Episodes

LeAlan Jones and Kevin Lamm are best known for their politics--LeAlan as a Green Party senatorial candidate and Kevin as a Democratic Party strategist. But in their other lives they are football fanatics who know the game iside and out. On the eve of tonight's Bears/Packers showdown, they do battle. Who will win? Are Bears under-rated? Are the Packers over-rated? Is Justin Fields better than Mitch Trubisky? And more... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Raymond Lopez proposes cutting city council by half. Ben riffs. And attorney Jim Coogan returns to break down Trump's legal strategy. What's the method to his madness? What's a "special master" and why does Trump want one? Why does Trump feel compelled to take documents out of the White House? And then as long as we're talking con men and grifters, it's off to Alex Jones country. Jim explains Jones' legal strategy. If that's what you call trying to duck a jury's verdict by claiming bankruptcy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Writer, producer, agent, and promoter Allison Jordan is the host of Brain Truth, a podcast dedicated to getting people to be honest about the mental trauma that impacts their lives. To many people, especially in the Black community, are in denial. "I ain't claiming it" being too common a refrain. Allison talks about her challenges. Her break through. And her advice. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey has been calling Chicago a hell hole. Now, he's moved here. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson returns to explain the behavior of Robert Sarver, the billionaire owner of the Phoenix Suns basketball team who thinks it's okay to use the N word. And writer Aaron Cohen returns with a tribute to the great Ramsey Lewis, who died a few weeks ago. It was just a few weeks ago that Aaron was on the show, talking about the memoir he was helping Ramsey write. The conversation starts with a mini-debate between Monroe and Aason on the difference between AME and Baptist churches. And much more... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Millennials have been calling for new blood in the Democratic Party. Well, meet Mueze Bawany, 35-year-old Chicago Public School high school English teacher and basketball coach who's running for alderman of the 50th ward. He's up against incumbent Alderwoman Debra Silverstein who knows a thing or about running tough campaigns. So beating her will be no joke. Mueze's a progressive Democrat with strong opinions about...well, let him tell his own story. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The great Ramsey Lewis died at age 87. Ben riffs. And Brian Costin from American Prosperity for Illinois joins to talk Bears stadium handout. Yes, American Prosperity is a Koch Brothers organization. And Brian is conservative. And he used to work for the Rauner administration. And so on and so forth. But he's one of the few conservatives who's opposed to what he calls "corporate welfare." So, well, listen to what he has to say. It will keep you up to date on what's going on. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben & Dr. D riff on a week's worth of news. Starting with...mayoral politics. Mayor Lightfoot calls Paul Vallas a Republican. Vallas says not fair. Then Darren Bailey jumps into the mayor's race--sorta. That gets Ben explaining the ins and outs of getting on the ballot. Which reminds him of the candidate he wished he had voted for last time around. And more... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Biden offers student debt relief. Everyone starts complaining. Ben riffs. And South Bend councilman Henry Davis, Jr returns. He talks about police dealing with mental health crises. And Indiana ‘s upcoming senate race. Can Dems win? And who’s worse—Indiana, Chicago or Michigan when it comes to potholes. Also, a word or two about Mayor Pete. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben returns from a week in Michigan, where MAGA is taking a page from the Daley book--as in Richard J. Ben riffs. John Nichols makes his debut on the show. Political columnist for the Nation and author of a dozen or so books--including Coronavirus Criminals--he talks all things Wisconsin politics. Including the capitulation of Robin Vos to MAGA. And radio legend Richard "the Real Deal" Steele returns to talk Herschel Walker, OJ, Johnny Cochran, MAGA hate, Dennis Rodman and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WBEZ reporter Natalie Moore talks about her play, The Billboard. It's about the fight over abortion in Englewood, on the city's south side. And what happens when...well, let Natalie tell the story. A reminder--you can buy Natalie's book--the Billboard--at any bookstore in town. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Maya welcome folks back to The Hideout for the August edition of First Tuesdays. On the agenda, nothing less than the future of abortion rights in Illinois post Dobbs. Our guests--Terry Cosgrove, executive director of Personal Pac, and Megan Jeyifo, executive director of the Chicago Abortion Fund. First question: Is Illinois really the Blue sanctuary starry-eyed Dems think it is? Oh, Dems--you have so much to learn. Terry and Megan explain the challenges ahead. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago Public School librarian and activist Nora Wiltse considers this question. Why would a city, as rich as Chicago, allow most of its schools to be without librarians? They have a library. But no librarians. Do they want their children to lack critical thinking skllls? To believe whatever they're told? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Tom Tunney is the latest alderman to announce he's not running for re-election. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson returns to help Ben dissect Senator Roy Blunt's response to a basic question about whether it's legal for Donald Trump to take secret documents out of the White House. Blunt, a Republican from Missouri, is so scared of MAGA he ducks and dodges like a dancer. And Mark Wallace joins the conversation to discuss the situation in Jackson, Mississippi. It's the 21st century and somehow they don't have safe and running water. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Environmentalist, radio man and gardening superstar, Mike Nowak returns to talk environment. And the news, to put it mildly, is not good. We are, as Barry McGuire once prophesied, on the eve...oh, you know the song. It's cause of man's greed and stupidity and stubbornness, etc. On the bright side...Well, Ben and Mike journey through the landscape of flash floods and raging fires and hurricanes and rising seas and other ecological disasters born from climate change to find the bright side. Join their journey... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times columnist/editorial writer Rummana Hussain and Ben ask the question: Was the Kansas abortion referndum the moment we look back and say--that's when we knew that something had changed? Or...oh, let's not think about the or. Then Rummana tries to defend Mr. Springsteen for charging thousands to see a concert. It's actually cheaper to fly to Oslo and buy a ticket to watch Bruce there, then to watch him in the USA. Finally, a word or two about Nope. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's that time for Ben to review a week's worth of news. Dr. D is on a much deserved vacation. So joining Ben is Chris Schrage. And away they go, talking Merrick Garland and his warrant to search Mar-a-Lago. MAGA's reaction. The Republican Party in Illinois trying to find it's way on Trump. This is not Jim Thompson's party, that's for sure. And a word or two about Vic Mensa's cannabis career. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mike Allemana is one of our great jazz guitarists. He's also a jazz professor at the University of Chicago. And this conversation is like 101 of the Chicago Jazz Fest, as Mike explains the styles of the stars in this year's festival. Starting with...himself. Mike will be opening act on the Big Stage when the festival begins Thursday, September 1. Take notes, people. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The feds raid Trump's Florida home--MAGA's outraged. Ben riffs. And political consultant Delmarie Cobb returns to talk all about it. The raid, that is. And MAGA's outrage. And the precised choreography of the MAGA outrage response. And then it's on to Kansas. And messaging abortion rights. And crime. And the CTA. And Rahm looking out for Rahm. And who's who in the mayoral race. 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 returns to try and make sense of the FBI raid at Mar-a-Lago, MAGA's reaction to that raid and Trump pleading the fifth in another case. It only makes sense if you view Trump as a mob boss. Which is sort of how Trump views himself. Also, what's with MAGA's obsession with Nazis? David explains... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA runs an an anti-Pritzker commercial that darkens Mayor Lightfoot's skin. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson returns to talk Trump. What motivates MAGA? Fear? Hate? Love for Donnie? Legendary CBS Cameraman Robert Tutman joins the conversation. Was the darkening of Mayor Lightfoot intentional? Can you believe MAGA if they say no? Are public relations professions really professional liars. And more, including Robert's favorite country song. Hint--it's not by Johnny Cash. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The political know it alls--Jacob Kaplan and Danny P--return to talk politics. And, man, there's a lot of politics to discuss. Jacob is the executive director of the Cook County Party and Dan is the recent winner of the Democratic primary for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Kansas. Dems running ads that help MAGA candidates. What's up with Manchin and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Details are starting to emerge about the faulty warrant used by police to justify the deadly raid on Breonna Taylor's apartment. Just as MAGA is crying about Mar-a-Lago. Ben riffs. And Miles Kampf-Lassin--writer/editor from In These Times--returns to talk about the Mar-a-Lago raid. Then he does a detailed analysis of the Inflation Reduction Act. It's a bill capitalists should love--yet all the Republicans vote against it. Just like they voted against the insulin bill. Then we move on to United for Clean Power, which is a bunch of Republicans pretending to be lefties to kill the inflation bill. In short, they're doing what Dems did in Pennsylvania and Illinois--getting involved in the other party's process. Finally, a word or two about Brittney Griner. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

August 28, 2019: Pritzker talks the Thompson Center. Lori Lightfoot gives her own 100 day mayoral review. Legendary Chicago Journalist Monroe Anderson unpacks the latest trump news. Jacobin Writer Micah Uetricht talks his new Bernie book. Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson tells us why he is supporting Elizabeth Warren. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas hangs out with MAGA. Ben riffs. And Dave Glowacz--from Inside Chicago Government--returns for another segment of City Council Follies. Actually, Ben just made up that title. Playing clips from the latest city council meetings, Ben & Dave analyze the great aldermanic debate over police overtime, NASCAR, drag racers, litterers and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.