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 "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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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 from "The Big Picture" with Edwin Eisendrath (Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT Chicago). Good conversations help us see the big picture. Edwin Eisendrath 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 to be part of the conversation. Edwin served two terms in Chicago’s City Council before being appointed Midwest Region Director of HUD by President Bil ...
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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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The Sports Cubicle 08.17.25 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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Filling in for Joan Esposito, Doris Davenport is joined by Dante King, university professor, author, human resource management consultant, and DEI expert. He was director of Workforce, Learning and Development for J.P. Morgan Chase and worked as an HR Business and Learning Consultant for Wells Fargo. He has taught at the Mayo Clinic College of Medi…
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Driving it Home with Patti Vasquez August 20 2025
1:32:56
1:32:56
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1:32:56On today's show: – Alanna Vagianos, senior national reporter at HuffPost where she covers gender and politics – Justin Perkins, deputy editor and publisher of Barn Raiser, “your independent source for rural and small town news” Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/d…
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Joan Esposito Live Local & Progressive August 20 2025
2:29:18
2:29:18
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2:29:18On today's show: – Wayne Steger, professor of political science at DePaul – 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 WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).…
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Driving it Home with Patti Vasquez guest host Paul Chivari and Dan Schaefer August 19 2025
1:33:01
1:33:01
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1:33:01On today's show WCPT’s Paul Chivari is in for Patti and joined by guest co-host Dan Schaefer. Their guests are: – Randy Kindle, FLARE organizer and U.S. Air Force vet – Brendyn Morgan, candidate for Congress in the 16th District of Illinois Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.c…
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On the Rick Smith Show, Amy Hanauer, Executive Director of the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, discusses how Trump’s tax law slashes essential public spending, reduces federal support to states, and benefits the wealthy at the expense of everyday families. She outlines urgent state-level options for offsetting cuts. Scott Paul, president…
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Joan Esposito Live Local & Progressive August 19, 2025
2:22:14
2:22:14
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2:22:14On today's show: – Mark Jacob and Jennifer Schulze with our regular media segment – David Hochberg, vice president of lending for Team Hochberg at Homeside Financial 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 fo…
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On The Rick Smith Show, Rick talks with Raw Story’s Sarah Burris about Trump and Putin’s Alaska encounter, a heavily militarized Washington, DC, and new revelations from the Epstein files. Investigative journalist Greg Palast joins to discuss his latest special, All Washed Away: Trump drowns FEMA, uncovering how Trump's FEMA dealings fueled disaste…
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Driving it Home with Patti Vasquez August 18 2025
1:33:08
1:33:08
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1:33:08On today’s show Patti is joined by guest co-host Dan Schaefer and their guests are: – Liz Nicholson, candidate for Cook County Board of Review Commission – Mark Gevaart of the My Labor Radio 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/l…
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Joan Esposito Live Local & Progressive August 18, 2025
2:21:29
2:21:29
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2:21:29On today's show: – Helena Volzer, senior source water policy manager, Alliance for the Great Lakes – Michael Dorf, Democratic lawyer, the Law Offices of Michael C. Dorf, LLC – Chas Cook, award-winning reality TV and daytime talk TV producer, and former broadcast journalist who worked in the WLS-TV, WGN-TV and WFLD-TV newsrooms – Ray Long, recently …
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Rick opens The Rick Smith Show by examining the challenges teachers face prepping for the new school year often doing so in their own time and buying classroom supplies on their own dime. He discusses what Democrats need to do to win back working class voters, emphasizing policy changes and authentic outreach. Later, Rick welcomes Robert Benson, as…
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Bell and Company 08.17.25 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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Mind Over Matters w/ Dr. Aimee - Finacial Fitneess: From Mindset to Millions! 08.17.25
53:00
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53:00Mind Over Matters w/ Dr. Aimee - Finacial Fitneess: From Mindset to Millions! 08.17.25 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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On this week's show:David Levine, professor at UC Law San Francisco (www.uclawsf.edu/people/david-levine)Derrick Joseph Taylor, president/creative director at Taylor and Co. Events (https://taylorandcoevents.com)Chicago playwright Ike Holter, who is part of Jackalope Theatre's 16th Annual Living Newspaper Festival, August 21-25 (https://www.jackalo…
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First Take August 17 2025 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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The Hal Sparks Radio Program August 16 2025
1:40:41
1:40:41
