The Ben Joravsky Show

Sun-Times reporter Evan Moore and freelance writer Jashvina Shah talk about their newly published book, Game Misconduct: Hockey's Toxic Culture and How to Fix It. They used to love the game. But it's racism, misogyny and violence eventually pushed them away. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last night was the opening episode of Ryan Murphy's ten-part saga on Clinton & Lewinsky. Ben asks who's more deceitful: Bill Clinton or Donald Trump? Monroe Anderson's answer: Trump! Political strategist Jason Lee returns to discuss the madness in his home state of Texas. Will Republicans be rewarded at the ballot box for essentially outlawing abortion? And then Jason discusses the rift between Chicago police and Cook County prosecutors.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political science professor David Faris takes the deep dive on the tragic absurdity of the United States' 20-year war in Afghanistan. Starting with 9/11 and going through Biden's withdrawal. Actually, he starts with the Soviet invasion in 1979. Like I said--the deep dive. Must listening, if you want to know...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. D saves the day. Ben riffs. Political activist Bruce Williams returns with his analysis of California's governor recall election. Bottom line--looking good for Democrats. And attorney Jim Coogan breaks down the abortion law in Texas, the Supreme Court's ruling on that law and what it means going forward. And while he's here, one brief word about the White Sox. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 29, 2019: Robert Mueller has spoken. What happened at Lori Lightfoot's first City Council meeting? Legendary Chicago Journalist Monroe Anderson and Host of "Humanity in the Headlines" Atiba Buchanan talk Mueller, Trump and more AND it's our favorite grassroots activist Amisha Patel of Grassroots Collaborative with her mystery guest talk the latest on their Lincoln Yards lawsuit. Download Wednesday's Ben Joravsky Show!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, though not limited to, the opening of school, bullies in the City Council and anti-vaxxers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Supreme Court lets Texas get away with basically outlawing abortion. Ben riffs. And firefighter Sam Holloway returns to talk about the "astro-turf" rebellion against vaccine mandates. Also, Miles Kampf-Lassin on the pitchfork rebellion.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/editor Rummana Hussain confronts the issue: How do you respond to an anti-vaxxer who says something absurd? Do you shame them?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Republican hypocrisy is so outrageous you have to laugh. Ben riffs. And Monroe Anderson returns to talk anti-covid madness. And then he sticks around to join Delmarie Cobb and Norman Solomon as they debate whether Mayor Rahm should be approved as ambassador to Japan. Delmarie and Norman are leaders in the movement against Rahm.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A pro-liberty revolt is brewing against mandating the vax. Ben asks--where were these lovers of liberty when the government was making them take drug tests? And Stacy Davis Gates, vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union, returns to talk school opening, masking and vaccine policies and educational "reformers". Also, a little Bulls talk...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, Sarah Lazare talks about Testimony, the recently published novel she wrote based on a first draft her father, Peter Lazare, left behind after he had died. It's a dark mystery dealing with sleazy utility company magnates and corrupt regulators. And, well, if you want to know more, listen to Sarah talk to Ben about writing the novel, her father's legacy and the usefulness of powerful story-telling to convey dark truths.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the Bears about to, gulp, begin another season, we turned to V & V, our football experts to make predictions: Vincent E. Norment, President of the Marijuana Hall of Fame, and Victoria Williams, CEO of ACC of Illinois. Put it this way--they're a lot of more optimistic then Ben, who's cynical & jaded after too many years of watching wretched performances by the Bears. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 21, 2019: Lori Lightfoot's inauguration in review! Hosts of "Humanity in the Headlines" Atiba Buchanan and David Seaton talk Trump, Trump and Trump! Sun-Times Investigative Reporter Stephanie Zimmermann on her latest Watchdog car insurance rip-off investigation AND Host of "The Fight" Podcast Sergio Vicente talks how democrats can be better political fighters. Download Tuesday's Ben Joravsky Show!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oh What a Week: "A Mayor and her Policemen"See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Catanzara--president of the Fraternal Order of Police and one of Chicago's biggest Trump fans--compares mandatory vaccines to sending people to Nazi gas chambers. Sorry, MAGA, that's taking it too far. Ben riffs. In These Times journalist Sarah Lazare talks about the media and Afghanistan. Specifically, the habit of giving air time to the generals who got us into this war in the first place. Also, Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi covers everything from TIFs to Trump Tower to your property tax bill.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben discovers a copy of the Wall Street Journal on his front porch. His world will never be the same. Monroe Anderson asks: Does Trump control MAGA or does MAGA control Trump? And Miles Kampf-Lassin, editor of In These Times, has a question of his own: How can Democratic congressmen claim to be "moderate" when they're to the right of President Biden? Also, discussion of Afghanistan, budgets and vaccine mandates.