Karen Byrne

Jen Thompson

On today's show Michelle Peltier fills in for Richard and her guests are
– Karen Byrne, co-host of the TruBlu Politics podcast
– Jen Thompson, former Republican campaign manager, former counsel in the U.S. House and Senate, and author of "Wild Pivot: Notes from a Political Life Rewritten" (2026); she just published a new article on Substack, "Megyn Kelly: Here’s My Phone Number"

Plus: Richard's previously recorded interview with Lindsay Owens, Ph.D., president and CEO of Groundwork Collaborative and author of "Gouged: The End of a Fair Price—and What That Means for Your Wallet" (2026)

Catch "Chew's Views with Richard Chew” weekdays from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/chews-views).

 

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On today's show Michelle Peltier fills in for Richard and her guests are &ndash; Karen Byrne, co-host of the <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trublu-politics/id1715898318">TruBlu Politics podcast</a> &ndash; Jen Thompson, former Republican campaign manager, former counsel in the U.S. House and Senate, and author of "<a href="https://shewritespress.com/product/wild-pivot/">Wild Pivot: Notes from a Political Life Rewritten</a>" (2026); she just published a new article on Substack, "<a href="https://jenthompsonwritesthings.substack.com/p/megyn-kelly-heres-my-phone-number">Megyn Kelly: Here&rsquo;s My Phone Number</a>"
Plus: Richard's previously recorded interview with Lindsay Owens, Ph.D., president and CEO of Groundwork Collaborative and author of "<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/778487/gouged-by-lindsay-owens/">Gouged: The End of a Fair Price&mdash;and What That Means for Your Wallet</a>" (2026)
Catch "Chew's Views with Richard Chew&rdquo; weekdays from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/chews-views">heartlandsignal.com/programs/chews-views</a>).
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From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, here are full episodes of “Chew's Views” (weekdays from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. Central), a pragmatic radio show that focuses on moving our political, social, economic, gender and cultural conversation forward and creating a roadmap for progressives to be more involved in their political and social destinies. With "Chew's Views" the emphasis is on positive talk and solutions – but don’t get it twisted; we may bring some smashmouth dialogue to the program just to make sure you’re awake, not just “woke.”  


Richard Chew has been a part of the WCPT family since 2017, initially as part of "The Family Meeting" and as a regular contributor to "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive."  He became WCPT's morning host in early 2024. 

A 25-plus-year wealth management and insurance veteran, Richard is well-versed in all areas of financial planning, wealth management and insurance plans designed to help clients with their financial future. Richard’s primary goal is to help consumers assess what their needs are and find the right plans and programs to protect their wealth.

Richard was born and raised in Chicago and Southwestern Michigan and is a graduate of Pepperdine University; he later pursued a master’s degree from Keller Graduate School. He is proud of the fact that he has visited all 50 of the great states of the United States of America and keeps his passport current to make sure traveling the world is always a “ready to go” item. He and his wife, Anne, love the city and suburbs of Chicago and all their greatness.  

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago, here are full episodes of &ldquo;<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/programs/chewviews-with-richard-chew/">Chew's Views</a>&rdquo; (weekdays from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. Central), a pragmatic radio show that focuses on moving our political, social, economic, gender and cultural conversation forward and creating a roadmap for progressives to be more involved in their political and social destinies. With "Chew's Views" the emphasis is on positive talk and solutions &ndash; but don&rsquo;t get it twisted; we may bring some smashmouth dialogue to the program just to make sure you&rsquo;re awake, not just &ldquo;woke.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;
 Richard Chew has been a part of the WCPT family since 2017, initially as part of "<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/programs/the-family-meeting/">The Family Meeting</a>" and as a regular contributor to "<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive/">Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive</a>." &nbsp;He became WCPT's morning host in early 2024.&nbsp;
A 25-plus-year wealth management and insurance veteran, Richard is well-versed in all areas of financial planning, wealth management and insurance plans designed to help clients with their financial future. Richard&rsquo;s primary goal is to help consumers assess what their needs are and find the right plans and programs to protect their wealth.
Richard was born and raised in Chicago and Southwestern Michigan and is a graduate of Pepperdine University; he later pursued a master&rsquo;s degree from Keller Graduate School. He is proud of the fact that he has visited all 50 of the great states of the United States of America and keeps his passport current to make sure traveling the world is always a &ldquo;ready to go&rdquo; item. He and his wife, Anne, love the city and suburbs of Chicago and all their greatness. &nbsp;

Chew's Views with Richard Chew (Full Episodes)

From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, “Chew's Views” (weekdays from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. Central) is a pragmatic radio show that focuses on moving our political, social, economic, gender and cultural conversation forward and creating a roadmap for progressives to be more involved in their political and social destinies. With "Chew's Views" the emphasis is on positive talk and solutions – but don’t get it twisted; we may bring some smashmouth dialogue to the program just to make sure you’re awake, not just “woke.”  

