Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich

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CUMULUS MEDIA announces that its Chicago news/talk radio station WLS-AM will launch “The Lightning Rod”, an exclusive weekly podcast hosted by former Illinois Governor and self-described “Trumpocrat” Rod Blagojevich. “The Lightning Rod” will feature analysis about politics, government, trending stories and global issues, and will feature conversations with politicians, political experts, policymakers, celebrities and influencers about what’s worked, what hasn’t and who can make it better.

The Lightning Rod Podcast


    • Sep 24, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 56m AVG DURATION
    • 64 EPISODES

    4.6 from 93 ratings Listeners of Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich that love the show mention: governor, illinois, prison, vote, chicago, courage, trump, sir, christmas, former, mark, god bless, politics, country, faith, excellent podcast, family, man, guy, history.



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    Latest episodes from Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich

    Skyrocketing Property Taxes In Chicago (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 64

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2021 50:20


    Rod discusses the inside political games that are the cause of high property taxes in Chicago and Illinois. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Afghan Evacuation Debacle (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 63

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2021 53:10


    Rod discusses the Biden Administration's disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    To run or not to run, that is the question (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 62

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2021 57:44


    RB discusses his lawsuit against the Illinois General Assembly and the unconstitutional disqualifying provision that bars him from running for state or local office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Mayor Lightfoot's says violent crime is down in Chicago. Is this true? (Lightning Rod With Rod Blagojevich)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2021 66:17


    RB discusses the recent violent crime wave in Chicago and explains what he would do to fight it if he was in charge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Mass Shootings in Chicago (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 60

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2021 62:10


    RB discusses the latest outbreak of violence in Chicago and suggests ways to stop it.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Rise of Antisemitism in America (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2021 57:51


    RB gives historical perspective on the recent incidents of anti Semitic attacks against Jewish people in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Mayor Lightfoot’s New Policy Denying One on One Interviews To White Reporters (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) Episode 58

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2021 30:47


    RB condemns Mayor Lightfoot’s policy of denying one on one interviews to news reporters who are white and calls on President Biden, Vice President Harris Governor Pritzker, and Senator Durbin’s to join him in condemning it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    FBI’s Raid of Rudy Giuliani (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 57

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2021 65:40


    RB discusses how the unprecedented raid on the attorney of the former President is the product of the politicization of the DOJ. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Tribute To Steve McMichael (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 56

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2021 47:09


    RB talks about Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael and being afflicted with Lou Gehrig’s disease. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Is It Time To Do Away With Policing? (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich)-Episode 55

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2021 61:21


    RB discusses the impact of recent comments made by a Democratic Congresswoman who is advocating for the abolition of the police. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Working People and the New Politics in America  (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich)-Episode 54

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2021 67:57


    RB discusses the role of the working class in America today and how they can determine the future direction of American politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Pres. Biden and Assault Weapon Ban; Mike Madigan and Corruption Tax (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 53

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2021 73:31


    Blagojevich discusses the latest push by Biden to ban assault weapons, and explains how Mike Madigan presided over a corrupt system in Springfield that has made IL the highest taxed state in the nation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Should NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo resign? (Episode 52) - Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2021 57:33


    Rod Blagojevich discusses the serious allegations swirling around Gov. Cuomo and whether the time is now for him to resign. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Year Home From Prison (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 51

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2021 67:54


    Rod Blagojevich reflects on the one year anniversary of his release from prison. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    What's it like to watch the Super Bowl in prison (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 50

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2021 53:39


    Rod Blagojevich shares stories about what it's like in prison on Super Bowl Sunday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Running in a snowstorm and the good samaritan (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 49

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2021 65:21


    Rod Blagojevich discusses the story of the Good Samaritan and how that lesson should be applied to politics and government service.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Larry King I Knew (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 48

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2021 37:24


    Rod Blagojevich shares a couple of personal stories about Larry King. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Berlin Wall Has Fallen.  Mike Madigan is voted out as Speaker. (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 47

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2021 34:43


    RB discusses significance of Mike Madigan’s fall as Speaker and warns of news taxes on the people of Illinois  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Is Mike Madigan Finished As House Speaker? (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) Episode 46

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2021 33:34


    RB discusses whether Mike Madigan’s announcement to suspend, but not withdraw, his candidacy for Speaker is the end of the road for him. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Fast Eddie and my first job as a law clerk (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 45

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2021 59:07


    RB tells the story of how the legendary former Chicago alderman Ed Vrdolyak helped to get him a job as a law clerk. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Political Disciples of Mayor Richard J. Daley (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 44

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2020 64:51


    RB discusses how Chicago political legends like Fast Eddie Vrdolyak, Mike Madigan, Richard Mell, Ed Burke, and Ed Kelly learned politics at the feet of Mayor Richard J. Daley  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Christmas in Prison (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 43

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2020 63:15


    Rod Blagojevich discusses what it was like spending Christmas in prison and how grateful he is to be spending his first Christmas at home in 9 years See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Mayor Lightfoot covers up, scapegoats, and doesn’t practice what she preaches (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 42

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2020 58:31


    Rod Blagojevich discusses recent revelations of Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the City of Chicago trying to block the release of an explosive video tape during a botched raid. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Corruption in Chicago, in Illinois, and Hunter Biden (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 41

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2020 62:16


    RB talks about corruption and in particular Hunter Biden, The U. S. Supreme Court, and Fast Eddie Vrdolyak See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Interview With America’s Toughest Cop (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 40

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2020 60:27


    RB interviews Sheriff Joe Arpaio and discusses the Sheriff’s eventful life including the time he took Elvis into custody for speeding. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    I've Got Georgia On My Mind (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich ) - Episode 39

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2020 43:22


    Rod Blagojevich discusses the explosive video in Georgia and why the Governor of Georgia is now calling for a signature audit of the ballots. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Trump's Path to the U.S. Supreme Court (Lightning Rod With Rod Blagojevich) -Episode 38

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2020 51:20


    Rod Blagojevich discusses voter fraud and the constitutional issues involved, and the Trump campaign's path to the U.S. Supreme Court. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    What Trump and Teddy Roosevelt have in common (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 37

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2020 51:23


    Rod Blagojevich discusses how President Trump's refusal to concede the election mirrors what former President Theodore Roosevelt did in his race for the presidency in 1912.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    My first Thanksgiving at home in 9 years, and a brief election update (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 36

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2020 51:41


    Rod Blagojevich describes Holidays away from home and why this Thanksgiving is so special. He also discusses why he would run 10 miles every holiday in prison and whether or not he plans to continue this practice now that he's home. The former Governor also provides insights on the latest election updates and discusses the Trump campaign legal strategy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Is Mike Madigan next? (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 35

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2020 77:45


    Rod Blagojevich discusses corruption allegations involving Commonwealth Edison and Mike Madigan and the most recent indictments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Concede, or not concede, that is the question (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 34

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2020 57:24


    Rod Blagojevich discusses whether pursuing allegations of widespread vote fraud and not conceding the election is the proper course for President Trump. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Election is Not Over (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 33

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2020 52:04


    Rod Blagojevich discusses statistical anomalies, voter fraud, the media and why the integrity of the election process is at stake. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Corrupt Democratic operatives are trying to steal the presidential election (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich)-Episode 32

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2020 58:02


    Rod Blagojevich discusses how the Democrats are working to steal this year's presidential election, and explains how they are doing it.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Interview with US Senate candidate Dr. Willie Wilson  (Episode 31) - Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2020 44:12


    Rod Blagojevich interviews Dr. Wilson, and makes the case why he should be elected as the next US Senator from Illinois.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Biden: Debates, Lies, Oil, and Gas (Episode 30) - Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2020 68:46


    Rod Blagojevich highlights 5 big lies Joe Biden told at last week's debate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Polls, The Pundits, The People and Cookies (Episode 29) - Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2020 57:56


    Rod Blagojevich explains why the professional pollsters and pundits are wrong and why President Trump will win re-election.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Fake Polls! President Trump and President Truman (Episode 28) - Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2020 63:16


    Rod Blagojevich urges people not to believe the polls and discusses why history will repeat itself and Trump will win. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Will VP Joe Biden Pack the U.S. Supreme Court? - Episode 27 (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2020 49:18


    Rod Blagojevich discusses why packing the Supreme Court sets a dangerous precedent and urges VP Biden to answer this critical question.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    President Trump, Coronavirus and Presidential Polling (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 26

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2020 72:54


    Rod Blagojevich discusses President Trump testing positive for the Coronavirus, its impact on the presidential race, recent polls and more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Post Presidential Debate Analysis (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich) - Episode 25

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2020 62:13


    Rod Blagojevich breaks down the first presidential debate and provides an analysis on substance, optics, and who came out as the winner. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Judge Amy Coney Barrett, Debate Preview and more - Episode 24 (Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2020 73:28


    Rod Blagojevich offers his analysis on the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court and provides insights on presidential debates.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Filling the vacancy of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Episode 23)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2020 68:44


    Rod Blagojevich discusses the life of Justice Ginsburg, the politics of filling her vacancy and the importance of the U.S. Supreme Court as an institution.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Mueller Special Counsel and Double Standard - Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich (Episode 22)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2020 58:46


    Did Mueller's Special Counsel obstruct justice and is there a double standard in the media? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    My Time On Celebrity Apprentice With Donald Trump (Episode 21) - Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2020 70:13


    RB describes what it was like to be a contestant on Celebrity Apprentice and what it was like to work with Donald Trump. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Why Trump will get re-elected (Episode 20) - Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2020 63:29


    Gov. Rod Blagojevich provides an in-depth analysis of the political landscape and explains why President Trump will get re-elected. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Analysis of the 2020 Democratic Convention - Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich (Episode 19)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2020 46:50


    Gov. Blagojevich gives his analysis of the Democratic Convention and the current state of the Democratic Party.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Looting and Lawlessness or Law and Order - Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich (Episode 18)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2020 50:12


    Rod Blagojevich discusses recent riots in Chicago and offers solutions for a city plagued by lawlessness and violence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    My Cubs-Sox Dilemna When I Was Governor - Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich (Episode 17)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2020 62:28


    The politics of baseball and a couple of dumb things I said and did when I was Governor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Why IL House Speaker Mike Madigan (D) should resign - Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich (Episode 16)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2020 59:30


    Rod Blagojevich challenges Mike Madigan: If you're truly innocent, don't hide behind press releases and backrooms. Get out there and tell the truth! Otherwise, what are you hiding? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Operation Legend and Chicago Violence - Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich (Episode 15)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2020 30:26


    As violence escalates in Chicago, Mayor Lightfoot continues to resist help from the federal government and unilaterally takes down statues of Columbus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Expose on IL House Speaker Mike Madigan (Part 1) - Lightning Rod with Rod Blagojevich (Episode 14)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2020 59:59


    Learn how the powerful IL House Speaker Mike Madigan has engineered and presided over the systemic corruption of state government in Illinois for the past 35 years.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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