On today's show
– Christopher Armitage, author, veteran, former law enforcement officer, activist, policy adviser, and publisher of The Existentialist Republic on Substack; his latest piece is “The Untold Story of How The Democrats Won Their Last Supermajority: The 50 State Strategy“
 – Dr. E.J. Fagan, associate professor of Political Science at the University of Illinois Chicago and author of “The Thinkers: The Rise of Partisan Think Tanks and the Polarization of American Politics” (2024)
– Bill Scher, politics editor at Washington Monthly; his latest article is "This Is the Biggest Reason Why a Blue Wave Is Probably Coming"

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; Christopher Armitage, author, veteran, former law enforcement officer, activist, policy adviser, and publisher of <a href="https://cmarmitage.substack.com/">The Existentialist Republic</a> on Substack; his latest piece is &ldquo;<a href="https://cmarmitage.substack.com/p/the-untold-story-of-how-the-democrats">The Untold Story of How The Democrats Won Their Last Supermajority: The 50 State Strategy</a>&ldquo; &nbsp;&ndash; Dr. E.J. Fagan, <a href="https://pols.uic.edu/profiles/fagan-ej/">associate professor of Political Science at the University of Illinois Chicago</a> and author of &ldquo;<a href="https://academic.oup.com/book/56447">The Thinkers: The Rise of Partisan Think Tanks and the Polarization of American Politics</a>&rdquo; (2024) &ndash; <a href="https://washingtonmonthly.com/author/bill-scher/">Bill Scher</a>, politics editor at <a href="https://washingtonmonthly.com/">Washington Monthly</a>; his latest article is "<a href="https://washingtonmonthly.com/2026/09/25/this-is-the-biggest-reason-why-a-blue-wave-is-probably-coming/">This Is the Biggest Reason Why a Blue Wave Is Probably Coming</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 | September 30, 2026

John D’Amico

Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant

Bob Howard

Patrick Jones

Michelle Stiff

Sherry Newquist

Kaitlynd French

Marc McKirdie

Alex Zapien

Theresa Rouse

Joan Esposito is live at the new state of the art Plumber’s Training Center in Joliet, Illinois, for Get Out The Vote with Southland Friends of Labor.  She is joined by guest co-host Tom Villanova (Southland Friends of Labor board member, retired IBEW Local 134, former president of the Chicago & Cook County Building Trades) and their guests are:

– John D’Amico of Plumbers Local 30 and former 10-term Illinois state representative in the 15th
District
– Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Will County executive, and former Illinois state senator in the 49th District
– Bob Howard, president of the Chicago & Western Lakes Port Council, Southland Friends of Labor board member, and business representative with Carpenters Local 272
– Patrick Jones, candidate for Will County sheriff
– Michelle Stiff, candidate for Will County clerk, director of Will County Workforce Services, and president of Joliet Township High School 204
– Sherry Newquist, candidate for Will County Board District 3 and Will County Board member since 2019
– Kaitlynd French, staff specialist with the Illinois Nurses Association and member of Southland Friends of Labor
– Marc McKirdie, candidate for Will County Board District 3 and chair of Frankfort Township Democrats 
– Alex Zapien, candidate for Will County Board District 9 and Lockport Township supervisor
– Theresa Rouse, candidate for Will County regional superintendent

Catch “Out Chicago” Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/out-chicago).

 

