Best Ben Joravsky Podcasts (2025)

1
Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette—Ignorance Is Bliss 49:17

1d ago49:17

49:17

A New York Times poll shows that the less voters know about Trump, the more they like him. Ben riffs. Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette talks waste and fraud. He’s spent his working life in pursuit of bi-partisan solutions to waste and fraud and what has he received for his efforts as of late? His recommendations get ignored by the Trump administration and he…

1
Jeff Jenkins--Canine Kindness 57:33

2d ago57:33

57:33

Somehow MAGA Chicago took an already horrific hate murder of two Jewish people and made it worse. Ben riffs. Jeff Jenkins talks about federal budget cuts that have threatened the Midnight Circus, which he stages in parks throughout Chicago. Why would Trump cut funding for a circus that brings laughter, joy and kindness to people? It's part of his m…

1
Charles Henderson--Memorial Day Message 1:09:18

4d ago1:09:18

1:09:18

Trump plans a big ol' parade. Ben riffs. Charles Henderson returns to talk the state of America on Memorial Day. Including...Trump's newfound "pacifism". Why Kamala Harris lost. Would Biden have done any better? Royko's Boss. The GI Bill then and now. Congressman John Rankin's not-so-pretty legacy. And Ben's Rhode Island past. Charles is an Army De…

1
Oh, What a Week!--Donnie vs Brandon 1:08:33

7d ago1:08:33

1:08:33

Ben and Dr D tell you everything you need to know about the week's worth of news. Including...Dolton wants to buy the Pope's house. Call it eminent domain, people. Jake Tapper promotes his book. Is he a salesman or a newsman? Property taxes going up. Trump trolls Mayor Johnson and the mayor trolls Trump. Ben wants too know--why won't MAGA show love…

1
Monroe Anderson--Original Sin 55:58

8d ago55:58

55:58

Harvard proposes to replace one kind of diversity with another—anything to talk Trump into stop taking away their federal funding. Ben riffs. Monroe explains what Trump really means by diversity. Also, a few words about Original Sin, the new book about a Joe Biden's dementia. How can you cover up something that everyone sees? And why do reporters--…

1
Alden Loury--Boom City 1:01:06

9d ago1:01:06

1:01:06

Chicago's population went up. Ben riffs. Alden Loury clarifies and explains the demographics. He goes on to annotate and explicate his Sun-Times column about his experience as a homeowner in Auburn Gresham on the South Side. His conclusion? "The tried-and-true beliefs we hold about American capitalism just don't apply quite the same for Black Ameri…

1
Adolfo Mondragón--The Gift Hangar 1:00:05

11d ago1:00:05

1:00:05

Qatar gives Donnie a $400M luxury jet. Ben riffs. Adolfo Mondragon returns! The professor is in the studio--law professor, that is. Take out your pens and notebooks and take notes as the lawyer who took constitutional law from President Obama talks habeas corpus, the emolument clause and ordo amoris. Also, a few words about JD Vance, the pope's MAG…

1
Oh, What a Week!—The Big Schakowski 1:05:55

14d ago1:05:55

1:05:55

Ben and Dr. D consumed all the news so you don’t have to! You’re welcome. Let’s start with…the new parking meter deal, same as the old parking meter deal. Ben’s advice to city hall reporters—call Mick! Mayor Lightfoot returns. Scrapheap Rahm dumps on Biden. The senate race update. Robert Peters wins over Bernie. And it’s Wilmette versus Evanston in…

1
Miles Kampf-Lassin--Clock Out 1:02:08

15d ago1:02:08

1:02:08

The city forces whoever runs Trump Towers to open its sidewalks to the public. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin talks May Day protests and tariff madness--turns out there is no logic to MAGA's trade policy. And the great trade-off capitalism offers American workers: Lower wages for lower prices. Thanks to Trump there will be lower wages and higher pri…

1
Delmarie Cobb—In Memory of Mike 1:00:44

16d ago1:00:44

1:00:44

Mike Miner, one of Chicago’s great journalists, died this month. Ben pays tribute. Delmarie Cobb explains how the media really works in this town. It isn’t always pretty. The blasphemy of Trump. Stephen A Smith asks Trump a question about Harvard. And Trump responds by talking about riots in Harlem. What? In this case, Trump knew what he was doing.…

