The Ben Joravsky Show

The day’s paper brings an interesting take on the relative poverty of single-parent families. It’s Betty Friedan’s fault. Ben riffs. Then Rachel riffs. Then they riff on MAGA’s efforts in Ohio to undo the referendum on abortion rights. Once again MAGA tries to overturn an election result. Then. Few words about Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard and America Idol nostalgia. Rachel Joravsky is a comedian.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa apologizes for his behavior at last week’s special council meeting. Ben riffs. Then Stacy Davis Gates riffs on Ben’s riff. And the conversation goes on to cover Alderman Lopez, city council protocol, Alderwoman Mitts’s speech, Trump, MAGA and more. 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.

It’s Thanksgiving—time to be thankful. So Ben expresses gratitude. But while saying thanks, one thing leads to another and he winds up on a rant. Blame it on Michael Gerardi. But, really—much thanks!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Well, it’s not really peace. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Biden and Netanyahu; Tribune and Black people; “traitors” 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.

It was a week of “sanctuary” and Burke. That’s Alderman Ed Burke, set to face federal trial on charges of corruption. His protégés. Aldermen Raymond Lopez and Anthony Beale, led the charge for Chicago to take a stand against our Sanctuary City status and little libraries. Though not in that order. Adolfo Mondragon helps Ben break it all down. Adolfo is a lawyer and radio show host. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago, a city of immigrants, displays its not-so-loving attitude toward immigrants. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson talks Trump and offers tributes to two late greats—Harry Porterfield and Richard Roundtree.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aldermen claim it’s their prerogative to keep immigrants out of their wards. Ben riffs—maybe no one knows what prerogative means. Graciela Guzman, Democratic candidate for state senator in the 20th district, talks politics and policy. The politics are straight up Chicago. The policies have to do with figuring out who pays for what.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jesse Washington spent two years working with legendary Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson on his autobiography. But their book is not really about basketball. It’s about race in America. Also capitalism. And, yes, ok, basketball. Jesse and Ben discuss it all. The name of the book is…I Come as a Shadow. Jesse is a writer for Andscape and the co-author of Lucky Me, Rich Paul’s autobiography.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Politico shows much love for Mayor Rahm. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson explains the love D.C. pundits have for Rahm. Then he explains the fear MAGA elected officials have for Trump. Which explains why MAGA pols, like Senator Markwayne Mullin and Congressman Kevin McCarthy, feel compelled to act so tough all the time. Then Monroe explains how Bernie would have told Mullin to sit down had Bernie come from Gary. And then a few words about underestimating Biden and televising the Trump trial. And more... See 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 talk the Chicago and national news of the week. Including…Trump takes control of Congress, or at least the Republican majority. The new police contract. A few hopeful thoughts about immigration. And “rats” in Chicago. Like William O’Neal. Brendan is a 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.

David Faris breaks down the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. And then a word or two about the state of the Republican Party in congress. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain talks Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, Ivanka Trump, and Rashida Tlaib. And more. Rummana is a columnist and editorial writer for the Sun-Times.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

S.L. Wisenberg—aka, Sandi Wisenberg— tells her life in short stories and essays. From Texas to Evanston to Chicago and lots of places in between. She talks about those journeys—what she calls her “angsty way of moving through the world”. Her latest collection is The Wandering Womb: Essays in Search of Home.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bulls lose their opener. Ben loses his mind. Mick Dumke explains what it takes to get the city’s budget office to reveal what should already be public information. In short, you have to file many FOIA requests to learn aldermanic salaries. Learn about the in-another-location excuse for concealing those salaries. Very novel, city. A few words about a judge’s ruling in a case pitting a rich guy against poor people. Big surprise—the rich guy won. And a word or two about the Bulls. Mick 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.

Anti-immigrant people in Brighton Park attack Alderwoman Julia Ramirez. Ben riffs. Nader Issa returns to talk all things Chicago Public Schools. Including…the impact of immigrants on enrollment. Why are school officials downplaying that impact? Also, a word or two about vouchers. And then a word or two about sports. Nader covers CPS for the Chicago Sun-Times.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Under pressure from the mainstream, Mayor Johnson backs off from his trip to the southern border. Ben riffs. Maria Degillo explains how her life story illustrates the need for a new approach to dealing with hurt, anger and fear in our high schools. Maria is the Youth Director at Voices of Youth in Chicago Education.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain explores the state of journalism. Why newspapers are looking to Taylor Swift coverage to boost circulation. The mindless racism of Jann Wenner of Rolling Stone. Taylor Swift reporters are instructed they can’t be a fan. But Jann Wenner made millions sucking up to rock stars. And should a comedian be required to tell the truth in his search for the Truth? Yes, we ‘re talking about Hasan Minhaj. Rummana is a columnist and editorial writer for the Sun-Times.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Sun-Times and WBEZ reveal a deputy sheriff in Stephenson County had been an Oath Keeper. Concerned citizens want to know the implications. Karl Bronn is a member of the local NAACP. Jody Coss is the chair of the Stephenson County Democratic Party. And Pat Norman is president of the Freeport branch of the NAACP.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Johnson talks about visiting the border. Ben riffs. Activist, casting director, writer, director Pemon Rami talks Chicago history, Black activism, Sam Greenlee, The Spook Who Sat By The Door, Cooley High and all kinds of other things. Pemon is the author of newly published memoirs: When Black Was Golden. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Believe it or not, there was a time when the Republican Party wasn’t radiating hate for teachers. This was back in the 80s when a Republican Governor led the way for…oh, let Dan Montgomery tell the story. Dan is the president of Illinois Federation of Teachers. 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 entertains a proposal to prohibit residents from erecting little library book houses on the public way. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Trump trials, the left not voting for Biden, Pence dropping out and other things. Including…why did it take the friends in Friends so long to make a Black friend? Are there no Black people in New York City?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris breaks down a week’s worth of MAGA lunacy. Including…Matt Goetz leads his fellow dunderheads in a coup against Kevin McCarthy. The Republican presidential candidates have a debate in which they sorta declare war on the American worker. And President Biden goes Trump on the wall. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Tuesday October 3, Ben and Maya hosted First Tuesdays at the Haymarket House with 46th ward Alderwoman Angela Clay. On the agenda, all things politics including…asylum seekers, tent city, gentrification, property taxes, local schools, police, the future of Uptown, and finding her way as a first year alder. Also, how to handle challenging questions and the 35-second rule. Maya is, of corse, Maya Dukmasova, a reporter for Injustice Watch. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Johnson released his budget, revealing he’s learned a trick or two about the TIF game. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks retaliatory culture—it’s as old as Romeo and Juliet. Steve Scalise versus Jim Jordan—who do you vote for? If you had no other choice. And Kevin Phillips dies. He’s the evil genius who wrote MAGA’s election playbook, 60 years before MAGA was a thing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain tries to explain to Ben why so many Chicagoans hate immigrants. Including people who are immigrants themselves. It’s hard for Ben to comprehend cause the hatred that motivates so many Chicagoans is incomprehensible. Rummana is a columnist and editorial writer for the Chicago Sun-Times.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times tries to take a strong stand against the Bears only to pull its pinch. Ben riffs. Attorney Jim Coogan tells you all you need to know about Donald Trump’s fraud trial in New York City. Including how 11,000 square feet is the same as 30,000 square feet in the Trump universe. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Senate Democrats act helpless in face of MAGA Senator Vance delay tactics. Ben riffs. Striking UAW member Marcie Pedraza talks about the ongoing strike against the big three auto makers. Marcie is an electrician at the Ford plant on the far south side. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Candis Castillo covers it all, including…Tent city. Southerners going to Mexico to get abortions, cause MAGA has essentially outlawed it in their states. Trump and Biden in the senility competition. Also, a thing or two about aspirational voting. Candis is a political strategist and political director for SEIU Healthcare. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Catanzara has a new appreciation for Mayor Johnson now that city and police have tentatively agreed to a new contract. Ben riffs. Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez talks about what he likes and doesn’t like with the new contract. Then he talks immigration policy. Is Byron the diplomat and Ben the trouble maker? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Should the city give a handout to the Bears after that awful season opener? Ben riffs. CTU president Stacy Davis Gates talks about the fallout over revelations that her son is not attending a public school. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Andre Vasquez takes the deep dive on immigration in Chicago. Including tent city, Black Hispanic relations, Hispanic Hispanic relations, US foreign policy toward Venezuela, lefties trying to figure out their new role in the city. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s that time of the week when Ben runs through recent news with the help of a friend—in this case, Mark Wallace. That includes…mayoral and aldermanic salaries. How Mayor Johnson is like Mayor Daley. Trump on trial. Mark’s bold prediction as Trump’s allies flip. Congressman Jordan loses—again. And red light cameras. Mark is a businessman, podcaster and activist/advocate. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who’s more pathetic—the Bears or Chicago’s leaders? Ben riffs. Dave Glowacz returns more council follies. Our civic leaders debate immigration. And then TIFs. Gotta laugh to keep from crying. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump, Bill Maher and Drew Barrymore take their “stands” on the ongoing labor strikes. They all “love” the workers but hate their unions. Ben riffs. Keith Kelleher explains the strategies, goals and challenges of the UAW strike against the big 3 car companies. Keith is the former president of SEIU Healthcare. So he knows a thing or two about unions. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

North Siders reconsider the Lincoln Yard TIF deal. Or at least one north sider does. Ben riffs, and Monroe talks Biden in Israel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris was planning to talk about how the electoral college may be even more detrimental to Democrats, when…Ben asked about Rupert Murdoch, who’s stepping down as Boss of Fox. And with that David took off on a gloriously spontaneous riff. Then he gets back to electoral college. And has a thing or two to say about Hunter Biden and MAGA. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Block Club investigative reporter Mick Dumke gets into the nitty gritty of how Chicago’s pols and wheeler dealers cut their deals. Speaking of wheeler dealers, an update on former Mayor Rahm’s machinations to get what he wants. Whatever that may be. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez takes the deep deep dive on last week’s city council vote on a resolution that endorses Israel right to essentially avenge slaughter with more slaughter. Rossana tried to amend the resolution so it’s more balanced and more compassionate to Palestinians who once again are under siege. In the end, she lost on a voice vote. The world has lost its mind. Why should the city council endorse this madness?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Old college friends from Northwestern University, Vinnie Iyer and Sridhar Pappu have been in the newspaper business since the 90s, largely covering sports. And they have a lot to say about their (no longer) beloved Northwestern Wildcats football team, the White Sox and the Bears. Sridhar is the author of the best-selling book, The Year of the Pitcher. And Vinnie covers pro football and hosts a fantasy-football podcast for the Sporting News.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain talks about bias in the coverage of the war in the Middle East. And why she’s having flashbacks to 9/11. Rummana is an editorial writer and columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political strategist Chris Scott helps Ben make sense out of this week’s news and newsmakers from Washington. Including…Steve Scalise, Jim Jordan, MAGA house speaker ineptitude, Senator Menendez scandal, gerrymandering strategy and more. Chris is the co-founder of the Advance the Electorate PAC.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tommy Tuberville, MAGA senator from Alabama, blocks Biden military nominees to force the administration to weaken its support for abortion rights. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson and Ben debate whether election lawyer Adolfo Mondragon, should file a ballot access case against Trump on the grounds that he clearly violated the 14th amendment. Then Adolfo weighs in. Hope your listening, Chris Christie.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Chicago City Council delves into the Middle East. Ben riffs. Leor Galil defends Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez. And pleads with Israel not to retaliate to Hamas’s slaughter of Israelis by invading Gaza and slaughtering Palestinians. Leor is a Jewish-American who has family in Israel. He also happens to be a music writer for the Reader.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 2020, filmmaker Alex Holder got the word he couldn’t quite believe. President Trump okayed Holder to have access to his re-election run. Apparently, Trump thought it would depict his triumph. It didn’t work out that way. As you can see by watching Unprecedented, Alex’s documentary. After hearing this conversation, check out the one Ben had with Michael Crommett, Holder’s cameraman who filmed the January 6th insurrection.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Johnson shows he’s learned a thing or two about the budget games that mayors play. Ben riffs. In These Times editor Miles Kampf-Lassin takes the deep dive on labor. Particularly…United Auto Workers threatens strike as negotiations with the Big Three automakers hits an impasse. And he and Ben have a thing or two to say about the oddball political evolution of Peter Daou, who’s gone from being a Hillary Clinton fan to campaign manager for Cornell West. Prediction…he’s on his way to MAGA. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On September 5, 2023, Mayor Johnson joined Ben and Maya on stage at the Promontory club in Hyde Park for First Tuesdays. For more than an hour, the mayor took questions. He looked like was having so much fun that he might still be there talking, just like old times, if not for a certain press side who said, okay, that’s enough. Just kidding, Ronnie. Maya is, of course, Maya Dukmasova, reporter for Injustice Watch. Enjoy…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dick Butkus dies at age 80. Ben riffs. Journalist Angela Caputo talks about the investigative Project on Race and Equity. And its first major investigation: Black drivers are being stopped in record numbers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A column from 1991 on mental health clinic shows that so much remains the same. Ben riffs. Activist Denali Dasgupta takes the deep dive on the influx of asylum seekers. Is this a crisis or an opportunity? And a word or two about a new Harvard professor named Lightfoot. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Lopez announces he’s running against Congressman Jesus Garcia. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talk all things coup they ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Senator Lakesia Collins reveals the behind the scenes efforts to make it to the senate. Lessons for lefties—learn how to count your votes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.