understand how the growth of the parasitic private voucher school program has hurt both Wisconsin teachers and kids over the last 30 years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023-10-0953 min

Up North Podcast Ep 3: Do They Want to Destroy Public Ed? Looking at Voucher School Movement from a National PerspectivePatti and Kirk spoke with Attorney Jessica Levin from the Educational Law Center, who is also Director of "Public Funds Public Schools," a national campaign to ensure that all public funds are used to support public schools, about who and what is driving this push for parasitic private voucher school programs across the country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023-10-0250 min

Up North Podcast Ep 2: From $0 to $444 million, how did we get here? Story of voucher school privatization in WisconsinUW-Madison Professor Emerita Julie Mead joins Patti and Kirk to discuss the history of the parasitic school voucher system in Wisconsin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023-09-2558 min

Up North Podcast Ep 1: Inaugural Show: The Right Wing War on EducationPatti and Kirk introduced the legal team who will sue to overturn the parasitic private voucher school program in Wisconsin, and asked them to explain why they think they will win. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023-09-2249 min

Outside the Box with Ben Cominos 07/21/23| Interview- Kirk Bangstad, Owner- Minocqua Brewing CompanyI speak to Kirk about the 3 year process that he has been going through with the Oneida County Board that could potentially result in him being forced to close his business next week for questionable reasons.

2023-07-2121 min

Up North Podcast Ep 77: Don’t let the them SLAPP you!In this week’s episode of the Up North Podcast, Kirk talked primarily about power imbalances, both in his ongoing battle with the Town of Minocqua and Oneida County to build a beer garden, and also at the judicial level where he is being sued by the Lakeland Times for defamation. He' spoke with a few of his lawyers to update everone on the defamation suit, and then he spoke to a national expert on Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP), a type of legal harassment which he believes this defamation suit ultimately is. Hosted on Acast. See aca...

2023-03-2553 min

Up North Podcast EP 76: Time to Fight for Our HomesOn this week’s episode of the Up North Podcast, Kirk, Kristin, and Sarah spoke with former Wisconsin US Senate candidate Sarah Godlewski about her new Political Action Committee called Women Win Wisconsin, and the rallies they're having around the state. Next, they spoke with political veteran Robert Kraig on how to get plugged into volunteer activities with Citizen Action of Wisconsin and help elect a reasonable judge and finally balance Wisconsin’s Supreme Court. Finally, they wrapped up with a few thoughts on why we all need to fight hard for our home state. Hosted on Acast. See a...

2023-03-1848 min

Up North Podcast Ep 75: Time to End the 12 Year Temper Tantrum (and Expand Medicaid)On this week’s Up North Podcast, Pat and Kirk spoke with Elder Law Expert Paul Sturgul and Family Practitioner Dr. Ann Reitz about how Wisconsin is one of only 11 states that hasn't adopted Medicaid expansion, and the only Midwestern state left. We then discussed how changing the balance of Wisconsin's Supreme Court could make Republicans more accountable to the health of their constituencies and heal our state, both literally and figuratively. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023-03-1147 min

Up North Podcast Ep 74: Up North Podcast Goes to Sonoma to Drink WineIn this special episode of the Up North Podcast, Kirk spoke with Melissa Kuhn, the winemaker behind Choice Sauvignon Blanc, and Matt Grove, owner of Equality Vines--the company that partnered with the Minocqua Brewing Company to make Choice wine. They tasted the new wine and talked about how Equality Vines was created as a cause-based winery that supports not only women’s reproductive rights, but also LGTBQ+ organizations and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023-03-0446 min

Up North Podcast EP 73: Love Always Wins, But We Gotta Keep Fighting For It.This week’s Up North Podcast featured Jim Obergefell from the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that gave us marriage equality, Obergefell v. Hodges. We talked to Jim about how he became the plaintiff for this case, and what he's doing now. We also talk about how we got to know him as a co-owner of Equality Vines, a caused based winery out of Sonoma, CA, and our partnership in creating CHOICE, a pro-choice Sauvignon Blanc, which you can buy here. https://choice.equalityvines.com/ Hosted on Acast...

2023-02-2445 min

Up North Podcast EP 72: Believing in a Bipartisan Budget to Fix WisconsinThis week’s episode was a special late-night reaction to Governor Evers’ budget address to Wisconsin. State Representative Jodi Emerson from Eau Claire joined Pat, Kristin, and Kirk to dig through the proposed budget and what it would mean to our rural areas “Up North.” We also discussed how wonderful it would be if the right-wing gerrymandered legislature would finally ignore special interests, end their faux outrage, and help Evers’ solve our tough problems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023-02-1848 min

Up North Podcast EP 71: Defying Gravity to Lift Up Public EducationOn this week's episode of the Up North Podcast, we talked about how we might be able to re-litigate some of the terrible things that have happened to our public schools and public school teachers over the past 14 years if we elect a progressive Supreme Court Justice on February 21st (primary) and April 4 (general). Our guests were WEAC (Teacher's Union) President Peggy Wirtz-Olsen and Dr. Julie Underwood, Professor Emerita of Educational Law and Policy Analysis and former Dean of the School of Education at UW-Madison. We talked about opportunities to undue AC...

2023-02-1045 min

Up North Podcast EP 70: Let’s Make Our Garden GrowOn this week’s Up North Podcast, we talked to Madison Senator Kelda Roys about what Wisconsin can do to help women get their reproductive rights back after we elect a progressive Supreme Court Justice. We also spoke with Jodi Habush Sinykin, who is running for the special election to replace Alberta Darling in the Milwaukee suburbs, about how important this race is. Finally we remembered that to make our state garden grow, we need to nourish it with a healthy democracy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023-02-0445 min

Up North Podcast EP 69: In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.In this week's Up North Podcast, we talk to representatives of Nates's Mission, a survivor led group that hopes to bring justice to clergy abuse victims in Wisconsin, and is frustrated with what they see is a lack of action from the Wisconsin Department of Justice.We then talk about the need for courage among politicians to not just throw feel-good press conferences, but to risk failure to do what is right Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023-01-2847 min

Up North Podcast EP 68: Wisconsin Tribes Need Fair MapsKirk and Kristin talk with former United States Attorney Jim Santelle about how Wisconsin’s Tribes may be able to sue to end gerrymandering if we can elect a progressive Wisconsin Supreme Court judge on February 21 and April 4. Then they spoke with Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Member and member of Govern Evers’ Fair Maps Commission, Janson Bisonette, about how the tribes would benefit from Fairer Maps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023-01-2150 min

Up North Podcast EP 67: We Can Re-litigate Fair MapsKirk and Kristin talk to former United States attorney Jim Santelle, and former State Senate candidate Kelly Westlund about how we can finally get Fair Maps in Wisconsin if we elect a progressive Supreme Court Judge on April 4. And we think the the people of Douglas, Bayfield, and Ashland counties have a great reason to lead the charge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2023-01-1446 min

Up North Podcast EP 66: Getting the House in Order for the HolidaysKirk, Pat, and Kristin are embarking on a new format for the podcast, so used this week as a tech rehearsal which provided many funny bloopers. They also promoted their holiday music extravaganza that will be airing on Dec. 21 at 8:15 am live on the Minocqua Brewing Company Facebook page, and talked about their focus for the New Year: The Wisconsin Supreme Court Race. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-12-1026 min

Up North Podcast EP 65: The Underdogs that Could Save DemocracyKristin and Kirk talked to “Iron Stache” Randy Bryce, the iron worker that tried to warn Wisconsin that former Governor Scott Walker was trying to break the unions, and how he thinks labor will get out the vote in this election. We then talked to two state assembly candidates, Leah Spicer and Joel Jacobsen, who were once considered underdogs but have a real chance at winning their races and saving the Governor Evers’ veto from a gerrymandered Republican supermajority. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-11-0444 min

