Edwin is joined by Jonathan Katz, senior director of Anti-Corruption, Democracy, and Security (ACDS) at The Brookings Institution.

Katz discussed the seven pillars to defend democracy outlined in Brookings' "Democracy Playbook 2025": protect elections, defend rule of law, fight corruption, reinforce civic and media space, protect pluralistic governance, counter disinformation, and make democracy deliver (economically, for example). Katz also highlighted the threats posed by the second Trump administration, including state capture, corruption and the undermining of rule of law, and emphasized the importance of legal action, community engagement, civic education and the need to educate America's next generation to be critical thinkers. 

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).  

Edwin is joined by <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/people/jonathan-katz/">Jonathan Katz</a>, senior director of Anti-Corruption, Democracy, and Security (ACDS) at The Brookings Institution.
Katz discussed the seven pillars to defend democracy outlined in Brookings' "<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/democracy-playbook-2025/">Democracy Playbook 2025</a>": protect elections, defend rule of law, fight corruption, reinforce civic and media space, protect pluralistic governance, counter disinformation, and make democracy deliver (economically, for example). Katz also highlighted the threats posed by the second Trump administration, including state capture, corruption and the undermining of rule of law, and emphasized the importance of legal action, community engagement, civic education and the need to educate America's next generation to be critical thinkers.&nbsp;
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;

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: Jonathan Katz of Brookings

Edwin is joined by Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL), who discussed his legislative efforts, particularly his cap-and-trade bill aimed at regulating carbon emissions. He also addressed the broader challenges of American democracy, the importance of public education, and the need for collective action against the Trump administration's unconstitutional actions. Casten underscored the significance of maintaining a thriving democracy and the role of scientific research in national progress.

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 is joined by <a href="https://casten.house.gov/">Rep. Sean Casten</a>&nbsp;(D-IL), who&nbsp;discussed his legislative efforts, particularly his cap-and-trade bill aimed at regulating carbon emissions. He also addressed the broader challenges of American democracy, the importance of public education, and the need for collective action against the Trump administration's unconstitutional actions. Casten underscored the significance of maintaining a thriving democracy and the role of scientific research in national progress.
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: Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL)

Rep. Sean Casten

David DeWitt

Elizaveta Gaufman

Laura Belin

On this week's show:
- Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL)
- David DeWitt, Ohio Capital Journal editor-in-chief
- Elizaveta Gaufman, assistant professor of Russian Discourse and Politics at the University of Groningen (in The Netherlands), and author of the 2023 book "Everyday Foreign Policy: Performing and Consuming the Russian Nation"
- Laura Belin, publisher, editor, and reporter for Bleeding Heartland, a community website focused on Iowa politics

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;<a href="https://casten.house.gov/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">Rep. Sean Casten</a>&nbsp;(D-IL) - <a href="https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/author/david-c-dewitt/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">David DeWitt</a>, Ohio Capital Journal editor-in-chief -&nbsp;<a href="https://lisagaufman.com/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">Elizaveta Gaufman</a>, assistant professor of Russian Discourse and Politics at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rug.nl/staff/e.gaufman/?lang=en" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="3">University of Groningen</a>&nbsp;(in The Netherlands), and author of the 2023 book "Everyday Foreign Policy: Performing and Consuming the Russian Nation" -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bleedingheartland.com/author/laura-belin/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="4">Laura Belin</a>, publisher, editor, and reporter for Bleeding Heartland, a community website focused on Iowa politics
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).

The Big Picture with Edwin Eisendrath Mar. 22 2025

Edwin is joined by Peter Gleick, water and climate scientist, author, and co-founder of The Pacific Institute. Gleick discussed the role of water in the recent Los Angeles fires, highlighting the impact of rising temperatures on soil and vegetation dryness, and criticized President Donald Trump's executive order to release water from Northern California dams, which he says was ineffective and detrimental to farmers. He also discussed the unsustainable use of groundwater, the importance of economic and technological solutions to mitigate water scarcity, and the urgency for making a faster transition to renewable energy.

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 is joined by <a href="https://www.gleick.com/">Peter Gleick</a>, water and climate scientist, author, and co-founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://pacinst.org/">The Pacific Institute</a>. Gleick discussed the role of water in the recent Los Angeles fires, highlighting the impact of rising temperatures on soil and vegetation dryness, and criticized President Donald Trump's executive order to release water from Northern California dams, which he says was ineffective and detrimental to farmers.&nbsp;He also discussed the unsustainable use of groundwater, the importance of economic and technological solutions to mitigate water scarcity, and the urgency for making a faster transition to renewable energy.
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;
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: Jonathan Katz of Brookings

The Big Picture (Featured Interviews)

In 1 playlist(s)

The Big Picture With Edwin Eisendrath

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips