Jennifer Schulze, Willie Chriesman 

Randy Manner

On today's show
– Willie Chriesman (in for Mark Jacob) and Jennifer Schulze with our regular media segment
– Army Maj. Gen. Randy Manner (Ret.), former acting and deputy director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, 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).

 

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On today's show &ndash; Willie Chriesman (in for Mark Jacob) and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/authors/jennifer-schulze/">Jennifer Schulze</a> with our regular media segment &ndash; Army Maj. Gen. Randy Manner (Ret.), former acting and deputy director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, 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;
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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 | September 28, 2026

Joan Esposito is joined by Ray Suarez, broadcast journalist and author of "We Are Home: Becoming American in the 21st Century" (2024).

The conversation focused on the political, institutional, and media challenges facing the United States, along with Ray’s upcoming Chicago appearance. Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Ray and Joan discussed the possibility that the midterm elections could return one or both congressional chambers to Democratic control, driven largely by dissatisfaction with the current administration rather than strong enthusiasm for Democrats.
- Democrats would face a difficult governing environment: an impatient public, narrow majorities, weakened institutions, and pressure for rapid results.
- Joan argued that Democrats should begin a comprehensive “Project 2029” plan to rebuild agencies with less red tape and more effective delivery of services.
- Ray said the loss of expertise and regulatory capacity has created lasting damage and could leave the next president with a generational rebuilding task.
- They discussed the decline of traditional news organizations, the rise of prediction markets and independent creators, and the difficulty of establishing trusted authority in a fragmented information environment.
- Ray expressed a sense of unprecedented pessimism about the country’s direction, while Joan maintained that staying engaged and fighting for democratic institutions remains necessary.

- Ray will speak at the Cathedral Center at St. James Cathedral in Chicago on Sunday, September 27 at 10:00 a.m., discussing immigration and cultural change, participate in conversation with Funmi Olopade, and take audience questions. Learn more: https://www.saintjamescathedral.org/events/adult-forums

 

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 Ray Suarez, broadcast journalist and author of "<a href="https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/ray-suarez/we-are-home/9780316353878/?lens=little-brown">We Are Home: Becoming American in the 21st Century</a>" (2024).
The conversation focused on the political, institutional, and media challenges facing the United States, along with Ray&rsquo;s upcoming Chicago appearance. Here are a few key points from the conversation: - Ray and Joan discussed the possibility that the midterm elections could return one or both congressional chambers to Democratic control, driven largely by dissatisfaction with the current administration rather than strong enthusiasm for Democrats. - Democrats would face a difficult governing environment: an impatient public, narrow majorities, weakened institutions, and pressure for rapid results. - Joan argued that Democrats should begin a comprehensive &ldquo;Project 2029&rdquo; plan to rebuild agencies with less red tape and more effective delivery of services. - Ray said the loss of expertise and regulatory capacity has created lasting damage and could leave the next president with a generational rebuilding task. - They discussed the decline of traditional news organizations, the rise of prediction markets and independent creators, and the difficulty of establishing trusted authority in a fragmented information environment. - Ray expressed a sense of unprecedented pessimism about the country&rsquo;s direction, while Joan maintained that staying engaged and fighting for democratic institutions remains necessary.
- Ray will speak at the Cathedral Center at St. James Cathedral in Chicago on Sunday, September 27 at 10:00 a.m., discussing immigration and cultural change, participate in conversation with Funmi Olopade, and take audience questions. Learn more: https://www.saintjamescathedral.org/events/adult-forums
&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;
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Ray Suarez: WCPT 820 Interview

Joan Esposito is joined by Lynne of Indivisible Elk Grove Township, along with blues harmonica player Billy Branch, who is part of the musical lineup for the 2nd annual Concert for Democracy, an afternoon of live music in support of grassroots activism on Sunday, October 11 in Elk Grove Village.

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- The event will take place Sunday, October 11 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Belvedere Banquets in Elk Grove Village, 1170 W. Devon Ave. Doors open at noon.
- It will benefit Partners for Our Communities, a Palatine-based nonprofit supporting underserved and marginalized people.
- Attendees can find information and tickets or donation details at chicagomusicfordemocracy.com; the suggested minimum donation is $25.
- The event will feature eight musical acts, including Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues, plus a roster of speakers that includes Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, and of course MC Patti Vasquez.
- A democracy fair will include local organizations, volunteer opportunities, voting activities, mental-health organizations, and the League of Women Voters.
- Billy Branch discussed performing “Begging for Change” and the role of musicians and blues music in political expression.

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 Lynne of&nbsp;<a href="https://indivisibleegt.com/">Indivisible Elk Grove Township</a>, along with blues harmonica player Billy Branch, who is part of the musical lineup for the 2nd annual <a href="https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblechicago/event/1045176/">Concert for Democracy</a>, an afternoon of live music in support of grassroots activism on Sunday, October 11 in Elk Grove Village.
Here are a few key points from the conversation: - The event will take place Sunday, October 11 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Belvedere Banquets in Elk Grove Village, 1170 W. Devon Ave. Doors open at noon. - It will benefit <a href="https://poc.news/">Partners for Our Communities</a>, a Palatine-based nonprofit supporting underserved and marginalized people. - Attendees can find information and tickets or donation details at <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/chicagomusicfordemocracy/">chicagomusicfordemocracy.com</a>; the suggested minimum donation is $25. - The event will feature eight musical acts, including Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues, plus a roster of speakers that includes Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, and of course MC Patti Vasquez. - A democracy fair will include local organizations, volunteer opportunities, voting activities, mental-health organizations, and the League of Women Voters. - Billy Branch discussed performing &ldquo;Begging for Change&rdquo; and the role of musicians and blues music in political expression.
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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Lynne of Indivisible and musician Billy Branch: WCPT 820 Interview

Ray Suarez

Lynne and Billy Branch

On today's show
– Ray Suarez, broadcast journalist and author of "We Are Home: Becoming American in the 21st Century" (2024)
– Lynne of Indivisible Elk Grove Township, along with blues harmonica player Billy Branch, who is part of the musical lineup for the 2nd annual Concert for Democracy, an afternoon of live music in support of grassroots activism on Sunday, October 11 in Elk Grove Village

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

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On today's show &ndash; Ray Suarez, broadcast journalist and author of "<a href="https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/ray-suarez/we-are-home/9780316353878/?lens=little-brown">We Are Home: Becoming American in the 21st Century</a>" (2024) &ndash; Lynne of <a href="https://indivisibleegt.com/">Indivisible Elk Grove Township</a>, along with blues harmonica player Billy Branch, who is part of the musical lineup for the 2nd annual <a href="https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblechicago/event/1045176/">Concert for Democracy</a>, an afternoon of live music in support of grassroots activism on Sunday, October 11 in Elk Grove Village
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 | September 28, 2026

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