Joan Esposito is joined by Ben Wikler, former chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party and author of the new book, "This Is the Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy" (2026).

Key Takeaways: 


We Must End the Filibuster, Ban Gerrymandering Nationwide & Reform the Supreme Court 


Democrats Must Win State Trifectas Before 2028

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 Ben Wikler, former chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party and author of the new book, "<a href="https://thisistheplan.com/">This Is the Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy</a>" (2026).
Key Takeaways:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>
We Must End the Filibuster, Ban Gerrymandering Nationwide &amp; Reform the Supreme Court&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Democrats Must Win State Trifectas Before 2028
</li>
</ul>
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 featured interviews from "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 featured interviews from "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 &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 (Featured Interviews)

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

WCPT 820 Interview: Ben Wikler

Brian Endless, Joel Ostrow

On today's show
– Joel Ostrow, professor of political science at Benedictine University, and Brian Endless, senior lecturer and director of African Studies and the African Diaspora at Loyola University Chicago

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;&nbsp;<a href="https://ben.edu/faculty/joel-ostrow/">Joel Ostrow</a>, professor of political science at Benedictine University, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.luc.edu/politicalscience/facultyprofile/brianendless.shtml">Brian Endless</a>, senior lecturer and director of African Studies and the African Diaspora at Loyola University Chicago
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 | August 11, 2026

RAY LAHOOD DEFENDS BIPARTISANSHIP; "COMPROMISE IS NOT A BAD WORD"

Joan Esposito is joined by Ray LaHood, former Illinois congressman and former U.S. Transportation secretary. On August 27 he will participate in a City Club of Chicago event with Illinois Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, "Can Bipartisanship Still Work?"

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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RAY LAHOOD DEFENDS BIPARTISANSHIP; "COMPROMISE IS NOT A BAD WORD"
Joan Esposito is joined by Ray LaHood, former Illinois congressman and former U.S. Transportation secretary. On August 27 he will participate in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cityclub-chicago.org/">City Club of Chicago</a> event with Illinois Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, "<a href="https://www.cityclub-chicago.org/event/2/5771/can-bipartisanship-still-work">Can Bipartisanship Still Work?</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>).
&nbsp;
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WCPT 820 Interview: Ray LaHood

Joan Esposito is joined by Peter Giangreco, Democratic strategist and partner at The Strategy Group.

Key topics/points:
- the August 11 primary election in Minnesota, where U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar enjoys front-runner status for the Democratic nomination for governor
- President Trump's obsession with Minnesota and his endorsement of Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Lindell, the My Pillow guy
- the potential impact of Trump's $400 million war chest on the Minnesota gubernatorial race
- the divided Minnesota state legislature and ongoing fraud scandal in Minnesota, which are significant factors in the race
- Mike Lindell's bizarre campaign tactics, including giving away pillows at parades,  which constituted a campaign finance violation
- the impact of ICE killings in Minnesota on the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, with Peggy Flanagan attacking Angie Craig for voting for the Laken Riley Act
- the rigor and cost involved in private polling, which often results in more accurate data
- the importance of choosing candidates who can appeal to a broad electorate and avoid alienating key voter groups
- the August 11 primary election in Wisconsin governor, which pits David Crowley against the polling leader Francesca Hong
- Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany is an election denier who could pose a significant threat to Democratic candidates

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 Peter Giangreco, Democratic strategist and partner at&nbsp;<a href="https://strategygroup.com/about/">The Strategy Group</a>.
Key topics/points: - the August 11 primary election in Minnesota, where U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar enjoys front-runner status for the Democratic nomination for governor - President Trump's obsession with Minnesota and his endorsement of Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Lindell, the My Pillow guy - the potential impact of Trump's $400 million war chest on the Minnesota gubernatorial race - the divided Minnesota state legislature and ongoing fraud scandal in Minnesota, which are significant factors in the race - Mike Lindell's bizarre campaign tactics, including giving away pillows at parades,&nbsp; which constituted a campaign finance violation - the impact of ICE killings in Minnesota on the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, with Peggy Flanagan attacking Angie Craig for voting for the Laken Riley Act - the rigor and cost involved in private polling, which often results in more accurate data - the importance of choosing candidates who can appeal to a broad electorate and avoid alienating key voter groups - the August 11 primary election in Wisconsin governor, which pits David Crowley against the polling leader Francesca Hong - Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany is an election denier who could pose a significant threat to Democratic candidates
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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WCPT 820 Interview: Ben Wikler

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