PODCAST · news
Draught Politics
by Draught Politics
A podcast about politics by two guys in Chicago who love a good beer. Join us for a mostly lighthearted, progressive take on national, international, and Chicago news of the day.
Episodes
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Episode 160 - Of Hawks and Hawkeyes
Recorded last week but delayed in publishing but we were soaking up the last of the October sun at Pilot Project in Wrigleyville. We sipped Korean lagers and NEIPAs while covering Iran, AI's spelling problem, Senate races that have Republicans hiding their wallets. Hawkeyes made a brief…
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Episode 159 - The Other Hormuz
We're at Spiteful for Oktoberfest season, and things are as chaotic as ever. We cover the Iran war burning through Navy payrolls, Trump's Dallas pep rally, mail ballot shenanigans, and a missing Illinois state rep. Prost!
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Episode 158 - Catering Truck One
This week we're soaking up the last of summer at Half Acre, sipping hazies and talking about Trump's catering truck escape, the USS Abraham Lincoln's 250-day nightmare deployment, primary upsets, and two Dan Sullivans somehow both making it onto the Alaska ballot. Democracy is fine.
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Episode 157 - Cocktails and Primary Tales
This week we ditch the draughts for cocktails at Koval Distillery on Ravenswood. We cover World War III (maybe?), the DNC's money problems, Michigan Senate drama, and AI slop embarrassing governments on two continents. Cheers!
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Episode 156 - Dead and Dead Adjacent
This week we're at Demo Brewing, trying not to choke on Canadian wildfire smoke while sipping some excellent porters and Mexican lagers. We cover dead senators, possibly dead senators, a speech with zero bombshells, ICE chaos, and Count Binface's shot at glory. Chicago municipal elections are...
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Episode 155 - 250 Years of This?!
This week we're sweating it out at Dovetail while sipping on Rattlers and Blondes. We cover SCOTUS rulings, World Cup fever, Iran drama, America's sad 250th birthday party, and New York's progressive primary shake-up. Democracy's a mess, but the beer's cold!
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Episode 154 - The Obamalisk Rises
We're back at Begyle soaking up Pride vibes and train noise while we break down the White House MMA trap house, Trump's infinite Iran 'negotiation,' SpaceX's meme stock magic, and the Texas Senate race that might actually be winnable. Oh, and piping plover chicks at Montrose Beach. We needed that.
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Episode 153 - Train Wreck vs Rake Step
This week we're at Pilot Project in Wrigleyville sorting out our levels and our politics. We cover the latest on Iran, Trump's billion-dollar slush fund and a disastrous DNC autopsy written by AI. On the bright side, it seems like the House has the votes to end the war, if only Johnson would let...
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Episode 152 - Cease Fire Ceases to Cease
This week we're at Revolution Brewing sipping some seriously strong stuff (looking at you, brandy barrel aged beast) while covering the White House Correspondents' dinner attack, Supreme Court shenanigans, midterm tea, and whatever the hell is happening in the Strait of Hormuz. Also, Kash Patel...
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Episode 151 - Schrodinger's Ceasefire
This week we're back after a month off! Sipping hazy IPAs at Hop Butcher and catching up on EVERYTHING. We cover the Iran war nobody wanted, Pam Bondi tanking the Dow, Kristi Noem's husband's fetish, and why Democrats should not rely on Republican self-owns heading into the midterms.
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Episode 150 - Narcissistic Fury
This week we're back at Old Irving Brewing, sipping Beezers and coffee Prosts while the world catches fire — literally... again. We cover the US attack on Iran, the Supreme Court smacking down tariffs, AI helping plan wars, and what seems to be the the latest episode of Miami Vice.
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Episode 149 - Curling Corruption Chronicles
This week we head to Pilot Project in Wrigleyville to talk about the Epstein files, Olympic curling drama, and Pam Bondi's absolutely unhinged confirmation hearing. We dive into Illinois primary races, discuss why MRNA flu vaccines matter, and somehow manage to end on a hopeful note despite...
