On today's show
– Laura Belin, publisher, editor, and reporter for Bleeding Heartland, a community website focused on Iowa politics
– John Bartman, fifth-generation Illinois soybean farmer and activist
– Joe Cunningham, former congressman who now serves as spokesperson for the Pharmaceutical Reform Alliance
– Joe Brancatelli of the joesentme.com business travel newsletter

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; Laura Belin, publisher, editor, and reporter for <a href="https://www.bleedingheartland.com/">Bleeding Heartland</a>, a community website focused on Iowa politics &ndash; John Bartman, fifth-generation Illinois soybean farmer and activist &ndash; Joe Cunningham, former congressman who now serves as spokesperson for the <a href="https://www.pharmareformalliance.com/">Pharmaceutical Reform Alliance</a> &ndash; Joe Brancatelli of the <a href="https://joesentme.com/">joesentme.com</a> business travel newsletter
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 | October 15, 2026

John Stoehr, editor and publisher of The Editorial Board, "a newsletter about politics in plain English for normal people and the common good." The conversation explored Stoehr's views on political media, democratic values, and concentrated wealth. 

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Stoehr said political coverage often prioritizes conflict and the horse race over concerns about President Trump’s behavior; Stoehr thinks coverage may shift if Trump’s political support weakens.
- He described the press’s reluctance to address these concerns as driven by wealthy media owners’ fear and by cynicism.
- He argued that political discussion should focus on values and policy outcomes rather than labels, which can obscure areas of agreement.
- Stoehr and Esposito discussed whether large political expenditures could provoke backlash. He called for broader democratic debate about concentrated wealth and power, including monopolies, wealth taxation, and inheritance.

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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John Stoehr, editor and publisher of <a href="https://stoehr.substack.com/">The Editorial Board</a>, "a newsletter about politics in plain English for normal people and the common good." The conversation explored Stoehr's views on political media, democratic values, and concentrated wealth. 
Here are a few&nbsp;key points from the conversation: - Stoehr said political coverage often prioritizes conflict and the horse race over concerns about President Trump&rsquo;s behavior; Stoehr thinks coverage may shift if Trump&rsquo;s political support weakens. - He described the press&rsquo;s reluctance to address these concerns as driven by wealthy media owners&rsquo; fear and by cynicism. - He argued that political discussion should focus on values and policy outcomes rather than labels, which can obscure areas of agreement. - Stoehr and Esposito discussed whether large political expenditures could provoke backlash. He called for broader democratic debate about concentrated wealth and power, including monopolies, wealth taxation, and inheritance.
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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John Stoehr of The Editorial Board: WCPT 820 Interview 

Joan Esposito is joined by political scientist and "World Discord Podcast" co-host Joel Ostrow. The discussion focused on Ukraine’s urgent needs, the effects of reduced U.S. support, and possible political responses.

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Ostrow said Ukraine’s access to U.S.-funded satellite tracking and intelligence had been restricted, reducing its ability to detect incoming missiles and drones. He described the impact on Ukraine as potentially severe.
- He said Russia is unlikely to launch a ground invasion of another country while focused on Ukraine, but may continue drone attacks and airspace incursions intended to destabilize NATO countries.
- He noted that European countries have prepared public guidance for civilians in case of a Russian invasion or attack.
- Ostrow argued that Democrats should act as a dissident movement if they regain congressional control, while warning that executive power could limit Congress’s ability to enforce its decisions.
- Rather than nationalizing Starlink and SpaceX, he favors breaking up large companies and monopolies, including major technology and media companies.

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 political scientist and "<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/world-discord-podcast/id1744471183">World Discord&nbsp;Podcast</a>" co-host Joel Ostrow. The discussion focused on Ukraine&rsquo;s urgent needs, the effects of reduced U.S. support, and possible political responses.
Here are a few key points from the conversation: - Ostrow said Ukraine&rsquo;s access to U.S.-funded satellite tracking and intelligence had been restricted, reducing its ability to detect incoming missiles and drones. He described the impact on Ukraine as potentially severe. - He said Russia is unlikely to launch a ground invasion of another country while focused on Ukraine, but may continue drone attacks and airspace incursions intended to destabilize NATO countries. - He noted that European countries have prepared public guidance for civilians in case of a Russian invasion or attack. - Ostrow argued that Democrats should act as a dissident movement if they regain congressional control, while warning that executive power could limit Congress&rsquo;s ability to enforce its decisions. - Rather than nationalizing Starlink and SpaceX, he favors breaking up large companies and monopolies, including major technology and media companies.
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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Political scientist Joel Ostrow: WCPT 820 Interview 

Joan Esposito is joined by John Parker, co-host of “The Gaily Show,” weeknights at 10:00 Central on WCPT, along with Jim Pounds, executive producer and co-host of “The Gaily Show.”

The discussion covered Minnesota election races, voter concerns, and uncertainty about polling ahead of election day.
- Parker described Democratic candidate Brian Cohn’s race in a district south of the Twin Cities as a potential opportunity for Democrats to regain control of the tied Minnesota House.
- Voters are focused on gas prices, health care, and housing affordability 
- A recent poll showed Amy Klobuchar up nine points in her race to become Minnesota governor, and Attorney General Keith Ellison up eight in his bid for re-election; Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan was tied with Republican Michele Tafoya in the U.S. Senate contest.

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 John Parker, co-host of &ldquo;<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/programs/the-gaily-show/">The Gaily Show</a>,&rdquo; weeknights at 10:00 Central on WCPT, along with Jim Pounds, executive producer and co-host of &ldquo;<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/programs/the-gaily-show/">The Gaily Show</a>.&rdquo;
The discussion covered Minnesota election races, voter concerns, and uncertainty about polling ahead of election day. - Parker described Democratic candidate Brian Cohn&rsquo;s race in a district south of the Twin Cities as a potential opportunity for Democrats to regain control of the tied Minnesota House. - Voters are focused on gas prices, health care, and housing affordability&nbsp; - A recent poll showed Amy Klobuchar up nine points in her race to become Minnesota governor, and Attorney General Keith Ellison up eight in his bid for re-election; Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan was tied with Republican Michele Tafoya in the U.S. Senate contest.
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 | October 15, 2026

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