Best Ben Joravsky Podcasts (2024)

1
Monroe Anderson-"Be Fair!" 58:38

2h ago58:38

58:38

MAGA wants journalists to be fair when covering Trump. Ben riffs. Monroe explains why MAGA loves Mark Robinson. A few words about Republicans who are too ashamed to admit they’re voting for Trump. We see you Brett Stephens. And then we go local. Talking about media folks who aren’t hating on Mayor Johnson. It’s basically the Triib and Ben. And Monr…

1
Stacy Davis Gates—“Hooray for the Filibuster" 1:02:13

2d ago1:02:13

1:02:13

Dems employ filibuster to keep MAGA from winning all electoral votes in Nebraska. Ben riffs. Stacy Davis Gates talks politics of funding schools, CEO Martinez, elected school board and more. That’s the local. Then she talks national politics. She’s big time for Kamala. Also Ben offers Stacy his condolences cause Northern Illinois beat her beloved N…

1
Mick Dumke—Michigan Swings 1:06:10

5h ago1:06:10

1:06:10

Mick Dumke tells you everything you need to know about Michigan, the state that may determine who wins in November. Including…the politics, the divisions, the parts that are like Chicago and the parts that are like Wyoming, the legacy of Romney (George, not Mitt), Big Gretch and the significance of the mitten. Mick knows a thing or two about Michig…

1
Rummana Hussain—MAGA Tulsi 1:04:26

2h ago1:04:26

1:04:26

Rummana Hussain hates to say I told you so—but she did warn Democrats about Tulsi Gabbard, who recently enlisted in the Trump cult. Also, a few words about challenges left over after the convention. And some love for Michelle Obama. Also, a geography lesson for Ben. And an Eddie Vedder lesson for Rummana. Rummana is an editorial writer/columnist fo…

1
Julie Lynn—The Voter Disconnect 1:01:25

16h ago1:01:25

1:01:25

Nothing illustrates the disconnect of voters from reality so much as the issue of abortion. You got voters voting for referendums to legalize abortion then turning around and voting for politicians who will do everything they can to keep it illegal. Julie Lynn explains it all. Julie is a political consultant. No one knows more about the politics of…

1
David Faris--The Mark Robinson Factor 51:01

6h ago51:01

51:01

Using Mark Robinson as an example--and, oh, what an example--David Faris explains his reverse coattails theory. Or, how Robinson's presence as MAGA's gubernatorial candidate may swing North Carolina from Trump to Harris. Somehow voters in NC can put up with Trump but not Robinson. Also, hard ball from Nebraska's MAGA crew and nice ball from Maine's…

1
Pat Whalen —“MadDog Mistrial" 56:32

3h ago56:32

56:32

The federal corruption trial tangentially related to former House Speaker Michael Madigan ends in a mistrial. Ben riffs. And Pat Whalen joins him. Imagine a world in which Illinois Democrats behaved like MAGA. In which Dems stood by their Nan like MAGA stands by Trump. A few words about pundits. And then it’s back to Chicago for city council analys…

1
Denali Dasgupta—"Shot Spotter Revolt" 1:03:45

2h ago1:03:45

1:03:45

Apparently having nothing better to do, the city council wages a revolt on behalf of ShotSpotter. Ben riffs. Denali Dasgupta talks about the aldermanic love for tech bros, technology, privatization and “magical thinking”. That is, the belief that a device peddled by a clever salesman will magically solve our problems. And speaking of strange obsess…

1
Monroe Anderson—“MAGA Blames the Left” 1:04:41

3h ago1:04:41

1:04:41

Cook County Republicans blame the Radical Left for stirring up hate. Ben riffs. Monroe offers his alternative view of the first assassination attempt. A raging debate ensues. Also, Monroe explains why Vance and Trump are stirring up hate against Hatians and why Harris hesitated to meet with the press. Can’t argue with that. Billie Eilish joins Tayl…

1
Pat Quinn—"Making Out Like a Bandit" 52:30

1d ago52:30

52:30

A federal judge rules jurors won’t hear Michael Madigan say insiders are “making out like bandits”. Ben riffs. Guess who’s not making out like bandits? Property taxpayers. Right on time former Governor Pat Quinn urges voters to pass the Property Tax Relief Amendment. AKA—Fair Tax II. Only Ben and Pat can make property tax talk exciting. Also, Pat r…