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Joan Esposito is live at the new state of the art Plumber&rsquo;s Training Center in Joliet, Illinois, for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.southlandfriendsoflabor.com/">Get Out The Vote with Southland Friends of Labor</a>.&nbsp; She is joined by guest co-host Tom Villanova (Southland Friends of Labor board member, retired IBEW Local 134, former president of the Chicago &amp; Cook County Building Trades) and their guests are:
&ndash; John D&rsquo;Amico of Plumbers Local 30 and former 10-term Illinois state representative in the 15th District &ndash; <a href="https://jenniferforwillcounty.com/">Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant</a>, Will County executive, and former Illinois state senator in the 49th District &ndash; Bob Howard, president of the Chicago &amp; Western Lakes Port Council, Southland Friends of Labor board member, and business representative with Carpenters&nbsp;Local 272 &ndash; <a href="https://www.patrickjonesforsheriff.com/">Patrick Jones</a>, candidate for Will County sheriff &ndash; Michelle Stiff, candidate for Will County clerk, director of Will County&nbsp;Workforce Services, and president of Joliet Township High School 204 &ndash; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Sherry-Newquist-for-Will-County-Board-100063765248748/">Sherry Newquist</a>, candidate for Will County Board District 3 and&nbsp;Will County Board member since 2019 &ndash; Kaitlynd French, staff specialist with the Illinois Nurses Association and member of Southland Friends of Labor &ndash; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marcmckirdie4will/">Marc McKirdie</a>, candidate for Will County Board District 3 and chair of&nbsp;Frankfort Township Democrats &ndash; <a href="https://www.lockportdems.org/alex-zapien/">Alex Zapien</a>, candidate for Will County Board District 9 and Lockport Township supervisor &ndash; <a href="https://www.rouse4roe.com/">Theresa Rouse</a>, candidate for Will County regional superintendent
Catch &ldquo;Out Chicago&rdquo; Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/out-chicago).
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Joan Esposito: Live, Local & Progressive special broadcast with Southland Friends of Labor | September 29, 2026

Joan Esposito is joined by 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).

The discussion focused on concerns about U.S. foreign policy, military leadership, election security, and presidential conduct. Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Manner called last week's United Nations session "the most volatile session of the U.N. that I have ever witnessed," adding: "To have the president of the United States literally threatening annihilation of another nation again [Iran], which of course he can't do, and speaking so demeaningly of so many of the nations around the world, and then threatening Cuba in front of everybody -- I mean, he was appealing to his base, which is shrinking every day, one percentage point at a time, one voter at a time, and that's great. But the problem is he is still the president of the United States saying these absurd comments. Then you have, on the other side, the Israeli prime minister, who, remember, of course, could literally face indictment for war crimes, and then, of course, our own president blasting the International Criminal Court because, of course, he could be on that short list too in a matter of time."
- He said commanders are responsible for service members’ welfare but noted that the facts surrounding conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln remain incomplete.
- They discussed Pentagon leadership purges, reduced experience at senior military levels, and possible National Guard deployments during elections.
- Manner urged people to vote as soon as possible, particularly in person
- Also discussed: Trump's Arlington Arch, the Kennedy Center dispute, and the use of military or national security justifications for presidential construction projects.

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 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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nsl4a.org/">National Security Leaders for America</a> (NSL4A).
The discussion focused on concerns about U.S. foreign policy, military leadership, election security, and presidential conduct. Here are a few key points from the conversation: - Manner&nbsp;called last week's United Nations session "the most volatile session of the U.N. that I have ever witnessed," adding: "To have the president of the United States literally threatening annihilation of another nation again [Iran], which of course he can't do, and speaking so demeaningly of so many of the nations around the world, and then threatening Cuba in front of everybody -- I mean, he was appealing to his base, which is shrinking every day, one percentage point at a time, one voter at a time, and that's great. But the problem is he is still the president of the United States saying these absurd comments. Then you have, on the other side, the Israeli prime minister, who, remember, of course, could literally face indictment for war crimes, and then, of course, our own president blasting the International Criminal Court because, of course, he could be on that short list too in a matter of time." - He said commanders are responsible for service members&rsquo; welfare but noted that the facts surrounding conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln remain incomplete. - They discussed Pentagon leadership purges, reduced experience at senior military levels, and possible National Guard deployments during elections. - Manner urged people to vote as soon as possible, particularly in person - Also discussed: Trump's Arlington Arch, the Kennedy Center dispute, and the use of military or national security justifications for presidential construction projects.
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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Randy Manner: WCPT 820 Interview

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>).
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Joan Esposito: Live, Local & Progressive | September 30, 2026

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