The episode before last, host Spencer Critchley was the guest for a change, interviewed by Joan Esposito, who hosts a liberal talk radio show originating at WCPT-AM in Chicago. This time, Spencer interviews Joan about how she manages to conduct smart, in-depth, live political conversations three hours a day, five days a week — sometimes devoting a full hour to a topic when the … [Read more...] about Joan Esposito: Talk radio for people who want better politics
Episodes
Sam Farr: How Democracy Can Work
Of all the threats democracy faces, I think the greatest is the risk that we’ll lose faith in it. There have seldom been more reasons to do that. But there are also reasons to keep believing, and I thought this would be a good time to offer one: an inside look at what it’s like to be an elected official actually trying to do the right thing — and often succeeding. My guest … [Read more...] about Sam Farr: How Democracy Can Work
Why are so many of us abandoning democracy for some form of tyranny? Joan Esposito interviews Spencer Critchley
Spencer often talks with Joan Esposito, who interviews him about politics for her show on Chicago's WCPT-AM. This episode of Dastardly Cleverness replays one of those conversations that's especially relevant now. Joan and Spencer focus on why democracy, after all its successes, is now in so much danger from authoritarianism. They talk about: You can hear more … [Read more...] about Why are so many of us abandoning democracy for some form of tyranny? Joan Esposito interviews Spencer Critchley
How to win elections so we still *have* elections
As unthinkable as it may seem, it’s where we are now: only one of America’s two major parties still supports democracy. That means it’s up to the Democratic Party to save democracy for everyone. But even with democracy in grave danger, Democrats are in a close race against the people who are trying to finish it off. How can that be, and what should they do about … [Read more...] about How to win elections so we still *have* elections
“America and hope in the time of fentanyl and meth”
In many ways, addiction has become a defining feature of life in America. More and more of us have become addicted to drugs like alcohol, heroin, cocaine, and opioids, and to other things increasingly recognized as addictive, like sugar, junk food, and social media. The problem has been growing for decades, but in recent years it has exploded. A record for deaths by … [Read more...] about “America and hope in the time of fentanyl and meth”