The Ben Joravsky Show

It's time to review the week that was. And Ben and Producer Chris take the deep dive on...MAGA man in red and his passionate denunciation of white supremacy. Corporate Chicago and the mayor. Dan Proft, the brains behind Darren Bailey. And a visit from Mike Oquendo to talk comedy and promote a fundraiser for Freddie Cruz--cop, marine, dedicated family man and an old friend of Ben's.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kenny Leon is one of the great directors of our time. He directed Denzel Washington in Raisin in one Broadway production of A Raisin in the Sun and Sean Combs in another. He's won a Tony. He's worked with Jennifer Hudson and Harvey Fierstein and Audra McDonald and Phylicia Rashad and Viola Davis and on and on. So what is he doing on a Chicago podcast largely dedicated to politics? Well, he directed King James at the Steppenwolf Theatre. And Ben saw it. And loved it so much he just had to see it again. So, he flew to L.A. and...well, you'll have to listen to hear the rest of the story. Kenny talks basketball, politics, theater and his ongoing mission to find common themes that might help bridge our many divisions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Senator Robert Peters and attorney April Preyar join Ben & Maya for the October 4th First Tuesdays at The Hideout. Crime was on the agenda--specifically, the truth v. fiction of the Safe-T act law, which Peter's helped author. The Republicans are back to their age-old tricks of trying to scare voters into voting against Democrats. Preyar explains why the stakes are so high. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Illinois Democratic Party is not unlike the Chicago Bears. Ben explains. And Jody Coss makes her debut. A former nurse and Army vet, she's now the chair of the Democratic Party of Stephenson County. And she has a message party leaders need to hear--if they can just bring themselves to listen to someone who's not in the Cook County bubble, that is. She explains why the fight to win at the local level is so important. And what Dems have to do if they want to expand their party. And why the race for county clerk in Stephenson County is critical. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President of the Gun Violence Protection Pac, Kathleen Sances is trying to bring some sanity to the world by convincing Illinois legislators to pass sensible gun reform laws. But what a struggle it is. She explains her strategy, the successes she's had and the obstacles she faces. Largely because of the refusal of most Republicans to even think about the carnage their policies are causing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Rep. Theresa Mah makes a power play against the mayor. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson returns to talk Earth, Wind & Fire? Derrick Blakely, retired CBS anchorman, makes his debut. The talk starts with Ginny Thomas, goes to Clarence Thomas and then on to the Plan for Transformation. And then Ben makes a very foolish bet with Derrick.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Governor Ron DeSantis, looking to out MAGA Trump & Abbott, flies immigrants to Martha's Vineyard. Ben riffs. And criminal defense lawyer April Preyar returns to talk about "The Purge". Which is not really a purge but a nasty attempt to scare voters about the Safe-T Act. Get ready for learning everything you need to know about bail, presumption of innocence, fear tactics and the so-called war on crime. Followed by a word or two about Elvis marrying a 14-year-old.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

.Political scientist David Faris returns with a confession. He's enjoying watching the desperation of MAGA as the Democrats pick up ground heading into November's midterms. They overplayed their hand on abortion. They've lost all credibility on documentgate. They're argument against student aid relief is patently hypocritical. And, best of all, President Biden's operatives have settled on an attack strategy that is like something out of David's book. And, yet, the Republicans won't admit they're in a bad way. Being MAGA means never having to say you're sorry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Producer Chris Schrage riff on a week's worth of news. Starting with...the remarkable flip-flop of Don Bolduc, MAGA candidate for senator in New Hampshire, who miraculously realized that Biden won the election after all. Also, the curious case of various CEOs discovering crime in Chicago after pretending it never existed during the Daley/Rahm years. And Dave Glowacz--AKA, Mr. Bike--talks biking in Chicago. Particularly the challenges of electric bikes. And what can be done to minimize car traffic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Catherine Adel West makes her debut to talk about her latest novel, The Two Lives of Sara. It tells the story of a young woman and her infant son, who flee Chicago for Memphis in the early 1960s. They wind up living in boarding house run by Mama Sugar. And that's about all we'll say, cause we don't want to give anything away. Catherine talks about growing up in Chicago, her influences, her love for Sam Cooke. She even sings a song.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

State Senator Robert Peters returns to talk about the latest election atrocity from MAGA. TV commercials and mailings intended to whip up votes for Darren Bailey--the Republican candidate for governor--by scaring the hell out of white people. Haven't seen anything this blatantly racist since the "Before it's too late" campaign against Harold Washington. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Writer Aaron Cohen returns to talk about the greatest music ever made--soul, r & b and jazz from the `60s and `70. Specifically, he talks about the book he's writing with Ramsey Lewis. His upcoming show with Ava Cherry, who sang with David Bowie and Luther Vandross. And Aaron offers tributes to the recently departed--William Hart of the Delfonics, Sam Gooden of the Impressions and Lamont Dozier, the great Motown song writer. As a bonus, a tale or two about Charles Earland. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

September 9, 2022: Time's come for Ben & Dr. D to riff on a week's worth of news. So, let's start with a news item from...1959? That's when Queen Elizabeth spent 14 hours in Chicago. Also, reflections on more aldermen stepping down--in this case, Howard Brookins Jr. and Sue Sadlowski Garza. Comedian Pat Whalen talks about his Promontory show featuring Governor Pritzker. He asks Ben what questions he should ask the governor. Where do we start?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

.Sporting News football beat writer Vinnie Iyer makes his debut. The man knows as much, or more, about pro football than anyone in the business. As he's super smart--he was on Jeopardy, people!-- and he's been covering this beat for 20 something years. He reviews the upcoming season with thoughts on...the Bears (they won't be so bad), the Packers, Aaron Rodgers, marijuana in football, Justin Fields, Mitch Trubisky, Josh Gordon, Ryan Pace, Ryan Poles and Matt Eberfluss. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

September 17, 2019: Mayor Lightfoot cracks down on vaping. Maya Dukmasova of The Chicago Reader returns to talk cancel culture. Sun-Times Writer David Roeder weighs in on his latest work. 42nd District State Rep candidate Ken Mejia-Beal makes his Benny J Show debut!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times editorial writer/columnist Rummana Hussain returns just in time to take the deep dive on "Sweeneygate". Pretty sure, we're the only people calling it that. It's when the famous TV actress threw a make-60-great again party for her mother. Turns out every white family in America has a little MAGA in them. From there it's on to the downstate lament that Chicagoans are mean to them. Yet it's Darren Bailey--the downstate MAGA man--who thinks he can get elected governor by calling Chicago a "hellhole".See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sarah Palin loses to Mary Peltola in Alaska. Ben riffs. And attorneys Joshua Tepfer & Matt Topic return to talk about he Ronald Watts case. Also known as--Chicago mayors doing the wrong thing. Watts is the corrupt cop who manufactured phony drug cases against innocent people, sending some to prison. The city had a report, put together by a public body, that further illustrated the depths of this scandal. But, the city wouldn't release it because. Well, cause being fair and truthful and honest is apparently viewed as weakness in Chicago. You've got to hear it to believe it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Robert Sarver announces he's selling the Phoenix Suns & Mercury in part because of "our current unforgiving climate". Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson and Mark Wallace return to examine just three of the lawsuits Donald Trump is facing. Including...the New York attorney general's suit against Trump's company; the attorney general's case against him for taking secret documents out of the White House; the E. Jean Carroll's ongoing defamation suit case against him for calling her a liar after she said he raped her. That's some president you worship, MAGA. Also, Mark reports on the surprising results from Floridan regarding Governor Ron DeSantis.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Another day another alderperson announces they're not running for re-election. In this case, it's Alderwoman Sue Sadlowski Garza. Ben riffs. Tribune political reporter Gregory Pratt returns to talk alderpeople leaving. Why? What does it bode for the future? And Miles Kampf Lassin, editor/writer for In These Times, talks Biden cancelling student debt and whether Dems can handle the MAGA blowback.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times writer Manny Ramos returns! This time he's talking about his excellent coverage of the underground drag-racing scene in Chicago. (Shout out to photographer Ashlee Rezin for her incredible photos featured in the story!) He explains who does the racing, where they come from and why they do it. Also, the difference between drifters and spinners and drag racers. And how the issue is being politicized. 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 time for the weekly update of what's going on. And Ben & Dr. D riff away. Today's theme--say it ain't so, aldermen. A bunch are choosing not to run for office. Why? Job too hard? Not enough appreciation? Mayor too mean. Also, update on the latest corruption in Chicago. A word or two about Willie Wilson and more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

LeAlan Jones and Kevin Lamm are best known for their politics--LeAlan as a Green Party senatorial candidate and Kevin as a Democratic Party strategist. But in their other lives they are football fanatics who know the game iside and out. On the eve of tonight's Bears/Packers showdown, they do battle. Who will win? Are Bears under-rated? Are the Packers over-rated? Is Justin Fields better than Mitch Trubisky? And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Raymond Lopez proposes cutting city council by half. Ben riffs. And attorney Jim Coogan returns to break down Trump's legal strategy. What's the method to his madness? What's a "special master" and why does Trump want one? Why does Trump feel compelled to take documents out of the White House? And then as long as we're talking con men and grifters, it's off to Alex Jones country. Jim explains Jones' legal strategy. If that's what you call trying to duck a jury's verdict by claiming bankruptcy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Writer, producer, agent, and promoter Allison Jordan is the host of Brain Truth, a podcast dedicated to getting people to be honest about the mental trauma that impacts their lives. To many people, especially in the Black community, are in denial. "I ain't claiming it" being too common a refrain. Allison talks about her challenges. Her break through. And her advice. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey has been calling Chicago a hell hole. Now, he's moved here. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson returns to explain the behavior of Robert Sarver, the billionaire owner of the Phoenix Suns basketball team who thinks it's okay to use the N word. And writer Aaron Cohen returns with a tribute to the great Ramsey Lewis, who died a few weeks ago. It was just a few weeks ago that Aaron was on the show, talking about the memoir he was helping Ramsey write. The conversation starts with a mini-debate between Monroe and Aason on the difference between AME and Baptist churches. 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.

Millennials have been calling for new blood in the Democratic Party. Well, meet Mueze Bawany, 35-year-old Chicago Public School high school English teacher and basketball coach who's running for alderman of the 50th ward. He's up against incumbent Alderwoman Debra Silverstein who knows a thing or about running tough campaigns. So beating her will be no joke. Mueze's a progressive Democrat with strong opinions about...well, let him tell his own story. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The great Ramsey Lewis died at age 87. Ben riffs. And Brian Costin from American Prosperity for Illinois joins to talk Bears stadium handout. Yes, American Prosperity is a Koch Brothers organization. And Brian is conservative. And he used to work for the Rauner administration. And so on and so forth. But he's one of the few conservatives who's opposed to what he calls "corporate welfare." So, well, listen to what he has to say. It will keep you up to date on 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.

Ben & Dr. D riff on a week's worth of news. Starting with...mayoral politics. Mayor Lightfoot calls Paul Vallas a Republican. Vallas says not fair. Then Darren Bailey jumps into the mayor's race--sorta. That gets Ben explaining the ins and outs of getting on the ballot. Which reminds him of the candidate he wished he had voted for last time around. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Biden offers student debt relief. Everyone starts complaining. Ben riffs. And South Bend councilman Henry Davis, Jr returns. He talks about police dealing with mental health crises. And Indiana ‘s upcoming senate race. Can Dems win? And who’s worse—Indiana, Chicago or Michigan when it comes to potholes. Also, a word or two about Mayor Pete.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben returns from a week in Michigan, where MAGA is taking a page from the Daley book--as in Richard J. Ben riffs. John Nichols makes his debut on the show. Political columnist for the Nation and author of a dozen or so books--including Coronavirus Criminals--he talks all things Wisconsin politics. Including the capitulation of Robin Vos to MAGA. And radio legend Richard "the Real Deal" Steele returns to talk Herschel Walker, OJ, Johnny Cochran, MAGA hate, Dennis Rodman and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WBEZ reporter Natalie Moore talks about her play, The Billboard. It's about the fight over abortion in Englewood, on the city's south side. And what happens when...well, let Natalie tell the story. A reminder--you can buy Natalie's book--the Billboard--at any bookstore in town.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Maya welcome folks back to The Hideout for the August edition of First Tuesdays. On the agenda, nothing less than the future of abortion rights in Illinois post Dobbs. Our guests--Terry Cosgrove, executive director of Personal Pac, and Megan Jeyifo, executive director of the Chicago Abortion Fund. First question: Is Illinois really the Blue sanctuary starry-eyed Dems think it is? Oh, Dems--you have so much to learn. Terry and Megan explain the challenges ahead. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago Public School librarian and activist Nora Wiltse considers this question. Why would a city, as rich as Chicago, allow most of its schools to be without librarians? They have a library. But no librarians. Do they want their children to lack critical thinking skllls? To believe whatever they're told? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Tom Tunney is the latest alderman to announce he's not running for re-election. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson returns to help Ben dissect Senator Roy Blunt's response to a basic question about whether it's legal for Donald Trump to take secret documents out of the White House. Blunt, a Republican from Missouri, is so scared of MAGA he ducks and dodges like a dancer. And Mark Wallace joins the conversation to discuss the situation in Jackson, Mississippi. It's the 21st century and somehow they don't have safe and running water.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Environmentalist, radio man and gardening superstar, Mike Nowak returns to talk environment. And the news, to put it mildly, is not good. We are, as Barry McGuire once prophesied, on the eve...oh, you know the song. It's cause of man's greed and stupidity and stubbornness, etc. On the bright side...Well, Ben and Mike journey through the landscape of flash floods and raging fires and hurricanes and rising seas and other ecological disasters born from climate change to find the bright side. Join their journey...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/editorial writer Rummana Hussain and Ben ask the question: Was the Kansas abortion referndum the moment we look back and say--that's when we knew that something had changed? Or...oh, let's not think about the or. Then Rummana tries to defend Mr. Springsteen for charging thousands to see a concert. It's actually cheaper to fly to Oslo and buy a ticket to watch Bruce there, then to watch him in the USA. Finally, a word or two about Nope.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 for Ben to review a week's worth of news. Dr. D is on a much deserved vacation. So joining Ben is Chris Schrage. And away they go, talking Merrick Garland and his warrant to search Mar-a-Lago. MAGA's reaction. The Republican Party in Illinois trying to find it's way on Trump. This is not Jim Thompson's party, that's for sure. And a word or two about Vic Mensa's cannabis career. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mike Allemana is one of our great jazz guitarists. He's also a jazz professor at the University of Chicago. And this conversation is like 101 of the Chicago Jazz Fest, as Mike explains the styles of the stars in this year's festival. Starting with...himself. Mike will be opening act on the Big Stage when the festival begins Thursday, September 1. Take notes, people. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The feds raid Trump's Florida home--MAGA's outraged. Ben riffs. And political consultant Delmarie Cobb returns to talk all about it. The raid, that is. And MAGA's outrage. And the precised choreography of the MAGA outrage response. And then it's on to Kansas. And messaging abortion rights. And crime. And the CTA. And Rahm looking out for Rahm. And who's who in the mayoral race.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political scientist David Faris returns to try and make sense of the FBI raid at Mar-a-Lago, MAGA's reaction to that raid and Trump pleading the fifth in another case. It only makes sense if you view Trump as a mob boss. Which is sort of how Trump views himself. Also, what's with MAGA's obsession with Nazis? David explains...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA runs an an anti-Pritzker commercial that darkens Mayor Lightfoot's skin. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson returns to talk Trump. What motivates MAGA? Fear? Hate? Love for Donnie? Legendary CBS Cameraman Robert Tutman joins the conversation. Was the darkening of Mayor Lightfoot intentional? Can you believe MAGA if they say no? Are public relations professions really professional liars. And more, including Robert's favorite country song. Hint--it's not by Johnny Cash.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The political know it alls--Jacob Kaplan and Danny P--return to talk politics. And, man, there's a lot of politics to discuss. Jacob is the executive director of the Cook County Party and Dan is the recent winner of the Democratic primary for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Kansas. Dems running ads that help MAGA candidates. What's up with Manchin and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Details are starting to emerge about the faulty warrant used by police to justify the deadly raid on Breonna Taylor's apartment. Just as MAGA is crying about Mar-a-Lago. Ben riffs. And Miles Kampf-Lassin--writer/editor from In These Times--returns to talk about the Mar-a-Lago raid. Then he does a detailed analysis of the Inflation Reduction Act. It's a bill capitalists should love--yet all the Republicans vote against it. Just like they voted against the insulin bill. Then we move on to United for Clean Power, which is a bunch of Republicans pretending to be lefties to kill the inflation bill. In short, they're doing what Dems did in Pennsylvania and Illinois--getting involved in the other party's process. Finally, a word or two about Brittney Griner. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

