Shows / The Fran Spielman Show
The Fran Spielman Show
Join veteran City Hall reporter Fran Spielman as she interviews Chicago’s biggest movers and shakers. Each week, Fran sits down with a local leader, politician or policymaker to get the inside scoop on the latest news in Chicago.
Episodes
- The Fran Spielman Show
Ald. Nicole Lee (11th)
Fran Spielman interviews 11th Ward Alderman Nicole Lee, running unopposed for re-election, about why the aldermanic job has become more contentious and…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Battle of the Budget | Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd) and Civic Committee President Derek Douglas
Host Fran Spielman discusses Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed $17.6 billion Chicago budget with Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd) and Civic Committee President…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Chicago’s New Inspector General David Glockner
Host Fran Spielman interviews newly appointed Chicago Inspector General David Glockner about his background, decades as a federal prosecutor under Patrick…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Finance Committee Chair Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd)
Fran Spielman interviews Chicago City Council Finance Committee Chair Pat Dowell about a newly approved parking meter transfer agreement. Dowell argues the…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Senior Advisor Jason Lee on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Reelection Strategy
Fran Spielman interviews Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s senior advisor Jason Lee about Johnson’s path to reelection, defending his record, and navigating City…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22nd)
In an interview with Fran Spielman, Chicago Alderman Michael Rodriguez, chair of the City Council’s Committee on Workforce Development, announces he will not…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Chicago lobbyist John Kelly on his mayoral run, crime, and city finances
Fran Spielman interviews Chicago lobbyist and first-time candidate John Kelly about his run for mayor. Kelly says Chicago is in decline due to crime, high…
- The Fran Spielman Show
U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley
Fran Spielman interviews Congressman and mayoral candidate Mike Quigley, beginning with Cubs and hockey talk before turning to his Lake Michigan suit jump…
- The Fran Spielman Show
David Axelrod on Chicago’s Mayoral Race, Democratic Party Shifts, and the 2026 Political Landscape
Fran Spielman interviews political strategist and CNN analyst David Axelrod, who discusses widespread public disillusionment with politics and previews…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Alexi Giannoulias
In an interview with Fran Spielman, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias explains why he is running simultaneously for re-election and for mayor of…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Chicago Housing Commissioner Lissette Castañeda and Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th)
Fran Spielman interviews Chicago Housing Commissioner Lissette Castañeda and Alderman Gilbert Villegas (36th) about competing renter-protection proposals as…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Joe Ferguson on Chicago’s parking meter transfer, budget shortfalls, CPS cuts, and pension risk
Fran Spielman interviews Chicago Civic Federation president and former inspector general Joe Ferguson about the pending sale of Chicago Parking Meters LLC’s…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Ald. Marty Quinn (13th)
Fran Spielman interviews Ald. Marty Quinn of Chicago’s 13th Ward, who announces he will not seek re-election after four terms and 15 years on the City Council…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Matthew Brewer
Fran Spielman interviews attorney Matthew Brewer, former interim CHA CEO and current board chair, who announces his first run for Chicago mayor and argues…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Dr. Lisa Nee
Fran Spielman interviews Dr. Lisa Nee, a Chicago-born cardiologist and MBA who is preparing to run for mayor to deny Brandon Johnson a second term, arguing…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Susana Mendoza
Fran Spielman interviews Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza about her renewed bid for Chicago mayor, revisiting her 2019 loss and associations with Ed Burke…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Emmanuel Andre, Deputy Mayor for Community Safety
Fran Spielman interviews Emmanuel Andre, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s newly appointed deputy mayor for community safety, about preparing for Chicago’s summer public…
- The Fran Spielman Show
State Rep. Kam Buckner
In the final days of the Illinois General Assembly’s spring session, host Fran Spielman interviews State Rep. Kam Buckner about last-minute legislating, the…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Chicago Transportation Commissioner William Cheaks Jr.
