The Ben Joravsky Show

Arne Duncan announces he's not running for mayor. Now Mayor Lightfoot who had nothing but contempt for him can't love him enough. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson talks Biden's state of the union and then joins LeAlan Jones--former Green Party candidate for senate--for a great debate about Ukraine. Also, Monroe & LeAlan weigh in on Duncan's decision not to run. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben woke up to discover he'd been scooped by his scoop. That is, his interview with Alderwoman Sue Sadlowski Garza had generated lots of coverage after Gregory Pratt, Chicago Tribune writer, wrote about it. Next thing you know, Mike Flannery's on the line. Ben riffs. And then Gregory Pratt, himself, talks about Alderwoman Garza, Arne Duncan not running for mayor, and his ongoing series about Mayor Lightfoot's text. Did the mayor's sharp elbows scare Duncan out of running against her? Listen to find out...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On March 10, 2019, Nadia Milleron's 24-year-old daughter, Samya Rose Stumpo, was one of 157 passengers who died when Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed on a flight from Adidas Ababa to Nairobi, Kenya. Nadia is waging a campaign to change Illinois law that will allow survivor's to sue Boeing, the manufacturer of the airplane that crashed, for punitive damages in wrongful death cases. It's a long and challenging struggle.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 set off a twitter fight with his tweet about relaxing COVID mandates. It got ugly. You don't want to be the "main character" on Twitter. The politics of mask mandates and COVID are changing as we head toward November's election. David explains. Also, the South Carolina Democratic primary pits a progressive against a Manchin type. David's recommendation--vote left Democrats!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Riffing time! As Ben & Dr. D look back on the news. But first! Maya Dukmasova makes a surprise appearance to promote March 1 First Tuesdays. Then back to the news, including: MAGA's twisted, very twisted, adoration for Putin; Governor Pritzker endorses Anna Valencia over Alexi Giannoulias in the race for secretary of state; Dr. D throws his hat into the ring for 11th ward alderman, and Alderwoman Sue Sadlowski Garza reveals she's not supporting Mayor Lightfoot in 2023. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's not swearing day. Ben explains. State Rep. Lakesia Collins returns to talk about what happened last week on the floor of the General Assembly when she dared to tell Republicans to, please, put on your masks. And Miles Kampf-Lassin, editor/writer from In These Times, talks all things Ukraine. Including the alliance of Trump & MAGA with Putin and against Biden. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In an obvious effort to boost ratings, Ben was hoping to be "canceled". Didn't quite work out that way. As he laments. Monroe Anderson returns. On the topic--backlash voting. Trump's love for Putin. Does Trump really endorse an invasion of Mexico, as he said on a podcast? Does MAGA? If MAGA hates lawlessness and loves property rights, why are they supporting the Canadian truckers? And pending war in the Ukraine. Plus, Ben & Monroe make a bet on Biden's Supreme Court nominee.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Singer, song-writer Peter Jericho makes his debut. Talking about growing up as the "African kid" in Chicago. And then going back to Cameroon, his native country. A man of two continents, he explains what he means by his lyric: "You used to laugh at our funny names, now you want to Wakanda everything." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain--Sun-Times editorial writer--returns to talk censorship. As we ask the question--if MAGA hates censorship so much how come they're always trying to censor other people. Also, a few words about white people who want to use the N word. And, pay attention to All of Us Are Dead.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Achy Obejas is a poet, translator, novelist, journalist, mother, baseball fan and now...repeat guest on our show! Today's conversation roams from protesting Canadian truckers to Joe Rogan to Free Speech to Achy's theory about "the proximity to Blackness" to the greatness of Roberto Clemente. And then it concludes with Achy's reading of her poem The President of Coca-Cola, a tribute to the great Ana Mendieta.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 the week's news. Including...a $20 million valentine that Ken Griffin gave to Richard Irvin. A man that most voter in Illinois had never heard of until Griffin, the richest man in the state, chose him to be our next governor. Funny how democracy works. Plus, Chicago news. And Ben badly flunks his hip-hip test.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben makes a confession for which he must apologize. And then WVON-AM talk-show host David Seaton returns and then he and Ben promptly disagree about almost everything. Including, the NFL, Brian Flores, the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Section-8, the Bears, Arlington Heights, Jennifer Lawrence and a few other things. They do agree that Sarah Palin is a phony. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aaron Rodgers whines that everyone's picking on him cause he's so anti-vax. Ben riffs. And Sam Holloway--firefighter and unapologetic leftist returns to talk liberty. Or--what MAGA means when they say liberty. Probably doesn't mean liberty for you. Also, the Democrats move right on COVID. As they generally do on just about any issue under pressure from Republicans. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reporters seek Ben's comment. And Ben says no comment. Also, Monroe Anderson returns to discuss Kevin Blackistone's critique of the Super Bowl halftime show. Specifically, how the NFL uses superstar hip hop artists to deflect attention from Brian Flore's racial discrimination lawsuit. Jaquie Algee from SEIU Healthcare returns to talk about the Poor People Campaign. Also, a comment or two or three about Richard Irvin getting a $20 million campaign donation from Kenneth Griffin, the state's richest man. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alderman Patrick Daley Thompson guilty of lying to feds and cheating on taxes. Ben riffs. And then WBEZ reporter Dan Mihalopoulos returns to talk Daley & corruption. Also, his ongoing investigations in sexual harassment and assault by lifeguards. In Evanston as well as Chicago. And it's law day on the show as attorney Jim Coogan returns. On the docket? Ginni Thomas, activist wife of Justice Clarence Thomas; Sarah Palin's defamation case v. The New York Times; and Remington settles with parents of children gunned down at Sandy Hook.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

LeRoy Gordon talks about his long journey from Jiu Jitsu fighter to Chicago cop to Roy Flash Gordon, the pro wrestler to trainer. A thing or two about wrestling--fixed but not fake. 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--this time with some good news. Apparently, Democrats have at long last figured something out. At least, they're doing to Republicans what Republicans have been doing to them--gerrymandering them out of power in states like New York, Illinois and California. That sobbing you hear are Republicans crying. Also, should President Biden nominate Rep. Clyburn's candidate to the Supreme Court?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben & the Dr. D race through the news of the week. Will Ken Griffin pull his support for Richard Irvin now that he bombed his press conferences? Will MAGA have any issues to use against Governor Pritzker now that he's rescinding the mask mandate? Also, the latest Mayor Lightfoot text leaks--who has she insulted this time? Finally, Mayor Lightfoot's pal from Wilmette decides to take sides in the Chicago Teachers Union election. Is that even legal?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Governor Pritzker announces mask mandates off in March. Now what's MAGA going to cry about? Ben riffs. The great singer Devin Thompson returns to talk about Eric Clapton. Specifically, why do Baby Boomers love this man so much? And then Ben & Devin list all the local guitarists who are as good or better than Clapton. Also, Sun-Times education reporter Nader Issa makes his debut. Talking about his story about a special education student who was sexually assaulted in a CPS bathroom. Now, the former student's getting a second legal assault by CPS lawyers. C'mon, Chicago, you've got to do better for your most vulnerable students.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--returns just in time cause we have a lot to talk about. So let's get at it. Is Grayson Allen of the Bucks a punk for his cheap shot that broke Alex Caruso's wrist? Should Barry Bonds, Roger Clemons and Sammy Sosa get inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, even though it's pretty obvious they were taking those steroids? And what does Dana White have against the great Francis Ngannou?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Senator Mitch McConnell takes a 'stand" against MAGA. Hmm, what's he really up to? Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson talks all things Joe Rogan. Asking and answering the question: Why do white people love to say the N word so much? Also, a word or two about Brian Flores.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's been a year since the great Karen Lewis died. Ben riffs. And Maya Dukmasova, Injustice Watch reporter, returns to talk about the politicization of crime. Or more specifically, Mayor Lightfoot's unsubstantiated asssertion that there's a correlation between remote learning and a rise in carjackings. Maya explains the concept of moral panic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It has come to our attention that some, though not all, white people have been behaving badly these days. Ben offers advice. And then...radio legend Richard Steele, aka, "The Read Deal", returns with his views of the world. Including, what's it feel like to be 80. Also, a word or two or three about Black people running as the Great White Hopes, Lightfoot v. Duncan and the new Bears general manager. 