Up North Podcast EP 64: Drop a Pebble in the WaterPat, Kirk, and Kristin spoke with Senator Chris Larson about the grass roots energy needed to fuel progressives to vote during these last two weeks before the election. He told the story of how that energy was white hot when he and the other Democratic senators left the state in 2010 to try and stop Scott Walker from passing Act 10--the bill that stripped collective bargaining rights from state employees including teachers. We concluded with a poem that reminded us that a simple conversation with a neighbor to vote for “reason over treason” could be the ripple that creates a blue...

2022-10-2843 min

Up North Podcast EP 63: We Have to Protect Wisconsin from a Veto-Proof Republican MajorityKirk, Pat, and Kristin talk to candidates Kelly Westlund and Laura Gapske from the Superior/Ashland area of Northwest Wisconsin about how they must win their traditionally blue State Senate and Assembly races in order to protect Governor Evers’ veto from a badly gerrymandered Republican state legislature. Later, they discuss how Gapske’s opponent has been extremely vicious and reminiscent of another mean politician, Marjorie Taylor Greene. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-10-2243 min

Up North Podcast EP 62: The Doomsday Scenario if Evers LosesKirk, Pat, and Kristin talk to Jim Santelle, Former US attorney for Wisconsin’s eastern district, on how there is a likely chance that if Wisconsin ends up with three right-wing branches of government, the will of the people may be ignored in future elections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-10-1543 min

Up North Podcast EP 61: Public Opinion be DamnedPat and Kirk spoke with Charles Franklin, the Director of Wisconsin’s gold standard Marquette Law School Poll, about how negative ads can hurt candidates’ poll numbers, and how Wisconsin’s Republican Majority legislature has often ignored issues that large numbers of Wisconsinites support. Rep. Jodi Emerson came on next to talk about how the same legislature ignored Governor Evers’ special session to discuss ways to have all Wisconsinites weigh in on our 172 year old law that bans abortions through a statewide referendum—a idea that Republican leaders “said” they supported until actually were called up to do it.

2022-10-0744 min

Up North Podcast EP 60: Que Sera Sera, Whatever Will Be Will BePat and Kirk talk to Jill Normington, a professional political pollster currently working for Senator Tammy Baldwin and recently for democratic primary candidate Alex Lasry, on how difficult it had become to do political polling in Wisconsin. She explains how the the closer the race is, the less accurate the poll, and most voters don’t want to pick up the phone or answer an online survey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-09-3058 min

Up North Podcast Ep 59: Nurses Stand Up for their RightsPat, Kristen, and Kirk speak with Becky Schacter, a nurse at UW Health, about the reasons nurses felt they needed to unionize. She then discusses how a strike was averted with the help of Governor Evers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-09-2442 min

Up North Podcast Ep 58: When Judges Play PoliticsKirk, Kristin, and Pat talked to former US Attorney Jim Santelle in Milwaukee about the decision to grant Trump a “Special Master” and hindering the DOJ investigation into him stealing confidential documents. We then examined the Trump-appointed Judge who made the ruling, and why it wasn’t based in American Law. Has our federal judicial system been tainted by unqualified, partisan judges, and if so, what are we to do? Listen to this podcast to find out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-09-1743 min

Up North Podcast Ep 57: Losing Our InnocenceKristin and Kirk talked to Congressman Mark Pocan about his reactions to the January 6th hearings, and then talked to the Executive Director of the Wisconsin High Speed Rail Alliance about our opportunity to finally get things right after throwing away a great opportunity to expand Wisconsin passenger rail in 2010. What connects these two debacles? The misinformation coming from Wisconsin Republicans that confuse voters. Wisconsin has lost its political innocence and we’re going to need thicker skins to make it great again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-07-2943 min

Up North Podcast Ep 56: When Zealots Gain PowerKirk, Kristin and Pat discuss the different ways that people who used to be considered on the extreme fringes of the political spectrum are now in some powerful positions—not just at the state and national levels, but local, too. Two concerned citizens from Sparta talk about how their community has been hijacked by a group dedicated to killing public education. And we’ll have the latest on the consequences of repealing reproductive health care rights for women. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-07-2243 min

Up North Podcast Ep 55: Peaceful Transition? Not These GuysKirk, Kristin and Pat discuss the latest Jan. 6 Committee hearing on the Trump campaign’s connection to the violent extremist groups. They talk to Deb Baldus McGrath, a former CIA officer and candidate for Congress. Pat shares interview clips with the other three Democratic candidates in the 3rd District. And Gov. Evers comments on how Republican legislators have been hostile to democracy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-07-1543 min

Up North Podcast Ep 54: Battle CryKirk, Kristin and Pat discuss the right-wing takeover of the US Supreme Court and how the illogical repeal of Roe v. Wade is a harbinger of other rights sure to be targeted next. Also, how the Roe repeal and the Jan. 6 Committee revelations should serve as a battle cry to become more active in protecting democracy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-07-0244 min

Up North Podcast Ep 53: Fake Electors and Real MulesKirk, Kristin and Pat visit again with attorney Mel Barnes of Law Forward to review the case of the fake electors, and attorneys Mark Leitner and Joe Goode also comment on the other new findings from the special congressional committee investigating the attack on the US Capitol. Subscribe and never miss an episode:YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD7KqQDdZNyoMjtuG9YlvSQWebsite:https://up-north-podcast-ee4893.sitecast.cloud/Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/up-north-podcast/id1558007105?ign-itscg=30200&ign-itsct=podcast_box

2022-06-2544 min

Up North Podcast Ep 52: I May Have Committed Some Light TreasonKirk, Kristin and Pat talk to attorneys Mark Leitner and Joe Goode for a Wisconsin interpretation of what’s happening with the special congressional committee investigating the attack on the US Capitol. (Note: The show was recorded live on radio as severe weather was rolling through, so you will hear some interruptions about watches and warnings.)Subscribe and never miss an episode:YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD7KqQDdZNyoMjtuG9YlvSQWebsite:https://up-north-podcast-ee4893.sitecast.cloud/Apple Podcast ht...

2022-06-1744 min

Up North Podcast Ep 51: Be a LightKirk, Kristin and Pat talk to Denise Gaumer Hutchison of the Wisconsin Public Education Network about the reality behind the claim that schools are awash in pandemic relief funds. A pro-choice pastor talks about her faith journey that has her advocating for abortion rights. And after a lengthy list of the misdeeds done before and after the Jan. 6 insurrection, it’s time to remind ourselves we can always be a light in someone else’s darkness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-06-1044 min

Up North Podcast Ep 50: Running on EmptyKirk, Kristin and Pat talk about the exhausting but rewarding process of getting on the ballot to run for office—and how some people who've tried to take shortcuts failed at it. They also discuss three important elections that are under the radar of most voters. And after a review of Ron Johnson's new website about "truth," they discuss the declining value of law enforcement endorsements in a period where the politicians they endorse may be hostile to some voters' rights... or voting itself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-06-0343 min

Up North Podcast Ep 49: Playground PoliticsKirk, Kristin, and Pat talk about what some are doing in Wisconsin to ensure that our students stay safe when politicians fail to address the school shooting epidemic themselves. Also, the former chair of the Brown County Republicans talks about exposing Ron Johnson hypocrisy on the 2020 election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-05-2744 min

Up North Podcast Ep 48: Doctors, Lawyers, Guns, and (UW) MoneyThe lawyer is our own Sarah Yacoub, who is joined by Dr. Kristin Lyerly for some important updates. The guns on our streets are causing endless tragedy, but the politicians squawking the loudest about crime have done the least to fix the issues. And a new chancellor for UW-Madison isn’t exactly news up north, but Republicans appear to be using the news to prepare for big changes that could hurt every campus across Wisconsin next year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-05-2144 min

Up North Podcast Ep 47: Taking Time to Save DemocracyCall them advocates, activists, or “democracy’s little helpers,” there are some folks who pay extra attention to policy issues and inform other voters. But now the time they’d spend helping people is being spent trying to save democracy. We talk to seven plaintiffs in a lawsuit against three insurrection supporters in Wisconsin’s congressional delegation. Guests: Jim Kurz, Cheryl Maranto, Rick Bechen, Paul Demain, James Botsford, Dan Russler, and Lisa Mueller. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-05-1344 min

Up North Podcast Ep 46: Enjoy in ModerationKirk, Sarah, and Pat talk about the leaked Supreme Court document indicating Roe v. Wade is about to be overturned. Dr. Kristin Lyerly, an obstetrician-gynecologist, talks about the impact on her patients. Former moderate Republican state Sen. Dale Schultz talks about what has happened to his party. And the 7th Congressional District race has a new candidate, Ty Kunelius, a moderate Republican challenging right-wing Rep. Tom Tiffany in the August primary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-05-0744 min

Up North Podcast Ep 45: Gone CountryKirk, Sarah, and Pat talk about how the issues of rural Wisconsin should matter to everyone—especially certain big-city political types who keep writing off a big chunk of the state. Darin Von Ruden of the Wisconsin Farmers Union is a guest along with Kelly Westlund, who was the longtime northern Wisconsin representative for Sen. Tammy Baldwin—until last week when she announced her campaign for state Senate in the 25th District. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-04-2944 min

Up North Podcast Ep 44: Authoritarianism on the MarchKirk, Sarah, and Pat talk about the Wisconsin Supreme Court conservatives locking in criminally rigged maps for another decade. Conservatives are also blatantly moving into book banning in places like the Wausau school district. And the Marathon County Board has solved racism—in their minds—by abolishing the committee working on a resolution to speak out against racism. In lighter news, can Pat make a newscast work on TikTok? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-04-2343 min

Up North Podcast Ep 43: Socioflakes!Kirk, Sarah, and Pat talk about how tough-guy conservatives lose their credibility when they lose their cool and encourage violence. They also talk to Kathleen Cooper and Tony Rio, two candidates who ran for the Oneida County Board, about the low blows and the high achievements when good people stand up to bullies and engage with their neighbors.Subscribe and never miss an episode:YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD7KqQDdZNyoMjtuG9YlvSQWebsite:https://up-north-podcast-ee4893.sitecast.cloud/Apple...

2022-04-1544 min

Up North Podcast Ep 42: No Peace for the InsurrectionistsKirk, Sarah, and Pat talk to John Bonifaz, president of Free Speech for the People, about the ongoing efforts in multiple states including Wisconsin to hold insurrectionists accountable for trying to undermine our elections. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-04-0844 min

Up North Podcast Ep 41: Vote April 5 Like You Remember January 6Kirk, Sarah, and Pat talk to the outgoing mayor of Merrill about the creeping authoritarianism that’s being found at all levels of government—federal, state, and local. Chris Hambuch-Boyle of the Wisconsin Public Education Network talks about the wild rhetoric coming from right wing groups and school board candidates. And state Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler discusses the importance of not staying home during crucial local elections on April 5. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-04-0144 min

Up North Podcast Ep40: Oconto or Encanto?Kirk, Sarah, and Pat debate their favorite counties. But first, the more serious topics of a US Supreme Court striking down new maps that were good enough for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and one of Kirk’s employees talks about reentering the workforce after a prison sentence—especially when one county refused to let him have a new path forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-03-2543 min

