Aaron Kleinman

Joe Walsh

Rep. Jonathan Jackson

On today's show:
– Aaron Kleinman, Heartland Signal‘s senior political analyst and author of the “Radio Free America” newsletter
– Joe Walsh, former Republican congressman from Illinois and host of “The Social Contract with Joe Walsh“
– U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL)

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).

On today's show: &ndash; Aaron Kleinman,&nbsp;<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/">Heartland Signal</a>&lsquo;s senior political analyst and author of the &ldquo;<a href="https://radio-free-america.beehiiv.com/">Radio Free America</a>&rdquo; newsletter &ndash; Joe Walsh, former Republican congressman from Illinois and host of &ldquo;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-contract-with-joe-walsh/id1590913798">The Social Contract with Joe Walsh</a>&ldquo; &ndash; U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/">Rep. Jonathan Jackson</a>&nbsp;(D-IL)
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).

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

Joan Esposito: Live, Local & Progressive | August 12, 2026

Joan Esposito is joined by Carolyn Fiddler, state politics expert and author of the newsletter "This Week in Statehouse Action. They discussed election integrity, state-level political developments, and redistricting ahead of the midterm elections. 

Here is a brief summary of the conversation:
- Fiddler said repeated claims about election fraud and changes involving the USPS are creating confusion about mail-in voting.
- She emphasized that voting by mail and in person remain safe and secure, and that voters can submit ballots early or surrender mail ballots at polling places.
- Pennsylvania Democrats are seeking to retain the governorship and state house, flip the state senate, and pursue policies including higher minimum wages, family medical leave, and abortion-rights protections.
- Fiddler described Missouri’s congressional redistricting dispute, where conflicting court rulings have left the status of a referendum and district boundaries unresolved.

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 Carolyn Fiddler, state politics expert and author of the newsletter "<a href="https://statehouseaction.substack.com/">This Week in Statehouse Action</a>. They discussed election integrity, state-level political developments, and redistricting ahead of the midterm elections.&nbsp;
Here is a brief summary&nbsp;of the conversation: - Fiddler said repeated claims about election fraud and changes involving the USPS are creating confusion about mail-in voting. - She emphasized that voting by mail and in person remain safe and secure, and that voters can submit ballots early or surrender mail ballots at polling places. - Pennsylvania Democrats are seeking to retain the governorship and state house, flip the state senate, and pursue policies including higher minimum wages, family medical leave, and abortion-rights protections. - Fiddler described Missouri&rsquo;s congressional redistricting dispute, where conflicting court rulings have left the status of a referendum and district boundaries unresolved.
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>).
&nbsp;
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WCPT 820 Interview: Carolyn Fiddler of This Week in Statehouse Action

Joan Esposito is joined by Illinois Congressman Jonathan Jackson, Democrat representing the 1st District of Illinois. 

Rep. Jackson discussed the effects of federal policy on food security, health care, elections, military deployment, and his priorities for Illinois.

Here is a brief summary of the conversation:
- Jackson said SNAP reductions are contributing to grocery-store closures and food insecurity in both urban and rural communities.
- He warned that pending Medicaid and Medicare cuts could cause hospitals to close and increase hardship.
- He criticized military deployments, federal spending priorities, and Trump administration policies he said protect wealthy and powerful people from accountability.
- Jackson expressed concern that violence, federal intervention, or efforts to control election administration could threaten the midterms.
- He expects that Democrats will retake the House and emphasized the need for a broad coalition capable of securing 218 votes.

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 Illinois Congressman&nbsp;<a href="https://jonathanjackson.house.gov/">Jonathan Jackson</a>, Democrat representing the 1st District of Illinois.&nbsp;
Rep. Jackson discussed the effects of federal policy on food security, health care, elections, military deployment, and his priorities for Illinois.
Here is a brief summary of the conversation: - Jackson said SNAP reductions are contributing to grocery-store closures and food insecurity in both urban and rural communities. - He warned that pending Medicaid and Medicare cuts could cause hospitals to close and increase hardship. - He criticized military deployments, federal spending priorities, and Trump administration policies he said protect wealthy and powerful people from accountability. - Jackson expressed concern that violence, federal intervention, or efforts to control election administration could threaten the midterms. - He expects that Democrats will retake the House and emphasized the need for a broad coalition capable of securing 218 votes.
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>).
&nbsp;
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WCPT 820 Interview: U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL)

Joan Esposito is joined by Dani Negrete, national political director at Indivisible. The discussion focused on the planned October 17 No Kings Nationwide Day of Action, which seeks to mobilize Americans to vote early and defend democratic participation.

Here is a brief summary of the conversation: 

- Negrete explained that October 17 events will be local, festival-style gatherings, block parties, rallies, and marches.
- The movement is being organized by a broad coalition that includes Indivisible, labor, environmental, LGBTQ+, and voting-rights organizations.
- Joan and Negrete discussed voter suppression, election disinformation, intimidation, and possible federal law-enforcement presence at polling places.
- Negrete emphasized that civic responsibility continues after voting through accountability, protest, and sustained local organizing.

 

This No Kings press release has more information:

On October 17, No Kings: Vote Early will launch a day of coordinated, nonpartisan action across the country to drive early voting. Millions took to the streets last year and gathered for one of the largest single-day, nonviolent direct actions in U.S. history in March. No Kings: Vote Early is the next step in this growing movement, making sure we use our collective power at the ballot box for the future we want for our families, communities, and country. 

This No Kings activation will look very different: community events will vary from block parties to rallies to walks to the polls. Each one will be working toward a common goal: making sure every eligible voter has a plan to vote early (where possible), knows their options for how to vote, and is ready to make their voice count by casting their ballot. 

Groups organizing the No Kings events across the country include American Federation of Teachers, Black Voters Matter Fund, 50501, Indivisible, MoveOn, Public Citizen, State Voices, and Voto Latino, among others. A full list of partners can be seen at https://www.nokings.org/partners.

New events are being added to the map daily. For a full list of current participating cities and event details, visit www.NoKings.org. To speak with someone from the No Kings Coalition, contact media@nokings.org.

No Kings: Vote Early events are nonpartisan and are designed to increase participation from all eligible voters. All No Kings events adhere to a shared commitment to nonviolent protest and community safety. Organizers are trained in de-escalation and are working with local partners to ensure actions are lawful, disciplined, and rooted in the strength of our communities.

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 Dani Negrete, national political director at&nbsp;<a href="https://indivisible.org/">Indivisible</a>.&nbsp;The discussion focused on the planned October 17 <a href="https://www.nokings.org/">No Kings Nationwide Day of Action</a>, which seeks to mobilize Americans to vote early and defend democratic participation.
Here is a brief&nbsp;summary of the conversation:&nbsp;
- Negrete explained that October 17 events will be local, festival-style gatherings, block parties, rallies, and marches. - The movement is being organized by a broad coalition that includes Indivisible, labor, environmental, LGBTQ+, and voting-rights organizations. - Joan and Negrete discussed voter suppression, election disinformation, intimidation, and possible federal law-enforcement presence at polling places. - Negrete emphasized that civic responsibility continues after voting through accountability, protest, and sustained local organizing.
&nbsp;
This No Kings press release has more information:
On October 17, No Kings: Vote Early will launch a day of coordinated, nonpartisan action across the country to drive early voting. Millions took to the streets last year and gathered for one of the largest single-day, nonviolent direct actions in U.S. history in March. No Kings: Vote Early is the next step in this growing movement, making sure we use our collective power at the ballot box for the future we want for our families, communities, and country.&nbsp;
This No Kings activation will look very different: community events will vary from block parties to rallies to walks to the polls. Each one will be working toward a common goal: making sure every eligible voter has a plan to vote early (where possible), knows their options for how to vote, and is ready to make their voice count by casting their ballot.&nbsp;
Groups organizing the No Kings events across the country include American Federation of Teachers, Black Voters Matter Fund, 50501, Indivisible, MoveOn, Public Citizen, State Voices, and Voto Latino, among others. A full list of partners can be seen at <a href="https://g6gj8.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/SMK1E8tHeG13FkOH6iGwrZb1zUfB/8ZMw4WtsChhx" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://g6gj8.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/SMK1E8tHeG13FkOH6iGwrZb1zUfB/8ZMw4WtsChhx&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1789062810927000&amp;usg=AOvVaw123ag9aUR1KQjSYAe6oMKD">https://www.nokings.org/partners</a>.
New events are being added to the map daily. For a full list of current participating cities and event details, visit <a href="https://g6gj8.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/SMK1E8tHeG7uhtDEHsQQxOtlxnFR/z3AN9OSMPePP" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://g6gj8.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/SMK1E8tHeG7uhtDEHsQQxOtlxnFR/z3AN9OSMPePP&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1789062810927000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2r9iSBQkatpvPJD1ppQMIU">www.NoKings.org</a>. To speak with someone from the No Kings Coalition, contact <a href="mailto:media@nokings.org">media@nokings.org</a>.
No Kings: Vote Early events are nonpartisan and are designed to increase participation from all eligible voters. All No Kings events adhere to a shared commitment to nonviolent protest and community safety. Organizers are trained in de-escalation and are working with local partners to ensure actions are lawful, disciplined, and rooted in the strength of our communities.
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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Joan Esposito: Live, Local & Progressive | August 12, 2026

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