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 Rummana Hussain's got a lot on her mind. Starting with the showdown at the Supremes where we have to decide--are any of our justices telling the truth about Neil Gorsuch not wearing his mask? I don't think so. Also, a few words about the bizarre adoration for Hugh Hefner among male journalists. And random riffs on Eric Clapton and other aging classic rockers who feel compelled to fight the Vax.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 take a part the week's news. Including a primer on state budgets. And why Governor Pritzker frustrates Republicans. Not that anyone feels sorry for Republicans. And will Kenneth Griffin, the state's richest man, dump Richard Irvin as his gubernatorial candidate after Irvin bombs at answering basic questions from reporters? Particularly on abortion issues. Finally, Dave Glowacz--from Inside Chicago Government--returns with clips from recent City Council meetings. Listen as your aldermen struggle with whether they truly want to be independent of an all-powerful Mayor. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a headline, the Sun-Times calls Jesse Sharkey "wonky". Ben wonders what they're really trying to say about the Chicago Teachers Union president who just announced he's not running for re-election. And Miles Kampf-Lassin, editor/writer for In These Times, returns to talk Sharkey & CTU. And Joe Rogan & Spotify. And Brian Flores & racism. 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 sift through the wreckage of a year's worth of weeks. But first...Dr. D. opens up a portal to the Metaverse. Is that Welcome Back, Kotter we hear? Then it's on to stories 10-6. Lifeguards, teachers, congressmen, maps & more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Of all the weird news of the day, the weirdest may be Jesse Sullivan's Tribune essay on how to end crime in Chicago. Which Ben read so you don't have to. Ben riffs. Then Monroe Anderson weighs in the marxist notion that racism is dead. And Sergio Mims returns to join the conversation about Mayor Richard Irvin, crime and Republican politics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump's rally in Saturday brings out some boos. MAGA's divided. Ben riffs. Joshua Tepfer returns with update on Ronald Watts case. And Ben Chou reports from Houston with updates on abortion law, gerrymandering and voter rights infractions. This is how MAGA plays the game, ladies and gentlemen. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sonni and Zero--Starbucks barista in Chicago--talk about organizing efforts at their store and explain why so many Starbucks employees feel the time has come to form a union. Also, how is management responding to the organizing efforts. And what this means for the larger economy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris returns with a fury to discuss...Biden's first year. Not good for Dems. The Supreme Court as a tool for capitalism & white supremacy. What Biden should do to get around the Manchin/Sinema roadblock. And a primer on Ukraine, Putin & America.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 news from around the state. And to talk about the news out of Chicago, Stacy Davis Gates, vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union, makes a long-awaited return. The conversation covers everything from COVID protocols, to Mayor Lightfoot to Karen Lewis to the media to North Siders and much more. Including a word or two about Ben's beloved Chicago Bulls.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Troy LaRaviere pays tribute to Ice Cube, while pointing out the fallacies in his admiration for Trump.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Big money in GOP throw cash at Richard Irvin. Is he MAGA enough? Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson & LeAlan Jones fire up for a great debate. Supreme Court vacancy. Kamala Harris to the bench? Hillary Clinton as VP? No way. The state of racism in the U.S.A. And the Bears prove Ben & Monroe wrong by hiring a Black as their general manager.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Grayson Allen knocks Alex Caruso out of the lineup for eight weeks. Milwaukee celebrates. Ben riffs. And Terry Cosgrove is back! That's TC, executive director of Personal PAC. He explains why 2022 is the turning point election. It's all on the line--LGBTQ rights, reproductive rights, union rights, you name it. Wake up, Dems! Stop crying. Get the job done. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Sirota is a journalist and former Bernie Sanders advisor. Now he's a movie producer and writer, having teamed up with Adam McKay to create Don't Look Up, currently the number-one movie on Netflix. David talks about how he and McKay "spitballed" the the movie into existence. Also, much discussion about the media, MAGA, corporate Dems, and climate change/COVID deniers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Filmaker Chris Buddy returns to take the deep dive on Quentin Tarantino. Because…well, why not? Ben joins in for utter geekdom. Among the things they ponder…will they one day be embarrassed to have loved his movies so much?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rummana Hussain returns to discuss, among other things, her new job, COVID protocols and who's right in the great debate between Eric Zorn & Amy Dickinson. Also, a word or two or three about Succession.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So much, so little time to talk about it! Ben & Dr. D riff away. Starting with...the anointment of Richard Irvin by Kenny G as governor. Leading many people to ask: Who's Richard Irvin and why does Kenny G have so much power? Also, Dr. D takes a stand on the great Shia/Maxwell debate: Are confederate flags a thing in southern Illinois? Ben reveals he's never ridden a tractor. And a riff or two on Lightfoot v. Ferguson.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 hook up. Ben riffs. Anna Feuer--Art Institute employee--returns to talk about their sucessful union drive. Yes, Art Institute employees voted to join a union! And Ken Davis--legendary--radio journalist makes his long-awaited return to tell Ben to stop giving him, Ken, credit for inventing the WBEZ pledge drive. Ben continues to give him credit, anyway. Ben & Ken talk `Bez/Bright One. They offer a tribute to Les Grobstein. And they go where no one else dares--a discussion of the CTA's transit TIF. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Courtney Sauls is an actress & yogi. She plays Brooke in Dear White People, the Netflix series. She talks about the legacy of the late Sidney Poitier and what Ben can do to make good on his New Year's resolution to be more positive in 2022.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Microsoft buys Activism Blizzard for $70 billion. Obviously, capitalism has lost its mind. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson returns to talk Ukraine. And then South Bend, Indiana Councilman Henry Davis, Jr. joins the discussion about Blacks for Trump. Also, Coach Nick Saban weighs in for voting rights. Henry thinks Deion Sanders has something to do with it. And Monroe gives Henry advice regarding any plans he may have to run for mayor of South Bend.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The great Les Grobstein dies at age 69. Ben riffs. And Troy LaRaviere--president of the Chicago Principals Association--returns. The conversation starts with how MAGA uses Martin Luther King, moves on to Mayor Lightfoot's curious attitude toward COVID, and concludes with a powerful riff about the corporate interests who call the shots. Also, why principals need collective bargaining rights.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Faris returns to analyze the bleak reality--it's been one year since the insurrection and Republicans are more determined than ever to make sure the next coup is successful. It's up to Democrats to save democracy. Also, a classic Farisian riff on Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

ProPublica writer Mick Dumke returns to discuss his latest blockbuster article. It's about the fall of a Black-owned bank. But it's really about the limits of capitalism. One thing leads to another and the topic turns to crime. And Mick confronts the irony of Mayor Daley's former aide--Arne Duncan--talking about Chicago's retaliation culture. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thursday, August 8, 2019: Will Trump commute the sentence of Rod Blagojevich? Kim Foxx has her first State's Attorney's primary challenger. "In These Times" Writer Miles Kampf Lassin returns to talk Bernie and MORE. Jake Lewis of the Chicago Federation of Labor returns to worker's rights and Scabby the Rat. Chief of Staff for Alderwoman Sue Garza Ismael Cuevas talks the labor parade.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben gets an early morning text from Alderman Ramirez-Rosa blasting liberals. Also, Ben concedes--he agrees with Trump on one thing. And Maya Dukmasova, Injustice Watch reporter, talks judicial elections. And Peter Cunningham--former aide to Mayor Daley--talks Arne Duncan, rethinking crime, and the CTU/CPS impasse.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 run through the years top stories. But first DeMarvelous leads Ben on a trippy trip through the Metaverse. Is that Snoop Dogg I see? The biggest stories involve recent mayors, who have too much in common. Take me back to the Metaverse! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago residents--or at least many of them--reveal they're not falling for the mayoral propaganda on her COVID fight with teachers. Ben says thank you. And Monroe Anderson on Biden's Voting Rights Speech. And Attorney Jim Coogan joins Monroe to address many of the political/legal issues of the day, including...Senator Paul v. Dr. Fauci; the Supremes consider Ted Cruz's grifter's rights lawsuit; and the Unite the Right verdict.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The teachers and Mayor Lightfoot "cut a deal". Ben riffs. Lot of love for teachers! And two of Chicago's greatest lefties--Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez and Loreen Targos return. Loreen--a scientist and political strategist--talks about the rightward drift of Dems, who are "normalizing Trump" on COVID. And Byron talks about dealing with the mayor in the age of COVID. Among other things. Oh, yes--they're married.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.