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Suburban Civics 101

by Jackie Williamson and Ethan Spaid

Hosts Jackie Williamson and Ethan Spaid demystify local politics, government, and policy in the Chicago suburbs. They explore the often-overlooked world of local government, breaking it down without jargon or partisanship. Whether you’re a first-time voter or a long-time resident, this podcast empowers you to get informed and engaged in the politics that impact your community.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Mar 24, 2025 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Library Board

    In this episode of Suburban Civics 101, we explore the vital role of library boards with guests Marti Sladek (Downers Grove Library Board) and Ginger Kearney (Helen Plum Library Board). They break down how library boards shape policies, oversee budgets, and advocate for public libraries, as well…

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  2. School Board

    In this episode of Suburban Civics 101, we dive into the role of school boards with guests Dave Long (CUSD 200) and Margaret DeLaRosa (Glenbard District 87). They break down what school boards actually do—like hiring superintendents, setting district priorities, and managing budgets—and debunk...

  3. City Council and Village Board

    In this episode of Suburban Civics 101, we dive into the roles of City Councils and Village Boards with Wheaton City Council Member Erica Bray Parker, and Carol Stream Village Trustee Matt McCarthy. They break down the differences between cities and villages, how budgets are created, and how...

  4. Townships

    Township government has been in the news, but what is a township, and what does it actually do? In this episode, we break it all down with Stacy Slater and Larry Pitts from Milton Township in DuPage County. We explore the history, responsibilities, and structure of township government, from...

  5. E00 | Teaser

    Welcome to the Suburban Civics 101 Podcast: your go-to resource for understanding the inner workings of local government and politics in the Chicagoland area! Hosted by Jackie Williamson and Ethan Spaid, this teaser episode introduces the mission of the podcast: to demystify suburban politics and...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Hosts Jackie Williamson and Ethan Spaid demystify local politics, government, and policy in the Chicago suburbs. They explore the often-overlooked world of local government, breaking it down without jargon or partisanship. Whether you’re a first-time voter or a long-time resident, this podcast empowers you to get informed and engaged in the politics that impact your community.

HOSTED BY

Jackie Williamson and Ethan Spaid

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Suburban Civics 101 have?

Suburban Civics 101 currently has 5 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Suburban Civics 101 about?

Hosts Jackie Williamson and Ethan Spaid demystify local politics, government, and policy in the Chicago suburbs. They explore the often-overlooked world of local government, breaking it down without jargon or partisanship. Whether you’re a first-time voter or a long-time resident, this podcast...

How often does Suburban Civics 101 release new episodes?

Suburban Civics 101 has 5 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Suburban Civics 101?

You can listen to Suburban Civics 101 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 Suburban Civics 101?

Suburban Civics 101 is created and hosted by Jackie Williamson and Ethan Spaid.
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