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The John Williams Podcast from 720 WGN

  1. Craig Bolanos: Investors focused on tariff reduction2025/05/09
    Craig Bolanos, Founder and Wealth Advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins John Williams to talk about why the markets are dipping a bit today, the latest on President Trump’s trade deals, the roller coaster the market has been on since President Trump announced his tariff plan, why now is a good time to reevaluate your retirement plan, […]
  2. Professor Canaris: Pope Leo XIV has the heart of a missionary2025/05/09
    Dr. Michael M. Canaris, Associate Professor of Ecclesiology & Systematic Theology, Co-Director, Miguel Pro, S.J. Pastoral Protagonism Initiative Institute of Pastoral Studies, Loyola University Chicago, joins John Williams to talk about Pope Leo XIV, the excitement in Chicago and America, the time Pope spent in Latin America, why he chose the name Leo, what led […]
  3. Connell McShane: Was picking an American pope a message to Trump administration?2025/05/09
    NewsNation Now anchor Connell McShane joins John Williams to talk about the new Pope being from Chicago, how Americans and Chicagoans are feeling about the selection of Leo XIV, if picking an American pope was a message to the Trump administration, and President Trump’s trade deal with the U.K.
  4. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 5.9.252025/05/09
    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!
  5. Best of the Midwest: Celebration River Cruises!2025/05/08
    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, today, Jon Hansen has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, Jon is joined by Susan Yarolem, Director of Sales & Marketing, Celebration River […]
  6. Sen. Duckworth on relationship with Trump, IVF initiatives, VA support, Stratton endorsement, and Pope Leo XIV2025/05/08
    U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about new Pope Leo XIV being from Chicago, if she believes this pope was picked as a pushback to the new administration, the challenges of Democrats not having a majority in Congress, if she has any relationship with President Trump, the […]
  7. Should tariffs be imposed on offshore call centers?2025/05/08
    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign computer science professor Dr. Sheldon Jacobson joins John Williams to talk about his Crain’s Op-ed that suggests that the U.S use tariffs on offshore customer service centers.
  8. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLIV, 5.8.252025/05/08
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  9. The Mincing Rascals 5.7.25: Senate race, George Ryan legacy, Alcatraz, movie tariffs2025/05/07
    Info (Show/Hide)
  10. Landscape expert Bob Bertog: What to do about patches in grass2025/05/07
    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 that it isn’t too late to work on those patches in your lawn!
  11. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi explains why he’s running for U.S. Senator: ‘I have a track record of standing up to bullies’2025/05/07
    U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL 8) joins John Williams to talk about his decision to run for the senate seat that will be vacated by Senator Dick Durbin. Congressman Krishnamoorthi explains why he’s running, the importance of pushing back against President Trump and Elon Musk, his track record of standing up to bullies, and if he was surprised that Governor […]
  12. David Hochberg: Know the equity you have in your home2025/05/07
    Mortgage and real estate expert David Hochberg joins John Williams to talk about how he helped a listener who is going through a divorce refinance her home and take care of her family financially. David also explains how he’s helping a listener get out of credit card debt. David hosts “Home Sweet Home Chicago” on Saturdays […]
  13. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLIII, 5.7.252025/05/07
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  14. Chicago firm behind design of what will be the world’s tallest building2025/05/06
    Gordon Gill, Partner, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, joins John Williams to talk about the design and construction of Jeddah Tower, which, upon completion, will be the world’s tallest skyscraper.
  15. Dr. Michael Bauer: Make sure measles vaccination is up to date2025/05/06
    Dr. Michael Bauer, Medical Director at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about the dangers of mixing alcohol and medications, a new study published in the Cancer Research journal suggests that early prostate cancer diagnoses can be made via a mere urine test, how artificial intelligence has been used in the hospital, the […]
  16. Eric Zorn breaks down the race to replace Senator Durbin2025/05/06
    Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about the amount that President Trump appears on television answering questions from the press, Trump’s meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the race to replace Senator Dick Durbin, if Governor Pritzker will run for president, and who will likely emerge as a candidate […]
  17. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLII, 5.6.252025/05/06
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  18. Lou Manfredini: Take care of cracks in your driveway2025/05/05
    The great Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini, joins John Williams to tell us the projects we need to be working on this week. Lou explains why now is a great time to check for and take care of cracks in your driveway or walkway. Lou also answers all of your home improvement questions. Listen to HouseSmarts Radio on WGN each Saturday […]
  19. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLI, 5.5.252025/05/05
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  20. Photos: City Kids Camp Clean-up 20252025/05/05
    John Williams with WGN Radio’s Bob Kessler and traffic manager Julie Stern joined with fellow WGN Radio listeners to volunteer at City Kids Camp in Lewistown, Illinois. There they painted, cleared brush, made repairs and spruced up the camp to ready it for another season of campers. It was an exhausting – but rewarding – […]
  21. Jessica Mayle: Passports can be used forever in place of Real ID2025/05/02
    Jessica Mayle, Regional Spokesperson and Public Affairs Specialist at Transportation Security Administration, chats with WGN’s John Williams about Real ID compliance at the airport. Jessica explains the Global Entry program and how it can be used as an acceptable form of ID. Jessica also talks about the ID requirements for TSA PreCheck.
  22. Connell McShane: Trump has flexibility on almost every issue except for trade2025/05/02
    NewsNation Now anchor Connell McShane joins John Williams to discuss the current tariff and economic situation in the United States. Connell also talks about how small business are affected by today’s economic decisions.
  23. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 5.2.252025/05/02
    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!
  24. Michael Phillips reflects on the 50th anniversary of ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’2025/05/01
    Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips joins John Williams to talk about the 50th anniversary of ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail,’ and to share his thoughts on the Oscars introducing a Best Stunt Design category.
