- 14
- Episodes
- 2020
- First episode
About Left of Dial
Left of Dial is a podcast about progressives and what is happening in the political sphere of Illinois as well as America. Ben Theobald, will be on the ground getting the perspectives of organizers and candidates as well as anyone who wants to speak their mind about what's happening at the local, state, and national level. Podcast hosts are Ben and Pete (depending on schedule) who give their take on the political scene and leftist/progressive ideas.
- Publisher
- Benjamin Theobald
- Category
- news
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 3 Sept 2020
- Latest episode
- 15 Dec 2021
Latest episodes
14 episodes in the feed.
15 Dec 2021
Episode 14: Continuing the fight for utility protection with No Ameren Shutoffs and Whole Washington feat. Georgia Davenport
Left of Dial is back after a long hiatus because of organizing and mobilizing. We do apologize for the wait. Georgia Davenport joins this episode for an interview to discuss Whole Washington a grassroots organization trying to get a single-payer (Medicare For) All on the ballot in the state of Washington. Allan has an update on the recent news with No Ameren Shutoffs and how the fight for utility protections is going in Illinois. Allan talks about the COVID situation in Illinois with the recent variant Omicron and gives context to how it compares to last year. Eddie Pratt Jr joins us to discuss the Urbana City Council voting down ALPRs and the discussion on that and why it's been controversial to some officials. Marc Girdler talks about recent events (shenanigans) happening in Decatur, IL with Howard Buffet, son of billionaire Warren Buffet. Support Eddie Pratt Jr on the cash app at: $EPJ31 If you'd like (and have the means financially) to donate to Left Of Dial we'd appreciate it: https://www.patreon.com/LeftOfDial Rent or Houssing asssitance resources: https://www.benefits.gov/ https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/emergency-rental-assistance-program/program-index https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/21/how-to-apply-for-rental-assistance-before-the-eviction-ban-expires.html Child Tax Credit Information: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/938
31 Aug 2021
Episode 13: Hey Waukesha, leave those kids lunches alone
It's been another long difficult week with the Supreme Court doing away with the eviction moratorium meaning millions will be facing evictions and also a hurricane hit New Orleans. Also did you know there's still the COVID pandemic and now schools are starting. Not great, Bob! In the local sphere, the Champaign (Illinois) City Council will be having a study session on Garden Hills on August 31st (Tuesday) at 7 p.m. We're hoping to get as many people to the meeting that we can. If you need a lift post #GardenHillsRide (https://soundcloud.com/tags/GardenHillsRide) on Facebook. Information that was discussed is below: Script for calling your Congress person and how on the Maintaining Equitable Acess Act is here: tiny.cc/MAES_Act_List (https://gate.sc/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftiny.cc%2FMAES_Act_List&token=9d07e0-1-1630370929967) Information about the bill here: www.detroitnews.com/story/news/poli…ebt/5485596001/ (https://gate.sc/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.detroitnews.com%2Fstory%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F2021%2F08%2F04%2Ftlaib-introduce-40-b-bill-cancel-household-utility-debt%2F5485596001%2F&token=de90ae-1-1630370929967) Wisconsin School Board in Waukesha thinks children will become addicted to free lunch: www.usatoday.com/story/news/educa…unch/5622614001/ (https://gate.sc/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fnews%2Feducation%2F2021%2F08%2F28%2Fwaukesha-students-there-really-no-such-thing-free-lunch%2F5622614001%2F&token=32265e-1-1630370929967) Lack of rental assitance relief being spent: www.cnbc.com/2021/08/03/why-ten…rental-relief.html (https://gate.sc/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnbc.com%2F2021%2F08%2F03%2Fwhy-tenants-are-still-struggling-despite-46-billion-dollars-in-rental-relief.html&token=f5dcfe-1-1630370929967) Emergency Rental Assistance: home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/co…sistance-program (https://gate.sc/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhome.treasury.gov%2Fpolicy-issues%2Fcoronavirus%2Fassistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments%2Femergency-rental-assistance-program&token=83f6e0-1-1630370929967) If you would like to support Left of Dial go to the Patreon link here: www.patreon.com/LeftOfDial (https://gate.sc/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.patreon.com%2FLeftOfDial&token=a35db4-1-1630370929967)
13 Aug 2021
Episode 12: It's A Party In The DSA and Fork You Cuomo