Up North Podcast Ep 39: May the 14th (Amendment) Be With YouKirk, Sarah, and Pat talk to Milwaukee lawyers Joe Goode and Mark Leitner about the federal lawsuit they filed against Senator Ron Johnson and Congressmen Tom Tiffany and Scott Fitzgerald for aiding the attempted presidential coup that culminated with the insurrection of January 6, 2021. Our guests first piece together the story on how these three defendants played their part in an orchestrated conspiracy, and then discuss why they think they can win this case. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-03-1843 min

Up North Podcast Ep 38: New Maps, Who Dis?Kirk, Sarah, and Pat talk to attorney Mel Barnes of Law Forward and political analyst Joe Zepecki about the new political maps Wisconsin voters will have for the next 10 years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-03-1044 min

Up North Podcast Ep 37: Wisconsin’s Real Main Street VoiceKirk, Sarah, and Pat talk to Shawn Phetteplace of the Main Street Alliance about being a small business alternative to the big corporate lobbying giant. And they discuss how Ron Johnson has helped Donald Trump undermine Ukraine over the years, leading us to the recent Russian attacks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-03-0444 min

Up North Podcast Ep 36: Thank a TeacherKirk, Sarah, and Pat talk to state Sen. Chris Larson about holding responsible the fake electors who tried to sabotage the 2020 election. Larson and WEAC president Peggy Wirtz-Olsen then discuss a new package of proposals to recruit and retain teachers in Wisconsin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-02-2643 min

Up North Podcast Ep 35: Nobody’s SenatorKirk, Sarah, and Pat talk to Bob Lynk, President of UAW local 578, and Tim Jacobson, Chief Steward, UAW local 578 about Oshkosh Defense jobs not coming to Oshkosh because Ron Johnson won’t lift a finger. Mike Crute joins the conversation to discuss Sen. Johnson’s history of outlandish actions and statements. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-02-1944 min

Up North Podcast Ep 34: Matters of Honor and TrustKirk, Sarah, and Pat talk to former DNR Secretary George Meyer about how Republicans have destroyed the honor system that guided state Senate confirmation of secretaries and board members. Then, Charles Carlin of Gathering Waters talks about a Republican proposal that undermines the land trusts that enable pristine land to be preserved for recreation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-02-1243 min

Up North Podcast Ep 33: Protecting Choice in WisconsinAfter introducing Minocqua Brewing Company’s new hard seltzer called Choice, where 5% of the profits go to Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, Kirk and Sarah talk to Tanya Atkinson, President of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, about the implications for Wisconsin Reproductive Rights if Roe V. Wade is overturned by the Supreme Court of the United States. They then talk to Dr. Morgan Mandigo, a Harvard/Oxford/Johns Hopkins trained obstetrician and gynecologist who has worked in African countries where abortion is illegal. She explains in graphic detail the horrors we’d see in American if abortion rights were taken away. Ho...

2022-02-0543 min

Up North Podcast Ep32: Fighting the Real Election FraudSarah, Kirk and Pat are joined by Congressman Mark Pocan to discuss his call for a federal investigation into Trump supporters who fraudulently posed as Wisconsin electors. Then, state Sen. Jeff Smith discusses the election “fraudit” being done by Republican legislators. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-01-2843 min

Up North Podcast Ep 31: Slaying the GerrymanderKirk and Pat are joined by Dr. Kristin Lyerly and former GOP State Sen. Dan Theno to talk about ongoing efforts to build public support for nonpartisan redistricting so that rigged, gerrymandered maps become a relic in Wisconsin someday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-01-2143 min

Up North Podcast Ep. 30: King for a Day—and Then SomeSarah, Kirk and Pat talk to Scott Thompson of Law Forward about the fraudulent electors in Wisconsin and elsewhere who tried to help Donald Trump overturn an election. And Mark Thomsen of the Wisconsin Elections Commission gives a further update and discusses his new weekly radio program. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-01-1543 min

Up North Podcast Ep 29: Battleground: WisconsinSarah, Kirk and Pat talk to Ann Jacobs, chair of the Wisconsin Elections Commission, about the anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection and how the “investigation” by former state Supreme Court Justice Mike Gableman is seen by many as a slow-motion extension of this ongoing attack on our democracy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2022-01-0743 min

Up North Podcast Ep 28: Christmas Is More Than WordsSarah, Kirk and Pat talk to Pastor Kris Kramer about the original lyrics to cherished Christmas songs and how those messages should guide our actions today. The show takes a holiday break and returns on January 5, 2022. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-12-2444 min

Up North Podcast Ep27: Of Maps and MayorsKirk and Pat talk to Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes Conway about Chief Inspector Gableman’s bumbling election investigation—and Law Forward attorney Doug Poland about the latest moves to prevent gerrymandered maps for another decade in Wisconsin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-12-1743 min

Up North Podcast Ep 26: Local Control? You Believed That?Kirk, Sarah, and Pat talk about how conservatives used to claim they fought for local control, until they got control of the levers of power. Also, an infectious diseases specialist talks about fighting both the coronavirus and vaccine misinformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-12-0443 min

Up North Podcast Ep 25: Shop Local, Serve LocalKirk, Sarah and Pat discuss ways to shop local with a Marshfield coffee shop owner. And they talk to a Lincoln County Board member about how people can get on the ballot and serve in local government rather than allow Trumpists to dismantle vital local services. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-11-2643 min

Up North Podcast Episode 24: Murderous Vigilante or Self Defense?Kirk, Sarah and Pat talk to Portage Co. District Attorney Louis Molepske and Keith Findley, a criminal law professor at UW-Madison about the Kyle Rittenhouse trial—and how carrying automatic weapons in public is now "normal" enough to warrant a claim of self-defense. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-11-2043 min

Up North Podcast Ep. 23: Follow the MoneyKirk and Sarah talk to retired Wausau executive Lon Newman about why some his city’s elite are still donating to a member of the sedition caucus (Tom Tiffany), and then talk to Matt Rothschild of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign about how the infusion of dark money has hurt Wisconsin’s democracy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-11-1344 min

Up North Podcast Ep. 22: What's Next, Kids in Coal Mines?Kirk, Sarah and Pat talk to the author of a book about labor history in light of a Republican proposal to let 14-year-olds work until 11 p.m. Also, former state Sen. Patty Schachtner talks about how public health experts planned for a pandemic but couldn't have planned for such political denial and obstruction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-11-0643 min

Up North Podcast EP 21: What Does and Doesn't Belong Up NorthKirk, Sarah and Pat talk to UpNorthNews reporter JT Cestkowski about his road trip covering stories in Ashland, Washburn, and a Culver's where he tried the latest trend in burgers. And a guest from the Ashland area gives background on the controversial Enbridge Line 5 project. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-10-3042 min

Up North Podcast Ep 20: Inspector GablemanGet ready for frequent appearances by the Pink Panther theme song because Inspector Clouseau's replacement is on the case of the nonexistent election fraud. Sen. Jeff Smith and Attorney Chris Bremer are our guests. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-10-2243 min

Up North Podcast Ep. 19: Schools Under Siege: A Right-Wing COVID Love Story The politicians who’ve literally created toxic work environments are finally getting blowback. Kirk, Sarah, and Pat talk to a parent who’s filed the latest lawsuit against schools ignoring pandemic safeguards, and to a teacher forced to resign in that same district. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-10-1543 min

Up North Podcast Ep. 18: - The Legal CalvaryKirk, Sarah, and Pat talk to Doug Poland of Law Forward, a group dedicated to protecting Wisconsin from right-wing court assaults on democracy and safety. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-10-0843 min

Up North Podcast Ep. 17: The Brewery vs. the Wayward School BoardsOnly in Wisconsin could a brewery care more about kids' safety than some of our state's school boards. Kirk talks to his SuperPAC director and an attorney handling the lawsuit being brought against school boards who fail to protect kids from COVID. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-10-0143 min

