On today's show
– Professor Steven D. Schwinn of the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law
– Army Maj. Gen. Randy Manner (Ret.), former acting vice chair of the National Guard Bureau, and member of National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A)
– Suzanne Chod, professor of political science at North Central College
– David Orr, former Cook County clerk and Chicago alderman and founder of Good Government Illinois

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; <a href="https://law.uic.edu/profiles/schwinn-steven/">Professor Steven D. Schwinn</a> of the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law &ndash; Army Maj. Gen. Randy Manner (Ret.), former acting vice chair of the National Guard Bureau, and member of <a href="https://www.nsl4a.org/">National Security Leaders for America</a> (NSL4A) &ndash; <a href="https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/profile/smchod">Suzanne Chod</a>, professor of political science at North Central College &ndash; David Orr, former Cook County clerk and Chicago alderman and founder of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/goodgovernmentillinois/">Good Government Illinois</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 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 26, 2026

On today's show Turi Ryder fills in for Joan and her guests are
– David Levine, professor of law, UC Law San Francisco
– David Hochberg, vice president of lending for Team Hochberg at Homeside Financial
– U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)
– William Muck, professor of political science at North Central College

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 Turi Ryder fills in for Joan and her guests are &ndash; David Levine, professor of law, <a href="https://www.uclawsf.edu/people/david-levine/">UC Law San Francisco</a> &ndash; David Hochberg, vice president of lending for <a href="https://56david.com/">Team Hochberg</a> at Homeside Financial &ndash; U.S. <a href="https://foster.house.gov/">Rep. Bill Foster</a> (D-IL) &ndash; <a href="https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/profile/wjmuck">William Muck</a>, professor of political science at North Central College
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 with guest host Turi Ryder | August 25, 2026

Filling in for Joan Esposito, Turi Ryder is joined by Illinois Congressman Bill Foster, Democrat representing the 11th District. Foster discusses the intersection of scientific research, artificial intelligence, and national security.

Here is a summary of the conversation:

Political Shifts in DuPage County
- Congressman Foster discusses the changing political landscape in DuPage County and the suburbs.
- He credits Melissa Bean as a pioneer for Democrats winning in the collar counties.
- The conversation highlights how the Democratic Party has shifted from being purely working-class to attracting college-educated voters.

The Risks of AI Integration
- Foster discusses concerns raised by small-business owners regarding AI-driven search results.
- There is a concern that AI assistants could be manipulated by financial incentives to steer users toward specific products or services.
- The discussion touches on the concept of "enshittification," where sponsored content becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish from organic results.

Importance of Scientific Research
- Foster emphasizes the necessity of protecting federally funded scientific research against political opposition.
- He notes that seemingly trivial biological studies can lead to life-saving medical breakthroughs, such as those related to GLP-1 drugs.

Science and Innovation Event
- An upcoming event titled "America 250: Celebrating Science and Innovation" will take place on August 29th at the Prisco Community Center in Aurora, Illinois.
- The event aims to celebrate "how we have come to dominate world science, and frankly, the dangers of of walking away from that," said Foster. 
- Foster additionally mentions an upcoming telephone town hall on August 31st.

AI Infrastructure and Energy Concerns
- The conversation addresses the massive energy and water requirements needed to power new AI data centers.
- Foster warns that these centers may rely on natural gas, which could drive up heating costs for local residents.
- There is a discussion regarding the potential for using renewable energy, like solar arrays in unoccupied territories, to power these facilities sustainably.

Dual-Use Technology and Security
- Foster discusses the danger of consumer-grade Nvidia chips being used in Russian drones for autonomous targeting.
- He references the "slaughterbots" concept to illustrate the risks of AI-enabled warfare and autonomous assassination tools.
- The Chip Security Act is identified as a legislative effort to require manufacturers to include mechanisms that prevent chips from being abused by bad actors.

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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Filling in for Joan Esposito, Turi Ryder is joined by Illinois Congressman Bill Foster, Democrat representing the 11th District. Foster discusses the intersection of scientific research, artificial intelligence, and national security.
Here is a summary of the conversation:
Political Shifts in DuPage County - Congressman Foster discusses the changing political landscape in DuPage County and the suburbs. - He credits Melissa Bean as a pioneer for Democrats winning in the collar counties. - The conversation highlights how the Democratic Party has shifted from being purely working-class to attracting college-educated voters. The Risks of AI Integration - Foster discusses concerns raised by small-business owners regarding AI-driven search results. - There is a concern that AI assistants could be manipulated by financial incentives to steer users toward specific products or services. - The discussion touches on the concept of "enshittification," where sponsored content becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish from organic results. Importance of Scientific Research - Foster emphasizes the necessity of protecting federally funded scientific research against political opposition. - He notes that seemingly trivial biological studies can lead to life-saving medical breakthroughs, such as those related to GLP-1 drugs.
Science and Innovation Event - An upcoming event titled "<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/america-250-celebrating-science-innovation-tickets-56121349467?aff=oddtdtcreator#location">America 250: Celebrating Science and Innovation</a>" will take place on August 29th at the Prisco Community Center in Aurora, Illinois. - The event aims to celebrate "how we have come to dominate world science, and frankly, the dangers of of walking away from that," said Foster.&nbsp; - Foster additionally mentions an upcoming telephone town hall on August 31st. AI Infrastructure and Energy Concerns - The conversation addresses the massive energy and water requirements needed to power new AI data centers. - Foster warns that these centers may rely on natural gas, which could drive up heating costs for local residents. - There is a discussion regarding the potential for using renewable energy, like solar arrays in unoccupied territories, to power these facilities sustainably. Dual-Use Technology and Security - Foster discusses the danger of consumer-grade Nvidia chips being used in Russian drones for autonomous targeting. - He references the "slaughterbots" concept to illustrate the risks of AI-enabled warfare and autonomous assassination tools. - The Chip Security Act is identified as a legislative effort to require manufacturers to include mechanisms that prevent chips from being abused by bad actors.
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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WCPT 820 Interview: U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)

Filling in for Joan Esposito, John St. Augustine is joined by Donald Remy, former deputy secretary of Veterans Affairs (2021-2023) and former CEO and chief legal officer of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (2011-2021); his new book is "Collegiate Capitalism: The Battle for the Future of College Sports."

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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Filling in for Joan Esposito, John St. Augustine is joined by Donald Remy, former deputy secretary of Veterans Affairs (2021-2023) and former CEO and chief legal officer of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (2011-2021); his new book is "<a href="https://collegiatecapitalism.com/">Collegiate Capitalism: The Battle for the Future of College Sports</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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Joan Esposito: Live, Local & Progressive | August 26, 2026

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