The Ben Joravsky Show

Ben & the Doctor riff on the week's news. And, oh, what a week it was. Obama meets with Pritzker. Republican candidates for governor fight for Kenny G's donations. Only in Chicago is it unfair to accuse Mayor Rahm of covering up video of Laquan McDonald's murder. And John Catanzara says you can't fire me, I quit. To run for mayor?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shia Kapos writes a great column for POLITICO Illinois Playbook about Democratic double standards. Ben riffs. And Miles Kampf-Lassin, editor/writer from In These Times, returns to talk about Democratic Socialism. Specifically, India Walton's loss in Buffalo. Has the Republican propaganda turned America against Socialism like they turned it against "political correctness" "woke" and "liberal"? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Ben booked political strategist Jason Lee to return to the show, they planned to talk about voter suppression in Texas, Georgia and other Republican states. And then Daunte Wright was shot in Minnesota and Chicago released the video of a police officer shooting Adam Toledo. And suddenly the conversation changed to policing, politics, Democratic inability to discuss crime and Republican eagerness to frighten white voters.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A post from Heidi Van Lier inspires Ben to riff about her father--the great Norm Van Lier. Then it's on to the political business of the day. Starting with Monroe Anderson and Ben talking about the exoneration of two men who spent years in prison after being falsely convicted of the murder of Malcolm X. Then South Bend councilmen Henry Davis Jr. returns to talk about criminal justice. In particular, the Kyle Rittenhouse case. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Johnny Catanzara, president of the FOP, quits to run for mayor. Can't make this shit up. Also, Sam Holloway returns to talk politics from a lefty perspective. And Dave McCarver, Democratic chieftain from Lee County, explains what Dems must do to win in 2022. Hint: Don't make the same mistake you made in 2010, when you cowered.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Writer/activist Rebecca Sive talks about women in politics, the MAGA backlash and a few bright sides to Tuesday's elections. Also, a word or two about her latest book, Make Herstory Your Story. 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 returns to talk Jenna Ryan and the concept of internalized white privileged. Also, is the Tomahawk Chop a little too cultish? And while we're asking questions--how come entitled people in Chicago think they have the right to be entitled? And how about this? Rummana at a Bob Dylan concert?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tuesday, July 16, 2019. Trump vs The Squad. That damn alligator is out of the lagoon. Election Lawyer Adolfo Mondragon gets candid. Co-Host of the Girl Talk Erika Wozniak on Trump and MORE and The South Side Political Know it Alls return to talk the news of the day, Alderman Carrie Austin and MORE! RIP--Jerry Brown.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. Including billionaire Ken “Kenny G” Griffin’s pledge to spend whatever it takes to defeat billionaire Governor Pritzker. Also, Chicago finally gets ready to build a casino. Guess who will pay for it, suckers?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kyle Rittenhouse squeezes out a tear or two when he takes the stand. Ben riffs. Marc Sims talks Rittenhouse and crime. And Litesa Wallace--Democratic candidate for congress in the 17th district--returns to talk about her campaign. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben talks to Lenny Bruce! Ok, not really, Lenny Bruce. But Ronnie Marmo, the actor, who plays the great comedian in a one-man play that Marmo wrote called "I'm Not a Comedian...I'm Lenny Bruce." Marmo talks about Lenny's impact on other comics, cancel culture, Dave Chappelle, being an Italian actor playing a Jewish comedian and a lot of other things. You can see the play--directed by Joe Mantegna--at the Mercury Theater.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kyle Rittenhouse takes the stand. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks about the case against Trump and his insurrectionists. And Jacob Kaplan, executive director of the Cook County Democratic Party, talks politics. Specifically, what Dems should to offset MAGA's surge. And more...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 talk about Republican "moral panic" and how it's being used as a tool by Glenn Youngkin in his race against Terry McCauliffe for governor of Viriginia. The latest "moral panic" is critical race theory, which apparently scares otherwise moderate voters to vote MAGA.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political strategist Laurie Glenn and Juanita Irizarry, executive director of Friends of the Parks, return to talk politics. And somehow the conversation turns to a spirited discourse on the irony of powers in Chicago. In which well-connected people use their influence to get appointed by the mayor to boards where they act powerless. Of course it makes no sense--it's Chicago. Plus, much more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

September 17, 2021--Ben & Dr. D have a lot to say about a week's worth of news. Especially, the attempts of politicians to fool the voters. Like a certain Republican "moderate" named Jesse Sullivan. And a certain Chicago alderman named Jim Gardiner.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...Congressman Adam Kinzinger. Will he or won't he? Huh? You gotta listen. And the CEO of McDonald's had something to say about young victims of crime so he sent a text to Mayor Lightfoot? Huh? It seems when entitled people want to say something, they go to the top. Which is why they're entitled. Speaking of Avis LaVelle at the park district, texting Kim Foxx. And more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aaron Rodgers takes a page from Bill Clinton's "depends what the meaning of is is" to convince people think he'd been vaccinated, when he wasn't. Ben riffs. And Sarah Bingaman, Indivisible activist from MAGA-land, talks about what Dems have to do to win over voters in a towns where people fly signs that say "Fuck Biden". Hint--jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs. Let's hope Dems are listening...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Reader through a virtual party, featuring Kim Hunt, executive director of Pride Action Tank, Stacy Davis Gates, Alderwoman Rodriguez and Benny J. And we talked about the future of progressive politics in Chicago. Needless to say, the old guy was the most jaded of the bunch. Man, you can't take him anywhere...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA wins in Virginia and almost in New Jersey. Democrats panic. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks about what went wrong for Dems and what they have to do to change course. And legendary Chicago activist Jitu Brown makes his podcast debut to talk about community empowerment. In short, don't move right, Dems, out of fear.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MAGA takes its stand in Kenosha & Virginia, hoping to acquit Kyle Rittenhouse of murder and elect a Trumpster as governor. Dems look helpless. Ben riffs. And political strategist Andrew Ellison makes his debut to take the deep dive on congressional reapportionment. He gives Dems an A-. It might have been an A, but...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 returns to talk, among other things,Squid Games. Let the great debate begin. Also, was Katie Couric helping or hurting RBG by hiding her comments about Colin Kaepernick?. And, finally, what's with men and sports? How come they love the Bears so much that they ignore the World Champion Sky? Ben has another one of his infamous theories. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tuesday, July 2, 2019: Trump's stupid parade. The Illinois gas and cigarette tax. Maya Dukmasova of The Chicago Reader talks last week's debates. Gardening Guru and radio host Mike Nowak talks politics and parks. Preservationist Andrew Schneider shares some Chicago history.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's week-summarizing time. With Dr. D in Alton, Atiba Buchanan--WVON talk show host--returns to engage Ben in a series of great debates. Topics include--congressional remap. White guy wins $10 million discrimination lawsuit. The Blackhawks scandal. Kyrie "flat earth" Irving. Dave Chappelle. 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 passes Mayor Lightfoot's budget. Ben riffs. Also, an apology to Johnny C. Sorta. And Miles Kampf-Lassin, writer/editor for In These Times, returns to talk about, among other things, taxing the rich. It's popular, yet Dems just can't get it done. Miles explains why. Finally, a shoutout to the great Joakim Noah.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

House Speaker Chris Welch returns to talk legislative maps, Ken Griffin, Lightfoot & Foxx and Bears. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Chicago Blackhawks hockey team finally fess up to covering up allegations of sexual assault during the 2010 playoffs. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson & Sergio Mims talk Kyle Rittenhouse trial, mask mandates, Chicago Reader, Harold Washington, Bernie Epton and Black Harvest film festival. 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 Sun-Times isn't delivered, Johnny C defies Queen Lori, and parental notification. Ben riffs on all. And Dave Glowacz, ace reporter for Inside Chicago Government, returns for another City Council Synopsis. Featuring Inspector General Joe Ferguson's departing advice to the aldermen, if they truly want to avoid a monarchy. 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.

Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa--the dean of city council Democratic Socialists--returns to tell you everything you need to know about Mayor Lightfoot's bizarre comments at a recent meeting with Latino caucus members. Those comments include the claim that's she's a better mayor than Mayor Harold Washington (which is like Alex Caruso saying he's better than Michael Jordan) and that she's done a "fuck ton" for the Black wards. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Shor is the whiz-kid, pollster, computer-geek strategist who says the Democrats must move right in order to keep from being annihilated in upcoming senate and congressional elections. The conventional wisdom among Democratic centrists is that President Biden should do whatever the kid says. Political Scientist David Faris explains the shortcomings to Shor's analysis. And the problems for Dems if they do what Shor says. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tuesday, June 25, 2019: Trump continues to needle Iran and we're 24 hours away from the Democratic Presidential debates. Mick Jagger's Ed Burke jab and what the hell did Alderman Carrie Austin do? Marijuana will officially be legal in Illinois. In These Times Writer Miles Kampf-Lassin talks all things politics. Grassroots Collaborative Organizer Amisha Patel brings in a mystery guest to talk minimum wage in Illinois.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Rahm almost sheds a crocodile tear or two at his senate confirmation hearing. Ben riffs. Political strategist Delmarie Cobb explains why Rahm's nomination is such a betrayal to Black people. And SEIU's Candis Castillo returns to talk Chicago and national politics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dems line up to make Mayor Rahm Ambassador Rahm. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Colin Powell. And Kina Collins, Democratic candidate for 7th congressional district, talks congressional maps, her race against Danny Davis, why Rahm shouldn't be confirmed, violence in Austin and Harold Washington.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're calling this Ben's Back in Chicago Tuesday because...Ben's back in Chicago. Returning from Cali to find his city in crisis. Mayor Lightfoot having a showdown with FOP president Johnny Catanzara over vaccine mandates. Ben riffs. Also, Maya Dukmasova, Injustice Watch writer, returns to talk judicial slating--what do you have to do to become a judge in Cook County? For starters, donate $40,000 to the Democratic Party. Say what you will, but it's not as gross as pledging your allegiance to Trump--which is was what you have to do these days to get the Republican nomination to anything.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 returns to talk legal issues & politics. Specifically, the case against Alex Jones. Eastman's attack on the constitution and the latest on Texas anti-abortion law.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jessica Chiarella wrote The Lost Girls, a thriller set in Chicago that is so good, Ben stayed up really late reading it. Not wanting to give anything away, let's just say this--he didn't see that ending coming. Jessica talks about the challenges of writing thrillers and who she's reading and why Chicago is good place for a writer to write. Listen to the interview and then read her book.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

June 18, 2019: Trump is set to kick off his 2020 campaign. Lori Lightfoot is in New York. illinois State Rep Rob Martwick returns to talk all things politics. Kristen Kaza of The Chicago Reader talks their block party and it's the return of the South Side Political Know it Alls Jerry Brown and Tom Shepherd.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's the end of the week, which means it's time for Ben and Dr. D to riff on a week's worth of news. Only with the good doctor enjoying a much-deserved day off, Reader editor Salem Collo-Julin steps in. And so Ben & Salem riff on Mayor Lightfoot's showdown with MAGA man John Catanzara. Also Mayor Lightfoot's assertion that she's a greater mayor than the greatest mayor of all time. Plus, Salem has a thing or two to say about her beloved White Sox. And Ben talks about his almost 50 year love affair with the Reader.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The great activist/scholar Timuel Black dies at age 102. Ben offers a tribute. Harish Patel returns to talk about guaranteed income. And Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor returns to talk about getting over COVID, vaccine mandates, Obama Center, budgets and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In These Times writer/editor Miles Kampf-Lassin has bad news about democracy. The Republicans seemed determined to get rid of it, democracy, that is. And the Democrats seem clueless as to how to stop MAGA. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Reader turns 50! Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Jon Gruden. And Reader co-publisher Tracy Baim returns to talk journalism, Reader and Facebook. Monroe closes with a few thoughts about MAGA, Bannon and January 6.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Police and Kyrie Irving form a curious anti-vax coalition. Ben riffs. Alderman Andre Vasquez and Frank Avellone talk about proposed anti-eviction ordinance. And Tom Tresser and Jonathan Peck talk TIFs.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 take the deep dive on politics. Specifically, what's wrong with Democrats? Do they want to lose? Do they want to let MAGA take control of the world? In short, do they have a clue?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 runs down all the madness. Including Ellen Pompeo having the nerve to cuss out Denzel Washington. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

June 14, 2019: Trump's interview with Fox and Friends, Trump's interview with ABC and Elizabeth Warren's latest plan. Another Alderman doing jail time? Sun Times Columnist mark brown takes the deep dive. D'Frantz Smart talks politics in sports and Host of the Fight Podcast Sergio Vicente gives us tips on how to fight Donald Trump (politically)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, including a fight between billionaires--Kenny G v. Governor Pritzker. Ben explains what Ken Griffin is really up to. Also, Mayor Lightfoot scapegoats Kim Foxx, again. DB comes in second to undecided in the latest Republican poll. And a word or two about the Bears, trying to soak taxpayers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts--of the Cubs owning Ricketts--goes to the border to keep people out. And it's not the Iowa border. Ben riffs. Marc Sims returns to talk crime and politics. And Adolfo Mondragon talks politics, crime and law. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NBA great Isiah Thomas offers some advice to antivaxxers like Kyrie Irving. And Monroe Anderson talks Pence, filibuster and insurrectionists. And state Rep. Lakesia Collins returns to talk about CPS inadequate response to COVID, Kim Foxx v. Lightfoot, and criminal justice. Also, both guests think Ben is too hard on Obama.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Facebook melts down. Ben riffs. Or tries to. Marlon Chamberlain from Fully Free joins Lisa Soloman to talk restorative justice. And state Senator Robert Peters returns to discuss dog whistles, Ken Griffin. Bears looking for handouts and the hypocrisy of "free marketers".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 riffs on the sleazy Cuomo brothers of New York City; Tucker Carlson and white replacement theory; and cancel culture as a political tool of people whose culture almost never gets cancelled.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Benji the Bookie returns and gets a little political about anti-vaxxers in the NBA. Then he gets down to the business of prognostication, regarding Ben's beloved Bulls.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.