Up North Podcast Ep. 16: - Wake Me Up When September EndsThe Green Day song has never felt more relevant. Guest host Dr. Kristin Lyerly joins Kirk and Pat to discuss a long month and a long summer of watching neighbors fight to prolong a pandemic. Pattie Forsberg discusses her decision to resign from a school board in St. Croix County rather than deal with a recall election pushed by safeguard blockers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-09-2443 min

Up North Podcast Ep. 15: - What Have We Learned?Kristin, Kirk, and Pat talk to Rep. Jodi Emerson of Eau Claire about the final state budget bill passed by Republicans in our season finale. They cover the missed opportunities of a squandered surplus. and then review what else we've learned about this session of the Legislature before the summer break. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-07-0344 min

Up North Podcast Ep. 14: - How to Blow a $4 Billion SurplusWisconsin has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to use a budget surplus to fix long-running problems. Instead, school students aren't getting anything extra for education. Heather DuBois Bourenane of the Wisconsin Public Education Network explains the GOP proposal to Pat, Kirk, and Kristin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-06-2544 min

Up North Podcast Ep. 13- PFAS and Clean Water Up NorthKirk, Kristin, and Pat talk to Zach Vruwink, city administrator in Rhinelander, and Doug Oitzinger, former mayor of Marinette, about GOP and WMC efforts to block clean-up of industrial chemicals called PFAS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-06-1744 min

Up North Podcast Ep.12- Farmers, Fair Maps, and Fair TaxesKirk and Pat talk to Hans Breitenmoser, a Lincoln County dairy farmer and activist for putting an end to gerrymandered political maps. Kristin files a report on a big, fat corporate tax break that survives even as GOP legislators try to take away pandemic relief from families. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-06-1144 min

Up North Podcast Ep. 11 The Laundry List of BadnessPat, Kristin, and Kirk talk to Jorna Taylor about Pride Month and inclusiveness. They also review the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad list of headlines about politicians who would rather exclude people than solve problems and bring people together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-06-0443 min

Up North Podcast Ep. 10: C’mon, White PeopleKirk, Kristin, Kirk and Pat talk with Marathon County Board member Ka Lo about the difficulties and divisions that opened up when the board was asked to make a simple statement of openness, diversity, and inclusion. Also, Sen. Jeff Smith on a bill to end gerrymandering in Wisconsin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-05-2144 min

Up North Podcast Ep. 9: What's This Button Do?Kristin, Kirk, and Pat talk to Rep. Francesca Hong about the so-called labor shortage which is actually a red flag to fix our broken system for paying hospitality workers. And our last segment got lost when someone hit a button in a burst of energy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-05-1338 min

Up North Podcast Ep. 8: Ladies' Night!Kristin, Kirk, and Pat talk about the resumption of social activities for those who’ve been doing the right things. Also, Rep. Evan Goyke about massive Republican cuts to the proposed state budget and its impact on the state. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-05-0744 min

Up North Podcast Ep. 7: - Cheeseheads and ChuckleheadsKirk, Kristin, and Pat talk about the assorted characters who do everything from block vaccination progress to complain about Cardi B. Our guest is attorney Christine Bremer who outlines how Gov. Tony Evers makes judge appointments differently than the former guy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-05-0144 min

Up North Podcast Ep. 6: - Holy BallsKristin, Kirk and Pat are joined by Wausau Mayor Katie Rosenberg. Topics include goats, buckthorn, local government in northern Wisconsin, our new email address and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-04-2343 min

Up North Podcast Ep. 5: - Feel The Power... of Getting Nothing DoneKirk and Pat are joined by State Rep. Jodi Emerson of Eau Claire to discuss the many ways Assembly Speaker Robin Vos wants to wield power: governor, attorney general, elections chair, school board… everything, it seems, but state legislator. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2021-04-1743 min