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 vacation in MAGAVILLE only to discover--nothing's changed! Also, attorney Leonard Goodman talks about the Obama Center. And Juanita Irizarry, executive director of Friends of the Parks, talks about Amazon in the parks. Apparently, no one in charge of the park district knows what's going on in the parks. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political science professor David Faris returns to talk about the upcoming governor's recall election in California. Somehow or other Democrats in the country's most progressive state have left the door open for a radical Trumper to replace Gavin Newsome as governor. David us leads us through each excruciating step. Also, the latest on the politics of COVID and the infrastructure showdown in Congress.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For years, John Schulian was an award-winning columnist for the Sun-Times. Then he essentially said, the hell with this. And went to Hollywood and made his name as an award-winning screen writer. He joins Ben to talk sports and politics and newspapers, among many other things.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 28, 2019: Pritzker's fair tax bill passed the house! Chicago Reader Columnist Maya Dukmasova returns to talk local politics. Sun-Times Reporter Tina Sfondeles gives us a Springfield legislation update and it's the long awaited return of the Illinois-Political-Know-It-Alls Jacob Kaplan and Dan Pogorzelski. Download Tuesday's Ben Joravsky Show!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On August 3, Cook County Chief Judge Evans joined Maya Dukmasova and Ben at their monthly talk show at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia. Among the topics of discussion—are Mayor Lightfoot & Police Chief scapegoating judges for shootings in Chicago? Also, Evan’s talks about his days as Mayor Washington’s floor leader during Council Wars. And he has a thing or two to say about his old fourth ward rival, President Toni Preckwinkle.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

July 23, 2021--Ben & Dr. D take the deep dive on a week's worth of news. Such as...Lollapooza in the face of a rise in Delta variant cases, police reform, JB running for re-election, the folly of the Olympics and the difference between pandemic, post-pandemic and post-post-pandemic. Take notes, everyone--cause it's all on the test.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vice President of the Chicago Teachers Union Stacy Davis Gates returns to talk ALL THINGS local politics, Bloomberg and what the hell happened in Iowa? 20th Ward Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor talks about the Obama Center and life in City Hall Mayor Lori Lightfoot.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Black voters and politicians are flexing their political muscle. So MAGA responds with a backlash. Ben & Monroe discuss. Also, Michael Malcolm joins the conversation to talk cannabis, guns, crime and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben riffs on Trump's insistence that Republicans swear allegiance to his "BIG LIE". And all five members of the newly formed City Council Democratic Socialist Caucus join the show to talk all things politics: Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor; Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez, Alderman Daniel La Spata and Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez. They explain why they formed the caucus and what they hope to accomplish.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Friday, April 26, 2019: Biden's apology to Anita Hill, Rahm's interview with Fran Spielman, The "Rummana Rundown" with Sun-Times Editor Rummana Hussain, Grundy County Activist Heidi Henry gives us an education on politics outside of Chicago AND Director of the Black Harvest Film Festival, Sergio Mims returns! Download Friday's Ben Joravsky Show!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Delmarie Cobb is bringing Yvette Simpson to town. Ben riffs. And then Yvette Simpson talks about Biden, white progressives, Bernie and other things, including dealing with two knuckleheads like Mayor Rahm and Chris Christie. Also, Dan Mihalopoulos of WBEZ, returns to talk about his ongoing investigation into Chicago and Evanston burying evidence of sexual harassment and assault against women lifeguards. Shame on both cities. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben didn’t get invited to Barack Obama 60th. He riffs. Monroe Anderson didn’t get invited either. He talks COVID, infrastructure and budget reconciliation. And former alderman Bob Fioretti talks redistricting.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago never seemed so divided. Ben riffs. Maya Dukmasova talks about her latest masterpiece for the Reader. And Public Defender Sharone Mitchell talks criminal justice.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 returns to talk politics. Including conspiracy theories, Tucker Carlson, and other malevolent forces.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 for another rundown. On the agenda--the MAGA reaction to critical race theory, Megyn Kelly's defense of the insurrectionists, and whether Ben's wrong for not being impressed by putting a man on the moon. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April 18, 2019: The redacted Mueller report has been released! Smollet-Gate continues and Toni talks after her election loss. Investigative Journalist Mick Dumke takes the deep dive with Ben, Union Man Ed Maher talks healthcare in America and striking Chicago Symphony Orchestra member Steve Lester returns. Download Thursday's Ben Joravsky Show!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The experts weigh in on the first week of free agency. Benji the Bookie says the Bulls blew it by signing Demar Derozen. Miles said it's to early to say for certain, but he loves Lonzo Ball. And Ben predicts--what else--a championship celebration for his beloved Bulls next summer in Grant Park. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben and Dr. "not a doctor" D riff on a week's worth of news. Including great thoughts on Jimmy Dore, Mayor Lightfoot, Governor Pritzker, Governor Cuomo, Lollapalightfoot, Dr. Arwady, Blago and much much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reporters writing stories about Park District looking the other way at evidence of sexual harrassment of lifeguards. Ben asks himself--would this happen if Harold Washington were mayor. And Jimmy Dore, comedian and podcast host, tries to convince Ben that the way for lefties to go is third party. And Ben tries to get Jimmy Dore to say something, anything, critical of Republicans. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former Tribune transportation reporter Mary Wisniewski returns to discuss Car Culture. She's writing a book about our addiction to all things cars. Also, a history lesson about the successful fight against the Crosstown Expressway.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Senator Rand Paul sends out a fundraising letter saying you don't need the COVID vaccine. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson returns with talk-show host Mark Wallace to talk Harold Washington, Tim Evans, Eugene Sawyer, Lori Lightfoot, Nina Turner and why Black voters don't vote for Bernie--among other things.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former Governor Blagojevich wants the right to run for office. Ben riffs. And Sox/Cubs experts Jim Coogan & Miles Porter return to discuss the Cubs trades. Do they know what they're doing? Or are they mindlessly paring the payroll. Also, Dave Glowacz returns with audio bits from recent City Council meetings. Time for the deep dive on what your aldermen and mayor are up to.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Political science professor David Faris returns to talk all things politics. Including what to make of people who won't get the vaccine even if it means death. Also, the culture of the confederacy. And the fallacy of bipartisanship in the age of MAGA. And more. You know, sometimes it helps to vent...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April 11, 2021: Lori Lightfoot goes to Springfield! Mayor Rahm's farewell speech, Ben and Sun-Times Writer Tommy Mac Tom McNamee debate Rahm and MORE! Chicago Federation of Labor's Jake Lewis talks state politics AND the newly elected 47th Ward Alderman (Ben's Alderman) Matt Martin discusses his victory. Download Thursday's Ben Joravsky Show!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 discuss, among other things, Boomers. Posing the question--if they're so great, how come they elected Trump? And much, much more...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oh What a Week it Was: "LollapaLightfoot" See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Does MAGA really believe the stupid things it says? Or is it just trolling liberals? And is MAGA an it? Ben discusses. Jen Walling from the Illinois Environmental Council returns to discuss the Clean Energy Bill. Also, Terry Cosgrove of Personal PAC, on why he says Roe is gone. And what Democrats can do about it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben happened to be outside the Brooklyn federal courthouse when Thomas Barrack, Trump's crony, was arraigned. He gives his report. Monroe Anderson riffs on day one of congressional hearings on January 6. And election laywer Ed Mullen explains the politics of electing Supreme Court justices in Illinois. Question: Did Democrats outfox themselves when it came to drawing the judicial maps? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stacy Davis Gates--vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union--returns to talk about all the issues of the day. Including--Mayor Lightfoot's temperment, Toni Preckwinkle's handling of the SEIU strike, how to deal with crime and what to make of Eric Adams win in New York City.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How should corporations handle employee controversies and sexual harassment scandals? Definitely not the way ESPN, the Post and Chicago’s hockey team have handled theirs. Political strategist Joanna Klonsky returns to break it all down. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump vs Pelosi rages on! Do Illinois Trump supporters support Pritzker's fair tax plan? Political Scientist Jim Lewis talks Lightfoot and the mayoral runoff, Chicago Sun-Times Director of Digital Operations Brian Ernst tells us about the new Sun-Times website and The Movie Man Chris Buddy chats about his latest film about blackjack dealers. Download Thursday's Ben Joravsky Show!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 says liberals are too mean to MAGA. Ben riffs. Housing Commissioner Marisa Novara in the need for affordable housing. And Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa returns to talk about what it took to win city council approval of a police Oversight Board.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Environmentalist and podcaster Mike Nowak returns to talk about the detrimental impact of climate change on Lake Michigan. We take the lake for granted--to our detriment.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.