Joan Esposito (Featured Interviews)

Joan Esposito is joined by John Bartman, fifth-generation Illinois soybean farmer and activist. The discussion focused on the economic pressures facing Illinois farmers and Bartman’s views on farming practices and policy. 

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Fuel, equipment, seed, rent, taxes, and fertilizer create substantial costs; harvest income often arrives only once a year.
- Bartman said ...

Joan Esposito is joined by Laura Belin, publisher, editor, and reporter for Bleeding Heartland, a community website focused on Iowa politics. Belin discussed Iowa’s political landscape and the competitiveness of its upcoming elections.

Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Iowa has open races for Senate and governor, and Belin sees three of the state’s four U.S. House seats as competitive, with Demo...

Joan Esposito is joined by Joe Cunningham, former congressman who now serves as spokesperson for the Pharmaceutical Reform Alliance.

The interview focused on lowering prescription drug costs and discussed South Carolina’s upcoming election. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Cunningham argued that the most-favored-nation policy could bring U.S. prescription prices closer to those in other developed cou...

John Stoehr, editor and publisher of The Editorial Board, "a newsletter about politics in plain English for normal people and the common good." The conversation explored Stoehr's views on political media, democratic values, and concentrated wealth.

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Stoehr said political coverage often prioritizes conflict and the horse race over concerns about President Trump’s behav...

Joan Esposito is joined by political scientist and "World Discord Podcast" co-host Joel Ostrow. The discussion focused on Ukraine’s urgent needs, the effects of reduced U.S. support, and possible political responses.

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Ostrow said Ukraine’s access to U.S.-funded satellite tracking and intelligence had been restricted, reducing its ability to detect incoming missil...

Joan Esposito is joined by John Parker, co-host of “The Gaily Show,” weeknights at 10:00 Central on WCPT, along with Jim Pounds, executive producer and co-host of “The Gaily Show.”

The discussion covered Minnesota election races, voter concerns, and uncertainty about polling ahead of election day.
- Parker described Democratic candidate Brian Cohn’s race in a district south of the Twin Cities as a p...

Joan Esposito is joined by Carolyn Fiddler, state politics expert and author of the newsletter “This Week in Statehouse Action.

The discussion assessed state and federal election dynamics, with emphasis on potential Democratic gains. Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Fiddler said Democrats could gain trifectas in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Arizona, though outcomes remain uncertain, e...

Joan Esposito is joined by Willie Wilson, 2027 candidate for Chicago mayor. Wilson discussed his campaign, emphasizing business-oriented governance, lower taxes, workforce development, and neighborhood investment.

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Wilson said Chicago needs an independent businessperson who can balance budgets and is not controlled by special-interest groups.
- He opposes a head tax,...

Joan Esposito is joined by Ira Shapiro, co-author of "Betrayed: America Didn't Vote for This."

The discussion examined concerns about the Trump administration’s impact on elections, constitutional governance, foreign policy, and domestic institutions. Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Shapiro said pro-democracy groups and lawyers are preparing for GOP attempts to challenge or invalidate election results.

Joan Esposito is joined by Michael Hawthorne, Pulitzer-finalist investigative reporter who focuses on the environment and public health for the Chicago Tribune. 

The discussion examined the environmental and public health risks of plastic pollution, the limits of recycling, and policy options for reducing plastic waste. Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Illinois now recognizes nurdles, small pre-production ...

Joan Esposito is joined by Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible.  The discussion focused on mobilizing voters and protecting democratic participation ahead of the midterm elections.

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Levin described the October 17 No Kings Nationwide Day of Action event as an early-vote mobilization and election-defense effort, building on prior protests.
- The goals are to in...

Joan Esposito is joined by Carlos Ballesteros, reporter for Injustice Watch, Chicago-based nonprofit journalism organization that examines issues of equity and justice in the court system. Their November 2026 Cook County judicial elections guide is now available. 

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)...

Joan Esposito is joined by Ward Farnsworth, professor and W. Page Keeton Chair at the University of Texas School of Law and author of several books, including “Should You Tip for Takeout? Solving the Puzzles of Everyday Life.“

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).

Follow us:

Website: https://heartlandsign...

Broadcasting live from Moe Joe's Restaurant in Plainfield, Illinois, Joan Esposito is joined by Illinois State Rep. Jessica Dixon Heitman of the 97th House District. She is a 2026 candidate for re-election. 

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).

Follow us:

Website: https://heartlandsignal.com

WCPT Facebook:...

David DeWitt, Ohio Capital Journal editor-in-chief and opinion columnist

The discussion examined Ohio’s 2026 political races, media framing, and the effects of election misinformation on voters. Here are a few key points from the conversation. 
- DeWitt said Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has struggled to connect with Ohio voters despite strong name recognition and funding.
- Democratic nominee Amy Ac...

Joan Esposito is joined by Illinois Congressman Jonathan Jackson, Democrat representing the 1st District of Illinois. The conversation focused on Jackson’s policy priorities, criticism of current federal leadership, and concerns about domestic and international impacts of Republican governance.

- Jackson said if House Democrats regain the House majority, they should prioritize reversing the July 2025 Republican spending law (...

Joan Esposito is joined by Army Maj. Gen. Randy Manner (Ret.), former acting vice chair of the National Guard Bureau, and member of National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A). 

The discussion focused on U.S. military policy, regional security, election-related risks, and the reported effects of current leadership on military readiness.

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Manner argued that the pr...

Joan Esposito is joined by Katherine Dailey, state government and policy reporter for Michigan Advance. 

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- In Michigan's race for governor, Michigan Sec. of State Jocelyn Benson faces Republican Congressman John James.
- James remains aligned with President Trump but appears to be emphasizing that association less in the general election, particularly on unpopula...

Joan Esposito is joined by Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder. He talks about Texas Democrats’ grassroots, bottom-up strategy as a way to capitalize on the midterm election and deliver an ambitious governing agenda.

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Scudder said state Democrats recruited candidates for every state and federal office in Texas, opened offices in historically neglected areas, a...