WCPT’s eclectic weekend programming is available here, from “Where Are They Now” and “The Family Meeting” to “The Hal Sparks Show,” “Think Theory Radio,” and "The Sports Cubicle." Find our full Saturday and Sunday schedule at heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/schedule. “Chew’s Views,” “Joan Esposito: Live, Local & Progressive,” “Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez,” “The Big Picture with Edwin Eisendrath,” and “Out Chicago” now have their own podcast feeds. Go to heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/schedul ...
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WCPT 820 Podcasts
Here are featured interviews from "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" (weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT Chicago), a topical and interactive talk show from Chicago that focuses on national, state and city politics. A veteran Chicago broadcaster, Joan talks to politicians and professors, activists and authors, candidates and correspondents, as well as listeners who call in to share their views on the news of the day. Her goal is to Edify, Entertain and Elect — Democrats ...
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Here are full episodes of "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" (weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT Chicago), a topical and interactive talk show from Chicago that focuses on national, state and city politics. A veteran Chicago broadcaster, Joan talks to politicians and professors, activists and authors, candidates and correspondents, as well as listeners who call in to share their views on the news of the day. Her goal is to Edify, Entertain and Elect — Democrats, of cou ...
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Here are full episodes of "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on WCPT Chicago), a radio talk show devoted to covering the news of the day and connecting listeners with local leaders. Patti Vasquez is a Chicago comedian, writer, actor, talk show host, consultant, advocate, and policy adviser. After achieving a degree in history from the University of Illinois, she set out to share her hilarious observations about how people behave, and stories about her sec ...
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It's the Democracy, Stupid with Edwin Eisendrath (formerly "The Big Picture") Full Episodes
WCPT 820
"The Big Picture with Edwin Eisendrath" is now "It's the Democracy, Stupid with Edwin Eisendrath." Each week Edwin and his guests get specific about politics, government, campaigns, and the kind of country all this work is meant to build. Join us live every Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT Chicago to be part of the conversation. About Edwin Edwin Eisendrath served two terms in Chicago’s City Council before being appointed Midwest Region Director of HUD by President Bill Clinto ...
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By working people. For working people. Welcome to The Rick Smith Show.Working Americans are tired of listening to think tank approved corporate news and commentary. They want a direct, honest approach to the issues that matter, so this is what The Rick Smith Show provides. No puppets. No focus groups. No talking points.Want more #RickShow? Go to https://www.thericksmithshow.comThe Rick Smith Show streams live every weeknight from 9p-11p EST on YouTube & Twitch TV, and the show runs every nig ...
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Joan Esposito is joined by Margaret Donovan, attorney at Koskoff Koskoff and Bieder, visiting clinical lecturer in law at Yale Law School, former assistant United States attorney for the District of Connecticut, Army veteran and former captain in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays fro…
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The Sports Cubicle 10.26.25 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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On this episode of The Rick Smith Show, Rick welcomes Monica Cary, Pennsylvania State Director of Solar United Neighbors. Monica explains why electricity prices are surging and households are seeing a massive spike, adding to their monthly bills and emphasizes the need for smarter energy policies and better access to community solar solutions for P…
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Driving it Home with Patti Vasquez October 29 2025
1:32:59
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1:32:59On today's show: – Car Guy Tom Appel, host of the Consumer Guide Car Stuff podcast – At 6:00 Patti joins the Up North Podcast with the Minocqua Brewing Company and contributors Kirk Bangstad, Ben Cominos, Amy Thomas and more; this time Thom Hartmann joins the conversation! Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. C…
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Edwin Eisendrath talks about changing the name of "The Big Picture" to "It's the Democracy, Stupid." Catch “It’s the Democracy, Stupid” Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/edwin). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WCPT 820
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Joan Esposito Live Local & Progressive October 29 2025
2:30:57
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2:30:57On today's show: – Margaret Donovan, attorney at Koskoff Koskoff and Bieder, visiting clinical lecturer in law at Yale Law School, former assistant United States attorney for the District of Connecticut, Army veteran and former captain in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps – David Layman, former Providence, Rhode Island, news anchor, managing e…
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Joan Esposito Live Local & Progressive, October 28, 2025
2:22:06
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2:22:06On today's show: – Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune contributing columnist and ABC7 Chicago political analyst – Ty Rushing, co-founder and president of the Iowa Association of Black Journalists and chief political correspondent of Iowa Starting Line (Courier) – William Campbell, host of "Here’s How: Ireland’s Political, Social and Current Affairs …
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On this episode of The Rick Smith Show, Rick welcomes labor historian Erik Loomis to discuss Project Firewall and the disturbing, retro-styled images recently released by the Department of Labor. Loomis critiques the images as eerily nostalgic for a 1940s–1950s America that never existed, reflecting a vision that excludes people of color and margin…
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Driving it Home with Patti Vasquez, October 28, 2025
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1:33:02On today's show Patti is joined by guest co-host Dan Schaefer and their guests include: – Heidi Stevens, nationally syndicated columnist, director of External Affairs at the TMW Center for Early Learning and Public Health, and fellowship coach at The OpEd Project – Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL) – BEKA, cast member in the Skokie Theater production of “D…
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Joan Esposito Live Local & Progressive, October 27, 2025
2:27:15
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2:27:15On today's show: – Bruce Rheins, former CBS Los Angeles deputy bureau chief – Rick Smith, host of “The Rick Smith Show,” weekdays from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Central on 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). See omnystudio.com/listener…
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In this Rick Smith Show episode, Rick discusses a new Rutgers Policy Lab study exposing how corporate ownership of residential rental properties is surging in cities like Trenton, transforming neighborhoods into digital company towns and squeezing renters. Bucknell economics professor Matias Vernengo joins to analyze the return of these “company to…
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Driving it Home with Patti Vasquez, October 27, 2025
1:33:58
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1:33:58On today's show: – Dr. Jason Bussell, director ofChicago Community Acupuncture – Jesse Rojo, community organizer and chair of Illinois Veterans for Change – Joe Walsh, former Republican congressman from Illinois, former Republican, and host of The Social Contract with Joe Walsh Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p…
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On this episode of The Rick Smith Show, Rick welcomes author Chuck Collins to discuss his new book Burned by Billionaires, exposing how extreme wealth concentrations destabilize democracy and working communities. AFGE District 3 Vice President Phil Glover then joins to unpack President Trump’s recent federal worker firings and their impact on publi…
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Around the Town Chicago 10.26.25 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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1010 MOM Dr. Aimee_The Hidden Trigger_What's Really Behind Your Fatigue 10.26.25
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53:001010 MOM Dr. Aimee_The Hidden Trigger_What's Really Behind Your Fatigue 10.26.25 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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The Lightning Strike Radio Program October 26 2025
1:49:16
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1:49:16The Lightning Strike Radio Program October 26 2025 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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First Take Oct. 26 2025 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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The Hal Sparks Radio Program Oct. 25 2025
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1:43:08The Hal Sparks Radio Program Oct. 25 2025 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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THINK THEORY RADIO - WEIRD SCIENCE 54 - 10.25.25
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53:02It's time for another edition of Think Theory Radio's "Weird Science & Tales to Astonish!!!"Scientists attempt to recreate human DNA from scratch! What is mirror life and can it destroy all life on Earth?! Will researchers bring back the Neanderthal?! Have astronomers found evidence of Dark Matter in the universe?! Plus, friction-less levitation, p…
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The Big Picture with Edwin Eisendrath Oct. 25 2025
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2:36:27On this week's show: – Chris Armitage, author of The Existentialist Republic newsletter on Substack – Eric Garcia, Washington bureau chief at The Independent – Deb Houry, former Chief Medical Officer of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who resigned in protest last August – Devin Remiker, new chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin…
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The Rickey Hendon Show Oct. 25 2025 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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Joan Esposito is joined by Stewart Reynolds, AKA Brittlestar, author of the 2025 book “Lessons from Cats for Surviving. 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.…
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Where are they Now 10.25.25 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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Chicago Housing Experts 10.22.25 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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The Inclusive Voice Show with Host Pam McElvane  10.25.24
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55:39The Inclusive Voice Show with Host Pam McElvane 10.25.24 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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Joan Esposito Live Local & Progressive October 24 2025
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2:30:17On today's show: – Keya Vakil, deputy political editor at COURIER – Sister Joann Persch, a 91-year-old nun who has been protesting ICE near the Broadview facility (sometimes by Zoom); she is with Sisters of Mercy – Stewart Reynolds, AKA Brittlestar, author of the 2025 book “Lessons from Cats for Surviving Fascism” Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local …
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Driving it Home with Patti Vasquez October 24 2025
1:33:00
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1:33:00On today's show: – Carla Ulbrich, musical comedian – Brock Benefiel, host of The Climate Pod, “a wide-ranging conversation with leading experts on the politics, economics, activism, culture, science, and social justice issues at the heart of the climate crisis” – Montez Soliz, Democratic candidate for Congress in the 17th District of Illinois – Jac…
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Joan Esposito is joined by Sister Joann Persch, a 91-year-old nun who has been protesting ICE near the Broadview facility; she is with Sisters of Mercy. Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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WCPT 820 Interview: Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL)
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24:55Joan Esposito is joined by Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL). 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.By WCPT 820
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WCPT 820 Candidate Interview: Kina Collins
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16:26Joan Esposito is joined by Kina Collins, gun violence prevention and health care advocate from the West Side of Chicago who is running for Congress in the 7th District of Illinois. 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.…
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Joan Esposito is joined by Hoan Huynh, Illinois state representative and candidate for Congress in the 9th District of Illinois. 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.…
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WCPT 820 Interview: Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch
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22:59Joan Esposito is joined by Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, immigration attorney and CEO of Lincoln-Goldfinch Law in Austin. 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.…
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Joan Esposito Live Local & Progressive. October 23, 2025
2:30:25
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2:30:25On today's show: – Kina Collins, gun violence prevention and health care advocate from the West Side of Chicago who is running for Congress in the 7th Congressional District of Illinois – Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, immigration attorney and CEO of Lincoln-Goldfinch Law in Austin – Hoan Huynh, Illinois state representative and candidate for Congress – R…
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Driving it Home with Patti Vasquez October 23 2025
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1:33:00On today's show Patti is joined by co-host Ken Mejia-Beal and their guests are: – Nathan Taylor of Election Truth Alliance – Dan Shafer, creator of The Recombobulation Area and political editor at Civic Media in Wisconsin – Lisa Hilgenberg-Buhle, development manager at Youth Outlook Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7…
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Joan Esposito is joined by Robert Held, Chicago attorney recently detained by ICE but not charged with a crime. 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.…
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WCPT 820 Interview: Chicago Ald. Jessie Fuentes
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19:50Joan Esposito is joined by Chicago Ald. Jessie Fuentes. 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.By WCPT 820
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Rick dives into labor and politics in this episode of The Rick Smith Show. He talks with Jackson Potter, Vice President of the Chicago Teachers Union, about the “No Kings Rally” and the growing worker led pushback against corporate greed. Then, Eugene DePasquale, Chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, joins to discuss the upcoming PA Supreme C…
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Driving it Home with Patti Vasquez, October 22, 2025
1:26:06
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1:26:06On today's show: – Cheryl Flinn of The Symphony of Oak Park River Forest – Joel Bleifuss, editor and publisher of Barn Raiser, and Justin Perkins, editor and publisher of Barn Raiser – Patti joins the Up North Podcast with the Minocqua Brewing Company and contributors Kirk Bangstad, Ben Cominos, Amy Thomas and more Catch "Driving It Home with Patti…
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Joan Esposito Live Local & Progressive October 22 2025
2:26:03
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2:26:03On today's show: – Chicago Ald. Jessie Fuentes – Robert Held, Chicago attorney recently detained by ICE but not charged with a crime – Spencer Critchley, author of Patriots of Two Nations and host of the Dastardly Cleverness in the Service of Good podcast Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on …
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WCPT 820 Interview: Ed Yohnka of the ACLU
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46:46Joan Esposito is joined by Ed Yohnka, director of communications and public policy at ACLU Illinois. 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.…
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By Rick Smith
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Driving it Home with Patti Vasquez October 21 2025
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1:33:05On today's show: – Funny is Female Comedy Festival producer and comedian Angie McMahon, along with Soli Santos, Gwen LaRoka, Lisa Nagatomo-Timms, Evie Cato, Nina Kern – Dr. Caitlyn McHugh-Glab, optometrist with Focused Eye Care and an expert in myopia management Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on W…
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Joan Esposito Live Local & Progressive October 21 2025
2:25:23
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2:25:23On today's show: – Ed Yohnka, director of communications and public policy at ACLU Illinois – Marjorie Hershey, Indiana University political science professor emeritus 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 …
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Joan Esposito is joined by Susan Stokes, the Blake Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago, director of the Chicago Center on Democracy, and author of “The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies.” Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on…
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Joan Esposito is joined by Terry Savage, syndicated personal finance columnist and author. 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.By WCPT 820
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WCPT 820 Candidate Interview: Dr. Annie Andrews
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15:18Joan Esposito is joined by Dr. Annie Andrews, pediatrician, public health expert and candidate for U.S. Senate in South Carolina, where she is seeking to unseat Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham. 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…
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WCPT 820 Interview: Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ)
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26:34Joan Esposito is joined by Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ). 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.By WCPT 820
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On The Rick Smith Show, Rick talks with labor attorney David Borer about the “No Kings” Rally—where working people, unions, and democracy defenders unite to reject authoritarianism and corporate greed. Borer breaks down the legal and moral stakes of protecting worker power in the face of rising inequality. Later, Raw Story reporter Sarah Burris joi…
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Driving it Home with Patti Vasquez October 20 2025
1:35:18
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1:35:18On today's show: – Malcolm Kenyatta, Pennsylvania state representative and Democratic National Committee vice chair – Illinois State Representative Kam Buckner (D) – Neil Khot, candidate for Congress in the 8th District of Illinois Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/progra…
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Joan Esposito Live Local & Progressive October 20 2025
2:26:03
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2:26:03On today's show – Dr. Annie Andrews, pediatrician, public health expert and candidate for U.S. Senate in South Carolina, where she is seeking to unseat Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham – Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ) – Susan Stokes, the Blake Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago, director of the Chica…
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