9 episodes

'Public Official A' uncovers the rise and fall of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. How he did whatever it took to reach the top. The trail of destruction left in his wake. And how the complexities, charisma, and tragic flaws of this public official resonate today.

Public Official A WBEZ Chicago

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.6 • 665 Ratings

'Public Official A' uncovers the rise and fall of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. How he did whatever it took to reach the top. The trail of destruction left in his wake. And how the complexities, charisma, and tragic flaws of this public official resonate today.

    Part 1: Spare The Rod

    Part 1: Spare The Rod

    After Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested, he received a 14-year prison sentence. Under President Donald Trump, there was always a chance Blagojevich would be released early. And in February 2020, it finally happened. Public Official A, a new podcast from WBEZ, examines the rise and fall of ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

    • 33 min
    Part 2: It's A Family Business

    Part 2: It's A Family Business

    The trouble started soon after Rod Blagojevich became Governor of Illinois. A federal investigation began and a powerful political family tore itself apart. Public Official A, a new podcast from WBEZ, examines the rise and fall of ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

    • 31 min
    Part 3: Rod Likes To Run

    Part 3: Rod Likes To Run

    Who is Rod Blagojevich? He was an incredible retail politician who knew how to work a room. But ultimately, his obsession with climbing the ladder brought him down. Public Official A, a new podcast from WBEZ, examines the rise and fall of ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

    • 39 min
    Part 4: The Tapes

    Part 4: The Tapes

    The FBI recorded Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's phone calls for almost six weeks. What they heard shocked them. Public Official A, a new podcast from WBEZ, examines the rise and fall of ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

    • 41 min
    Part 5: Treat Me Nice

    Part 5: Treat Me Nice

    With almost everyone believing that he was guilty, Blagojevich fought back on national TV. Public Official A, a new podcast from WBEZ, examines the rise and fall of ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

    • 36 min
    Part 6: I Talk Too Much

    Part 6: I Talk Too Much

    The evidence is presented and President Donald Trump becomes ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's last hope. Public Official A, a new podcast from WBEZ, examines the rise and fall of ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

    • 47 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
665 Ratings

665 Ratings

CGLR#1 ,

Public Official A

What an interesting story! Enjoyed the facts and learning details from both sides! Great job!

Schoncher ,

Interesting!

Well told story that only makes Blago, by his and his family’s own words, look worse than he already did. Just about the perfect length, excellent background and details, and intriguing with laughs throughout.

JimTurner ,

Great

Loved hearing the events firsthand and in such an unbiased way.

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