August 28, 2019: Pritzker talks the Thompson Center. Lori Lightfoot gives her own 100 day mayoral review. Legendary Chicago Journalist Monroe Anderson unpacks the latest trump news. Jacobin Writer Micah Uetricht talks his new Bernie book. Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson tells us why he is supporting Elizabeth Warren.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas hangs out with MAGA. Ben riffs. And Dave Glowacz--from Inside Chicago Government--returns for another segment of City Council Follies. Actually, Ben just made up that title. Playing clips from the latest city council meetings, Ben & Dave analyze the great aldermanic debate over police overtime, NASCAR, drag racers, litterers and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

August 4, 2019--Sergio Mims is the Director of The Black Harvest Film Festival. Chris Buddy and Christopher Adams are both film Directors. And they can't stop talking about Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.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 to talk about the week. And Ben & Dr. D have a lot to talk about, Including--campaign commercials from Darren Bailey, Lori Lightfoot and JB Pritzker. Ben explains why he is so upset by Bailey's Holocaust comments. Dennis points out that Bailey's comments are another reason it was so dangerous for Dems to effectively promote Bailey's campaign in the primary. Also, Lolla talk. Is it a good deal for Chicago? 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.

Darren Bailey reveals his inner anti-Jewish bias, comparing abortion to the Holocaust. Then he apologizes (sorta). Then he backs off from his (sorta) apology. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks about yesterday's stunning win for abortion rights in Kansas. And Tom Brune--Washington bureau chief for Newsday--joins the conversation on national politics. Tom concludes with a deep dive on how Mayor Richard J. Daley and Cardinal Cody sorta made it possible for John McDemott to create the Chicago Reporter. It's a parable about the sometimes positive benefits coming from powerful people doing the wrong thing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Google announces it's buying the Thompson Center in downtown Chicago. Is there actually such a thing as good news? Ben riffs. And Heidi Henry returns! She's running for state Rep against a MAGA man in a district north of Chicago and she has a lot to say about what it's going to take to win. First rule--don't run away from who you are! Also a few words from a real Horse Whisperer about Nope, Jordan Peele's latest. Yes, Heidi is a horse trainer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

.Alderwoman Sophia King announces she's running for mayor. Ben riffs. And then Monroe Anderson returns to talk about the FBI raid at Mar-a-Lago. What are they looking for? With the Donald Trump and his many crimes it could be one of a number. And then LeAlan Jones returns to talk about the crimes of Trump from his Green Party perspective. As you might imagine, he's more critical of Dems than Ben or Monroe. The debate gets passionate. Also, a tease--LeAlan will be returning next month to debate Bears v. Packers with a diehard Packers fan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.