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The John Williams Podcast from 720 WGN

  1. 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, […]
  2. ’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 […]
  3. 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?
  4. 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 […]
  5. 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!
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. The Mincing Rascals 6.4.25: Mail-in voting law, medical aid in dying, gender identity debate2025/06/04
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  11. 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 […]
  12. 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 […]
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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 […]
  18. 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 […]
  19. 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 […]
  20. 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.
  21. 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!
  22. 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 […]
  23. 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 […]
  24. Dawn Jackson Blatner: The benefits of plant-based protein for building muscle2025/05/29
    Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John to talk about how she can tell if a fruit is ripe, a new study that shows the benefits of vegan protein, and to share her thoughts on weight loss drugs. Dawn also answers all of your health and nutrition questions.
  25. Kelly Leonard explores the ethics of AI2025/05/29
    Kelly Leonard, Vice President, Creative Strategy, Innovation and Business Development at The Second City and host of the “Getting to Yes, And…” podcast, joins John Williams to talk about a recent conversation he had with University of Toronto professor Christopher DiCarlo where they discussed the ethics of artificial intelligence. Are robots going to kill us? Kelly […]
  26. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLXV, 5.29.252025/05/29
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  27. The Mincing Rascals 5.28.25: Chicago crime down, POTUS pardons, Harvard vs. Trump2025/05/28
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  28. Landscape expert Bob Bertog: When should you apply second round of fertilizer?2025/05/28
    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.
  29. Elder law attorney Kerry Peck: Older adults need to be aware of romance scams2025/05/28
    Elder law attorney Kerry Peck joins John Williams to answer all your questions about elder law, trusts, wills, and elder abuse. Kerry and John talk about a recent article in The Cut about a victim of a Love Scam. How should you protect yourself or your senior relatives from becoming a victim?
  30. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLXIV, 5.28.252025/05/28
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  31. Dr. Jeffrey Kopin explains changes to COVID vaccine recommendations2025/05/27
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  32. Why Tom Fortino is bullish on the market2025/05/27
    Tom Fortino, Founder and Principal, Alpha Wealth Group, and host of “The Alpha Wealth Hour” on WGN Radio, joins John talk about why the market is bouncing back today, the decision by President Trump to delay EU tariffs, consumer confidence jumping, what we could see from Fed policy, the impact of the Trump administration’s tax bill, […]
  33. Eric Zorn: ‘Ominous’ that Trump is picking on Harvard2025/05/27
    Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about how YouTube is replacing owner’s manuals, the news about Caitlin Clark’s injury will keep her from playing the Sky early next month, Chicago’s drop in crime since Brandon Johnson took office, and why President Trump continues to go after Harvard University.
  34. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLXIII, 5.27.252025/05/27
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  35. What to watch at the 2025 Indy 5002025/05/23
    WGN host and auto racing expert Dane Neal joins John Williams to preview the 109th running of the sold-out Indy 500! Dane talks about the possibility of seeing an EV in the Indy 500, how fast the cars will be going this year, why he thinks anything can happen in this year’s race, the drivers that he will be looking […]
  36. Teacher Liz Shulman: How kids benefit from not being plugged in during school2025/05/23
    Liz Shulman, English teacher at Evanston Township High School and in the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University, joins John Williams once again to talk about how she managed the school year. Liz tells John about her recent piece in the Wall Street Journal about showing her students ‘The Breakfast Club,’ how the cell phone […]
  37. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 5.23.252025/05/23
    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!
  38. Just Rite IT can help with all of your technology needs2025/05/22
    Wendy Reed, Partner at Just Rite IT, joins John Williams to talk about what Just Rite IT does, how they help customers with their technology needs, the most important need for businesses right now, the typical problems they solve, how they ease the day-to-day burden for their clients, and the ways they can help increase […]
  39. Best-selling author Suzy Welch says happiness shouldn’t be your goal2025/05/22
    Suzy Welch, best-selling author, tech entrepreneur, and award-winning professor at NYU Stern, joins John Williams to talk about her new book, “BECOMING YOU: The Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career.” Suzy talks about how AI is changing the world we live in, how she ended up writing her new book, why she’s […]
  40. Best of the Midwest: Explore the sugar sand beaches in Ludington!2025/05/22
    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 to the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan and visit with Brandy […]
  41. The cost of running an Illinois farm in 20252025/05/22
    Local farmer John Andermann of the Will County Farm Bureau joins John Williams to talk about where he farms, how long he’s been farming, how the planting season is going this year, the costs of fertilizer and putting the crop into the ground, how he comes up with the money to do the work, the […]
  42. Dawn Jackson Blatner: Put something healthy on your grill this Memorial Day2025/05/22
    Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about Memorial Day and the unofficial start of grilling season! Dawn offers some alternatives (or in addition to) to your typical grilling fare! And, as usual, Dawn answers all of your health and nutrition questions.
  43. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLXII, 5.22.252025/05/22
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  44. The Mincing Rascals 5.21.25: DOJ investigation, ‘snap curfews,’ Biden cancer2025/05/21
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  45. 2025 City Kids Camp Radiothon: Giving inner-city kids an unforgettable summer2025/05/21
    WGN Radio’s John Williams and Lisa Dent are on a mission to help send three buses full of kids to City Kids Camp, a 501c3 non-profit, where inner-city kids get to spend a week of adventure at a summer camp in the country, southwest of Peoria. John and Lisa are joined by Hector Corona, the camp’s […]
  46. How one teacher guides students to the facts2025/05/21
    Pam Cronkright, newly retired teacher at Ottawa Township High School, joins John Williams to talk about her career in the classroom. Pam tells John about the relationship she had with her students, how it feels on day 1 of retirement, the challenge of teaching history and government to high school students, the importance of teaching […]
  47. Landscape expert Bob Bertog: How to treat dead patches in lawn2025/05/21
    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 rain we’ve been having will help and we’ll see some growth when it warms up.
  48. Dolton plans to purchase childhood home of Pope Leo XIV2025/05/21
    Steve Budzik, Managing Broker, iCandy Realty, joins John Williams to talk about the boyhood home of Pope Leo XIV and how the city of Dolton is now planning to take ownership of the home through eminent domain.
  49. What’s in Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill?’2025/05/21
    Niall Stanage, White House Columnist for The Hill, joins John Williams to talk about President Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’ Is Medicaid going to get touched? Niall explains what’s in the bill and the chances of this passing through Congress.
  50. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLXI, 5.21.252025/05/21
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  51. Are the Bears committed to a new stadium in Arlington Heights?2025/05/20
    Andy Masur of WGN Sports and Ryan Burrow, WGN News Director and host of ‘The Stadium Club‘ podcast, join John Williams to talk about new developments surrounding a possible new Bears stadium being in Arlington Heights.
  52. DOJ looking into city of Chicago’s hiring practices2025/05/20
    Attorney Rich Lenkov, Capital Member, Downey & Lenkov, and co-host of “Legal Face-Off” on wgnradio.com, joins John Williams to talk about the Justice Department investigating Mayor Brandon Johnson for alleged racially-motivated hiring. Rich tells John if he believes Johnson’s hiring of some employees is in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
  53. What age should you consider long-term care insurance?2025/05/20
    Brian Gordon, President, Gordon Associates, joins John Williams to talk about long-term care insurance. Brian explains what long-term care insurance is, the most important thing to consider when looking into long-term care insurance, the best time to start a plan, what they look at when the devise a plan for you, how they work with financial advisors […]
  54. Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: Biden’s cancer didn’t develop overnight2025/05/20
    Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about former President Joe Biden battling an aggressive, stage-4 prostate cancer. Dr. Kopin also talks about the FDA clearing the 1st blood test to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, and the FDA setting new requirements for COVID vaccines in healthy adults […]
  55. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLX, 5.20.252025/05/20
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  56. ‘Hamilton’ producer Jeffrey Seller: ‘Making a play is like making life’2025/05/19
    Acclaimed Broadway Producer (‘Rent,’ ‘Hamilton’) Jeffrey Seller joins John Williams to discuss his new book, ‘Theater Kid: A Broadway Memoir.’ Jeffrey talks about how some of the stories in the book were things he had written when he was young, what he considers to be his greatest gift, how making a play is like making […]
  57. Lou Manfredini: Tips for cleaning your windows after a dust storm2025/05/19
    The great Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini, joins John Williams to tell us the projects we need to be working on this week. Lou tells us what we need to know about portable air conditioners, and to give us tips for cleaning your windows…especially after Friday’s dust storm! Listen to HouseSmarts Radio on WGN each Saturday morning at 6 am.
