On the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Joan Esposito is joined by James Dowdell of the Visionary Network, an organization founded in 2020 by a group of individuals dedicated to preserving the memory of their loved ones and honoring the commitment to never forget9/11. 

A New York firefighter, Dowdell's life of service was shaped by his father, Lt. Kevin Christopher Dowdell, an FDNY firefighter killed on 9/11.       

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 the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Joan Esposito is joined by <a href="https://www.911memorial.org/visionary-leadership-council">James&nbsp;Dowdell</a> of the <a href="https://us.list-manage.com/QgDfp4lF0Z1?e=77037c7f5d&amp;c2id=45d6fc899b657c44ceacfa6db06f6def">Visionary Network</a>, an organization founded in 2020 by a group of individuals dedicated to preserving the memory of their loved ones and honoring the commitment to never forget 9/11.&nbsp;
A New York firefighter, Dowdell's life of service was shaped by his father, Lt. Kevin Christopher Dowdell, an FDNY firefighter killed on 9/11.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &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>).
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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: James Dowdell of the Visionary Network 

Chris Fitzsimon

Bruce Rheins

On today's show
– Chris Fitzsimon, host of the Stories from the States podcast; a radio version of the podcast now airs on WCPT Sundays at 6:00 p.m. Central
– Bruce Rheins, former CBS Los Angeles deputy bureau chief

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; Chris Fitzsimon, host of the <a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/podcast/stories-states">Stories from the States podcast</a>; a radio version of the podcast now airs on WCPT Sundays at 6:00 p.m. Central &ndash; Bruce Rheins, former CBS Los Angeles deputy bureau chief
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 23, 2026

Dr. Willie Wilson

Pennie McCoach

William Muck

On today's show Rickey Hendon fills in for Joan and his guests are
– Willie Wilson, 2027 candidate for Chicago mayor
– Pennie McCoach, president and business agent of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 308, which represents rail workers for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
– William Muck, professor of political science at North Central College

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 Rickey Hendon fills in for Joan and his guests are &ndash; <a href="https://williewilson2027.com/">Willie Wilson</a>, 2027 candidate for Chicago mayor &ndash; Pennie McCoach, president and business agent of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 308, which represents rail workers for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) &ndash; <a href="https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/profile/wjmuck">William Muck</a>, professor of political science at North Central College
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 with guest host Rickey Hendon | October 22, 2026

Filling in for Joan Esposito, Carolyn Fiddler is joined by Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC). 

The interview focused on the DLCC's strategy and the stakes of state legislative elections.
- Heather described strong Democratic momentum, including 31 seats flipped this cycle, while stressing that most voters have not yet voted and campaigns need continued community-level outreach.
- The DLCC’s year-round work includes recruiting candidates, providing campaign tools and fundraising support, and building toward legislative majorities over multiple cycles.
- Potential Democratic trifectas in states including Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Pennsylvania could shape policy, redistricting, election administration, and the party’s future candidate bench.

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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Filling in for Joan Esposito, Carolyn Fiddler is joined by Heather Williams, president of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dlcc.org/">Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee</a> (DLCC).&nbsp;
The interview focused on the DLCC's strategy and the stakes of state legislative elections. - Heather described strong Democratic momentum, including 31 seats flipped this cycle, while stressing that most voters have not yet voted and campaigns need continued community-level outreach. - The DLCC&rsquo;s year-round work includes recruiting candidates, providing campaign tools and fundraising support, and building toward legislative majorities over multiple cycles. - Potential Democratic trifectas in states including Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Pennsylvania could shape policy, redistricting, election administration, and the party&rsquo;s future candidate bench.
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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WCPT 820 Interview: James Dowdell of the Visionary Network

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