Jon Langford

Chris Fitzsimon

Randy Manner

On today's show
– Jon Lanford, Chicago musician, promoting "Something Beautiful: Words, Songs & Poems of Tony Fitzpatrick," happening November 18 and 19 at Constellation in Chicago
– Chris Fitzsimon, host of the Stories from the States podcast; the radio version now airs on WCPT Sunday nights at 6:00 p.m. Central
– Army Maj. Gen. Randy Manner (Ret.), former acting vice chair of the National Guard Bureau, and member of National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A)

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

On today's show &ndash; Jon Lanford, Chicago musician, promoting "<a href="https://constellation-chicago.com/">Something Beautiful: Words, Songs &amp; Poems of Tony Fitzpatrick</a>," happening November 18 and 19 at Constellation in Chicago &ndash; Chris Fitzsimon, host of the <a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/podcast/stories-states">Stories from the States podcast</a>; the radio version now airs on WCPT Sunday nights at 6:00 p.m. Central &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)
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>
WCPT 820 X:<a href="https://x.com/WCPT820"> https://x.com/WCPT820</a>
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>
YouTube:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal"> https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal</a>

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 | November 13, 2026

Joan Esposito is joined by Heartland Signal reporters Kori Skillmanand Elinor Epperson for the weekly segment, Three Stories You Might Have Missed From Heartland Signal. 

The discussion covered political leadership and campaign-finance developments in Illinois, Michigan, and Congress, plus a Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment effort. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Kori reported that Emanuel Chris Welch is stepping down as Illinois House speaker after 26 Democrats called for new leadership. Questions remain about the caucus’s response to the underlying workplace misconduct concerns and who will become the next speaker.
- She also discussed U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan’s rise to House Republican minority leadership and whether he will return to a more confrontational public style, after laying low in recent months.
- Elinor described a Michigan voter-approved restriction on political contributions by utilities and certain government contractors. DTE Energy and Consumers Energy sued, arguing the law violates free-speech protections.
- She also reported that Minnesota Democrats are renewing efforts to pass a broad Equal Rights Amendment, including protections related to gender identity, sexual orientation, immigration status, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes.

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

Joan Esposito is joined by Heartland Signal reporters <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/author/kori/">Kori Skillman</a> and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/author/elinor/">Elinor Epperson</a> for the weekly segment, Three Stories You Might Have Missed From&nbsp;<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/">Heartland Signal</a>.&nbsp;
The discussion covered political leadership and campaign-finance developments in Illinois, Michigan, and Congress, plus a Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment effort. Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - Kori reported that Emanuel Chris Welch is stepping down as Illinois House speaker after 26 Democrats called for new leadership. Questions remain about the caucus&rsquo;s response to the underlying workplace misconduct concerns and who will become the next speaker. - She also discussed U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan&rsquo;s rise to House Republican minority leadership and whether he will return to a more confrontational public style, after laying low in recent months. - Elinor described a Michigan voter-approved restriction on political contributions by utilities and certain government contractors. DTE Energy and Consumers Energy sued, arguing the law violates free-speech protections. - She also reported that Minnesota Democrats are renewing efforts to pass a broad Equal Rights Amendment, including protections related to gender identity, sexual orientation, immigration status, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes.
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>). 
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>
WCPT 820 X:<a href="https://x.com/WCPT820"> https://x.com/WCPT820</a>
Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal/"> https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal</a>

Kori Skillman and Elinor Epperson of Heartland Signal: WCPT 820 Interview

Eric Zorn

Bob Kustra

Elinor and Kori

On today's show
– Eric Zorn, writer-publisher of The Picayune Sentinel
– Bob Kustra, former Illinois lieutenant governor (under Gov. Jim Edgar)
– Heartland Signal reporters Elinor Epperson and Kori Skillman

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; Eric Zorn, writer-publisher of <a href="https://ericzorn.substack.com/">The Picayune Sentinel</a> &ndash; Bob Kustra, former Illinois lieutenant governor (under Gov. Jim Edgar) &ndash; Heartland Signal reporters <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/author/elinor/">Elinor Epperson</a> and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/author/kori/">Kori Skillman</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>).

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

Laura Belin

Jonathan Alter

Marjorie Hershey

On today's show
– Laura Belin, publisher, editor, and reporter for Bleeding Heartland, a community website focused on Iowa politics
– Jonathan Alter, contributing editor of the Washington Monthly, former senior editor and columnist at Newsweek, political analyst, and the publisher of the Substack “Old Goats with Jonathan Alter.“ His latest piece for Washington Monthly is "Trump: A Feral Lame Duck"
– Marjorie Hershey, professor emeritus, political science at Indiana University Bloomington

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

On today's show &ndash; Laura Belin, publisher, editor, and reporter for <a href="https://www.bleedingheartland.com/">Bleeding Heartland</a>, a community website focused on Iowa politics &ndash; Jonathan Alter, contributing editor of the Washington Monthly, former senior editor and columnist at Newsweek, political analyst, and the publisher of the Substack &ldquo;<a href="https://oldgoats.substack.com/=">Old Goats with Jonathan Alter</a>.&ldquo; His latest piece for Washington Monthly is "<a href="https://washingtonmonthly.com/2026/10/26/trump-a-feral-lame-duck/">Trump: A Feral Lame Duck</a>" &ndash; Marjorie Hershey, professor emeritus, political science at Indiana University Bloomington
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>
WCPT 820 X:<a href="https://x.com/WCPT820"> https://x.com/WCPT820</a>
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>
YouTube:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal"> https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal</a>

Joan Esposito: Live, Local & Progressive | November 13, 2026

In 1 playlist(s)

Joan Esposito: Live, Local & Progressive

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips