Episodes

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Joining Ben to break down some of the news of the week is Salem Collo-Julin, editor of Ben’s beloved Reader. Where’s he worked for almost 40 years! And so they talk…the first week of Mayor Johnson, the Reader’s Best of Chicago party, Reader reader favorite pols, and the MAGA meltdown over bathroom…

Singer/songwriter Michael Gerardi—the Neil Young of Chicago—drops some truths. Like…why is it that a city in which 1 in 3 is in poverty has enough money to give billions to rich guys? Also, Brandon Johnson hasn’t even been sworn in—still mayor elect—and he’s already getting blamed for crime. He clo…

One day after Mayor Johnson is sworn in, the opposition lets loose. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Durham report, Anderson Cooper, Ron Desantis, Brandon haters, and Trump. And more… See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-…

Lots of things to talk about, including Paul Vallas’s suit against his former campaign aide. Ben riffs. And CTU president Stacy Davis Gates suggests that old lefties like Ben should be more like Jimmy Butler—don’t be afraid of losing. Stacy weighs in Mayor Lightfoot, States Attorney Foxx, President…

Tribune reporter Greg Pratt spent the last four years covering Mayor Lightfoot’s administration. As she’s heading out the door, he tries to make sense of it. Including her strange texts and unnecessary squabbles. Like the one with Kim Foxx. Also, a few words about the final council meeting of the t…

What a week it was! Washington Post sports columnist Kevin Blackistone joins Ben to run it all down, including…Mayor-elect Johnson’s new chief of staff. Reconsidering Jackie Robinson Day. Tale of two punishments: Daniel Snyder v Draymond Green. A tribute to Ahmad Jamal. And the movie Kevin helped m…

Aaron Cohen talks all things Ramsey Lewis. To celebrate the recent publication of Gentleman of Jazz, the Ramsey Lewis autobiography, which Aaron co-wrote. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Another week, more news. Joining Ben to discuss is Max “Fitz” Fitzpatrick, actor/writer/podcaster. On the agenda…Mayor elect sorts breaks a promise. Anderson Cooper defends CNN’s town hall with Trump. And the writer’s strike. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy …

Dozens of teenagers rampage in the Loop. Ben riffs. And podcaster Marc Sims does some riffing of his own on the same topic. Is anyone to blame? Should parents be punished for the misdeeds of their teens? Was Mayor-elect Johnson's response too Officer Krupke? And a few observations about Walmart and…

It’s a MAGA crime wave—Trump convicted, Santos indicted. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson explains MAGA to the masses. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political scientist David Faris explains the illogic of the abortion pill ruling and Justice Thomas friendship with the Nazi artifacts collector. And why Dems should take AOC’s advice about impeaching Justice Thomas. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at …

Jason Lee--Mayor-elect Johnson's campaign manager--breaks down the election. What worked, what didn't. The role of unforced errors. In short, how did Brandon Johnson go from two percent in the polls to the winner. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at htt…

Comedian Pat Whalen joins Ben to run through the week’s news. Including the latest Justice Thomas scandal. Which is different than yesterday’s Justice Thomas scandal. It’s hard to keep up. It’s similar to the Speaker Madigan...

Brandon Johnson had been mayor-elect for a week and already his opponents are maneuvering to make sure victories like his never happen again. Political strategist Anthony Jackson breaks down the election and its ramifications. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy…

Guilty is the verdict in the bribery trial of the Madigan 4. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson weighs in on the difference between MAGA Justice and real Justice. Also, Ben & Monroe take a metaphorical journey into Tucker Carlson...

President Biden announces that Chicago is getting the 2024 Democratic Convention one week after Brandon Johnson defeats Paul Vallas. Ben riffs. Dave Glowacz from Inside Chicago Government returns to talk city council reorgan...

Basketball legend D’Frantz Smart, one of the greatest point guards to come out of Chicago, returns to talk race and politics in basketball. Specifically, why do many white people got so upset when Angel Reese trash talked Caitlin Clark. Also, a few words about coach Kim Mulkey not standing up for B…

Actor-writer John Pick talks about the documentary he’s making about the life and work of his father, Grant Pick—one of the all-time great Reader writers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political strategist Joanna Klonsky breaks down the legal, moral and political ramifications of E. Jean Carroll’s rape case against Donald Trump. “I’m here because Donald Trump raped me,” Carroll testified this week. “And when I wrote about it, he said it didn’t happen.” Also, a few words on Gianni…

Comedian Rachel Joravsky joins Ben in running through a week’s worth of news. But first! Tips on how to promote First Tuesday. Then it’s on to the Brandon Johnson transition team. Should the usual suspects be included? Then what folks really want…a deep dive into the life and career of Jerry Spring…

Sun-Times columnist Rummana Hussain addresses the difficult question. How come Chicagoans are more tolerant of racism than socialism? Also, a few words about the “whitest” trial in America. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#…

Alderman David Moore refers to Johnson voters in his ward as children. Ben riffs. Block Club editor Mick Dumke returns to talk all things politics. Including…Moore’s comment. Alderman Beale. Council reorganization. Alderman Waguespack. State’s Attorney Kim Foxx. And, last but not least, Jimmy Butle…

State Senator Robert Peters riffs on the good things in life. Like a mayoral victory for the left. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.