Episodes

Brendan Shiller talks about the life and legacy of Slim Coleman, the longtime activist and organizer who recently died at the age of 80. Stick around for the part where Brendan schools Ben on what really matters in a man’s life. Then a few words about police and their investigations of other police. Brendan is, in no particular order, a criminal defense lawyer, a political strategist, the son of former Alderwoman Helen Shiller and a professional poker player. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben’s beloved Bright One tells him that life is futile and he must give up hope, Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson then tells Ben he’s a sucker for paying to read the Sun-Times. Then they launch a conversation about why MAGA likes O.J. more than they like Biden. And why did white north siders turn on Mayor Lightfoot. And all sorts of other stuff. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The city council talks TIFs. Ben riffs. Podcaster Marc Sims talks Coleman Hughes, The View, Joe Rogan, men and doctors and whether we can truly be color blind. 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.

The mainstreams in Chicago love to maximize lefty election losses and minimize their wins. As the continuing coverage of Tuesday’s primary proves. Ben riffs. Matt Ginsberg-Jaeckle explains the obstacles facing lefties in dealing with the mainstream media. As the coverage of Bring Chicago Home proves. He also defends Chicago voters from Ben’s accusation that they are dumb. Matt is a political activist on the northwest side. He wants you to know that his precinct voted yes on BCH. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

D’Frantz Smart talks all things women basketball. Including Dawn Staley, South Carolina, and Caitlin Clark. Also, why is the men’s college game struggling. And a few words about Ben’s beloved Bulls and Bucks coach Doc Rivers. D’Frantz is a former all-star for Whitney Young High School and one of the greatest point guards to come of Chicago. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zack Kam is the ex-Marine who burned a flag at a protest against Israel’s war in Gaza. After which several aldermen tried to punish Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez. He tells his story from being a kid growing up in Southern California to a marine in Afghanistan to an activist in Chicago. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain takes the deep dive on all things O.J. Simpson, who died just a few days ago at age 76. Rummana is an editorial writer/columnist for the 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.

Pat Whalen and Ben go through a week’s worth of news. Including, positive press for the Mayor, abortion, Gaza and Nick Sposato. Well, Nick was last week’s news. But Pat can’t resist. Pat is a comedian and impresario. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

O.J. dies. Ben riffs. Trial lawyer Jim Coogan talks all things law. Including…how Trump is using Johnny Cochrane’s legal strategy. Ironically, since MAGA will never get over the O.J. Simpson verdict. Also, an analysis of Trump’s hush money case. Starting next week. And a bold prediction. Also, a few words about Anatomy of a Fall. Jim is the 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.

The day after Trump declares abortion is up to the stars, the Arizona supreme courts outlaws abortion. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson takes it from there. Also Aries Spears joins the show. Sorta… See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben missed the eclipse. He riffs about it. Stacy Davis Gates talks mayors, media and basketball. Lots of basketball. Stacy is the president of the Chicago Teachers Union. 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 tells it like it is about the Bears and Sox teaming up for handouts to find their stadium. Ben riffs. And then attorney Adolfo Mondragon takes the deep dive on the Supreme Court’s Colorado ruling. Basically, the justices are saying—if Trump wants to defy the law and constitution, we won’t stop him. “They have one job—protect democracy. And they wouldn’t do it.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everything Is lined up for Republicans to take control of the senate this year, but…They keep nominating MAGA lunatics as their senate candidates. Can the Republicans snatch defeat from the jaws of victory? David Faris examines that and other issues. 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.

Ray Hanania and Ben talk all the news of this week and the news from the 1980s. As in…comparing the Lopez 16 to the Vrdolyak 29. Ray is, in no particular order, a Chicagoan, Revis high grad, Milt Rakove student, Air Force vet, former Bright One reporter, political strategist, Cicero spokesman, PR guru, comedian, pundit, proud Palestinian American and closeted conservative (don’t call him a Republican!). Check out his columns at www.Rayhanania.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The mainstreams hype Mayor Johnson’s latest downtown TIF deal without showing love for the mayor. Ben riffs. Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez talks about the Lopez 16 failed attempt to strip him of his housing committee chair. Then it’s on to how they took the 78 out of his ward. They really don’t like him. Byron is the alderman if 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.

Kansas City voters reject handouts for Chiefs and Royals. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson considers—how would Chicago vote if given the chance? No wonder they don’t give you such chances, Chicago. Also, how would Ice Cube vote on bring Chicago Home? What? Yes, Ice Cube. Would any capitalist anywhere vote for anything that would increase his taxes to help poor people. Also, Monroe’s advice for white people worried about Beyonce going country. And Monroe’s doubles down on his election prediction with a startling prediction about Florida.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The city council debates free expression and flag burning. Ben riffs. Political strategist Joanna Klonsky takes the high road, as she breaks down the recent Democratic primary for State’s Attorney. When one candidate defeats another candidate by a sliver, there’s a lot to break down. For the record, Ben wasn’t as gracious. Joanna was a strategist for Clayton Harris, who was defeated by Eileen O’Neill Burke. Also, a few words about women’s basketball. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Illinois Supreme Court suddenly discovers the Ed and Anne Burke conflict of interest. Ben riffs. Stacy Davis Gates talks democracy, the press and her friend the mayor. She asks: Why does the mainstream press in Chicago treat Right Wing operatives as legitimate news outlets? Is there a statute of limitations on mentioning that the mayor used to work for CTU? Also, a word or two about Mick Dumke and Greg Pratt—two legit reporters. Stacy is the president of the Chicago Teachers Union. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

No sooner does one campaign end, then another one starts. In this case Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez had no sooner defeated the Iris Martinez/Richard Mell Machine, then the new Machine had started a campaign against her ally Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez. Rossana talks about both campaigns. She is the alderwoman and Democratic committeewoman of the 33rd ward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain and Ben talk flag burning in Chicago. Why is Alderman Sigcho-Lopez being punished for something he didn’t do? And a few words about Nickelodeon. Rummana is an editorial writer/columnist for the Sun-Times. Her views and 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.

Steve Krafft explains the the bizarre devolution of Kari Lake, the TV anchor he worked with for years in Arizona. She’s gone full MAGA and is running for senate in Arizona. Desperately trying to win some moderate independents and moderate Republicans, like the McCains. Also a few words on the ethics of hiring paid consultants. Steve covered politics in Arizona for over 20 years. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Atiba and Ben cover it all…flag burnings, migrant gaslighting, Trump selling bibles, homelessness, and why Atiba retains a Monroe like confidence in a Biden victory. Atiba Buchanan is the host of The Afternoon Show, a political talk show on WVON. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Loss aversion is in the news. Ben riffs. Former Governor Pat Quinn talks about his proposal to ask Chicago voters if they want to fork over billions in tax dollars to the Sox and Bears. Speaking of losses you’ll want to avert. Pat also answers the “Frank question” and admits that Ben was right and he was wrong about Mayor Daley’s Olympics. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former Governor Pat Quinn thinks the public should have a say on handouts for Bears and Sox. Ben riffs. Then Monroe Anderson riffs. From there they talk Alabama special election, MAGA craziness in North Carolina, Ronna McDaniel and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.