Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

WCPT 820
WCPT 820
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Politics
  • Updated Daily

From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, here are featured interviews from "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" (weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central, a topical and interactive talk show 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 course.     Joan Esposito has hosted WCPT's afternoon show since 2019. Prior to that she spent 20 years as a Chicago television anchor and reporter for WGN Channel 9, ABC7 and NBC5, and had a stint as managing partner at media trainer J2SC.  Joan is a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). 

  1. 1d ago

    Zack Cooper: WCPT 820 Interview

    Joan Esposito is joined by Zack Cooper, director of the Health Care Affordability Lab at Yale University and associate professor of public health and of economics at Yale.  The discussion examined health care affordability and policy changes proposed through Yale Healthcare Affordability Lab’s 1% Steps for Health Care Reform project. Here are a few key points from the conversation:- U.S. health care spending is nearly 20 percent of GDP, with family premiums around $28,000 annually and significant out-of-pocket costs.- Hospital prices have risen faster than prices in other economic sectors, contributing to lost jobs and broader economic effects.- Cooper argued that limited competition, hospital mergers, and acquisitions of physician practices drive higher prices and fewer patient choices.- The discussion considered whether ownership type matters less than competition, transparency, and enforceable quality standards.- The project identifies evidence-based interventions that could reduce costs without waiting for comprehensive reform.- Aligning Medicare payments for hospital-owned and independent physician practices could reduce incentives for consolidation.- A proposed “one baby, one bundle” payment would use one rate for vaginal and cesarean deliveries to reduce incentives for unnecessary cesarean sections. "Doctors respond to incentives," Cooper told WCPT, "and there are lots of reasons why we think there are too many cesarean sections happening nationwide, and often it's among moms who have a little less of an ability to negotiate for themselves. And it might be that at the end of a long shift, doc doesn't want to wait around and they sort of nudge mom to to get a cesarean section. And so we think less cesarean sections is a good thing. It also lowers spending. And so what they did in Arkansas was they basically said, look, instead of having a separate rate for cesarean sections and vaginal deliveries, we're going to have one payment rate that's sort of between the two, so that we're not creating a financial incentive for doctors to choose cesarean sections over vaginal deliveries. That's the kind of thing that we talk about in this project." 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).   Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Zack Cooper: WCPT 820 Interview

  2. 3d ago

    Prof. E.J. Fagan: WCPT 820 Interview

    Joan Esposito is joined by Dr. E.J. Fagan, associate professor of Political Science at the University of Illinois Chicago and author of "The Thinkers: The Rise of Partisan Think Tanks and the Polarization of American Politics" (2024). The discussion examined how Democrats can prepare for future administrations, restore government capacity, and respond to Donald Trump’s political and policy choices.   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).   Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Prof. E.J. Fagan: WCPT 820 Interview

  3. 3d ago

    Prof. Allan J. Lichtman: WCPT 820 Interview

    Joan Esposito is joined by Allan Lichtman, distinguished professor of history at American University and author of the new book "Great American Presidents: The Twelve Who Transformed the Nation." He also recently wrote an article for MS NOW with the headline "Republicans in Congress aren’t afraid of Trump. They agree with him." The discussion focused on historical threats to American democracy, current U.S. politics, and criteria for evaluating presidential leadership. Here are a few key points from the conversation:- Lichtman cited the Civil War, the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War as evidence that the United States has survived severe crises.- He warned that democracy is fragile and urged Americans to vote and encourage others to vote and protest.- He noted that low approval ratings, voter dissatisfaction with the Iran war, economic pressures, and the Epstein files have weakened Donald Trump’s support. Looking ahead to the midterms, he said, "Remember, he doesn't always win. He lost big in the midterm elections of 2018, and of course, he lost the presidency in 2020." - He said Republicans largely share Trump’s priorities, while Democrats are improving their messaging around programs benefiting ordinary Americans.- Lichtman promoted his new book, "Great American Presidents," as a framework for evaluating past and future presidents, including a 10-point scorecard.- He argued that periods following poor presidencies can produce transformative leadership. Key quote: "There's so much misguided commentary that says Republicans always or almost always go along with Trump, certainly on things that matter, because they're afraid of him. There's some small truth to that. But the bigger truth is, they agree with him. Both today's Republicans and Donald Trump are the heirs of a hundred years of American conservative history. Forget what conservatives claim they're for -- limited government, ICE, anti-abortion, free markets, taxes, taking over shares in private businesses, attacking Venezuela so we can give their oil to private business. That has nothing to do with free enterprise. Fiscal responsibility? They've blown the biggest holes in our deficit. "So what 100 years shows they're really all about is the same thing that Trump and today's MAGA is all about: number one, promotion not of free enterprise or free markets but private enterprise, as evidenced by tariffs, loan guarantees, subsidies, special tax breaks, attacks on unions. And the second thing, from Prohibition back in 1920 to anti-abortion today, is their own narrow, distorted view of traditional Christian values. They have focused on the most obscure, the most minor elements of Jesus's teaching. Is he really about transgender, homosexuality, abortion? Of course not. And they ignore the great bulk of Jesus's teaching, which is beware of wealth and greed. 'It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man' to reach heaven, fidelity to the truth, care for the poor, the vulnerable -- all of that is totally ignored, and they focus on these fringe elements of the Christian tradition to wage their culture wars. And these two elements that Trump and today's MAGA represent have been the consistent hardcore of conservatism from the 1920 through today." 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).   Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Prof. Allan J. Lichtman: WCPT 820 Interview

