WCPT 820 Interview: Jessica Chipkin and Marc Ayers

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

#Politics #News #Antonio Correa #WCPT 820

57:50

Alex (@alex_kamenca) and Carley (@carleymitus) are both members of our Action Academy Community that purchased TWO small businesses last thursday! Want To Quit Your Job In The Next 6-18 Months Through Buying Commercial Real Estate & Small Businesses? 👔🏝️ Schedule A Free 15 Minute Coaching Call With Our Team Here To Get "Unstuck" Want to know which investment strategy is best for you? Take our Free Asset-Selection Quiz Check Out Our Bestselling Book : From Passive To Passionate : How To Quit Your Job - Grow Your Wealth - And Turn Your Passions Into Profits Want A Free $100k+ Side Hustle Guide ? Follow Me As I Travel & Build: IG @brianluebben ActionAcademy.com…

17 days ago 22:27

MP3•Episode home

Joan is joined by Jessica Chipkin, president and founder of Crate Free USA, and Marc Ayers, Illinois director for Humane World for Animals (formerly The Humane Society of the United States). They discuss the April 17th event "The Business Case for a More Humane Food Supply Chain," which aims to engage college students in advocating for animal welfare.

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and Amazon.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

100 episodes

WCPT 820 Interview: Jessica Chipkin and Marc Ayers

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

published 17 days ago

MP3•Episode home

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and Amazon.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

100 episodes

#Politics #News #Antonio Correa #WCPT 820

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Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

1
WCPT 820 Interview: Emily Chertofff 23:52

2 days ago23:52

23:52

Joan is joined by Emily Chertoff , associate law professor at Georgetown University Law Center, who discussed the Trump administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act to justify sweeping deportation powers. The act, originally intended for wartime, is now being applied to individuals the Trump administration asserts are gang members. Lower courts have challenged these actions, and the Supreme Court has temporarily blocked some deportations. Chertoff highlighted the administration's disregard for due process, citing cases of sick children being deported, and emphasized the importance of political activism and legal efforts to protect civil liberties. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Rob Majdecki of ABOC 23:17

2 days ago23:17

23:17

Joan is joined by Rob Majdecki , senior vice president and chief investment officer at Amalgamated Bank of Chicago (ABOC). Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Adav Noti 21:05

2 days ago21:05

21:05

Joan is joined by Adav Noti , executive director at Campaign Legal Center. He discussed the major threats to American democracy, emphasizing the Trump administration's attempts to undermine election administration and voter registration. Noti highlighted the Campaign Legal Center's litigation against Elon Musk and DOGE for "taking actions that they simply have no legal authority to take." He also addressed the challenges in passing campaign finance reform, citing widespread public support but lack of political will. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

1
WCPT 820 Interview: Annie Karni 23:26

3 days ago23:26

23:26

Joan is joined by Annie Karni, author of “ Mad House: How Donald Trump, MAGA Mean Girls, a Former Used Car Salesman, a Florida Nepo Baby, and a Man with Rats in His Walls Broke Congress . The book details the dysfunction of the 118th Congress, highlighting the Republican majority's struggles in electing a speaker and passage of the fewest laws since the Great Depression. Key anecdotes include Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's threats to oust Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Chuck Schumer's efforts to persuade President Joe Biden to drop out of the 2024 presidential race. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Tim Murphy of Mother Jones 17:57

7 days ago17:57

17:57

Joan Esposito is joined by Tim Murphy , national correspondent at Mother Jones, who discussed Maxwell Frost, the 28-year-old second-term congressman from Florida. Frost, known for his activism in gun control and racial justice, aims to bring protest politics into Congress. Murphy spent a full day with Frost, observing his busy schedule and his efforts to make his voice heard. Frost's unique background includes working for the ACLU and organizing political campaigns. Despite being young, he has gained respect from colleagues and has been active in various protests and initiatives. The conversation also touches on the potential for younger, more diverse leadership in politics. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

1
WCPT 820 Interview: Rick Smith 23:17

8 days ago23:17

23:17

Joan is joined by Rick Smith , host of “ The Rick Smith Show ” on WCPT. Starting Monday, April 28th the show can be heard at 7:00 p.m. Central. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

1
WCPT 820 Interview: John Fugelsang 24:10

8 days ago24:10

24:10

Joan is joined by comedian John Fugelsang promoting NOT The White House Correspondents’ Dinner . Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

1
WCPT 820 Interview: Michael Frerichs 16:30

11 days ago16:30

16:30

Joan is joined by Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs , who discussed the impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs on Illinois farmers, calling attention to the financial strain and uncertainty they face. "There's a lot of fear out there," Frerichs told WCPT. "Some of them have faith that Trump will bail them out, like he did in his first term. What that means is that revenue coming in from tariffs just gets put right back into our farmers' pockets. And a lot of them [during the first Trump administration] were big, industrial farmers, large farmers; the average family farmer didn't turn out so well out there." Frerichs also emphasized the need for Democrats to present clear alternatives and govern effectively where they have power. "We're going to appoint people who actually have qualifications and not cronies," he told WCPT. "We are going to make sure we don't have conflicts of interest like this administration has all over. We as Democrats should be able to agree in some basic principles like that. But we also have Democrats who are elected to lead states and legislatures, and I think we need to provide examples of how we would govern, not just complaining what they're doing, but saying, this is the alternative. This is how we're going to grow jobs in America. Here's how we're going to educate people. Here's how we're going to restore our standing in the world. And if we have enough good examples of that, we'll regain some trust." Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: David Corn 25:29

14 days ago25:29

25:29

Joan is joined by David Corn , Mother Jones’ Washington bureau chief, MSNBC analyst, and author. They discussed Corn's "Our Land" newsletter posts on authoritarianism and history . He highlighted historical examples like Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, and Trump's executive order , "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History." Corn noted the fear among politicians like Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and the potential for legal retaliation by the Trump administration against the president's critics, including Corn himself. "I do think if you fear them, they win," Corn told WCPT. "I mean, the first thing that an authoritarian or that a bully does is try to scare you. They'd rather not throw a punch, because sometimes they can be hit back. Sometimes that punch might not land. Trump's a bully, and he rather would overcome and win with bluster first and with threats. That's not to say that he wouldn't try afterwards to make good on those threats, and he certainly is doing that in certain areas. But I think you have to just, at least initially, resist the urge to be scared of these people. That doesn't mean you shouldn't be prudent and take precautions, but I guess that means [to] not sort of let the fear dominate your decision making or determine your decision making." Corn also discussed the impact of public protests and the vulnerability of Republican lawmakers who won their districts with narrow margins. (Photo credit: Mother Jones) Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

1
WCPT 820 Interview: Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering 24:06

15 days ago24:06

24:06

Joan is joined by Nancy Rotering , mayor of Highland Park and founder of the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic . She discussed the clinic's 10th anniversary and its work on immigration, housing, and domestic violence cases. The clinic has grown from a few attorneys and volunteers to 40 full-time employees, 24 licensed attorneys and social workers, and 200 pro bono attorneys. Rotering also highlighted the clinic's role in supporting the Highland Park community following the July 4, 2022 mass shooting. The North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic will be celebrating its 10th anniversary on May 3 at Independence Grove in Libertyville. The event’s title is "Recipe for Justice." Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

1
WCPT 820 Interview: Jessica Chipkin and Marc Ayers 22:27

17 days ago22:27

22:27

Joan is joined by Jessica Chipkin , president and founder of Crate Free USA , and Marc Ayers , Illinois director for Humane World for Animals (formerly The Humane Society of the United States). They discuss the April 17th event " The Business Case for a More Humane Food Supply Chain ," which aims to engage college students in advocating for animal welfare. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

1
WCPT 820 Interview: Nnedi Okorafor and Carey Cranston 23:30

18 days ago23:30

23:30

Joan is joined by author Nnedi Okorafor and Carey Cranston , president of the American Writers Museum . They talk about the April 22nd kickoff event for the AWM’s new exhibit and program initiative, " American Prophets: Writers, Religion, and Culture ," which examines the relationship between American writers and religion. This program is being held in partnership with Chicago Public Library. "American Prophets" opens November 2025. Okorafor is the author of multiple award-winning and New York Times bestsellers, including " Death of the Author ," the Binti trilogy, " Who Fears Death ," and " Lagoon ," currently in development at Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment. She has won every major prize in speculative fiction, including the World Fantasy, Nebula, and Eisner Awards; multiple Hugo Awards; and the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa. Born in Cincinnati to Igbo Nigerian immigrant parents, she now resides in Phoenix, Arizona, with her daughter, Anyaugo. [ Bio source : https://tinyurl.com/2p8x4d4a] Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

1
WCPT 820 Interview: Law Professor Michael Kelly 44:51

19 days ago44:51

44:51

Joan is joined by Michael Kelly , professor of law at Creighton University in Omaha. Kelly discussed the unpredictable nature of Donald Trump's foreign policy, particularly his handling of the Ukraine war and interactions with Vladimir Putin. He noted Trump's ego-driven decisions, such as imposing tariffs, which have led to international tensions and chaos. The conversation also covered current political dynamics within the United States. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

1
WCPT 820 Interview: Travel expert Joe Brancatelli 29:40

22 days ago29:40

29:40

Joan is joined by Joe Brancatelli , publisher of the business travel newsletter Joe Sent Me , who discussed the impact of recent air incidents and the reduction in air traffic controllers on air travel safety. He also discussed the potential reduction in flights to Europe due to the economic uncertainty caused by trade tensions and the long-term outlook for the air travel industry, including the retirement of larger aircraft and the shift to smaller, less comfortable planes. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

1
WCPT 820 Interview: Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) 10:26

28 days ago10:26

10:26

Joan is joined by Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL), who discussed the Trump administration's "opaque" and incoherent immigration policies and highlighted the recent court ruling mandating the return to the U.S. of Salvadoran national Kilmar Armando Abrego Garciato. A Salvadoran national who is a resident of Maryland and father of an autistic five-year-old boy, Garciato has been detained in an El Salvadorian prison for weeks. Quigley also criticized the administration's tariff policy and drastic funding cuts to international aid, scientific research, health care, and environmental protection. "One of the concerns I have is there is so much going on," he said. "Issues like climate change aren't on the front page. I think it's probably the issue that our grandchildren would be most angry with us about." Quigley emphasized the need for Congress to use its voice and votes to counteract these policies. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

1
WCPT 820 Interview: Amie Parnes 26:03

29 days ago26:03

26:03

Joan is joined by Amy Parnes , who discusses her new book, " Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House ," co-authored with Jonathan Allen. The book covers the unprecedented 2024 presidential election, highlighting Joe Biden's faltering debate performance, which led to his dropping out of the race, and Kamala Harris's swift rise. Parnes reveals that Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi had doubts about Harris's viability as a candidate. The book also delves into Trump's campaign dynamics, including his vice presidential pick and the impact of the Pennsylvania assassination attempt on his campaign. Parnes notes that the book serves as a lesson for future campaigns, emphasizing the importance of learning from past mistakes. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

1
WCPT 820 Interview: Ari Berman 19:59

5 weeks ago19:59

19:59

Joan is joined by Ari Berman , Mother Jones’ national voting rights correspondent and the author of Minority Rule: The Right-Wing Attack on the Will of the People—and the Fight to Resist It and Give Us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America. The conversation centered on the April 1st Wisconsin Supreme Court election, where Judge Susan Crawford faces Elon Musk-backed conservative Brad Schimel. Musk has invested over $20 million in the Schimel campaign, a record for a judicial race. The election is seen as a referendum on Musk's influence. A win for Schimel, Berman said, could embolden Musk to intervene in more elections, while a win for Crawford has the potential to motivate Democrats to use anti-Musk messaging in future campaigns and induce Republicans to distance themselves from Musk. "I certainly think that Republicans will take the message that being so close to Musk could be a political liability to them," Berman told WCPT. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

1
WCPT 820 Interview: Shai Feldman 23:27

5 weeks ago23:27

23:27

Joan is joined by Shai Feldman , the Raymond Frankel Chair in Israeli Politics and Society at the Crown Center for Middle East Studies and Professor of Politics at Brandeis University. Feldman discussed a potential U.S. military strike against Iran, noting that Iran is in a state of relative weakness, economically strained, and may be inclined to negotiate. In Israel, he said, protests are ongoing due to government efforts to essentially threaten "all the most important gatekeepers of Israeli democracy," up to the Supreme Court. If the government decides "to ignore the Supreme Court decisions," Feldman said, "then Israel will find itself in the most extreme constitutional crisis in its history, because this would be a head-to-head battle between the Supreme Court on one side and the politicians on the other side." Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

1
WCPT 820 Interview: Skye Perryman 11:04

5 weeks ago11:04

11:04

Joan is joined by Skye Perryman , president and CEO of Democracy Forward , who discussed Democracy Forward's legal efforts to block President Donald Trump's invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, halt the national funding freeze affecting essential services, and thwart Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency's access to Social Security data. They have also sued "to stop the decimation of the U.S. Department of Education" and to protect religious freedom. Perryman also highlighted the importance of civil servants. "These are people that work and advise administrations -- Democratic administrations, Republican administrations," she said. "They swear an oath to the Constitution and not to any particular political ideology. And the president doesn't like those civil servants and Elon Musk doesn't like those civil servants because their job is to advise and to really be motivated by the law and by the well-being of the American people." Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

1
WCPT 820 Interview: Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL) 20:56

7 weeks ago20:56

20:56

Joan is joined by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL), who discussed his March 18 Benedictine University town hall, which is already over capacity and will be live-streamed on Facebook. Foster highlighted key legislative battles in Congress, including the continuing resolution, budget, and debt ceiling votes, emphasizing the importance of protecting Medicaid. He also mentioned the impact of Trump's actions on rural hospitals and the need for local elected officials to speak out against the administration's illegal actions. He noted the strategic importance of nonpartisan primaries and ranked-choice voting to foster a healthier democracy. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

1
WCPT 820 Interview: Tom Skilling 44:59

7 weeks ago44:59

44:59

Filling in for Joan Esposito, John St. Augustine talked to WGN-TV chief meteorologist emeritus Tom Skilling , who discussed his 45-year career as a TV weatherman and the realities and impacts of climate change. Skilling emphasized the importance of accurate weather forecasting, making mention of advancements in technology, such as the Aurora exascale supercomputer, which performs 2.5 billion mathematical equations per second. He also addressed the public's fascination with weather and the need for better climate models to predict extreme weather events. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

1
WCPT 820 Interview: David Super of Georgetown Law 23:38

8 weeks ago23:38

23:38

Filling in for Joan Esposito, William Muck talked to Georgetown Professor of Law and Economics David Super , who discussed the Trump administration's actions in the legal sphere. Super criticized the administration's attempts to dictate how universities conduct themselves, citing the letter recently sent to Georgetown Law by interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Ed Martin, demanding the school end all diversity, equity and inclusion efforts or risk a hiring freeze from his office. "It's absolutely outrageous that they're trying to leverage government power to tell a private university how to teach and what to teach," Super told WCPT. "Georgetown is a Jesuit institution. We follow the principles of the Jesuits, which require looking at everyone as a full human being and taking them as such. It's disappointing that they're so unwilling to accept that." Evaluating the second Trump administration's actions writ large, Super said that "we absolutely are" entering a constitutional crisis, noting that checks and balances have been "the essence of constitutional law from the very beginning of our Constitution, and President Trump rejects that. He believes we need a strong president who can do whatever he wants and is largely unchecked by Congress in the courts." Super explained terms like "arbitrary and capricious" and impoundment and called attention to the administration's defiance of court orders. He also warned of the administration's attempts to eliminate neutral arbiters, like judge advocate generals in the military. "Even more alarming than [Trump] firing the senior military lawyers was the stated reason for doing so, that they might object to things that the administration wants to do," Super said. "Well, that's exactly why we have judge advocate generals in the military, because the military has enormous power and we want some independent assurance that that will be handled lawfully and in accordance with our Constitution. So I found that quite chilling." Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

1
WCPT 820 Interview: Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL) 12:37

8 weeks ago12:37

12:37

On Friday Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL) joined WCPT's William Muck to discuss the far-reaching impact of Trump administration actions during the first seven weeks of President Donald Trump's second term in the White House. "We're neck deep in a constitutional crisis," Casten told WCPT. "If we were to end the Trump administration tomorrow, it would probably take a decade to repair the damage," he said, citing potential leaks of intelligence to adversaries like Russia and China and the erosion of faith in the United States that our historic allies have already experienced. Casten, who defeated incumbent Republican Peter Roskam in the 2018 midterms during the first Trump administration, said that he has spoken to House GOP colleagues who have privately revealed their opposition to certain Trump administration actions but told him they prefer to keep their heads down and not put their families at risk by voting against the president. "As a fellow member of Congress," Casten said, "I'm very sympathetic to that. At the same time, there is a sense of, if leadership is hard, maybe you're in the wrong line of work." He added: "I think we have to elevate this conversation above partisanship as much as we can. We are in a moment where I think anybody in public office needs to be, for lack of a better word, Churchillian. We need to be making it very clear to the American people, this is the stakes of what's going on right now; this is the consequences of what happens if we don't fix it quickly. I make no promise that if we fight we will succeed. I need to be very clear-eyed about what the consequences and the potential costs of that fight are. But I can guarantee you that if we don't fight, we will lose this 250-year-old experiment." Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

1
WCPT 820 Interview: Professor Michael Kang 23:14

8 weeks ago23:14

23:14

Joan is joined by Northwestern Law Professor Michael Kang , who discussed the Supreme Court's role in checking executive power and warned of potential constitutional crises if the Trump administration openly defies court orders. Kang highlighted strategic decisions made by the Supreme Court, like delaying a ruling last year in Trump v. United States, thereby allowing Trump to evade criminal accountability before the November election (the ruling confers presidential immunity for acts committed as president). He also spoke of the influence of campaign money on judicial elections and discussed "sore loser" laws, which prevent primary losers from running in general elections, and their role in political polarization. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

1
WCPT 820 Interview: Mike Lux 22:53

8 weeks ago22:53

22:53

Joan is joined by Mike Lux , co-founder of Democracy Partners and author of the Soul of the Party newsletter on Substack. He discussed the strategic errors of the Democratic Party, emphasizing the need to actively resist Republican neofascism rather than "playing dead," as James Carville recently advised. Lux also highlighted the importance of addressing voter perceptions that Democrats are weak and not fighting for them, criticized the Biden-Harris administration's focus on broad economic numbers over immediate voter concerns, and stressed the need for better outreach and mobilization, particularly through social media and progressive media infrastructure. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) 15:46

8 weeks ago15:46

15:46

Joan is joined by Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL), who discussed strategies for Democratic Party resistance against President Donald Trump's policies and highlighted the importance of maintaining faith in American institutions and ideals. He said that despite finding that a majority of his constituents prefer Congress to work "on their behalf in a bipartisan way . . . that's not possible right now. The Republicans have made it very clear they want nothing to do with the Democrats. They want to ram down their agenda to put burdens on working families," he said. Schneider took aim at House Republicans for recently passing a budget blueprint that calls for $880 billion in spending cuts. "The bulk of that has to come out of Medicaid," he said. "Seventy million Americans rely on Medicaid for their health care. Forty percent of the babies born in the country are born covered by Medicaid. This is a horrific agenda. We're not going to enable it. "So it's very hard to envision how there might be a prospect for bipartisan effort. That said, if the Republicans wanted to come to the table and put out ideas that are going to benefit people, going to lower prices at the grocery store, make housing more affordable, those would all be things that Democrats would sit down and talk to our colleagues about. But that's not what they're interested in." Schneider told WCPT that he had invited 20-year Army veteran Adam Mulvey to be his guest at that evening's presidential address to a joint session of Congress. "He was a probationary employee, which means that he was in his first year of service -- 11 months," Schneider said. "He was getting rave reviews, and in the middle of the night, he got an email from DOGE [the Department of Government Efficiency], from the Elon Musk team saying we no longer want your services; you're being terminated. And what's worse, it was a form letter; it went out to at least 6,000 veterans, thousands of federal workers, saying you're being terminated for performance. It had nothing to do with their performance. Their probationary status was a reflection of their tenure, not a reflection on the quality of their work." Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) 10:03

8 weeks ago10:03

10:03

Joan is joined by Congresswoman Robin Kelly , who spoke about her intention to attend Donald Trump's joint address to Congress later that evening, despite her expectation that the president will deliver a stream of negativity, lies, and "pats on the back for himself and the co-president," Kelly told WCPT, referring to Elon Musk. She highlighted the need for Democrats to protest, hold town halls, and leverage the courts to oppose Trump's actions and stressed the importance of public pressure on Republican representatives to stand against Trump. Kelly also talked about the guest she had invited to attend the joint address, Dr. Lisa Green. "She runs one of the federally qualified health care centers in my district," Kelly said. "She is a phenomenal doctor. She runs a phenomenal center. And so I'm very concerned if there's cuts in, like, the ($)880 billion they want to cut in Medicaid and things like that that will really hurt health care facilities, not, of course, only in my district but in many areas. But I have a lot of people in my district that will be affected, as many as 300,000." Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Thom Hartmann 23:52

9 weeks ago23:52

23:52

Joan is joined by Thom Hartmann , host of “ The Thom Hartmann Program ,” weekdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Central on WCPT. They discuss the assault on democracy by the likes of Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, Elon Musk, and the Heritage Foundation, and highlight the importance of grassroots activism and public pressure on leadership. They also criticize the lack of public engagement from prominent Democrats like Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Barack Obama, advocating for more local activism and support for progressive politicians. Thom calls for a bottom-up approach to revitalize the Democratic Party and emphasizes the need for bold, visible action. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Alex Lawson 22:48

9 weeks ago22:48

22:48

Joan is joined by Alex Lawson , executive director of Social Security Works , who discussed the just-passed House budget resolution that instructs committees to cut $880 billion from Medicaid, potentially affecting millions of Americans. Despite one Republican's opposition to the resolution -- due to what he considered insufficient spending cuts -- all other House Republicans voted in favor. Lawson highlighted the political cowardice of representatives who won their 2024 House races by narrow margins and now risk losing their seats due to the votes they cast on the resolution; Iowa Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks is one of those Republicans. "You can bet your bottom dollar that Social Security Works, my organization, and our partners on the ground in Iowa are going to be making a ruckus," Lawson said about plans to exert pressure on Miller-Meeks. "We've got a billboard truck that we're sending imminently to her district. We're going to go to every single Social Security office, nursing home in her district to let people know that she's voting to steal 66,000 people's health care in her district; she's voting to close the 15 nursing homes in her district. And we feel like we can pressure her and make sure that she's hearing more from her constituents than from Donald Trump and Elon Musk." Lawson emphasized the need for solidarity and direct action to protect vital programs like Medicaid and Social Security. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Joel Ostrow 50:59

9 weeks ago50:59

50:59

Marking the three-year anniversary of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, Joan is joined by Joel Ostrow , Benedictine University political science professor and co-host of the World Discord podcast . In the interview Ostrow pointed out that the $68 billion in military support the United States has provided to Ukraine since 2022 amounts to "three tenths of 1 percent of total U.S. spending." He emphasized the Trump administration's abandonment of Ukraine and the increased potential for Russia to use nuclear weapons, "because who's going to oppose Russia now? Where's the deterrent? There is no deterrent. We're not just a Russian ally; we're a subservient stooge to the Kremlin," Ostrow said. He also discussed the the lack of Republican Party opposition and the need for a national strike to resist authoritarianism. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Reid McCollum 8:09

9 weeks ago8:09

8:09

Joan is joined by Reid McCollum , chair of the Democratic Party of DuPage County . He discussed DuPage Democrats' March 2nd 50th Anniversary Gala , where Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Sen. Dick Durbin, and North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton will appear. McCollum attributed the shift towards Democratic support in collar counties to demographic changes and the backlash against Trump's extremism. DuPage now has a Democratic County Board chair and a supermajority on the board, McCollum said, and "every member of Congress that represents DuPage is a Democrat. [T]he last place where we need to make a lot of progress is the local level of government, which is what is on the ballot on April 1st, from school boards to local municipal offices, township offices, where Republicans still have huge majorities in in those offices. And we're hoping to change that on April 1st and the gala allows us to have the resources to be able to support the candidates running in the spring." Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) 7:56

