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The John Williams Podcast from 720 WGN

  1. The Mincing Rascals 6.25.25: Mamdani wins, Pritzker running again, U.S strikes on Iran2025/06/25
    The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute, and political pundit Marj Halperin! This week the Rascals head to New York to start the podcast and break down Zohran Mamdani winning the Democratic mayoral primary. What do the Rascals think the win means […]
  2. Sarah Spain’s new book is an amazing story of family discovery2025/06/25
    Sarah Spain, host of “Good Game with Sarah Spain,” and author of the new book, ‘Runs in the Family: An Incredible True Story of Football, Fatherhood, and Belonging,’ joins John Williams to talk about the popularity of women’s sports and why she continues to shine a light on those stories, how she came up with […]
  3. Elder Law attorney Kerry Peck: Can family caregivers be paid by the government?2025/06/25
    Elder law attorney Kerry Peck joins John Williams to answer all your questions about elder law, trusts, wills, and elder abuse. Does the government offer a plan where a family member could be paid for providing care instead of a nursing home or retirement center?
  4. Landscape expert Bob Bertog: Can you plant grass seed in hot weather?2025/06/25
    Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob implores us to keep watering those trees and lawns.
  5. Attorney Andy Hale: The final chapter on Chester Weger hasn’t been written yet2025/06/25
    Andy Hale, the lawyer for Chester Weger, a.k.a., The Starved Rock Killer, joins John Williams to talk about the passing of his client at the age of 86. Andy tells John how Chester Weger fought until the end to prove his innocence. Will Andy continue to try to prove that Chester Weger did not commit […]
  6. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLXXX, 6.25.252025/06/25
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  7. What the NYC mayoral primary means for the Democratic Party2025/06/24
    Jared Gans, Staff Writer, The Hill, joins John Williams to break down the New York City primary election. What will the results of the mayoral election mean for the Democratic Party moving forward?
  8. Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: What to know about Amgen’s weight loss drug2025/06/24
    Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about the hot weather and what you need to know to protect yourself, the new ‘razor blade throat’ COVID variant that has been going around, a monthly weight loss drug from Amgen that helped people lose about 20% of their […]
  9. Eric Zorn: Could JB Pritzker’s agenda resonate nationally?2025/06/24
    Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about the heatwave enveloping the Chicago area, his thoughts on the NYC primary election, if he favors ranked-choice voting, JB Pritzker likely announcing another run for Illinois governor, and the possibility of former mayor Rahm Emanuel considering a run for president.
  10. Tom Fortino: Confidence in stock market perseveres2025/06/24
    Tom Fortino, Founder and Principal, Alpha Wealth Group and host of “The Alpha Wealth Hour” on WGN Radio, joins John Williams to talk about the resiliency of the market despite geopolitical uncertainty, when (or if) we might see tariffs impact the economy, and his thoughts on the Fed keeping interest rates steady.
  11. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLXXIX, 6.24.252025/06/24
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  12. Lou Manfredini: Tips to keep your house cool during heatwave2025/06/23
    The great Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini, joins John Williams to tell us the projects we need to be working on this week. We are in a bit of hot streak lately and Lou offers up some tips to keep your house cool during the heat wave. And as always, Lou answers all of your home improvement questions. […]
  13. General Newton: Strikes on Iran not an act of war2025/06/23
    NewsNation’s national security contributor Lt. General Richard Newton joins John Williams to talk about the U.S. striking Iranian nuclear sites. Lt. General Newton explains what the strikes mean and what it means to the U.S. and stability in the Middle East.
  14. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLXXVIII, 6.23.252025/06/23
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  15. Let Just Rite IT manage your technology2025/06/20
    Wendy Reed and Adam Johnson, Partners, Just Rite IT, join John to talk about what Just Rite IT does, the various services they provide, the typical client that they work with, how company growth has helped their client flexibility, and the value of the services they provide.
  16. Film critic Michael Phillips on the cultural impact of ‘Jaws’2025/06/20
    Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips joins John Williams to talk about the 50th anniversary of ‘Jaws.’ Michael and John talk about their memories of when they first saw the film, the well-placed laughs in the movie, the cultural impact of the film at the time, the challenges of making the movie, and why the film still holds up today.
  17. Connell McShane: Trump losing public support on immigration2025/06/20
    NewsNation Now anchor Connell McShane joins John Williams to talk about President Trump saying he will make a decision on Iran in two weeks, and the latest on the various ICE raids around the country.
  18. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 6.20.252025/06/20
    Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com!
  19. ‘Starved Rock Killer’ Chester Weger won’t get conviction overturned2025/06/19
    Steve Stout, historian and author of the book, “The Starved Rock Murders,” joins John to talk about Chester Weger, the man known as ‘The Starved Rock Killer,’ losing his bid to have his conviction overturned.
  20. Best of the Midwest: Visit charming Princeton!2025/06/19
    It’s time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature! Are you trying to come up with some vacation ideas that are only a quick getaway from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we head west to beautiful Princeton, Illinois and chat with Victoria Yepsen, Director […]
  21. How AI can keep seniors from feeling lonely2025/06/19
    Josh Sach, Founder of Meela, joins John Williams to talk about the new AI chat app that was designed to help seniors feel less lonely. Josh explains how the AI companion works, the average conversation length, how much the service costs, how they operate with trust and transparency, and what he would say to people […]
  22. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLXXVII, 6.19.252025/06/19
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  23. The Mincing Rascals 6.18.25: ICE raids, ‘No Kings’ protests, Terry Moran, Israel-Iran conflict, ‘snap curfew’ passes2025/06/18
    Info (Show/Hide)
  24. What’s next for Pope Leo XIV’s boyhood home in Dolton?2025/06/18
    Attorney Matthew Custardo of Custardo Law joins John Williams to talk about the motion he filed that would block the Village of Dolton from getting ownership of the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV.
  25. Landscape expert Bob Bertog: How to treat your lawn in hot and humid weather2025/06/18
    Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob tells us how you can care for your lawn and garden with the hot and humid weather.
  26. Kenneth Young Center’s harm reduction service saves lives2025/06/18
    Daryl Pass, Senior Manager of Recovery Support Services, Kenneth Young Center, joins John Williams to talk about the importance of his sobriety date and what it means to him, the type of counseling they give at Kenneth Young Center, the focus on harm reduction, his thoughts on the use of AI in recovery, the various services the […]
  27. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLXXVI, 6.18.252025/06/18
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  28. Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: Don’t panic over new COVID strain2025/06/17
    Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about the benefits of using AI in the hospital, men’s prostate enlarging with age, older people deteriorating mentally at rehab facilities, another new COVID strain in the U.S., and what we should know about COVID, flu and shingles vaccines.
  29. Eric Zorn: Surprised by Mike Madigan’s hefty sentence2025/06/17
    Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about the sentencing of former Illinois Speaker of the House Mike Madigan, his thoughts on Saturday’s ‘No Kings’ protests across the country, why he thinks waving a flag of another country at a protest sends the wrong message, the controversy surrounding Nezza singing the […]
  30. Peter Greenberg: ‘Fear’ is the worst word in travel2025/06/17
    Peter Greenberg, ‘Eye on Travel‘ host and CBS News travel editor, joins John Williams to talk about what we should know about Americans traveling abroad this summer. Also, what are other countries telling their residents about coming to the US? Peter answers all of your travel questions.
  31. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLXXV, 6.17.252025/06/17
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  32. Will Mike Madigan sentence change anything in Illinois politics?2025/06/16
    Ray Long, the great investigative reporter at the Chicago Tribune, and author of the book, ‘The House that Madigan Built,’ joins John Williams to talk about former Illinois Speaker of the House Mike Madigan being sentenced to over 7 years in prison. Was Ray surprised by the severity of the sentence?
  33. Lou Manfredini: How to easily add a toilet to your basement2025/06/16
    The great Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini, joins John Williams to tell us the projects we need to be working on this week. Lou says how adding a macerating toilet to your basement can add convenience and value to your home. And as always, Lou answers all of your home improvement questions. Listen to HouseSmarts Radio on WGN each Saturday morning […]
  34. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLXXIV, 6.16.252025/06/16
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  35. Author Rich Cohen unravels the mystery behind the murder of Jennifer Dulos2025/06/13
    Best-selling author Rich Cohen joins John Williams to discuss his latest book, ‘Murder in the Dollhouse: The Jennifer Dulos Story.’
  36. Austin Berg: Mike Madigan was the last real machine boss in American history2025/06/13
    Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and Vice President of Marketing, Illinois Policy Institute, joins John Williams to talk about former Speaker of the House Michael Madigan being sentenced today for corruption convictions. Check out Austin’s news substack, ‘The Last Ward.’
  37. What to know about Israel’s attack on Iran2025/06/13
    Author, terrorism analyst, and DePaul University history professor Dr. Thomas Mockaitis joins John Williams to discuss Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear program. What is the role the U.S. played in this strike?
  38. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 6.13.252025/06/13
    Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com!
  39. Dawn Jackson Blatner: What are flavan-3-ols and can they reduce your risk of dying?2025/06/12
    Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about how long you can keep items in your refrigerator, a new study that shows that eating more flavan-3-ols lower your risk of dying from any cause by 33 percent, and why you should eat the skin of an apple. And as always, Dawn answers all […]
  40. Best of the Midwest: The heart of Amish country in Shipshewana!2025/06/12
    It’s time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature! Are you trying to come up with some vacation ideas that are only a quick getaway from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we head east and travel to the heart of Amish country and visit […]
  41. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLXXIII, 6.12.252025/06/12
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  42. The Mincing Rascals 6.11.25: Immigration protests, Terry Moran let go, Mike Madigan sentencing2025/06/11
    Info (Show/Hide)
  43. New Illinois sportsbook tax will put bettors on their heels2025/06/11
    Patrick Evans, Lead Writer for the Legal Sports Report, joins John Williams to talk about FanDuel adding a 50-cent surcharge on Illinois bets to offset state taxes. Patrick explains what this all means and how it might impact the industry. Does Patrick think FanDuel would ever leave Illinois?
  44. Did ABC news correspondent Terry Moran deserve to be let go for inflammatory social media post?2025/06/11
    Jane Kirtley, Silha Professor of Media Ethics and Law at the University of Minnesota, joins John Williams to talk about ABC News firing correspondent Terry Moran after he criticized Stephen Miller and President Trump on social media. Jane also breaks down The Pew Research Center news media tracker on how Americans use and trust 30 media […]
  45. Landscape expert Bob Bertog: Do not water your lawn at night2025/06/11
    Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob tells us why you shouldn’t be watering your lawn at night.
  46. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLXXII, 6.11.252025/06/11
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  47. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLXXI, 6.10.252025/06/11
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  48. See an 85,000-year-old cave bear skeleton at Abt Electronics2025/06/10
    Carl Prouty, “The Technologist” at Abt Electronics in Glenview, joins John to talk about some gift ideas for Father’s Day. Also, Carl tells John about Abt’s newest attraction: The Bear, a remarkably preserved skeleton of an 85,000-year-old cave bear! Customers can also make history by helping name the Cave Bear through a social media contest running from […]
  49. Dr. Jeffrey Kopin on RFK Jr. removing vaccine experts: ‘Our public health is at stake’2025/06/10
    Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about Sly Stone dying after a prolonged battle with COPD, if he’s concerned about the ability to get flu shots this fall, and to share his thoughts on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removing the 17 independent vaccine experts from the […]
  50. Eric Zorn: Illinois should pass medical aid in dying bill2025/06/10
    Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about the Trump administration wanting to give $1000 to every newborn, his thoughts on Medical Aid in Dying legislation, and if he prefers TV episodes all being dropped at one time as opposed to being released week-to-week.
  51. Lou Manfredini: How to repair cracks in walkways2025/06/09
    The great Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini, joins John Williams to tell us the projects we need to be working on this week. Lou says it’s time to repair cracks in your walkways and to seal your asphalt driveway. As always, Lou answers all of your questions! Listen to HouseSmarts Radio on WGN each Saturday morning at 6 am.
  52. It was a great night for Chicago at the Tony Awards2025/06/09
    Info (Show/Hide)
  53. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLXX, 6.9.252025/06/09
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  54. Real titles WGN readers read: June picks2025/06/09
    No AI-generated book titles are found amongst the books our WGN crew of readers recently read and are recommending. If you’re looking for something to read next, take a look at fiction and non-fiction selections from John Williams, Steve Alexander, Bob Kessler and Sara Tieman. And check back at wgnradio.com/books for all our past recommendations! […]
  55. Craig Bolanos: Pragmatically optimistic about the market2025/06/06
    Craig Bolanos, Founder and Wealth Advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins John Williams to talk about the good job report, what is driving the market today, the dustup between President Trump and Elon Musk, the outlook for Tesla (and EV’s in general) moving forward, the fantastic run that gold has had recently, what he thinks of Fed policy, […]
  56. ’42 balloons’ is a personal story for lyricist Jack Godfrey2025/06/06
    Jack Godfrey, musical theatre composer, lyricist and writer, joins John Williams to talk about the musical, ‘42 Balloons,’ now showing at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Jack tells John about his career path and what led him to musical theater, when he became interested in the story of Lawnchair Larry, what made him want to write […]
  57. Connell McShane: How seriously should we take Trump v. Musk?2025/06/06
    NewsNation Now anchor Connell McShane joins John Williams to talk about the latest on the President Trump v. Elon Musk beef. How seriously should we be taking this?
  58. Best of the Midwest: Fun on Lake Koshkonong in Edgerton!2025/06/06
    It’s time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature! Are you trying to come up with some vacation ideas that are only a quick getaway from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we take a short trip north of the border and visit with Christine […]
  59. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 6.6.252025/06/06
    Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com!
  60. Catching up with WGN alum Joe Brand, now radio voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins2025/06/05
    Beloved ex-WGN’er Joe Brand joins John Williams to talk about how life has been since he was named the radio voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins last fall! Joe says he misses Chicago’s grid system and wouldn’t have the Penguins job without the support from all his friends at WGN Radio.
  61. What to know about CHSN’s reported deal with Comcast2025/06/05
    Longtime Chicago radio veteran Harvey Wells, Founder, Lower Tech Bills, talks to John about the reported deal between the Chicago Sports Network and Comcast that will allow Bulls, Blackhawks, and White Sox games to be available to Xfinity subscribers.
  62. Why some believe allowing ballots to be received after election day is corrosive to the democratic process2025/06/05
    Russell Nobile, senior attorney, Judicial Watch, joins John Williams to talk about the U.S. Supreme Court agreeing to hear Rep. Mike Bost’s election integrity case. What does this mean? Russell believes that extending the election is corrosive to the democratic process.
  63. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLXIX, 6.5.252025/06/05
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  64. The Mincing Rascals 6.4.25: Mail-in voting law, medical aid in dying, gender identity debate2025/06/04
    Info (Show/Hide)
  65. David Hochberg: Understand the importance of treasury bills2025/06/04
    Mortgage and real estate expert David Hochberg joins John Williams to talk about the importance of understanding treasury bills and how it impacts everyone, his thoughts on President Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill,’ and why the difference between the number of US home sellers and buyers has rarely been larger. David hosts “Home Sweet Home Chicago” on […]
  66. Landscape expert Bob Bertog: Don’t fall behind on your mowing2025/06/04
    Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob says we got a good amount of rain, but we are still below normal. Bob also stresses the importance of not getting […]
  67. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLXVIII, 6.4.252025/06/04
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  68. Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: Need a unified message on COVID vaccine eligibility2025/06/03
    Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about what you need to know about conflicting messaging about COVID vaccine guidance, and recent studies that show how exercise may benefit colon cancer patients.
  69. Eric Zorn: New soccer stadium would be a win for the city2025/06/03
    Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about the Illinois General Assembly not taking up mass transit funding in the legislative session, and the plan for the Chicago Fire to build a new stadium in South Loop.
  70. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLXVII, 6.3.252025/06/03
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  71. Pastor Brooks might walk across the US to raise awareness for his opportunity center: ‘America needs to be more unified’2025/06/02
    Pastor Corey Brooks, Founder and Senior Pastor at New Beginnings Church of Chicago and the Founder and CEO of Project H.O.O.D, joins John Williams to talk about the progress he’s making in the effort to build his opportunity center on the south side, and why he’s considering a walk across America to raise awareness and […]
  72. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLXVI, 6.2.25: What was the best joke of May?2025/06/02
    Marge Sipla, Speed Jokes spirit animal, cataloger and Member of the Speed Jokes Committee, joins John and the gang to give us her favorite Speed Jokes of May 2025! And there was some debate over the ‘bald eagle’ and ‘Tupperware’ jokes! What was your favorite joke this month? And as always, John brings you another […]
  73. Will Illinois ban third-party restaurant reservation apps?2025/05/30
    Jonas Frey, Founder of Appointment Trader, talks to John Williams about the Illinois General Assembly voting to ban third party restaurant reservations apps. The bill is awaiting Governor Pritzker’s signature. Jonas tells John about the app, how it works, how much reservations typically sell for, how they keep people from hoarding reservations, how much money […]
  74. Connell McShane: US relationship with China is tense2025/05/30
    NewsNation Now anchor Connell McShane joins John Williams to talk about the trade negotiations between the US and China, the debate over banning international students coming to the U.S., and the latest on the judicial rulings on tariffs.
  75. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 5.30.252025/05/30
    Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com!
  76. Your Hometown: Enjoy affordable luxury at Classic Cinemas in Fox Lake2025/05/29
    Chris Johnson, CEO and CPE (Chief Popcorn Eater), Classic Cinemas, joins John Williams to talk about how long they have had a theater in Fox Lake, how many people visit the theater in a year, what makes them stand out from other theaters, what gets people to come out to see movies, the connection that […]
  77. Best of the Midwest: Take Route 66 to Springfield!2025/05/29
    It’s time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature! Are you trying to come up with some vacation ideas that are only a quick getaway from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, John is joined once again by Amy Beadle, Marketing Manager, Visit Springfield! Amy tells John […]
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The John Williams Podcast from 720 WGN