  4. 4d ago

    Christopher Armitage: WCPT 820 Interview

    Joan Esposito is joined by Christopher Armitage, author, veteran, former law enforcement officer, activist, policy adviser, and publisher of The Existentialist Republic on Substack; his latest piece is "The Untold Story of How The Democrats Won Their Last Supermajority: The 50 State Strategy" 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).   Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Christopher Armitage: WCPT 820 Interview

  5. 4d ago

    Bill Scher of Washington Monthly: WCPT 820 Interview

    Joan Esposito is joined by Bill Scher, politics editor at Washington Monthly; his latest articles are "This Is the Biggest Reason Why a Blue Wave Is Probably Coming" and "Why Democrats Should Be Most Worried About Troy Jackson (And It’s Not the Consultants)."  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).   Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Bill Scher of Washington Monthly: WCPT 820 Interview

  6. 6d ago

    Randy Manner: WCPT 820 Interview

    Joan Esposito is joined by Army Maj. Gen. Randy Manner (Ret.), former acting and deputy director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, former acting vice chair of the National Guard Bureau, and member of National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A). The discussion focused on concerns about U.S. foreign policy, military leadership, election security, and presidential conduct. Here are a few key points from the conversation:- Manner called last week's United Nations session "the most volatile session of the U.N. that I have ever witnessed," adding: "To have the president of the United States literally threatening annihilation of another nation again [Iran], which of course he can't do, and speaking so demeaningly of so many of the nations around the world, and then threatening Cuba in front of everybody -- I mean, he was appealing to his base, which is shrinking every day, one percentage point at a time, one voter at a time, and that's great. But the problem is he is still the president of the United States saying these absurd comments. Then you have, on the other side, the Israeli prime minister, who, remember, of course, could literally face indictment for war crimes, and then, of course, our own president blasting the International Criminal Court because, of course, he could be on that short list too in a matter of time."- He said commanders are responsible for service members’ welfare but noted that the facts surrounding conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln remain incomplete.- They discussed Pentagon leadership purges, reduced experience at senior military levels, and possible National Guard deployments during elections.- Manner urged people to vote as soon as possible, particularly in person- Also discussed: Trump's Arlington Arch, the Kennedy Center dispute, and the use of military or national security justifications for presidential construction projects. 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).   Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Randy Manner: WCPT 820 Interview

  7. Sep 26

    Ray Suarez: WCPT 820 Interview

    Joan Esposito is joined by Ray Suarez, broadcast journalist and author of "We Are Home: Becoming American in the 21st Century" (2024). The conversation focused on the political, institutional, and media challenges facing the United States, along with Ray’s upcoming Chicago appearance. Here are a few key points from the conversation:- Ray and Joan discussed the possibility that the midterm elections could return one or both congressional chambers to Democratic control, driven largely by dissatisfaction with the current administration rather than strong enthusiasm for Democrats.- Democrats would face a difficult governing environment: an impatient public, narrow majorities, weakened institutions, and pressure for rapid results.- Joan argued that Democrats should begin a comprehensive “Project 2029” plan to rebuild agencies with less red tape and more effective delivery of services.- Ray said the loss of expertise and regulatory capacity has created lasting damage and could leave the next president with a generational rebuilding task.- They discussed the decline of traditional news organizations, the rise of prediction markets and independent creators, and the difficulty of establishing trusted authority in a fragmented information environment.- Ray expressed a sense of unprecedented pessimism about the country’s direction, while Joan maintained that staying engaged and fighting for democratic institutions remains necessary. - Ray will speak at the Cathedral Center at St. James Cathedral in Chicago on Sunday, September 27 at 10:00 a.m., discussing immigration and cultural change, participate in conversation with Funmi Olopade, and take audience questions. Learn more: https://www.saintjamescathedral.org/events/adult-forums   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).   Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ray Suarez: WCPT 820 Interview

  8. Sep 26

    Lynne of Indivisible and musician Billy Branch: WCPT 820 Interview

    Joan Esposito is joined by Lynne of Indivisible Elk Grove Township, along with blues harmonica player Billy Branch, who is part of the musical lineup for the 2nd annual Concert for Democracy, an afternoon of live music in support of grassroots activism on Sunday, October 11 in Elk Grove Village. Here are a few key points from the conversation:- The event will take place Sunday, October 11 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Belvedere Banquets in Elk Grove Village, 1170 W. Devon Ave. Doors open at noon.- It will benefit Partners for Our Communities, a Palatine-based nonprofit supporting underserved and marginalized people.- Attendees can find information and tickets or donation details at chicagomusicfordemocracy.com; the suggested minimum donation is $25.- The event will feature eight musical acts, including Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues, plus a roster of speakers that includes Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, and of course MC Patti Vasquez.- A democracy fair will include local organizations, volunteer opportunities, voting activities, mental-health organizations, and the League of Women Voters.- Billy Branch discussed performing “Begging for Change” and the role of musicians and blues music in political expression. 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).   Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Lynne of Indivisible and musician Billy Branch: WCPT 820 Interview
See All (100)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, here are featured interviews from "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" (weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central, a topical and interactive talk show 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 course.     Joan Esposito has hosted WCPT's afternoon show since 2019. Prior to that she spent 20 years as a Chicago television anchor and reporter for WGN Channel 9, ABC7 and NBC5, and had a stint as managing partner at media trainer J2SC.  Joan is a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). 

Information

More From WCPT 820

You Might Also Like