Best Capitol Chat Podcasts (2026)

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Capitol Chats: Roys says Wisconsin deserves a governor who will stand up to Trump 10:03

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15d ago10:03

10:03

In this week's Capitol Chats episode, state Sen. Kelda Roys, D-Madison, talks about why she's running for governor. Roys says the state deserves a leader who will "stand up for what's best for Wisconsinites, not what Trump and his Washington cronies want."

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Peter Hammill, Van Der Graaf Generator and what makes them unique 33:45

1d ago33:45

33:45

Peter Hammill has spent nearly six decades building the most devoted following imaginable – Bowie, Peter Gabriel and Mark E Smith among them. ‘Rock And Role’ tells his invigorating story, beautifully illustrated with photos, cuttings, artwork and memorabilia. Author Joe Banks looks back at his life, impact and captivating way with words, and stops …

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Entering the MultiState Group Chat: 2026 Issues Forecast 48:03

8d ago48:03

48:03

For The Political Life's final episode of 2025, and to prepare our listening audience for state legislative sessions in 2026, we stood up a MultiState Group Chat to discuss all the emerging issues that may be coming to a state capitol building near you. This fall, MultiState released a 2025 Issues Review and 2026 Forecast Report. An extensive and l…

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National Alliance on Mental Illness Juneau 12:35

4d ago12:35

12:35

Aaron Surma, Executive Director of NAMI joins Capital Chat to discuss resources available to our community. Aaron has received mental health services for over twenty years. During this time, he has experienced first-hand the power of peer support. In particular, the role of peer support in helping people find their voice as it relates to their own …

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Cruise Industry Results for Juneau 21:41

6d ago21:41

21:41

CBJ Visitor Industry Director Alexandra Pierce and Engagement Specialist for City of Juneau, Phil Huebschen join Capital Chat to discuss this year's tourist season. Use of passenger fees and the upcoming Visitor Industry Task Force.By Frontier Media USA

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Do all panned albums end up loved? And what’s the most significant record sleeve? 53:43

4d ago53:43

53:43

Deck the halls with cheese and Bolly! … and a dish of the usual rock and roll distraction which this week throws the following logs on the fire … … the greatest Xmas single ever? … Metal Machine Music, Cut the Crap, Two Sides of the Moon … can panned records ever be rehabilitated? … how Roxy Music invented ‘rock brand-value’ and turned it into pict…

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Paul Kelly – ‘national treasure!’ - and the song that took 30 years 48:11

7d ago48:11

48:11

Beloved Australian songwriter Paul Kelly has just turned 70 – “it sounds Biblical, threescore years and ten.” He looks back here at the road he took to get there, from early days in Adelaide to the pub circuit to his catalogue of stirring and eloquent songs about the big issues of life and love, as Neil Finn says, “with not a trace of pretence or f…

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Lucinda Williams is fighting on every front 32:00

8d ago32:00

32:00

Lucinda Williams was a teenage activist singing We Shall Overcome at protest marches and she’s taken up the cudgels again on her new album World’s Gone Wrong. She talks to us here from her home in Nashville about … … early inspirations - Dylan, Donovan, Joan Baez, Peter Paul & Mary, Buffy Sainte-Marie – and her love of Sandy Denny, Bert Jansch, Nic…

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Beastie Boys, Frankie, teds, punks, raves - ‘moral panics’ remembered! 1:02:40

16d ago1:02:40

1:02:40

Shock, horror, public outcry and moments of moral turpitude plus with the usual news, rants and old hokum, which this week alights upon … … why Gene Simmons thinks “musicians are treated worse than slaves” ... the high noon of Madonna and her foil-wrapped Sex book … is Rufus Wainwright pop’s most successful nepo-baby? … how CMAT forced Bertie Ahern…

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2026 Midterms: Attorneys General Preview with Adam Piper, RAGA 39:44

19d ago39:44

39:44

Next year is huge for gubernatorial races, but don't take your eye off the 30 state attorneys general races set for 2026. Increasingly, AGs play an outsized role in state policymaking, multistate investigations, and federal activity. Beyond that, more of them are ascending to higher office including governor, Congress, and federal cabinet positions…

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Colorado’s homeowner’s insurance on shaky ground 30:04

19d ago30:04

30:04

Colorado, like the rest of the country, is experiencing more, and worse, climate disasters, wreaking havoc on people’s homes — and their homeowner’s insurance rates. In the wake of devastating hail storms and massive wildfires, Coloradans face rising premiums, less choice and availability, and in some cases, getting dropped by insurers altogether. …

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49 Writers Holiday Party 6:09

16d ago6:09

6:09

Explore the story of 49 Writers, a grassroots literary community born in 2009 when authors Deb Vanasse and Andromeda Romano-Lax merged their blogs to support Alaska’s writers. What began as shared posts soon grew into workshops, a nonprofit writing center in Anchorage, statewide classes, and the beloved Tutka Bay Writers Retreat. Through venue chan…

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Light Flights 4:35

18d ago4:35

4:35

Some time just before Christmas, you'll find Lion members and volunteers huddling around outside in the cold winter weather, trying to keep warm. It doesn't matter if the temps are in the low teens and the Taku Winds are blowing sideways, this annual fundraiser always brings a smile to the participants. With the cooperation of Coastal Helicopters w…

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Juneau's Got Talent 3:50

18d ago3:50

3:50

Juneau's Got Talent auditions are this weekend. Register you act here: Juneau Dance Theater.By Frontier Media USA

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Punk Rock recalled by Chris Sullivan - can music STILL be outrageous? 34:03

16d ago34:03

34:03

What’s the word ‘punk’ come to mean 50 years later? It’s been adopted by the very people it sought to unsettle. Chris Sullivan – DJ, club runner, lecturer, former band-leader – arrived in London just as it kicked off and looks back at a time when everything was a challenge, no-one apologised, outsiders linked up and fought for recognition, and pop …

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2026 Midterms: Attorneys General Preview with Sean Rankin, DAGA 35:38

20d ago35:38

35:38

This week and next week's episodes on 2026 attorneys general races are rebroadcasts of recent MultiState client webinars. Next year is huge for gubernatorial races, but don't take your eye off the 30 state attorneys general races set for 2026. Increasingly, AGs play an outsized role in state policymaking, multistate investigations, and federal acti…

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UK Subs’ Charlie Harper (81) has served 50 years in the punk wars. Give this man a medal! 32:43

17d ago32:43

32:43

UK Subs formed in 1976 when Charlie Harper was 32. They’ve had over 80 members, some of whom he can’t remember. They never split up and are touring in 2026 to celebrate his 82nd birthday. “I vowed I’d keep playing as long at the Stones - which I’m now starting to regret!” After 50 years on the punk frontline, he’s the first to see the humour in goi…

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Fairytale of New York's full story & the imperishable genius of Steve Cropper 54:20

18d ago54:20

54:20

The boys of the NYPD choir are still singing Galway Bay, so pour yourself a measure of the Rare Old Mountain Dew and warm your toes on the following … … Steve Lillywhite (in Bali!) remembers making Fairytale Of New York and how “a fiery redhead” kicked the Chrissie Hynde duet into touch … the most recent singer-songwriter you could call “a ledge”? …

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Juneau Parks and Rec 9:36

24d ago9:36

9:36

Juneau Parks and Rec joins Angel Montgomery on this edition of Capital Chat to discuss the fall programs available. The much-anticipated Winter Pass is on sale now! Beat the winter blues with unlimited admission to public sessions at the Dimond Park Aquatic Center, Augustus G. Brown Swimming Pool, Treadwell Arena, Dimond Park Field House, Mt. Jumbo…

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Gallery Walk Liaise Studios 4:49

24d ago4:49

4:49

Christine Carpenter from Liaise Studio in the Senate Mall joins Capital Chat to talk about her unique art work and getting ready for Gallery Walk. Brought to you by the Downtown Business Association and the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council, the Gallery Walk is downtown Juneau’s event of the season! Held on the First Friday in December, the Galler…

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The Beatles versus Capitol Records and ‘the greatest marketing hype in history’ 47:26

27d ago47:26

47:26

In 1963, Capitol Records considered the Beatles “a band who looked and sounded weird with an odd name and no leader” and refused to release their records in America, despite being owned by EMI. As author Andrew Cook points out, “the truth is stranger than fiction”. New correspondence unearthed in his fascinating Capitol Gains maps out the tortuous …

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The Undertones are 50! And no-one’s more amazed than Damian O’Neill 34:13

24d ago34:13

34:13

Glorious news! The Undertones, dependable symbols of eternal youth, are setting out on a 50th anniversary tour in 2026, still playing Teenage Kicks and Here Comes the Summer in their mid-60s. Damian O’Neill joined when he was 14 and can’t believe it either. He looks back here at … … their first gig in a scout hall - “Feargal was a Scout leader!” - …

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Jimmy Cliff, unseen Beatles and the greatest bassline on record! 1:03:41

25d ago1:03:41

1:03:41

Twenty pounds of headlines plus rants, theories and the odd slice of old hokum: served hot. Which this week involves … … Jimmy Cliff and how his versatility worked against him … the Conjuror? Eyeball Tickler? The Concert in the Egg? Hieronymus Bosch painting or late-period Oasis B-side? … Motown, Jacksons, Beatles, Chili Peppers? What’s the greates…

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Public Market 10:25

29d ago10:25

10:25

A Thanksgiving Weekend event since 1983 staged at Centennial Hall and the Juneau Arts & Culture Center (JACC) in the heart of Alaska’s Capital. This market features vendors from throughout Alaska and the Pacific Northwest selling a wide range of handcrafted items such art, jewelry, and pottery, as well as outdoor gear, photography, published books,…

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Boo Hewerdine’s funny and alarming account of real life on the road 34:11

1M ago34:11

34:11

Boo Hewerdine, beloved singer-songwriter, has been onstage for 40 years in venues of every type, shape and size. He thinks of himself as a “tradesman”, a world that’s immensely satisfying but a tough call. This very funny, poignant podcast paints a vivid picture of the best and worst of times. Which include … … playing scout huts, libraries, church…

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Capitol Chats: La Follette School's Yackee expects 'wild growth' for new undergraduate public policy major 12:40

1M ago12:40

12:40

In this week's Capitol Chats episode, La Follette School of Public Affairs Director Susan Webb Yackee discusses a newly unveiled undergraduate major in public policy.

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Meet State Senator James Maroney –a Leading Policy Expert on Artificial Intelligence and Currently Vice Chairperson on the NCSL Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Privacy 33:27

1M ago33:27

33:27

Senator James Maroney was first elected to represent the 14th District (Milford) in 2018. Senator Maroney currently serves as the Co-Chair of the General Law Committee. In his time as co-chair of the committee, he has passed comprehensive consumer data privacy laws, children and consumer health data privacy laws, a law governing state government us…

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Legendary duos who met by chance, RIP Mani & ironing to gangsta rap 59:09

1M ago59:09

59:09

News, rants, theories and curios which this week includes …. … how Mani made the Stone Roses swing … Mick & Keith, Meg & Jack, Hall & Oates, Neil & Chris … ‘Sliding Doors’ encounters that changed the landscape … the glorious sound of profanity on records! … what makes you a legend in county music? … the subtle genius of Nicky Hopkins’ session work …

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Taco Darling and Community Chats: A Fun Friday Morning Adventure 1:06:26

1M ago1:06:26

1:06:26

Trey and Terry kick off this lively episode of *Get It Right Texoma* by diving into the intricacies of local happenings and the interesting dynamics of community engagement. The main highlight revolves around a young local auditeur, who’s been stirring the pot with his First Amendment antics, sparking conversations about rights, responsibilities, a…

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Will Colorado join the redistricting war? 33:12

1M ago33:12

33:12

In statehouses across the country, the political playing field is being redrawn, as states wade into the murky waters of midcycle redistricting. President Donald Trump kicked off this effort, when he urged Republicans in Texas to draw new Congressional maps, years ahead of schedule. Then came Missouri and North Carolina, and earlier this month, Cal…

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Kula Shaker’s Crispian Mills had a colourful childhood 38:14

1M ago38:14

38:14

Crispian Mills knew he’d be onstage as he’s from a “family of professional show-offs” but they begged him not to be an actor. He talks here about his extraordinary showbusiness childhood and the band that emerged from it full of psychedelia, echoes of the East and warm invitations to join the First Congregational Church of Eternal Love and Free Hug…

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The Beach Boys’ story gets more tangled by the minute 36:29

1M ago36:29

36:29

“All bands are sad stories,” Peter Doggett points out, but is there a more woven, moving and, at times, farcical tale than that of the Beach Boys? It gives the sound of them a greater melancholy and resonance with every passing year. As his fascinating new book Surf’s Up reveals, nothing that happened is straightforward and very little as simple as…

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What makes a rock star a ‘ledge’ & the daft rituals of the ‘70s disco 50:39

2M ago50:39

50:39

Five decades of rock and roll with none of the names redacted. In the despatches this week … … Kevin Rowland? Adam Ant? Toyah? Morrissey? Which Smash Hits cover stars are now ‘legends’? … a classic encounter with Van Morrison down a Bristol alley … the boy who mailed dead rodents and Boomtown Rats singles to radio stations became Pope Leo XIV! … 25…

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Rock’s fascination with the Third Reich exposed by Daniel Rachel 35:59

1M ago35:59

35:59

Musicians have flirted with Nazi imagery since the ‘60s, lampooning its theatre, absorbing its style, exploiting its shock value, even promoting its ideology. Daniel Rachel’s new book ‘This Ain’t Rock ‘N’ Roll’ points up extraordinary examples – “from Tommy Steele to Kanye West” - and how our reaction intensified over the years. Which leads us to ……

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Paul Weller – ‘gloriously chippy’ – as seen by friends, family, fans and collaborators 34:45

1M ago34:45

34:45

Dan Jennings’ podcast ‘Desperately Seeking Paul’ is so successful he’s used 250 of the interviews in a best-selling oral history. ‘Dancing Through The Fire’ has voices from right across the spectrum – family members, band members, writers, pluggers, label bosses, collaborators and famous fans. He talks to us here about … … Weller’s real name and wh…

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Capitol Chats: Guv candidate Hong has 'newfound sense of hope' following Mamdani victory 13:42

2M ago13:42

13:42

In this week's Capitol Chats podcast, Rep. Francesca Hong, D-Madison, talks about her campaign for governor and what fellow democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani's New York City mayoral victory could mean for her candidacy in Wisconsin.

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Did rave kill dancing in couples? Stars seen in strange places? 39:32

2M ago39:32

39:32

Marking our dance card at the rock and roll hop this week you’ll find … … And Then He Kissed Me, I Saw Her Standing There, Springsteen’s All The Way Home: songs about the theatre of dancing … is there a more influential sleeve than Patti Smith’s Horses? … did Dylan invent the box-set? … records you wish you liked … when the Beach Boys were so off t…

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Veterans Day Special: The battle of Iwo Jima, through the eyes of a Coloradan who lived it 14:35

2M ago14:35

14:35

On Purplish, our focus is usually on exploring the politics of the moment. But for Veterans Day, we're offering something different -- a chance to experience a defining moment in World War II from one of the last remaining veterans to live through it. The battle of Iwo Jima was one of the toughest in Marine Corps history. Nearly 7,000 Marines lost …

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Yes, yes, we just had an election, but It's never too soon to talk about the midterms 38:38

2M ago38:38

38:38

Anti-hunger advocates and education groups did a victory dance election night, celebrating the passage of Props. MM and LL, two statewide ballot measures to increase funding for Colorado’s universal free school meal program. CPR’s Jenny Brundin joins Purplish host Bente Birkeland to talk through what voters thought of these measures and what it mea…

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David Bowie and why we need him more than ever. Paul Morley looks back in wonder 30:04

2M ago30:04

30:04

David Bowie’s significance just keeps expanding and the look and sound of him never age. Paul Morley has been gripped from the start and his new book ‘Far Above The World’ explores the many reasons why. These among them … … Labyrinth, YouTube and the new ways people discover Bowie … why he’s a figurehead of a vanishing world … dressing up for radio…

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‘Bob Dylan is my father’ - and why Sam Sussman is convinced it’s true. 27:02

2M ago27:02

27:02

Sam Sussman’s mother Fran had a year-long love affair with Dylan when he was working on Blood on the Tracks – she’s mentioned in Tangled Up In Blue – and they met again in 1990. What she told him about that relationship is mapped out in the book he’s just written, Boy From the North Country, along with the firm belief that he’s Dylan’s son. Imagine…

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Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey had a ‘manifesto for success’. Here’s how it worked 34:38

2M ago34:38

34:38

Tom Bailey’s been based in New Zealand for the last 30 years, making records, DJing and avoiding British winters. He tours the UK in 2026 playing the Thompson Twins’ greatest hits and looks back here from Auckland at the first shows he ever saw and played, all this high in the mix … ... dance music and the British Invasion of America … the inspirin…

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Cowbells, maracas, gongs, castanets – classic percussion parts demonstrated! 45:48

2M ago45:48

45:48

The raw ingredients of this week’s news gently diced, simmered and served as a nutritious broth. And flavoured with the following … … why Lily Allen’s divorce album doubled the value of her house … how can you play real living people as fundamentally bad after Steve Coogan’s ‘Lost King’ court case? … the cowbell on Honky Tonk Women, the guiro on Gi…

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The Smiths’ Mike Joyce on triumph, gladioli & Morrissey when he was still ‘Steve’ 41:56

2M ago41:56

41:56

Morrissey and Marr both wrote memoirs but Mike Joyce hasn’t read either, preferring to publish ‘The Drums’, his version of one of the great success stories of the ‘80s, a book about “the beauty we’d given to people – and to ourselves”. At one point he and Andy Rourke shout, ‘Where did it all go right?”. He looks back here at … … the fateful meeting…

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Capitol Chats: U.S. Rep. Wied criticizes Dem approach to shutdown fight as 'political' 12:44

2M ago12:44

12:44

In this week's Capitol Chats podcast, U.S. Rep. Tony Wied weighs in on the ongoing government shutdown. The De Pere Republican also declines to directly say whether he supports extending enhanced tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, a law he criticizes as "flawed."

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Records that sound unique and why all bands need a backlash 47:11

2M ago47:11

47:11

Boarding this week’s giddy carousel of news, we ride the following ponies … … the Sliding Doors moment that made a ‘50s star a fortune … Soft Cell’s Dave Ball and the art of being the Other One in a pop duo … Bohemian Rhapsody, O Superman, I Feel Fine: records that sounded like nothing before them … what links the Prodigy, Wet Leg, Daft Punk and Do…

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Paul Young – “Big in the ‘80s! What lucky bastards we were!’ 34:59

2M ago34:59

34:59

Paul Young was the bassist in a pub band playing Led Zeppelin and Patto covers ‘til his solo soul and blues slot launched him as a singer. He’s still touring nearly 50 years later, just back from filling Mexican stadiums with Rod Stewart. And next May launching his acoustic ‘Songs & Stories Tour’ in theatres, intercut with film clips and hoary old …

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Portrait scandals and secret tunnels: Purplish tours the Colorado Capitol 32:36

2M ago32:36

32:36

The Colorado State Capitol Building opened its doors in November 1894, a grand neo-classical monument in the West, built of local materials, but with some of the feel of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Like many statehouses across the country, it’s a trove of artwork, history and curiosities. The building is also often the site of pro…