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Edwin Eisendrath talks with Chris Geidner of Law Dorks on "The Big Picture." 

Edwin Eisendrath talks with Chris Geidner of Law Dorks on "The Big Picture."

Here are featured interviews from "The Big Picture" with Edwin Eisendrath (Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT Chicago). Good conversations help us see the big picture. Edwin Eisendrath and his guests get specific about politics, government, campaigns, and the kind of country all this work is meant to build. Join us live every Saturday to be part of the conversation.  


Edwin served two terms in Chicago’s City Council before being appointed Midwest Region Director of HUD by President Bill Clinton. He was subsequently appointed Federal Receiver in charge of the takeover and turnaround of the Chicago Housing Authority. His last foray as a candidate came when he took on a crooked governor of his own party, but it was the U.S. attorney rather than the voters who sealed Rod Blagojevich’s fate.

Off the campaign trail, Edwin worked in higher education and as a consultant to universities here and around the world. He was working primarily in Saudi Arabia during the 2016 election cycle, but after Donald Trump’s victory, he knew he had to focus back home. He brought business and labor leaders together to rescue the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Reader. He ran the company as its CEO until both publications were saved.

Edwin continues his political, civic, and business engagement from his home in Chicago, where he and his wife, Jennifer, raised their three children. He and Jennifer can be seen walking their hound dog, Winston Churchill.

Here are featured interviews from "The Big Picture" with Edwin Eisendrath (Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT Chicago</a>). Good conversations help us see the big picture. Edwin Eisendrath and his guests get specific about politics, government, campaigns, and the kind of country all this work is meant to build. Join us live every Saturday to be part of the conversation.  
 Edwin served two terms in Chicago’s City Council before being appointed Midwest Region Director of HUD by President Bill Clinton. He was subsequently appointed Federal Receiver in charge of the takeover and turnaround of the Chicago Housing Authority. His last foray as a candidate came when he took on a crooked governor of his own party, but it was the U.S. attorney rather than the voters who sealed Rod Blagojevich’s fate.
Off the campaign trail, Edwin worked in higher education and as a consultant to universities here and around the world. He was working primarily in Saudi Arabia during the 2016 election cycle, but after Donald Trump’s victory, he knew he had to focus back home. He brought business and labor leaders together to rescue the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Reader. He ran the company as its CEO until both publications were saved.
Edwin continues his political, civic, and business engagement from his home in Chicago, where he and his wife, Jennifer, raised their three children. He and Jennifer can be seen walking their hound dog, Winston Churchill.

The Big Picture (Featured Interviews)

Here are full episodes from "The Big Picture" with Edwin Eisendrath (Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT Chicago). Good conversations help us see the big picture. Edwin Eisendrath and his guests get specific about politics, government, campaigns, and the kind of country all this work is meant to build. Join us live every Saturday to be part of the conversation.  


Edwin served two terms in Chicago’s City Council before being appointed Midwest Region Director of HUD by President Bill Clinton. He was subsequently appointed Federal Receiver in charge of the takeover and turnaround of the Chicago Housing Authority. His last foray as a candidate came when he took on a crooked governor of his own party, but it was the U.S. attorney rather than the voters who sealed Rod Blagojevich’s fate.

Off the campaign trail, Edwin worked in higher education and as a consultant to universities here and around the world. He was working primarily in Saudi Arabia during the 2016 election cycle, but after Donald Trump’s victory, he knew he had to focus back home. He brought business and labor leaders together to rescue the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Reader. He ran the company as its CEO until both publications were saved.

Edwin continues his political, civic, and business engagement from his home in Chicago, where he and his wife, Jennifer, raised their three children. He and Jennifer can be seen walking their hound dog, Winston Churchill.

Here are full episodes from "The Big Picture" with Edwin Eisendrath (Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT Chicago</a>). Good conversations help us see the big picture. Edwin Eisendrath and his guests get specific about politics, government, campaigns, and the kind of country all this work is meant to build. Join us live every Saturday to be part of the conversation.  
 Edwin served two terms in Chicago’s City Council before being appointed Midwest Region Director of HUD by President Bill Clinton. He was subsequently appointed Federal Receiver in charge of the takeover and turnaround of the Chicago Housing Authority. His last foray as a candidate came when he took on a crooked governor of his own party, but it was the U.S. attorney rather than the voters who sealed Rod Blagojevich’s fate.
Off the campaign trail, Edwin worked in higher education and as a consultant to universities here and around the world. He was working primarily in Saudi Arabia during the 2016 election cycle, but after Donald Trump’s victory, he knew he had to focus back home. He brought business and labor leaders together to rescue the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Reader. He ran the company as its CEO until both publications were saved.
Edwin continues his political, civic, and business engagement from his home in Chicago, where he and his wife, Jennifer, raised their three children. He and Jennifer can be seen walking their hound dog, Winston Churchill.