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1:40:41The Hal Sparks Radio Program August 16 2025 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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Around the Town Chicago 08.17.25 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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THINK THEORY RADIO - TRAVEL LOG 4 - 08.16.25
52:41
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52:41On this episode of Think Theory Radio our host Damien talks about his recent trip to Belgium and Italy! From drinking delicious Belgian beer & walking the streets of Brussels to touring the vineyards & wineries of the Tuscany region & the beautiful city of Florence. Listen in as we talk beer, chocolate, art, wine, architecture, culture, pizza, and …
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The Big Picture with Edwin Eisendrath Aug. 16 2025
2:35:45
2:35:45
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2:35:45On this week's show: – Lisa Graves, founder and executive director of True North Research, a national investigative watchdog group that works with journalists and other researchers to shine a bright light on the dark money fueling regressive agendas targeting vital institutions in our republic – Michelle Regalado Deatrick, chair and founder, DNC Co…
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If Caged Walls Could Talk Aug. 16 2025 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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Where are they Now 08.16.25 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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The Inclusive Voice Show with Host Pam McElvane 08.16.25
57:52
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57:52The Inclusive Voice Show with Host Pam McElvane 08.16.25 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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WCPT 820 Candidate Interview: Rep. LaShawn Ford
25:06
25:06
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25:06Filling in for Joan Esposito, Doris Davenport is joined by Illinois Democratic State Rep. La Shawn Ford, candidate for Congress in the 7th District of Illinois. He has represented the 8th House District in Illinois since 2007 and is vying to replace retiring 15-term Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL) in Congress. Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progress…
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Driving it Home with Patti Vasquez guest host Ben Cominos 15 2025
1:33:00
1:33:00
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1:33:00On today's show Wisconsin radio host Ben Cominos fills in for Patti. 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.By WCPT 820
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Joan Esposito Live Local & Progressive with guest host Doris Davenport August 15, 2025
2:37:06
2:37:06
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2:37:06On today's show Doris Davenport fills in for Joan and her guests are: – Turi Ryder, host of “The Turi Ryder Show” on WCPT and author of “She Said What? (A Life on the Air)” – Delmarie Cobb, media/political consultant – Alexis J. Roston, actress, director, playwright – Dante King, university professor, author, human resource management consultant, a…
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WCPT 820 Interview: Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch
24:10
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24:10Joan Esposito is joined by Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, immigration attorney and CEO of Lincoln-Goldfinch Law in Austin. She highlighted the difficulties families face in locating detained individuals due to Immigration and Customs Enforcement's inefficient tracking system and the practice of transferring detainees across the country. Lincoln-Goldfinch …
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On The Rick Smith Show, Rick speaks with Bill Scher, Politics Editor at Washington Monthly, about the escalating redistricting battles, Trump’s increasing militarization of Washington, D.C., and the negative impact of tariffs on American workers. Later, Rick is joined by Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works, to discuss the Prote…
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Driving it Home with Patti Vasquez live from the Iowa Democratic Wing Ding August 14 2025
1:32:59
1:32:59
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1:32:59On today's show Patti broadcasts live from Iowa Democratic Wing Ding in Clear Lake, Iowa, and her guests are: – Julie Stauch, Iowa candidate for governor – Jackie Norris, Iowa candidate for U.S. Senate – Zach Wahls, Iowa candidate for U.S. Senate – Iowa State Rep. Lindsay James – Josh Turek, Iowa candidate for U.S. Senate – Nathan Sage, Iowa candid…
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Joan Esposito Live Local & Progressive August 14, 2025
2:33:25
2:33:25
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2:33:25On today's show: – Amanda Marcotte, senior writer at Salon.com – Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, immigration attorney and CEO of Lincoln-Goldfinch Law in Austin – Heartland Signal’s Rich Eberwein with three stories you might have missed from our digital newsroom – WCPT’s Patti Vasquez, host of “Driving It Home” Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progres…
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On The Rick Smith Show, Rick is joined by Max Moran, Sr. Fellow at The Revolving Door Project, to discuss Moran’s provocative article “The Democrats Were Designed For An America That No Longer Exists.” Moran argues the Democratic Party must reinvent itself to survive in a rapidly changing America, urging both politicians and voters to choose and sh…
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Driving it Home with Patti Vasquez August 13 2025
1:32:57
1:32:57
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1:32:57On today's show: – “Lynne” from Elk Grove Township Indivisible – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson – Ellie Krug, transgender activist, author, lawyer, and host of “The Illegal Trans Woman” on KTNF AM950, the Progressive Voice of Minnesota. Her new book is “Being Ellen: A Second Chance at Life” – Illinois Democratic State Sen. Laura Murphy Catch "Drivin…
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Joan Esposito Live Local & Progressive August 13, 2025
2:28:11
2:28:11
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2:28:11On today's show: – Bill Scher, politics editor at The Washington Monthly – Dr. John Murphy, professor of communication at the University of Illinois and an expert on the history of American public address and political rhetoric – Marj Halperin, democratic analyst and political commentator on “The Mincing Rascals” podcast – Greg Hinz, columnist for …
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On The Rick Smith Show, Rick speaks with AFT President Randi Weingarten about the rising attacks on labor by the Trump administration and discusses what Democrats must do to support American workers. Later, Raw Story reporter Sarah Burris joins to cover the controversial “Big Balls beating,” Trump’s move to deploy the National Guard, and the latest…
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Driving it Home with Patti Vasquez August 12 2025
1:35:55
1:35:55
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1:35:55On today's show: – Angela Hanks, chief of policy programs at The Century Foundation – John Fugelsang, actor, comedian, podcaster and radio host, TV pundit, and author of the forthcoming book "Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds" Catch "Driving It Hom…
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The Hal Sparks Radio Program August 9 2025
1:36:02
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1:36:02The Hal Sparks Radio Program August 9 2025 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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Joan Esposito Live Local & Progressive August 12, 2025
2:25:31
2:25:31
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2:25:31On today's show: – Paul Vallas, former Chicago mayoral candidate – David Layman, former Providence, Rhode Island, news anchor, managing editor, and political commentator for RIPBS 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.c…
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Driving it Home with Patti Vasquez August 11 2025
1:35:15
1:35:15
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1:35:15On today's show: – Granny FiFi, music director of the Piedmont Raging Grannies, “a gaggle of little old ladies promoting peace, justice, social and economic equality through song and humor” – George Demas, co-writer and co-producer of the film “A Spartan Dream,” opening for a limited run at The Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge on August 15th. – Lana …
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Marty Perlmutter, Exec. Dir., Nuclear Disarmament Renewal, Carpenter Institute of Progressive Democrats of America @martyp1.bsky.social nukewise.org In this episode of The Rick Smith Show, guests Deepak Puri, Co-Founder of The Democracy Labs, and Marty Perlmutter, Executive Director of Nuclear Disarmament Renewal at the Carpenter Institute of Progr…
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Joan Esposito Live Local & Progressive August 11, 2025
2:24:13
2:24:13
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2:24:13On today's show: – Media watcher Jennifer Schulze; her latest piece is "Hey David Ellison: you got your merger, now leave CBS News alone" – Chris Bury, senior journalist-in-residence, DePaul University Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progress…
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On this week's show:- David Levine, professor at UC Law San Francisco (https://www.uclawsf.edu/people/david-levine)- Lauren Gunderson, playwright, screenwriter, feminist Her play "Billie Jean" just completed a run at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Visit her website: https://www.laurengunderson.com- Belle Starr, co-founder and Seed Ambassador for The …
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On The Rick Smith Show, Hallie Shoffner, a sixth-generation Arkansas farmer who recently lost her family farm and is now running for U.S. Senate shares her personal story of hardship and determination, vowing to fight for working people against a rigged economic system and restore hope for struggling families. Also joining the show is Jasmine Leli,…
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The Sports Cubicle 08.10.25 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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Devils Advocates 08.10.25 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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Bell and Company 08.10.25 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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Around the Town Chicago 08.10.25 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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Mind Over Matters w/ Dr. Aimee - Scripting Your Dreams 08.10.25
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53:00Mind Over Matters w/ Dr. Aimee - Scripting Your Dreams 08.10.25 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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The Lightning Strike Radio Program August 10 2025
54:19
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54:19The Lightning Strike Radio Program August 10 2025 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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First Take August 10 2025 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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The Big Picture with Edwin Eisendrath Aug. 9 2025
2:42:56
2:42:56
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2:42:56On this week's show: – Will Bunch, Philadelphia Inquirer national opinion columnist – State Rep. Trey Martinez-Fischer (D-TX) – Bill Scher, politics editor at The Washington Monthly – Dean Baker, co-founder and senior economist, Center for Economic and Policy Research Catch “The Big Picture with Edwin Eisendrath” Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Ce…
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Where are they Now 08.09.25 by WCPT 820 WeekendBy WCPT 820 Weekend
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