Episodes

Senator Mitch McConnell takes a 'stand" against MAGA. Hmm, what's he really up to? Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson talks all things Joe Rogan. Asking and answering the question: Why do white people love to say the N word so much? Also, a word or two about Brian Flores.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's been a year since the great Karen Lewis died. Ben riffs. And Maya Dukmasova, Injustice Watch reporter, returns to talk about the politicization of crime. Or more specifically, Mayor Lightfoot's unsubstantiated asssertion that there's a correlation between remote learning and a rise in carjackings. Maya explains the concept of moral panic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It has come to our attention that some, though not all, white people have been behaving badly these days. Ben offers advice. And then...radio legend Richard Steele, aka, "The Read Deal", returns with his views of the world. Including, what's it feel like to be 80. Also, a word or two or three about Black people running as the Great White Hopes, Lightfoot v. Duncan and the new Bears general manager. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times editorial writer Rummana Hussain's got a lot on her mind. Starting with the showdown at the Supremes where we have to decide--are any of our justices telling the truth about Neil Gorsuch not wearing his mask? I don't think so. Also, a few words about the bizarre adoration for Hugh Hefner among male journalists. And random riffs on Eric Clapton and other aging classic rockers who feel compelled to fight the Vax. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Noti...

Ben & Dr. D take a part the week's news. Including a primer on state budgets. And why Governor Pritzker frustrates Republicans. Not that anyone feels sorry for Republicans. And will Kenneth Griffin, the state's richest man, dump Richard Irvin as his gubernatorial candidate after Irvin bombs at answering basic questions from reporters? Particularly on abortion issues. Finally, Dave Glowacz--from Inside Chicago Government--returns with clips from recent City Council meetings. Listen as your alderm...

In a headline, the Sun-Times calls Jesse Sharkey "wonky". Ben wonders what they're really trying to say about the Chicago Teachers Union president who just announced he's not running for re-election. And Miles Kampf-Lassin, editor/writer for In These Times, returns to talk Sharkey & CTU. And Joe Rogan & Spotify. And Brian Flores & racism. 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 sift through the wreckage of a year's worth of weeks. But first...Dr. D. opens up a portal to the Metaverse. Is that Welcome Back, Kotter we hear? Then it's on to stories 10-6. Lifeguards, teachers, congressmen, maps & more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Of all the weird news of the day, the weirdest may be Jesse Sullivan's Tribune essay on how to end crime in Chicago. Which Ben read so you don't have to. Ben riffs. Then Monroe Anderson weighs in the marxist notion that racism is dead. And Sergio Mims returns to join the conversation about Mayor Richard Irvin, crime and Republican politics. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Trump's rally in Saturday brings out some boos. MAGA's divided. Ben riffs. Joshua Tepfer returns with update on Ronald Watts case. And Ben Chou reports from Houston with updates on abortion law, gerrymandering and voter rights infractions. This is how MAGA plays the game, ladies and gentlemen. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Sonni and Zero--Starbucks barista in Chicago--talk about organizing efforts at their store and explain why so many Starbucks employees feel the time has come to form a union. Also, how is management responding to the organizing efforts. And what this means for the larger economy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

David Faris returns with a fury to discuss...Biden's first year. Not good for Dems. The Supreme Court as a tool for capitalism & white supremacy. What Biden should do to get around the Manchin/Sinema roadblock. And a primer on Ukraine, Putin & America. 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 news from around the state. And to talk about the news out of Chicago, Stacy Davis Gates, vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union, makes a long-awaited return. The conversation covers everything from COVID protocols, to Mayor Lightfoot to Karen Lewis to the media to North Siders and much more. Including a word or two about Ben's beloved Chicago Bulls. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-...

Troy LaRaviere pays tribute to Ice Cube, while pointing out the fallacies in his admiration for Trump. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Big money in GOP throw cash at Richard Irvin. Is he MAGA enough? Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson & LeAlan Jones fire up for a great debate. Supreme Court vacancy. Kamala Harris to the bench? Hillary Clinton as VP? No way. The state of racism in the U.S.A. And the Bears prove Ben & Monroe wrong by hiring a Black as their general manager. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Grayson Allen knocks Alex Caruso out of the lineup for eight weeks. Milwaukee celebrates. Ben riffs. And Terry Cosgrove is back! That's TC, executive director of Personal PAC. He explains why 2022 is the turning point election. It's all on the line--LGBTQ rights, reproductive rights, union rights, you name it. Wake up, Dems! Stop crying. Get the job done. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

David Sirota is a journalist and former Bernie Sanders advisor. Now he's a movie producer and writer, having teamed up with Adam McKay to create Don't Look Up , currently the number-one movie on Netflix. David talks about how he and McKay "spitballed" the the movie into existence. Also, much discussion about the media, MAGA, corporate Dems, and climate change/COVID deniers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-i...

Filmaker Chris Buddy returns to take the deep dive on Quentin Tarantino. Because…well, why not? Ben joins in for utter geekdom. Among the things they ponder…will they one day be embarrassed to have loved his movies so much? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Rummana Hussain returns to discuss, among other things, her new job, COVID protocols and who's right in the great debate between Eric Zorn & Amy Dickinson. Also, a word or two or three about Succession. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

So much, so little time to talk about it! Ben & Dr. D riff away. Starting with...the anointment of Richard Irvin by Kenny G as governor. Leading many people to ask: Who's Richard Irvin and why does Kenny G have so much power? Also, Dr. D takes a stand on the great Shia/Maxwell debate: Are confederate flags a thing in southern Illinois? Ben reveals he's never ridden a tractor. And a riff or two on Lightfoot v. Ferguson. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice...

The Sun-Times and WBEZ hook up. Ben riffs. Anna Feuer--Art Institute employee--returns to talk about their sucessful union drive. Yes, Art Institute employees voted to join a union! And Ken Davis--legendary--radio journalist makes his long-awaited return to tell Ben to stop giving him, Ken, credit for inventing the WBEZ pledge drive. Ben continues to give him credit, anyway. Ben & Ken talk `Bez/Bright One. They offer a tribute to Les Grobstein. And they go where no one else dares--a discussion o...

Courtney Sauls is an actress & yogi. She plays Brooke in Dear White People, the Netflix series. She talks about the legacy of the late Sidney Poitier and what Ben can do to make good on his New Year's resolution to be more positive in 2022. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Microsoft buys Activism Blizzard for $70 billion. Obviously, capitalism has lost its mind. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson returns to talk Ukraine. And then South Bend, Indiana Councilman Henry Davis, Jr. joins the discussion about Blacks for Trump. Also, Coach Nick Saban weighs in for voting rights. Henry thinks Deion Sanders has something to do with it. And Monroe gives Henry advice regarding any plans he may have to run for mayor of South Bend. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and C...

The great Les Grobstein dies at age 69. Ben riffs. And Troy LaRaviere--president of the Chicago Principals Association--returns. The conversation starts with how MAGA uses Martin Luther King, moves on to Mayor Lightfoot's curious attitude toward COVID, and concludes with a powerful riff about the corporate interests who call the shots. Also, why principals need collective bargaining rights. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy...

David Faris returns to analyze the bleak reality--it's been one year since the insurrection and Republicans are more determined than ever to make sure the next coup is successful. It's up to Democrats to save democracy. Also, a classic Farisian riff on Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .