On today's show
– Aaron Kleinman, Heartland Signal‘s senior political analyst and author of the “Radio Free America” newsletter
– Spencer Critchley, author of Patriots of Two Nations and host of the Dastardly Cleverness in the Service of Good podcast

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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On today's show &ndash; Aaron Kleinman, <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; <a href="https://spencercritchley.com/">Spencer Critchley</a>, author of Patriots of Two Nations and host of the <a href="https://dastardlycleverness.com/">Dastardly Cleverness in the Service of Good</a> podcast
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 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 19, 2026

Joan Esposito is joined by Adam Mockler, Gen-Z liberal political commentator who hosts "The Adam Mockler Show" on You Tube.  He discusses the rise of independent media, network shifts at CNN and CBS, and current trends within the Democratic Party.

Summary
- Mocker tells Joan that his experience includes attending Trump rallies in Iowa to engage in respectful discussions with people holding different viewpoints.
- He frequently appears on CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip" to debate conservatives.
- He describes his interactions with conservative panelist Scott Jennings
- He argues that some conservative commentators use a strategy of "muddying the waters" to create confusion rather than winning arguments through facts.
- The conversation touches on an example where Jennings allegedly used a non-equivalent comparison involving Joe Biden to deflect questions about Donald Trump's actions.
- Mockler and Joan discuss the rise of independent media as a way to fact-check administrations and bypass corporate media ownership.
- They express concern regarding David Ellison's potential influence over networks like CNN and CBS following new business deals.
- The participants criticize the current administration's handling of conflict with Iran, noting it has lasted much longer than initially projected.
- Mockler expresses concern over Pete Hegseth campaigning in Iowa while military personnel remain stuck on the USS Abraham Lincoln during this war.
- They discuss the lack of political concessions gained from recent military actions despite the high costs being borne.
- The conversation highlights concerns regarding the politicization of the Department of Justice, notably Todd Blanche's presence at Republican rallies as a potential violation of separation of powers.
- Mockler talks about an anti-establishment wave among Democratic voters who are gravitating toward "change agents" rather than traditional leaders.
- The dialogue explores how special interest groups like AIPAC influence politicians, often leading them to take positions that are unpopular with their constituents.
- Mockler suggests that taking money from such groups serves as a litmus test for whether a politician will prioritize power over representing their people.

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 Adam Mockler, Gen-Z liberal political commentator who hosts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@adammockler/videos">"The Adam Mockler Show"</a> on You Tube.&nbsp; He discusses the rise of independent media, network shifts at CNN and CBS, and current trends within the Democratic Party.
Summary - Mocker tells Joan that his experience includes attending Trump rallies in Iowa to engage in respectful discussions with people holding different viewpoints. - He frequently appears on CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip" to debate conservatives. - He describes his interactions with conservative panelist Scott Jennings - He argues that some conservative commentators use a strategy of "muddying the waters" to create confusion rather than winning arguments through facts. - The conversation touches on an example where Jennings allegedly used a non-equivalent comparison involving Joe Biden to deflect questions about Donald Trump's actions. - Mockler and Joan discuss the rise of independent media as a way to fact-check administrations and bypass corporate media ownership. - They express concern regarding David Ellison's potential influence over networks like CNN and CBS following new business deals. - The participants criticize the current administration's handling of conflict with Iran, noting it has lasted much longer than initially projected. - Mockler expresses concern over Pete Hegseth campaigning in Iowa while military personnel remain stuck on the USS Abraham Lincoln during this war. - They discuss the lack of political concessions gained from recent military actions despite the high costs being borne. - The conversation highlights concerns regarding the politicization of the Department of Justice, notably Todd Blanche's presence at Republican rallies as a potential violation of separation of powers. - Mockler talks about an anti-establishment wave among Democratic voters who are gravitating toward "change agents" rather than traditional leaders. - The dialogue explores how special interest groups like AIPAC influence politicians, often leading them to take positions that are unpopular with their constituents. - Mockler suggests that taking money from such groups serves as a litmus test for whether a politician will prioritize power over representing their people.
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: Adam Mockler

Joan Esposito is joined by Paul Lisnek, multi-Emmy Award-winning TV host who served as political and legal analyst at WGN for 18 years; he is also the author of 15 books and host of "Curtain Call Chicago" and "Paul On Politics." 

They discuss the recent Kennedy Center naming controversy, speculation surrounding the resignation of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump's motivations and legacy, political strategy and polls, the future of media consumption, and Lisnek's passion for Chicago's thriving theater scene. 

 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://paullisnek.com/">Paul Lisnek</a>, multi-Emmy Award-winning TV host who served as political and legal analyst at WGN for 18 years; he is also the author of 15 books and host of "<a href="https://paullisnek.com/curtain-call-chicago">Curtain Call Chicago</a>" and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaulOnPolitics">Paul On Politics</a>."&nbsp;
They discuss the recent Kennedy Center naming controversy, speculation surrounding the resignation of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump's motivations and legacy, political strategy and polls, the future of media consumption, and Lisnek's passion for Chicago's thriving theater scene.&nbsp;
&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>).
&nbsp;
Follow us:
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WCPT 820 Interview: Paul Lisnek

Julie Roginsky

Adam Mockler

Paul Lisnek

On today's show:
– Julie Roginsky, author of the Salty Politics newsletter on Substack and co-founder of the nonprofit Lift Our Voices
– Adam Mockler, Gen-Z liberal political commentator who hosts “The Adam Mockler Show” on You Tube
– Paul Lisnek, multi-Emmy Award-winning TV host who served as political and legal analyst at WGN for 18 years; he is also the author of 15 books and host of “Curtain Call Chicago” and “Paul On Politics“

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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On today's show: &ndash; Julie Roginsky, author of the&nbsp;<a href="https://saltypolitics.substack.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://saltypolitics.substack.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787153188261000&amp;usg=AOvVaw00t47WRbWo1tgtuM4n_Mqz">Salty Politics</a>&nbsp;newsletter on Substack and co-founder of the nonprofit&nbsp;<a href="https://liftourvoices.org/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://liftourvoices.org/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787153188261000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3yPn1RhS7hzg4B31kE0TUs">Lift Our Voices</a> &ndash; Adam Mockler, Gen-Z&nbsp;liberal political commentator who&nbsp;hosts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@adammockler/videos" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.youtube.com/@adammockler/videos&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787153188261000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0uPqb5JPZvqOVPA0fNLJ7n">&ldquo;The Adam Mockler Show&rdquo;&nbsp;</a>on You Tube &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://paullisnek.com/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://paullisnek.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787153188261000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0VzZpEOdOrIl5HR8M1A4j8">Paul Lisnek</a>, multi-Emmy Award-winning TV host who served as political and legal analyst at WGN for 18 years; he is also the author of 15 books and host of &ldquo;<a href="https://paullisnek.com/curtain-call-chicago" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://paullisnek.com/curtain-call-chicago&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787153188261000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0PPaUyQRGyOyg1CPzY1UOp">Curtain Call Chicago</a>&rdquo; and &ldquo;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PaulOnPolitics" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.youtube.com/@PaulOnPolitics&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1787153188261000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3NCi0-en3r0HHsAJfdFS5I">Paul On Politics</a>&ldquo;
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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Joan Esposito: Live, Local & Progressive | August 19, 2026

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