Chicago Power Poll

EarSight Studios
  • 5.0 (3)
  • NEWS COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
Chicago Power Poll

These are conversations about the most pressing civic issues in Chicago, hosted by Thom Serafin. We’ll get into what’s trending and why with a panel of newsmakers and news shakers. The Serafin Power Poll is an interactive polling platform that surveys business, civic, media, and political insiders about the attitudes and opinions that shape the moves of the Chicago’s most influential leaders.

Episodes

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Pritzker's next move, Chicago's budget game, and Illinois' Trump-effect

    Time for our November '24 edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin. We'll get into our post-election chat with 5 new questions. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist Mike Flannery We also welcome ABC7's award-winning political reporter Craig Wall. This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: Is Donald Trump's return to the White House a positive for lllinois' economic health? What was the number one issue that drove voters to cast their ballots for Trump? Do you believe Illinois Governor JB Pritzker will pursue the Presidency in 2028? How would you resolve the City of Chicago's nearly $1 billion budget deficit? Are you planning on dining or shopping in downtown Chicago this holiday season? Thom, Mike, and Craig will share our Power Poll results and get into what's driving the answers here on the November edition of our show.

    31 min

  2. OCT 21

    The CTU Power Grab, Hybrid Work Hype, and the Bears in the Playoffs?

    Here's our October '24 edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin. We'll stir the pot with 5 more thought-provoking questions. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist Mike Flannery We also welcome one of the coolest heads in Chicago politics, Forrest Claypool. He's run the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Transit Authority, and also served as CEO of the Chicago Public Schools. Claypool's new book, The Daley Show, recounts his time as Mayor Richard M. Daley's chief of staff. This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: How do you feel about Mayor Brandon Johnson's influence over the Board of Education? Do you believe the new school board will make significant improvements in public ed? What to you think of the shift away from remote work? What issues do you think voters care most about in the upcoming Presidential election? Following the Bears big win in London, how confident are you in their playoff chances? Thom, Mike, and Forrest will share the poll results and get into what's driving the answers here on the October edition of our show.

    32 min

  3. SEP 30

    Shotspotter, CPS turmoil, and CTA ghost trains

    Here's our September '24 edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin. We'll dive into 5 more thought-provoking questions. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist Mike Flannery We also welcome the Emmy Award winning journalist, Anne Kavanagh , contributing reporting for Fox32 Chicago. Anne also teaches investigative journalism at DePaul University. This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: Do you think Chicago's Shotspotter gun shot detection technology helped save lives? Should the Chicago Public School Board vote to oust Superintendent Pedro Martinez? Would it be a good idea for the U.S. Surgeon General to place a warning on social media? Is the CTA effectively serving the people of Chicago? Do voters need another presidential debate to decide which candidate will get their vote. Thom, Mike, and Anne will share the poll results and get into what's driving the answers here on the September edition of our show.

    36 min

  4. SEP 3

    Chicago's DNC grade, its MVP, and Bears in the playoffs?

    Here's our DNC edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin. We'll dive into 5 more thought-provoking questions. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist Mike Flannery We also welcome host NBC5's "Chicago Today, Cortney Hall. Her show chronicles the city's vibrant neighborhoods through cultural trends. This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: How do you think hosting the 2024 Democratic National Convention will impact Chicago's economy and reputation in the long term? Did Chicago’s leaders effectively showcase the city's strengths to a national audience? Whose professional leadership deserves the MVP award for convention week? Which of the last four Chicago mayors would be most interesting dinner guest? The Chicago Bears were undefeated in the preseason. How will they do in the regular season? Thom, Mike, and Cortney will share the poll results and get into what's driving the answers here on the DNC edition of our show.

    26 min

  5. JUL 15

    A Presidential Age Cap, Chicago's Worst Expressway, and Remembering Ann Lurie

    Here's our July edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin. We'll dive into 5 more thought-provoking questions. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist Mike Flannery We also welcome NBC5's political reporter, Mary Ann Ahern. Her Emmy award-winning work has taken her across the country covering Presidential campaigns since 1988. Please note: our conversation with Mike and Mary Ann took place July 12th, nearly 30 hours before the troubling assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: Did the Presidential debate during the final week of June impact your opinion of the candidates? Would you support an upper age limit to run for President? Including President Joe Biden, which Democrat would have the best chance to win the November general election? Chicago was just ranked #2 when it comes to worst U.S. traffic. Which is major expressway or tollway is your least favorite? Thom, Mike, and Mary Ann will share the poll results and get into what's driving the answers here on our July '24 show.

