John Williams
4,802 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★ - 154 ratingsThe John Williams Podcast from 720 WGN
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Episodes
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 5.31.24
May 31, 2024 16:00Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to [email protected]!
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 5.31.24
May 31, 2024 16:00Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to [email protected]!
Your Hometown: The Edge Ice Arena is the heart of hockey in suburban Chicago
May 30, 2024 20:44Evan Summers, Bensenville Village Manager, joins Jon Hansen to talk about why Bensenville is such a special place to live, what makes The Edge Ice Arena unique, who typically uses the ice arena, how it’s an economic boon to the area, and why the Edge is the heart of hockey in suburban Chicago.
Your Hometown: Bensenville Park District has something for everybody
May 30, 2024 20:36Joe Vallez, Executive Director, Bensenville Park District, joins Jon Hansen to talk about the work they do at the park district, what sets their park district apart from others, why having a farm program is so significant, the great summer programs they have available, their commitment to every member of their community, and what makes […]
Best of the Midwest: Visit Springfield!
May 30, 2024 19:43It’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, Jon Hansen has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we head south on I-55 and visit our state capital and chat with […]
Dawn Jackson Blatner: What causes people to overeat?
May 30, 2024 19:38Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins Jon Hansen to talk about what she thinks of “scrambled oats,” a recipe that’s very hot right now on social media, and new research that shows why we overeat. And, as always, Dawn answers all of your nutrition questions.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCLXVIII, 5.30.24
May 30, 2024 19:26John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
The Mincing Rascals 5.29.24: DNC to virtually nominate Biden and Harris, Illinois budget vote, America’s best decade
May 29, 2024 23:44The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Cate Plys, former staff writer at the Chicago Reader and political op-ed columnist at the Sun-Times and Tribune, and political pundit Marj Halperin. This week the Rascals talk about the upcoming DNC in Chicago and the plan to virtually […]
Landscape expert Bob Bertog: Protect tender trees from cicadas
May 29, 2024 21:38Bob 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.
Elder law attorney Kerry Peck: Plan for the unexpected
May 29, 2024 21:31Elder law attorney Kerry Peck joins Jon Hansen to answer all your questions about elder law, trusts, wills, and elder abuse. Kerry reminds us why everyone needs a power of attorney.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCLXVII, 5.29.24
May 29, 2024 20:59John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
What do you think is the best decade?
May 28, 2024 21:15Andrew Van Dam, Columnist at the Department of Data, The Washington Post, joins Jon Hansen to break down and analyze a YouGov survey that asked 2,000 adults which decade had the best and worst music, movies, economy, etc.
Why Eric Zorn doesn’t like the term ‘justice-impacted individual’
May 28, 2024 21:01Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins Jon Hansen to break down a Washington Post analysis of America’s Best Decade, how inflation is impacting consumers, if you can tell the difference between store brand and name brand products, and how Illinois House Bill 4409 (passed by the IGA, waiting to be signed by Governor Pritzker) replaces […]
Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: Nobody panic about bird flu
May 28, 2024 20:26Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins Jon Hansen to talk about an F.D.A. panel endorsing the safety of a colon cancer blood test, an oral medication proving to be effective against postpartum depression, and how concerned we should be about bird flu.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCLXVI, 5.28.24
May 28, 2024 19:42John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
20th century American culture through a baseball lens
May 27, 2024 20:23Noah Gittell, a film critic, sportswriter, and author, joins John Williams to highlight his new book, Baseball: The Movie. Noah talks with John about classic baseball movies mentioned in the book and how they connect with American lifestyle throughout history.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCLXV, 5.27.24
May 27, 2024 19:25John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCLXVI, 5.27.24
May 27, 2024 19:25John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
What toys are worth keeping?
May 27, 2024 19:23Joel Mcgee, the Toy Scout, joins John Williams to talk about some of the rare toys he’s come across, what toys to keep, and where to find him. If you have an old toy you think is worth money, contact him at Toyscout
Naperville girl now suing the city for 20 million
May 24, 2024 19:50Following her case (a 3-year dispute over a pair of AirPods) being won last year, Amara Harris is now suing the city Naperville. Her attorney, Juan Thomas, joins John Williams to talk about why they decided to wait to begin their suit and why they decided to go forward with it.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 5.24.24
May 24, 2024 19:44Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to [email protected]!