1
David Faris--Not MAGA Enough 55:14

18d ago55:14

55:14

Apparently, Trump’s nominee for surgeon general is not nutty enough for MAGA. Ben riffs. David Faris explains MAGA’s strange double standard on vaccines. They hate Covid shots but are ok with flu shots. If MAGA hates mandates, why are they so passive about the Real ID? Is there any logic to anything MAGA does? A mea culpa about lefty illogic. Speak…

1
Oh, What a Week!—Da Dolton Pope 1:08:04

21d ago1:08:04

1:08:04

Ben and Dr D get biblical. Well, they talk about the new pope. Or more specifically—is he from Chicago or Dolton or Holland, Michigan? Also, since when did Chicagoans get so religious? Fran Spielman asks Mayor Johnson the tough question: Did you lose weight by dieting or taking diet pills? And the Real ID. Is it real or fake? Finally, the update on…

1
Rummana Hussain--Donnie The Pope 1:04:12

22d ago1:04:12

1:04:12

MAGA says Trump should be pope. Ben riffs. Rummana Hussain talks about the new hate. Out in the open. Even in Glenview. Maybe it’s not so new after all. Also a guide to the north shore, including Evanston, Lincolnwood and Northbrook. Why do suburbanites feel entitled to access libraries, parks and beaches in Chicago, while keeping Chicagoans out of…

1
Sylvia Ewing--It Starts With You 46:22

23d ago46:22

46:22

Trump calls Bezos to say--Jeff, old buddy old pal, don't mention the tariffs, if you know what's good for you. Ben riffs. Is a tax a tax if we don't think we're paying it? Sylvia Ewing talks strategies to follow to keep from losing your mind while saving the country. A few words about our the country's way of cutting off its nose to spite its face.…

1
Monroe Anderson—Trump Cashes In 58:23

25d ago58:23

58:23

After 100 days in office, Trump puts his conflicts of interest right in our face, almost like he’s proud of them. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson asks what if the mainstreams covered Trump with as much as conviction and outrage as they cover Mayor Johnson. Then he asks why they don’t. Hint—race and money have something to do with it. Also, teen curfew i…

1
Oh, What a Week!—Pritzker Does Kimmel 56:49

28d ago56:49

56:49

Ben and Dr D take a trip to Hollywood and New Hampshire, following Governor Pritzker wherever he goes in his non-announced campaign for President. Along the way, they stop in Chicago to talk about Mayor Johnson’s radio career. Then they go back on the JB beat. Did Pritzker’s pals really say bad things about Lauren Underwood? Who fed that story to t…

1
David Faris--Escalate To De-escalate 41:28

29d ago41:28

41:28

The question must be asked--is there a method to Trump's madness? Ben riffs. David Faris explains the theory of escalating to de-escalate. Which is the closest thing to a strategy Trump may have. Then he riffs on, in no particular order, Bill Maher's blues, political correctness, Godwin's Law, Jerome Powell, "liberation day" tariffs and the Black M…

1
Denali Dasgupta--Hey, Boomer 1:04:58

1M ago1:04:58

1:04:58

Governor Gavin and Mayor Rahm advise Democrats to sign on to just about anything Trump proposes no matter how wretched, if the polls support it. Ben riffs. Denali Dasgupta explains how many of Trump's policies were previously tried here in Chicago by centrists Dems. Ben apologizes to millennials and makes a promise. Which he soon breaks. Denali is …

1
Achy Obejas--Joe Rogan’s “Stand” 57:04

1M ago57:04

57:04

Joe Rogan tries his hardest to take a stand against Trump. Ben riffs. Achy Obejas talks Rogan, Bill Maher and Larry David--nice to know that one of them is not scared of Trump. Then she talks about "Mami, I'm Scared," her gripping essay in Politico which asks the troubling question: How do you break the news to children that the country they love e…

1
Oh, What A Week!—The Dick Durbin Bus 51:32

1M ago51:32

51:32

Ben and Dr D hop on the bus, Gus with all of the news you need to hear including…Mayor Johnson takes a swipe at Mayor Rahm. What took you so long? And Senator Durbin pulls a classic Illinois hand off. Essentially anointing Juliana Stratton as his successor. Meaning Raja and Robyn and Robert and (lotsa R here) and Lauren and all the other ambitious …

