John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7620004/8-7-25_John_Williams_Speed_Jokes_2025-08-07-194304.128.mp3 More Speed Jokes Recent Posts John Williams Should we use cameras to catch speeders on DLSD? .cls-4{fill:#000;} Skydiving records could be broken this week in Ottawa .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Zorn: Gavin Newsom is puncturing Trump’s ego .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Dr. Kopin: Ge...
Aug 07, 2025
The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys , and Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute . Our small, but mighty podcast crew start the episode talking about Texas lawmakers coming to Illinois to avoid voting on a new legislative map that would favor the GOP. Governor Pritzker even went on with Stephen Colbert to talk about the issue! What are the Rascals takeaways? Next, the Rascals talk about Governor Pritzker si...
Aug 06, 2025
Brian Hoogeveen, The Cash Man from Americash Jewelry & Coin Buyers , joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to discuss items that could be worth money. Brian talks about the value of items such as a Ryne Sandberg autographed bat, 1940’s silver quarters, and a Morgan dollar from the 1800’s! And as always, Brian urges you to ‘check it out before you throw it out!’ https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7570397/8-6-25_Brian_the_Cash_Man_Americash_assesses_your_old_collectibles_2025-08-06-202...
Aug 06, 2025
Bob Bertog , president of Bertog Landscape Co . in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins Jon Hansen to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7569525/8-6-25_Bob_Bertog_answers_all_of_your_lawn_and_garden_questions_2025-08-06-194325.128.mp3 Recent Posts John Williams Should we use cameras to catch speeders on DLSD? .cls-4{fill:#000;} Skydiving records could be broken this week in Otta...
Aug 06, 2025
NHL Hall of Famer and Blackhawks great Jeremy Roenick joins Jon Hansen to talk about the centennial season for your Chicago Blackhawks, the rich history of the team, why he’s excited about the future of the Blackhawks, his charity Helping Hands Network , the work he is doing with Yuengling , America’s oldest brewery, and his spirit for every season, Whiskey in the Wild . https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7568456/8-6-25_Jeremy_Roenick_Chicago_Blackhawks_Conor_Bedard_Yuengling_Whiskey_in_the_Wild_2...
Aug 06, 2025
Mortgage and real estate expert David Hochberg joins Jon Hansen to talk about mortgage rates easing up, the impact of President Trump firing the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the overall health of the economy right now. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7568267/8-6-25_David_Hochberg_mortgage_rates_BLS_firing_Trump_economic_health_2025-08-06-190407.128.mp3 David hosts “Home Sweet Home Chicago” on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm on WGN Radio . You can call him at 855-56-David, or check out...
Aug 06, 2025
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7568129/8-6-25_John_Williams_Speed_Jokes_2025-08-06-191629.128.mp3 More Speed Jokes Recent Posts John Williams Should we use cameras to catch speeders on DLSD? .cls-4{fill:#000;} Skydiving records could be broken this week in Ottawa .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Zorn: Gavin Newsom is puncturing Trump’s ego .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Dr. Kopin: Ge...
Aug 06, 2025
Chicago Tribune chief political reporter Rick Pearson joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about Texas lawmakers coming to Illinois (and other states) to avoid a redistricting vote that would favor Republicans. Governor Pritzker says that it’s possible that Illinois may try to counter the GOP effort in Texas. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7561140/8-5-25_Texas_lawmakers_in_Illinois_to_protest_GOP_redistricting_in_Texas_2025-08-05-194340.128.mp3 Texas Redistricting Battle Rec...
Aug 05, 2025
Dr. Jeffrey Kopin , Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital , joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about the dangers of wildfire smoke and what you need to know to protect yourself. Dr. Kopin also tells Jon about the importance of getting an early screening for colon cancer. https://serve.castfire.com/s:northwestern_medicine_KEiLn/audio/7561102/8-5-25_Dr_Jeffrey_Kopin_wildfire_smoke_risks_and_early_screenings_for_colon_cancer_2025-08-05-191002.128....
Aug 05, 2025
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7561097/8-5-25_John_Williams_Speed_Jokes_2025-08-05-192537.128.mp3 Recent Posts John Williams Should we use cameras to catch speeders on DLSD? .cls-4{fill:#000;} Skydiving records could be broken this week in Ottawa .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Zorn: Gavin Newsom is puncturing Trump’s ego .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Dr. Kopin: Get your blood pres...
Aug 05, 2025
Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins (D-San Antonio), vice chair of the Texas Black Caucus, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about why she and other Texas legislators chose to leave the state to combat the Texas GOP effort to redraw five congressional districts in favor of Republicans. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7557936/8-4-25_Rep_Barbara_Gervin_Hawkins_Texas_lawmakers_to_Illinois_Gov_Abbott_redistricting_2025-08-04-202936.128.mp3 Recent Posts John Williams Should we use came...
Aug 04, 2025
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 talks about indoor air quality, the benefits of using air purifiers, and why you should changer your air filters every month. Lou, as always, answers your home improvement questions. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7557878/8-4-25_Lou_Manfredini_indoor_air_quality_change_filters_every_month_2025-08-04-192518.128.mp3 Listen to HouseSmarts Radio on...
Aug 04, 2025
Marge Sipla, Speed Jokes spirit animal, cataloger and Member of the Speed Jokes Committee, joins guest host Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, and the gang to give us her favorite Speed Jokes of July 2025! What was your favorite joke this month? Keep sending your jokes to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7557869/8-4-25_John_Williams_Speed_Jokes_Best_spped_jokes_of_July_Marge_Sipla_2025-08-04-192409.128.mp3 More Speed Jokes Recent Posts John Williams Should we use...
Aug 04, 2025
Kellie Meyer , Washington Correspondent , NewsNation , joins John Williams to talk about to break down the latest on President Trump’s trade deals and tariff deadlines. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7554951/8-1-25_Kellie_Meyer_President_Trump_trade_deals_and_tariff_deadlines_2025-08-01-192051.128.mp3 Tariff Turmoil Recent Posts John Williams Should we use cameras to catch speeders on DLSD? .cls-4{fill:#000;} Skydiving records could be broken this week in Ottawa .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:even...
Aug 01, 2025
Attorney Rae Kaplan of Kaplan Law Firm joins John Williams to talk about loan caps for medical students and graduate students, why you will see an explosion in the private loan industry, and some recent good news about income based repayment plans. Rae also answers all of your student loan questions. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7554461/8-1-25_Rae_Kaplan_what_you_should_know_about_changes_to_your_student_loans_IBR_2025-08-01-160601.128.mp3 Recent Posts Wintrust Business Lunch Job mobility, m...
Aug 01, 2025
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! https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7554456/8-1-25_Best_of_Speed_Jokes_2025-08-01-161756.128.mp3 More Speed Jokes Recent Posts John Williams Should we use cameras to catch speeders on DLSD? .cls-4{fill:#000;} Skydiving records could be broken this week in Ottawa .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Zorn: Gavin Newsom is puncturing Trump’s ego .cls-7{fill:#ff...
Aug 01, 2025
Mack Liederman , Reporter , Block Club Chicago , joins John Williams to talk about a new proposal from the Chicago Park District that would move a portion of DuSable Lake Shore Drive underground . What is the likelihood this ever happens? https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7552856/7-31-25_Block_Club_Chicago_DuSable_Lake_Shore_Drive_underground_Chicago_Park_District_2025-07-31-193856.128.mp3...
Jul 31, 2025
Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about why your diet is likely to be in low in nutrients (fiber, vitamin D, calcium, potassium, magnesium, omega 3) and what you can do to eat more. Dawn also answers all of your food an nutrition questions. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7552773/7-31-25_Dawn_Jackson_Blatner_nutrients_fiber_vitamin_d_calcium_potassium_magnesium_omega_3_2025-07-31-193413.128.mp3 Recent Posts Dawn Jackson Blatner Dawn Ja...
Jul 31, 2025
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 trip north to beautiful Lake Delton and visit with Bob Prosser , owner of Ishnala Supper Club ! Bob talks about the wonderful scenery around Ishnala, the changes made to the menu, the wonderful service you will receive, the bar space they have added over ...
Jul 31, 2025
The great actor, author, woodworker and citizen Nick Offerman joins John Williams to talk about his history in the town of Minooka, all the activities he took part in while in high school, the movie and TV projects he’s most known for, getting his big break on ‘Parks and Recreation,’ the similarities between his personality and his Ron Swanson character, how often he gets back to Minooka, and the deep roots his family has in Minooka. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7552259/7-31-25_Your_Hometown...
Jul 31, 2025
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7552688/7-31-25_John_Williams_Speed_Jokes_2025-07-31-192528.128.mp3 More Speed Jokes Recent Posts John Williams Should we use cameras to catch speeders on DLSD? .cls-4{fill:#000;} Skydiving records could be broken this week in Ottawa .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Zorn: Gavin Newsom is puncturing Trump’s ego .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Dr. Kopin: G...
Jul 31, 2025
The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn , Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel , longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys , and political pundit Marj Halperin ! The Rascals begin the podcast talking about the possibility of Jesse Jackson Jr. running for congress. Should a convicted felon be allowed to run for federal office? Mayor Brandon Johnson is considering several strategies that would tax the wealthy residents of Chicago. What do the Rascals make of these ideas? ...
Jul 30, 2025
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 John that the ground is dry because the excessive heat has hardened the soil. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7551069/7-30-25_Bob_Bertog_answers_lawn_and_garden_questions_brown_spots_lawn_heat_hard_soil_2025-07-30-223009.128.mp3 Recent Posts John Williams Should ...
Jul 30, 2025
Ray LaHood, former GOP member of Congress and the U.S. Secretary of Transportation under President Barack Obama, joins John Williams to talk about a bipartisan effort to to remove the influence of lawmakers in the redrawing of state legislative boundaries. LaHood says that the Illinois legislative map is ‘an embarrassment’ and ‘an outrageous abuse of one party rule.’ Ray also tells John why he thinks it would be an uphill climb for his son, U.S. Rep Darin LaHood, to win a statewide election. htt...
Jul 30, 2025
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7550980/7-30-25_John_Williams_Speed_Jokes_2025-07-30-215220.128.mp3 More Speed Jokes Recent Posts John Williams Should we use cameras to catch speeders on DLSD? .cls-4{fill:#000;} Skydiving records could be broken this week in Ottawa .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Zorn: Gavin Newsom is puncturing Trump’s ego .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Dr. Kopin: G...
Jul 30, 2025
Dr. Jeffrey Kopin , Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital , joins John Williams to talk about Northwestern Memorial Hospital being named one of the best hospitals in the U.S., Cubs great Ryne Sandberg losing his battle to prostate cancer, what we should know about prostate cancer, and a new study that shows being physically active can improve cognitive performance in people at risk for dementia. https://serve.castfire.com/s:northwestern_medicine_KEiLn/audio/7548649...
Jul 29, 2025
Eric Zorn , Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel , joins John Williams to talk about the death of Cubs great Ryne Sandberg, the recent layoffs at the Chicago Tribune, why Substack isn’t necessarily a good replacement for news, and to share his thoughts on Jesse Jackson Jr. possibly making another run for congress. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7548613/7-29-25_Eric_Zorn_Ryne_Sandberg_RIP_Chicago_Tribune_layoffs_Jesse_Jackson_Jr_run_2025-07-29-193413.128.mp3 More with Eric Zorn Recent Posts John ...
Jul 29, 2025
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7548606/7-29-25_John_Williams_Speed_Jokes_2025-07-29-192406.128.mp3 More Speed Jokes Recent Posts John Williams Should we use cameras to catch speeders on DLSD? .cls-4{fill:#000;} Skydiving records could be broken this week in Ottawa .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Zorn: Gavin Newsom is puncturing Trump’s ego .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Dr. Kopin: G...
Jul 29, 2025
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7546548/7-28-25_John_Williams_Speed_Jokes_2025-07-28-191948.128.mp3 More Speed Jokes Recent Posts John Williams Should we use cameras to catch speeders on DLSD? .cls-4{fill:#000;} Skydiving records could be broken this week in Ottawa .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Zorn: Gavin Newsom is puncturing Trump’s ego .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Dr. Kopin: G...
Jul 28, 2025
Tom Appel, Publisher, Consumer Guide Automotive and host of the Consumer Guide Car Stuff podcast, joins John Williams to talk about why manufacturers are kicking the can on so many projects right now, the latest on the impact of tariffs, what’s happening with the EV market, why Tesla is still hurting, and how a trade deal with Japan will impact the auto industry. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7543521/7-25-25_Tom_Appel_Japan_trade_deal_EV_market_Tesla_tariff_impact_on_auto_industry_2025-07-25-...
Jul 25, 2025
