Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft

Recent episodes

1. The Propagation of a New Mentality. from Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft

   Aug 3, 2026

   0:30 - RFK Jr. Berates CNN’s Bash in Fiery 22-Minute Brawl On Fauci, Trump and Vaccines 16:49 - David Perell: Why isn't Chicago a more prominent place? 34:36 - Why Brandon Johnson’s school board is going broke on purpose 58:17 - Illinois lawmaker, police officer says CTA anti-violence signs not enough 01:09:05 - Steven Bucci served America for three decades as an Army Special Forces officer and top Pentagon official, is a visiting fellow in The Heritage Foundation’s Allison Center for Foreign Policy Studies. He joined Dan Proft with reaction to President Trump’s announcement he’s halting air strikes on Iran 01:26:57 - Heather MacDonald is a Thomas W. Smith fellow at the Manhattan Institute and author of When Race Trumps Merit: How the Pursuit of Equity Sacrifices Excellence, Destroys Beauty, and Threatens Lives She joined Dan Proft to talk about her column: The Scourge of Teen Takeovers 01:44:24 - Justin Hart is author of Gone Viral: How Covid Drove the World Insane , also writes at his substack Rational Ground . He joined Dan Proft with reaction to Dr. Faui’s day in the Senate. 02:01:44 - Rafael Mangual is a senior fellow and head of research for the Manhattan Institute’s Policing and Public Safety Initiative and author of Criminal (In)Justice: What the Push for Mass-Decarceration and Depolicing Gets Wrong, and Who It Hurts Most . He joined Dan Proft to talk about his column: Expect More Terroristic Actions Against ICE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2. Hoodwinked. from Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft

   Jul 31, 2026

   0:30 - Mike Koolidge fills in for Dan 11:09 - Fauci Contempt of Congress 27:11 - Dr. Birx 45:24 - Andrew Collingwood, co-host of the Multipolarity podcast, explains why There is no alternative to the Strait of Hormuz . Andrew is also the writer of The Multipolarity Brief on multipolaritypod.substack.com 01:00:41 - Senior Fellow with the American Federation for Children, Patrick Graff , discusses his new report that shows 1.9m kids in Illinois could miss out on the education freedom tax credit if the Governor doesn’t opt in. For more on the American Federation for Children federationforchildren.org 01:20:43 - Founder of the Challenging Psychedelic Experiences Project, Jules Evans , on the rapid push to bring psychedelic drugs into mainstream medicine , and whether America is ready for it. For more on the Challenging Psychedelic Experiences Project challengingpsychedelicexperiences.com 01:34:59 - Associate Professor of Political Science at Kentucky State University, Wilfred Reilly , on immigration, integration and removing woke from the workforce. Follow Professor Reilly on X @wil_da_beast630 01:52:26 - Open Mic Friday! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3. The Reckoning Isn't Over. from Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft

   Jul 30, 2026

   0:30 - Fauci takes the fifth 13:50 - Hawley embarrasses Fauci for taking the 5th 31:56 - State level charges 56:05 - Quince Strategy's Maximilian Garely asks: Has China cloned your congressman? 01:04:41 - Writer, author, and former Democratic fundraiser Evan Barker discusses her newly released book Nothing Left: Confessions of a Democratic Operative . 01:30:01 - Former Deputy National Security Advisor K.T. McFarland says the conflict with Iran may seem slow-moving, but argues the U.S. is hitting Iran where it hurts most: economically. KT is also the author of Revolution: Trump, Washington and "We the People" 01:37:02 - Real American Heroes 01:41:19 - Sports & Politics 02:02:17 - Drew Holden , who writes at his substack “Holden Court” , explains how Legacy Media’s Fauci Love Affair Might’ve Buried COVID’s Origins . You can follow Drew on X @DrewHolden360 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

4. Sad Little Man Pleads the Fifth from Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft

   Jul 29, 2026

   0:30 - John Kelly announces for Mayor 15:43 - Fauci diaries 33:26 - Pied-a-terre tax 44:06 - CTA signage 50:38 - Brownstone Institute founder Jeffrey Tucker says he expects little from Fauci's testimony, except "an extreme case of amnesia," adding that Fauci and his reputation are "toast." Follow Jeffrey on X @jeffreytucker 01:10:27 - Middle East Institute Vice President for Policy Kenneth Pollack explains the bind President Trump faces as neither the U.S. nor Iran wants war, but neither side is willing to back down. For more on the Middle East Institute mei.edu 01:29:30 - Why Dan Proft is Single 01:43:35 - Noted economist Stephen Moore blames Anthony Fauci for what he calls "one of the biggest mistakes in American history": school closures and COVID lockdowns. Get more Steve @StephenMoore 02:02:25 - Former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker breaks down the growing chaos in Wisconsin's gubernatorial race. Gov Walker is also President and CEO of Young America’s Foundation yaf.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5. Inside the Diary of the Sad Little Man from Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft

   Jul 28, 2026

   0:30 - Space Needle shooting 33:21 - Fauci diaries 55:21 - President of American Commitment Phil Kerpen goes through the Fauci diaries, saying "the narcissism is off the charts." Check out Phil on X @kerpen 01:13:19 - Paris Marx, author of Hyperscale and host of the Tech Won't Save Us podcast, reacts to Sam Altman calling AI "a genie that can grant any wish." Paris also writes the Disconnect newsletter 01:27:50 - Wirepoints founder Mark Glennon says the Fauci diaries should renew scrutiny of Illinois' pandemic policies and Gov. J.B. Pritzker's decisions. 01:40:51 - President of Adamson Plumbing Contractors Michael Owen explains why his company shut down while still being owed $4 million for work at the Obama Presidential Center: "We just couldn't make the math work." 01:59:56 - Washington Examiner’s David Harsanyi says he was infuriated by Fauci's "narcissistic musings on fame" while families were barred from attending graduations, weddings, and other celebrations. David is also the author of The Rise of BlueAnon: How the Democrats Became a Party of Conspiracy Theorists . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6. Europe: Aid the Enemy, Silence the Patriot from Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft

   Jul 27, 2026

   0:30 - Save a Lots closing 15:52 - EUROPE - aid the enemy, silence the patriot 35:02 - Corey Ruiz shooting 01:07:30 - Trump at WHCA 01:10:31 - The Heritage Foundation's Steven Bucci says the "war of choice" with Iran was a necessary choice, arguing the administration recognized Iran as "the rabid dog of the Middle East" and that "it's time to take it out." 01:33:37 - Candidate for Illinois House District 97 Gabby Shanahan calls for integrity, transparency, and accountability in Springfield, saying she's ready to be that voice. For more on Gabby gabbyforillinois.com 01:48:41 - Associate editor of the Claremont Review of Books, Spencer Klavan , discusses compares his review of “The Odyssey” with Dan’s. Spencer is also host of the “Young Heretics” podcast . 02:13:12 - Long-time risk manager in the hedge fund space Aaron Brown explains that Millennials Aren’t Poor. They’re Simply Being Outbid . Aaron is also the author of Wrong Number: How to Extract Truth From a Blizzard of Quantitative Disinformation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7. The DSA Sweet Spot from Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft

   Jul 24, 2026

   0:30 - Mike Koolidge filling in for Dan 8:12 - Commies in Cities 23:36 - The DSA Sweet Spot 40:30 - President of American Commitment and principal of The Committee to Unleash Prosperity Phil Kerpen says fixing health care starts with prices, not price controls . Follow Phil on X @kerpen 59:09 - Illinois comptroller candidate Bryan Drew asks, "Shouldn't everyone want a check on government spending?" For more on Bryan’s campaign for comptroller drewforillinois.com 01:18:18 - Best-selling author Brilyn Hollyhand discusses the rise of socialism among young Americans, his friendship with Charlie Kirk, and his new book Make America Talk Again . 01:35:55 - Program Director and Policy Advisor for American Compass, Brad Littlejohn, on Tech Policy’s Libertarian Hangover . Brad also writes at mereorthodoxy.substack.com 01:49:15 - Open Mic Friday! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8. America's Next 250 Will Be Battled Out in the Schools from Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft

   Jul 23, 2026

   0:30 - Brandon Gill questions ABA President Michelle Behnke on implicit bias 10:58 - Ella Frei, 17-year-old, New Richmond, WI on trans bathroom policy 28:26 - Where is Darren Bailey? 45:20 - Sports & Politics 01:02:41 - Foundation for Defense of Democracies' Richard Goldberg on what comes next with Iran: "Stay focused. No nuclear weapons. Open the Strait." He says it can be frustrating, but Admiral Cooper has a plan and a target set—let him finish it and then grade the outcome. Follow Richard on X @rich_goldberg 01:22:12 - Animal Stories 01:34:55 - Eliot Wilson, contributing editor at Defence On The Brink and senior fellow for national security at the Coalition for Global Prosperity, on Britain's new PM Andy Burnham 01:50:33 - Ammon Blair , senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation: Illegal labor isn’t farming’s future. It’s Big Ag’s crutch. Follow Ammon on X @AmmonSBlair See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9. Is Mickey Mouse Racist? from Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft

   Jul 22, 2026

   0:30 - Hasan Piker lauds Mao 8:35 - Neo-Bolsheviks 28:39 - Brandon Gill questions Smithsonian Museum of American History Director Anthea Hartig 50:44 - Director of Policy Analysis for the Middle East Forum, Michael Rubin : The Only Way to Stop Iran at Sea Is Boots on the Ground . Follow Michael on X @mrubin1971 01:05:48 - Unsung Americans 01:18:34 - Big Boy 01:20:56 - Noted economist Stephen Moore admits he's part of the nation's housing problem: "Old folks like me aren't moving out of our three- and four-bedroom homes." But, he adds, "Millennials are sitting on a goldmine." Get more Steve @StephenMoore 01:36:51 - USA TODAY Opinion Fellow Natalie Sandoval on AI, college campuses, and why students believe, "If you're not cheating, you're a sucker." You can follow Natalie on X @NatSandovalDC 01:50:09 - Jesse Fried , professor at Harvard Law School: Are OpenAI and Anthropic heading for a Ben & Jerry’s-style meltdown? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10. BLAME CANADA! from Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft

    Jul 21, 2026

    0:30 - BLAME CANADA 12:24 - Attack on ICE office in Manhattan 29:38 - Homeschooling 46:37 - DSA Platform 01:03:40 - In-depth History with Frank from Arlington Heights 01:06:28 - Jason Brodsky , policy director of United Against Nuclear Iran and non-resident scholar at the Middle East Institute’s Iran Program, explains why You can’t negotiate with Iran . Follow Jason on X @JasonMBrodsky 01:25:47 - Founder of Wirepoints , Mark Glennon , on Frederick Douglass Academy, the emptiest big-city school in the nation: "How much more absurd can this get?" 01:41:54 - RNC Election Integrity Communications Director Ally Triolo on restoring trust in the election process: "Democrats love to remind us, 'democracy dies in darkness.' We're simply offering to turn on the lights." Follow Ally on X @allytriolo 01:56:19 - Rachel Bovard , vice president of programs at the Conservative Partnership Institute: After Birthplace Citizenship Case, The Conservative Legal Movement Needs To Raise Its Standards Follow Rachel on X @rachelbovard See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11. The Revolt of the Worst Against the Best from Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft

    Jul 20, 2026

    0:30 - BLM Brandon on budget 15:26 - NYC DSA Co-Chair Gustavo Gordillo with McCallum on businesses and rent freezes 32:46 - Rubio speech at The Resurgence of Political Terrorism confab 56:25 - Weingarten at AFT Poliburo meeting 01:12:58 - The Heritage Foundation's Steven Bucci discusses the latest in Iran, arguing it's long past time for the U.S. to take out Kharg Island. 01:35:53 - Ian Williams , former foreign correspondent for BBC Channel 4 News and NBC, breaks down The real Chinese election plot . Ian is also the author of ‘Vampire State. The rise and fall of the Chinese Economy’ . 01:50:45 - Katherine Birbalsingh on the West 02:06:18 - Senior Counsel at the Article III Project, Will Chamberlain , on body cams for ICE officers, voter ID for all and what’s holding up the SAVE Act See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12. Trump's Bringing the Receipts. from Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft

    Jul 17, 2026

    0:30 - Trump’s big election speech 13:36 - Social Security 26:26 - CNBC bogus report on 10 worst states to live in 2026 33:59 - Election attorney and founder of the Election Integrity Network, Cleta Mitchell , reacts to Trump’s speech and explains what the government must do to secure our nation’s elections. Follow Cleta on X @CletaMitchell 50:52 - AI in education 01:09:17 - The Hoover Institution’s Gregory Kearney looks Illinois’ pension crisis and the long term consequences on education quality 01:26:23 - Author of Plan Red: China's Project to Destroy America , Gordon G. Chang says President Trump's speech marked a turning point in U.S.-China relations, adding that no president has spoken this way since Eisenhower. Follow Gordon on X @GordonGChang 01:43:04 - Center for Immigration Studies Resident Fellow Andrew Arthur breaks down the stark divide between states that enforce immigration laws and those that don't—and what's driving it. For more on the Center for Immigration Studies cis.org 02:00:01 - Open Mic Friday See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13. What Has Brandon Johnson Accomplished? from Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft

    Jul 16, 2026

    0:30 - Ali G 15:22 - BLM Brandon’s poll numbers 32:47 - Where do you want your tax dollars to go...SOCCER or FOOTBALL? 50:29 - President & Founder of Scott Tucker Solutions, Scott Tucker, shares retirement tips you can use right now! Check out Scott & Amy on 560 the Answer every Sunday from 8-9am, also WGN TV - Sundays at 5:30am - and at ScottTuckerSolutions.com 01:08:54 - Senior Editor at The American Spectator and publisher of TheHayride.com , Scott McKay , previews tonight's national address with President Trump. Scott has a new book coming out “Necessary Men” - follow spectator.org for more details. Listen to Trump’s speech tonight on 560 the Answer at 8pm CT 01:26:36 - Maryland physician Ron Elfenbein explains how to protect yourself from the cyclosporiasis outbreak and reveals why he still faces criminal charges years after speaking out on COVID. For more on Dr. Elfenbein’s legal battles visit dropthecase.com 01:43:38 - Joe Abraham, father of Katie Abraham, responds to Alexi Giannoulias' attacks on Jim Jordan, Jeanne Ives, and Mary Miller, saying the three reached out to his family with compassion. Joe writes at substack.com/@angeldadjoeabraham 01:59:36 - Licensed private detective & former Chicago police officer, Paul Huebl , with the latest in the Nancy Guthrie case See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14. We're Missing the Fight. from Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft

    Jul 15, 2026

    0:30 - John Anthony filling in for Dan Proft 13:13 - We will not let communism prevail 32:07 - Executive Director of the Illinois Gun Dealers Trade Association, Todd Vandermyde , weighs in on the appeals court upholding of Illinois’ ban on assault weapons 51:17 - Senior economist at the Competitive Enterprise Institute Ryan Young explains why economists missed the mark on the latest CPI report and what the stronger-than-expected results mean for Americans. Follow Ryan on X @RegoftheDay 01:06:41 - Illinois State Rep. for the 52nd District, Martin McLaughlin , goes through his bill to keep the Bears in Illinois and says “I will do whatever it takes” to get it through. Follow Rep McLaughlin on X @MartyForIL 01:24:36 - Retired Riverside Police Chief Thomas Weitzel argues ShotSpotter isn't a crime prevention tool—it's a rapid-response tool that helps officers reach shooting scenes faster. Follow Tom on X @ChiefWeitzel 01:38:53 - Senior Fellow at the Strauss Center Simone Ledeen questions continued negotiations with Iran: “They've shown us repeatedly we can't believe what they're saying, so what are we negotiating?” Follow Simone on X @SimoneLedeen 01:56:34 - Matt Kittle , senior elections correspondent for The Federalist on the SAVE Act: “The problem we’re having is John Thune is the John Roberts of the senate” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15. Illinois Is Worth Saving from Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft

    Jul 14, 2026

    0:30 - Iran strikes resume 6:11 - Lindsey Graham's sister appointed to serve out his Senate term 26:40 - Remembering Lindsey Graham 41:16 - The Democrat ‘28 Front Runner is… 45:12 - Chair of the Illinois Republican Party Bob Grogan discusses his White House visit and the state of Illinois Republicans heading into the midterms. For more on the Illinois GOP visit illinois.gop 58:46 - In-depth History with Frank from Arlington Heights 01:02:28 - Founder and CEO of Hall of Giants John Tillman explains his vision for a Hall of Fame honoring the entrepreneurs who built the American economy. Help support the Hall of Giants project hallofgiants.org 01:19:18 - Founder of Wirepoints Mark Glennon, on Chicago’s pension problems and teen takeover troubles 01:34:58 - Trump: Foreign Affairs 01:47:31 - Trump: Middle East 01:53:13 - Former U.S. Border Patrol Chief and former ICE Deputy Commissioner Ron Vitiello discusses expanding Border Patrol with more agents, better technology, and stronger infrastructure to secure the border. CBP is a leading employer of veterans and military spouses. Learn more at their virtual hiring session on July 23. Details at join.cbp.gov. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16. RIP Lindsey Graham from Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft

    Jul 13, 2026

    0:30 - RIP Lindsey Graham 32:57 - Federal appeals court upholds Illinois ban on semiautomatic weapons 52:43 - Jimmy St. Louis , CEO of Agentis Longevity and former NFL tight end for the Tennessee Titans, explains how new medical technology can be used to help military vets who are dealing with PTSD and other physical or mental challenges. For more on Agentis Longevity agentislongevity.com 01:02:06 - ICE shooting in Houston 01:07:14 - The Heritage Foundation’s Steven Bucci says Lindsey Graham's legacy will be his unwavering support for America's allies and his willingness to stand up to its adversaries. 01:27:05 - Trump administration extends Haitian work authorization 01:40:45 - Remembering Lindsey Graham 01:59:36 - Progressive Policies Have Left Illinois the Least Equitable State in the Country See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17. Put Up or Shut Up. from Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft

    Jul 10, 2026

    0:30 - CTU 9:06 - Tyler Robinson Trial 26:56 - Kakistocracy 49:20 - Unsung Americans 01:05:04 - President of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy, Zuhdi Jasser . examines the growing role of Islam in the revolutionary politics of the left. Dr Jasser is also a candidate for US Congress in Arizona’s 4th district - z4az.com 01:26:52 - President of Center of the American Experiment and contributor to Powerline, John Hinderaker , discusses who could replace Platner and why Republicans have reason for optimism in Minnesota. Get John’s latest at powerlineblog.com 01:39:40 - Greg Maresca , New York City native and U.S. Marine Corps veteran who writes for the Sample News Group on prop betting and When the Game Becomes the Bet 02:01:37 - Open Mic Friday! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18. Phony In, Phony Out, Graham Platner. from Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft

    Jul 9, 2026

    0:30 - Tyler Robinson Trial 5:52 - Platner's fare the well video 22:53 - Decline in reading 43:23 - Vance on Milton Friedman 01:02:14 - Eldar Mamedov argues renewed military action won't force Iran to change course, saying the current conflict is about the Strait of Hormuz—not its nuclear program. Follow Eldar on X @EldarMamedov4 01:23:57 - Noted economist Stephen Moore responds to JD Vance's comments on Milton Friedman, warning that some national conservatives are embracing a bigger government role in the economy. Get more Steve @StephenMoore 01:39:41 - Managing Editor for HotAir.com Ed Morrisey on Graham Platner’s fare the well video: To go on for 11 minutes and paint yourself as the victim is about as arrogant a statement as I've ever heard. 02:01:45 - Chairman & Founding Director of AIQA Global, James Malackowski , with AIQA Global’s Co-Founder and Managing Director Chase Malackowski : AI has a trust problem. Chicago can help solve it. For more on AIQA Global aiqaglobal.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19. Enough Is Enough. from Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft

    Jul 8, 2026

    0:30 - Platner 9:09 - NYT 28:11 - CDLs 52:46 - Unsung Americans 01:07:43 - Senior writer for The Dispatch David Drucker argues Democrats had enough information from the initial reports to distance themselves from Platner and wonders why they failed to do so. Follow David on X @DavidMDrucker 01:28:45 - Representative Jim Jordan says Jessica Gorman's testimony last week before Congress was among the most emotional he's heard and outlines how the federal government can work around sanctuary policies in states like Illinois. 01:45:22 - Mercatus Center senior research fellow Liya Palagashvili explores how AI could reshape the workforce, asking whether it will replace workers—or empower more people to work for themselves. 02:01:47 - FDD senior research analyst Cameron McMillan says there are no easy answers for ending the conflict with Iran, but allowing Tehran to control the Strait of Hormuz is not one of them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20. That's My Kind of Man. from Chicago's Morning Answer with Dan Proft

    Jul 7, 2026

    0:30 - Former Platner girlfriend Jenny Racicot with Tapper accusing Platner of rape 15:21 - Rep. Ro Khanna campaigning for Platner: if he can change, you can change, we can all change 33:38 - Unsung Americans 49:46 - Trump Accounts 01:02:50 - In-depth History with Frank from Arlington Heights 01:06:46 - William Thibeau , veteran of the Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment and currently Director of the American Military Project at The Claremont Institute, discusses autonomous lethal force and what he calls the "lowering of the bar to participate in conflict." Follow William on X @WilliamThibeau 01:28:16 - Founder of Wirepoints Mark Glennon says Governor Pritzker's "big tent" strategy relies on appealing to voters hostile to America. 01:43:12 - Washington Post columnist Megan McArdle looks at Why the transgender sports campaign was doomed . Megan is also the author of The Up Side of Down: Why Failing Well is the Key to Success 02:02:29 - America's next 250 years begin in the classroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.