1
Alejandro Verdin--Jackie Robinson Day 55:04

1M ago55:04

55:04

It’s Jackie Robinson Day in America, but will Trump allow us to celebrate it? Has Trump cancelled the first Black man to play in the major leagues cause his story is too DEI? Ben riffs. Alejandro Verdin dons a Dodgers hat in solidarity with Robinson. And then explains the difference between electing liberal Democratic judges and politicians. Both a…

1
Monroe Anderson--The Price of Eggs 1:01:32

1M ago1:01:32

1:01:32

Trump says the price of eggs fell 87 percent. Ben riffs. Monroe joins in. Also a few words about what just may be the most idiotic comment any MAGA man has offered as defense of Trump. Jesse Watters’ Bulls hat theory. Monroe dons a Bulls hat. Will Trump deport him? Don’t give him any ideas. And Monroe defends Bill Maher for sucking up to Trump. Ben…

1
Jack White--The Crime Of Wearing A Bulls Hat 48:02

1M ago48:02

48:02

In a desperate attempt to justify the kidnapping of Kilmar Abrego Garcia by Trump's goons, Fox TV's Jesse Watters declares that any Salvadorian wearing a Bulls hat must be a gangster because...Because he says so. Ben riffs. Jack White connects the dots between Abrego Garcia--currently lodged in an El Salvadorian prison--and Trump's slander of the C…

1
Elizabeth Todd-Breland--Karen Lewis Didn’t Come Here To Lie 55:34

1M ago55:34

55:34

Wall Street tycoons wake up to realize that their guy Trump is a lunatic. Ben riffs. Elizabeth Todd-Breland talks about I Didn't Come Here to Lie, the new book she co-wrote with the late, great Karen Lewis, former president of the Chicago Teachers Union. Who, among many other things, galvanized the national labor movement by leading Chicago teacher…

1
Julie Lynn—White Loot-us 58:42

2M ago58:42

58:42

One more reason why The White Lotus is the perfect show for the age of Trump—everyone’s trying to hustle a buck out of it. Ben riffs. Julie Lynn offers an abortion rights update. Georgia, Missouri, Texas and more. Ben shows much love for Margo’s Got Money Trouble. Which dramatizes the hypocrisy that shames pregnant unwed women to give birth then sh…

1
Jim Coogan--Legal Attacks 1:07:08

2M ago1:07:08

1:07:08

Dems show some momentum. Ben riffs. Jim Coogan takes us A-Z on Trump’s war against lawyers. It’s one thing he didn’t lie about. He said he’d punish his “enemies” and he’s doing it. What happened to free speech, rule of law and due process? Better watch what you ask—that question can be held against you. Jim is founding partner of Coogan Gallagher. …

1
Monroe Anderson--Market Plunge 58:26

2M ago58:26

58:26

Trump announces tariffs, retirement portfolios plunge and MAGA cheers. Ben riffs. Even Monroe can't believe Trump would be so cruel, callous and clueless. What a combination. Pause for irony. The party that supposedly hates taxes--that would be you, Republicans--just socked everyone with a huge tax hike. Despite it all, Monroe has hope that the beg…

1
David Faris--History According To Trump 50:15

2M ago50:15

50:15

Trump to CPS--better not talk about race or I'll take away your federal money. Ben riffs. David Faris talks tariffs, Laura Loomer, Wisconsin supreme court race, and the twisted mindset of the president--as he deliberately inflicts pain on Americans because he can. Have Americans lost their ability to update their belief system with new information?…

1
Oh, What a Week!—Meet The New Alder, Same As… 1:12:36

2M ago1:12:36

1:12:36

Ben and Dr D have all the news that’s fit to print and then some, including…Ben takes a side in Pritzker’s fight with unions. Much love for the great Karen Lewis. Shoutout to CTU for their new contract. Suburban election results in Orland Park and Aurora—yes, we cover it all. And a few words about the 35th Ward’s new and old aldermen. One went to L…

1
Laurie Glenn--Wake Up, America! 57:33

2M ago57:33

57:33

Dems rejoice over a victory in a state senate election in Pennsylvania. Ben riffs. Laurie Glenn continues the positivity. Dyett High wins a state bball championship. Remember when Mayor Rahm tried to close it? Then Laurie riffs. Asking the big questions, like...can peace and love beat war and hate? Will geezer Dems ever give it up for a younger gen…

