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PODCAST

The Ben Joravsky Show

Chicago journalist Ben Joravsky starts each show by riffing on the news of the day with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty. Then he talks politics with activists, elected officials, journalists and all sorts of political know-it-alls. We talk Chicago, Illinois, national (lots of national), international and lefty politics. Find The Ben Joravsky Show wherever you download podcasts.

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All Episodes

00:59:40

David Faris--Epstein The Enigma

The Ben Joravsky Show ·

2025/07/21

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 hung with him. Finally, did King Donnie really use the word enigma in a birthday card to Epstein? On a different front--the utterly wretched

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01:16:11

Oh, What a Week!--Governor Mitchell?

The Ben Joravsky Show ·

2025/07/18

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 history. And Raja leads in the money race in the senate campaign. And Ben apologizes to Laura Fine for saying she's from Wilmette. Not that there's

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00:51:02

Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette—Budget Games

The Ben Joravsky Show ·

2025/07/16

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 and Government Affairs for the Project On Government Oversight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at

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00:59:00

Denali Dasgupta—Best Of Times, Worst Of Times

The Ben Joravsky Show ·

2025/07/14

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.

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01:10:42

Jim Coogan--Is That Legal?

The Ben Joravsky Show ·

2025/07/11

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 wants. Also, the Emil Bove threat. And governors versus Trump on the national guard. Jim is founding partner of Coogan Gallagher.See Privacy

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00:58:40

Marc Sims--Fretting Dems

The Ben Joravsky Show ·

2025/07/09

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. Andreesen is a fabulously wealthy venture capitalist. His theory basically says that everything he believes is true because he believes it. About

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00:52:17

Monroe Anderson--Zohran With A Z

The Ben Joravsky Show ·

2025/07/07

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 anything Trump tells them--even if it contradicts whatever he told them the day before. You gotta laugh, to keep from crying.See Privacy Policy at

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00:38:46

David Faris--The Trump Cycle

The Ben Joravsky Show ·

2025/07/02

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 a professor of political science at Roosevelt University and a columnist for Newsweek. His views are his own.See Privacy Policy at

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00:54:27

Ray Hanania--Trump On The Escalator

The Ben Joravsky Show ·

2025/06/30

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 round of the ageless Ben/Ray debate--is a politician a racist if he "only" exploits fears and prejudices? Ray is a political consultant, comedian,

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00:57:11

Oh, What a Week!--JB Shoots for 3

The Ben Joravsky Show ·

2025/06/27

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 count out Bushra Amiwala. Why do Evanstonians think they're better than Skokieans? Hint--money has something to do with it. Speaking of

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01:01:51

Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor--MAGA Chickens

The Ben Joravsky Show ·

2025/06/26

As soon as Trump drops bombs on Iran, the "no-war" wing of MAGA falls into line--just like we knew they would. Ben riffs. Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor returns! Talking about the Trump shit show--shoulda voted for Kamala, people. And America's fear and hatred of Black women. And why we never run out of money to bomb people, but call money spent on schools a waste. And how Mayor Johnson is doing a better job. And her opposition to snap curfews. Also--a shoutout to Jay Travis and a nice word

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00:47:48

Sara Haghdoosti--Stop The Bombs

The Ben Joravsky Show ·

2025/06/25

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 innocent Iranians killed by bombs aren't real humans. Sara also cautions Democrats against cynicism. Sara is the executive director of Win

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00:54:19

Bushra Amiwala--Tucker Discovers His Inner Noam Chomsky

The Ben Joravsky Show ·

2025/06/23

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 issues she learned in a very diverse--and proud of it--Niles North High School. She breaks down the district to illustrate why she thinks she can

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01:01:45

Oh, What a Week!--Brandon's New Poll

The Ben Joravsky Show ·

2025/06/20

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 Pritzker signs a budget. Visit the land of "anticipated revenue". Make bets on who's getting taxed. Finally, over to Chicago, where a new poll

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00:35:53

Ellie Hagan--The Five Pillars Of Nonsense

The Ben Joravsky Show ·

2025/06/19

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 "woke"! Ellie used to be a scientist for the EPA.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at

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01:07:55

Antonio Correa--Donnie's Day In MAGA Land

The Ben Joravsky Show ·

2025/06/18

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 Americans. Particularly those of the non-MAGA persuasioin. Also, Antonio and Ben dissect recent news bits.Antonio is a former Marine and The Ben

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00:56:13

Monroe Anderson--The Great Jasmine Wright

The Ben Joravsky Show ·

2025/06/16

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. Fascism is enough to turn a mainstreamer into a real journalist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at

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00:47:00

Alejandro Verdin--Padilla Stands Tall

The Ben Joravsky Show ·

2025/06/13

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 who is at the forefront of the resistance in Cali. Alejandro is a political strategist and founder of the Nineteen Sixty Campaigns.See Privacy

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00:58:00

Alvin Tillery--Trump’s Soft Spot

The Ben Joravsky Show ·

2025/06/12

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 California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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00:49:38

Emeline Posner--Battering Ram

The Ben Joravsky Show ·

2025/06/11

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 in light of a recent ruling by the supremes. Emeline is an investigative reporter for the Investigative Project on Race and Equity. For more

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2,377 results

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