Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

WCPT 820
WCPT 820
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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. 2d ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Bill Scher of Washington Monthly

    Joan Esposito is joined by Bill Scher, politics editor at Washington Monthly; his latest article is "Should We Ever Trust Polls Again?" 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.

    WCPT 820 Interview: Bill Scher of Washington Monthly

  2. 2d ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Chris Fitzsimon of "Stories from the States" podcast

    Joan Esposito is joined by Chris Fitzsimon, host of the Stories from the States podcast. This time they talk about Episode 41, "Ohio Haitians brace for what's next after Trump cancels their TPS." Short Description: Earlier this year, the Trump administration terminated temporary protective status for hundreds of thousands of Haitian immigrants. Many communities are preparing for a possible surge of federal immigration enforcement. However, Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, are being targeted and forced to wear ankle monitors, according to local advocates. The community became a focus of Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign promise to conduct mass deportations when he falsely accused Haitians there of eating house pets. He vowed to terminate their legal protections in order to deport them. In Episode 41, you’ll hear from Ohio Capital Journal reporter Megan Henry, who has been covering the Springfield community since 2024. Beginning August 16 "Stories From the States" airs on WCPT at 6:00 p.m. every Sunday.   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.

    WCPT 820 Interview: Chris Fitzsimon of "Stories from the States" podcast

  3. 3d ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Opal Vadhan

    Joan Esposito is joined by Opal Vadhan, former senior adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris and former aide to Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton.  Vadhan describes the "double-edged sword" of leadership for women, where they are judged for being either too tough or not tough enough, and emphasizes that women face much higher standards and scrutiny than men in professional roles. She contradicts rumors of Hillary Clinton being mean, describing the former presidential nominee as incredibly kind, funny, and supportive, even during grueling travel schedules in early primary states like Iowa and New Hampshire.Vadhan, who went to work for Kamala Harris March 1, 2021, describes the former vice president as a brilliant and gracious leader who remains focused on solving issues, despite intense pressure as the first Black and South Asian vice president. She recounts being present when President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race and witnessing Harris immediately begin making critical calls to manage the transition.  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.

    WCPT 820 Interview: Opal Vadhan

  4. 3d ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Randy Manner

    Joan Esposito is joined by Army Maj. Gen. Randy Manner (Ret.), former acting vice chair of the National Guard Bureau, and member of National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A). Manner discusses military leadership failures, international instability, and potential threats to election integrity. Key points:- Reports indicate the USS Abraham Lincoln has faced food shortages, sanitation issues, and extreme deployment lengths exceeding 240 days without a port break; at least three sailors have reportedly attempted self-harm due to these conditions- Manner criticizes Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for being dismissive and a lack of transparency regarding the challenges faced by deployed sailors- The responsibility for ship conditions lies with the captain, but higher authorities like the Navy Department and the president are also accountable- There is a dispute regarding whether the secretary of Defense was aware of critical munitions shortages, with Manner arguing such shortages are evident in public records- Manner believes the administration is deflecting blame and that leaders may be hesitant to provide the president with negative information- Reports surfaced regarding a potential assassination threat against Donald Trump during a NATO summit involving an Iranian ruse; Manner expresses skepticism about the validity of certain intelligence reports, noting that the CIA viewed some data as "low confidence"- Manner argues that presidents typically do not publicize assassination attempts and suggests the current approach may be used for political sympathy- A new protection pact between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan is discussed as a response to perceived instability in U.S. protection- Manner warns that this alliance creates a "tinderbox" situation that could escalate regional conflicts into global ones involving nuclear powers- The shift is described as an unintended consequence of U.S. military actions in the Middle East uniting Arab nations against Israel and the U.S.- Manner emphasizes that the military has zero legal role in U.S. elections and should never be deployed to polling places- Election management is strictly a state and local responsibility, and civil unrest should be handled by police rather than the military 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.

    WCPT 820 Interview: Randy Manner

  5. 4d ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL)

    Joan Esposito talks to U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL) Key topics/points* Rising costs for groceries, fertilizer, and diesel are increasing the financial burden on everyday Americans* Significant food cuts to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) have led to a nearly 20 percent decrease in revenue for grocery stores * Impending Medicaid cuts scheduled for January 2027 are causing concern among hospitals and local providers* Increased instability in Cuba, Haiti and Venezuela; Jackson criticizes U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz's claims regarding oil blockade in Cuba* Reported attempts of suicide by sailors stationed on the USS Abraham Lincoln* Potential violence at the polls during upcoming elections due to aggressive political tactics and legislation like the SAVE Act* Suspicious circumstances surrounding death of Mississippi teenager Nolan Wells; Jackson calls for a federal investigation 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.

    WCPT 820 Interview: U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL)

  6. 4d ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Joe Walsh

    Joan Esposito is joined by Joe Walsh, former Republican congressman from Illinois and host of "The Social Contract with Joe Walsh." Walsh is also co-founder of PAXIS, an AI-driven, "know-your-rights" digital resource and emergency tool that aims to provide real-time information, legal support, and guidance for people interacting with immigration enforcement.  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.

    WCPT 820 Interview: Joe Walsh

  7. 4d ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Heartland Signal's Aaron Kleinman

    Joan Esposito is joined by Aaron Kleinman, Heartland Signal‘s senior political analyst and author of the “Radio Free America” newsletter. He recaps recent primary election results in Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Connecticut, South Carolina, and more.  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.

    WCPT 820 Interview: Heartland Signal's Aaron Kleinman

  8. 6d ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Ray LaHood

    RAY LAHOOD DEFENDS BIPARTISANSHIP; "COMPROMISE IS NOT A BAD WORD" Joan Esposito is joined by Ray LaHood, former Illinois congressman and former U.S. Transportation secretary. On August 27 he will participate in a City Club of Chicago event with Illinois Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, "Can Bipartisanship Still Work?" 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.

    WCPT 820 Interview: Ray LaHood
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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). 

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