Episodes
D'Frantz Smart—Girls Got Game
D’Frantz Smart talks all things women basketball. Including Dawn Staley, South Carolina, and Caitlin Clark. Also, why is the men’s college game struggling. And a few words about Ben’s beloved Bulls and Bucks coach Doc Rivers. D’Frantz is a former all-star for Whitney Young High School and one of th…
Zack Kam—On The Front Lines
Zack Kam is the ex-Marine who burned a flag at a protest against Israel’s war in Gaza. After which several aldermen tried to punish Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez. He tells his story from being a kid growing up in Southern California to a marine in Afghanistan to an activist in Chicago. See Privacy…
Rummana Hussain—OJ From A to Z
Rummana Hussain takes the deep dive on all things O.J. Simpson, who died just a few days ago at age 76. Rummana is an editorial writer/columnist for the Sun-Times. Her views are her own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-…
Pat Whalen—“Oh, What-A-Week"
Pat Whalen and Ben go through a week’s worth of news. Including, positive press for the Mayor, abortion, Gaza and Nick Sposato. Well, Nick was last week’s news. But Pat can’t resist. Pat is a comedian and impresario. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at …
Jim Coogan—“O.J.'s Gift to Trump"
O.J. dies. Ben riffs. Trial lawyer Jim Coogan talks all things law. Including…how Trump is using Johnny Cochrane’s legal strategy. Ironically, since MAGA will never get over the O.J. Simpson verdict. Also, an analysis of Trump’s hush money case. Starting next week. And a bold prediction. Also, a f…
Monroe Anderson—“Arizona Abortion"
The day after Trump declares abortion is up to the stars, the Arizona supreme courts outlaws abortion. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson takes it from there. Also Aries Spears joins the show. Sorta… See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pri…
Stacy Davis Gates—“Eclipse Day”
Ben missed the eclipse. He riffs about it. Stacy Davis Gates talks mayors, media and basketball. Lots of basketball. Stacy is the president of the Chicago Teachers Union. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Adolfo Mondragon—A Supreme Dodge
Sun-Times columnist tells it like it is about the Bears and Sox teaming up for handouts to find their stadium. Ben riffs. And then attorney Adolfo Mondragon takes the deep dive on the Supreme Court’s Colorado ruling. Basically, the justices are saying—if Trump wants to defy the law and constitution…
David Faris—Unforced Errors
Everything Is lined up for Republicans to take control of the senate this year, but…They keep nominating MAGA lunatics as their senate candidates. Can the Republicans snatch defeat from the jaws of victory? David Faris examines that and other issues. David is a political science professor at Roosev…
Ray Hanania—"Oh, What-A-Week"
Ray Hanania and Ben talk all the news of this week and the news from the 1980s. As in…comparing the Lopez 16 to the Vrdolyak 29. Ray is, in no particular order, a Chicagoan, Revis high grad, Milt Rakove student, Air Force vet, former Bright One reporter, political strategist, Cicero spokesman, PR g…
Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez—“Mayoral Love"
The mainstreams hype Mayor Johnson’s latest downtown TIF deal without showing love for the mayor. Ben riffs. Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez talks about the Lopez 16 failed attempt to strip him of his housing committee chair. Then it’s on to how they took the 78 out of his ward. They really don’t like …
Monroe Anderson—“Message from KC"
Kansas City voters reject handouts for Chiefs and Royals. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson considers—how would Chicago vote if given the chance? No wonder they don’t give you such chances, Chicago. Also, how would Ice Cube vote on bring Chicago Home? What? Yes, Ice Cube. Would any capitalist anywhere vot…
Joanna Klonsky—“Conway's Point"
The city council debates free expression and flag burning. Ben riffs. Political strategist Joanna Klonsky takes the high road, as she breaks down the recent Democratic primary for State’s Attorney. When one candidate defeats another candidate by a sliver, there’s a lot to break down. For the record…
Stacy Davis Gates—The Mainstreams
The Illinois Supreme Court suddenly discovers the Ed and Anne Burke conflict of interest. Ben riffs. Stacy Davis Gates talks democracy, the press and her friend the mayor. She asks: Why does the mainstream press in Chicago treat Right Wing operatives as legitimate news outlets? Is there a statute o…
Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez—In Defense of Byron
No sooner does one campaign end, then another one starts. In this case Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez had no sooner defeated the Iris Martinez/Richard Mell Machine, then the new Machine had started a campaign against her ally Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez. Rossana talks about both campaigns. She is the…
Rummana Hussain—Wasting Time
Rummana Hussain and Ben talk flag burning in Chicago. Why is Alderman Sigcho-Lopez being punished for something he didn’t do? And a few words about Nickelodeon. Rummana is an editorial writer/columnist for the Sun-Times. Her views and opinions are her own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/…
Steve Krafft—Kari, As In Carrie
Steve Krafft explains the the bizarre devolution of Kari Lake, the TV anchor he worked with for years in Arizona. She’s gone full MAGA and is running for senate in Arizona. Desperately trying to win some moderate independents and moderate Republicans, like the McCains. Also a few words on the ethic…
Atiba Buchanan— "Oh, What-A-Week"
Atiba and Ben cover it all…flag burnings, migrant gaslighting, Trump selling bibles, homelessness, and why Atiba retains a Monroe like confidence in a Biden victory. Atiba Buchanan is the host of The Afternoon Show, a political talk show on WVON. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and…
Pat Quinn—“Loss Aversion”
Loss aversion is in the news. Ben riffs. Former Governor Pat Quinn talks about his proposal to ask Chicago voters if they want to fork over billions in tax dollars to the Sox and Bears. Speaking of losses you’ll want to avert. Pat also answers the “Frank question” and admits that Ben was right and …
Monroe Anderson—“Love U, Pat Quinn"
Former Governor Pat Quinn thinks the public should have a say on handouts for Bears and Sox. Ben riffs. Then Monroe Anderson riffs. From there they talk Alabama special election, MAGA craziness in North Carolina, Ronna McDaniel and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Californ…
Mick Dumke—Beating the Real Machine
Mick Dumke tells the story of Fred Mitchell, who moved to Chicago from the south in the 1930s. He first joined and then took on the Daley Machine (that’s the real Mayor Daley, Richard J). Mitchell fought against segregation, police brutality, redlining and plantation politics. He died recently at t…
Alderwoman Nicole Lee—Don’t Hate the Players
Governor Pritzker comments on proposed Sox handout. Ben riffs. Alder Nicole Lee talks all things Sox stadium. Including…whether taxpayers can afford to subsidize Sox and Bears. How 78 impacts her ward. What to do with Sox park if Sox leave. Why we shouldn’t hate the players but the game. Say what? …
Graciela Guzman—A Win From the Left
Graciela Guzmán explains how she defeated the incumbent in last Tuesday's Democratic primary. Even though the incumbent had more campaign money. Some helpful advice for other lefty hopefuls. Graciela is now the Democratic nominee from the 20th senate district on the city’s northwest side. See Priv…
Rachel Hinton—"Oh, What-A-Week!"
It was Election Week in Illinois. Though you’d hardly know it as relatively few people voted. Rachel Hinton and Ben break down the results. Including…tough night for Iris Martinez and helping the homeless. Though those two things are unrelated. What do results in the state’s attorneys race say abou…