Richard Chew has been a part of the WCPT family since 2017, initially as part of "The Family Meeting" and as a regular contributor to "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive." He became WCPT's morning host in early 2024.

Richard also regularly shares his views on other podcasts and radio shows, including recent appearances on Amy McGrath's "Truth in a Barrel," "The John Fugelsang Podcast," "Endless Urgency" with Mike Nellis, and "The Politics Bar."

A 25-plus-year wealth management and insurance veteran, Richard is well-versed in all areas of financial planning, wealth management and insurance plans designed to help clients with their financial future.

Richard was born and raised in Chicago and Southwestern Michigan and is a graduate of Pepperdine University; he later pursued a master’s degree from Keller Graduate School. He is proud of the fact that he has visited all 50 of the great states of the United States of America and keeps his passport current to make sure traveling the world is always a “ready to go” item. He and his wife, Anne, love the city and suburbs of Chicago and all their greatness.  

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago, &ldquo;<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/programs/chewviews-with-richard-chew/">Chew's Views</a>&rdquo; (weekdays from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. Central) is a pragmatic radio show that focuses on moving our political, social, economic, gender and cultural conversation forward and creating a roadmap for progressives to be more involved in their political and social destinies. With "Chew's Views" the emphasis is on positive talk and solutions &ndash; but don&rsquo;t get it twisted; we may bring some smashmouth dialogue to the program just to make sure you&rsquo;re awake, not just &ldquo;woke.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Richard Chew has been a part of the WCPT family since 2017, initially as part of "<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/programs/the-family-meeting/">The Family Meeting</a>" and as a regular contributor to "<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive/">Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive</a>." He became WCPT's morning host in early 2024.
Richard also regularly shares his views on other podcasts and radio shows, including recent appearances on Amy McGrath's "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWK_o2PSptQ">Truth in a Barrel</a>," "<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/weekend-interviews-simon-and-julie-richard-chew/id1464094232?i=1000685443232">The John Fugelsang Podcast</a>," "<a href="https://endlessurgency.com/p/pardoning-ghislaine-maxwell-trump">Endless Urgency</a>" with Mike Nellis, and "<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/is/podcast/community-vs-cankles-july-22-2025/id886656768?i=1000718522141">The Politics Bar</a>."
A 25-plus-year wealth management and insurance veteran, Richard is well-versed in all areas of financial planning, wealth management and insurance plans designed to help clients with their financial future.
Richard was born and raised in Chicago and Southwestern Michigan and is a graduate of Pepperdine University; he later pursued a master&rsquo;s degree from Keller Graduate School. He is proud of the fact that he has visited all 50 of the great states of the United States of America and keeps his passport current to make sure traveling the world is always a &ldquo;ready to go&rdquo; item. He and his wife, Anne, love the city and suburbs of Chicago and all their greatness. &nbsp;

Chew's Views with Richard Chew

Chew's Views with guest host Michelle Peltier | October 23, 2026

Richard Chew is joined by Lindsay Owens, Ph.D., president and CEO of Groundwork Collaborative and author of "Gouged: The End of a Fair Price—and What That Means for Your Wallet" (2026).

The discussion focused on Owens' advocacy for fair consumer pricing, stronger protections, and more competition. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Owens described a proposed Shoppers’ Bill of Rights with 12 protections for e-commerce, including refunds through a human representative and a ban on surveillance pricing.
- She said retailers collect and use consumer data to personalize prices, assess customers’ willingness to pay, and influence discounts. Her book, "Gouged," examines how pricing has become less transparent and predictable.
- She argued that Live Nation and Ticketmaster’s combined control contributes to higher ticket prices and said breaking up the companies is a potential remedy. 
- She said state attorneys general have increasingly challenged large monopolies in this current era of limited federal antitrust enforcement.

Catch "Chew's Views with Richard Chew” weekdays from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/chews-views).

 

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Richard Chew is joined by Lindsay Owens, Ph.D., president and CEO of Groundwork Collaborative and author of "<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/778487/gouged-by-lindsay-owens/">Gouged: The End of a Fair Price&mdash;and What That Means for Your Wallet</a>" (2026).
The discussion focused on Owens' advocacy for fair consumer pricing, stronger protections, and more competition. Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - Owens described a proposed Shoppers&rsquo; Bill of Rights with 12 protections for e-commerce, including refunds through a human representative and a ban on surveillance pricing. - She said retailers collect and use consumer data to personalize prices, assess customers&rsquo; willingness to pay, and influence discounts. Her book, "Gouged," examines how pricing has become less transparent and predictable. - She argued that Live Nation and Ticketmaster&rsquo;s combined control contributes to higher ticket prices and said breaking up the companies is a potential remedy.&nbsp; - She said state attorneys general have increasingly challenged large monopolies in this current era of limited federal antitrust enforcement.
Catch "Chew's Views with Richard Chew&rdquo; weekdays from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/chews-views">heartlandsignal.com/programs/chews-views</a>).
&nbsp;
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Author Lindsay Owens: WCPT 820 Interview

Filling in for Richard Chew, Michelle Peltier and in-studio guest Karen Byrne are joined by Jen Thompson, former Republican campaign manager, former counsel in the U.S. House and Senate, and author of "Wild Pivot: Notes from a Political Life Rewritten" (2026). Thompson just published a new article on Substack, "Megyn Kelly: Here’s My Phone Number."

In the conversation, Thompson discussed her political transformation and her call for women to challenge misogyny, racism, and political conformity. Here are a few highlights from the interview:
- Thompson described her open letter criticizing Megyn Kelly for inflammatory commentary and argued that such rhetoric may be driven by ratings.
- Drawing on her former role as a senior Republican attorney and campaign strategist, she urged Republican leaders to speak out against harmful tactics.
- She connected her shift from conservative Republican to progressive Democrat to personal experiences, many of which are described in her book "Wild Pivot"
- She acknowledged her own white privilege and racism in her upbringing, and said she works to learn from and support Black leaders.

Catch "Chew's Views with Richard Chew” weekdays from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/chews-views).

 

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Filling in for Richard Chew, Michelle Peltier and in-studio guest Karen Byrne are joined by Jen Thompson, former Republican campaign manager, former counsel in the U.S. House and Senate, and author of "<a href="https://shewritespress.com/product/wild-pivot/">Wild Pivot: Notes from a Political Life Rewritten</a>" (2026). Thompson just published a new article on Substack, "<a href="https://jenthompsonwritesthings.substack.com/p/megyn-kelly-heres-my-phone-number">Megyn Kelly: Here&rsquo;s My Phone Number</a>."
In the conversation, Thompson discussed her political transformation and her call for women to challenge misogyny, racism, and political conformity. Here are a few highlights from the interview: - Thompson described her open letter criticizing Megyn Kelly for inflammatory commentary and argued that such rhetoric may be driven by ratings. - Drawing on her former role as a senior Republican attorney and campaign strategist, she urged Republican leaders to speak out against harmful tactics. - She connected her shift from conservative Republican to progressive Democrat to personal experiences, many of which are described in her book "Wild Pivot" - She acknowledged her own white privilege and racism in her upbringing, and said she works to learn from and support Black leaders.
Catch "Chew's Views with Richard Chew&rdquo; weekdays from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/chews-views">heartlandsignal.com/programs/chews-views</a>).
&nbsp;
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Author Jen Thompson: WCPT 820 Interview

Richard Chew is joined by Ami Fields-Meyer, former senior policy adviser at the White House, former senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation, and co-author of "On Courage: How to Be a Dissident in an Age of Fear" (2026).

The discussion focused on recognizing authoritarian tactics and strengthening civic resistance through collective action. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Fields-Meyer argued that attacks on political opponents, institutions, and media can normalize selective persecution; naming these tactics helps people understand what is happening.
- He said fear and a sense of inevitability are central to authoritarianism, and that public pushback can disrupt both.
- He described four approaches: heed moral concerns, find a community of shared values, avoid conduct that can be used to discredit a movement, and persuade a broader coalition without abandoning core principles.
- Strikes and boycotts can exert economic and reputational pressure, but Fields-Meyer said they have not yet been used at mass scale.

Catch "Chew's Views with Richard Chew” weekdays from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/chews-views).

 

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Richard Chew is joined by <a href="https://www.fieldsmeyer.com/">Ami Fields-Meyer</a>, former senior policy adviser at the White House, former senior fellow&nbsp;at the Harvard Kennedy School&rsquo;s Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation, and co-author of "<a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/products/on-courage-julia-angwinami-fields-meyer?variant=44366661976098">On Courage: How to Be a Dissident in an Age of Fear</a>" (2026).
The discussion focused on recognizing authoritarian tactics and strengthening civic resistance through collective action. Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - Fields-Meyer argued that attacks on political opponents, institutions, and media can normalize selective persecution; naming these tactics helps people understand what is happening. - He said fear and a sense of inevitability are central to authoritarianism, and that public pushback can disrupt both. - He described four approaches: heed moral concerns, find a community of shared values, avoid conduct that can be used to discredit a movement, and persuade a broader coalition without abandoning core principles. - Strikes and boycotts can exert economic and reputational pressure, but Fields-Meyer said they have not yet been used at mass scale.
Catch "Chew's Views with Richard Chew&rdquo; weekdays from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/chews-views">heartlandsignal.com/programs/chews-views</a>).
&nbsp;
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Chew's Views with guest host Michelle Peltier | October 23, 2026

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