Informative, entertaining podcast, however I do wish they would focus more local. There is a lot of national news coverage and this isn’t particularly differentiated, but it is the highest quality podcast I’ve been able to find on Chicago politics.

Longtime listener here, saying goodbye. Born in and care about Chicago, but I just can’t stomach your so-called centrist political takes when democracy and American values are under attack. Your public lynching of Graham Platner was the last straw, but by no means the only problem. Your liberal handwringing is exactly what drives workers to vote for Trump, and fast forwarding past it no longer works for me.

During today’s (Feb 11) session you talked about the SAVE America Act and drifted into the Real_ID. Steve mentioned (as I recall) that the process in applying for Real_ID was onerous, difficult. I beg to differ. I’ve been retired for over 14 years and got the Real_ID when I was not renewing my license. It took about 60-90 minutes. But I prepared by having all of the required documentation. And, John, did you say you still don’t have a Real_ID? I’m surprised! On a note of praise, I never miss your podcast postings. All of your panelist are really great. And John, I listen to you daily. Keep up the good work!

I found the Mincing Rascals as a libertarian/fiscal conservative Chicagoan looking for an outlet that highlighted the fiscal insanity that is Chicago and the state of Illinois. Typically I would rate this podcast a 4/5 stars for providing a forum for Austen Berg to provide fiscal insanity to the discussion with the other guests who personify the political decisions that pushed the city and the state into the fiscal quagmire that it’s in. Unfortunately, recently the guests (sans Austen) seem to be channeling TDS in their focus or national Trump stories. No thanks; I can get that on MSNBC or any other legacy media outlet. And finally, the show has lost two stars in my eye for having a guest actually say “now is not the time for objectivity!!!” At least the guest was honest with his biases. Still, the show could be great if it focused on local issues in an objective manner.

Enjoy unfettered whinnying? Listen away. It would be nice to have both sides of the content offered. This is NOT Chicago. This is just and echo chamber for loud left crying and is completely intellectual dishonest. The level of spin is so rich it’s easy to see why they don’t want opposing views which would be easy to call them out. Do better!

Last episode - look at how Kimmel's comments are parsed so thoroughly and cautiously by John Williams to try and absolve him from exactly what he was trying to say. Now compare that to how Zorn, Pope and that crazy loon Marge treat quotes/mis-quotes from Charlie Kirk.

I started listening to the Rascals because I am a reader of Eric Zorn‘s newsletter, and he is a regular rascal. Well balanced, thoughful, respectful discussion led by John Williams, of whose moderation I am in awe.

I tried listening to this but just find it a sounding board for progressive liberals. I would find it far more interesting if people with different world views were given a platform to speak. Preaching to their choir not really intellectual challenging

Long time listener and have unfortunately listened less and less these past few years because of Austin Berg. He is pretentious, condescending, and has a way of stating his opinion as if it were truth. Look forward to him eventually moving on.

This is the BEST podcast that I listen to. A variety of relevant topics are covered by articulate and knowledgeable people. Different viewpoints are respectfully covered and listened to. I always learn so much! P.S. I am not a relative nor was I paid to give this rave review. 😉

John H did a good job filling in. Kept things moving. He should come on more. Nice job to all panelists on mayor one year recap.

This is good listening!

The most dishonesty’s

Very enjoyable conversations. Love to listen to all the various inputs and respectful debates. Well done.

Seems like instead of a being a check and balance and monitoring what’s happening in government the show has become a political mouth for the democrats. Not enough migrants coming in to help with work - that’s what one of them said. My last show. Used to be balanced.

I can tell that I really love listening to The Mincing Rascals because I’m always wishing it didn’t have to end!

I listen every week and really enjoy the podcast, BUT, you really should have female commentators on regularly. The shows are more lively and interesting when one or two are included. That there is not one for the Second City live show is mind boggling.

Good pod today. Listening on 3/25. Nice to hear a couple new independent journalist. Always miss Austin.

I listen every week. Suggestion to John. you often abruptly change topics. how about saying “click”, to indicate that you’re changing topics. Jeff

I wouldn’t miss it. I’m 79 years old and looking for something that keeps me awake and forces my brain to actually think. In the warm weather I listen to it when I’m riding my bike, in the winter while I’m out for a walk. The ideas expressed are very thought-provoking. The participants should consider getting into politics. One caveat! If you’re a Republican, this podcast is not for you unless you’re open to hearing a different point of view.

Best Chicago podcast! Thanks.

One of my favorite podcasts. Thank you.

11/9/22 can’t stand to listen anymore

Again Eric shows his ignorance

Now I know what aldermanic prerogative is. Oy.

Always an interesting variety of subjects never miss it! So enjoy Johns sense of humor.

Congratulations on having added John Hansen and Brandon Pope to the solid line-up of John W, Eric, Heather, and Austin. Any three or more of them in a show is worth listening to. So — and I say this only for the good of the show — isn’t it time to de-rascalize everyone else? One bad violinist will ruin a symphony, and this one does it every time. Her emotionally charged, fragmented thoughts and sentences, often without substance, are usually translated and rescued by John or Eric. But by that time the damage has already been done to us poor listeners. She’s probably a decent writer; unfortunately, coherent talking is an entirely separate skill.

I always liked the Mincing Rascals. But I agree with the person who left the suggestion about Heather. It’s starting to feel like it’s her show and she goes on and on. It was much better without her. Sadly I may become an ex listener because of it.

I look forward to this weekly podcast. The hosts are knowledgeable about the Chicago metro area as well as world events. John and crew bring a good mix of backgrounds and insights to the table. I do wish the panel was more diverse. I think it’s important to hear from the whole community. Keep up the great work.

This podcast is excellent at presenting various perspectives on timely topics. Commentators challenge each other in a respectful manner. How refreshing!!! Keep up the great work!!!

If you don’t mind listening to some of the most liberal “journalists” on the planet, then you will enjoy this podcast. Wow!! They don’t even attempt to be objective.

Heather’s condescending and sanctimonious overreaction to every issue makes this podcast now unlistenable. It was much better when she was off. Bring back Lisa!

These folks are well-informed and entertaining. I look forward to a lively and illuminating discussion of current events — national, regional and local — every week.

Informative, insightful, entertaining and most important, educational. I learn so much each week listening to this podcast. Great journalists who provide good content and facts while offering up views and thoughts. Highly recommend.

The October 29th episode with Thomas Jefferson was so interesting and amusing that I have listened to it twice...so far. I also enjoyed the October 22 broadcast, with guest Rascal Neil Steinberg. He is my favorite Sun Times columnist and I am always interested in his opinions. So glad we once again get a new episode every week!

Where are new episodes? WGN play a role in this ?

I love it, but I haven’t had one since 8-13. Where are the new ones?

This is a fun program to have on my iPhone. Why hasn’t it updated for 3 weeks?

Why isn’t the Mincing Rascals available on Apple podcasts anymore? The last one that has been available was 8/15/20

What happened? It has not been updated since August 15 on my podcast app?

I have been unable to listen to this podcast since 8/13. Is there a problem with the podcast. I miss listening to you guys. I have been listening since 2018

What has become of the Mincing Rascals podcasts. The latest one I have is 8/13 and it’s not even a podcast, just a graphic of the name of the show.

What happened to the last 2 mincing rascals podcasts? 8/20 and 8/27. Did they discontinue the podcasts?

Why is the 8/20 podcast not posted?

I enjoy the podcast and listen to it every week. Lately, it hasn’t been available until Saturday. If this continues, I won’t listen to that episode.

The always interesting thoughts of the round table are fun the listen to.

I listen weekly and have recommended to many people. I like everybody’s personality and John is a great moderator. I have listened in the car, while riding a bike(safely), and now cleaning my bathroom drawers while quarantined. Always positive and informative and never boring. Keep up the good work.

I regularly listen to your podcast in the car on Fridays but as I have driven a total of 24.8 miles in 3 weeks I needed a new routine. You were kept me company as my family slept in (nothing else to do especially since it’s dreary out) and I tried a new muffin recipe. Thanks for being there over Zoom!

I am a long time listener to WGN radio. I am a huge fan of John Williams. What I especially love about this podcast is the mix of panelists. Steve Bertrand has been a constant at WGN with good reason: he’s smart, witty and speaks his mind. Usually he and Eric Zorn are on the panel, along with a younger man and woman whose names escape me now. (SO sorry to both of you, you are obviously intelligent and hugely capable.) I never miss this podcast because I can get the inside scoop about what is current in Chicago, Illinois and the current political situation. I admit I am of the same pretty liberal mind as John and Steve, but just hearing the topics they choose every week keeps me more in the know than I had been before listening. Knowledge is power, and these people know what they are talking about!

Very enjoyable podcast with both local and national content. John’s a great moderator and, as far as I’m concerned, he’s WGN’s best on air personality. All the contributors have great rapport and their observations are right on. Heather Sherone just seems to have the best info on all things Chicago. I look forward to it every week. Thanks John!!