The Ben Joravsky Show

Candis Castillo, political director of SEIU Healthcare, hadn’t been on for awhile. But she makes up for lost time talking about police, asylum seekers, affirmative action, the MAGA 6, the difference between Republicans and Democrats and more. Welcome back, Candis.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roosevelt University political science professor David Faris breaks down the political ramifications of the latest rulings from the MAGA Six on the Supreme Court. Apparently it’s discriminatory for universities to want a diverse student body. But it’s ok to discriminate against gays. How out of touch are the justices with America? The answer to that question could determine the outcome of the 2024 elections. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Music writer Mark Guarino explains the roots of Jason Aldean’s controversial song, Try That In A Small Town. Does Aldean really hate Black people or is he pretending to in order to sell records and make more money? How is the song different than Merle Haggard’s Okie from Muskogee? And more. Mark knows as much or more about country music as anyone in Chicago as he just wrote a book called Country and Midwestern:: Chicago in the History of Country Music and the Folk Revival.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago’s favorite gambler Brendan Shiller joins Ben to discuss a week’s worth of news. Including… Public education. Will north siders go to venues south of Roosevelt Road? UFOs. How to discern truth from lies. Should Mayor Johnson have said nice things about Mayor Rahm? Should the city raise the minimum wage for restaurant workers? And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sergio Vicente, host of the Fight podcast, analyzes the weird bravado coming from Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. They say they want to get into the ring and fight. What insecurities gnaw at the psyche of these billionaires that makes them want to such ridiculous talk trash? What doubts are they trying to cover up? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marie Collins l-Wright is an activist and longtime resident of the Southside and she’s got a big question for the Chicago Bears. Why don’t they build their stadium at 83rd and Lake Michigan. On the 400 or so acres of what used to be the South Works steel mill. Better yet, why won’t the powers that be in this city clean up the site? It’s only been in need of remediation for roughly 50 years.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Biden announces memorial to Emmett Till as MAGA attempts to rewrite the history of slavery, Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks about the legacy of Till. And John Johnson. And Ebony . And Jet. And a trip he made to Mississippi with Curtis Mayfield in 1973. And then it’s on to Hunter Biden, Kevin McCarthy and the latest on Trump.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tribune City Hall reporter Gregory Pratt just finished his biography of the Mayor Lightfoot years and it’s a classic. Everything you want to know about Lightfoot but were afraid to ask. Listen here, if you want to know. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bas Hendra, host of Historical Homos, joins Ben to discuss the week that was. Including…insanity from MAGA Supremes. As Alito and Thomas see it, Helping Black people is bad, discriminating against gays is good. Also, a word about billionaires and the submersible. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Teenagers party in Lakeview—Chicago loses its mind. Ben riffs. And political strategist Denali Dasgupta returns! Talking affirmative action, Supreme Court ruling against Harvard, Chicago’s attitude toward segregation, how Rocky feeds racial concepts and much more. That’s Rocky, the movie. As opposed to the squirrel.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Terry Cosgrove makes his first visit to the show since retiring from Personal PAC, the reproductive rights organization. And, man, does he have a lot to say. Starting with...Ohio. The August referendum is a proxy fight for a bigger battle in November which is itself a proxy for 2024. You snooze, you lose Democrats. Cause MAGA is not playing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roosevelt University political science professor compares and contrasts three of the leading political lunatics of our time: Robert Kennedy Jr, Joe Manchin and, of course, Donald Trump. Each has his own distinct brand. The first two are essentially enablers for the third. And it all could have been avoided had Mitch McConnell not—well, let David tell the story. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Community organizer Dixon Romeo joins Ben for a week’s worth of news. Including…the city council’s conservative caucus. Is there one? The Obama Center community benefits agreement. Will it be adopted? The latest MAGA editorial in the Tribune. Does anyone read this drivel besides Ben? Northwestern hazing scandal? How can smart people be so dumb? And what’s it gonna be—Barbie or Oppenheimer? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Canadian forest fires fill Chicago’s air with smoke. Will the mainstreamers figure out a way to blame this on Mayor Johnson? Ben riffs. Lefty firefighter Sam Holloway talks pensions, Greyhound station, capitalism, property taxes, Bears and more. Way more… 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 some love for democracy. Ben riffs. Criminal defense attorney April Preyar talks about the No-cash—bail law. It has, she says, some flaws that its boosters overlooked. And April uses a murder “confession” in Waukegan to explain why her motto is “shut up, lawyer up”.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Executive director of Rust Belt Rising, Paul Kendrick knows a thing or two about Democrats winning elections in the key Midwest states—Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio. And let’s not forgot Pennsylvania. He breaks it down, including the distinction between persuadable and unreliable voters. Also, a word or two about Nine Days, a book he and his father, Stephen Kendrick, wrote about MLK and JFK.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Northwestern football scandal keeps getting worse. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson ties it together—it’s the Age of Cynicism. Plus, Trump updates. As Jack Smith prepares to indict Trump for his role in the insurrection. At some point, Trump may be on trial in four states at once. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aundra Thompson has been a bus driver for the CTA for years. So it might be a good idea to listen to what he says should be done to make the service safer and bring back more riders. Here’s a starter—bring back the train conductors. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The experts dismiss the old South Chicago steel mill site as suitable for a new Bears stadium. Ben riffs. And political strategist Delmarie Cobb makes the case for a stadium to go there. She asks the question—why do the powers that be have such disdain for the south side? Then it’s on to Trump and Biden. Why does MAGA overlook Trump’s dementia and focus on Biden’s? And more…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 Rummana Hussain asks the question—why are so many men behaving so badly? From football players and coaches to movie stars and producers. Perhaps cause they usually get away with it. And why do so many people pretend that bullying doesn’t bother them?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Everyone in Chicago bemoans the fact that things are political. Like politics is a dirty word. Ben riffs. And political strategist Peter Cunningham talks—what else?—politics. Including police, police chiefs, and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Attorney Jim Coogan breaks down the federal classified documents case against Trump from top to bottom. The charges. The venue. The motive. The judge. The co-defendant. And the strategy, on both sides. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Northwestern takes a page from Jaws to deflect attention from their hazing, weirdly racist football program. Ben riffs, eventually. Monroe Anderson talks about the latest Clarence Tomas scandal, NU football, “affirmative action” doctors and Trump’s tactics. Stick around to hear Joyce Owens make her debut—“they should have gone to Howard”.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Darren Bailey battles Mike Bost for Trump’s blessings. Ben riffs. South Bend council member Henry Davis Jr returns to talk about his recent run for mayor. How Dems take Black people for granted. How Trump feeds nihilism to Black voters. And why it’s crazy to give handouts to sports teams, owned by “capitalists” who believe in socialism for themselves. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roosevelt University political science professor David Faris debates Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz on trump’s indictment. The verdict is in…Faris mops the floor with Dershowitz. It’s like watching Muhammad Ali fight Jerry Quarry. No contest. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Wall Street Journal rushes to Justice Samuel Alito’ s rescue after he’s caught taking freebies from a billionaire. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson explains the difference between Democrats and MAGA on ethics. Mainly, MAGA has none. And more, including Chicago’s curious attitude about the south side. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

School teacher and political activist Mueze Bawany joins Ben to talk about the news of the week. Including…the Machine is dead! Even as it lives on as a metaphor. Also, Mayor Johnson’s school board. Nihilism among millennials and Zs. And a word or two about what Mueze would do if he ran the Bulls. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On June 6, Ben and Maya brought First Tuesdays to the Night Hawk in Albany Park. Our guests were state Rep Kam Buckner and activist Lynda Lopez. We were talking CTA. Things got interesting when several bus drivers, with years in the system, explained what’s really going on. If only Chicago’s leaders listened to the people who really know what’s going on—the people who actually do the work. As we all know, “Maya” is Maya Dukmasova, star investigative 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.

