The Ben Joravsky Show

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.

Joshua Tepfer, attorney for the Exoneration Project, explains the case of Ronald Watts, a former Chicago police officer who allegedly ran a drug operation at the Ida B. Wells housing project for several years. If residents dared to protest, Watts and his partner would plant drugs on them and have them arrested. Over 100 convictions have since been vacated. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times editor/columnist Rummana Hussain closes out the year with her top 5 recommendations for 2021. Ben weighs in with a few of his obsessions. For a mediocre year, there was some good stuff in the universe.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's riffing time! Ben & Dr. D review the week's top stories. Congressman Bobby Rush's legacy. Governor Pritzker & his Republican rivals. And the big story--Mayor Lightfoot's ceaseless fight with the Chicago Teachers Union. Oh, what a great city we would have if Mayor Lightfoot were as forgiving to the teachers as she was to Bobby Rush.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Liberals pound away at the Chicago Teachers Union. Ben briefly riffs. And then Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa--the dean of City Council socialists--dissects the neo-liberal hatred of teachers unions. And Miles Kampf-Lassin, In These Times editor, talks about some of the more regressive responses to January 6. Bottom line--MAGA invades the U.S. Capitol. And the Right responds with laws intended to beat up on the left.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Columnist Eric Zorn talks about getting COVID. And how "everyone will get COVID". And anti-vaxxers. And then throws a peace offering of sorts to Donald Trump. Also, a word or two about Dan Webb's report on Jussie Smollett and Kim Foxx. And a surprising revelation--at least it caught Ben by surprise--about his old bosses at the Chicago Tribune. Cheap, cheap, cheap. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As CTU votes for virtual classrooms in face of COVID outbreak, Mayor Lightfoot's health commissioner says COVID's basically no worse than the flu. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson returns to talk January 6 anniversary. Also, writer/activist LeAlan Jones talks Congressman Bobby Rush and Black leadership in Chicago. And he explains why he thinks Stacy Davis Gates should run for Rush's seat.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Congressman Bobby Rush announces he's not running for re-election. Ben riffs. And Inside Chicago Government's Dave Glowacz starts the New Year right--with a City Council roundup. It includes council debate over police shootings, Anjeanette Young and open meetings.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael "Skeet" Horton, one of the great youth basketball coaches in Chicago, talks about his shoe deal with Skechers, his life in and around Cabrini-Green, and what keeps him in the game. 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 to talk boxing, MMA & basketball. Ben criticizes the Paul brothers and Sergio--well, let's just say he doesn't back down. Plus, he has a word or two for the haters who doubt Ben's beloved and COVID-stricken Bulls.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the middle of another COVID surge, over 20,000 people pack the United Center to watch the Bulls. Ben was one of them. Clearly, Mayor Lightfoot is not the only one sending out mixed messages about the pandemic. Ben riffs. And podcast host Marc Sims returns to talk about what's on his mind. In this case--the link between self hate and crime.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben crosses COVID country as he flies home from California. Did the guy coughing on Ben's neck given him COVID? It's very scary out there, folks. And Monroe Anderson & Sergio Mims tag team on all the news of the year. Including an extended take on the Rhode Island Republican who lost her one Black friend cause of CRT. Can the news get weirder?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comedian & WCPT talk show host Scott Duff explains why it's best to find the humor in the madness. Either that or go insane. Plus, a few words about woke, Dave Chappelle and being the old guy on stage.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Washington Post fact checker lists the biggest lies of 2021 as spread by our leaders, including the election was stolen, the vaccine doesn't work, the attempted Trump coup and other assorted MAGA whoppers. And then he throws in a lie from the Dems to prove that he's not partisan. David Faris & Ben analyzes the tactics behind the lies. And the false equivalency of pairing MAGA's ceaseless attempt to gaslight America with relatively minor Democratic exaggerations. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the Bulls strong start to the season, it's time for Miles & and Benji the Bookie to reassess their pre-season predictions. In the case of Miles--he looks wise. In Benji's case--let's just say he has some explaining to do. Especially regarding his criticism of Mr. DeRozan, who's playing like a hall of famer. Ben takes an opportunity to rip coaches who thinking coaching means yelling at their players. And much more basketball talk.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tuesday, August 6, 2019: Pritzker signs more bills. Lightfoot wants more security for Lollapalooza. Another Chicago alligator story? Maya Dukmasova of The Chicago Reader returns. Margie Fritz-Birch of the Edgewater Historical Society and Mr. Bike Dave Glowacz is back.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 editor/columnist, and Ben enjoy a Muslim/Jewish Christmas. And then it's down to business--COVID, MAGA, RIttenhouse and then, for good news, the Beatles.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

To pay tribute to the life and legacy of the great Broadway composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim, who died last week at the age of 91, Ben turned to William Brown, a director, actor and singer. Brown talks about falling in love with Sondheim's work years ago--when he was kid in West Virginia. He sings a song or two. And Ben does his best not to join in as that would be desecration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

December 10,2021: It's that time of the week where Ben & Dr. D try to make sense of things that don't make sense. Like...the logic, or illogic, of the Republican candidates for governor. They don't actually have any ideas of how to fight crime. But they want to use crime to scare suburbanites into voting for them. Also, Mayor Lightfoot's texts. What do they say about Mayor Lightfoot? And, finally, the latest on Smollettgate.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Columnist Eric Zorn reveals he and his family have COVID. Ben riffs---and immediately books Eric for the show. And political strategist Delmarie Cobb returns. Among the topics--Black anti-vaxxers v. white ones. What motivates each group? Also, the message Dems send by making Mayor Rahm ambassador to Japan. And Delmarie's crystal ball.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, and political junkie. She's also a friend of Ben from way back when. They start out talking about Boomerang, her latest collection of poetry. And wind up taking the deep dive on everything from the politics of abortion to what the Democrats have to do to save America and beat MAGA.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Obviously, the country as a whole has decided to take a page from the NBA and keep on rolling in the face of the latest COVID outbreak. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson describes a pending civil war. And jazz professor/trumpet player Charles Ellison returns to talk Trane. Specifically, John Coltrane's "striving for unobtainable excellence". Not to be missed!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Monkeys blindly avenge dogs. Ben riffs. And Miles Kampf-Lassin, editor/writer from In These Times, returns with much on his mind. The "learned helplessness" of Dems. COVID as wedge issue against Trump. Manchin the Republican. And what's with workers buying Christmas presents for their bosses?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times editor/columnist Rummana Hussain and Ben explain why they're not jumping for joy with the guilty verdict for Jussie Smollett. A word or two about reportorial rivalries, the mayor's texts and the rampant hate of the Republican Party.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Friday August 2, 2019: Ben riffs on the latest TIF deal. Lori Lightfoot and Lollapalooza. Pritzker signs another bill. The Rummana Rundown with Sun-Times Editor Rummana Hussain. Ace Attorney Jim Coogan unpacks Trump's legal woes. Special Education Teacher Anleeta Buchanan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So much news, so little time. Ben & Dr. D take the deep dive on the news of the week, including Ken "Kenny G" Griffin showing his dissatisfaction with MAGA. Hey, AGA, if you take the man's money, you got to dance to his tune. And Mayor Lightfoot does an experiment in casino promotion that also determines just how gullible Chicago voters can be. And so much more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA loves Elon Musk, the world's richest man. Even though Elon Musk doesn't give a hoot about MAGA. Ben riffs. And Alejandra Cancino, investigative reporter for the BGA, talks about her excellent expose about the city's plans to "transform" Cabrini-Green. So many broken promises. And Raymond Richard, born and raised in Cabrini, explains why he thinks the Plan for Transformation was really a plan to move Black people out of Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.