The Ben Joravsky Show

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 justices tried to defuse the abortion issue to help elect Trump. And how the MAGA zealots have IVF on the chopping block as well. Sarah is CEO of Personnel PAC, an abortion rights advocacy group. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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/writer for In TheseTimes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 whether this country is ready to revolt against the MAGA zealots who apparently want to destroy the world. Kady is an environmental lobbyist and consultant.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 the 34. Monroe makes more predictions—having to do with sentencing,See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 journalists and djs at WBEZ. Miles is an editor and writer for In These Times. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 discussions about Bears stadium, abortion rights and college campus protests. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 ‘70s bball. They figured the best way to pay tribute to Walton, one of the world’s great talkers, is to talk about him. Steve’s Walton movie is called The Luckiest Man in the World. He also directed Hoop Dreams, City So Real, Abacus and many other films.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 district on the northwest side.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump’s hush-money trial goes to the jury. Ben riffs. Monroe adds his two cents. And then they’re off, covering everything from Congresswoman Crockett and Marjorie Taylor Green to which city is more racist: Boston or Chicago? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Libertarians boo Trump. Ben riffs. Marc Sims talks about just about everything, including…Libertarians, slavery, Chicago’s inspector general, crime, snitches, Bill Walton and Franz Kafka. Marc host the Just a Few Questions podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Filmaker Steve James returns to talk about his latest movie—The Luckiest Man In The World, a four-part series for ESPN. It tells the story of Bill Walton, an anti-war activist, Grateful Dead aficionado, broadcaster and, oh, yes, one of the greatest basketball players of the 1970s. Ben gives the movie four stars. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are vets more politically conservative than non-vets? Or is that yet another MAGA myth that liberals have fallen for. Charles Henderson takes the deep dive into this and other topics. Charles is an Army vet who served in Afghanistan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana and Ben riff on Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez comment about anti-Zionist pediatricians. And mayoral aide Ronnie Reese’s ancient tweet about the Pride Parade. Rummana is an editorial writer and columnist for the 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.

Veteran journalist Charlie Meyerson analyzes the media’s coverage of the rise and fall of Red Lobster. They could have blamed it on the owners. Instead they went for the shrimp joke. Also, a preview of this summer’s conventions. Can Charlie answer Ben’s 1968 trivia questions? Charlie is the publisher of the Chicago Public Square. Do yourself a favor and subscribe at chicagopublicsquare.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brendan Shiller and Ben break down the basics on ShotSpotter, Mayoral opposition, MAGA judges, Alito’s flag, and much more. Brendan is a defense lawyer, political strategist and a poker player.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kennedy Bartley gets a gig with Mayor Johnson. Ben riffs. Mark Wallace talks Shot Spotter. And, yes, I’m spelling it that way. Also Red Light Cameras and Trump’s openly bragging about his deal with Putin. Mark is an activist, podcaster and business man. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Capitalism bankrupts Red Lobster. Ben riffs. Monroe talks Justce Alito and his flag, Fani Willis, what Dems should do about the Supreme Court and, the difference between MAGA and liberal columnists and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Progressives in Springfield propose a handout for a women’s pro soccer team owned by fabulously wealthy people. Sigh. Ben riffs. Alderman Villegas explains his view of the world. What he means by being what he calls a pragmatic progressive. A Gil/Ben debate on MAGA and the left. And a few words about residency data centers, police and Mayor Johnson and more. Gil is the alderman of the 36th ward.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A north side resident wants to recall Mayor Johnson. Ben riffs. Peter Cunningham riffs on Ben’s riff and then away they go, talking…police accountability, Dexter Reed, elected school boards, Peter’s run for office, and Dickey Betts. Peter is a political strategist, writer and rock ‘n roller.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rachel Hinton and Ben talk the week’s news and introduce the world to…The Rachel and Ben Book Club. Today’s book is James by Percival Everett. Which if you haven’t read, hurry up! But first, listen to Rachel and Ben talk police, housing, and theatrical politics of the absurd. Rachel is a reporter for Block Club. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dan Mihalopoulos goes A-Z on Oath Keepers in the Chicago Police Department. A subject he knows a lot about, having broken one story after another on the matter with Tom Schuba of the Sun-Times. Dan is a reporter for WBEZ.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Salem Collo-Julin and Ben go through the news. Including…Barry Romo makes the Times, Reader goes weekly, media evaluates the mayor, and the difference between a city that fears its mayor (Rahm, Daley) and one that doesn’t. Suddenly, everyone is so courageous. Where was that courage when we needed it? And a new feature… Reader editor after dark explains the best way to serve the dish of revenge. Hint…add mustard and catsup. Salem is the editor of the Reader.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Crain’s Crowd weighs in on Mayor Johnson. Ben riffs. Denali Gasgupta tells you everything you need to know about Chicago’s elected school board. Is Chicago ready for democracy? I guess that depends on what you mean by democracy. Denali is a political activist and a numbers-crunching analyst of politics in Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The polls are in for Mayor Johnson and President Biden. Ben riffs. And then Monroe explains. Trump trial. Stormy. Cohen. The Rockettes? And a few words about a Virginia school districts attempts to show love for slave owners. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris explains the absurdity of moderates searching for an alternative to Biden. Hello—he is a moderate. And speaking of absurdity. Nothing matches Trump’s desperate attempt to figure out an electable position on abortion. David is a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His 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.