  58. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLIX, 5.19.252025/05/19
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  59. Chicago Bears making progress on new stadium in Arlington Heights2025/05/16
    Kevin Powell of WGN Sports and Ryan Burrow, WGN News Director and host of ‘The Stadium Club‘ podcast, join John Williams to talk about the news that the Chicago Bears are now making progress on building a new stadium in Arlington Heights.
  60. Connell McShane: Should lower courts be able to block Trump agenda?2025/05/16
    NewsNation Now anchor Connell McShane joins John Williams to talk about yesterday’s Supreme Court hearing about birthright citizenship. What were the biggest takeaways?
  61. Pope Leo XIV’s childhood home up for auction2025/05/16
    Realtor Steve Budzik joins John Williams to talk about the boyhood home of Pope Leo XIV going up for auction in June. Why did the owner decide on an auction?
  62. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 5.16.252025/05/16
    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!
  63. Best of the Midwest: A lot of great things to do in Beloit!2025/05/15
    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! And today, we head north to Wisconsin as John is joined by Savannah Schindler, Public […]
  64. Dawn Jackson Blatner: The benefits of adding more leafy greens to your diet2025/05/15
    Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about the importance of gut health, why you should eat 1 cup of leafy greens each day, and how gut health is connected to brain health. Dawn also answers all of your health and nutrition questions.
  65. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLVIII, 5.15.252025/05/15
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  66. The Mincing Rascals 5.14.25: Pope Leo XIV, Qatari jet, Biden’s decline2025/05/14
    Info (Show/Hide)
  67. Author Dave Barry wants people to lighten up!2025/05/14
    New York Times best-selling author Dave Barry joins John Williams to discuss his new book, “Class Clown: The Memoirs of a Professional Wiseass: How I Went 77 Years Without Growing Up.” Dave talks about how he comes up with ideas of what to write about, the types of stories that most resonate with people, humor […]
  68. Landscape expert Bob Bertog: Evergreens are starved for moisture2025/05/14
    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 reminds us that we are still way behind on water and you should still be watering those evergreens!
  69. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLVII, 5.14.252025/05/14
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  70. How Jimmy Soto was wrongly incarcerated for 42 years2025/05/13
    Jimmy and Rosa Soto join John Williams in-studio to talk about their incredible story that was documented in the Tribune last week. Jimmy spent 42 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Jimmy and Rosa discuss how this has impacted their lives, their thoughts on police corruption and the criminal justice system, what […]
  71. Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: Weight loss drugs will become more accessible2025/05/13
    Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about President Trump’s new pick for surgeon general, Zepbound beating Wegovy for weight loss in the first head-to-head trial of blockbuster drugs, and measles cases still rising.
  72. Eric Zorn: Gift of Qatari plane has a bad odor to it2025/05/13
    Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about President Trump’s plan to take a jet from Qatar, Mayor Brandon Johnson continuing to say he did not fire Dr. Allison Arwady, his thoughts on the effectiveness of acupuncture, and the debate over dandelions.
  73. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLVI, 5.13.252025/05/13
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
  74. Italian street artist Greg Goya brings his ‘fast art’ to Chicago Botanic Garden2025/05/12
    Italian street artist Greg Goya joins John Williams to talk about when he decided to become an artist, the type of art he makes, why he calls his work ‘fast art,’ how people can interact with his work, why love is the most important aspect of his art, and his interactive art installations at the […]
  75. What will happen to Pope Leo XIV’s childhood home?2025/05/12
    Realtor Steve Budzik joins John Williams to talk about the boyhood home of Pope Leo XIV in Dolton. Steve describes the type of house, his relationship to the client selling the home, how long the house was originally on the market, what the value of the home might be right now, how unique and rare […]
  76. Lou Manfredini: Time to treat for bugs in your lawn2025/05/12
    The great Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini, joins John Williams to tell us the projects we need to be working on this week. Lou talks about what he would do if he owned the boyhood home of Pope Leo XIV. Lou also explains that now is the perfect time to treat for bugs in your lawn. Two words: […]
  77. John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CMLV, 5.12.252025/05/12
    John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
John Williams
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The John Williams Podcast from 720 WGN