- The Mincing Rascals 4.23.25: Durbin retiring, Pritzker’s political future, economic turmoil2025/04/23
Info (Show/Hide)The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Brandon Pope, of WCIU, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute (sign up for his new Substack!), and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals start today’s podcast discussing Senator Dick Durbin announcing that he won’t seek another term. Who do the Rascals believe is […]
- Landscape expert Bob Bertog: Grass needs a little boost this year2025/04/23
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 the weather has been tough this year, so what do you need to know about treating your lawn?
- Attorney Rae Kaplan: Big changes coming to student loans2025/04/23
Attorney Rae Kaplan of Kaplan Law Firm joins John Williams to talk about the Trump administration’s big reset on student loans. Rae explains everything you need to know.
- John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMXLV, 4.23.252025/04/23
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
- John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMXLIV, 4.22.252025/04/22
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
- Dr. Jeffrey Kopin shares how to protect yourself against pneumonia2025/04/22
Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about the first season of Max’s ‘The Pitt,’ and if the ER scenes are actually what happens in the ER in real life. Then Dr. Kopin talks about pneumonia and what you should do to protect yourself.
- What features could electric cars have in the future?2025/04/22
Tom Appel, Publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive and host of the Consumer Guide Car Stuff podcast, joins John Williams to talk about what features could be added to electric cars. Then Tom talks about why now is a good time to buy an EV.
- Eric Zorn: Will Governor JB Pritzker run for President?2025/04/22
Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about the likelihood of Gov. JB Pritzker running for President and what his candidacy looks like.
- John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMXLIII, 4.21.252025/04/21
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
- Heather Cox Richardson: The American people’s role in democracy2025/04/21
Political historian Heather Cox Richardson joins WGN’s John Williams to discuss the current state of democracy and the responsibility of the American people in today’s political landscape. Heather and John then touch on Governor JB Pritzker and his future. Heather also talks about the upcoming Chicago Humanities Festival on April 27 at Athenaeum Center for […]
- Lou Manfredini: Fertilizers to apply to new plants2025/04/21
The great Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini, joins John Williams to inform listeners about organic fertilizers for new plants at home. Lou talks about which products to use when transplanting existing trees and shrubs this spring. Lou also answers your home improvement questions. Listen to HouseSmarts Radio on WGN each Saturday morning at 6 am.
- The legacy of Pope Francis2025/04/21
Heidi Schlumpf, National Catholic Reporter senior correspondent, joins WGN’s John Williams to discuss the death of Pope Francis and the impact he left behind. Heidi also talks about the next steps in electing a new pope.
- Could mom of suspected FSU shooter be charged with crime?2025/04/18
Attorney Rich Lenkov, Capital Member, Downey & Lenkov, and co-host of “Legal Face-Off” on wgnradio.com, joins John Williams to talk about a few legal issues in the news today including the Chicago City Council voting to ban those who took part in the January 6th insurrection from holding a city job and if the mother of the suspected […]
- John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 4.18.252025/04/18
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!
- Could there be life on a distant planet?2025/04/17
Michelle Nichols, Director of Public Observing, The Adler Planetarium, joins John Williams to talk about a team of scientists finding hints of life on on a massive planet that orbits a star 120 light-years from Earth.
- Dawn Jackson Blatner: Healthy ideas for your Easter meal2025/04/17
Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about some healthy and delicious ideas for your Easter meal. Dawn also answers all of your health and nutrition questions!
- Best of the Midwest: Summer getaway to Holland, Michigan!2025/04/17
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 over to the great state of Michigan and visit with Linda […]
- John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMXLII, 4.17.252025/04/17
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
- The Mincing Rascals 4.16.25: Teen takeovers, homeschool bill, Kilmar Ábrego García2025/04/16
The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Brandon Pope, of WCIU, and longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys! The Rascals start the podcast talking about the City of Chicago not approving a $1.25 million settlement to the family of Dexter Reed, who was fatally shot by police during a traffic stop. […]
- Landscape expert Bob Bertog: Get down first application of fertilizer2025/04/16
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. What should we be doing to our lawns and gardens right now? Bob has the answers.
- Neil Steinberg: Trying to obtain REAL ID is causing frustration2025/04/16
The great author and Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg joins John Williams to talk about the trouble people are having obtaining a REAL ID before the May 7th deadline.