Rummana and Ben have the news business on their minds. How folks are put in metaphorical boxes based on what they’re expected to be interested in. Breaking out is harder than it looks.?Rummana is a columnist and editorial writer 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.

With an eye for the Bears stadium propossl, Sean Dinces explains how the public helped pay for Sox Park and the United Center. Think tax breaks and handouts. And what did we get for it? Will Chicago be dumb enough to fall for this game again. Sean is a professor of history and the author of Bulls Markets.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Charles Henderson break it all down, starting with…a tribute to the great activist Barry Romo, who died a few days ago. Barry was a Vietnam War vet turned anti-war activist who wasn’t afraid to take on the Daley Machine. Also, a few words about the working class janitors and college protestors. And free speech. And abortion. And Ben’s beloved Bulls. Charles is an Iraqi War vet and political activist. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A modest proposal—community service for Trump. Ben riffs. Maria Hadden riffs on Ben’s riff. Then Maria talks natural gas ordinance, Bears stadium, SpotShotter, and abortion clinic silent zones. Also, how to remain cool and calm when everyone else is losing their minds. Maria is the alderwoman of the 49th ward. 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 proposed to crack down on anti-abortion zealots who harass women at abortion clinics. Ben riffs. Monroe is moved to recite the First Amendment. Which leads to a conversation about campus protests and police arresting pro-Palestinian protestor (what about their right to free speech?). And then a few words about Stormy DanielsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dave Glowacz returns! And Ben is so happy, he riffs about it. Then they get down to business, breaking down clips from the April 1 City Council meeting dedicated to the question: Should Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez be stripped of his chairmanship of the Housing Committee? We got clips of Aldermen Lopez and Hadden and Sposato and more. Dave runs the websites inside Chicago Government.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rachel Joravsky and Cody Wilkins return to tell you all you need to know about the beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Take notes, Boomers. Rachel and Cody are writers and stand-up comedians. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gregory Pratt takes the deep dive on The City Is Up For Grabs, his recently published book about Mayor Lightfoot’s term as mayor. Greg is a reporter for the Tribune.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mueze Bawany dissects the Bears, starting with their lakefront stadium proposal. And moving onto Caleb Williams, who could be Chicago’s next superstar. But is still not worth spending public dollars on a stadium. And then—oh, just listen. Mueze is a high school football coach, an English teacher, political activist and the city’s foremost authority on all things football.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Ray Hanania tackle all the news of the week, including…campus protests, Congress antisemitism vote, 1968 history lessons, Bears stadium, and more. Also, Ray’s 70-30 like for Ed Burke. Ray is a columnist, political strategist, Cicero spokesperson and comedian. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Paul Vallas pleads on Ed Burke’s behalf. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson discusses the concept of sacred cows in Chicago, campus protestors and Bears stadium. As in no one wants to pay for the Bears stadium, including the Bears. Also, an explanation of how the Sun-Times treats allegations of infidelity involving Jesse Jackson, Jr and Mayor Rahm. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris talks Third Parties, specifically the oddball presidential campaign of Robert Kennedy Jr. Also Trump makes a play for the Jewish vote by…insulting Jewish voters? And a few words about voter turnout. David is a columnist for Slate and Newsweek and a political science professor at Roosevelt University. 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.

There are two Chicagos that know nothing about the other. Rummana Hussain and Ben explain. Rummana is as editorial writer and 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.

Megan Jeyifo explains how Chicago’s been impacted by anti-abortion laws in Florida, Arizona, Idaho and other states currently controlled by MAGA. Megan is the executive director of the Chicago Abortion Fund. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Delmarie Cobb tear into the Bears and Mayor Johnson’s proposal to build a stadium on the lakefront. It may be the worst idea since…oh, you fill in the blanks. Forget the lakefront site—build it on 87th Street or just go to Arlington Heights. Then a few words about Gaza and abortion. Delmarie is s political strategist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lefties try to figure out where they stand. Ben riffs. Congresswoman Delia Ramirez talks about her fist year in congress. Dealing with MAGA. Who’s more obnoxious—Darren Bailey or Marjorie Taylor Green. And why she voted how she did on Ukraine, Israel, TikTok and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.