Scaffidiology

Steve Scaffidi speaks with conservative writer James Wigderson about the Democrats’ sweeping election-night victories and what the results mean for Donald Trump, the Republican Party and the future of MAGA politics. They discuss Trump’s record, Republican accountability, the next two years of his presidency, Derek Van Orden, the future of Wisconsin conservatism and whether Democrats will use their momentum responsibly. James also shares his outlook for the future of American democracy.

On this episode of Scaffidiology, Steve Scaffidi talks with James Donald, a member of Papua New Guinea’s National Parliament, and Werner Winter, a parliamentary staff member, about government, politics and daily life in their country. They discuss Papua New Guinea’s diverse population, more than 40 political parties, access to basic services, remote communities, social media and the country’s 800 languages and 1,000-plus tribes. They also compare politics in Papua New Guinea and Wisconsin, talk about rugby and the Brewers, and explore the connections between people and governments around the world.

On this episode of Scaffidiology, Steve Scaffidi talks with WTMJ journalist Neil Doyle about covering Wisconsin elections and the 2026 governor’s race. They discuss the difference between reporting and commentary, getting straight answers from candidates, the role of personality versus policy, media access, debate coverage and the reliability of political polling. Neil also shares what he looks for when covering campaigns and the journalists who have influenced his work.

Steve Scaffidi talks with Kevin Cullen, executive director of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, about the state’s connection to the Great Lakes and the stories preserved beneath Wisconsin’s waters. Cullen discusses the USS Cobia, underwater archaeology, historic shipwrecks, artifacts recovered from Lake Michigan and the ongoing search for undiscovered wrecks. He also explains how maritime history, Native American canoes and underwater discoveries offer a deeper look at Wisconsin’s past.

Faith and politics are often treated as separate worlds, but for many people, they are inseparable. In Faith in Politics, 620 WTMJ’s Steve Scaffidi speaks with faith leaders from Catholic, Episcopal, Jewish, Muslim, Pentecostal and Methodist traditions about how belief shapes public life. The series explores voting and civic responsibility, justice, immigration, religious freedom, political disagreement, polarization and the challenge of living out faith beyond a place of worship. Together, these conversations examine whether faith can help restore dignity, dialogue and unity to an increasingly divided country.

In the final episode of his Faith in Politics series, Steve Scaffidi speaks with Minister Jalal about the Muslim faith, service to humanity, and the importance of building bridges across religious and political divides. They discuss immigration, religious freedom, justice, political participation, generational differences, and the responsibility to stand up against injustice. Minister Jalal also explains how faith can bring people together during a time of increasing division—and why love, peace and service should transcend politics.

Steve Scaffidi begins a new Scaffidiology series on social media with Mike Zussman , an adolescent and adult therapist. They discuss the benefits and risks of social media for young people, including cyberbullying, mental health, addictive algorithms, screen time, and the challenges parents face. The conversation also explores whether social media companies and lawmakers should do more to protect children—and why adults may be just as dependent on their phones.

Steve Scaffidi sits down with attorney Edo Walny of Walny Legal Group for a conversation about life, career, communication, and the importance of planning for the future. Walny shares how beginning his legal career just days before 9/11 shaped his professional journey, the advice that helped guide his career, and why so few Americans have an up-to-date estate plan. He also discusses his work with families, including those caring for children and adults with special needs, and the lessons he has learned from meeting clients during some of life’s most important moments. Plus, Walny explains how he became a more confident communicator and what inspired him to pursue a career in law.

Steve Scaffidi sits down with author and Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson to discuss his new book, "The Green and Gold Standard: A People’s History of the Green Bay Packers." Nelson shares the personal experiences that inspired him to write the book, along with stories from more than a century of Packers history from Curly Lambeau and the team’s early struggles to Brett Favre, Reggie White, the Packers-Bears rivalry, and the generational bond shared by Packers fans. Steve and Tom Nelson also discuss what makes the Packers unlike any other franchise in professional sports, including the team’s small-town roots, fan ownership, and role as a civic institution in Wisconsin. Nelson explains why the Packers’ future may depend on how the NFL addresses private equity and guaranteed contracts and why preserving the team’s unique identity matters so much. “Now I know why the Packers are so special. That’s what really drove me to write this book.”

Steve Scaffidi had a chance to sit down with three African journalists through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) to discuss their home countries and why journalism matters not only in the United States, but across the globe. Abubakair Sadiq Sulemana, from the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation; Sandrine Butera, from the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency; and Cassandra Zungu from South African Broadcasting Cooperation joined Steve for a fascinating conversation about their home countries and what inspired them to get into journalism. "I've seen what the media can do. People listen to the radio; they see you, as a voice when you say something; they believe in it. So really, I know the power of the media."