Best Around The Bloc Podcasts (2024)

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Capitol Chats: Stein says policymakers should consider universities to address job market needs 14:08

6d ago14:08

14:08

In this week’s Capitol Chats episode, Wisconsin Policy Forum VP and Research Director Jason Stein weighs in on the Universities of Wisconsin's budget challenges. Stein raises concerns that the state has reduced the capacity for universities to serve the labor market and discusses the closures of two-year campuses over the past few years.…

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Capitol Chats: BLOC's Lang notes importance of Milwaukee, Black and Brown voters in 2024 11:53

22d ago11:53

11:53

In this week’s Capitol Chats episode, Angela Lang, executive director of Milwaukee-based Black Leaders Organizing for Communities weighs in on Milwaukee and Black and Brown voters' importance in the 2024 election. Lang also shares her thoughts on what President Joe Biden could do to appeal to Black voters.…

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Capitol Chats: Abrams says new staffing standards are "unrealistic" for nursing homes 14:34

1M ago14:34

14:34

In this week’s Capitol Chats episode, Rick Abrams, CEO of the Wisconsin Health Care Association and Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living (WHCA/WiCAL) shares concerns about Wisconsin’s nursing homes’ ability to meet new minimum staffing standards in the midst of a worker shortage.

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Capitol Chats: Forward Analytics' Knapp says “NIMBY" attitude a challenge for affordable housing 15:11

2M ago15:11

15:11

In this week’s Capitol Chats episode, Forward Analytics Director Dale Knapp says the state will need to build more housing to meet an increased need due in part to the baby boom of the mid-20th century. Knapp said some challenges are building enough housing that’s also affordable and people with a “not in my backyard” attitude toward new housing pr…

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Capitol Chats: Wisconsin Young Republicans chair says youth GOP ready to rally behind Trump 17:21

2M ago17:21

17:21

In this week's Capitol Chats podcast, Wisconsin Young Republicans Chair Kyle Schroeder says young GOP voters are enthused and ready to get behind former President Donald Trump. He also says their biggest issues right now are abortion, the economy and issues at the southern border. He also says many are disappointed with the Biden administration isn…

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Capitol Chats: Wisconsin College Dems chair: Claims young voters won't turn out in '24 'dead wrong' 12:42

2M ago12:42

12:42

In this week’s Capitol Chats episode, Wisconsin College Democrats Chair Matthew Lehner says one of the biggest misconceptions about young voters is that they won’t turn out to vote in November. He also says he shares concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza but noted there are many other issues at stake in the upcoming presidential election, …

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Episode 16: Dynamic Update 2024 - Units! 1:12:41

3M ago1:12:41

1:12:41

Attention passengers! Here on Monster Island, we always aim to improve, and we've seen some large upgrades for some gnarly monsters! Although this time however, the smaller creatures seen on the island are having their moment to shine! Join Craig Thompson-Wood and Shane Halar, as they dive into the newly released information for the 2024 Dynamic Up…

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Capitol Chats: Dane GOP Chair Maly says voters will get behind Trump, GOP needs to get engage youth 18:27

3M ago18:27

18:27

On this week's Capitol Chats podcast, Dane County Republican Party Chair Brandon Maly, 24, says Republican voters, even so-called "RINOs," will likely rally behind Trump in the November general election as long as they can clear the abortion hurdle. Maly says voters aren't pleased with how the White House is handling many current issues, especially…

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Capitol Chats: Zepecki confident Biden will earn support of uninstructed voters in November 14:34

3M ago14:34

14:34

In this week’s Capitol Chats episode, Dem strategist Joe Zepecki shares his takeaways from the April 2 presidential primary. Zepecki says he believes President Joe Biden will earn support from uninstructed voters in November. He also points out the percentage of voters who cast ballots in the GOP primary for candidates that are no longer in the rac…

1
Episode 15: Dynamic Update 2024 - Monsters! 1:35:53

3M ago1:35:53

1:35:53

Attention passengers! Here on Monster Island, we always aim to improve, although this time however, the monsters seen on the island are the ones getting the upgrades! Join Craig Thompson-Wood and Shane Halar, as they dive into the newly released information for the 2024 Dynamic Update. This episode is massively monster focused!…

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Capitol Chats: Group pushing for uninstructed Dem primary vote still wants Biden to win 13:39

3M ago13:39

13:39

In this week's Capitol Chats: Kyle Johnson, political director for Listen to Wisconsin, says voters who checked the 'uninstructed' box this April primary want President Joe Biden to remember and listen to those who helped elect him to office. They're protesting Biden’s policies toward Israel and Gaza. Johnson also says the movement still wants to s…

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Capitol Chats: Kelly says new maps could be 'challenge,' Dems should recognize voucher benefits 13:48

3M ago13:48

13:48

In this week’s Capitol Chats episode, School Choice Wisconsin President Nic Kelly says new legislative maps that favor Dems could be a challenge. But he argues Dems should remember their constituents benefit from the state's private school voucher programs. Kelly also reviews the group's efforts during the legislative session.…

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Capitol Chats: WEAC's Wirtz-Olsen says more school referendums ahead without funding formula changes 9:44

4M ago9:44

9:44

In this week's Capitol Chats podcast, Wisconsin Education Association Council President Peggy Wirtz-Olsen says the $1.4 billion in combined school budget referendum requests across Wisconsin is a sign public schools need more funding and the funding formula is broken. A WisPolitics review found this year to be the third-highest ask from schools sin…

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Capitol Chats: Neubauer announces reelection bid, talks priorities and new maps 11:13

4M ago11:13

11:13

In this week's Capitol Chats podcast, Assembly Minority Leader Greta Neubauer, D-Racine, announces her bid for reelection after talking about what her caucus wants to work on for the remainder of the year. She also says she's not too worried the Dem Assembly members leaving this year will impact her caucus' ability to make significant gains with th…

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Capitol Chats: Pfaff says he's "hell bent" on providing relief for PFAS contamination 12:47

4M ago12:47

12:47

In this week’s Capitol Chats episode, Sen. Brad Pfaff discusses his bill aiming to fight PFAS contamination. The Onalaska Dem says the Legislature must act on the issue amid a standoff between Republicans and Gov. Tony Evers over PFAS funding.

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Capitol Chats: Assembly Corrections Committee Chair Schraa on high vacancy rates, aging prisons 15:35

4M ago15:35

15:35

In this week's Capitol Chats podcast, Assembly Corrections Committee Chair Michael Schraa, R-Oshkosh, talks about some of the most pressing issues facing the Wisconsin's prisons. He talks about what it will take to continue driving security staff vacancy rates down and how likely it is a longterm push to replace maximum security prisons from the 19…

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Capitol Chats: WISDOM's Rice says there have been no significant improvements on prison lockdowns 14:27

5M ago14:27

14:27

In this week's Capitol Chats episode, WISDOM Transformational Justice Campaign Coordinator Mark Rice says long term lockdowns amount to torture for inmates. He also says there has been no significant progress to lift the nearly yearlong lockdowns at Wisconsin's two oldest maximum security prisons, and argues former Parole Commissioner John Tate II …

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Capitol Chats: Gustafson says artificial intelligence could address workforce issues 11:42

5M ago11:42

11:42

In this week’s Capitol Chats episode, freshman Rep. Nate Gustafson discusses recommendations from the Speaker's Task Force on Artificial Intelligence he chairs. The Fox Crossing Republican also shares his thoughts on how AI could be used to address the state's workforce shortage.

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Capitol Chats: AFP's Novak says Wisconsinites' biggest concern is inflation ahead of election 12:01

5M ago12:01

12:01

In this week's WisPolitics Capitol Chats podcast, Americans for Prosperity State Director Megan Novak says most voters are thinking about inflation on regular goods and services such as groceries and energy heading into the presidential election. She argues the federal government has got to stop growing the national debt and should also focus on pr…

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Capitol Chats: Shankland says Van Orden "not serving the people of Wisconsin" 15:41

5M ago15:41

15:41

In this week’s Capitol Chats episode, state Rep. Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point, talks about her campaign to unseat U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Prairie du Chien, and touts her credentials as a state legislator. Shankland is one of three Dems vying for the seat.