The Big Picture (Full Episodes)

Good conversations help us see the big picture. Edwin Eisendrath and his guests get specific about politics, government, campaigns, and the kind of country all this work is meant to build. Join us live every Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT Chicago to be part of the conversation.  

Edwin Eisendrath served two terms in Chicago’s City Council before being appointed Midwest Region Director of HUD by President Bill Clinton. He was subsequently appointed Federal Receiver in charge of the takeover and turnaround of the Chicago Housing Authority. His last foray as a candidate came when he took on a crooked governor of his own party, but it was the U.S. attorney rather than the voters who sealed Rod Blagojevich’s fate.
Off the campaign trail, Edwin has worked in higher education and as a consultant to universities here and around the world. He was working primarily in Saudi Arabia during the 2016 election cycle, but after Donald Trump’s victory, he knew he had to focus back home. He brought business and labor leaders together to rescue the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Reader. He ran the company as its CEO until both publications were saved.
Edwin continues his political, civic, and business engagement from his home in Chicago, where he and his wife, Jennifer, raised their three children. He and Jennifer can be seen walking their hound dog, Winston Churchill.

Good conversations help us see the big picture. Edwin Eisendrath and his guests get specific about politics, government, campaigns, and the kind of country all this work is meant to build. Join us live every Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT Chicago</a> to be part of the conversation.  
Edwin Eisendrath served two terms in Chicago’s City Council before being appointed Midwest Region Director of HUD by President Bill Clinton. He was subsequently appointed Federal Receiver in charge of the takeover and turnaround of the Chicago Housing Authority. His last foray as a candidate came when he took on a crooked governor of his own party, but it was the U.S. attorney rather than the voters who sealed Rod Blagojevich’s fate. Off the campaign trail, Edwin has worked in higher education and as a consultant to universities here and around the world. He was working primarily in Saudi Arabia during the 2016 election cycle, but after Donald Trump’s victory, he knew he had to focus back home. He brought business and labor leaders together to rescue the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Reader. He ran the company as its CEO until both publications were saved. Edwin continues his political, civic, and business engagement from his home in Chicago, where he and his wife, Jennifer, raised their three children. He and Jennifer can be seen walking their hound dog, Winston Churchill.

The Big Picture With Edwin Eisendrath

WCPT 820 Interview: Chris Geidner

Reed Bible

Rima Ziuraitis

Kathy Tholin

On this week's show Professors William Muck and Joel Ostrow fill in for Edwin and their guests are:
– Reed Bible, former supervisory special agent for U.S. Homeland Security
– Rima Ziuraitas-Certified TACMED instructor and medic in Ukraine
– Kathy Tholin, chair, Indivisible Chicago

Catch “The Big Picture with Edwin Eisendrath” Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/the-big-picture).  

On this week's show&nbsp;Professors William Muck and Joel Ostrow fill in for Edwin and their guests are: &ndash; Reed Bible, former supervisory special agent for U.S. Homeland Security &ndash; Rima Ziuraitas-Certified TACMED instructor and medic in Ukraine &ndash; Kathy Tholin, chair,&nbsp;<a href="https://indivisiblechicago.com/about-us">Indivisible Chicago</a>
Catch &ldquo;The Big Picture with Edwin Eisendrath&rdquo; Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/the-big-picture). &nbsp;

The Big Picture with Edwin Eisendrath July 26 2025 w guest hosts Joel Ostrow and William Muck

Ezra Levin

Mark Maxwell

Michael Tomasky

Jill Wine-Banks

On this week's show:
– Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible
– Mark Maxwell, political editor for KSDK-TV St. Louis
– Michael Tomasky, editor of The New Republic
– Jill Wine Banks, legal analyst, former general counsel of the U.S. Army, author of The Watergate Girl, and host of Just The Facts with Jill Wine-Banks

Catch “The Big Picture with Edwin Eisendrath” Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/the-big-picture).  

On this week's show: &ndash; Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible &ndash; Mark Maxwell, political editor for KSDK-TV St. Louis &ndash; Michael Tomasky, editor of The New Republic &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jillwinebanks.com/">Jill Wine Banks</a>, legal analyst, former general counsel of the U.S. Army, author of&nbsp;The Watergate Girl,&nbsp;and host of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politicon.com/podcast-title/just-the-facts-with-jill-wine-banks/">Just The Facts with Jill Wine-Banks</a>
Catch &ldquo;The Big Picture with Edwin Eisendrath&rdquo; Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/the-big-picture). &nbsp;

The Big Picture with Edwin Eisendrath July 19 2025

Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Ezra Levin, co-founder and co-executive director of Indivisible. 

Levin discussed the movement's multifaceted efforts to counteract Republican overreach, emphasizing the importance of local, group-based organizing, but conceded failure in stopping the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law July 4.