10 weeks ago7:56

7:56

Joan is joined by Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) at the Southland Friends of Labor 16th Annual Jobs Breakfast at IBEW 176. Her guest co-host is Tom Villanova, retired president of the Chicago and Cook County Building and Construction Trades Council. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Tom Villanova 13:38

10 weeks ago13:38

13:38

Joan talks to Tom Villanova, retired president of the Chicago and Cook County Building and Construction Trades Council, ahead of the Southland Friends of Labor 16th Annual Jobs Breakfast, Monday, February 24th, at IBEW 176, 110 Frontage Road in Joliet Learn more: https://www.southlandfriendsoflabor.com . Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Joel Ostrow 49:21

10 weeks ago49:21

49:21

Joan is joined by Joel Ostrow , Benedictine University political science professor and co-host of the World Discord podcast . He discussed the Russian constitution and its evolution under Boris Yeltsin and Vladimir Putin, highlighting how Yeltsin handwrote amendments to the constitution that paved the way for him "to seize control, to dominate elections, to even, some may say, rig some of the elections during the 1990s, and ultimately paved the way for Putin to ignore the constitution and install his murderous dictatorship." Ostrow compared this to current U.S. political dynamics, emphasizing the erosion of democratic norms and institutions under President Donald Trump. He asserted that the U.S. is experiencing a constitutional crisis, with Congress and the judiciary losing their traditional roles, and stressed the need for a fundamental shift in how elections and governance are conducted to prevent further erosion of democracy. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Spencer Critchley 46:14

10 weeks ago46:14

46:14

Joan is joined by Spencer Critchley , author of “Patriots of Two Nations” and host of the podcast “ Dastardly Cleverness in the Service of Good .” His new book is "T he Liberal Backbone ." Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Peter Fenn 24:19

11 weeks ago24:19

24:19

Joan is joined by Democratic strategist Peter Fenn , who discussed the importance of Democrats resisting Donald Trump's policies through legal efforts and organizing at the grassroots level to take back the House of Representatives in 2026. Fenn warned of the dangers of Trump's authoritarian tendencies, comparing them to Hungary's Viktor Orbán. He also criticized Trump and Elon Musk for their self-serving policies, particularly the tax cuts benefiting the wealthy and the impact on programs like Head Start and Medicaid. Fenn is the author of Fenn Daily . Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Rich Logis Leaving MAGA 24:32

11 weeks ago24:32

24:32

Joan is joined by Rich Logis , founder and executive director of Leaving MAGA . He discussed his journey from a hardcore MAGA supporter to a Trump critic, revealing that his departure took a year due to strong community ties and the "liberating but painful realization" that his political beliefs were based on lies. He cited the Uvalde school shooting as a pivotal moment. "After that day, Joan, I quietly left MAGA," Logis told WCPT. "I only told a few people. I privately left. And when I did that, something was gnawing at me that that wasn't enough. I was always very unapologetically public in my support for Trump; I felt that I needed to reciprocate and I needed to be unapologetically public in my renunciation of MAGA. And it was on August 30, 2022 when I published a mea culpa and in that mea culpa I said that I was wrong, that I hurt others, and that I was sorry that I supported Trump." Logis also talked about his five-step guide for re-engaging MAGA supporters, stressing the importance of respectful conversations and understanding motivations -- "first empathy, then education," in the words of his ebook . Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Illinois state Rep. Kam Buckner 20:04

11 weeks ago20:04

20:04

Joan talks to Illinois state Rep. Kam Buckner (26th House District), who discussed his mix of optimism and nervousness in regard to the second Trump administration, emphasizing the need to focus on actions over rhetoric. He also highlighted the role of state legislatures in countering bad federal policy, talked about constituent concerns over crime and Trump administration overreach, commented on the recent conviction of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, and outlined his legislative priorities in Springfield, including affordable housing and budget negotiations. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Greg Palast 23:01

11 weeks ago23:01

23:01

Filmmaker, author and investigative journalist Greg Palast talks to Joan Esposito about the impact of "vicious" Republican vote-suppression tactics on the 2024 presidential election, pointing out that without that factor, Kamala Harris would have received enough votes to win the presidency. "What happened was one of the worst, most biased, Jim Crow elections I've ever seen," Palast told WCPT. He also found that 2.12 million mail-in ballots were not counted, with Black voters having a 400 percent higher chance of disqualification. Palast mentioned that 4.7 million voters were purged without evidence of wrongdoing, and 42.3 percent of provisional ballots were discarded. He advocated passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to combat these issues. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Joe Walsh 28:00

11 weeks ago28:00

28:00

Joan is joined by Joe Walsh , former congressman, political pundit, and host of The Social Contract with Joe Walsh . The anti-Trump former Republican discussed the challenges facing the Democratic Party and the need for an authentic and populist Democratic leader who can connect with regular Americans. He criticized the party for being out of touch and elitist, contrasting this with Donald Trump's ability to harness public anger. Walsh highlighted the importance of the judiciary in checking Trump's actions and expressed concern about the lack of courage among elected Republicans. "Any voice that would be there has already left the party like me," Walsh told WCPT. "There's no voice. There's going to be no rescue from the Republican Party. This country needs to wrap their arms around that. We have two major political parties and one of them affirmed in November that they are an authoritarian-embracing cult, period." Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Dr. Zachary Rubin 13:46

11 weeks ago13:46

13:46

Joan is joined by Dr. Zachary Rubin , allergist/immunologist at Oak Brook Allergists , who discussed his efforts to disseminate reliable public health information on social media, the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Department of Health & Human Services, the importance of staying updated on vaccinations due to ongoing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, and the potential health risks of drinking raw milk. He also advocated for healthy skepticism of online medical information and mental health breaks. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: ProPublica's Brett Murphy 22:30

11 weeks ago22:30

22:30

Joan is joined by Brett Murphy , Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter on ProPublica’s national desk. They discussed the Trump administration's illegal federal funding freeze, which affected a vast number of programs and agencies, including Head Start and the National Institutes of Health. Murphy also talked about the recent ProPublica article he authored with Anna Maria Barry-Jester that highlighted the impact on medical facilities in Sudan, where staff chose to keep operations running despite Donald Trump's order to halt aid, risking the lives of up to 100 babies and toddlers. The article also covered the drastic measures taken by the Trump administration to halt USAID operations, including putting civil servants on leave and restricting access to systems. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) 13:41

11 weeks ago13:41

13:41

Wisconsin Congressman Mark Pocan joins Joan Esposito. The Madison Democrat is chair emeritus of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. In the interview Pocan discussed the Eliminate Looting of Our Nation by Mitigating Unethical State Kleptocracy (ELON MUSK) Act, which he introduced in the House in early February. "An unelected, unaccountable person shouldn't be in the position [Elon Musk] is in," Pocan told WCPT, referring to the sweeping power President Donald Trump has granted Musk to remake the federal government. "He's been put in charge of essentially every federal agency, turning on and off the spigots of money, and this is a guy who is receiving money from those spigots through federal contracts – $20 billion disclosed, plus more undisclosed. "So the bill basically says either he can keep his contracts . . . or he can have the federal job that he's got. But you can't have both, because certainly that does lead to corruption." Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Renato Mariotti 21:20

12 weeks ago21:20

21:20

Renato Mariotti , former federal prosecutor, legal analyst, and co-host of the " It's Complicated " podcast, joined Joan Esposito to discuss the impact of Donald Trump's presidency on democratic institutions and law enforcement. He highlighted Trump's efforts to purge the FBI and DOJ and deploy a "flood the zone" strategy "with all sorts of tactics and wrongdoing [where Trump] can count on the fact that people don't have the time to pay attention," Mariotti told WCPT. He identified the courts and public opinion as two important tools "that we have to try to preserve our democracy." Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT ( heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive ). And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , TuneIn , iHeartRadio , YouTube , and Amazon . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

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WCPT 820 Interview: Rebecca Little and Colleen Long 24:45

12 weeks ago24:45