Episodes
Oh, What a Week!—Pritzker Does Kimmel
Ben and Dr D take a trip to Hollywood and New Hampshire, following Governor Pritzker wherever he goes in his non-announced campaign for President. Along the way, they stop in Chicago to talk about Mayor Johnson’s radio career. Then they go back on the JB beat. Did Pritzker’s pals really say bad thi…
David Faris--Escalate To De-escalate
The question must be asked--is there a method to Trump's madness? Ben riffs. David Faris explains the theory of escalating to de-escalate. Which is the closest thing to a strategy Trump may have. Then he riffs on, in no particular order, Bill Maher's blues, political correctness, Godwin's Law, Jero…
Denali Dasgupta--Hey, Boomer
Governor Gavin and Mayor Rahm follow the polls wherever they lead—even to the land of MAGA. Ben riffs. Denali Dasgupta explains how some Trump policies were previously tried here in Chicago by Dems. Ben apologizes to millennials and makes a promise. Which he soon breaks. Denali is a political strat…
Achy Obejas--“Mami, I’m Scared”
Joe Rogan tries his hardest to take a stand against Trump. Ben riffs. Achy Obejas talks Rogan, Bill Maher and Larry David--nice to know that one of them is not scared of Trump. Then she talks about "Mami, I'm Scared," her gripping essay in Politico which asks the troubling question: How do you brea…
Oh, What A Week!—The Dick Durbin Bus
Ben and Dr D hop on the bus, Gus, with all the news you need to hear, including…Mayor Johnson takes a swipe at Mayor Rahm! Mayor J—what took you so long? And Senator Durbin pulls a classic Illinois hand off. Essentially anointing Juliana Stratton as his successor. With JB seconding the emotion, to …
Alejandro Verdin--Jackie Robinson Day
It’s Jackie Robinson Day in America, but will Trump allow us to celebrate? Has Trump cancelled the first Black man to play in the major leagues cause his story is too DEI? Ben riffs. Alejandro Verdin dons a Dodgers hat in solidarity with Robinson. And then explains the difference between electing l…
Monroe Anderson--The Price of Eggs
Trump says the price of eggs fell 87 percent. Ben riffs. Monroe joins in. Also a few words about what just may be the most idiotic comment any MAGA man has offered as defense of Trump. Jesse Watters’ Bulls hat theory. Monroe dons a Bulls hat. Will Trump deport him? Don’t give him any ideas. And Mon…
Jack White--The Crime Of Wearing A Bulls Hat
In a desperate attempt to justify the kidnapping of Kilmar Abrego Garcia by Trump's goons, Fox TV's Jesse Watters declares that any Salvadorian wearing a Bulls hat must be a gangster because...Because he says so. Ben riffs. Jack White connects the dots between Abrego Garcia--currently lodged in an …
Elizabeth Todd-Breland--Karen Lewis Didn’t Come Here To Lie
Wall Street tycoons wake up to realize that their guy Trump is a lunatic. Ben riffs. Elizabeth Todd-Breland talks about I Didn't Come Here to Lie, the new book she co-wrote with the late, great Karen Lewis, former president of the Chicago Teachers Union. Who, among many other things, galvanized the…
Julie Lynn—White Loot-us
Many people are trying to make a buck off of The White Lotus, making it the ideal show for the age of Trump. Ben riffs. Julie Lynn offers an abortion rights update. Georgia, Missouri, Texas and more. Ben shows much love for Margo’s Got Money Trouble. Julie is a political consultant. See Privacy …
Jim Coogan--Legal Attacks
Dems show some momentum. Ben riffs. Jim Coogan takes us A-Z on Trump’s war against lawyers. It’s one thing Trump didn’t lie about. He said he’d punish his “enemies” and he’s doing it. What happened to free speech, rule of law and due process? Better watch what you ask—that question can be held agai…
Monroe Anderson--Market Plunge
Trump announces tariffs, retirement portfolios plunge and MAGA cheers. Ben riffs. Even Monroe can't believe Trump would be so cruel, callous and clueless. What a combination. Pause for irony. The party that supposedly hates taxes--that would be you, Republicans--just socked everyone with a huge tax…
David Faris--History According To Trump
Trump to CPS--better not talk about race or I'll take away your federal money. Ben riffs. David Faris talks tariffs, Laura Loomer, Wisconsin supreme court race, and the twisted mindset of the president--as he deliberately inflicts pain on Americans because he can. Have Americans lost their ability …
Oh, What a Week!—Meet The New Alderman
Ben and Dr D have all the news that’s fit to print and then some, including…Ben takes a side in Pritzker’s fight with unions. Much love for Karen Lewis and shoutout to CTU on their new contract. Suburban election results in Orland Park and Aurora—yes, we cover it all. And a few words about the 35th…
Laurie Glenn--Wake Up, America!