1
Ray Hanania— Confessions of a Swing Voter 56:03

5h ago56:03

56:03

Is Chicago’s mainstream media biased against Mayor Johnson? Ben riffs. Then Ray Hanania riffs. Soon they’re riffing about absolutely everything, including…Trump, swing voters, Palestinian -Americans, Michael Madigan, Ed Burke, Danny Solis, Gaza, why Ray may vote Green, why he may vote for Kamala and TIFs. Ray Hanania is a columnist, suburban govern…

1
Kennedy Bartley—In Her Own Words 1:03:42

9h ago1:03:42

1:03:42

Over the weekend, Mayors Johnson and Rahm fell in love, metaphorically speaking. Ben riffs. Kennedy Bartley, newly appointed executive director of United Working Families, talks about the future of lefty politics in Chicago. What’s on the agenda for the next few years? Who and what are the obstacles? And a word or two about capitalistic gravedigger…

1
Rummana Hussain—Loomer Hate 1:04:23

4h ago1:04:23

1:04:23

just when you think MAGA couldn’t get any more filled with hate, along comes Laura Loomer. Rummana Hussain riffs on all things Loomer. Including Loomer’s’ hatred for Indian Americans. Is this where America is at? Rummana is an editorial writer and columnist for the Sun-Times. Her views are her own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy an…

1
Joanna Klonsky—Side By Side 52:53

3d ago52:53

52:53

Several days after the debate, Joanna Klonsky has had time to figure out what each candidate was trying to accomplish. The fact that Trump thought peddling hate and lunacy could win him the election says a lot about where our country is right now. And Kamala’s answers reveal what she thinks she has to do to beat him. And it’s definitely not moving …

1
Kina Collins—"Breaking News" 56:58

3d ago56:58

56:58

Just before we start recording, the story breaks that Mayor Johnson asked Alderman Burnett to serve as zoning committee chair. Ben was all set to talk national but he can’t help himself. He riffs. Then Kina riffs. Soon they’re in the middle of a conversation about Mayor Johnson and Chicago politics. Then it’s back to national politics. Including Ki…

1
Marc Sims—“Frustration Sets In" 1:05:11

14h ago1:05:11

1:05:11

After the high of watching Kamala mop the floor with Trump, reality sets in. Ben riffs. Marc Sims tried to comfort Ben. Their talk turns to Trump’s defense of Ashli Babbitt and his attacks on police. Why does MAGA applaud some people who attack police and despise others who criticize the police? A few words about Mark Zuckerberg, Acquired and the a…

1
Monroe Anderson—-“She Made A Fool of Him" 1:02:37

1d ago1:02:37

1:02:37

just before last night’s debate began, Ben came down with an a cute case of Baby Boomeritis—having flashbacks to June Biden Trump debate. Ben riffs. Monroe and Ben then break down what went down last night, which boils down to this: Kamala mopped the floor with Trump. Especially on the abortion issue, and the eating pets in Ohio issue. And pretty m…

1
Maya Dukmasova—“Maya is Back!" 47:09

16d ago47:09

47:09

Maya returns and tonight’s the debate. Ben can’t decide which is more exciting so he riffs about both. Then the Maya in question talks about her latest investigation on slum housing in Chicago. How the law seems to protect bad landlords and punish poor tenants. How city officials seem clueless and indifferent. And more. Shoutout to Alejandra Cancin…

1
Erica Sagrans—Border Bashing 54:35

3d ago54:35

54:35

Erica Sagrans explains why the time has come to re-think our attitude toward immigrants and the border. Now that we have a bit of a break from last year’s madness. Erica is the founder of Chicago Says Welcome, an immigrants advocacy group. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-…

1
Heidi Henry—New Voters in 75 58:48

10d ago58:48

58:48

Palestinian-American Democrats want to speak at the convention. Ben riffs. Heidi Henry, a Heartland Mama, explains how Dems can win in her MAGA country legislative district. Thanks in part to 8,000 new voters. One more time—8,000 new voters! Most of whom are not MAGA. Are you listening, Democrats? Heidi lays out how she can flip a MAGA district. Al…

