Scaffidiology

On this episode of The Scaffidiology Podcast, Steve Scaffidi is joined by Colleston Morgan, Executive Director of City Forward Collective, and Dr. Howard Fuller, Marquette University Professor Emeritus and former Milwaukee Public Schools superintendent, for a critical conversation about the future of education in Milwaukee. Focusing on Milwaukee’s north side and a recent CFC report, the discussion explores how the city — and Wisconsin as a whole — have fallen behind nationally in education outcomes. Dr. Fuller calls for what he describes as an “education Marshall Plan,” emphasizing that solutions must be built for today’s realities, not the past. From rightsizing and reinvestment to accountability across all sectors — including public, charter, and private schools — the conversation highlights the complexity of improving educational outcomes in a diverse urban environment. As Morgan notes, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for Milwaukee’s students.

Ever wonder where the 26 letters of the alphabet came from — or how English became the world’s lingua franca? Linguist and author Danny Bate joins Steve Scaffidi on The Scaffidiology Podcast for a fascinating, history-filled conversation about language and the building blocks of how we communicate. Bate, author of Why Q Needs U: A History of Our Letters and How We Use Them, explores how the alphabet evolved — and how something so familiar quietly shapes the way we think, read, and interact every day. It’s an engaging and insightful look at one of humanity’s most essential tools.

Travel expert Rose Gray returns to The Scaffidiology Podcast to talk all things travel with Steve Scaffidi, including an exciting new chapter in the growing partnership between WTMJ and Fox World Travel. The latest announcement? Julia Fello, host of Wisconsin’s Afternoon News, is joining the lineup of WTMJ personalities leading listener trips with the new “British Crown Experience” — a journey exploring the history, culture, and fascination with British royalty. Having traveled to the U.K. many times, Rose shares insight into why Americans remain captivated by British culture — along with practical advice for international travelers, including one key tip: make sure your technology and connectivity are set before you go. Whether you’re dreaming of your next trip or already packing your bags, this episode is full of inspiration and helpful tips.

In the third episode of “A Matter of Faith,” a special series from The Scaffidiology Podcast, host Steve Scaffidi sits down with Pastor Temo Rios, lead pastor at Urban Poiema Church in West Allis, Wisconsin. Serving a largely Hispanic/Latino congregation, Pastor Rios shares how he helps his community navigate complex and often personal issues — including immigration, identity, and the connection between current events and faith. With a focus on compassion, service, and real-world application, Rios discusses how faith leaders guide their members in living out the messages they hear inside the church once they step outside of it. In this thoughtful conversation, Scaffidi and Rios explore key questions at the heart of the series: How much should politics shape faith-based messaging? And in a complicated world, does good ultimately prevail?

Dr. Ryan Martin — better known as “The Anger Professor” — joins Steve Scaffidi for a thoughtful and timely conversation on the latest episode of The Scaffidiology Podcast. A best-selling author, podcaster, and nationally recognized expert on emotional wellness and anger management, Martin is the author of Emotion Hacks: 50 Ways to Feel Better Fast, Why We Get Mad: How to Use Your Anger for Positive Change, and How to Deal with Angry People. He also serves as Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. In this wide-ranging discussion, Martin explores how identity politics and social media may be amplifying anger in America — and why not all anger is a bad thing. In fact, some anger, when understood and managed well, can be a force for positive change.

On the latest edition of Scaffidiology, Steve Scaffidi heads — almost literally — to the hallowed ground of Lambeau Field. Corey Behnke, co-founder of Cheesehead TV, joins Scaffidi from his backyard just across Lombardi Avenue from Lambeau, for a conversation that blends football fandom with cutting-edge media innovation. Best known for Cheesehead TV, Packers Transplants, and the Carry the G cream ale brand, Behnke is also the co-founder and CEO of LiveX, a leader in live design, webcast production, and global streaming events — from New Year’s Eve in Times Square to the 2020 Democratic National Convention and major worldwide sporting events. In this episode, Behnke shares why he and Cheesehead TV co-founder Aaron Nagler bring an authentic fan perspective to Packers coverage — and how the team’s uniquely global fanbase fuels everything they do.

In the second episode of “A Matter of Faith,” a special series from The Scaffidiology Podcast, host Steve Scaffidi sits down with Rabbi Jacob Herber, Senior Rabbi at Congregation Beth El in Norfolk, Virginia, for a wide-ranging and timely conversation on faith, politics, and moral leadership.

In the first episode of a new Scaffidiology Podcast series titled “A Matter of Faith,” host Steve Scaffidi sits down with retired Episcopal priest Kevin Carroll for a thoughtful conversation on the intersection of faith and politics in the United States. As religion continues to influence how many Americans view political issues — and how they vote — the role of faith leaders has increasingly come into focus. Should political viewpoints ever enter places of worship? And how do faith leaders navigate these conversations with their congregations? Over the coming months, Scaffidiology will feature voices from a variety of faith traditions to explore how political discourse has shaped — or avoided — religious leadership.

On-air host and producer Alex Strouf is one of the fastest-rising voices at ESPN Milwaukee and Good Karma Brands, and he joins Steve Scaffidi for a lively, thoughtful episode of The Scaffidiology Podcast. Raised in Green Bay, Strouf breaks down the Packers with passion and insight, blending deep sports knowledge with an infectious broadcasting style that keeps listeners leaning in. He also opens up about the physical challenges he faced early in life, how they shaped his path into broadcasting, and what drives his approach behind the microphone today. From sports to perspective — and a few thoughts on frustrated Packers fans — it’s a conversation that shows why Strouf is quickly becoming a standout voice in Wisconsin sports media.

Singer, songwriter, actor, and radio host Steve March-Tormé joins Steve Scaffidi for a wide-ranging and entertaining episode of The Scaffidiology Podcast. The son of legendary jazz vocalist Mel Tormé, March-Tormé reflects on growing up surrounded by music, carving out his own creative path, and balancing life on stage with life behind the microphone at 91.1 The Avenue in Wisconsin’s Fox Valley. From early ambitions of becoming a baseball player to a career centered around music, storytelling, and performance, it’s a thoughtful and fun conversation you won’t want to miss.

Ever wonder what it’s really like to join a WTMJ/Fox World Travel Listener Trip? Host Steve Scaffidi sits down with travel expert Rose Gray and longtime listener Dennis Kozel for a fun, behind-the-scenes look at group adventures across the globe. From Africa and Scotland to Sicily and Hawaii, Rose shares what makes these trips special — and why traveling with an expert (and your favorite radio personalities) makes all the difference. With insider travel tips and a preview of Steve’s upcoming 2026 listener trips to Cancun and Hawaii, it’s a can’t-miss travel edition of Scaffidiology.

With nearly five decades behind the mic, legendary Milwaukee broadcaster Dick Alpert joins host Steve Scaffidi for a lively episode of The Scaffidiology Podcast. From his years on WTMJ to becoming one of the city’s most recognizable traffic voices, Alpert shares unforgettable stories, classic radio moments, and his take on where the industry is heading. Tune in for a nostalgic, insider’s look at Milwaukee radio history — and the people who shaped it. Listen now at wtmj.com or wherever you get your podcasts.

With a remarkable five-decade career behind the mic, Carole Caine joins Steve Scaffidi on the Scaffidiology Podcast to reflect on her trailblazing journey in radio. From unforgettable mornings on-air to flying with the Blue Angels (without passing out!), Carole shares her most memorable moments and the stories that shaped her career. Tune in for an engaging conversation between two radio veterans — and don’t miss Steve Scaffidi’s weekday show, Point Taken, airing 10 a.m. to noon on 620 WTMJ.

She’s an entrepreneur, speaker, and communication powerhouse. Denise Thomas joins Steve Scaffidi on Scaffidiology to share smart, practical tips for mastering communication in a fast-changing, digital world.

With vaccination rates among Wisconsin children dropping dramatically, Dr. Mary Beth Graham talks with Steve Scaffidi about what’s driving the decline, how the pandemic reshaped trust in medicine, and why the conversation around vaccines matters now more than ever.

Steve Scaffidi is joined by Kate Duffy, the founder of Motherhood for Good — a platform that gives voice to young moms and tackles everything from news and politics to culture and community. After leaving a career in advertising, Duffy turned her outrage over the Uvalde school shooting into action, building a powerful online presence and sparking conversations that matter.

They are two of the best radio journalists in Wisconsin. One cohosts Wisconsin Morning News along with Vince Vitrano, and the other is a news reporter at 620 WTMJ. Erik Bilstad has worked in radio for more than two decades, covering nearly every major news event in his various roles with WTMJ, with his incredible professionalism and the ability to tell a story with his voice. Adam Roberts is one of the newsroom leaders at the station, joining WTMJ in 2022, who delivers a daily dose of news with an occasional bit of snark. Together, they represent WTMJ’s commitment to being "Wisconsin’s Radio Station". Steve Scaffidi sat down with Bilstad and Roberts to sort through the challenges of doing their job in the era of fake news, advocacy journalism, and the changing marketplace of news consumption. Scaffidi is also the cohost of Point Taken on 620 WTMJ, which airs 10-Noon weekdays.

He’s a frequent contributor on 620 WTMJ and an expert on social media and digital technologies. Martin Moore joins the Scaffidiology Podcast to take on the challenge of artificial intelligence and its impact on our social media environment. Are A.I. generated videos, which critics call “AI slop”, ruining the social media experience for most users and creating content designed solely for engagement and cashing in on the digital paydays? Filled with misinformation, outright fakes and memes, what’s the future of AI and social media? Steve Scaffidi and Martin Moore go Back to the Future,  this week on Scaffidiology. The Scaffidiology Podcast is available at WTMJ.com or wherever you get your podcasts.  Steve Scaffidi is also the host of Point Taken, which airs from 10-Noon, weekdays on 620 WTMJ.

When it comes to the pop culture aspects of ancient humans, much of the conversation revolves around just one of our ancient ancestors, neanderthals. But that branch of human evolution is just one part of a complex story that covers the entire planet over hundreds of thousands of years. On this week's edition of the Scaffidiology Podcast, Steve Scaffidi explores the "The Rise of Humans" with Dr. John Hawks, subject matter expert and the Vilas-Borghesi Distinguished Achievement Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Hawks details the most recent scientific theories in the study of ancient humans, including where our species originated, why those origins matter, and if evolution is really speeding up. Where did we come from, and where is our species going? This week on the Scaffidiology Podcast. Steve Scaffidi is also the co-host of Point Taken, which airs from 10-Noon weekdays on 620 WTMJ.

Sarah Pancheri is the President and CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF) which hosts the annual Summerfest celebration along Milwaukee's lakefront, as well as many other events throughout the year at the Henry Maier Festival Park. Pancheri, who took over the reins at Summerfest after Don Smiley retired, sat down with Scaffidiology Podcast Host Steve Scaffidi for a look at her role at MWF and the bright future ahead for this incredible "1 of 1" summer event which runs for three consecutive weekends beginning on June 19th.  Scaffidi is also the co-host of Point Taken, which airs weekdays on 620 WTMJ, from 10-Noon.

He’s not only the owner of one of Milwaukee’s premier steakhouses (Carnevor), but Omar Shaikh is also a principal partner of downtown Milwaukee's 3rd Street Market Hall, which recently was voted one of the best food halls in America. Shaikh joined Steve Scaffidi for a conversation about Milwaukee, his role in the local restaurant scene, and his thoughts on leading by example on the latest edition of the Scaffidiology Podcast Steve Scaffidi is also the co-host of Point Taken, with Kristen Brey, which airs 10-12 on 620 WTMJ.

Its four campuses are located in Central Milwaukee and serve more than 2,000 students from K-3 through 8th grade. 91% of its students are black, with 85% coming from economic disadvantaged backgrounds.  Milwaukee College Prep's CEO Al Keith joins Steve Scaffidi for a look at their unique Milwaukee schools achieving high marks in a challenging educational environment. To find out more about Milwaukee College Prep, go to MKEprep.com. Steve Scaffidi is also the host of Point Taken, along with Kristin Brey, which airs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. weekdays on 620 WTMJ.

In a recent sports card auction, a rare Victor Wembanyama NBA rookie card sold for more than $500,000.  Since the pandemic in 2020, interest in buying and trading collectible sports cards has been increasing at a blistering pace, with many retailers selling out their shelves as quickly as the new boxes arrive from manufacturers like Panini and Topps.  Scaffidiology podcast host Steve Scaffidi sits down with Jared Uhan, the owner of BrewTown Trading Company (Home | Brew Town Trading Co., LLC) in Greenfield, Wisconsin for an in-depth look at the world of sports card collecting.   From the thrill of pulling a 1 of 1 in a pack of Topps baseball cards to the excitement of seeing a young fan buy their first pack, Uhan details the world of sports collectibles and how technology has changed the hobby. Steve Scaffidi is also the host of the Political Power Hour on 620 WTMJ, Monday through Friday, from 9-10 a.m.

It's the maiden voyage for ESPN Wisconsin host Alex Strouf and 620 WTMJ host Steve Scaffidi up in The Cheap Seats! They talk about how they'd fix the sports calendar, give their personal Dive Bar must-haves, argue about pizza crust (there's a right side to this debate), and share Opening Day stories.

He's worn a lot of hats in his long career in public service. As Ambassador to Luxembourg, Mayor of Milwaukee, and as a Wisconsin Congressman, Tom Barrett has met a lot of people in his life. In a two-part, wide-ranging conversation with Steve Scaffidi, Barrett details what life was like as a U.S Ambassador, lessons he learned while spending three years in Europe, and how that experience continues to shape his view of American politics. In Part Two, Barrett details his perceptions of the current political environment from the perspective of a lifelong Democrat, and what lies ahead for both his party and himself. Steve Scaffidi is also the host of the Political Power hour on 620 WTMJ, which airs Monday through Friday, 9-10 a.m.

He's worn a lot of hats in his long career in public service. As Ambassador to Luxembourg, Mayor of Milwaukee, and as a Wisconsin Congressman, Tom Barrett has met a lot of people in his life. In a two-part, wide-ranging conversation with Steve Scaffidi, Barrett details what life was like as a U.S Ambassador, lessons he learned while spending three years in Europe, and how that experience continues to shape his view of American politics. In Part Two, Barrett details his perceptions of the current political environment from the perspective of a lifelong Democrat, and what lies ahead for both his party and himself. Steve Scaffidi is also the host of the Political Power hour on 620 WTMJ, which airs Monday through Friday, 9-10 a.m.

He’s a Wisconsin guy with a love of weather forecasting and just talking about the weather, a perfect recipe for an extended conversation with Steve Scaffidi on the Scaffidiology Podcast. With over 20 years of experience in weather forecasting across the state, and a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Brian Niznansky combines great scientific acumen with his ability to communicate what’s happening in Southeast Wisconsin weather, every night on TMJ4 in Milwaukee. Scaffidi, whose father Dominic was a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Milwaukee, sat down for a lively conversation about all things weather, and why Niznansky loves what he does.

Writer James Wigderson is well known in Wisconsin as a voice of conservatism and common sense when it comes to politics. He’s also a regular contributor to the Political Power Hour on Newsradio 620WTMJ, which airs weekdays, from 9 – 10 a.m. His twice-weekly newsletter, Wigderson Library and Pub, is a reader-supported publication which offers James unique takes on everything from culture to politics. Wigderson is also a big fan of travel, and he sat down with Steve Scaffidi for a fascinating look at what he, and his lovely wife Doreen, learned from their many trips around Europe and the country.

Gary D'Amato has covered the golf world for more than 4 decades. His work has appeared in every major golf publication, as he's reported on dozens of major golf tournaments around the world. He was inducted into the WSGA Hall of Fame in 2017 and his work has been recognized by the Golf Writers of America, which he currently serves as President. D'Amato sat down with Scaffidiology Podcast host Steve Scaffidi for a conversation about his amazing career, his experiences covering the best golfers in the world, and why he loves golf so much.  Steve Scaffidi is also the host of the Political Power Hour on 620 WTMJ, which airs Monday through Friday, from 9-10:00 a.m.

Wisconsin resident Gavin Scudella had been sick for a long time and was facing a challenging health future as he received weekly dialysis and waited to receive a donor kidney. Kelly Haefs, his next- door neighbor and friend, made the decision to participate in the National Kidney Exchange, a decision which would change Gavin's story by allowing him to receive a voucher for a donated kidney, one month after Kelly had donated her organ to another recipient. 

Local musicians Isaac Marquardt and Connor Erickson make up part of the Milwaukee band Barely Civil. Their album, "I'd Say I'm Not Fine", was recently chosen by Piet Levy of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as Milwaukee's 2024 Album of the Year. 'Barely Civil has made the finest Milwaukee album of the year, and one of the finest albums to come from anywhere in 2024', Levy wrote in his recent story on 20 of Milwaukee's favorite bands. Marquardt and Erickson sat down with Scaffidiology Podcast host Steve Scaffidi for a ride through the life and sounds of local musicians, who found themselves recently on a wild, West Coast tour.

Veteran Milwaukee Journal Sentinel journalist Mary Spicuzza joins Scaffidiology Podcast host Steve Scaffidi for a look back at a story that made newspaper headlines in Milwaukee in 1978. August Palmisano, Spicuzza’s cousin, was killed by a car bombing on June 30, 1978, a case that remains unsolved to this day. Spicuzza details the open questions in the case and possible connections to the Milwaukee mob bosses and the Mafia. Scaffidi is also the host of the Political Power Hour on 620WTMJ, Monday to Friday, 9 - 10 a.m.

AARP's Director of Communications Jim Flaherty sits down with Scaffidilogy Podcast Host Steve Scaffidi for a primer on how to avoid the scammers during the holidays. Porch pirates, gift card fraud, and other scams are unfortunately part of our holiday reality, and we'll walk you through how YOU can avoid them. Steve Scaffidi is also the host of the Political Power Hour on 620 WTMJ, heard Monday through Friday from 9-10 a.m.

America’s favorite co-host, Carole Caine, joins the Scaffidiology Podcast for a look at Thanksgivings past, and how she celebrates Steve Scaffidi’s favorite holiday. Steve Scaffidi is also the host of the Political Power Hour on 620 WTMJ, Monday through Friday, 9–10 a.m.

It’s the generational divide. Political Power Hour host Steve Scaffidi is joined by Martin Moore, a content creator for Koss Corporation, former frequent guest on Steve’s old show and current weekly guest on The Upswing with Jeff SHerman. They discuss issues regarding teaching financial literacy, the affordability of housing, social security and the overall uncertainty of one’s own financial future.

Hunters are set to take to the woods across Wisconsin in late November for the annual gun deer hunt, and Journal Sentinel Outdoors editor Paul Smith joins Steve Scaffidi for a conversation about one of the state’s best traditions. For the first time starting this yar, Wisconsin deer hunters can use air rifles which have no recoil and, more importantly, quiet. This year's deer population, according to Smith, is expected to be better than last year due to the recovery period last year after the harsh winter of '22 to '23. Chronic Wasting Disease or CWD is still a rising issue with Wisconsin deer, but Smith says there could be a decline in the near future. Testing for the disease is still free and also new to this year you can a replacement deer tag, regardless if the deer's sex. Steve Scaffidi is also the host of the Political Power Hour on 620 WTMJ, Monday through Friday, 9–10 a.m.

Rush Tribute Project (RTP) members Sean Jones, Bill Heck and Thomas Slawnik sit down with Scaffidiology podcast host Steve Scaffidi for a look at their 20-year career playing the music of Rush.  Combining vintage instruments and a state-of-the-art light show, RTP recreates the live concert experience of one of one of the most significant and top-selling rock bands of all time.  Steve Scaffidi is also the host of the Political Power Hour on 620 WTMJ, Monday through Friday, 9-10 a.m.

Pat Miller, founder of the Small Business Owners Community, joined Steve Scaffidi for a conversation on the impact of artificial intelligence (A.I.) on the small business community and how it could soon change all of our lives. Steve Scaffidi is also the host of the Political Power Hour on 620 WTMJ, and the Decision Wisconsin Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts or at wtmj.com.

You can see her great work every Saturday of the college football season on ESPN's College Gameday, and listen to her Monday through Friday, 7-9 a.m. on the Jen, Gabe and Chewy Show on ESPN 94.5 in Milwaukee, but that's just part of what makes Jen Lada so good at what she does. With a resume built on her significant experiences as a sports reporter, radio host, and an award-winning journalist for ESPN, Lada has built a career on telling the stories that shape our national conversation on sports, our culture and our country. Lada sat down with Steve Scaffidi on the Scaffidiology Podcast and shared her thoughts on women in broadcasting, the Caitlin Clark phenomena, and how she'll try to find the time to do even more.

Andrew, Nick, Frank and Bobby, the Engel’s unique Pastiche Bistro and Wine Bar combines their love of food with an appreciation of family, with a mix of French, Spanish, Italian and American dishes. The Engels sat down with Steve Scaffidi for a lively conversation about their restaurant with family as a centerpiece of their business model. Steve Scaffidi is also the host of the Political Power Hour on 620 WTMJ, Monday through Friday, 9–10 a.m.

Golf has always been a popular sport, but golf merchandising has also seen a meteoric rise in consumer interest and sales. Swag Golf, launched in 2018 by four friends in Northbrook, Illinois, now employs 150 people nationwide, and is currently building a new 30,000 square foot headquarters. Chief Operating Officer Scott Weber, along with founder Nick Venson, have created an innovative and unique company built around products like putters and headcovers, often using design options including skulls, playing cards, and pop culture themes. Venson described what Swag Golf is all about. “I knew we were making cool products, but sometimes the chase of the product is as important as the product itself. It certainly created a buzz around Swag.” With merchandising connections to Major League Baseball, WWE, and the NFL, their products have shown up in the bags of professional athletes, and winners on the PGA, Korn Ferry, and the LPGA tours. Recently, U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Steve Stricker presented his players with Swag headcovers as a gift to the U.S. team members. Weber sat down with Scaffidiology Podcast Host Steve Scaffidi for a lively conversation about their company and the innovative products they sell.

Author Brian Reisinger shares his family's story of struggling to survive as a small midwestern farmer and documents the challenges facing them as they deal with economic and environmental concerns along with a growing mental health crisis. The Associated Press called Land Rich, Cash Poor, an "anthem to the family farm in America." Reisinger is also the President of Platform Communications. Steve Scaffidi is the host of the Political Power Hour on 620 WTMJ, Monday through Friday, 9-10 a.m.

Ever wonder what it would be like to live on a ship for most of your life What goes into keeping travelers happy on a cruise ship touring the rivers of Europe? On a recent trip to Germany, Steve Scaffidi sat down with Avalon Waterway’s Cruise Director Mihai Dimofti for a lively conversation about life on a cruise ship and what it really means to be a cruise director. If you’ve never experienced what it’s like to be on a river or ocean cruise, this is a great listen! Steve Scaffidi is also the host of the Political Power Hour on 620 WTMJ, Monday through Friday, 9–10 a.m.

What does it take to pilot an airplane carrying more than 300 passengers around the globe? Is there really such a thing as the "mile-high club"? Steve Scaffidi and retired airline pilot Yvan Giralte discuss the life of an airline pilot and the realities and myths of flying for a living. Scaffidi is also the host of the Political Power Hour on 620WTMJ, Monday through Friday, 9-10 a.m.

What does the owner of one of the most popular supper clubs in the State of Wisconsin think makes for the best supper club experience? Bob Prosser has owned the Ishnala Supper Club since 1993 but started his career in the restaurant business back in 1973, as a sixteen- year- old busboy at a Hoffman House restaurant in Wausau. His journey in the industry is an incredible story and he sat down with Steve Scaffidi to share it on the Scaffidiology Podcast.