Episodes

Podcaster Marc Sims returns to talk crime & politics. Or the politics of crime. More specifically, what politicians don't tell you about the message they're conveying. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former Vice President Mike Pence comes to Chicago and makes a speech. Ben riffs. And Maya Dukmasova from Injustice Watch returns. Time for a deep dive on Injustice's judicial evaluation site. For Ben, it's like eating fried chicken--once he starts he cannot stop. The back story of judges is fascinating. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Radio newsman turned aggregator Charlie Meyerson returns to discuss the method to his madness, or the madness to his method, of writing the Public Square, his daily online column. Not sure he calls it a column. And a word or two about classic rock `n roll djs... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April 22, 2022--Ben & Dr. D riff on the week's news. But first...a brutally honest message from Neil Young. Or, Chicago's Neil Young. Then it's on to the deep dive about which candidate has how much money. A riff or two about MAGA and race. And then a thought or two about Johnny C--the magiest MAGA Man in Chicago. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the June 7, 2022 First Tuesdays Show, Ben & Maya talked politics. I mean, folks, this is a deep dive for serious students of the political game. Sorry, rookies--no hand-holding here. Lots of talk about the Republican primary for governor and the Democratic primary for secretary of state, followed by and excursions into congressional and statehouse races. Rachel is an investigative reporter for the Better Government Association. And Tina is chief political reporter for the Sun-Times. Maya Duk...

Voting guide time! Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson reviews the good and bad news from yesterday's Republican primaries in South Carolina & Nevada. More MAGA madness. And journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir returns with an update on Brittney Griner, the great basketball player. For the last four months, Griner's been held in a Russian prison on bogus drug charges. Looks like Putin wants to "swap" Griner for Viktor Bout, an arms dealer imprisoned in the U.S.A. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pr...

By chance, Ben began the day seeing an on-this-day-picture from 2015 of Troy LaRaviere on stage at the Hideout with the great Karen Lewis. That gets Ben & Troy--president of the Chicago Principals Association--talking about then v. now. Have we regressed as a civilization? Troy analyzes the Republican proposal to put armed teachers in the classroom. Then Troy gives everyone a budget lesson in school finances, as he explain the not-so-hidden agenda of the mayor and her educational allies. And, fi...

The Trib's editorial board endorses a Republican candidate for governor. Ben riffs. And Dave Glowacz--the pride and joy of Inside Chicago Government--returns with city council clips. Yes, you Chicago City Council in action. Ward map, curfew, special meetings, casino and more. What a city. What a council. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

June 3, 2022: The time has come for Ben & Dr. D to riff on a week's worth of news. Even if Ben has COVID. And so riff they do, starting with...Alderman Rod Sawyer announces he's running for mayor. Mayor Lightfoot scoffs. And then throws an elbow. And then to provide commentary on all three Republican governor debates, a mystery guest appears. Yes, this mystery guest watched all three debates. What up, Frank! Give Frank a medal. Together Ben, Frank & the Dr. try to figure out the difference betwe...

Movie producers Steve Cohen and Paula Froehle return to talk about Doc10, their documentary festival that starts May 19 at the Davis Theater and the Gene Siskel Theater. This year's festival opens with The Janes, about the underground network that helped women get access to safe abortions in the days before Roe. Obviously, it's more relevant than ever. Also, there's Ron Howard's documentary and...well, let Steve & Paula tell the story. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califor...

State Rep. Kelly Cassidy comes up with a very funny line about Mayor Lightfoot's critics. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson returns to talk Trump, insurrectionists, congressional investigators, the backlash and more. Including, Pryor & Carlin. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mia Henry--eduator and activist for freedom--makes her debut to talk the state of the union. Including identity, violence, the lessons of the past and what she calls, "the undeclared war this country has on its people." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben finally gets around to watching the HBO documentary about the great George Carlin. Well, the first half anyway. And now he can't stop talking about it. And Peter Cunningham--political speechwriter and great thinker--returns to talk crime & backlash. As usual, he's a voice of logic in a world driven crazy by law `n order rhetoric. Under Peter's withering cross-examination, Ben has to sort of apologize to Arne Duncan. And much more... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califo...