Fran Spielman interviews newly confirmed Chicago transportation commissioner William Cheaks Jr. about Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed EV-charging-only parking…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Mayor Brandon Johnson
Fran Spielman and WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel mark Brandon Johnson's three-year anniversary as Chicago mayor. Mayor Johnson discusses his family milestones and…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Zoning Committee Chair Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th)
Fran Spielman interviews Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th), the new chair of Chicago’s City Council Zoning Committee, about how the council ended a months-long…
- The Fran Spielman Show
FOP President John Catanzara
Fran Spielman interviews Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara after Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew was fatally shot and his partner…
- The Fran Spielman Show
John Kass
Fran Spielman reunites with longtime City Hall rival and friend John Kass to discuss his latest health crisis and rehabilitation after what she describes as…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Inspector General Deborah Witzburg
Fran Spielman interviews retiring Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg, who explains why she chose not to seek a second term, arguing watchdog…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Chicago’s acting CFO Steve Mahr: Bonds, budget tensions, and pension strategy
Fran Spielman interviews Steve Mahr, Chicago’s newly appointed acting Chief Financial Officer, who shares his background in public service and public finance…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Breaking down Illinois’ St. Patrick’s Day election results
Fran Spielman interviews Chicago Public Media’s Tina Sfondeles and Dave McKinney about Illinois’ St. Patrick’s Day election, focusing on surprises and the role…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Ravinia Festival president and CEO Jeff Haydon
Fran Spielman interviews Ravinia Festival president and CEO Jeff Haydon about the final stages of a $75 million, two-year renovation of the 75+ year-old Hunter…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Oscar Predictions: ‘Sinners’ vs. ‘One Battle After Another,’ with Richard Roeper
Fran Spielman talks Oscars with film critic Richard Roeper, host of The Movie of Your Life podcast, focusing on the tight Best Picture race between ‘Sinners’…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Rep. Kam Buckner
Fran Spielman interviews State Rep. Kam Buckner about efforts to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois amid an Indiana proposal to finance a Hammond stadium…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Remembering Rev. Jesse Jackson
Fran Spielman interviews Neil Steinberg about the death of Rev. Jesse Jackson at 84 and the challenge of capturing his long, complicated life in a definitive…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Commissioner Ivan Capifali | Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
Fran Spielman welcomes Chicago's Commissioner of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, Ivan Capifali. They discuss vital initiatives to support small…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Debating video gaming terminals: Ald. Anthony Beale (9th) & Ald. Walter "Red" Burnett (27th)
In this episode, Fran Spielman hosts a discussion between two Chicago City Council members, Ald. Anthony Beale (9th) and Ald. Walter "Red" Burnett (27th), who…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Cristina Pacione-Zayas | Mayor Brandon Johnson's Chief of Staff
In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Cristina Pacione-Zayas, former Illinois lawmaker and the current Chief of Staff to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Boosting Chicago tourism amidst challenges: Insights from Choose Chicago's Kristen Reynolds and Guy Chipparoni
Fran Spielman hosts a conversation with Kristen Reynolds and Guy Chipparoni, the President & CEO, and Chairman of the Board of Choose Chicago, respectively…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Bears fever: A post-season deep dive with Rick Telander & Marc Ganis
Fran Spielman is joined by former Sun-Times sports columnist Rick Telander and sports stadium consultant Marc Ganis to analyze the Bears' gripping Wild Card…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Congressman Mike Quigley
Fran Spielman interviews Northside Congressman Mike Quigley about his decision to run for Mayor of Chicago. Quigley discusses the city's fiscal challenges…
- The Fran Spielman Show
David Greising, CEO of the Better Government Association
In this episode, Fran Spielman hosts David Greising, CEO of the Better Government Association, to discuss the intense budget conflict in Chicago between Mayor…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Year-End Review: Chicago and Illinois politics in 2025
In the final weeks of 2025, Fran Spielman hosts a year-end discussion on Chicago and Illinois politics with Sun-Times national political reporter Tina…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Civic Federation President Joe Ferguson
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Civic Federation President Joe Ferguson to discuss the alternative budget proposal developed by a group…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Navigating the future of Chicago's stadiums with Eleanor Gorski
Fran Spielman interviews Eleanor Gorski, President and CEO of the Chicago Architecture Center, discussing the complex history and future plans for Chicago’s…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Chicago Federation of Labor president Bob Reiter
Fran Spielman is joined by Bob Reiter, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor, focusing on the significant budget stalemate in Chicago. They discuss…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Honoring veterans: A conversation with Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th)
In this special Veterans Day episode, Fran Spielman interviews Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th), a retired Marine and current chair of the City Council's Committee…
- The Fran Spielman Show
CTA's future: Funding, expansion, and security with acting president Nora Leerhsen
In this week's episode, Fran Spielman interviews Nora Leerhsen, the acting president of the Chicago Transit Authority. They discuss the recent $1.5 billion…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch defends revenue choices made in $1.5B mass transit bail-out
In this episode, host Fran Spielman interviews Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch following the passage of a transformative $1.5 billion mass transit bailout…
- The Fran Spielman Show
In-depth analysis of Mayor Brandon Johnson's $16.6 billion budget proposal
In this episode, Fran Spielman invites Chicago City Council veterans Matt O'Shea and Scott Waguespack to discuss Mayor Brandon Johnson's recently unveiled…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Discussing Chicago's budget with Mayor Johnson's senior adviser Jason Lee
In this episode, Fran Spielman discusses the contentious budget plan proposed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, which includes nearly $600 million in progressive taxes…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Chicago alderpersons discuss the impact of Trump's immigration crackdown
In this episode, Fran Spielman hosts a discussion with Chicago Alderpersons Jesse Fuentes (26th), Julia Ramirez (12th), and Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) about the…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Crane Kenny, Chicago Cubs President of Business Operations | Advancing to the NLDS
In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Crane Kenny, President of Business Operations for the Chicago Cubs, celebrating the team's recent victory over the…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) takes on Cook County leadership
In this episode, Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman interviews downtown Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) who is now running for Cook County Board president…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Chicago anchorman Bill Kurtis reflects on his career in journalism
In this in-depth interview, Fran Spielman welcomes Bill Kurtis, a legendary figure in journalism, to discuss his 60-year career. Kurtis shares captivating…
- The Fran Spielman Show
A New Generation in Chicago Politics: Walter "Red" Burnett’s Vision for Change
In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Walter "Red" Burnett, the 29-year-old son of former City Council Ald. Walter Burnett, who has been selected by Mayor…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Financial crisis and governance challenges in Chicago: A conversation with Congressman Mike Quigley
In this week's episode, Franz Spielman interviews Congressman Mike Quigley from Illinois' Fifth District. Quigley critiques President Trump's proposal to…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Commissioner for Chicago Department of Aviation Michael McMurray on O'Hare expansion
In this episode of the Fran Spielman Show, Fran interviews Michael McMurray, the Commissioner overseeing O'Hare and Midway Airports. They discuss the recent…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Kam Buckner on Illinois politics and policies
Fran Spielman interviews former University of Illinois defensive lineman and current State Representative Kam Buckner. Buckner shares his insights on a variety…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Navigating Chicago's Budget: A Conversation with senior mayoral advisor Jason Lee
Senior mayoral advisor Jason Lee discusses the various challenges Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration faces in balancing Chicago's budget. Topics include…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Remembering Ryne Sandberg with Pat Hughes & "Ryno" himself
In this heartfelt episode, Fran Spielman and Pat Hughes commemorate the life and career of legendary Cubs player Ryne Sandberg, who recently passed away from…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar
Fran Spielman interviews former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, discussing his views on legacy, his approach to public service, and significant moments from his…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Ald. Walter Burnett (27th) Reflects on 30 Years in Chicago Politics and Future Plans
In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Ald. Walter Burnett (27th), discussing his career highlights and the emotional farewell he received from the Chicago…
The Fran Spielman ShowDavid Axelrod on Chicago Politics, Mayor Johnson's Challenges, and Democratic Party Prospects
In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews David Axelrod, a veteran political consultant turned commentator. The discussion covers a wide range of topics…
- The Fran Spielman Show
Ray Long Reflects on a Storied Career in Journalism
In this episode, Fran Spielman welcomes Ray Long, a recently retired investigative reporter for the Chicago Tribune with over 45 years in journalism. Long…