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Episode 148 - So Long 1/3rd Reich!
This week we head to Spiteful Brewing to drink some excellent beer and process our current reality. We talk about the murder of Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis, Davos, and how TikTok is now explicitly controlled by Trump allies. It's so crazy we almost forgot to mention Venezuela! It's...
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Episode 147 - Heuristics of Normalcy
This week we're back at Burning Bush Brewery, and honestly, we needed the beer. We dive deep into the violence that's become the cornerstone of current policy - from the January 6th pardons to ICE's horrifying murder in Minneapolis. Must talk about the kidnapping of Venezuela's leader (thanks,...
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Episode 146 - Christmas in Greenland
Happy holidays everybody! This week we head back to Begyle to sip some Christmas ale and Imperial Pajamas while we try to catch up the news. We talk Epstein files (or lack thereof), Trump renaming everything in sight, Democrats burying their own investigation, and the not war with Venezuela...
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Episode 145 - The Blue Wave Cometh
This week we head to Dovetail for some holiday spiced lagers while trying to make sense of Trump's most recent chaotic month. We dive into the murky legal waters of Caribbean boat strikes, ICE operations that feel like a bad reality show, and look to Tennessee for some hope. Also: Marjorie Taylor...
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Episode 144 - Cheney Goes From Is to Was
This week we head to Is/Was Brewing to warm up on a wintry Chicago day with some excellent stouts and saisons. We celebrate Democrats' massive wins across the country New York's new mayor to California's Prop 50 passing—all while the government shutdown drags into day 40. We continue to cover…
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Episode 143 - Bringing Whistles To An ICE Fight
This week we head back to Revolution to sip some oak barrel aged Repo Man and talk about the absolute chaos unfolding in our own backyard. Between ICE raids at schools, tear gas a block away, and organizing bike brigades to protect tamale vendors, Chicago has become ground zero for resistance. We...
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Episode 142 - Panic Escalator
This week we're sipping on Da Pope at Burning Bush Brewery, enjoying the beautiful riverside patio while the government shuts down around us. We dive into the escalating panic of Trump's latest moves, from indicting Comey to labeling antifa as terrorists, all while downing some papal-themed…
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Episode 141 - Reichstag Smoldering
This week we're at Pilot Project's new Wrigley location, sipping on fantastic brews from their incubator breweries like Brewer's Kitchen and Azadi. We discuss the Charlie Kirk assassination and how it's being weaponized politically and examine global unrest from Nepal to France. Between pretzel...
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Episode 140 - Chipocalypse Pub Crawl
This week we're on a pub crawl with Drinking Liberally, starting at Hop Butcher and moving on to Demo Brewing and Dovetail. We discuss the disturbing news of Texas National Guard potentially invading Chicago, with Trump posting apocalyptic threats. Despite the serious situation, we find solace in...
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Episode 139 - Devil's Front Porch
This week we're at Half Acre Brewing, enjoying delicious beers on a beautiful summer day. We announce our upcoming pub crawl on September 6th starting at Hop Butcher. We dive into the military occupation of DC, Texas gerrymandering drama, and what would an episode be without a bribe in a potato...
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Episode 138 - Heels and Revelations
This week we're at Lake Effect Brewing, enjoying a watermelon saison while dodging raindrops under their patio umbrellas. We discuss the latest Epstein revelations, including Trump's creepy letter and Maxwell's prison interview. Plus, we explore how Trump's DOJ is dismantling government...
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Episode 137 - Whale Hunting Deductions
This week we're sipping on delicious lagers at Dovetail Brewing after Steve's dental appointment. We dive into the big bullshit bill (officially HR1), discussing everything from ICE's bloated budget to Lisa Murkowski's whale hunting tax breaks. We explore Trump's tariff chaos, Supreme Court power...
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Episode 136 - Eye of the Hurricane
This week we're back at Alarmist Brewery, discussing the tense political climate. We dive into ICE raids in LA, troops on American streets, and the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. While sipping on Crispy Boy pilsner and 13.3% barrel-aged stout, we break down how the US bombing of…
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Episode 135 - TACO Tuesday
This week we're at Crust Tap Room in Albany Park, sipping on their Peachy Keen sour ale and other delights. We tackle the 'Disgusting Abomination Bill' cutting Medicaid by $600 billion, and how it turns out that there's a Hurricane season. Plus, Ukraine's impressive drone strike deep into Russia...
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Episode 134 - 8647
This week we're at Maplewood Brewery, having survived yesterday's dust storm. We dive into Pope Leo XIV's labor-focused agenda, Trump's sketchy new Qatari 747, and the administration's budget chaos. The DHS is running out of money in July while Republicans argue over how badly to cut Medicaid. Be...
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Episode 133 - ITS ONLY BEEN 100 DAYS?!?
We check out the rebranded Ravinia Brewing, now called Diversey House, a collaboration between Moore's Brewing and Steep Ravine. While enjoying their beers, we discuss Trump's first 100 days, cabinet chaos, and the ongoing Abrego Garcia case. Plus, we dive into the impacts of China tariffs and...
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Episode 132 - Spiteful Politics
This week we're at Spiteful Brewing discussing authoritarian moves by Trump and his allies, from rendition to El Salvador to attacks on universities. We dive into the courts pushing back, while enjoying some crisp IPAs and excellent Hefeweizen. The Pope even makes an appearance, delivering some...
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Episode 131 - Signal to Noise
This week we hit up Hop Butcher to discuss some wild politics over high ABV beers. We chat about travel stories from Hawaii and Australia, dissect the NSA's Signal chat debacle, and dive into Trump's revenge tour against universities and law firms. Good thing these beers are strong - it's been a...
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Episode 130 - Revolution and Resistance
This week we're at Revolution Brewing discussing Trump's mounting legal challenges and the rise of fascism. We sample their Repo Man rye stout while covering CPAC's Nazi salutes, governors standing up to Trump's threats, and whether the Pope's health crisis matters. Between sips of barrel-aged...
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Episode 129 - Everything All At Once
This week we're at Off Color's Mouse Trap taproom, trying to make sense of the overwhelming political chaos. We discuss everything from trans rights to FAA regulations while sipping on their delicious Stoutling. We navigate the serious stuff but end on a hopeful note about ways to resist and stay...
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Episode 128 - Frozen Flagpoles and Failed Dreams
We're at Spiteful Brewing on Inauguration Day, watching the transition of power with a mix of dread and dark humor. We discuss Trump's parade of tech billionaires and the horrors that may or may not be coming. At least the freezing temperatures kept the outdoor celebrations to a minimum and the...
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Episode 127 - New Year, Same Timeline
This week we're at Is/Was Brewing on Ravenswood, diving into their saison-focused lineup while tackling the heavy start to 2025. We cover Jimmy Carter's passing, Trump's inauguration donors, and disturbing New Year's Day attacks. Though the mood is somber, we find some levity in their excellent...
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Episode 126 - Shadow Presidents & Fancy Glasses
This week we venture to the Hop Leaf in Andersonville, moving away from our usual brewery visits to the best beer bar in Chicago. We even have a special guest! This week we discuss the continuing resolution drama, Elon Musk's growing political influence, and Trump's shadow presidency while…
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Episode 125 - Martial Law and Makeovers
This week we head to Ravinia Brewing before they close to relaunch as Steep Ravine Brewing. The rumors of their demise were a bit exaggerated. In politics news, we talk about Trump's potential cabinet picks, including the alcoholic and abusive Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary. Plus, we cover...
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Episode 124 - Deep Persistent Sigh
Drowning in post-election vibes at Cultivate by Forbidden Root, we're hashing out the baffling blame game and contemplating the political pendulum swing. Amidst the pints, we dive into grand theories of what happened, and where do we go from here.
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Episode 123 - The Wrong Week to Quit Sniffing Glue
This week, we're stewing about the upcoming election at Spiteful Brewing after a failed attempt at Hop Butcher. We dive into how polls are playing tricks, and confirm our love for Spiteful's space and drinks. We're almost there everybody, buckle up!
