Melissa Toufanian

Chris Fitzsimon

Pat Quinn

On today's show:
– Melissa Toufanian, former State Department deputy assistant secretary who served on the communications team for the original Iran nuclear deal under President Obama, and now serves as managing director at Navigator Research
– Chris Fitzsimon, host of the Stories from the States podcast
– Former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn

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; Melissa Toufanian, former State Department deputy assistant secretary who served on the communications team for the original Iran nuclear deal under President Obama, and now serves as managing director at <a href="https://navigatorresearch.org/">Navigator Research</a> &ndash; Chris Fitzsimon, host of the<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/podcast/stories-states">&nbsp;Stories from the States podcast</a> &ndash;&nbsp;Former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn
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 7, 2026

Rebecca Ford and Scott Duff

Michael Gebert

On today's show:
– “Out Chicago” host Scott Duff and film critic Rebecca Ford with their monthly look at TV, movies, theater and more
– Michael Gebert, James Beard Award-winning food writer, video producer, and author of “The Chicago Way: An Oral History of Chicago Dining” (2026); he will be appearing at Chicago’s Printers Row Lit Fest Saturday, September 12 

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; &ldquo;<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/programs/out-chicago/">Out Chicago</a>&rdquo; host Scott Duff and film critic Rebecca Ford with their monthly look at TV, movies, theater and more &ndash; Michael Gebert, James Beard Award-winning food writer, video producer, and author of&nbsp;&ldquo;<a href="https://www.agatepublishing.com/9781572843608/the-chicago-way/">The Chicago Way: An Oral History of Chicago Dining</a>&rdquo; (2026); he will be&nbsp;<a href="https://printersrowlitfest.org/event/michael-gebert/">appearing at Chicago&rsquo;s Printers Row Lit Fest</a>&nbsp;Saturday, September 12&nbsp;
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).

Joan Esposito: Live, Local & Progressive | September 4, 2026

Joan Esposito is joined by Illinois Democratic State Rep. La Shawn Ford, candidate for Congress in the 7th District of Illinois. He discussed his expected transition to Congress, policy priorities, and campaign efforts ahead of the November election.

Key points
- Ford plans to pursue Medicare for all, expanded health care and prescription-drug access, affordable housing, senior housing, and infrastructure funding for the 7th Congressional District.
- He is developing a bipartisan tax credit for businesses that hire college students as interns and plans to push bills previously advanced by Danny Davis.
- He supports Democrats pursuing broad policy changes rather than incremental health-care reforms.
- Ford is campaigning for Congress through social media, events, churches, schools, and door knocking while encouraging early voting.
- He expects Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to become House speaker if Democrats regain the House

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 Democratic State&nbsp;<a href="https://lashawnkford.com/">Rep. La Shawn Ford</a>, <a href="https://fordforcongress.com/">candidate for Congress</a> in the 7th District of Illinois. He&nbsp;discussed his expected transition to Congress, policy priorities, and campaign efforts ahead of the November election.
Key points - Ford plans to pursue Medicare for all, expanded health care and prescription-drug access, affordable housing, senior housing, and infrastructure funding for the 7th Congressional District. - He is developing a bipartisan tax credit for businesses that hire college students as interns and plans to push bills previously advanced by Danny Davis. - He supports Democrats pursuing broad policy changes rather than incremental health-care reforms. - Ford is campaigning for Congress through social media, events, churches, schools, and door knocking while encouraging early voting. - He expects Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to become House speaker if Democrats regain the House
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 Candidate Interview: La Shawn Ford

Joan Esposito is joined by Edwin Eisendrath, host of "It's the Democracy, Stupid" (Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT) and publisher of "It's The Democracy, Stupid" on Substack.

Key points
- Edwin urged voters to verify registration, vote early, avoid mail where possible, mobilize neighbors, and protect ballot counting through volunteers and legal observers.
- Concerns were raised in the discussion about Republican efforts to restrict voting access, including polling-place closures, voter purges, postal delays, and potential challenges to election results.
- A midterm win for Democrats could enable accountability and slow the administration, but rebuilding government and improving Americans’ lives would require a longer effort.

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).

 

Follow us:

Website: https://heartlandsignal.com

WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820

Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal

Tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal 

Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal

WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal

Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal

Joan Esposito is joined by Edwin Eisendrath, host of "<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/programs/edwin/">It's the Democracy, Stupid</a>" (Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT) and publisher of "<a href="https://edwineisendrath.substack.com/">It's The Democracy, Stupid</a>" on Substack.
Key points - Edwin urged voters to verify registration, vote early, avoid mail where possible, mobilize neighbors, and protect ballot counting through volunteers and legal observers. - Concerns were raised in the discussion about Republican efforts to restrict voting access, including polling-place closures, voter purges, postal delays, and potential challenges to election results. - A midterm win for Democrats could enable accountability and slow the administration, but rebuilding government and improving Americans&rsquo; lives would require a longer effort.
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:
Website:<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/"> https://heartlandsignal.com</a>
WCPT Facebook:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820"> https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820</a>
Heartland Signal Facebook:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal"> https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal</a>
Tiktok:<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc"> </a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal">https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal</a>&nbsp;
Heartland Signal X:<a href="https://x.com/HeartlandSignal"> https://x.com/HeartlandSignal</a>
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Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal/"> https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal</a>
Threads:<a href="http://threads.com/@heartlandsignal"> threads.com/@heartlandsignal</a>
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Joan Esposito Live Local & Progressive | August 7, 2026

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