1
David Faris—The Trump Cycle 57:32

6d ago57:32

57:32

David Faris explains his latest theory—“the Trump cycle”. It couldn’t happen without the complicity of the mainstream media. Like the New York Times. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Slate and Newsweek. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Not…

1
Charles Henderson—“Fanne Foxe" 1:05:44

8d ago1:05:44

1:05:44

Speaking of MAGA Mark Robinson’s alleged penchant for porn, Ben goes back in time for a history lesson about stripper Fanne Foxx and Congressman Wilbur Mills. Charles Henderson offers his own thoughts. The discussion turns to Afghanistan, US wars, what Biden could have done better in leaving Afghanistan, the parade for Vietnam vets in Chicago and a…

1
Monroe Anderson—“Corn Politics" 1:08:17

9d ago1:08:17

1:08:17

Breaking news! Mark Robinson, the MAGA candidate for Governor in North Carolina, watched a lot of porn, according to media reports. Ben riffs. Then Monroe riffs. From there the discussions covers Clarence Thomas, Moms for Liberty, why so many white woman love Trump, abortion rights, left wing conspiracy theories, and more. Including a riff or two a…

1
Keith Kelleher—-"Off to the Races" 59:15

10d ago59:15

59:15

With Labor Day behind us, voters start to wake from their slumber. Ben riffs. Keith Kelleher explains what’s at stake for unions. Analyzes the Right’s latest attempts to win over union members and gives a brief history lesson about Janus. Keith is the retired president of SEIU Healthcare. The man knows his labor history, people. See Privacy Policy …

1
Miles Kampf-Lassin—Messages Mixed 50:54

23d ago50:54

50:54

Miles Kampf-Lassin covers the convention from top to bottom. Including the failure of the mainstreams to give Mayor Johnson credit for anything. Also, the many mixed messages of the Dems. And a word or two about Tesla, China and the contradictions of contemporary capitalism. Miles is an editor/writer for In These Times. See Privacy Policy at https:…

1
Miles Porter and Saul Rodriguez—Sad Sack Sox 1:01:01

11d ago1:01:01

1:01:01

As the baseball season heads into its final month, Miles and Saul have all the news you need to know about the Sox and Cubs. First the bad—really bad—news about the Sox, who are poised to set a record for most losses in the season. Then the sorta good news about the Cubs. Mediocre as they’ve been, they’re heating up and have a chance of making the …

1
Terry Cosgrove—"Do Your Job!!!" 51:15

14d ago51:15

51:15

Anti-abortion zealot says she may not vote for Trump. An exceedingly skeptical Ben riffs. Terry Cosgrove gives his state of the election. Will swing voters but Trump’s repositioning of himself as an abortion rights supporter? The pros and cons of ballot initiatives. And more. Terry is the former executive director of Personal PAC. See Privacy Polic…

1
Anan Abu-Taleb and Richard Goldwasser—“Busted in Paris" 50:22

16d ago50:22

50:22

The founder of Telegram gets busted in Paris, Elon Musk calls for free speech. Ben riffs. Anan Abu-Taleb and Richard Goldwasser plead for a ceasefire in Gaza. Anan is Palestinian-American and Richard is Jewish-American. They organized the lakefront runs for ceasefire during the DNC. The time to take the first step toward ending the madness is now. …

1
Monroe Anderson—“Paranoia Strikes Deep" 1:00:04

17d ago1:00:04

1:00:04

Scaredy-cat Dems are coming up with innovative explanations for why they will lose in November. Ben riffs. Monroe boldly predicts victory. Then sorta defends clueless Dems in Maryland who don’t realize a vote for Larry Hogan is a vote for Trump. Also, a few words about Baby Bobby voters and conspiracy theories. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.c…

1
Meredith Shiner—"Eat Your Vegetables" 1:01:18

18d ago1:01:18

1:01:18

Fun is over, the Sun-Times proclaims. Ben riffs. Meredith Shiner talks all things politics. Including her New Republic essay about the mainstreams. Their reality is not our reality. Meredith and Ben cover everything from Trump on reproductive rights to Nancy Pelosi to Keith Olbermann’s dramatic reading of the aforementioned New Republic essay to Ra…

1
Mueze Bawany—Hard Knocks 1:03:42

19d ago1:03:42

1:03:42

Mueze Bawany talks all things Bears. But first Ben gets something off his chest about the ingratitude and indifference the Bulls show for their great players from the past. Then it’s onto Caleb Williams, Ian Wheeler, Coach Matt, cutting players, office furniture, where to get a good fade in Chicago and other things on our mind. Mueze is a teacher a…

1
Alden Loury—Foster Park Forever 1:06:19

19d ago1:06:19

1:06:19

WBEZ editor and demographer Alden Loury talks about the Sun-Times/BEZ expose on Mayor Rahm’s school closings. Bottom line—a lot of broken promises. He also analyses the connection between closing schools and losing people. And he gets personal about his glory days at Foster Park school on the south side back in the ‘80s. See Privacy Policy at https…

1
David Faris—Moving Forward 59:15

21d ago59:15

59:15

With the DNC behind us, David Faris breaks down the race. What worked for the Dems at their convention, what didn’t. What did Kamala Harris achieve in her speech. Why do Dems keep calling Bill Clinton to the stage. Trump’s return to North Carolina. And the impact of the uncommitted movement. David is a political science professor at Roosevelt Unive…

1
Kina Collins—“DNC Wrap" 1:00:58

22d ago1:00:58

1:00:58

Obviously, Kamala Harris does not listen to Ben’s show. Or she would have invited a Palestinian-American to speak at the DNC. Ben riffs. And then Kina Collins takes the deep dive on the convention. Covering everything from the roll call to the Walz family to the unforced error of alienating the uncommitted movement to the great debate between polic…

1
Monroe Anderson--"Back 2 Back Obamas" 1:00:22

27d ago1:00:22

1:00:22

Barack and Michelle take the DNC stage. Ben riffs. Then Monroe returns to talk all things convention. Including..do something (but don't mention Gaza) and roll call (Ben weeps) and Black cowboys in South Dakota, and going high as opposed to going low and whether Barack still has the magic, and Michelle's Black Jobs jab and Barack's little dickie ja…

1
Mark Wallace—“Back on the Block" 57:15

28d ago57:15

57:15

Ben’s back from Michigan. But he still has Michigan on his mind. Especially something he saw amidst the Trump signs along the highway. Ben riffs. Mark Wallace riffs right back. Then they talk about day one of the Democratic Convention. Particularly…should Dems go high or low in their speeches. Mark hosts a local podcast. See Privacy Policy at https…

1
Denali Dasgupta—Small Mercies 1:03:32

1M ago1:03:32

1:03:32

A lot of things happened this weekend—to put it mildly. Ben riffs on everything from the Trump shooting to Vance as VP to Amber Rose as MAGA spokeswoman to opening night of MAGA’s convention. Denali Dasgupta tells you what you need to know about the 2025 Project blueprint—a document she read so you won’t have to. Also, the Denali Book Club examines…

1
Mike Nellis—Not Every White Dude’s For Trump 57:02

1M ago57:02

57:02

Trump comes to Chicago and insults Black people. Ben riffs. Mike Nellis explains how he and some friends created White Dudes for Harris. How they were so successful that Musk shut them down, Okay, we don’t know if Musk shut them down. Probably just a coincidence that their Twitter account died. Mike talks about whether Trump’s attempt to “other” Ka…

1
Delmarie Cobb—Tim Time 54:10

1M ago54:10

54:10

Kamala Harris selects a running mate. Ben jumps for joy. Delmarie riffs on Ben’s joy. Then they take the deep dive on why MAGA hates Black women, Trump’s appearance at NABJ, and why Black people think the Trump shooting was fake. And much more. Delmarie is a political strategist and founder of Ida’s Legacy—an organization dedicated to the promotion…

1M ago53:45

53:45

Tim Walz makes his debut. But Ben's still fixated on some insane tweet from Trump. Does this bode well for MAGA? Monroe weighs in from an undisclosed hangout. He's talking Kamala, Walz, Shapiro, Trump and the inside story of what happened last week with Trump at the National Association of Black Journalists. Also, does Monroe agree with the gloom-a…

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