Best Ben Joravsky Podcasts (2025)

1
Oh, What a Week—Going Hard on the Guard 50:08

Play Pause

2d ago50:08

50:08

Ben and Dr D take on all the issues, including…The new alliance between Mayor Johnson and Governor Pritzker to stand up against Trump’s invasion. And the governor talks about his weight. And all the latest local updates. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

1
State Senator Rachel Ventura--Playing By The Rules 56:57

4d ago56:57

56:57

Boss Donnie and his baby boys make big bucks off of Crypto. Ben riffs. State Senator Rachel Ventura explains why she's recording today's show in her car--in contrast to the Trumps flaunting their disdain for ethics and propriety. Rachel offers one riff after another on AI, crypto, the need for progressive taxation, the impact of tariffs on farmers,…

1
Nick Uniejewski—Staying The Invasion 44:10

5d ago44:10

44:10

As Trump prepares to invade Chicago, a federal judge rules that the invasion of Cali was unconstitutional. Ben riffs. Nick Uniejewski makes his show debut. He’s running against Senator Sara Feigenholtz, an entrenched incumbent in a North Side district that’s not had a contested Democratic primary since—get ready for this—Ben was in high school. In …

1
Jack White--Combatting Stupid 1:00:40

7d ago1:00:40

1:00:40

After experimenting with making nice to MAGA, Gavin Newsom goes for the jugular. Ben riffs. Jack White talks fascism, Trump, racism and the military occupations. Also, a conversation about the MAGA attempt to deny the existence of the trans-Atlantic slave trade elicits this confession from Jack: "I don't know how to combat stupid." But he goes on t…

1
Oh, What a Week—Sorry, Mate 1:11:03

9d ago1:11:03

1:11:03

Ben and Dr D have a week’s worth of news to discuss. But first! Ben apologizes to Cameron Maine for calling him British. He’s Australian. Cameron explains how he turned a passion for gaming into a career covering Illinois politics for WMBD in Peoria. Then back to the beat for B and D…News on Pritzker, Trump, Alderman Sposato, Darren Bailey and more…

1
Rummana Hussain—Cheesy Jussie 44:53

11d ago44:53

44:53

Trump says he can do anything he wants--like invading Chicago. Ben riffs. Rummana Hussain predicts Chicago's reaction to an invasion. Then it's all things Jussie--again. As Ben and Rummana pick up a conversation they've been having for--get ready--six years! Yes, six years of Jussie talk. The pretext this time around? A new Netflix documentary that…

1
State Rep Kam Buckner—The Hefty Lefty 1:01:00

12d ago1:01:00

1:01:00

Trump makes a Daley-like power move against Intel. Ben riffs. Kam Buckner talks about Trump's threat to send the national guard to Chicago--or just about any blue state city with a Black mayor. How Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson should respond. Redistricting battles state by state. Winning statehouse seats is the key to saving democracy. Why K…

1
David Faris----The Dummymanderers 1:02:40

14d ago1:02:40

1:02:40

An article in the Nation shows how the best-and-brightest Dems screwed up 2011 redistricting so bad, we're still paying for it. Ben riffs. Then David Faris goes deeper into the topic--as he co-wrote that Nation article with David Daley. In short, everything you need to know about how the game of redistricting. Stick around for a maestro David Faris…

1
State Sen. Robert Peters--Bleeding Blue 51:02

16d ago51:02

51:02

The NYT political writers are up to their old tricks—scaring anxious liberal Boomers. Ben riffs. On the eve of his rally with Bernie Sanders, Robert Peters explains why he’s running for Congress from the Second District and what he intends to do if he wins. Why he’s proud to have co-sponsored the bill to end cash bail. On being Black and Jewish. An…

1
Monroe Anderson--Happy Slaves 1:00:14

18d ago1:00:14

1:00:14

As MAGA Republicans in the Texas statehouse threaten to jail their Democratic colleagues for opposing their newly gerrymandered map, Bill Daley calls for Illinois to essentially give more legislative districts to Republicans. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks Daleys and Republicans. And Trump's demand that the Smithsonian concentrate on the good sid…

1
Mick Dumke--The Litmus Test 1:09:18

19d ago1:09:18

1:09:18

Ben returns from Michigan with good news. Sorta. Mick Dumke, lover of all things Michigan, takes the Mitten State political trivia challenge--which counties voted for Kamala over Trump? Proving...as goes Michigan, so goes the country. Can Abdul El Sayed defeat Congresswoman Haley Stevens in next year's Democratic senate primary? Think of it as Bern…

1
Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor--Twisted Priorities 1:01:51

19d ago1:01:51

1:01:51

1
Flint Taylor--The Torture Machine 52:41

23d ago52:41

52:41

A liberal friend complains about Epsteingate getting too much attention. Ben riffs. Flint Taylor tells the long, sordid story of the torture of Black prisoners by Jon Burge and his cronies on the police force. It’s a crime that was made possible because powerful people in a position to stop it, were looking the other way. Flint is the “lefty lawyer…

1
Eric Klinenberg--Heatwave City 56:44

25d ago56:44

56:44

Thirty years ago, the institutions intended to protect Chicago's most vulnerable residents melted in the face of a brutal heatwave that killed over 700 people. Ben riffs. Eric Klinenberg, who wrote the book on what happened, talks about how the heatwave exposed inequities that plague Chicago to this day. How Mayor Daley tried to dismiss the deaths …

1
Heidi Henry--Country Club Dems 55:24

26d ago55:24

55:24

Baby Bobby pulls the plug on Covid vaccines—will Trump get a shot? Heidi Henry on the Democrats. They’re like the children of alcoholics, trying to please everybody. And what happens when Country-Club Dems take over the party. Heidi is the president of Illinois Valley Indivisible and host of the Heartland Mamas podcast. See Privacy Policy at https:…

1
Jim Coogan--Degradation of Justice 1:05:35

28d ago1:05:35

1:05:35

Woody Allen shows love for Jeffrey Epstein. Ben riffs. Jim Coogan talks about the degradation of justice and the Justice Department under Trump. Perhaps best epitomized by Todd Blanche, the number 2 lawyer in Justice and Trump’s former criminal defense lawyer, meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell in prison. Speaking of degradation, Trump gets Texas Repub…

1
Oh, What a Week--Meet The Butter Cow, Texas! 1:06:36

1M ago1:06:36

1:06:36

Ben and Dr. D slice and dice the news of the week. Including...Teddy D makes his move. That is, Ted Dabrowski says he may be running against Governor Pritzker as a Republican. He tells John Oliver (not really, John Oliver) all about it. Anyway--meet Teddy D. Gregory Pratt breaks another big story--leading Ben to rant and rail (I mean, passionately …

1
Leor Galil--Lolla City 1:02:04

1M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

Right-wing Hindus try to scare Jewish New Yorkers into voting for anyone other than Zohran Mamdani--another sign the world's gone mad. Ben riffs. Leor Galil dissects Lollapalooza. What does it say about Chicago that it happily turns over prime downtown lakefront park space to a mega-money-making machine. Same question regarding NASCAR. Speaking of …

1
Jacob Kaplan--The Key Ingredient 58:09

1M ago58:09

58:09

Rich guys sucking up to Trump to get favorable rulings receive a surprise--apparently, the recipe to win him over includes an ingredient they overlooked. Ben riffs. Jacob Kaplan talks Democratic slating. Why Hynes got slated over Kaegi. And Croke over Villa. And what is the party's position on Gaza. And redistricting fights--will Illinois retaliate…

1
Kina Collins--Things Have Changed 1:01:53

1M ago1:01:53

1:01:53

A year ago, Democratic political activists like Kina Collins were the only people urging congress to stop unconditionally arming Israel. Now even mainstream reporters are singing this song. Ben riffs. Kina Collins returns to talk Dems, Israel and Gaza. Once again, a major Epsteingate story breaks mid recording. In this case, Ghislaine Maxwell gets …

1
Kevin Blackistone--South Park Resistance 1:08:32

1M ago1:08:32

1:08:32

South Park's creators show there are other ways to deal with King Donnie--other than kissing his ring. Ben riffs. Kevin Blackistone talks about the impact of media mergers on media independence. Also, the latest on Washington, DC football arena. Trump orders the Washington Commanders to change their name to the Redskins or he won't let them build a…

1
Miles Kampf-Lassin--Mad At Mamdani 56:27

1M ago56:27

56:27

Mayor Rahm and Governor Shapiro have harsh words for Zohran Mamdani, but silence as kids starve in Gaza. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin talks Gaza, Israel, Dems and Mamdani. And why Netanyahu telling Trump he's nominating him for a Nobel Peace Prize just may be the the most cynical act of suck up in the history of politics. Also, a few words about E…

1
Monroe Anderson--Buried On Page 14 1:00:03

1M ago1:00:03

1:00:03

Apparently, Trump's Justice Department and Ghislaine Maxwell are playing footsie--got nothing but nice things to say about each other. Ben riffs. Monroe says what he thinks they're saying without them coming right out and saying. If you dig what I mean. Get ready for Espteingate to transform into pardongate. In the middle of our recording, the Wall…

1
Joanna Klonsky--Creep Report 1:00:22

1M ago1:00:22

1:00:22

Another day, another story links Trump to Epstein. Ben riffs. Joanna Klonsky talks creeps in politics.. Trump being the face of this type. And Bill Clinton. Speaking of which--why do Dems still suck up to Clinton? And why didn't Merrick Garland release the Epstein files? What is the playbook pols follow to divert attention from their misbehavior? W…

1
Oh, What A Week!--Batter Up 1:06:24

1M ago1:06:24

1:06:24

Ben & Dr D cruise all over the place as they survey a week's worth of news. Including...Cleveland, where Mayor Johnson meets with other mayors. And Springfield, where Governor Pritzker runs for president and governor. And Kerry Wood Field, where aldermen play police in softball. And CTA trains, where Mayor Johnson tries to crack down on smoking. An…

1
Mueze Bawany--Grocery Politics 1:01:31

2M ago1:01:31

1:01:31

Zohran Mamdani plans to build a grocery store in a food desert--mainstreamers lose their minds. Ben riffs. Mueze Bawany returns! And promptly compares Mayor Johnson to the Z-man. And explains why he's going to New York City to campaign for Mamdani. Also, he tries to convince Ben to give millennials a break--even if they no nothing about the parking…

1
Rummana Hussain--Don't Fall For The Okie Doke, MAGA 59:38

2M ago59:38

59:38

Trump tries to bamboozle MAGA on Epstein by asking the court to unseal grand jury testimony. Is MAGA so dumb as to fall for this ruse? Ben riffs. Rummana Hussain weighs in. Also, "good" versus "bad" Muslims. A few words about Zohran Mamdani who answers the intifada question--again! Why do capitalists hate socialism so much? Finally, Ben welcomes Yu…

1
David Faris--Epstein The Enigma 59:40

2M ago59:40

59:40

Espteingate rises from the swamp--again. Ben riffs. David Faris offers his thoughts. Is there a list of clients? Did Epstein try to blackmail the rich and powerful deviants who flocked to his perverted world? Did he get murdered? Also, the cognitive dissonance of MAGA cultists who simultaneously despise the crimes of Epstein and worship the man who…

1
Oh, What a Week!--Governor Mitchell? 1:16:11

2M ago1:16:11

1:16:11

Ben and Dr D return! Just in time to talk nepotism. Or meet the new alderman—same name as the old alderman. And Comptroller Mendoza says she's running for mayor. Sorta. And JB selects a running mate--Christian Mitchell. Who may be acting Governor Mitchell, should JB run for president. Speaking of running for president, Mayor Rahm rewrites more hist…

1
Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette—Budget Games 51:02

2M ago51:02

51:02

In the name of budget reform, Michael Madigan’s favorite alderman messes with Mayor Johnson. Ben riffs. Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette returns to explain the ins and outs of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill Act.” How it impacts Medicaid, taxes, the deficit, food stamps, state and municipal taxes, ICE and military spending. Dylan is the vice president of Policy …

1
Denali Dasgupta—Best Of Times, Worst Of Times 59:00

2M ago59:00

59:00

A lefty wins in New York, the Supremes go MAGA. Ben riffs. Denali explains the difference between New York and Chicago politics. And more. Raised in NY, Denali is a political activist in Chicago. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

1
Jim Coogan--Is That Legal? 1:10:42

2M ago1:10:42

1:10:42

Trump sues federal judges because he disagrees with their rulings. Ben riffs. Jim Coogan explains the difference between appealing a judge’s ruling you disagree with and suing the judge for making that ruling. One is constitutional. The other is not. Unless, of course, the Supremes say—ah, the hell with the constitution, let’s give the boss what he…

1
Marc Sims--Fretting Dems 58:40

2M ago58:40

58:40

Speaking for corporate Dems everywhere, Lawrence Summers says he's "profoundly alarmed" about the future of our country in light of Mamdani's victory--as if being alarmed isn't strong enough. Ben riffs. Marc Sims talks about the "Iron Law of Oligarchy." That's Marc Andreesen's theory about democracy. Which is taken from a book Andreesen once read. …

1
Monroe Anderson--Zohran With A Z 52:17

2M ago52:17

52:17

Zohran Mamdani, the young lefty, beats Andrew Cuomo, the old centrist, in the NYC Democratic mayoral primary. Ben riffs. Monroe talks about the irony of Mayor Eric Adams, a Black man, running an updated version of Bernie Epton's vote-for-me-before-it's-too-late campaign. Earthquake makes his Ben Joravsky Show debut--sorta. On how MAGA believes anyt…

1
Best of Ben: Troy LaRaviere At Trump Tower 1:50:59

2M ago1:50:59

1:50:59

Ben riffs on what has changed and what remains the same since George Floyd’s murder. And Troy LaRaviere, president of the Chicago Principal’s Association, talks about getting arrested and thrown in jail by police defending Trump Tower from protestors. Also, what defund-the-police activists can learn from the Charter school crowd. Recorded in June o…

1
David Faris--The Trump Cycle 38:46

2M ago38:46

38:46

Mainstream Dems seem madder at Mamdani than they are at Trump. Ben riffs. David Faris explains his latest theory, the Trump cycle. And how it applies to the bombing of Iran. Also, the fallacy of bombing as an alternative to negotiation. The MAGA split. The post hoc MAGA rationalization Machine for whatever stupid thing Trump comes up with. David is…

1
Ray Hanania--Trump On The Escalator 54:27

2M ago54:27

54:27

It was roughly ten years ago that Trump announced he was running for president. Everyone laughed. Turns out the joke was on us. Ben riffs. Ray Hanania explains the essence of Trump. Or at least what Trump wants. Then it's Ray on Israel, Iran, Gaza and why Arabs in the Middle East say they like Trump. A few words about Alderman RayLo. And another ro…

1
Oh, What a Week!--JB Shoots for 3 57:11

2M ago57:11

57:11

Ben & Dr D talk all the big political news of the week. But first--a word about basketball. Bulls, my goodness, what are you doing with the draft? Are you trying to lose? Sorry about that sports interlude. Now back to politics. The Young Turk makes a compelling point about Trump and creditors. Everyone thinks Dan Biss will win in the 9th. But don't…

1
Sara Haghdoosti--Stop The Bombs 47:48

2M ago47:48

47:48

Trump bombs Iran. Ben riffs. Sara Haghdoosti describes the stakes with a personal touch. She has friends and or family in Iran and Israel. She explains the absurdity of the moment. Trump says he'll cut a new deal having ripped up the old deal. People still listen to Netanyahu as though he has any credibility. And armchair analysts act as though the…

1
Bushra Amiwala--Tucker Discovers His Inner Noam Chomsky 54:19

3M ago54:19

54:19

In his debate with Ted Cruz over Iran, Tucker Carlson discovers logic. Ben riffs. Skokie School Board Member Bushra Amiwala explains why she's running in the Democratic Primary for congress in the 9th congressional district. At age 27, she's one of youngest elected officials in the country. She talks about education, religious toleration, and the i…

