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. 3d ago

    WCPT 820 Candidate Interview: La Shawn Ford

    Joan Esposito is joined by Illinois Democratic State Rep. La Shawn Ford, candidate for Congress in the 7th District of Illinois. He discussed his expected transition to Congress, policy priorities, and campaign efforts ahead of the November election. Key points- Ford plans to pursue Medicare for all, expanded health care and prescription-drug access, affordable housing, senior housing, and infrastructure funding for the 7th Congressional District.- He is developing a bipartisan tax credit for businesses that hire college students as interns and plans to push bills previously advanced by Danny Davis.- He supports Democrats pursuing broad policy changes rather than incremental health-care reforms.- Ford is campaigning for Congress through social media, events, churches, schools, and door knocking while encouraging early voting.- He expects Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to become House speaker if Democrats regain the House 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 Candidate Interview: La Shawn Ford

  2. 3d ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Edwin Eisendrath

    Joan Esposito is joined by Edwin Eisendrath, host of "It's the Democracy, Stupid" (Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT) and publisher of "It's The Democracy, Stupid" on Substack. Key points- Edwin urged voters to verify registration, vote early, avoid mail where possible, mobilize neighbors, and protect ballot counting through volunteers and legal observers.- Concerns were raised in the discussion about Republican efforts to restrict voting access, including polling-place closures, voter purges, postal delays, and potential challenges to election results.- A midterm win for Democrats could enable accountability and slow the administration, but rebuilding government and improving Americans’ lives would require a longer effort. 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: Edwin Eisendrath

  3. 4d 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 offered his assessment of U.S. military readiness, civilian leadership, and the war with Iran. Here is a summary of the conversation:- Manner said Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will eventually become the fall guy for military problems, though not imminently.- He described munitions as significantly depleted and criticized the administration's decision to dismantling a 600-soldier drone battalion while moving an armored corps headquarters from Europe to North America.- He attributed these decisions to political and financial influence.- Manner criticized recent firings of Stars and Stripes editorial staff and CENTCOM civilian-casualty investigators- He said the administration’s actions could lead to international war-crimes indictments and urged listeners to vote.- Manner also addressed rust and maintenance conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln, U.S. relations with NATO, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. 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

  4. 4d ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Richard North Patterson

    Joan Esposito is joined by Richard North Patterson, best-selling author, attorney and political commentator. His new book, "Tripwires: 15 Twenty-First-Century Events That Undermined American Democracy—and How to Reclaim," was released Tuesday. Democratic Decline- Patterson identified the Supreme Court's Bush v. Gore decision, the Iraq War, Republican tax cuts, the appointment of John Roberts as chief justice of the Supreme Court, the Citizens United decision, and the 2008 financial crisis as interconnected developments that eroded trust, increased inequality, and strengthened concentrated wealth and political power.- He criticized Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's decision to not retire during the Obama presidency, saying: "On her deathbed, she expresses the wish that Trump would wait for a new president. Well, that was never going to happen. He appointed Amy Coney Barrett, the exact philosophical opposite of Ginsburg, and now we have a supermajority on the Supreme Court. And regrettably, for all the admirable work she did, that is Ginsburg's legacy."- Patterson argued that the Republican Party's base became increasingly authoritarian and that economic insecurity and racial anxiety helped drive this shift.Reform Priorities- Patterson called for a fairer economy through stronger unions, higher taxes on top earners and corporations, reduced capital-gains exemptions, expanded child tax credits, broader health care access, and a higher minimum wage.- He emphasized economic fairness as a prerequisite for restoring faith in democracy. 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: Richard North Patterson

  5. 5d ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Paul Glastris of Washington Monthly

    Joan Esposito is joined by Paul Glastris, editor-in-chief of The Washington Monthly and founder of the magazine’s alternative college rankings; the new rankings were published Sunday. Glastris noted that the rankings have been published since 2005. Unlike traditional rankings, Washington Monthly focuses on socially conscious criteria, such as affordability, graduation rates, and post-graduation outcomes. The top-ranked school this year is Berea College in Kentucky, known for its low tuition and rigorous education. Glastris also highlighted the "Best Colleges for Rural America" rankings, which identify institutions that provide upward mobility and meet local job needs. The conversation emphasized the importance of accessible, affordable education and its impact on regional economies and civic life. 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: Paul Glastris of Washington Monthly

  6. 5d ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Jordan Zaslow

    Joan Esposito is joined by Jordan Zaslow, founder/executive director at Her Bold Move. Zaslow discusses the challenges women face when running for office in red districts and abortion-ban states. Her organization supports women in these areas, highlighting the lack of female representation in male-dominated legislatures. Zaslow emphasizes the need for more women in politics to influence pro-women policies. Her Bold Move's research over 20 years shows that states with more women in legislatures pass more supportive policies. Zaslow also discusses the importance of women getting involved in politics now, as women's rights are under threat. The organization's new Substack will feature feminist perspectives on current events. 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: Jordan Zaslow

  7. 5d ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: David Atkins of Washington Monthly and DNC

    Joan Esposito is joined by David Atkins, Washington Monthly contributing writer. He recently wrote the articles “I’m a DNC Committee Member. The Party Isn’t Broken” and "The Case for the DNC’s Ken Martin. Really." In the interview Atkins defended Ken Martin's leadership as chair of the Democratic National Committee. He explained that the DNC's primary role is to elect the president and support state parties. He highlighted Martin's commitment to a 50-state strategy, emphasizing early investments in local organizing over late-stage TV ads. Atkins noted that despite the DNC's current cash shortfall, it has raised record amounts, focusing on ground organizing. He criticized the reliance on consultants and lamented the dominance of conservative media, advocating for long-term investments in information environments and local communities. Atkins argued that Martin's approach aligns with progressive values and is crucial for future Democratic success. 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: David Atkins of Washington Monthly and DNC

  8. 6d ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Rwanda genocide expert Brian Endless

    Joan Esposito is joined by Brian Endless, senior lecturer and director of African Studies and the African Diaspora at Loyola University Chicago, and founder of The Come Together Project. Endless discussed the extraordinary story of Paul Rusesabagina, the hotel manager from the movie "Hotel Rwanda." Rusesabagina saved over 1,200 lives during the 1994 Rwandan genocide by providing shelter at his hotel. Despite this, he faced persecution from the Rwandan government and was kidnapped and imprisoned for over two years. Endless, who helped secure Rusesabagina's release, detailed the challenges and international efforts involved, highlighting the role of the Clooney Foundation for Justice and the U.S. and Belgian governments in pressuring the Rwandan regime. Rusesabagina's bravery and resilience were emphasized throughout the discussion. 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: Rwanda genocide expert Brian Endless
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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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