    32 min

  6. JUN 15

    Chicago curfew, the GOP V-P, and a very "crowded" summer

    Here's our June edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin. We'll dive into 5 more thought-provoking questions. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist Mike Flannery We also welcome Sarah Schulte, ABC7's award-winning reporter. The Highland Park native is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan who's been on the beat in Washington D.C., Philly, Nashville, and Las Vegas. Sarah came home to Chicago in 1998 to join the news team at WLS-TV. This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: Which Chicago summer event are you most interested in experiencing the NASCAR street race, the Rolling Stones tour stop, the DNC, or Lollapalooza? What do you think of Chicago Alderman Brian Hopkins' proposed 8pm curfew for minors? Who is most likely to be named Donald Trump's running mate on the GOP ticket? Is Caitlin Clark getting fair treatment as a WNBA rookie> Thom, Mike, and Sarah will share the poll results and get into what's driving the answers here on our June '24 show.

    37 min

  7. MAY 20

    The DNC, cicadas & "AI", oh my!

    Here's our May edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin. We'll dive into 5 more thought-provoking questions. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist Mike Flannery We also welcome Amanda Vinicky, former statehouse bureau chief for NPR Illinois. Amanda is now co-host and correspondent for Chicago Tonight on WTTW-TV. This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions:  A recent report says the Democratic National Committee is “preparing for the worst” at this summer’s convention in Chicago. Are you worried? At what level are you using Artificial Intelligence or "AI" in your work & life? Billions of cicadas are buzzing and mating. How do you feel about that? Plus, our Power Pollers rate Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's first year in office. Thom, Mike, and Amanda will share the poll results and get into what's driving the answers here on our May '24 show.

    31 min

  8. APR 22

    Caitlin Clark Fever, grading Chicago leadership, and the dominant issue for voters

    Here's our April edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin. We'll dive into 5 more thought-provoking questions. Joining Thom is veteran Chicago political journalist Mike Flannery and Carol Marin, Director of DePaul University's Center for Journalistic Integrity & Excellence. This month, we asked our power pollers to answer these questions: What is the most dominant issue among the voters of Illinois? How did "Caitlin Clark Fever" impact your interest in Women's NCAA tournament? Do you think the Chicago City Council project a sense of confidence to Chicago residents?   Thom, Mike, and Carol will share the poll results and get into what's driving the answers here on our April '24 show.

    37 min

  9. MAR 26

    The Bears dome on the lake, banning TikTok, and voter apathy

    Here's our March edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin. We'll dive into 5 more thought-provoking questions. Joining Thom is veteran Chicago political journalist Mike Flannery and WBEZ's Mary Dixon. This month, we asked our power pollers to answer these questions: What do you think about the Chicago Bears building a publicly-owned domed stadium near Soldier Field.  What's your opinion on the U.S. House of Representatives vote to ban TikTok in the United States? Only 20% of eligible Chicagoans voted in the March primary. How do you feel about the current state of voter apathy?   Thom, Mike, and Mary will share the poll results and get into what's driving the answers here on our March '24 show.

    36 min

  10. FEB 18

    Chicago's most powerful union, the Sox & the '78', and grading the city's economy

    Here's our February edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin. We'll dive into 5 more thought-provoking questions. Joining Thom is veteran Chicago political journalist Mike Flannery and Chicago media personality Andrea Darlas. This month, we asked our power pollers to answer these questions: Which union do you think is the most politically powerful union in the city? The Chicago White Sox may build a new stadium in the South Loop. Do you think this is a good idea? How do you feel about the city's economic performance? Thom, Mike, and Andrea will share the poll results and get into what's driving the answers here on our February '24 show.

    34 min

  11. JAN 15

    The migrant crisis, the Iowa caucus, and the Bears ‘24 draft

    Welcome to the debut of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin. During this episode we explore the poll results of 5 thought-provoking questions. Joining Thom is veteran Chicago political journalist Mike Flannery and ABC 7 sports reporter Dionne Miller. Our January 2024 poll included the following questions: What's the most important action Chicago can take to address the city's growing migrant crisis? Which GOP candidate will surprise the experts in the Iowa Presidential caucus? What should the Bears to with their #1 pick in the NFL draft?   Thom, Mike, and Dionne will share the poll results and get into what's driving the answers here on this month's show.

    31 min

  12. TRAILER

    Chicago Power Poll

    Launched in 2020, the Serafin's Chicago Power Poll is an interactive polling platform that surveys business, civic, media, and political insiders about the attitudes and opinions that shape the moves of the Chicago’s most influential leaders. It’s the best way we know, to reveal the attitudes and opinions of the players who essentially run our town.  Now, host Thom Serafin takes the Chicago Power Poll results to a panel of news makers and news “shakers” to debate those insights. These conversations offer a glimpse into the future, by analyzing the opinions of the voices who will shape that future. Look for a new Chicago Power Poll episode on the 3rd Monday of every month.

    2 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

These are conversations about the most pressing civic issues in Chicago, hosted by Thom Serafin. We’ll get into what’s trending and why with a panel of newsmakers and news shakers. The Serafin Power Poll is an interactive polling platform that surveys business, civic, media, and political insiders about the attitudes and opinions that shape the moves of the Chicago’s most influential leaders.

Information

  • Creator
    EarSight Studios
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Chicago Power Poll

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada