You know that friend who always seems to be reinventing themselves? One week they’re selling vintage furniture on Facebook Marketplace, the next they’re hosting a podcast about conspiracy theories, and then you see them trying to sell candles at a weekend craft fair. Rod Blagojevich is basically that friend, except his “reinventions” have happened on a national stage, and his story includes a stint in federal prison. So, what does the former governor of Illinois actually do for a living now? It’s a question that feels like a pop quiz on modern American hustle culture.
To understand where he is today, you have to remember his past. Blagojevich was the governor of Illinois until he was impeached and removed from office in 2009—the one caught on tape trying to sell Barack Obama’s Senate seat. After a very public trial, he served eight years in prison. Now, he’s out, and like many of us who have had a massive career reset, he had to ask: Okay, now what?
The Unlikeliest Media Career
If you think your LinkedIn profile has a weird job history, wait until you hear this. Blagojevich’s main gig right now is being a radio host. He co-hosts a talk show on WLS-AM in Chicago called “The Big Shoot” with his daughter, Amy. Imagine you and your dad starting a podcast about politics and current events—except your dad was once the governor and a convicted felon. That’s their reality, and they make it work with a mix of political commentary and personal stories.
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But that’s not all. He also makes money as a paid speaker. You know those motivational speakers who talk about resilience and second chances? Blagojevich is now one of them. He gives talks about “overcoming adversity” and “fighting the system.” It’s a little like if a former bank robber started teaching a workshop on “Building Trust in Your Organization.” The irony is thick, but people pay to hear it.
The “Side Hustle” of a Fallen Pol
Here’s where it gets really relatable. He also drives for Uber and Lyft. Yes, the guy who used to sign laws and sit in the governor’s mansion has probably picked you up from the airport. In an interview, he laughed about it, saying it’s a good way to talk to regular people. Picture this: you’re in the backseat, your driver starts talking about Illinois politics, and then you realize it’s the disgraced governor. Awkward? Sure. But also kind of a fantastic story for dinner parties.
Why does he do it? Partly for the money—he has legal debts and a family to support. But mostly, he says, because he likes staying busy. It’s a brutal reminder that even former governors have to hustle to make rent. Most of us have had a side gig that felt beneath us; Blagojevich’s side gig is literally driving people to the train station.
Donald Trump ma ułaskawić byłego gubernatora Illinois Roda Blagojevicha
Why Should You Care?
You might be thinking, “That’s interesting, but I don’t live in Illinois. Why does this matter to me?” Here’s the thing: Blagojevich’s career is a mirror of our own messy career paths. How many of us have had a spectacular failure and had to rebuild from scratch? Maybe you got laid off, or your business went under, or you made a public mistake that cost you a reputation. Watching him pivot from governor to convicted felon to Uber driver to radio host is oddly inspiring and deeply human.
It’s also a cautionary tale about the gig economy. The same system that lets you sell your old couch on Craigslist also lets a former head of state drive strangers for tips. There’s no shame in it, but it’s a weird, leveling experience. If a governor has to drive for a ride-share app, the rest of us can stop feeling embarrassed about our own side hustles.
The “Comeback” Story (With a Twist)
People love a come back story. We root for the boxer who gets knocked out and then wins the championship. We cheer for the singer who bombs on talent shows and later sells out arenas. Blagojevich’s story is that, but with corruption charges and a pink slip from prison. He’s not a hero, but he’s persistent. He’s trying to provide for his family in a world that sees him as a punchline. That persistence is something we can all understand.
Rod Blagojevich | Chicago Stories | WTTW Chicago
Also, think about your own social media feed. We curate perfect lives, but Blagojevich’s real life is a mess of radio shows, Uber drives, and awkward interviews. It’s refreshingly real compared to the polished LinkedIn “hustle culture” influencers. He’s living proof that your past doesn’t have to define your present, even if your past is a federal indictment.
The Takeaway (Sort Of)
So, to answer the question directly: Rod Blagojevich makes a living by talking on the radio, speaking at events, and driving people in their cars. He’s a jack-of-all-trades, master of none—except maybe survival. He married his college sweetheart, raised two daughters, and now works three jobs to keep things going. Sound familiar? It should. It’s the same hustle most of us are running, just with a much more colorful résumé.
Next time you complain about your commute or your second job, remember: the guy who once might have fixed your potholes is now the guy driving you over them. And he’s probably talking about it on his show. That’s not just a story; it’s a weird, weird slice of everyday life that makes you smile and shake your head in equal measure.