1
Oh, What a Week!--Brandon's New Poll 1:01:45

3M ago1:01:45

1:01:45

Ben and Dr D are back from their world travels, which means they're about to take you--oh, lucky listeners--on a political joy ride you'll never forget. Strap on your seat belts, people--it may get bumpy. Follow us as we head to the 9th congressional district. As Ben learns it's not just Evanston versus Wilmette. Then on to budgetville as Governor …

1
Ellie Hagen--The Five Pillars Of Nonsense 35:53

3M ago35:53

35:53

One of the Trump EPA's goals is to boost domestic auto sales. Cause you can't spell Environmental Protection without auto. Oh, wait, you can. Ben riffs. Ellie Hagen explains Trump's war on Environmental Justice. Apparently, he's okay with the word environmental and the word justice. But if you put them together, his MAGA mind explodes cause that's …

1
Antonio Correa--Donnie's Day In MAGA Land 1:07:55

3M ago1:07:55

1:07:55

Trump throws himself a charade--I mean, parade. Ben riffs. Antonio Correa talks hypocrisy in America. Such as...MAGA's selectivity in enforcing immigration law. Send the Marines to LA, look the other way in Red States. Joe Rogan wimps out out on the Trump-Epstein connection. And the joke of Trump's parade--designed to throw fear into the hearts of …

1
Monroe Anderson--The Great Jasmine Wright 56:13

3M ago56:13

56:13

Chicago's own Jasmine Wright asks a pertinent question and Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, goes full MAGA--turns out Jasmine was correct. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson talks national guard and Marines in LA, Trump's non-existent border "crisis", the Tribune's chronic wimpiness, and how Terry Moran updated the great Lu Palmer's adage. Fa…

1
Alejandro Verdin--Padilla Stands Tall 47:00

3M ago47:00

47:00

Trump's goons tackle and cuff U.S. Senator Alex Padilla for the high crime of trying to ask Kristi Noem a question. Ben riffs. Alejandro Verdin explains what Trumps is up to with his wars against Los Angeles, California, Democrats, Mexican-Americans and immigrants in general. How should Democrats respond? Also, a shout out to Governor Gavin Newsom …

1
Alvin Tillery--Trump’s Soft Spot 58:00

3M ago58:00

58:00

President Trump locks up immigrants, but has a soft spot for gangsters. Ben riffs. Alvin Tillery explains the politics of pardons, the Kanye-Trump connection, and how Trump embraces anti-Semites while pretending to fight anti-Semitism. And more. Al is the co-founder and CEO of 2040 StrategyGroup. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and …

1
Emeline Posner--Battering Ram 49:38

3M ago49:38

49:38

Trump takes a stand for property owners—provided they are white and from South Africa. Ben riffs. Emeline Posner explains the bizarre inequities in Illinois property tax law that allow “investors” to buy control of someone else’s property. It’s an old and sordid flaw in a system that allows the strong to pray on the weak. It’s also unconstitutional…

1
State Rep Kam Buckner--Not One Day 49:06

3M ago49:06

49:06

Michael Madigan approaches his sentencing date for”corruption”. Ben riffs. Kam Buckner joins the conversation, talking Madigan sentencing, Bears stadium (lots on that), RTA funding, and advice for Gov Pritzker. Also, who he supports in the senate race and a Juliana Stratton trivia contest. Kam is a state rep from Chicago and former offensive linema…

1
David Faris--Bye, Bye Musk 57:54

3M ago57:54

57:54

Musk exits stage MAGA. Ben riffs. David Faris sums up the legacy of Musk. Which smells like it sounds. Also, The Big And Beautiful Bill Act. Don’t need bill if you have act. But don’t tell Trump. And a dissertation on the low-information voter as opposed to the bad-information voter. And the problem with Dems falling in line. David is political sci…

1
Monroe Anderson--Pardon Me 52:57

3M ago52:57

52:57

Another day, another Trump pardon. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson takes a Trump pardon trivia quiz. Sample question...which pardoned felon was the sheriff who took $75,000 from business men for badges? As opposed to the married couple who defrauded banks into giving them $36 million in personal loans. And so on. The Sun-times says Mayor Johnson "fans f…