"It is one of the least popular pieces of legislation in American history," Levin told WCPT. "It is a piece of legislation that cuts Medicaid and other health care services for the vast majority of Americans while cutting taxes for billionaires and millionaires. The people were pushing against it. We were driving a massive amount of calls and actions to vulnerable Republicans, trying to convince them to vote in line with their constituents' interests, the kind of campaign that we ran in 2017 to save the Affordable Care Act, successfully. And it was striking how little success we had pulling over even vulnerable Republicans, Republicans who should fear for their future political lives for supporting this legislation, and they still voted for it. They still voted for it because they are more scared of Donald Trump and MAGA than they are of their own constituents right now. And that's dangerous. That's dangerous for democracy. And what it tells me is focusing on Congress is not enough. Focusing on the courts, I think we're finding, is not enough. We have to actively push back against this administration, this federal overreach, wherever we are, in red states, blue states and purple states, in rural communities, urban communities, suburban communities. That's what we need to do right now, and that's where our focus is now shifted in the in the aftermath of the reconciliation bill fight."

Levin detailed the success of the June 14 "No King's Day" protest, which he called "one of the largest protests in American history," adding: "We were in 2,169 communities, actually, not just in America; we were across 27 countries . . . . And we had 5 to 6 million people, showing up saying, we don't do kings in America. An incredible day, an incredible demonstration of the power of nonviolent, peaceful protest in America.  

He also spoke about the launch last week of One Million Rising. "We had 150,000 people register for this training on nonviolent, strategic noncooperation," Levin told Eisendrath. "The experts said this was the largest training in history on nonviolent, strategic noncooperation. So we are breaking records. Lots of people weren't engaged before lifting their heads up and asking themselves the basic question, What can I do? And we're trying to point them in the right direction."

Catch “The Big Picture with Edwin Eisendrath” Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/the-big-picture).   

And find “The Big Picture (Full Episodes)” podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, YouTube, Amazon and TuneIn.

Edwin Eisendrath is joined by Ezra Levin, co-founder and co-executive director of&nbsp;<a href="https://indivisible.org/">Indivisible</a>.&nbsp;
Levin discussed the movement's multifaceted efforts to counteract Republican overreach, emphasizing the importance of local, group-based organizing, but conceded failure in stopping the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law July 4.
"It is one of the least popular pieces of legislation in American history," Levin told WCPT. "It is a piece of legislation that cuts Medicaid and other health care services for the vast majority of Americans while cutting taxes for billionaires and millionaires. The people were pushing against it. We were driving a massive amount of calls and actions to vulnerable Republicans, trying to convince them to vote in line with their constituents' interests, the kind of campaign that we ran in 2017 to save the Affordable Care Act, successfully. And it was striking how little success we had pulling over even vulnerable Republicans, Republicans who should fear for their future political lives for supporting this legislation, and they still voted for it. They still voted for it because they are more scared of Donald Trump and MAGA than they are of their own constituents right now. And that's dangerous. That's dangerous for democracy. And what it tells me is focusing on Congress is not enough. Focusing on the courts, I think we're finding, is not enough. We have to actively push back against this administration, this federal overreach, wherever we are, in red states, blue states and purple states, in rural communities, urban communities, suburban communities. That's what we need to do right now, and that's where our focus is now shifted in the in the aftermath of the reconciliation bill fight."
Levin detailed the success of the June 14 "No King's Day" protest, which he called "one of the largest protests in American history," adding: "We were in 2,169 communities, actually, not just in America; we were across 27 countries . . . . And we had 5 to 6 million people, showing up saying, we don't do kings in America. An incredible day, an incredible demonstration of the power of nonviolent, peaceful protest in America.&nbsp;&nbsp;
He also spoke about the launch last week of <a href="https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/803953/?utm_source=indivisible&amp;utm_medium=homepage">One Million Rising</a>. "We had 150,000 people register for this training on nonviolent, strategic noncooperation," Levin told Eisendrath. "The experts said this was the largest training in history on nonviolent, strategic noncooperation. So we are breaking records. Lots of people weren't engaged before lifting their heads up and asking themselves the basic question, What can I do? And we're trying to point them in the right direction."
Catch &ldquo;The Big Picture with Edwin Eisendrath&rdquo; Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/the-big-picture).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
And find &ldquo;The Big Picture (Full Episodes)&rdquo; podcast on&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0TDBhZmN53i7kDyHRzHZZx">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-picture-full-episodes/id1772709867">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1300-the-big-picture-full-epis-224645190/">iHeartRadio</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZ6EYyFLbGw&amp;list=PLquOHBYhhrLOG8meVY1bvfD7TfAPGXMK2">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/43cb535f-a2df-4c89-aee0-e716694063b0/the-big-picture-full-episodes">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/The-Big-Picture-(Full-Episodes)-p4553846/">TuneIn</a>.

WCPT 820 Interview: Chris Geidner

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