Dems better realize Trump plays by no rules. Ben riffs. Political strategist Andrew Ellison—aka, Steve Kornacki II—breaks down the electoral map. For Prez and senate races. It’s not as gloomy as Dems think, unless, of course, they fall back asleep. But first a word or two about what worked in Michigan. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The media’s attempt to make it seem like anyone in Chicago gave an hoot about NASCAR is straight out of Chomsky. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks affirmative action and the gaslighting of Black Americans. Also, an update on Trump’s rally in South Carolina. Has MAGA become a fascistic version of Deadheads?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lincoln Yards developers seek bailout from Chicago teachers. Ben riffs. And professor Lance Williams talks about his latest book: King David and Boss Daley. As he explains it, Chicago’s violence, segregation and hate is in the city’s DNA. So don’t act surprised by what’s going on. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Chicago Bears prove that meritocracy is dead as they extend their paw for a handout. Ben riffs. And Dave Glowacz from Inside Chicago Government joins Ben to break down the latest city council maneuvers. Including Scott Waguespack farewell as committee chair. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The smoke from the Canadian forest fires forces Ben to stay inside, where he spends his time catching up on the Robert Kennedy Jr presidential campaign. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson makes another bold prediction regarding Trump. As he and Ben analyze the latest Trump secret recording. A few thoughts on whether MAGA has the goods on Hunter Biden. Or if they’re bluffing. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comedian Rachel Joravsky and Ben break down a week worth of issues. Including…Taylor Swift comes to Chicago. She is welcomed. Asylum seekers are not. Matty Healey and the Edgelords. Senator Mullin’s very woke attitude about reading to children. What’s in Trump’s woke brain. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roosevelt University political science professor David Faris confronts the spectacle of Ron DeSantis’s spectacularly bad presidential announcement. And his efforts to win over MAGA be being worse than Trump. And the lure of Republican sloganeering. 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 Rummana Hussain tells us everything we need to know about India Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Washington, DC. Including what it says about the dangers of being too cynical regarding geopolitical strategies. Also, an analysis of the guest list at the White House state dinner. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s really oh, what a year. Cause it’s been about a year since the Supreme Court’s Dobb’s decision, overturning Roe and essentially leaving states free to outlaw abortion. Sarah Garza Resnick, CEO of Personal Pac, and Ben talk about the political and medical ramifications. Are the justices having second thoughts? How will the decision impact 2024 presidential election? What’s sounder—Justice Alito’s Dobb’s decision or his explanation for flying for free on his billionaire friend’s private plane? And more…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 approves Mayor Johnson’s funding request for asylum seekers. Ben riffs. In These Times editor Miles Kampf-Lassin breaks down the debt ceiling debate. And is Donald Trump suddenly a liberal on woke? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The striking screenwriters have clearly learned a thing or two from teachers unions. Ben riffs. State Senator Rachel Ventura describes the ups and downs of her rookie year in the senate. As she introduces one progressive bill after another. Most notably on cannabis criminal Justice. Will the War on Drugs ever end? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the former president of the board of trustees of the Chicago Teachers pension fund, Jay Rehak probably knows as much or more than anyone about public pensions. He gives us the ABCs of a system that’s been exposed to the scams and schemes of elected officials and Right Wing ideologues for decades.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 Rummana Hussain and Ben break it all down. Including…Elizabeth Gilbert agrees to delay publication of her new book cause it’s set in Russia. And journalism grows up. And more…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Friends of the Parks executive director Juanita Irizarry joins Ben to riff on some of the news from a week of madness. Including…MAGA making more money for Bud, the beer company they’re supposedly boycotting. The city turning over public parks for private use. Paul Vallas, the lifelong Democrat, goes through another Republican phase. Corporate Chicago falls in love with Mayor Johnson. Lincoln Yards developers makes Lori Lightfoot their scapegoat. And want to do about the Bears. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ron Desantis makes the world’s worst campaign kickoff. Ben riffs. Former congressional candidate Kina Collins talks Desantis, Trump, city council, Mayor Johnson and asylum seekers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While you weren’t paying attention, political junkies, Ari Emanuel cut a deal that makes him one of the most powerful man in combat sports. The Fight podcast host, Sergio Vicente explains what went down and what it means for fans and athletes. Also, a few words about Ryan Garcia, Tank Davis and Ja Morant.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

GOP comment on Trump. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson takes a bow. He predicted Trump would be arrested and arraigned. And Trump was arrested and arraigned. Everything you need to know about Trump’s latest crime and its political fallout.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 Rummana Hussain talks Clarence Thomas. And one thing leads to another and she’s talking about self haters. Especially Indian American self haters. Then it’s on to all kinds of topics. Culminating in the writers strike. Enjoy the ride.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 take the deep dive on Mayor Rahm’s school closings. Ben riffs. And Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez and Loreen Targos return to talk all things lefty politics. Oh, yes, they’re married. And she was his campaign manager in his recent successful re-election run. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comedian Hope Rehak joins Ben to review a week’s worth of news. Including…the latest Trump indictment, Hannah Gadsby v the NYT, maternal leave in Chicago and has Bret Kavanaugh gone liberal?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matt Topic, one of the foremost FOIA lawyers in the state, ponders the big question: Why are our mayors so determined to keep us ignorant of what they’re doing? And was Mayor Lightfoot—who promised to “bring in the light”—even worse on this front than Rahm and Daley? Worse as in concealing basic information from the public. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Every political drama needs a “bad guy”. Ben riffs on who currently plays that role in Chicago. Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez explains what must be done to settle asylum seekers. And what she plans to do as chair of health committee. And some of the sexist idiocy she’s encountered in the city council. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.