Nikolas DeGroot on Ground Floor Democracy & Talking Politics Face-to-Face (Hour 1)

Felipe Torres Medina on Comedy, Immigration & Writing for Stephen Colbert (Hour 2)

Writer and humorist Felipe Torres Medina joins Pete and Greg to talk about his work as a writer for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the art of comedy writing, and his book about navigating immigration in the United States. Felipe shares stories from behind the scenes in late-night television, how humor can help explain complicated issues, and what he's learned from writing about the immigrant experience. Sign up for the Civic Media Newsletter.  [https://civicmediatoday.substack.com/] Check us out on Instagram: @nitelitecm [https://www.instagram.com/nitelitecm/] and our Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/nitelite.peteschwaba/] Relevant links from this hour: * His website [https://www.felipetorresmedina.com/] * IMD [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11090542/] Guest: Felipe Torres Medina [https://civicmedia.us/profile/felipe-torres-medina/]

Talking Midwest (Hour 1)

Pete Schwaba and Greg Bach cover a little bit of everything in this one. They talk about why more people seem to be discovering the Midwest as a travel destination, including some of Wisconsin’s more unique attractions—yes, the Mustard Museum makes an appearance. The conversation then shifts to media and politics, with Pete and Greg weighing in on the latest changes at 60 Minutes and the ongoing political battles playing out in Wisconsin. Sign up for the Civic Media Newsletter.  [https://civicmediatoday.substack.com/] Check us out on Instagram: @nitelitecm [https://www.instagram.com/nitelitecm/] and our Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/nitelite.peteschwaba/]

Jason Mansmith on Upcoming Events at the Thrasher Opera House (Hour 2)

Jason Mansmith, Marketing Director of the Thrasher Opera House, joins Pete and Greg to highlight some of the exciting events coming to one of Wisconsin’s most unique entertainment venues. From live music and performances to community gatherings, Jason shares what’s on the calendar and why the historic opera house continues to be a destination for arts and culture in the region. Sign up for the Civic Media Newsletter.  [https://civicmediatoday.substack.com/] Check us out on Instagram: @nitelitecm [https://www.instagram.com/nitelitecm/] and our Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/nitelite.peteschwaba/] Relevant link from this hour: * Home - Thrasher Opera House [https://www.thrasheroperahouse.com/] Guest: Jason Mansmith [https://civicmedia.us/profile/jason-mansmith/]

Nikolas DeGroot on Ground Floor Democracy & Talking Politics Face-to-Face (Hour 1)

Nikolas DeGroot, founder of Ground Floor Democracy, joins Pete and Greg to talk about creating spaces for real political conversations. From his “Politics in the Park” events to the development of a civic engagement game, Nikolas shares what happens when people from different backgrounds sit down together and discuss issues in person. Sign up for the Civic Media Newsletter.  [https://civicmediatoday.substack.com/] Check us out on Instagram: @nitelitecm [https://www.instagram.com/nitelitecm/] and our Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/nitelite.peteschwaba/] Relevant links from this hour: * Their Linktree [https://linktr.ee/groundfloordemocracy?fbclid=IwY2xjawSK-IdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFmZWgwRzNPTUdGQ1ZWbjZoc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHukJX5bpF6qWm0mwfdButkB6Y6fWrDP_AbJhZspFHU9FA1L6Tj0eIx2y98NS_aem_C-G8v3H3XEjEOGOorNgbAA] * See their webpage [https://commonrootsrising.org/groundfloor-democracy/] * Their  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575129222063] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/groundfloordemocracy/]   * An AMA style Reddit: What Would Better Local Politics Look Like Here? : r/wisconsin [https://www.reddit.com/r/wisconsin/comments/1q0hscc/what_would_better_local_politics_look_like_here/]  * News Story: Oshkosh Politics in the Park events aim to combat polarization, build community [https://wisconsinwatch.org/2026/05/wisconsin-oshkosh-politics-in-the-park-groundfloor-democracy-community-conversation/]  Guest: Nikolas DeGroot [https://civicmedia.us/profile/nikolas-degroot/]

Matt Mueller on the Latest Movie Releases (Hour 2)

Milwaukee-based film critic Matt Mueller joins Pete and Greg to break down the newest releases hitting theaters and streaming services. From blockbuster movies to hidden gems, Matt shares what’s worth watching, what to skip, and what’s generating buzz in the film world. Sign up for the Civic Media Newsletter.  [https://civicmediatoday.substack.com/] Check us out on Instagram: @nitelitecm [https://www.instagram.com/nitelitecm/] and our Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/nitelite.peteschwaba/] Relevant links from this hour: His Substack [https://amanaboutfilm.substack.com/] Matt's Twitter [https://x.com/aManAboutFilm?lang=en] Guest: Matt Mueller [https://civicmedia.us/profile/matt-mueller/]