The eviction moratorium has been extended, but for only two months. We talk about the assistance that Americans need with rent and housing. Information and resources/assistance are posted below for those who are in need. Information/websites vary on your location. COVID cases are increasing because of the Delta variant especially among children in states such as Tennessee, Louisiana and Florida, but the White House says they have no plans to lock down or "stop the economy" which is a cause for concern for parents. Ben just paid his dues for DSA and is ready to officially join and Allan talks about the DSA Conference 2021 that just happened and a hysterical moment that happened. And finally Left of Dial gives a "fork you" to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo with an updated edit of him stepping down. Rent or Houssing asssitance resources: https://www.benefits.gov/ https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/emergency-rental-assistance-program/program-index https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/21/how-to-apply-for-rental-assistance-before-the-eviction-ban-expires.html Child Tax Credit Information: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/938 Sources cited: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/06/us-renters-are-behind-on-3700-in-rent-on-average-and-often-more-.html https://www.wdsu.com/article/more-than-3000-louisiana-children-test-positive-for-covid-19-in-just-four-days/37246194 Other useful information: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2021/08/04/tlaib-introduce-40-b-bill-cancel-household-utility-debt/5485596001/ Support Eddie Pratt Jr on the cash app at: $EPJ31 If you'd likee to support Left of Dial: https://www.patreon.com/LeftOfDial Follow Eddie on Twitter: https://twitter.com/temple_tony Follow Ben on Twitter: Just search @theobald_ben
2 Aug 2021
Episode 11: Policing Minors and Paying Workers a Livable Wage
Left of Dial is back after a long hiatus, Ben is once again joined by Eddie Pratt Jr. to talk about the SWIFT Program in Champaign and Urbana (Illinois). Ben and Eddie were also joined by Marc Girdler of Decatur to talk about Governor JB Pritzker signing a law that bans police in Illinois from lying or misleading minors starting in 2022. Then a discussion about paying service workers a livable wage, meaning raising the minimum wage. Support Eddie Pratt Jr on the cash app at: $EPJ31 Follow Eddie on Twitter: https://twitter.com/temple_tony Follow Ben on Twitter: Just search @theobald_ben Sources used or read for the show: https://www.npr.org/2021/07/16/1016710927/illinois-is-the-first-state-to-tell-police-they-cant-lie-to-minors-in-interrogat https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/23/business/restaurant-workers-experience/index.html?fbclid=IwAR34YrZsjvvfjQZTBkL3sK-VFu2EK_n8ubZMFgG9YY_18dA0ugVCah2Yi9w
26 Apr 2021
Left of Dial Episode 10: Derek Chauvin Trial, Adam Toledo, Activism and Finding Solidarity
Episode 10 leaves right off of the previous one with Ben Theobald and Eddie Pratt Jr. talking about the Derek Chauvin trial. The events at Brooklyn Center in Minnesota. Adam Toledo, a 13-year-old Latino kid who was killed by a police officer in Chicago. Ben and Eddie talk about coping during these difficult times and how emotionally draining it can be. Both give their thoughts on how important activism and forming a coalition can be. Since this was posted after Chauvin was founded guilty since then Eddie did a video of his reaction of the guilty verdict here: https://www.facebook.com/100009935024501/videos/1413564868984667 Support Eddie Pratt Jr on the cash app at: $EPJ31 Follow Eddie on Twitter: https://twitter.com/temple_tony Follow Ben on Twitter: Just search @theobald_ben Call the Illinois Commerce Commission and tell them to put back the moratorium for utility protections in Illinois. The number is 1-800-524-0795. Articles/Sources cited: https://www.apmresearchlab.org/covid/deaths-by-race
23 Apr 2021
Episode 9: Continuing the fight for utility protections in Illinois
Ben is joined by Eddie Prat Jr. to discuss an update in the fight for utility protections in the state of Illinois which has now reached the Bloomington (IL) city council. Ben and Eddie discuss the short and long-term effects of those who have their utilities shut off. The moratorium on utilities ended at the end of March. Call the ICC (1-800-524-0795) and request that the moratorium be extended because we are still in a pandemic and not enough vaccinations have been given. Articles/Sources cited: https://www.icc.illinois.gov/meetings/meeting/commission-meeting/21377 https://multimedia.illinois.gov/icc/icc-041521-ROM.mp4 https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/pressroom/2021_03/20210325.html https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-03-23/damage-from-virus-utility-bills-overwhelm-some-households http://new.weft.org/audio/2021/whereweareat/WhereWeAreAt_2021-01-04.mp3 https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/interactive/2021/covid-economy-illinois/ For more on #NoAmerenShutoffs movement: https://hoiabc.com/2021/04/01/utility-companies-sending-shutoff-notices-as-moratorium-ends/?fbclid=IwAR2vjXYbHgIxZ7WhqNak-IBvt20-b_U5qcGM85kw2T44JSXU13kejiPKEvc https://soundcloud.com/user-849823736/trailerfornoamerenshutoffswithallanmaxaxelrod Social media Follow Allan Max Axelrod: https://twitter.com/213axelrod Follow Eddie on Twitter: https://twitter.com/temple_tony and if you can support him on the cash app here: $EPJ31 Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theobald_ben Support Support Left of Dial if you'd like on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LeftOfDial
20 Apr 2021
Left of Dial Episode 8: Fighting For Utility Protections In Illinois
On this episode of Left of Dial, Ben Theobald is joined by Alan Max Axelrod, Eddie Pratt Jr and Beau Barber talk about fighting for utility protections in Illinois after the Illinois Commerce Commission let the moratorium on utilities expire at the end of March. Axelrod is the leader of the #NoAmerenShutoffs grassroots movement fighting for utility protections in the state of Illinois. Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theobald_ben Follow Allan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/213axelrod/ and search the hashtag on Twitter which is #NoAmerenShutoffs Follow Eddie on Twitter: https://twitter.com/temple_tony Follow Beau on Twitter: https://twitter.com/runborun93 Support Eddie Pratt Jr on the cash app at: $EPJ31 Sources/articles cited: ICC April 1st Meeting: https://multimedia.illinois.gov/icc/icc-040921-SOM.mp4 or https://www.icc.illinois.gov/meetings/meeting/commission-meeting/21376 https://hoiabc.com/2021/04/01/utility-companies-sending-shutoff-notices-as-moratorium-ends/?fbclid=IwAR2vjXYbHgIxZ7WhqNak-IBvt20-b_U5qcGM85kw2T44JSXU13kejiPKEvc latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-03-23/damage-from-virus-utility-bills-overwhelm-some-households https://patch.com/illinois/chicago/il-moratorium-utility-shutoffs-ends-natural-gas-prices-spike https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/pressroom/2021_03/20210325.html https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2021/04/05/vice-president-kamala-harris-makes-first-bay-area-visit-since-election/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t833cvVNXpg If you'd like to support Left of Dial go to: http://patreon.com/LeftOfDial (https://t.co/mZlYAKpF3M?amp=1)
5 Apr 2021
Left of Dial Episode 7: Jaya Kolisetty
Ben interviews Jaya Kolisetty, Urbana city council candidate for Ward 4. The municipal election for Urbana (Champaign County) is Tuesday, April 6. Please go vote if you are able. For more information go to https://www.champaigncountyclerk.com/elections or https://www.lwvchampaigncounty.org/candidate-forums1.html as well as https://www.lwvchampaigncounty.org/voting.html For more info about Jaya Kolisetty you can go to the following: https://www.facebook.com/Jaya-Kolisetty-for-Urbana-City-Council-101783805088249 https://twitter.com/JayaKolisetty https://www.smilepolitely.com/splog/who_is_running_for_urbana_city_council/ https://www.smilepolitely.com/opinion/urbana_candidates_respond_how_to_solve_a_nuisance/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aYnofAAImQ
4 Apr 2021
Left of Dial Episode 6: Justin Michael Hendrix (Champaign City Council Candidate)
On this episode of Left of Dial, Ben interviews Justin Michael Hendrix. Hendrix is a write-in candidate for Champaign City Council District 3. Hendrix talked about what motivated him to run and what his priorities would be if he gets elected. A reminder that the municipal election in Champaign County (including Urbana) is on April 6. THIS UPCOMING TUESDAY!! For more on Justin Michael Hendrix: https://www.news-gazette.com/election/2021-election-questionnaire-justin-michael-hendrix-champaign-city-council-district-3-candidate/article_f16d64aa-9401-5757-bec2-f0d3d540cc7b.html?fbclid=IwAR3YYy5TBUphjzQkH3CMHF5MKrJW7LnfL-YW3Ue_qKBQ6-5dv62X1M8MuIs#utm_campaign=blox&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social http://www.smilepolitely.com/culture/justin_hendrix_is_seeking_a_seat_at_the_table/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB4povJljGk&list=PLPooEStVXXpbj2NLgNiNFQUxE3Ix2lH10&index=6 For more information about the April 6 general election in Champaign County go to the following: https://www.champaigncountyclerk.com/elections https://www.lwvchampaigncounty.org/
4 Apr 2021
Left of Dial Episode 5 featuring Colin Dodson (Urbana City Council Candidate)
Colin Dodson is running for city council in the city of Urbana (Illinois) for Ward 2 on the Socialism and Liberation Party ticket. April 6 (Tuesday) is the day of the municipal election in Urbana and the rest of Champaign County. For more information about the candidates and what is on the ballot, you can go to https://www.champaigncountyclerk.com/elections or https://www.lwvchampaigncounty.org/ Where to find more about Colin Dodson: https://www.facebook.com/ColinDForCouncil https://www.smilepolitely.com/culture/questions_for_candidates_colin_dodson_for_urbana_city_council_ward_2/ LWVC debate with Colin Dodson: https://youtu.be/a1deAfHs9EU People's City Council Meeting on Defunding the Police featured on WEFT: http://new.weft.org/audio/2021/whereweareat/WhereWeAreAt_2021-02-08.mp3
29 Mar 2021
Episode 4: Clarissa Nickerson Fourman and the Illinois utility shutoffs moratorium
In this episode, Ben Theobald is joined by Eddie Prat Jr talking about the Illinois Commerce Commission meeting that occurred on 3/18/2021 which voted not to extend the moratorium on utility shutoffs without any discussion or debate, meaning as of now Illinoisans behind on their utility bills will be cut off on said utilities (water, electricity) April 1 (Thursday) if the ICC does not change their minds. I interview incumbent city council member, Clarissa Nickerson Fourman, who represents Champaign District 1 in the Champaign City Council. https://www.facebook.com/fourmancitycouncil A reminder that general municipal election in Champaign County (Illinois) is on Tuesday, April 6. https://www.champaigncountyclerk.com/elections https://www.lwvchampaigncounty.org/ Clarissa Nickerson Fourman (Champaign City Council Member) https://www.facebook.com/fourmancitycouncil https://twitter.com/cnickfour Other Sources/Articles cited: https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-03-23/damage-from-virus-utility-bills-overwhelm-some-households https://amp.providencejournal.com/amp/4765046001?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&__twitter_impression=true&fbclid=IwAR1dLnoP6w0Fr3b8R_Gr0RVBIumqBpZi2KN5WYM3fNp7FdjbEnZ6Dr2loXE https://amp.providencejournal.com/amp/4765046001?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&__twitter_impression=true&fbclid=IwAR1dLnoP6w0Fr3b8R_Gr0RVBIumqBpZi2KN5WYM3fNp7FdjbEnZ6Dr2loXE WEFT Show Where We Are At on 1/4/2021: http://new.weft.org/audio/2021/whereweareat/WhereWeAreAt_2021-01-04.mp3 Please call the Illinois Commerce Commission at 1-800-524-0795. Tell them many Illinoisans are still dealing in this pandemic and that it's cruel to punish people struggling in a pandemic that is no fault of their own. Ben and Eddie also talk about Illinois governor JB Pritzker press conference where activists were confronted by National Guardsmen and afterwards someone on a hot mic at the press conference told the activists to "go to hell." Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Press Event Source: https://twitter.com/i/status/1374815140609196033 and https://twitter.com/runborun93/status/1374792497700945924 If you are able/willing please donate to activist Eddie Prat Jr through his cash app at: $EPJ31 And if you're feeling very generous you can donate/give to the Left of Dial Patreon here: patreon.com/LeftOfDial (https://t.co/mZlYAKpF3M?amp=1) Thank you to our Left of Dial listeners/followers!
3 Nov 2020
Left of Dial: The Election and #NoAmerenShutoffs
On this episode of Left of Dial, Ben interviews Allan Max Axelrod, a member of Champaign-Urbana DSA and activist. Axelrod started the #NoAmerenShutoffs campaign and talks about what has been happening with Illinois governor JB Pritzker and how he has been handling the utility shutoffs and why he hasn't passed a moratorium in Illinois. Ben and Allan also discuss what people should do no matter who wins the election and how they should get active and be productive.
29 Sept 2020
Episode 2: The Police
Ben interviews Robert Garcia, an activist an organizer in East Central Illinois. Garcia was in Louisville at the protests that happened after the jury found that the police were not guilty for the killing of Breonna Taylor. Only one of the three officers involved was indicted and it was for first degree wanton endangerment. Garcia describes what the scene was like in Louisville was like which included him and a group of protesters being held up in a church for hours while the police waited outside. Garcia talks about what he hopes to see in the future in terms of police reform and where he hopes to see the movement go in the future including beyond the election in November.
3 Sept 2020
Episode 1: The Party Is Over
Left of Dial hosts Ben and Peter discuss both the DNC and RNC conventions, giving their analysis of the events and the state of the race between Joe Biden and President Donald Trump. Also what does the Progressive Left need to do now that Bernie Sanders is not the nominee and why is America "the country" where a left movement needs to happen? You can follow Ben on Twitter at @theobald_ben.
Contact Left of Dial
- Guest appearances
- Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Left of Dial?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show
Podcast research with Pod Engine