1
Delmarie Cobb—Cheeseheads Step Up 49:03

2M ago49:03

49:03

Wisconsin voters tell Trump and Musk—stay out of our business! Ben riffs on Judge Crawford’s big win. Delmarie Cobb congratulates Wisconsin voters for doing the right thing and breaks down why they did it. In no particular order—can’t stand Musk, support abortion rights and in general think Trump’s lost his freaking mind. Well, that last one may be…

1
Kat Abughazaleh—New Kid On The Block 41:16

2M ago41:16

41:16

Kat Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old TikTok influencer who's never held office, challenges Congresswoman Jan Shakowsky in the 9th congressional district--as a bunch of Boomers and Gen Xers lose their collective minds at her audacity. Ben riffs. Kat joins the show to talk about her candidacy, her background, what the Dems need to do to beat MAGA, her days…

1
Oh, What a Week!—The Winds of Change 57:47

2M ago57:47

57:47

Ben and Dr D examine the week that was. Including…The Durbin revolt. Do any high profile Dems have the guts to make Senator Durbin pay for his filibuster vote? Short answer—no! Long answer—no way. Hold it! Time out for Giddey. Back to politics. Kat the zee-leniial challenges Congresswoman Schakowsky, What do the “whisperers” say? Governor Pritzker …

1
Alderman Gil Villegas--Blame It On Elon 49:02

2M ago49:02

49:02

MAGA has a curious way of processing their opposition to the cuts Trump is making—it’s Musk’s fault! Ben riffs. Alderman Gil Villegas breaks down the false narratives Trump employees to justify the unjustifiable. Like social security is a Ponzi scam. And it helps veterans to cut programs that helps veterans. Also, his encounter with X's bots. A few…

1
Rummana Hussain--Rosie Leaves the USA 55:42

2M ago55:42

55:42

Rosie O'Donnell decides to sit out the Trump years in Ireland, trashing the U.S. press corps as she runs off to safety. Ben riffs. Rummana Hussain talks about cuts at the Sun-Times. And the desperate state of journalism. A few words about Bill Maher, once Mr. Politically Incorrect, crying like a snowflake cause he thinks Saturday Night Live was mea…

1
Monroe Anderson--Bird Brain Flu 1:00:18

2M ago1:00:18

1:00:18

Trump thought it was a good idea to put a lunatic in charge of national health. Now Robert Kennedy has a big idea to deal with the avian flu. Ben riffs. Monroe covers the latest madness from Trump World. Including... the El Salvador deportations, Trump's defiance of federal judges, Trump's attempts to make Black people invisible, MAGA's war on expe…

1
Joanna Klonsky--Free Speech 52:28

2M ago52:28

52:28

Mahmoud Khalil learns there's an asterisk to MAGA's dedication to free speech. Ben riffs. Joanna Klonsky says if you're waiting for Trump, Musk or MAGA to be principled, you'll be waiting a long time. Then the talk turns to centrist Dems and the continuing resolution showdown. Is appeasement the best strategy for dealing with Trump? Also, does Mayo…

1
David Faris--Schumer Buckles 54:07

2M ago54:07

54:07

Senator Schumer, leader of the senate Dems, rolls over for Trump on the continuing resolution. Ben riffs. David Faris takes it from there. Explaining why the Dems should have kept the filibuster going. And how they wound up giving even more power to Trump. And how it shows divisions in the Democratic Party and uncertainty as to how to deal with a t…

1
Oh, What a Week!—Pritzker's Presidential Press Your and Fur-Gate 56:58

3M ago56:58

56:58

Ben and Dr. D hop on JB’s presidential tour bus as it goes to Texas and Chicago and New Hampshire. Mayor Rahm has no tour bus. But he does have a puff piece in Politico heralding his potential prez campaign. And the city council debates RayLo’s fur ban. Can Dennis pass the who-voted-how trivia test? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy a…

1
Kina Collins--Trump Touts Tesla 1:01:55

3M ago1:01:55

1:01:55

After trashing electric cars for years, Trump pimps for Tesla to help out Musk. Ben riffs. Kina Collins explains Gavin Newsom's new-found love for Charlie Kirk--"just white dude's white duding." Also, a primer on the foolishness of Democrats for not supporting Congressman Al Green. They lost a chance to shine a spotlight on MAGA's talk of cutting M…