Dems rejoice over a victory in a state senate election in Pennsylvania. Ben riffs. Laurie Glenn continues the positivity. Dyett High wins a state bball championship. Remember when Mayor Rahm tried to close it? Then Laurie riffs. Asking the big questions, like...can peace and love beat war and hate?…
Delmarie Cobb—Cheeseheads Step Up
Wisconsin voters tell Trump and Musk—stay out of our business! Ben riffs on Judge Crawford’s big win. Delmarie Cobb congratulates Wisconsin voters for doing the right thing and breaks down why they did it. In no particular order—can’t stand Musk, support abortion rights and in general think Trump’s…
Kat Abughazaleh—New Kid On The Block
Kat Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old TikTok influencer who's never held office, challenges Congresswoman Jan Shakowsky in the 9th congressional district--as a bunch of Boomers and Gen Xers lose their collective minds at her audacity. Ben riffs. Kat joins the show to talk about her candidacy, her backgrou…
Oh, What a Week!—The Winds of Change
Ben and Dr D examine the week that was. Including…The Durbin revolt. Do any high profile Dems have the guts to make Senator Durbin pay for his filibuster vote? Short answer—no! Long answer—no way. Hold it! Time out for Giddey. Back to politics. Kat, the zee-lennial, challenges Congresswoman Schakow…
Alderman Gil Villegas--Blame It On Elon
MAGA has a curious way of processing their opposition to the cuts Trump is making—it’s Musk’s fault! Ben riffs. Alderman Gil Villegas breaks down the false narratives Trump employees to justify the unjustifiable. Like social security is a Ponzi scam. And it helps veterans to cut programs that helps…
Rummana Hussain--Rosie Leaves the USA
Rosie O'Donnell decides to sit out the Trump years in Ireland, trashing the U.S. press corps as she runs off to safety. Ben riffs. Rummana Hussain talks about cuts at the Sun-Times. And the desperate state of journalism. A few words about Bill Maher, once Mr. Politically Incorrect, crying like a sn…
Monroe Anderson--Bird Brain Flu
Trump thought it was a good idea to put a lunatic in charge of national health. Now Robert Kennedy has a big idea to deal with the avian flu. Ben riffs. Monroe covers the latest madness from Trump World. Including... the El Salvador deportations, Trump's defiance of federal judges, Trump's attempts…
Joanna Klonsky--Free Speech
Mahmoud Khalil learns there's an asterisk to MAGA's dedication to free speech. Ben riffs. Joanna Klonsky says if you're waiting for Trump, Musk or MAGA to be principled, you'll be waiting a long time. Then the talk turns to centrist Dems and the continuing resolution showdown. Is appeasement the be…
David Faris--Schumer Buckles
Senator Schumer, leader of the senate Dems, rolls over for Trump on the continuing resolution. Ben riffs. David Faris takes it from there. Explaining why the Dems should have kept the filibuster going. And how they wound up giving even more power to Trump. And how it shows divisions in the Democrat…
Oh, What a Week!—Pritzker's Presidential Press Your and Fur-Gate
Ben and Dr. D hop on JB’s presidential tour bus as it goes to Texas and Chicago and New Hampshire. Mayor Rahm has no tour bus. But he does have a puff piece in Politico heralding his potential prez campaign. And the city council debates RayLo’s fur ban. Can Dennis pass the who-voted-how trivia test…