These are conversations about the most pressing civic issues in Chicago, hosted by Thom Serafin. We'll get into what's trending and why with a panel of newsmakers and news shakers. The Serafin Power Poll is an interactive polling platform that surveys business, civic, media, and political insiders about the attitudes and opinions that shape the moves of the Chicago's most influential leaders.
The September 2026 edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin scours the wisdom of big thinkers. Once again, Thom welcomes the Dean of Chicago political reporters Mike Flannery. Our special guest this month is a revered crime reporter, 8-time Emmy Award-winner, underwater documentarian, and community builder. We're pleased to welcome Anna Davlantes to our show.
This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions:
What's your reaction to Mayor Brandon Johnson not changing course as he seeks a second term?
Chicago faces an $882.4 million gap in the 2027 budget — What should be the first move to correct that?
Homicides and shootings are near multi-decade lows. What do you believe is driving the decline?
White Sox minority owner Justin Ishbia unveiled plans for a new "Railyards" ballpark in the South Loop. How do you think this mega-development should go down?
President Trump pledged a $5,000 "dividend" to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans hold both the House and Senate in November — How should Chicago's influentials treat that?
Mayor Johnson's kickoff put a moratorium on new data centers and higher taxes on high earners at the center of a second term. What should Chicago do?
Do you believe there should be a slowdown in the development of artificial intelligence?
Thom, Mike, and Anna will share our Power Poll results and get into their analysis of the answers here on this month's episode.
17 Aug 2026
Pope Leo XIV comes home, political labels, and social hierarchy
The August 2026 edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin brings a downpour of opinions. Once again, Thom welcomes the Dean of Chicago political reporters Mike Flannery. Our special guest this month is an Emmy Award-winning Chicago radio & television personality, author, actress, and multi-platform journalist. We're pleased to welcome Jenniffer Weigel to our show. Jen is now the managing director of Wayfarer Media.
This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions:
If Pope Leo XIV were to visit Chicago for a special public event or mass in 2027, would you attend?
A new Washington Post–Ipsos poll found that "only 39% percent" of all American voters would consider voting for a presidential candidate who identifies as a Democratic Socialist. How would you have answered that question?
How would you rate the current process in the Illinois House for receiving, reviewing, and acting on complaints of sexual misconduct?
Would you support or oppose Illinois suspending the gas tax that helps fund public transportation?
What are the three things you believe are most important to your quality of life?
Thom, Mike, and Jen will share our Power Poll results and get into their analysis of the answers here on this month's episode.
20 Jul 2026
Chicago baseball fever, tollway bait & switch, and candidate multiplication
Our July 2026 edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin carries a hot breeze off the lake. Once again, Thom welcomes the Dean of Chicago political reporters Mike Flannery. Our special guest this month is one of the most respected voices over three decades on Chicago radio. You've heard Steve Cochran on legendary stations like WLUP, WLS, and WGN. Now you can follow his show on the podcast Live from My Office (https://www.cochranshow.com/). Steve wit and wisdom can also be read on Substack (https://stevecochran.substack.com/).
This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions:
What is your overall opinion of the proposed 45-cent increase for passenger tolls and 30% hike in commercial tolls.
Does the practice of filing for two different political offices affect your view of a candidate's sincerity, focus, and commitment to taxpayers?
Which summer activity best reflects how you enjoy Chicago this time of year?
How much does the success of both the White Sox and the Cubs add to your enjoyment of summer in Chicago?
Thinking about stress levels with the people closest to you, how would you describe their overall sense of well‑being and enjoyment of daily life these days?
Thom, Mike, and Steve will share our Power Poll results and get into their analysis of the answers here on this month's episode.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 28 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
33
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
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