An Anthropic insider recently gave humanity a decade before A.I. triggers total extinction, but we only had four minutes to chat about the end of the world on Friday’s Rick Solem Show—needing to talk about more urgent local matters, like an 11-year-old giving everyone a three-day head start before she found the Oktoberfest medallion.

UW-La Crosse political science professor Dr. Anthony Chergosky stopped in studio, joined by WIZM’s Kevin Millard and Brad Williams to talk the decline of candidate debates, why politicians don’t go all-in on data center bans, and Chergosky's tragic unfamiliarity with Maid-Rite sandwiches.

Episode Highlights:

• Doomsday Math: AI insiders place the odds of human extinction within ten years at over 10%, raising the stakes on technology debates close to home.

• Charlie Berens vs. Ben Wickler: A hypothetical matchup between the comedian and former WI Dem chair highlights the clash between political outsiders and party insiders.

• Data Center Drama: Dr. Anthony Chergosky breaks down why current candidates are walking a fine line on massive data center projects while political outsiders lean into raw voter frustration.

• Treasure Hunt Mastermind: An 11-year-old gave the entire city a three-day head start before snagging the Oktoberfest medallion on the bluffs in just five minutes.

• One and Done: Statewide candidates are ditching multi-debate traditions for single-shot appearances, fundamentally changing how voters compare politicians on air.

• No-Show Showdown: Congressional candidates in Wisconsin’s 3rd District continue to dodge head-to-head debates, leaving voters wondering who is ducking whom.

• Loose Meat Returns: A local staple makes a massive comeback as community members line up for the famous Maid-Rite sandwich fundraiser.

• Campus Culture Shock: Chergosky on incoming UW-La Crosse international students’ reactions to life in town—from disbelief over the 21-year-old drinking age to debates over cheese curds, health insurance, and Twizzlers.