Conservative Comedy, Jobs In Wisconsin, Share Some Folk Songs

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In a comedy landscape where shows like The Daily Show dominate, why hasn’t a conservative comedy show caught on? Mike Arnold and Cynthia Schuster look at the intersection of politics and comedy, and whether a new conservative comedy show, coming this fall, could catch on with viewers. They’re also joined by the host of Simply Folk, who shares some great new folk songs. They also make sense of news that unemployment in Wisconsin is below 6% for the first time since November 2008.

Featured in this Show

  • 'Simply Folk' Host Suggests 3 Songs People Need To Listen To

    Looking for some good music to kick back with this weekend?

    Stephanie Elkins, the host of Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Simply Folk” and “Morning Classics,” is offering a few handpicked selections for those looking to find some new folk music artists to work into their playlist.

    “Flippen” by Punch Brothers

    This song comes off of the group’s albumm “Who’s Feeling Young Now.’

    “It’s filled with energy, and has (Punch Brothers) getting back to their roots a little bit,” Elkins said.

    She also noted that the band’s mandolin player, Chris Thile, was the recipient of a MacArthur Genius Grant, and also released a solo album of Bach’s music last year.

    But, that’s not to take away from the other members of the band. Elkins said that everyone in Punch Brothers is pretty much a virtuso. But on this album, she said they sound more familiar and comfortable with each other.

    “Duane Allman” by Amy Ray

    While she maybe best known as one-half of the Indigo Girls, Amy Ray has also put together an impressive solo career.

    Elkins noted that Ray’s most recent album, “Goodnight Tender,” was recorded with all analog recording equipment.

    “This is a really natural CD,” Elkins said.

    She also noted that it features collaborations with Wisconsin musicians Justin Vernon (of Bon Iver) and Kelly Hogan (Neko Case collaborator).

    The song is an homage to the late Allman Brothers Band guitarist, who died in a motorcycle crash in 1971.

    “Stars” by Robby Hecht

    “He has a voice that’s been described as a warm blanket, and his songwriting is just superb,” Elkins said, of UW-Madison alumni Robby Hecht.

    “You feel like you’re right in the living room with him, singing to you,” Elkins said.

    The song comes off his self-titled album, and deals with mourning and saying goodbye to the people we love.

  • Zeroing In On Conservative Comedy

    A new comedy show called Flipside with a conservative tilt is scheduled to hit the airwaves this fall. Our guest wonders why it’s been so hard for conservative comedy to take off, and whether the new show could be the one to level the playing field.

  • Unemployment In Wisconsin Is Below 6%. What Does That Mean?

    Unemployment in Wisconsin is below 6% for the first time since November 2008 – at 5.9%. Is this reason to celebrate? The state created 6,400 jobs in March but it lost the second most jobs of any state in country in February.

  • Share Something: New Folk Music Releases

    “Simply Folk” host Stephanie Elkins joins the show to recommend some of her favorite new releases from the world of folk music.

Episode Credits

  • Cynthia Schuster Host
  • Mike Arnold Host
  • Veronica Rueckert Host
  • Chris Malina Producer
  • Galen Druke Producer
  • Stephanie E Elkins Guest
  • Sean McElwee Guest
  • Brian Jacobsen Guest
  • Mike Arnold Interviewer

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