1
Ken Mejia-Beal--Still in Love with Al Green 1:03:31

3M ago1:03:31

1:03:31

Ten Democratic congressmen vote to censure Congressman Al Green for the high crime of telling the truth about Trump. Ben riffs. Ken Mejia-Beal adds his two cents.Pointing out that the DuPage area Dems--Casten and Underwood--somehow managed not to wimp out even though they represent Purplish districts. Also, "the transformation of Bill Maher into a …

1
Nicole Cantello--Federal Employees Fight Back 46:28

3M ago46:28

46:28

Just another day in MAGA, USA--Trump threatens to lock up agitators. Guilty or not. Ben riffs. Nicole Cantello offers an update on the Trump-Musk war against federal employees. Including the bizarre, often contradictory orders. Like the return-to-the-office directives followed by proposals to sell the buildings they're supposed to return to. It's p…

1
Oh, What a Week!--Johnson Goes to Congress and Pritzker Does The View 49:59

3M ago49:59

49:59

Be happy, Chicago--your local politicians made the big time. Mayor Johnson testified before congress, Governor Pritzker guests on The View, and lest we forget--Mayor Rahm makes an ass of himself on Bill Maher's show. Ben and Dr. D break it all down and tell you what it means. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy No…

1
Monroe Anderson--Donnie Talks To Congress 54:20

3M ago54:20

54:20

Trump gives a speech to congress. Ben riffs. Monroe Anderson--back from his world travels--asks and answers all the big questions. Such as...Is there anything more pathetic than MAGA continuing to bow to Trump even as he drives them broke with his inflationary policies? Why do voters care about the price of eggs when Biden's president and not when …

1
Mick Dumke--Press Stress 1:11:22

3M ago1:11:22

1:11:22

Trump punishes AP for not bowing to his commands. Ben riffs. Mick Dumke joins the conversation with memories of how Mayors Daley and Rahm treated reporters they didn't like. What kind of country will we have if the press is controlled by the president? Then some memories of people who recently died. Tuyet Le. Jerry "the Iceman" Butler. And Roberta …

1
Miles Kampf-Lassin—MAGA Goes Left 1:02:05

3M ago1:02:05

1:02:05

Good news for lefties—CM Punk dons a CTU sweatshirt. Ben riffs. Miles Kampf-Lassin explains how MAGA creates its own reality. And how they hate leftists but love leftist critiques. That is—when they’re convenient to undermine what leftists want to achieve. And how they hate unions but love unionized workers. Or so they say. And more. Miles is an ed…

1
Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez--Trump Trolls 1:03:20

3M ago1:03:20

1:03:20

After ordering federal employees not to even mention DEI, Trump throws a party in the White House to celebrate Black History Month--MAGA style. Ben riffs. Alderwoman Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez covers the news. Including...the free speech debate, Gaza protest puppets, Chicago City Council disinformation, and signs of hope. Rossana is the alderwoma…

1
David Faris--Bannon's Salute 50:44

3M ago50:44

50:44

Steve Bannon, Trump's ideological brain, gives the Nazi salute to a bunch of MAGA lovers and Governor Pritzker warns we’re looking a little too like Germany in the `30s. Ben riffs. David Faris explores this theme--American voters saw what Trump did on January 6 and voted for him anyway. What does this say about our democracy? David is a political s…

1
Stacy Davis Gates--Resistance Is Not An Option 1:06:24

3M ago1:06:24

1:06:24

MAGA writes a script for teachers which makes no sense. Ben riffs. Stacy Davis Gates talks resistance. What must be done and who must do it. Also, a few words about the midterms. And the mayor. And the people who want to be mayor. And a sorta shoutout to her libertarian critics. Who are not really libertarians. Stacy is the president of the Chicago…

1
Oh, What a Week!--Pritzker’s Poll 47:29

3M ago47:29

47:29

Ben and the doctor are in the house, talking a week’s worth of news. Including… Governor Pritzker's 2026 budget address. The latest Trump poll, paid for by JB Pritzker. Also know as President Pritzker. And the first in a series—the Chicago Mayoral Candidate spotlight. Yes, 2027 is right around the corner. Also, Dennis takes the 2019 mayoral trivia …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Ben Joravsky Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen