Joan Esposito is joined by Andrew Grunwald, vice president of Political Strategy at The States Project, and Melissa Walker, principal strategist, Giving Circles, at The States Project.

The discussion focused on the influence of state legislatures and ways to support candidates and voters in close races. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Grunwald said The States Project invests resources and strategic support in candidates who can affect control of state legislative chambers, with attention to Pennsylvania, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Ohio, and Nebraska.
- They discussed how legislative control can shape policy, congressional maps, and the power of governors to enact their agendas.
- Walker described about 200 giving circles that organize community networks and political contributions for targeted state legislative races.
- Circles may also write postcards, phone-bank, and support voter outreach. Early fundraising helps candidates plan, while sustained personal contact with voters can help counter late attack ads.
- Walker said people can learn more or start a circle through The States Project website.

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).

 

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Joan Esposito is joined by Andrew Grunwald, vice president of Political Strategy at&nbsp;<a href="https://statesproject.org/">The States Project</a>, and Melissa Walker, principal strategist, Giving Circles, at <a href="https://statesproject.org/">The States Project</a>.
The discussion focused on the influence of state legislatures and ways to support candidates and voters in close races. Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - Grunwald said The States Project invests resources and strategic support in candidates who can affect control of state legislative chambers, with attention to Pennsylvania, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Ohio, and Nebraska. - They discussed how legislative control can shape policy, congressional maps, and the power of governors to enact their agendas. - Walker described about 200 giving circles that organize community networks and political contributions for targeted state legislative races. - Circles may also write postcards, phone-bank, and support voter outreach. Early fundraising helps candidates plan, while sustained personal contact with voters can help counter late attack ads. - Walker said people can learn more or start a circle through <a href="https://statesproject.org/">The States Project website</a>.
Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive">heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive</a>).
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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). 

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> 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 &mdash; Democrats, of course. &nbsp; &nbsp;
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. &nbsp;Joan is a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).&nbsp;

Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, here are full episodes of "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). 

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago, here are full episodes of "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. &nbsp;
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 &mdash; Democrats, of course. &nbsp; &nbsp;
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. &nbsp;Joan is a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).&nbsp;

Joan Esposito (Full Episodes)

From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" (weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central) is 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). 

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago, "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" (weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central) is 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 &mdash; Democrats, of course. &nbsp; &nbsp;
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. &nbsp;Joan is a long-time member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).&nbsp;

Joan Esposito: Live, Local & Progressive

Andrew Grunwald and Melissa Walker of The States Project: WCPT 820 Interview

Joan Esposito is joined by Heartland Signal reporters Elinor Epperson and Kori Skillman, making their WCPT debut with the weekly segment, Stories You Might Have Missed From Heartland Signal. 

Here are few highlights from the conversation:
- Elinor reported on energy policy in Michigan’s 4th District, including the pause in a rooftop-solar assistance program and a ballot measure to bar utility contributions to political campaigns.
- Kori discussed Republican Michigan U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers’s proposal for literacy tests for SNAP and Medicaid recipients.
- Elinor noted that on November 3 Missouri voters will decide whether to repeal abortion protections passed in 2024; the measure, known as Amendment 3, also addresses gender-affirming care for minors.  
- Kori reported that Republican Iowa U.S. Senate candidate Ashley Hinson asked supporters for gas money to fund her campaign bus, despite having voted against six House resolutions seeking to end U.S. hostilities with Iran.

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).

 

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Joan Esposito is joined by Heartland Signal reporters&nbsp;<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/author/elinor/">Elinor Epperson</a> and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/author/kori/">Kori Skillman</a><a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/author/kori/"></a>, making their WCPT debut with the weekly segment, Stories You Might Have Missed From <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/">Heartland Signal</a>.&nbsp;
Here are few highlights from the conversation: - Elinor reported on <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/2026/10/24/mccann-huizenga-energy-policy-and-costs/">energy policy in Michigan&rsquo;s 4th District</a>, including the pause in a rooftop-solar assistance program and a ballot measure to bar utility contributions to political campaigns. - Kori discussed Republican Michigan U.S. Senate candidate <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/2026/10/28/mike-rogers-reading-requirement-snap-michigan/">Mike Rogers&rsquo;s proposal for literacy tests for SNAP and Medicaid recipients</a>. - <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/2026/11/01/missouri-amendment-3-abortion-ban-gender-affirming-care/">Elinor noted that on November 3 Missouri voters will decide whether to repeal abortion protections passed in 2024</a>; the measure, known as Amendment 3, also addresses gender-affirming care for minors.&nbsp;&nbsp; - <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/2026/10/28/hinson-asks-iowans-for-gas-money-as-fuel-costs-climb-amid-iran-war/">Kori reported that Republican Iowa U.S. Senate candidate Ashley Hinson asked supporters for gas money to fund her campaign bus</a>, despite having voted against six House resolutions seeking to end U.S. hostilities with Iran.
Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive">heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive</a>).
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Elinor Epperson and Kori Skillman of Heartland Signal: WCPT 820 Interview

Joan Esposito is joined by Melissa Bean, Democratic candidate for Congress in the 8th District of Illinois. The interview focused on Bean’s congressional race, voter turnout, and her priorities if elected. 

Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Bean stressed that every vote matters, citing a past loss by 270 votes, and urged voters to make a specific plan to vote.
- She described the 8th Congressional District as more Democratic than when she previously ran and said voters were ready for change.
- She said a new PAC had announced six-figure spending in support of her opponent, Jennifer Davis.
- Bean criticized Davis’s opposition to abortion rights and argued her positions were out of step with the district.
- If elected, Bean said she would prioritize codifying ethical norms, anti-corruption measures, restoring congressional authority, and funding federal agencies.
- Her priorities also include securing Social Security and passing her Empowering Young Americans Plan and "my Vote Act, which would give everybody a PIN number and use technology so that once they voted, they can then go back and track to see when their vote was counted, and does it accurately reflect who they voted for?" 
- Bean discussed the need to protect elections and hold elected officials accountable. 

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).

 

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Joan Esposito is joined by <a href="https://www.melissabeanforcongress.com/">Melissa Bean</a>, Democratic candidate for Congress in the 8th District of Illinois. The interview focused on Bean&rsquo;s congressional race, voter turnout, and her priorities if elected.&nbsp;
Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - Bean stressed that every vote matters, citing a past loss by 270 votes, and urged voters to make a specific plan to vote. - She described the 8th Congressional District as more Democratic than when she previously ran and said voters were ready for change. - She said a new PAC had announced six-figure spending in support of her opponent, Jennifer Davis. - Bean criticized Davis&rsquo;s opposition to abortion rights and argued her positions were out of step with the district. - If elected, Bean said she would prioritize codifying ethical norms, anti-corruption measures, restoring congressional authority, and funding federal agencies. - Her priorities also include securing Social Security and passing her Empowering Young Americans Plan and "my Vote Act, which would give everybody a PIN number and use technology so that once they voted, they can then go back and track to see when their vote was counted, and does it accurately reflect who they voted for?"&nbsp; - Bean discussed the need to protect elections and hold elected officials accountable.&nbsp;
Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive">heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive</a>).
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Melissa Bean: WCPT 820 Candidate Interview

Joan Esposito is joined by Ron Roberts, host of "The Ron Show," a political talk show now airing on Heartland Signal station WMLB Atlanta. 

The conversation examined Georgia’s competitive midterm races and the factors shaping turnout and candidate support. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Roberts described Georgia as a purple swing state and said the close governor’s race could boost turnout and help Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in his bid for re-election.
- He said Mike Collins, Ossoff's GOP challenger, was unpopular with some Republicans and cited conservative voices who opposed or criticized him.
- He noted that Ossoff polls favorably on leadership and presidential potential, but warned that a Republican governor could appoint his Senate successor if he left office.
- He said Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms faced criticism tied to her Atlanta mayoral term, but her public-safety record and outreach beyond Atlanta may be improving perceptions in her campaign for Georgia governor. 

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).

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Joan Esposito is joined by Ron Roberts, host of "<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ron-show/id1654073158?uo=4">The Ron Show</a>," a political talk show now airing on Heartland Signal station WMLB Atlanta.&nbsp;
The conversation examined Georgia&rsquo;s competitive midterm races and the factors shaping turnout and candidate support. Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - Roberts described Georgia as a purple swing state and said the close governor&rsquo;s race could boost turnout and help Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in his bid for re-election. - He said Mike Collins, Ossoff's GOP challenger, was unpopular with some Republicans and cited conservative voices who opposed or criticized him. - He noted that Ossoff polls favorably on leadership and presidential potential, but warned that a Republican governor could appoint his Senate successor if he left office. - He said Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms faced criticism tied to her Atlanta mayoral term, but her public-safety record and outreach beyond Atlanta may be improving perceptions in her campaign for Georgia governor.&nbsp;
Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive">heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive</a>).
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Andrew Grunwald and Melissa Walker of The States Project: WCPT 820 Interview

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