Morning AMp (Weekdays 8-10AM CST)

“We’re all in this together. The state as a whole is in a lot of trouble financially, and we talk about scandals. I think it’s a must; we have to find the time to do this.” - Patrick Rehkamp, on Illinois citizens taking the time hold the government accountable.

Patrick Rehkamp is a senior investigator with the Better Government Association (BGA), an organization that investigates waste, fraud, and corruption in Illinois. They encourage and teach citizens to monitor and report on their local governments. Patrick joins hosts Brian Babylon and Molly Adams in the studio to give tips on getting more involved and about some recent investigations by the BGA.

“Foster a conversation between a culture that is basically our neighbor, but one who we know little about.” - Kolin Jordan on the mission of 7Vientos.

7Vientos Press is a Chicago imprint that wants to increase the visibility and availability of Latin American literature and culture in the US. They make Spanish-English and English-Spanish translations of less blockbuster books. Their second release is a collection of short stories by Rey Andujar. Mr. Andujar and translator Kolin Jordan join hosts Molly Adams and Brian Babylon in studio to talk about the stories and the process.

“Our message was weak; our ground game was insufficient. We weren’t inclusive. We were behind in both data and digital, and our primary and debate process needed improvement.” - RNC Chairman, Reince Priebus, on the strategies of the Republican Party.

In the aftermath pf the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), the RNC has said the party needs a major overhaul. Hosts Brian Babylon and Molly Adams are joined by Audra Wilson and Cassandra Gaddo in the studio to talk about how the Republican Party brands itself.

“People co-opted this show aimed at little girls; ironically started liking it…They really started liking it and now are some of the biggest fans of this show” - Host Molly Adams, on the “Brony” movement surrounding the My Little Pony franchise.

This week’s Anti-TV Guide goes deep into Internet culture: Friendship is Witchcraft is a parody, or rather abridged retelling of the latest iteration of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Each episode is re-cut and re-dubbed to tell a different story. The creators, adults who may identify as “Bronies,” have had all their episodes over ten minutes removed from YouTube over copyright claims. Intern Maggie Dziubek looks at the limits of fair use laws and gives her review of the My Little Pony parody.

“Her performance does not have to do with her gender, it has to do with her experience and her preparation.” - Former college kicker, Katie Hnida, on Lauren Silberman’s NFL tryout.

Lauren Silberman became the first female participant in an NFL-sponsored tryout…It did not go well. Dionna Griffin-Irons joins hosts Brian Babylon and Molly Adams in the studio to talk about how the media and the public view women in sports, from Lauren Siberman to Brittney Griner. We also hear from listeners, Lorrell, who talks about the perception of female UFC fighters.

While hosting Saturday Night Live this weekend, comedian Kevin Hart appeared in drag as Oscar nominee Quvenzhané Wallis. Is this offensive? Hosts Brian Babylon and Molly Adams talk about the larger trend of black comedians in drag, the homogeneous cast of SNL,and diversity in the comedy-world. We also have a phone call from Morning AMp listener, Amanda, who talks about the portrayal of black females in television and film.

“People do get better.” - Dr. William McFarlane on the importance of early intervention for young people with mental illnesses.

Dr. William McFarlane is a psychiatrist and the Director of the national Early Detection and Intervention for the Prevention of Psychosis Program study. He called in to the studio to talk with Brian Babylon and Vivian MiKhail about early detection & intervention programs, why it’s working, the early signs of mental illness, and the resources available for teachers, parents and others.

“It means loving things harder than anybody else loves things.” -Nerdologuer, Kevin, on what it means to be a nerd. 

Sketch comedy has long had a reputation of being dominated by “cool” comedians and audiences where material for jokes include references to pop culture, common experiences, stereotypes, and airplane food. But what do you get when you have local thespians, architects, scientists and engineers all having the same mission to include nerds in the funny mix? The Nerdologues are a sketch comedy group that knows how to make nerds laugh. Nerdoguers Kevin, Chris, and Claire join us in the studio to talk about comedy and what it means to be a nerd.

“What I don’t like is people getting up in arms when the house in burning down. I would rather people get up in arms when you see smoke.” - Host Brian Babylon, on the public reaction to CPS potential closures. 

Last week, Chicago Public Schools released a list of 129 schools to potentially close this year. Hosts Molly Adams and Brian Babylon debate how the closings will affect children and if it’s futile to keep underpopulated, under-performing schools open. Molly and Brian hear from two thoughtful listeners who call in to share their opinions on the closings. We also hear a clip from WBEZ’s Greta Johnson, who attended a meeting about the school closings in Uptown.

Multiple studies of Americans and mental health have found that Latinas are at a greater risk for depression and suicide than their counterparts, yet they are less likely seek out services due to non-diagnosis or cultural stigmas. What are the specific causes of mental stress for Latinas and how can they be better served? A group of mental health care workers have banded together to form Yo Soy Ella to address these specific needs. Founder Sarah Allen joins hosts Molly Adams and Brian Babylon in studio to talk about what they’re doing.