  25. Best of the Midwest: There’s something for everyone in Springfield!2025/05/01
    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 down south to the great state capital of Illinois! Joining John […]
  26. Dawn Jackson Blatner: Drink more low-sugar mocktails2025/05/01
    Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about the importance of diet and exercise, why you should separate diet and exercise, a new study that shows that people who drank 8 or more drinks per week had 133% increased risk of having brain injury that is associated with memory and thinking issues (compared […]
  27. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CML, 5.1.25: What were the best jokes of April?2025/05/01
    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 April 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
  28. The Mincing Rascals 4.30.25: Durbin’s successor, Trump 100 days, Amazon tariffs, plastic ban2025/04/30
    Info (Show/Hide)
  29. Elder law attorney Kerry Peck: ‘Signature for sex’ cases are a stunning epidemic2025/04/30
    Elder law attorney Kerry Peck joins John Williams to answer all your questions about elder law, trusts, wills, and elder abuse. Kerry tells John about ‘signature for sex’ cases, and to share his thoughts on Bill Belichick’s interview with CBS. Does Kerry believe Belichick is cognitively impaired?
  30. Landscape expert Bob Bertog: Time to start your weekly mowing2025/04/30
    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 it’s time to start your weekly mowing, and it’s still not too late to do your spring cleanup.
  31. Will Rep. Krishnamoorthi run for Durbin’s Senate seat?2025/04/30
    U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL 8) joins John Williams to talk about his political future and if he intends to run for Senator Durbin’s seat. Rep. Krishnamoorthi says he will have an announcement soon. The congressman also talks about his ‘tariff tour,’ and what he’s hearing from his constituents.
  32. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMXLIX, 4.30.252025/04/30
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  33. Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: Don’t ignore symptoms that are potentially serious2025/04/29
    Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about WGN-TV’s Mike Lowe’s battle with cancer, and the importance of getting checked out if you think something might be wrong. Dr. Kopin also tells John if he believes any possible funding cuts by the Trump administration could impact the […]
  34. Eric Zorn: Will Blagojevich run for Durbin’s senate seat?2025/04/29
    Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about the possibility of disgraced former governor Rod Blagojevich running for Dick Durbin’s Senate seat, Gov. Pritzker’s speech in New Hampshire over the weekend, and his thoughts on Gov. Pritzker and Sen. Duckworth already endorsing Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton for Durbin’s seat.
  35. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMXLVIII, 4.29.252025/04/29
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  36. Why the U.S. hasn’t made progress in reducing gun violence2025/04/28
    Jens Ludwig, the Edwin A. and Betty L. Bergman Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago, Pritzker Director of the University of Chicago Crime Lab, an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and author of ‘Unforgiving Places: The Unexpected Origins of American Gun Violence,’ joins John Williams to talk about why he […]
  37. Lou Manfredini: How to get more power out of your shower2025/04/28
    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 you can get more power out of your shower with a simple, two-step process. And as always, Lou answers all of your home improvement questions. Listen to HouseSmarts Radio on WGN each Saturday morning at […]
  38. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMXLVII, 4.28.252025/04/28
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  39. Brian The Cash Man: How much is your collectible really worth?2025/04/25
    Brian Hoogeveen, The Cash Man from Americash Jewelry & Coin Buyers, joins Jon Hansen to discuss items that could be worth money. Looking to sell an old watch or jewelry that you have around the house? What about a highly sought-after trading card? Do you have some World War II or World’s Fair memorabilia? Brian answers your questions! […]
  40. Connell McShane: Trump believes tariffs will be effective long-term2025/04/25
    NewsNation Now anchor Connell McShane joins Jon Hansen to talk about how President Trump has impacted market movement, Trump’s belief that his tariff policy will ultimately be effective, polls showing that most people disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy, and what that means for him politically.
  41. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 4.25.252025/04/25
    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!
  42. How Northwestern Medicine successfully performed double-lung and liver transplant for lung cancer patient2025/04/24
    Northwestern performs first U.S. double lung-liver transplant on advanced cancer patient.
  43. Your Hometown: There is something for everyone at the Volo Museum2025/04/24
    Jim Wojdyla, Marketing Director, Volo Museum, joins John Williams to talk about the history of the Volo Museum, how the museum has expanded through the years, the types of cars they sell at the auto museum, and the other attractions at the museum like the Titanic exhibit, and Jurassic Gardens.
  44. Dawn Jackson Blatner: How much protein do you really need?2025/04/24
    Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about the importance of protein in your diet, how much protein you need for optimal health, and a new study that shows daily five flights of stairs (50 stairs) was associated with 20% decreased risk of heart disease! As always, Dawn answers all of your health […]
  45. Best of the Midwest: Pullman Railroad Days!2025/04/24
    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 venture a few miles south to Pullman and chat with Joe Szabo, […]
  46. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMXLVI, 4.24.252025/04/24
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  47. The Mincing Rascals 4.23.25: Durbin retiring, Pritzker’s political future, economic turmoil2025/04/23
    Info (Show/Hide)
  48. 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?
  49. 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.
  50. 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.
  51. 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.
  52. 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.
  53. 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.
  54. 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.
  55. 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.
  56. 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 […]
  57. 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.
  58. 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.
  59. 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 […]
  60. 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!
  61. 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.
  62. 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!
  63. 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 […]
  64. 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.
  65. 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. […]
  66. 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.
  67. 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.
  68. 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 […]
  69. 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.
  70. 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.
  71. 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.
  72. 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 […]
  73. 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 […]
  74. 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.
  75. 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 […]
  76. 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.
  77. 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 […]
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The John Williams Podcast from 720 WGN