Left of Dial
14 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago -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.
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Episodes
Episode 14: Continuing the fight for utility protection with No Ameren Shutoffs and Whole Washington feat. Georgia Davenport
December 15, 2021 20:55 - 1 hour - 128 MBLeft 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 rec...
Episode 13: Hey Waukesha, leave those kids lunches alone
August 31, 2021 01:04 - 43 minutes - 68.3 MBIt'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...
Episode 12: It's A Party In The DSA and Fork You Cuomo
August 13, 2021 13:55 - 1 hour - 107 MBThe 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 ...
Episode 11: Policing Minors and Paying Workers a Livable Wage
August 02, 2021 21:40 - 45 minutes - 72 MBLeft 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 Follo...
Left of Dial Episode 10: Derek Chauvin Trial, Adam Toledo, Activism and Finding Solidarity
April 26, 2021 23:17 - 1 hour - 104 MBEpisode 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 si...
Episode 9: Continuing the fight for utility protections in Illinois
April 23, 2021 23:09 - 42 minutes - 61.5 MBBen 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/Source...
Left of Dial Episode 8: Fighting For Utility Protections In Illinois
April 20, 2021 21:29 - 1 hour - 97.6 MBOn 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/213a...
Left of Dial Episode 7: Jaya Kolisetty
April 05, 2021 19:19 - 1 hour - 87.4 MBBen 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-Co...
Left of Dial Episode 6: Justin Michael Hendrix (Champaign City Council Candidate)
April 04, 2021 23:10 - 38 minutes - 54.9 MBOn 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-champaig...
Left of Dial Episode 5 featuring Colin Dodson (Urbana City Council Candidate)
April 04, 2021 20:00 - 50 minutes - 68.7 MBColin 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...
Episode 4: Clarissa Nickerson Fourman and the Illinois utility shutoffs moratorium
March 29, 2021 22:29 - 1 hour - 106 MBIn 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 C...
Left of Dial: The Election and #NoAmerenShutoffs
November 03, 2020 23:56 - 1 hour - 124 MBOn 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.
Episode 2: The Police
September 29, 2020 21:34 - 1 hour - 79 MBBen 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 o...
Episode 1: The Party Is Over
September 03, 2020 01:03 - 59 minutes - 79.4 MBLeft 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.