Best Swell Network Podcasts (2025)

1
Weekend Edition | Fiscal Fallout: Illinois spending swells 43% under Pritzker 24:00

Play Pause

1d ago24:00

24:00

(The Center Square) – Discretionary spending by Illinois state leaders has increased more than $16 billion since J.B. Pritzker became governor nearly seven years ago. That is a total increase of about 43%. Before Pritzker, the state's general fund spending was roughly flat or had modest increases, according to state data. Republican Gov. Bruce Raun…

1
Is the U.S. Really Less Corrupt Than China? (Update) 57:34

1d ago57:34

57:34

In this episode we first published in 2021, the political scientist Yuen Yuen Ang argues that different forms of government create different styles of corruption — and that the U.S. and China have more in common than we’d like to admit. SOURCES: Yuen Yuen Ang, professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University. RESOURCES: "China’s Anti-Graf…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | September 25, 2025 - Illinois spending increases 43% under Pritzker as Republicans urge for reforms 33:05

2d ago33:05

33:05

Greg Bishop delves into recent analysis by The Center Square's investigative team about the increased state spending of tax dollars under the Pritzker administration and reaction from legislators on both sides of the aisle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data fo…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | September 24, 2025 - Pritzker blames Trump for budget cut EO 34:18

3d ago34:18

34:18

Greg Bishop shares reaction from Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, to the budget executive order signed by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.By America's Talking Network

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | September 23, 2025 - DOJ: AR15s protected by 2nd Amendment, challenges IL's gun ban 44:52

4d ago44:52

44:52

Greg Bishop provides highlights from the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals oral arguments in the challenge to Illinois' gun ban that were heard Monday in court. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | September 22, 2025 - Appeals court hears challenge to Illinois' gun ban today 35:16

5d ago35:16

35:16

Greg Bishop previews some of what the expectations are from the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals oral arguments in the gun and magazine ban set for Monday afternoon in Chicago. He also shares voices from gun owners and gun rights advocates, including Dan Eldridge of Federal Firearms Licensees of Illinois about an event scheduled after the oral…

1
Weekend Edition | IL Freedom Caucus files to impeach Pritzker, allege incitement of violence 24:00

7d ago24:00

24:00

(The Center Square) – The Illinois Freedom Caucus has filed articles of impeachment against Gov. J.B. Pritzker for what it says is his engaging in conduct that constitutes inciting violence. Part of the impeachment resolution in House Resolution 466 that the Illinois Freedom Caucus filed includes quotes from Pritzker’s State of the State speech on …

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | September 19, 2025 - Pritzker’s office ‘troubled’ by ‘peacekeeper’ photo 28:18

8d ago28:18

28:18

Greg Bishop shares the reaction from Gov. J.B. Pritzker's office to the reports the governor took a picture with a "peacekeeper" who later was accused in a deadly smash-and-grab burglary. State Rep. La Shawn Ford reacts to the effectiveness of violence interruption grants. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for informatio…

1
The Hidden Growth Strategy Behind Hyperliquid's $30B Daily Volume 29:04

5d ago29:04

29:04

Join host Joao Simoes as he sits down with Luke Cannon, a prominent Hyperliquid community member, to explore the explosive growth and future potential of one of DeFi's most innovative protocols. From his journey of discovering Hyperliquid to insights on the platform's dominance in the perps market, Luke shares valuable perspectives on Hyper EVM's u…

1
647. China Is Run by Engineers. America Is Run by Lawyers. 1:01:50

8d ago1:01:50

1:01:50

In his new book “Breakneck,” Dan Wang argues that the U.S. has a lot to learn from China. He also says that “no two peoples are more alike.” We have questions. SOURCES: Dan Wang, research fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, author of Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future. RESOURCES: Breakneck: China's Quest to Enginee…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | September 18, 2025 - Pritzker reacts to Kimmel suspension 33:23

9d ago33:23

33:23

Greg Bishop shares Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's comments in the aftermath of Jimmy Kimmel's late night talk show being suspended by ABC, and some of the debate around the issue from affiliates and FCC officials. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertisi…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | September 17, 2025 - Trump calls Pritzker ’nothing’ in Chicago public safety push 31:06

10d ago31:06

31:06

Greg Bishop airs the latest comments about public safety from President Donald Trump, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and others as Trump continues to say Chicago is next on his agenda to clean up crime and illegal immigration. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data fo…

1
The End of Complex DeFi? Inside Hydrex's AI-Powered Position Management with Jimbo 23:44

7d ago23:44

23:44

Join host Joao as he explores the future of decentralized exchanges with Jimbo, Creative Growth Lead at Alma Labs. Learn about their innovative approach to building a frictionless liquidity hub on Base, designed to fill crucial gaps left by larger DEXs. From their upcoming TGE to their unique "omni liquidity" approach, discover how Hydrex is making…

1
Is the World Ready for a Guaranteed Basic Income? (Update) 36:02

10d ago36:02

36:02

A lot of jobs in the modern economy don’t pay a living wage, and some of those jobs may be wiped out by new technologies. So what’s to be done? We revisit an episode from 2016 for a potential solution. SOURCES: Erik Brynjolfsson, professor of economics at Stanford University. Evelyn Forget, professor of economics and community health sciences at th…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | September 16, 2025 - Trump says Chicago is next after Pritzker was happy Guard isn't coming 39:20

11d ago39:20

39:20

Greg Bishop airs the latest on President Donald Trump's public safety push, saying he plans to go into Chicago with or without the support of the governor or mayor. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | September 15, 2025 - Dabrowski announces candidacy for Illinois governor as early poll shows opening positions 25:32

12d ago25:32

25:32

Greg Bishop shares some recent political polling about the race for the Republican nomination for Illinois governor, which includes the most recent candidate to announce. Former WirePoints President Ted Dabrowski announced his bid for the GOP spot Friday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collec…

1
Weekend Edition | Pritzker says political violence ‘has got to stop’ in reaction to Kirk shooting 24:00

14d ago24:00

24:00

(The Center Square) – Popular political activist and Illinois native Charlie Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday while at a public outdoor event in Utah. The news and video of the shooting spread online quickly. Kirk was speaking in front of at least hundreds of people at Utah Valley University for a “Prove Me Wrong” event. Video showed Kirk getting…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | September 12, 2025 - Chicago Flips Red summons Trump 26:27

15d ago26:27

26:27

Greg Bishop shares the calls from Chicago Flips Red for the Trump administration to do more for public safety in Chicago as Gov. J.B. Pritzker says there is no emergency. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

1
646. An Air Traffic Controller Walks Into a Radio Studio ... 1:01:10

15d ago1:01:10

1:01:10

What does it take to “play 3D chess at 250 miles an hour”? And how far will $12.5 billion of “Big, Beautiful” funding go toward modernizing the F.A.A.? (Part two of a two-part series.) SOURCES: David Strayer, professor of cognition and neural science at the University of Utah. Dorothy Robyn, senior fellow at I.T.I.F. Ed Bastian, C.E.O. of Delta Air…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | September 11, 2025 - Reaction to Charlie Kirk’s assassination pour in from Illinois political leaders, POTUS 35:58

16d ago35:58

35:58

Greg Bishop shares some of the reaction from political leaders to the assassination of Turning Points USA founder Charlie Kirk, an Illinois native, and the accusations of which side of the political spectrum is ratcheting up their political rhetoric. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection …

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | September 10, 2025 - Pritzker wants help with public safety but refuses to call Trump 36:57

17d ago36:57

36:57

Greg Bishop delivers the latest back and forth between the Trump administration, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and residents of the city of Chicago concerning public safety and immigration enforcement. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | September 9, 2025 - DHS Launches Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago as Trump Aims at Cashless Bail, Public Safety 38:24

18d ago38:24

38:24

Greg Bishop airs the latest in the ongoing debate and Trump administration actions concerning public safety and immigration enforcement as the Department of Homeland Security launches Operation Midway Blitz. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | September 8, 2025 - Homan Targets Chicago in Speech To State Freedom Caucus Network 40:08

19d ago40:08

40:08

Greg Bishop shares some of the moments from Trump administration border czar Tom Homan who spoke to the State Freedom Caucus Network in Dallas, Texas Friday. Full Homan speech: https://youtu.be/KBNAX5Qa2Cw Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

1
Weekend Edition | Trump Says They’re Coming to Chicago, State Preps Lawsuit 24:00

21d ago24:00

24:00

In today's edition of Illinois in Focus , The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop unpacks the latest comments about public safety in Chicago from President Donald Trump, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use …

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | September 5, 2025 - Pritzker To Sue ‘Immediately’ if Trump Sends Guard 29:32

22d ago29:32

29:32

Greg Bishop delivers the latest comments from Gov. J.B. Pritzker who says the state of Illinois will immediately sue the Trump administration if they use the National Guard, which is speculated to happen as early as this weekend along with increased immigration enforcement. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for informati…

1
645. Is the Air Traffic Control System Broken? 1:02:37

22d ago1:02:37

1:02:37

Flying in the U.S. is still exceptionally safe, but the system relies on outdated tech and is under tremendous strain. Six experts tell us how it got this way and how it can (maybe) be fixed. (Part one of a two-part series.) SOURCES: Dorothy Robyn, senior fellow at I.T.I.F. Ed Bastian, C.E.O. of Delta Airlines. John Strong, professor of finance and…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | September 4, 2025 - Pritzker Expects Feds Soon 29:59

23d ago29:59

29:59

Greg Bishop shares the latest developments on how the Trump administration will address public safety in Chicago and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's refusal to call President Donald Trump for assistance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | September 3, 2025 - Trump Says They’re Coming to Chicago, State Preps Lawsuit 32:56

24d ago32:56

32:56

Greg Bishop unpacks the latest comments about public safety in Chicago from President Donald Trump, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | September 2, 2025 - Chicago Braces for Federal Law Enforcement 35:08

25d ago35:08

35:08

Greg Bishop gets to the latest from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker about the prospect of increased federal immigration enforcement and the possible use of the National Guard. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

1
Emerging Markets & Stablecoins: Why Level USD Sees 80% Growth from Global South with Kedian Sun 18:09

24d ago18:09

18:09

In this deep-dive episode, Joao sits down with Kedian Sun, co-founder of Level USD, to explore the evolving landscape of stablecoins and DeFi banking. From Level's innovative approach to yield-bearing stablecoins to the transformative potential of the GENIUS Act, discover how traditional finance is being revolutionized through blockchain technology…

1
Weekend Edition | Trump: Illinois’ ‘Slob of a Governor’ Should Call for Help With Public Safety 24:00

28d ago24:00

24:00

(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he has not received communication from the federal government about potential troop deployments to Illinois, after President Donald Trump offered choice words for the governor. The president deployed troops to combat crime in Washington, D.C. earlier this month and suggested last week that Chic…

101
644. Has America Lost Its Appetite for the Common Good? 1:16:42

29d ago1:16:42

1:16:42

Patrick Deneen, a political philosopher at Notre Dame, says yes. He was a Democrat for years, and has now come to be seen as an “ideological guru” of the Trump administration. But that only tells half the story ... SOURCES: Patrick Deneen, professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame. RESOURCES: "The Ideological Gurus Battling for…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | August 28, 2025 - Cook County Gun Plan Plaintiffs Ask SCOTUS for Review 32:06

1M ago32:06

32:06

Greg Bishop gets to the latest in gun ban litigation with plaintiffs challenging Cook County's ban asking the U.S. Supreme Court to take the case. This comes as the statewide ban a district judge found unconstitutional is cued up for appeals' court arguments next month. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information a…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | August 27, 2025 - Pritzker, Johnson Defend Public Safety Approach Amid Trump Criticism 31:56

1M ago31:56

31:56

Greg Bishop discusses the latest comments from President Donald Trump, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and others to the issue around public safety in Chicago. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

101
Extra: A Modern Whaler Speaks Up (Update) 26:47

1M ago26:47

26:47

Bjørn Andersen has killed hundreds of minke whales. He tells us how he does it, why he does it, and what he thinks would happen if whale-hunting ever stopped. (This bonus episode is a follow-up to our series “Everything You Never Knew About Whaling.”) SOURCES: Bjørn Andersen, Norwegian whaler. RESOURCES: "Digestive physiology of minke whales," by S…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | August 26, 2025 - Trump Ends Tax Funds for Cashless Bail Policies as IL Proponents Anticipate Lawsuits 32:48

1M ago32:48

32:48

Greg Bishop shares some of the debate around President Donald Trump's executive order ending federal tax funds for cashless bail policies like Illinois' and the push back from proponents of the state's Pretrial Fairness Act. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data f…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | August 25, 2025 - Chicago Reacts to Trump’s Public Safety Push 43:49

1M ago43:49

43:49

Greg Bishop delves into the issue of President Donald Trump saying he will address public safety in cities like Chicago and the reaction from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

1
Weekend Edition | Governor Pritzker Acts Upon Over 270 Bills 24:00

1M ago24:00

24:00

The Center Square team reviews just some of the 271 bills Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker acted upon in the last week, including measures impacting the courts, schools, digital currency regulation and more. Of all that, the governor vetoed two of them setting up possible action during veto session scheduled in October. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz …

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | August 22, 2025 - Illinois Child Welfare Interns Debate Heats Up 32:19

1M ago32:19

32:19

Greg Bishop talks live with state Rep. Jed Davis about his continued concerns about the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services' use of interns. He says he's seeking legislative solutions but worries the issue could get buried heading into an election year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information ab…

101
What Can Whales Teach Us About Clean Energy, Workplace Harmony, and Living the Good Life? (Update) 48:08

1M ago48:08

48:08

In the final episode of our whale series, we learn about fecal plumes, shipping noise, and why Moby-Dick is still worth reading. (Part 3 of "Everything You Never Knew About Whaling.") SOURCES: Michele Baggio, professor of economics at the University of Connecticut. Mary K. Bercaw-Edwards, professor of maritime English at the University of Connectic…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | August 21, 2025 - Field to Fill Durbin’s US Senate Seat Includes Illinois Congressmen, Former GOP Chair, Others 38:29

1M ago38:29

38:29

Greg Bishop shares comments from Democrats and Republicans vying for their party's nomination for U.S. Senate, and what they see as the crucial issues will turn out voters to the primary polls. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

1
Weekend Edition | Illinois Democrats Blast Trump, Republicans at State Fair 24:00

1M ago24:00

24:00

(The Center Square) − Illinois Democrats say their party will win across the United States in 2026, with the Land of Lincoln serving as the blueprint. Gov. J.B. Pritzker spoke at the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association brunch Wednesday morning before hosting Governor’s Day on the Lawn at the Illinois State Fair in the afternoon. Pritzker…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | August 15, 2025 - Illinois Files Final Appeals Court Brief in Gun Ban Challenge Ahead of Oral Arguments 44:28

1M ago44:28

44:28

Greg Bishop talks with gun rights advocate Todd Vandermyde about the latest filing from the state defending Illinois' gun ban in the federal appeals court. Read the filing here: https://www.thecentersquare.com/pdf_3b203fae-9997-44ca-83ef-61e6ff877717.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collec…

151
Why Do People Still Hunt Whales? (Update) 37:32

1M ago37:32

37:32

For years, whale oil was used as lighting fuel, industrial lubricant, and the main ingredient in (yum!) margarine. Whale meat was also on a few menus. But today, demand for whale products is at a historic low. And yet some countries still have a whaling industry. We find out why. (Part 2 of “Everything You Never Knew About Whaling.”) SOURCES: Jay A…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | August 14, 2025 - Democrats Rally at Illinois State Fair 36:01

1M ago36:01

36:01

Greg Bishop shares highlights from Governor's Day at the Illinois State Fair where Democrats rallied the party faithful. There were also questions about congressional maps and energy prices. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | August 13, 2025 - Sonya Massey Bill Signed Into Law Impacting Police Recruit Transparency, Accountability 28:10

2M ago28:10

28:10

Greg Bishop shares comments from Tuesday's bill signing ceremony where Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Sonya Massey's law and the issue of how to address police accountability. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

1
Why 90% of Restaking Risk Analysis is Wrong and How to Fix It with Bernardo Vicente 20:35

2M ago20:35

20:35

Join host Joao as he sits down with Bernardo Vicente, founder of Tokensight, to explore the evolving landscape of restaking protocols and risk analysis. From Bernardo's journey through traditional finance to becoming a leading voice in crypto risk assessment, this episode unpacks the critical role of risk analysis in restaking's future. Discover in…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | August 12, 2025 - Trump and Pritzker Trade Barbs Over Public Safety, Presidential Politics 28:03

2M ago28:03

28:03

Greg Bishop delves into the back and forth between President Donald Trump and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker over public safety, presidential politics and no-cash bail. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.…

1
Illinois in Focus Daily | August 11, 2025 - Attorney Argues IL Should Honor TX Warrants for Absconding Dems 35:23

2M ago35:23

35:23

Greg Bishop reviews the latest comments in the ongoing debate around drawing new congressional maps with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on the national stage while state Sen. Jil Tracy files a lawsuit in Illinois on behalf of the Texas House to honor Lone Star State warrants for absent Democrats hiding out in the Land of Lincoln. Hosted by Simplecast,…

1
Weekend Edition | Pritzker welcomes FBI looking for TX Dems in IL, dismisses bribery question 24:00

2M ago24:00

24:00

(The Center Square) – As the FBI gets involved in locating Texas Democrats hiding out in states like Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker says they are welcome, but the Democratic governor insists the absconding legislators aren’t breaking any federal law. At the request of U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, the FBI on Thursday agreed to assist with locating …