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Episode 14: January News Update - Part 2 48:35

5M ago48:35

48:35

Attention Passengers! Join the crew for part two! Prepare for an exciting news round up from the recent update from Privateer Press regarding their vision of Monsterpocalypse. This time around, the crew discusses their interpretation of the upcoming "new expression" of what the MonPoc may become! Strap in for another episode here on the Monster Isl…

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Capitol Chats: WILL's Esenberg talks about redistricting, abortion cases 17:15

6M ago17:15

17:15

In this week's WisPolitics Capitol Chats WILL President and General Counsel Rick Esenberg talks about the legislative redistricting lawsuit his office is party to. Esenberg also talks about what to watch for in the lawsuit seeking to make Wisconsin's 1849 abortion law unenforceable. A Dane County judge late last year ruled the law doesn't apply to …

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Episode 13: January News Update - part 1 1:21:09

6M ago1:21:09

1:21:09

Attention Passengers! Prepare for an exciting news round up from the recent update from Privateer Press regarding their vision of Monsterpocalypse. Join the crew as they discuss and predict what the future of MonPoc may hold, here on the Monster Island Podcast!By Craig Thompson-Wood, Ajay Mukherjee, Shane Halar

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Capitol Chats: Redistricting expert Johnson assesses maps submitted in Supreme Court legislative remap lawsuit 13:35

6M ago13:35

13:35

In this week's Capitol Chats episode, Marquette University Law School Lubar Center Research Fellow John Johnson gives his first impressions of maps submitted to the Supreme Court for a redistricting lawsuit. He says the court laid out criteria the maps must meet, but did not detail how to gauge the criteria. He also says he'd be surprised if the fe…

1
Capitol Chats: Cronmiller says legislative maps case is opportunity to eliminate gerrymandered maps 12:54

6M ago12:54

12:54

In this week’s Capitol Chats episode, Debra Cronmiller, executive director of the League of Women Voters and chair of the Fair Maps Coalition, discusses a case before the Supreme Court challenging the state's legislative maps. The court has ordered new maps ahead of the 2024 elections.

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Episode 12: Faction Focus - Zerkalo Bloc. (Feat. Daniel Cooley - SHE3PDOG) 2:13:48

6M ago2:13:48

2:13:48

Attention Passengers! As part of our in-flight entertainment and our new Faction Focus episode, please enjoy this special presentation we have for you, featuring Monster Island's very first guest! Join the Monster Island Crew as they invite their first guest on the Monster Island Podcast, Daniel Cooley a.k.a SHE3PDOG! Prepare for another exciting a…

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Capitol Chats: DWD Secretary Pechacek says 4-year UI modernization plan is on track 18:52

7M ago18:52

18:52

In this week's Capitol Chats episode, Department of Workforce Development Secretary Amy Pechacek says the department's plan to modernize its unemployment insurance claims program is on track to finish within the 4-year goal. But she says that won't be the end of modernization efforts as new technologies to improve efficiencies and protect against f…

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Capitol Chats: Wimberger says PFAS grant measures must include legal protections for land owners 12:11

7M ago12:11

12:11

In this week's Capitol Chats podcast, Sen. Eric Wimberger, R-Green Bay, says it's crucial to include protections for innocent property owners who discover PFAS contamination in their wells in his grant bill. He rips those who argue the protections would give polluters a legal pass, noting many who find contamination are not the source of the pollut…

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Episode 11: Architect's Corner 1:33:24

7M ago1:33:24

1:33:24

Attention passengers! As we make our landing on Monster Island for a connecting flight, we encourage everyone to take the time to appreciate the fine buildings and architecture on the island. Join the Monster Island crew as they discuss the unsung heroes of Monsterpocaylpse, the buildings! Prepare for another exciting instalment of the Monster Isla…

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Capitol Chats: Democracy Found's Eskrich says final five voting would help voter confidence, engagement 15:29

7M ago15:29

15:29

In this week's Capitol Chats episode, Democracy Found Executive Director Sara Eskrich says ranked choice voting has proven successful in other states such as Alaska. Final five, a subset of ranked choice voting, would also decrease the odds candidates who mostly appeal to their party's extremes end up on the general election ballot, she added.…

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Episode 10: Faction Focus - Terrasaurs 1:56:05

7M ago1:56:05

1:56:05

Attention Passengers! There appears to be a humongous active volcano on the south end of Monster Island, and emerging from that area are giant dinosaur - like creatures? Feast your eyes on those living fossils! Join the monster Island Crew as they discuss another episode analyzing a specific faction, the Terrasaurs. Buckle up for another action pac…

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Capitol Chats: Steffen charges Evers admin politics are stopping replacement of aging prisons 16:18

7M ago16:18

16:18

In this week's WisPolitics Capitol Chats podcast, Rep. David Steffen, R-Green Bay, argues the state has delayed replacing the aging Green Bay maximum security prison, built in the 1890s, too long. He says the politics of constructing a new prison while the administration has focused on criminal justice reform have let long term infrastructure, safe…

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Capitol Chats: Burress says GOP bill to combat PFAS has loophole that would benefit polluters 10:44

8M ago10:44

10:44

In this week's Capitol Chats podcast, Wisconsin Conservation Voters Government Affairs Manager Peter Burress explains why the group opposes a GOP bill to combat PFAS contamination. Burress argues a provision in the bill would protect polluters and shift the cost to fight pollution to taxpayers.

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Rock County Clerk Tollefson talks about latest election bills' impact on clerks, 2024 elections 17:55

8M ago17:55

17:55

In this week's Capitol Chats episode, Rock County Clerk Lisa Tollefson, also the Wisconsin County Clerks Association's Legislative Committee co-chair, says a bill to allow absentee ballot processing before election night will absolutely help clerks do their jobs. But she says she's not sure if clerk protections the Legislature recently passed will …

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Episode 9: Personal Pet Peeves 1:10:02

8M ago1:10:02

1:10:02

Attention Monster Island Guests! Complementary peanuts as a gift for the inconvenience of the Monster Island Airlines, due to the previous issue at the port involving several alien like monsters. We appreciate your understanding and we hope you enjoy your flight. Join the Monster Island Crew for another awesome episode of the Monster Island Podcast…

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Pocan says he wants to see Israel's end game plan to deal with Hamas, blasts new speaker 16:01

8M ago16:01

16:01

In this week's Capitol Chats podcast, U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Town of Vermont, says he and other House members are asking Israel to describe what the end of its latest conflict with Hamas will look like. He argues the Israeli bombing campaigns that have taken innocent lives "isn't a plan." The Congressional Progressive Caucus chair emeritus also sa…

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Capitol Chats: Quinn says abortion-related bills would support women, families 9:39

8M ago9:39

9:39

In this week's Capitol Chats podcast, Sen. Romaine Quinn says his package of abortion-related bills would provide support for women and families. The Cameron Republican also pushes back on a lawsuit arguing abortion is legal in Wisconsin, saying abortion is clearly prohibited under state law.

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Acting Public Defender York say raises helped staffing issues, but there are still some problems 11:23

9M ago11:23

11:23

In this week's Capitol Chats podcast, acting State Public Defender Katie York is in the office to talk about how she's doing since outgoing SPD Kelli Thompson gave her the reins earlier in the year. She says recent pay raises have helped some with staff vacancy issues, but she has a lot of other projects to work on now too.…

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Episode 8: Faction Focus - Planet Eaters 1:16:28

9M ago1:16:28

1:16:28

Attention passengers attention! We will be redirecting to another airport on Monster Island, as news has broken out that large alien monsters have invaded and are wrecking havoc in the surrounding area. Luckily, G.U.A.R.D forces are closing in to deal with the threat! Join the Monster Island crew as they discuss their first faction focus for the De…

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Rep. Stubbs hopeful to establish task force on missing and murdered African American women and girls 11:50

9M ago11:50

11:50

In this week's Capitol Chats episode, Rep. Shelia Stubbs discusses a bill she has reintroduced to establish a task force on missing and murdered African American women and girls. The Madison Dem says she is hopeful the bill will be signed into law considering its bipartisan support.

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Marquette Lubar Research Fellow John Johnson talks future of legislative redistricting 17:47

9M ago17:47

17:47

This week's Capitol Chats podcast features an interview with redistricting expert John Johnson. The Marquette University Law School Lubar Center research fellow says the state Supreme Court could take a few different paths to tackling how to redraw the state’s legislative boundaries if it rules against the current maps. He said if the court draws n…

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Episode 7: The Boys Are Back, Recent News and Chat 49:44

9M ago49:44

49:44

Attention passengers! Join us for another great episode of the Monster Island Podcast! Join us for the return of a host as well as the a recent news round up, and some general chatting and discussion. Plug in those headphones and recline your seats back to tune into episode 7 of the Monster Island Podcast!…

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Myers hopeful future maps won't dilute Black, Latino votes 14:54

9M ago14:54

14:54

In this week's Capitol Chats episode, Rep. LaKeshia Myers explains why she voted with Republicans on a nonpartisan redistricting bill. The Milwaukee Dem also explains her past concerns with Gov. Tony Evers' People's Maps Commission.

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Vos skeptical about releasing impeachment panel report 15:54

10M ago15:54

15:54

In this week's Capitol Chats episode, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos in his first interview for the podcast says he's skeptical about releasing any kind of report or findings from the panel looking into impeachment. The Rochester Republican also says he doesn't want it to come to impeachment, but he still wants to know what sort of conduct might be imp…

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Brooks details proposal to fund Brewers' stadium maintenance and keep the team in Wisconsin 13:52

10M ago13:52

13:52

In this week's Capitol Chats episode, Rep. Rob Brooks, R-Saukville, talks about the details in a proposal to spend more than $600 million on Milwaukee Brewers stadium maintenance and improvements efforts. The deal would keep the team in Wisconsin through 2050 and proponents argue it would bring a major economic boost to the local area and the rest …

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Wikler says Republicans pushing to impeach Protasiewicz could be opening a door they can't close 13:35

10M ago13:35

13:35

On this week's Capitol Chats episode, Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler says Republicans pushing to impeach liberal Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz are basically shooting themselves in the foot. If they go through with an impeachment, Wikler says it will likely turn many voters away from the GOP and open the door to more impeachm…

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Krug says biggest priority is to ensure 2024 is "not a repeat of 2020" 14:45

10M ago14:45

14:45

In this week's Capitol Chats episode, Assembly Campaigns and Elections Committee Chair Scott Krug says the committee is focused on bipartisan solutions to election issues going into 2024. The Nekoosa Republican says allowing absentee ballots to be counted before Election Day is one priority.

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Episode 6: Faction Focus - G.U.A.R.D 1:10:08

10M ago1:10:08

1:10:08

Attention passengers! As we continue our flight to Monster Island, please enjoy our in-flight entertainment. Join the Monster Island crew as they dive into their first faction focused episode discussing the G.U.A.R.D faction. Prepare for another awesome episode from the Monster Island Podcast!By Craig Thompson-Wood, Ajay Mukherjee, Shane Halar

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Gallagher says U.S. will always have trade with China, but needs to reduce reliance 13:54

10M ago13:54

13:54

In this week's Capitol Chats episode, U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Allouez, says the U.S. will always been a trade partner with China since the country relies on American goods such as Wisconsin soybeans. Still, he argues America must reduce its reliance on Chinese manufacturing and production to insulate itself against a possible economic and demog…

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Episode 5: Tournament Variants 52:09

10M ago52:09

52:09

Attention passengers, buckle in and put your tray tables in the upright position. We will be experiencing some turbulence on our flight today! Join the Monster Island crew, as they discuss the various other unique and challenging ways to fight in the action packed kaiju battle game, Monsterpocalypse. Strap in for another exciting episode on the Mon…

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