The Perfunctory Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Doin' the work with Celina Villanueva Aug 29, 2026

Show notes

Current Revenue Chair indulges Has-Been Revenue Chair. What are we missing about Chicago Latino voters? Bernie's understated popularity. Millennial pols are flipping the script. Springfield lore, et. seq. And Chuy's legacy.

Unleash the clipboards: An early City election preview with @chicagobars Jul 28, 2026

Show notes

Petitions hit the street Tuesday for alders and Mayor, Treasurer and Clerk, and we're breaking it down with @chicagobars. Also a little social media talk and the state of hospitality in 2026. No one goes out on Tuesday, much to Mike's chagrin.

Observing the roller coaster with Dave Sullivan Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

Dave Sullivan sits down in Park Ridge to discuss origin story, his work on marriage equality, what happened to his GOP, and the current state of Illinois affairs.

Leader Jehan Gordon Booth: Reflections on Mother's Day May 10, 2026

Show notes

We spend some time with JGB to talk about her mom, Esther Golar, and what motherhood means to her. But that's not it. As always we talk a little lawmaking and politics.

The MBC and the LFD help us launch May May 09, 2026

Show notes

Like the true procrastinator he is, Z fires up the Class of '22 project with Mary Beth Canty and Laura Favor Dias. How are they feeling about Spring Session? Watching the rollercoaster and not riding it. Origin Stories (with a surprising twist!). And Mother's Day as a Member.

Perfunctory Podcast Episode 006: Ron Holmes is back Mar 14, 2026

Show notes

Mike and Ron preview the primary on Tuesday. The guys have some polling to look at and some conclusions to draw.

Perfunctory Podcast Episode 005: Ron Holmes Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

Early voting starts Thursday. Who’s voting? What’s working (and not)? Senate and IL09 lead the chatter. And Ron gets ran up on at Church.

Perfunctory Podcast Episode 004: Sen. Bill Cunningham Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

Mike Z interviews President Pro Tempore, Sen. Bill Cunningham in another great episode.

The Perfunctory Podcast Episode 003: Adrienne Alexander Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

Adrienne Alexander talks Durbin and Schakowski retirements, politics, popes, papal politics and origin story.

The Perfunctory Podcast Episode 002: Christian Mitchell (Pt. 2) Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

The second half of the Christian Mitchell Podcast, where we talked Illinois specifically, the dwindling value incumbency, origin story, and the his military service.

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