In this episode, Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Rahm Emanuel, discussing the balance of political perspectives, the importance of education and accountability, the shifting demographics in America, and the implications of voter ID laws.

They explore the impact of family structure on society, the complexities of immigration, and the current state of public safety. Emanuel emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to immigration reform and the importance of addressing societal issues through effective public policy. The discussion culminates in reflections on the future of American politics and the necessity for centrist voices in a polarized environment.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Austin Berg is Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center, and the Illinois Policy Institute. Austin is an award winning author, and has written a book called The New Chicago Way. He also made a documentary about Chicago Teachers Union called "Local One."

Austin discusses with Ravin and Al the challenges facing Chicago, including its governance issues, economic decline, public safety concerns, and the failing education system. He emphasizes the need for reform in these areas, particularly the influence of the Chicago Teachers Union and the importance of school choice.

The discussion also touches on the political dynamics in the city and the necessity for community engagement to drive change. Berg advocates for a more accountable and effective governance structure to revitalize Chicago and improve the lives of its residents.

In this conversation with Ravin and Al, tech investor extraordinaire Rich Heise shares his journey from founding Magnitude Networks in 1995 to navigating the dot-com boom and beyond with Groupon.

He discusses the importance of timing in business, the challenges of family dynamics, and the lessons learned from his experiences with Starbelly and Inner Workings.

Rich emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and the impact of education on personal development, discussing the evolution of several companies including Echo, Media Bank, and Groupon.

They explore the challenges and triumphs of navigating IPOs, the dynamics of partnerships, and the role of luck in business success. The discussion also touches on personal motivations, community building through sports, and reflections on political issues and media bias.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

NOTE: A few clarifications from E11 regarding points mentioned in this episode, brought to our attention after publication:

Rich was not a co-founder of InnerWorkings (INWK), Echo Global Logistics (ECHO), or Groupon (GRPN). He was an early investor and board member in each company. Public filings for all three companies (including S-1s) list their respective co-founders.

Andrew did not reach out to Rich, which Rich clarified during the conversation. Groupon’s peak market capitalization was approximately $18–19 billion, not $28 billion.