Episodes

Gregory Pratt talks mayors. In particular…is everyone from the CTU to corporate Chicago treating Mayor Johnson differently than his predecessors? Duh. Well then—how? Also, Greg compares Mayor Lightfoot to President Biden. Greg is a political reporter for the Chicago Tribune and author of the book: The City is Up For Grabs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Four years ago, Toni Oh came on this show to explain why he, a decorated Marine, did not stand for the national anthem. It's one of our most popular episodes. Now he explains why and how he's changed his attitude about standing for the anthem. And why he's sick and tired of MAGA cultists claiming that they're the real patriots.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderwoman Nicole Lee talks all things politics, including...the Asian-American community in the USA is not a monolith. Something the Dems need to understand as they move forward. Also, why she endorsed Kamala Harris before just about any other Illinois Democrat. And a word or two or three about the White Sox stadium. Nicole is, after all, the alderwoman of the 11th ward which is where the current Sox stadium is located. She's also a delegate to the Democratic Convention. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris examines the state of MAGA. Are they losing their minds or is this a carefully choreographed political strategy designed to win the election? Case in point...Trump's declaration that Kamala Harris was Indian before she was Black. If it's a strategy--as opposed to deranged racism--it's probably bound to fail. David explains why. David Faris is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. He's also one of the only Democratic-leaning pundits who begged and pleaded for Biden not to run for re-election--and he was making this case long before it was fashionable. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Governor Pritzker makes his move to convince Kamala to select him as VP. Ben riffs. Pat Whalen riffs on Ben's riff. Then they're off, covering everything from MAGA disarray to Trump's racism to who Kamala should select as VP. Ben's answer to the that is--anyone but Shapiro. Pat's answer is...oh, just listen, lazies. Also, why Ben wishes Shannon Sharpe or Stephen A. Smith or Monica McNutt was on the panel interviewing Trump. Pat is a comedian, talk show host, impresario and--breaking news--the Ben Joravsky Show's official correspondent at the DNC.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump comes to Chicago to speak to Black journalists. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks about MAGA’s attacks on journalism, Black journalists in particular and Black America in general. Having said all this—should the National Association of Black Journalists invited him to speak to their convention? Also, a few words about weird versus dangerous. And white dudes for Harris. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Illinois MAGA discovers the CTU has appealed its property tax assessment. Ben riffs. Nicole Cantello briefly riffs on Ben’s riff. Then she explains what Trump wants to do to federal employees. And that is—fire them and replace them with MAGA flunkies. Time to learn about Schedule F, folks. Nicole is president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 704. In Ben’s world, they’re known as the badass EPA employees.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the Freak Show having just ended, Meredith Shiner turns her attention to the shit show that’s ongoing. That is, MAGA’s twisted cult-like convention is over while the Dems frantic efforts to convince President Biden to step down continues. Meredith is a communications consultant and longtime Washington DC political reporter. It's fun to listen to what the world was like--just ten days ago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The mainstreams give JB credit for a mega-south side project—Mayor Who? Ben riffs. Jasmine Wright talks about returning to her hometown to write a feature on Mayor Johnson. She also takes the deep dive on Vice President Harris, who she covered for years at CNN. Jasmine is a politics reporter for NOTUS.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kamala calls JB re V.P. Ben riffs. Marc Sims talks Kamala, Black Trumpers, identity politics, conspiracy theories, crime, self hate and more. Marc hosts the podcast Just A Few Questions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Elon Musk says he's not really giving $45 million a month to Trump. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson explains Musk to Ben. Also explains Alderman Bill Conway and JD Vance and Lincoln Park liberals and Nikki Haley and Haley for Harris and few other things. Also, an I told you so about Kamala Harris replacing Biden.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tom Near is a professor of Evolutionary Biology at Yale University—and the chair of the department. But back in the 1980s, he was a gang member in a rough-and-tumble neighborhood near Diversey and Clybourn on the North Side. Yes, kiddies—there was a time before gentrification on the North Side. Tom talks about how he and the neighborhood changed. His views and opinions are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Maya Goldberg-Safir and Alissa Hirsh talk all things WNBA, including…the difference between men and women as sports fans. Male fragility in the press box. And where the league is going. Maya blogs about the Sky. And Alissa covers the Sky for The Next.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain explains Usha Vance's role in the Trump/Vance campaign. That is--she's using her background as an Indian-American woman to convince voters her husband, Senator JD Vance, is not a racist even if he's running with Trump. Good luck with that. Also, the roles of spouses in the campaigns of their spouses. Don't get Ben started on Bill Clinton and Hillary.. Rummana is an editorial writer/columnist for the Chicago 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-not-sell-my-info.

With all eyes on the presidential race, Ben shifts his attention back to Chicago. At least for today. Brendan joins Ben to talk…Musical committee chairs in the council. Why do some alders hate on Byron Sigcho Lopez? What does the zoning committee chair do and why do we need a mayoral ally to do it? Aldermanic privilege— myth or reality? And the showdown between Mayor Johnson and his school board. Brendan is a defense lawyer, political strategist and poker player.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gotta give JD Vance credit—he’s a great apple polisher. Ben riffs. Jim Coogan riffs on Ben’s riff. Meet Peter Thiel. On other topics… Is a case of COVID President Biden’s exit excuse? Jim explains how the MAGA Supremes teamed up with Judge Cannon to enable Trump to avoid trials until after the election, if he faces trials at all. Jim is a trial lawyer and host of the podcast, Coogan Knows The Law.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman David Moore camps out in a tent in his ward as a tactic to fight violence. Ben riffs. And Alderman Moore explains what he’s doing with that tent and why. Also, he talks ShotSpotter and his defer-and-publish showdown with Alderman Daniel La Spata. And he offers a parable about the Lion, the Jackass and blue grass that’s especially relevant for Chicagoans. Plus, much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mueze Bawany takes on all the issues. Talking…Biden and Dems. Fascism and Trump. Bears on the eve of the season. Men and women as basketball fans. And Ben’s beloved Bulls. A high school football coach and unapologetic lefty, Mueze is Chicago’s foremost authority on football. Aside from his inexplicable attraction to the Knicks, he also knows a thing or two about basketball.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris spares no details pointing out the ripple effect if Trump beats Biden in a landslide—the White House, House and Senate. And the Supreme Court, which MAGA already controls. In short, Trump’s coattails. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Rummana Hussain and Ben sat down to talk, it was the day after an excessive night of Fourth of July fireworks as Americans ostensibly celebrate their independence from one king, while preparing to elect another. Then President Biden declared he was staying in the race regardless of what anyone thought of said. Oh, brother. Is everyone supposed to pretend we didn’t just see in that debate what we just saw in that debate. And a few words about The Sympathizer. Rummana is an editorial writer/columnist for ghe Sun-Times. Her opinions are her own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hey, Dems, look on the bright side—at least people are paying attention to Biden. Ben riffs. Kina Collins breaks down the election—crazies, cowards and the couch. Who’s on the couch and why. And everything wrong with Dems with the Cisneros-Cuellar congressional race as exhibit A. That said, Kina says—please, vote against Trump! Also, some unsolicited advice for her white lefty allies. Don’t be offended, white lefties—it’s tough love. Kina is a political activist and was a congressional candidate in the 7th.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Laurie and Tara explain what’s going on in France, politically speaking, and what it means for politics right here in the USA. A must listen to learn the basics of French politics and to hear Ben butcher the pronunciation of Macron, Le Pen, Bardella, Melenchon and a few other French names. Stick around as Ben and Laurie debate Biden and Harris. Should he step down and, if so, should she replace him? Laurie is a political strategist in Chicago and Tara is a political activist in France.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nancy Pelosi gives a master class in passive aggressiveness as she more or less gently tries to tell President Biden it’s time to step down. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson seconds that motion. Again, more or less. And then explains why some people are reluctant to endorse Kamala Harris. Also, why won’t Chicago admit that NASCAR is a bust. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Biden in 2023 = Daley in 2006. Ben riffs. He can’t help himself! Always making everything about Chicago politics. Speaking of which, Peter Cunningham riffs on Ben’s riff. Going back to his ‘06 Daley talking points as though time has stopped. Then he explains why he’s sticking with Joe. And what Biden has to do to beat Trump. Also, a few words about politics and crime. Peter is a former speechwriter for Mayor Daley and press secretary for Arne Duncan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.