Episodes
Rummana Hussain—Journalistic No Nos
Turns out the New York Times prohibits reporters from participating in protest marches. Rummana Hussain analyzes what’s that all about. A word or two about Milwaukee and Chicago. And the Sympathizer. Rummana is an editorial writer and columnist for the Sun-Times. Her views are her own. See Privac…
Joanna Klonsky—"Editor's Note”
The Sun-Times feels compelled to add an editor’s note to a story about the boss. No, not Bruce Springsteen—the chairman of the board boss. No, not Sinatra. Ben riffs. Then Joanna riffs on Ben’s riff. And then they’re off… talkIng abortion rights, national politics and, Ben being Ben, basketball. Jo…
Dr. Allison Cowett—"Good Job, Chicago"
Chicago takes a segregationist’s name off of one public school and puts RBG’s on another. Ben riffs. Dr. Cowett talks abortion rights. The impact on Chicago when MAGA states outlaw abortion. What to say to Fox News talking heads when they say—hop on a bus. Why MAGA’s assault on abortion rights is a…
Monroe Anderson--"Milwaukee Sucks"
Donald Trump hates on Milwaukee. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson explains why Trump is staying in Chicago and not Milwaukee for the GOP convention, even though the convention is in Milwaukee not Chicago. Then he explains why Charlamagne Tha God is singing a new song about Black voters loving Trump. And …
Mick Dumke—Sherman’s Gift
Rick Telander teaches aspiring young journalists how to cover TIFs. Ben riffs. Mick Dumke joins the riff. Soon they’re leading a symposium on journalism. Mick then discusses his latest investigative story. It deals with drugs, low income housing, policing and the inability of the CHA to take care o…
David Faris—Senator’s Son
David Faris sends out a warning—Trump’s looking for vengeance. But first he, Trump, must figure out his position on abortion. And a few words about Hunter Biden, who’s a classic senator’s son. To paraphrase John Fogarty. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist…
Benny Jay "Short and Sweet"
Ben gets an unexpected turn of events that leaves him asking—what would Joe do? Joe as in Rogan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sarah Garza Resnick—“Trick or Treated"
Eric Zorn has a good response to pearl clutches, like Ben, who thought it was unfair for a movie maker to entrap the Alitos. Ben riffs. And Sarah Garza Resnick talks all things abortion rights. Including Trump’s attempts to bamboozle voters with his leave it up to the state’s ploy. And how the MAGA…
Monroe Anderson—“Geezers Go!"
North Dakota voters ban geezers—sorta. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Trump’s senility, Biden’s age, Alito’s recording, Hunter’s conviction, Democrat’s timidity, Burke’s sentencing and Mayor Johnson’s haircuts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at http…
Miles Kampf-Lassin—-“Hunter's Turn"
Hunter Biden is convicted. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin talks hard right election gains in Europe. Netanyahu’s tactics. Billionaires make their move for Trump—so much for democracy. Labor after the UAW vote in Alabama. And this being the Ben show…a few words about Caitlin Clark. Miles is an editor…
Stacy Davis Gates—Up Against It
MAGA Chicago loves Ben as long as they find him useful, Ben riffs. Stacy Davis Gates talks contract negotiations, legacy media, Bears stadium and more. Including a few words about Anthony Edwards. Stacy is the president of the Chicago Teachers Union. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/priva…
Adolfo Mondragon—Wife Blamers
Adolfo explains the latest trend in excuse making—blame the wife! Not only Justice Alito but Senator Menendez from New Jersey. Also, a few words about Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s president elect. And Trump and Burke updates. Adolfo Mondragon is a lawyer in Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://ar…
Rummana Hussain—Makeupgate
Rummana Hussain covers it all, including…Mayor Johnson’s $30,000 a year grooming bill; the presidential election in India, Caitlin Clark and Larry David. Rummana is an editorial writer/columnist for the Sun-Times. Her views are her own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Californ…
Thaer Ahmad—Gaza Update
Dr. Thaer Ahmad offers a first-hand account of the desperation in Gaza as Israel continues its bombardment. And he explains the politics at play—in Israel and Washington. Thaer is an emergency room doctor in the suburbs who has worked in hospitals in Gaza over the last few months.See Privacy Poli…
Jim Coogan-"Hunter On The Stand"
The feds prosecuting Hunter Biden on gun charges. Ben riffs. Jim Coogan talks Hunter Biden prosecution. And then takes the deep dive on Trump’s hush money trial. Including why Trump didn’t take the stand. Jim is a trial lawyer in Chicago. He hosts his own podcast, Coogan Knows The Law.See Privacy…
Kady McFadden—“New Trial"
Now Ed Burke wants a new trial? Ben riffs. Then he promises not to talk about the WNBA. Then he breaks that promise. Ben can’t help himself. Kady McFadden gives you the A to Z on the latest environmental news. Including…carbon capture legislation in Illinois. Gas stove ordinance in Chicago. And whe…
Monroe Anderson—“More Trib Rage”
Ben continues where he left off yesterday—raging against the Tribune’s egregious race-baiting Chennedy Carter editorial. Why does Chicago put up with such blatant race baiting? Monroe explains. And he should understand—he once worked for the Trib. Then it’s on to Trump, Don Jr’s race baiting, and …
Maya Goldberg-Safir—“Cry Baby"
The betting bosses are crying cause they don’t like paying taxes. Ben riffs. Maya Goldberg-Safir and Ben talks all things Chennedy Carter and Caitlin Clark. Including what the Tribune is up to with yet another editorial of hate. Maya is a Chicago-based writer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.…
Miles Kampf-Lassin—Union Man
Mayor Lightfoot’s supporters are chortling over Bears Stadiumgate and Rahm-Peckergate. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin takes the deep dive on the UAW vote in Tennessee, Gaza protests on college campuses, the Bears stadium and a revelation about the latest Bulls hat. Also, a shoutout to the journalist…
Graciela Guzman—Try Some Compassion
Ben has compassion for immigrants.That makes him hopelessly out of touch. Soon to be state senator Graciela Guzman explains why it makes financial sense to be compassionate. In other words, there’s a financial advantage for doing what you should have done in the first place. Then it’s on to discus…
Steve James—Walton’s Trip
Ben and Steve love talking about Bill Walton, the great basketball player of their youth who recently died of cancer at age 71. Steve knows a lot thing about Walton cause he directed a four-part documentary on his life for ESPN. And Ben knows about Walton cause he, Ben, is utterly obsessed with ‘70…
David Faris—Convicted!
David Faris takes the deep dive on Trump’s conviction. But first…a few words about how the New York Times covers politics. It would be laughable if the stakes weren’t so high. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views are his…
State Senator Rob Martwick—“The Local Angle”
Ben searches for the local angle to Trump’s conviction. Rob Martwick talks Trump and Illinois politics. The new state budget. The difference between the house and the senate, The urge to tax our “sins”. Springfield meddles with Chicago schools. And hemp as reefer. Rob is the state senator from a d…
Matt Ginsberg-Jaeckle—“Sorry, Libbies"
Ben apologizes to Libertarians—sorta. Matt Ginsberg-Jaeckle tells you everything you need to know about Mayor Rahm closing mental health clinics and Mayor Johnson re-opening them. Including the media’s role. Matt is a political activist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Californ…