In the aftermath of mass shootings in Buffalo and Texas, Political scientist David Faris returns to talk about the Gun Cult that has taken over the Republican Party. And why how it's kept our country from enacting sane gun laws. Then a word or two about Thomas Friedman and his milkshake with President Biden. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indivisible Illinois hosted a virtual meeting on running for congress. And Ben was the moderator. (Thank you, Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth for the invite!) The guests--congressional candidates Kina Collins and Litesa Wallace. Kina is running against incumbent Danny K. Davis in the 7th district and Litesa is running for the open seat in the 17th congressional district. Conversation covers abortion rights, gun safety, and the challenges of running an up hill fight against incumbents backed by Nancy Pelosi. And more... 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 the latest local political news. Such as...Richard Irvin ditches the Republican debate. Darren Bailey tries to soften his MAGA rough edges with a commercial dedicated to his hands. Sean Casten makes a move for the suburban swing vote. And in Chicago, Bill Conway suggests he's running for mayor. As Congressman Quigley drops out of the race he never really entered. And Mayor Lightfoot says she'll probably run. What happens if no one runs? See Privacy Policy a...

Sun-Times writer Rummana Hussain returns to ask the question--why has Kyle Rittenhouse fallen in love with Johnny Depp? What do Kim Kardashian and Chuck Taylor All Stars have in common? What's the latest goop from Gwyneth Paltrow? And more... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rod Sawyer--son of Mayor Sawyer--announce he's running for his father's old job. Ben riffs. And the Renaissance Man, Sergio Mims, returns to talk politics, Chicago & movies. Not necessarily in that order. He explains the concept of the "safe Negro". Also, potholes, casino, Black Lives Matter scandal and word or two or three about Operation Mincemeat. Finally, remember his prediction--President Biden will choose not to run for re-election. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Cali...

The feds argue that corrupt ex Alderman Danny Solis is actually sort of a hero. Ben riffs. And Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor returns to tackle all the tough issues of the day. Curfew, crime, Ukraine, Buffalo, ward map, CTU, mayor's race and abortion rights. And why do we spend $54 billion on Ukraine and look the other way from Englewood? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congressional Dems go to bat for congressional incumbents. Ben riffs. And Kina Collins--candidate for congress in the 7th congressional--talks about her upbattle campaign against incumbent Danny K. Davis. And former Green Party candidate LeAlan Jones returns to talk violence and culture and Top Gun. And are we really surprised people love their weapons. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Right before today's show, Ben makes a call to Tom Brune, a great journalist and friend from the distant past. And their conversation about the old days offers insight into what's going on in Chicago right now. Ben riffs. And then Miles Kampf-Lassin, editor/writer for In These Times, returns to talk national politics. Specifically, MAGA's take over of the Republican Party and the nomination of a gubernatorial candidate in Pennsylvania who believes Trump's election lies. Is this the end of democracy? Miles tries to talk Ben off the ledge. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Democrats seem to think reproductive rights will be here forever in Illinois. Ben riffs on their delusion. And then election lawyer Ed Mullen delivers a primer on the state supreme court. MAGA is poised to take over, if Dems keep sleeping. And that's bad news for reproductive rights in the state. So, wake up, Dems! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 6, 2022: Mayor Lori Lightfoot picks a site for Chicago's casino! That's the big news of the week. Ben and Dr. D riff away. Also, Chicago makes a pitch for the Democratic convention. Ben has a few things to say about that as well. And guess who's ahead in the Republican governor primary? The answer lets you know that MAGA can be bought. All that and more of a week's worth of news. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben got COVID. Which explains the coughing. Ben riffs, while coughing. And Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez returns to talk about his city council exchanges with Mayor Lightfoot over the casino and a zoning dispute in the 25th ward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.