- Harvey Wells: What to know if you decide to cut the cord2025/04/16
Longtime Chicago radio veteran Harvey Wells, founder, Lower Tech Bills, talks to John about how he helps customers lower their internet, cell phone, and television costs. Today, Harvey tells John what you need to know if you want to cut the cord, and what service should you have if you want to watch Chicago sports. Harvey also […]
- John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMXLI, 4.16.252025/04/16
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
- How can retail stores prevent theft?2025/04/15
The great Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini, joins John Williams to talk about witnessing a theft of three Apple watches at a cell phone store yesterday. Lou explains how nobody from the store did anything to prevent the theft. Listen to HouseSmarts Radio on WGN each Saturday morning at 6 am.
- Eric Zorn: Administration clamping down on free speech rights of protesters2025/04/15
Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about the etiquette of standing at concerts, what he doesn’t like about The Masters golf tournament, and to share his thoughts on Harvard University refusing to accept demands made by the Trump administration.
- Rep. Sean Casten: Deported Maryland man has a right to due process2025/04/15
U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL 6) joins John Williams to talk about the town halls he has held across the state of Illinois, including in districts represented by Republicans. Representative Casten also shares his thoughts about the deportation of Maryland resident Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia. Rep. Casten says Americans should be embarrassed at what the Trump administration […]
- Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: ‘It’s a bad thing to get measles today because it’s totally preventable through a safe vaccination’2025/04/15
Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about the first season of Max’s ‘The Pitt,’ RFK Jr. looking to find a cure for autism, why we need small amounts of fluoride in water, the latest news on Pfizer’s weight loss drug, and why we need to be […]
- John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMXL, 4.15.252025/04/15
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
- Lou Manfredini: Spring cleaning tips for your refrigerator and A/C unit2025/04/14
The great Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini, joins John Williams to tell us the projects we need to be working on this week. Lou starts off by telling about his great trip to Portugal with WGN listeners! Lou talks about some spring cleaning projects you should add to your list including cleaning the coils on your refrigerator and cleaning […]
- John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMXXXIX, 4.14.252025/04/14
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
- Craig Bolanos: Crisis brings opportunity2025/04/11
Craig Bolanos, Founder and Wealth Advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins John Williams to talk about the likelihood we see a recession this year, why investors are pausing right now, his expectation that he markets will remain volatile for some time, why he believes the market can regain its losses by the end of the year, consumer […]
- How tariffs are impacting one small business in Chicago2025/04/11
Tyler McCall, co-owner of Paper & Pencil in Andersonville, joins John Williams to talk about how tariffs have been impacting their local business.
- See the poison plant used in ‘The White Lotus’ at The Field Museum2025/04/11
Kimberly Hansen, Collections Manager of Flowering Plants, The Field Museum, joins John Williams to talk about her work at the Field Museum, the now famous poison pong-pong tree plant that was featured in ‘The White Lotus,’ the number of poisonous plant species in the U.S., what we should know about the plant used in ‘The […]
- Connell McShane: Why President Trump reversed tariff plan2025/04/11
NewsNation Now anchor Connell McShane joins John Williams to talk about the tragic helicopter crash in New York City yesterday afternoon and why President Trump put a pause on his tariff proposal.
- John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 4.11.252025/04/11
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!
- Pastor Corey Brooks will ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange2025/04/10
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 being asked to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange Friday morning!
- Best of the Midwest: Ishnala Supper Club is open for their 72nd season!2025/04/10
It’s time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature! Are you trying to come up with some road trip ideas that are only a quick getaway from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your! Today, we take a drive up north to beautiful Mirror Lake and visit with […]
- Dawn Jackson Blatner: Foods to help you sleep better2025/04/10
Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about why we shouldn’t pay attention to what the scale says because it tells you nothing about health. What are the metrics we need to be paying attention to? Dawn also tells John about foods that will help you sleep better and answers all of your […]
- John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMXXXVIII, 4.10.252025/04/10
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
- The Mincing Rascals 4.9.25: Tariff reversal, ‘Hands Off’ protest, driving exam age2025/04/09
The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, and longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys! The small but mighty group of Rascals start off the podcast talking about the markets and economy as the tariff wars run amok this week. Do the Rascals believe President Trump caved on his trade policy? […]
- Mick Mulvaney: Trump trying to figure out the next best play2025/04/09
Mick Mulvaney, NewsNation political and economics contributor and former acting White House chief of staff for the Trump administration, joins John Williams to talk about President Trump’s tariff plans, why he believes President Trump should fire trade advisor Peter Navarro, if he expects some of these trade deals to work out, and why the administration needs to […]
- Landscape expert Bob Bertog: Don’t be afraid to water your evergreens2025/04/09
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 didn’t get much snow this winter, so don’t be afraid to water your evergreens. It’s also okay to start mowing! […]
- John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMXXXVII, 4.9.252025/04/09
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
- Eric Zorn: All-Star games are no longer vital2025/04/08
Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about when you should be able to talk about a TV event without having to worrying about spoilers. Eric also shares his unpopular opinion that there is no longer a need for All-Star games, his experience attending the #HandsOff rally downtown, and the city […]
- A Billy Corgan show is coming to the Lyric Opera: ‘The idea is to create a bridge between opera and rock-n-roll’2025/04/08
The one and only Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins joins John Williams to talk about the world-premiere performances of “A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness” — a historic event produced by Lyric Opera of Chicago in partnership with Billy Corgan that celebrates the 30th anniversary of the iconic record by The Smashing […]
- Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: When should you get another COVID shot?2025/04/08
Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about when you should get another COVID vaccine, why Medicare will no longer pay for weight loss medication, and the latest on the measles outbreak. Dr. Kopin also answers all of your medical questions.
- John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMXXXVI, 4.8.252025/04/08
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
- State Senator Sara Feigenholtz exploring AI speed cameras on DuSable Lake Shore Drive2025/04/07
State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) joins John Williams to talk about her proposed legislation that would put speed cameras using AI on DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Senator Feigenholtz explains why she proposed this legislation and how we need to find a way to prevent the significant amount of traffic accidents on DuSable Lake Shore Drive. […]
- Terry Savage: Know how much pain you can take2025/04/07
Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about how the market is reacting today to President Trump’s tariff plans. What should you be doing with your money during these volatile economic times?
- How to avoid added Amazon Prime Video charges2025/04/07
Longtime Chicago radio veteran Harvey Wells, founder, Lower Tech Bills, talks to John about how he helps customers lower their internet, cell phone, and television costs. John asks Harvey about added costs to your Amazon Prime account. What do we need to know?
- John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMXXXV, 4.7.252025/04/07
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
- What the John Williams Show is reading right now2025/04/04
Sara Tieman is not only an ace Promotions & PR Manager for WGN Radio, but she is also a voracious reader who stops by every now and again to tell John about some of the best books she’s reading. Sara, John, Steve Alexander, and Bob Kessler discuss their favorite books of the first quarter of 2025.
- Why Van Morrison dislikes his hit ‘Brown-Eyed Girl’2025/04/04
Scott G. Shea, leading music historian and author of the best-selling book “All the Leaves Are Brown: How the Mamas and Papas Came Together and Broke Apart,” joins John Williams to talk about the complicated relationship Van Morrison had with his hit song “Brown-Eyed Girl.”
- Coach Chris Collins is staying at Northwestern: ‘I’m excited to get to work and see what we can do’2025/04/04
Chris Collins, head basketball coach at Northwestern, joins John Williams and Dave Eanet to talk about reaching an agreement to remain the head coach through 2030. Coach says he is excited to build something special in Evanston and keep pushing the program forward. Who is coach rooting for in this weekend’s Final Four (You probably know)?
- Connell McShane: Trump is really committed to trade policy2025/04/04
NewsNation Now anchor Connell McShane joins John Williams to talk about President Trump’s tariff announcement earlier this week and how the market and economy is reacting.
- John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 4.4.252025/04/04
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!
- Economics professor Michael Miller: Tariffs overall are negative on an economy and on the people2025/04/03
Michael Miller, Economics Professor, Western Washington University and Professor Emeritus at DePaul University, joins John Williams to talk about President Trump’s tariff proposal that he announced yesterday. Does Michael believe these tariffs will help or hurt the economy?
- Dawn Jackson Blatner: What to know about seed oils and beef tallow2025/04/03
Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about the importance of a balanced diet, why she sometimes likes a ‘no lettuce’ salad, her thoughts on chia seeds, and what you should know about seed oils and beef tallow. Dawn also answers all of your health and nutrition questions.
- Best of the Midwest: Illinois Railway Museum2025/04/03
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 by Tricia Menke, Events and Outreach Coordinator at the Illinois Railway […]
- John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMXXXIV, 4.3.252025/04/03
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
- The Mincing Rascals 4.2.25: Election recap, CTU-CPS deal, tariff announcement2025/04/02
Info (Show/Hide)The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Brandon Pope, of WCIU, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute (sign up for his new Substack!), and longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys! The Rascals start off the podcast discussing yesterday’s election results. What were the big takeaways from the results in Wisconsin and Florida? […]
- Winners and losers from election night2025/04/02
Joe Khalil, NewsNation’s Washington, D.C. correspondent, joins John Williams to tell us the big takeaways from the elections across the country yesterday.
- David Hochberg: Will tariffs impact housing market?2025/04/02
Mortgage and real estate expert David Hochberg joins John Williams to talk about car loans and interest rates, if people use HELOCs to buy cars, his thoughts on the impact of tariffs on the economy and the housing market, and why homeowners insurance is going up. Oh, and take a trip with David to Normandy! […]
- Landscape expert Bob Bertog: Rain is helping to saturate the ground2025/04/02
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 explains how the rain is helping saturate the ground and why you should mow your lawn if it needs it. Also, can […]
- How tariffs might impact the auto industry2025/04/02
Todd Navarrete, Platform General Manager of Bettenhausen Automotive of Tinley Park, Lockport, Orland Park, and Bettenhausen Mobility, joins John Williams to talk about how business has been going the last few days, the sense of urgency in the market, the top selling cars at their dealerships, how their vehicles would be impacted by proposed tariffs, […]
- John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMXXXIII, 4.2.252025/04/02
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
- Why a town would want to attract a data center2025/04/01
Kevin Byrnes, co-founder, Byrnes & Walsh, joins John Williams to talk about a recent conversation John had with Minooka mayor Ric Offerman about the possibility of landing a new data center in the village. Kevin discusses his work appraising data centers, what would motivate a town to want a data center, the amount of money […]
- Dr. Michael Bauer: Who should get an updated measles vaccine?2025/04/01
Dr. Michael Bauer, Medical Director at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about the measles outbreak still going in the wrong direction, who should get a measles vaccination right now, and what you should know about shingles vaccination.
- Eric Zorn: The White House Correspondents’ Association is caving to Donald Trump2025/04/01
Info (Show/Hide)Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about Duke University being upset with its portrayal on ‘The White Lotus,’ the White House Correspondents’ Association canceling plans to have comedian Amber Ruffin perform at its annual dinner, the future of the ‘Tush Push,’ and his thoughts on the ‘teen takeover’ in Streeterville […]
- John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMXXXII, 4.1.25: What was the best joke of March?2025/04/01
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 March 2025! What was your favorite joke this month? And as always, John brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com
- Why it’s important to vote in local elections2025/03/31
Greg Hart, former DuPage County Commissioner and the next President of the Village of Hinsdale, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about all the big suburban elections taking place tomorrow.
- Lou Manfredini: How to prevent ants from entering your home2025/03/31
The great Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to tell us the projects we need to be working on this week. Lou says it’s time to think about ants! What do you need to do now before they become a problem? Lou also answers all of your home improvement questions. Listen […]
- John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMXXXI, 3.31.252025/03/31
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
- The winner of the 2025 Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament is…2025/03/31
After 4 weeks of voting on 128 Chicago area pizza places, with more than 95,000 votes casted by WGN Radio listeners and pizza lovers, we have a new Chicago Pizza Madness Champion! The championship was down to Uncle Jerry’s from the North Region and Rosati’s from the Local Chain Region. Jon Hansen was joined by […]
- John Cowsill’s new music is a love letter to his brothers2025/03/28
Musician John Cowsill joins Wendy Snyder to talk about his original band The Cowsills, how the band was the inspiration for ‘The Partridge Family,’ the new music he recorded with his wife Vicki Peterson (The Bangles), his appearance on the Tommy Tutone classic, ‘867-5309/Jenny,’ his work with the Beach Boys, and being one of the […]
- Author Jayne Mattingly: ‘Body grief is a great unifier’2025/03/28
Author Jayne Mattingly joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for John Williams, to discuss her new book, “This Is Body Grief: Making Peace with the Loss That Comes with Living in a Body.” Jayne talks about the moment her ‘body stopped working,’ how her life changed when she lost the ability to walk, why we are […]
- Landscape expert Bob Bertog: Spring lawn and garden tips2025/03/28
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for John Williams, to answer all of your lawn and garden questions.
