He’d been teasing the idea for months. Then, on Feb. 18, 2020, it happened: President Donald Trump commuted Rod Blagojevich’s 14-year prison sentence.

Public Official A

Update: Commuted

The evidence is presented and President Donald Trump becomes ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's last hope.Public Official A, a new podcast from WBEZ, examines the rise and fall of ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Part 6: I Talk Too Much

With almost everyone believing that he was guilty, Blagojevich fought back on national TV. Public Official A, a new podcast from WBEZ, examines the rise and fall of ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Part 5: Treat Me Nice

The FBI recorded Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's phone calls for almost six weeks. What they heard shocked them.Public Official A, a new podcast from WBEZ, examines the rise and fall of ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Part 4: The Tapes

Who is Rod Blagojevich? He was an incredible retail politician who knew how to work a room. But ultimately, his obsession with climbing the ladder brought him down.Public Official A, a new podcast from WBEZ, examines the rise and fall of ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Part 3: Rod Likes To Run

The trouble started soon after Rod Blagojevich became Governor of Illinois. A federal investigation began and a powerful political family tore itself apart. Public Official A, a new podcast from WBEZ, examines the rise and fall of ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Part 2: It's A Family Business

After Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested, he received a 14-year prison sentence. Under President Donald Trump, there's a chance he will be released early. Public Official A, a new podcast from WBEZ, examines the rise and fall of ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Part 1: Spare The Rod

Remember when the Governor of Illinois supposedly tried to sell President Obama’s Senate seat? Or, how the same ex-Governor got a “You’re Fired” from Donald Trump on The Celebrity Apprentice? New from WBEZ Chicago, Public Official A uncovers the rise and fall of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. How he did whatever it took to reach the top. The trail of destruction left in his wake. And how the complexities, charisma and tragic flaws of this public official resonate today. The first episode comes out January 18, 2019.

Preview: Public Official A

Remember when the Governor of Illinois supposedly tried to sell President Obama’s Senate seat? Or, how the same ex-Governor got a “You’re Fired” from Donald Trump on The Celebrity Apprentice? New from WBEZ Chicago, Public Official A uncovers the rise and fall of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. How he did whatever it took to reach the top. The trail of destruction left in his wake. And how the complexities, charisma and tragic flaws of this public official resonate today.