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Episode 122 - Aves Maria
After looking at the polls in abject terror we figured it'd be good to have a drink. So this week we're at Revolution Brewing to talk about the last days of the election. Trump's increasingly bizarre public appearances? Yup, we've got that. Details about the A and B zones of the CPS board...
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Episode 121 - Of Couches and Casseroles
This week we hit up Old Irving Brewing for some tasty lagers and sours. We chat about the upcoming VP debate, Trump's fascist crime and housing plans, and some frustrating interviews with Harris. Also, we delve into school politics in Chicago. Don't forget: early voting starts this week in Chicago!
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Episode 120 - Kamala vs. Chaos
We record at O'Shaughnessy's pub, nervously gearing up for debate night. Kamala Harris preps intensely while Trump claims he's not prepping, yet gets coached by Gaetz and Gabbard. Kamala dominates and Trump, well, does Trump. Tune in for chaos, politics, and our liberal takes.
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Episode 119 - Sunshine and Joyyyyyy
This week we hang out at Spiteful on the perfect Chicago summer day! We talk all about the DNC and our volunteer experiences, including hugging strangers at the airport. Plus, highlights from Tim Walz's killer speech and Harris' roll call vote surprises (like, seriously, who expected Lil Jon?).…
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Episode 118 - Midwest Nice!
This week we hang out at Dovetail, EJ contemplates barrel-rolling Italian plumbers, and Steve enjoys a Festweiss. Join us as we dive into the VP race, the charming Tim Walz, and the perils of actually listening to Trump’s speeches. We got all the hot takes and hot dishes you can handle!
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Episode 117 - Kamala Dramala!
This week we’re at O'Shaughnessy's for a hot take on the longest nine days in politics ever. Biden's out, Harris is in, and we're thrilled! Fundraising records, rapid endorsements, and VP speculation—oh my! Also, did Steve fail the DNC background check? Get pumped, politic pals!
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Episode 116 - Crazier Than Ed Burke's Hat
This week we’re navigating Begyle's delicious ales while skirting train noise. Of course there's been some news since our last podcast. To start, there's European elections and Menendez being found guilty. It feels like there's some other stuff to talk about though...
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Episode 115 - Debatable Disaster
This week, we found ourselves at an unusual spot - Almost Home Tavern and Grill - to catch the debate. We discuss SCOTUS' busy term, stumbling on lazy judges, Clarence Thomas taking millions, and the perennial Trump saga. Then the debate started. Truly it is the year of the fuck.
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Episode 114 - Convicted Felon DJT
This week, we braved the beautiful weather to record at Dovetail, despite some tech hiccups. We discussed the big news: Trump's 34-count felony conviction. We also chatted about misinformation, disinformation, and everything in between. Cheers!
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Episode 113 - Lucky Episode 113
We crash-land at Spiteful Brewing for episode 113! Last episode we forgot to talk about our beer at Ravinia because we were so focused on tacos. Oops! Today, we're diving into the complicated mess of Trump trials, Rudy's surprise birthday guest, and even a high-speed political heist in…
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Episode 112 - Tacos and Trials
This week at Ravinia, we're swapping political rants for taco rants because it's Taco Tuesday, baby! We've got our eyes on the Trump trial circus, marveling at the legal shenanigans. Also, we're plotting to pay for silence in beer since it's apparently legal - handy, right? Stick around for a...
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Episode 111 - New Nano Brews!
We dive into Draught Politics at Demo Brewing Company, nano-brewing our way through recent chaos from political figures to AI targeting systems. It's been a bit, so grab a brew and let's catch up!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Draught Politics have?
Draught Politics currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Draught Politics about?
A podcast about politics by two guys in Chicago who love a good beer. Join us for a mostly lighthearted, progressive take on national, international, and Chicago news of the day.
How often does Draught Politics release new episodes?
Draught Politics has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Draught Politics?
You can listen to Draught Politics on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Draught Politics?
Draught Politics is created and hosted by Draught Politics.
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