From the archives: John Williams talks with Morgan Spurlock
May 24, 2024 14:42Morgan Spurlock, the award-winning filmmaker responsible for documentaries including “Super Size Me,” died yesterday at age 53. In 2004, shortly after the release of that film, John Williams talked with Spurlock.
Rep. Mike Quigley: Why we need to invest in high-speed rail
May 23, 2024 19:31U.S. Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL5), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, joins John Williams to talk about his recent op-ed that explains why Illinois needs to invest in high-speed rail. Congressman Quigley also discusses the controversy over Supreme Court Justice Alito displaying ‘Stop the Steal’ flags outside of his home and beach house.
Best of the Midwest: Experience Macombopoly in west-central Illinois!
May 23, 2024 19:26It’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 Macomb and chat with Jock Hedblade, Executive Director, Macomb Area […]
Dawn Jackson Blatner: Best foods to grill for Memorial Day weekend
May 23, 2024 19:24Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to give us some healthy ideas for your Memorial Day weekend cookout!
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCLXIV, 5.23.24
May 23, 2024 19:19John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
The Mincing Rascals 5.22.24: ShotSpotter, speed cameras, Justice Alito flag controversy
May 22, 2024 23:36The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute, Brandon Pope, host of ‘On the Block‘ on WCIU, and Cate Plys, former staff writer at the Chicago Reader and political op-ed columnist at the Sun-Times and Tribune. The Rascals kick things off talking about OpenAI being accused of […]
Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx: ‘Cops are not supposed to pull you over because they have a suspicion that you are a bad person’
May 22, 2024 23:03Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx joins John Williams to talk about why she is examining a new policy that would direct prosecutors in her office to reject drug and gun charges that stem solely from some routine traffic stops.
Landscape expert Bob Bertog: How much should you budget for your landscaping?
May 22, 2024 22:24Bob 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.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCLXIII, 5.22.24
May 22, 2024 21:16John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Many Chicago schools aren’t equipped to support migrants
May 21, 2024 22:14Mina Bloom, reporter on Block Club Chicago‘s investigative team ‘The Watch,’ joins John Williams to talk about her story that shows how many migrant children in CPS are being left behind because the schools often lack bilingual support.
Eric Zorn: Should pro-Palestinian protesters talk to the media?
May 21, 2024 21:48Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about how TV shows often get Chicago details wrong, if he believes speed cameras would help reduce reckless drivers on Illinois expressways, why some pro-Palestinian protesters are avoiding talking to the media, and an issue he has with an advice column in the Sun-Times.
Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: What to know about Hims & Hers weight-loss drugs
May 21, 2024 21:08Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about a company selling a weight-loss drug for 85% less than Wegovy, what it means when someone says they ‘beat cancer,’ and the evidence that suggests cancer is on the rise in younger adults.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCLXII, 5.21.24
May 21, 2024 20:05John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCLXI, 5.20.24
May 20, 2024 19:37John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
What is the economic impact of travel and tourism in Illinois?
May 17, 2024 20:04Daniel Thomas, Deputy Director, Illinois Office of Tourism, joins John Williams to talk about National Travel and Tourism Week, the amount of people that will be traveling over Memorial Day, the importance of the travel industry to the economy of Illinois, the travel trends in Illinois, the wonderful state parks in Illinois, and some ideas […]
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 5.17.24
May 17, 2024 19:19Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to [email protected]!
2024 City Kids Camp Radiothon: Helping kids have an unforgettable summer
May 16, 2024 20:43WGN Radio’s John Williams and Lisa Dent are on a mission to help send 100 kids to City Kids Camp so inner-city kids can unforgettable summer. City Kids Camp Radiothon, presented by Republic Bank of Chicago, with support from Alpha Wealth Group and Jewel Osco. How to donate now and on Radiothon Day (May 16) Watch the final segment: […]
Best of the Midwest: Visit Beloit!
May 16, 2024 20:39It’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 cross the border and head to southern Wisconsin for a chat with […]
Dawn Jackson Blatner: Olive oil is good for your heart and brain
May 16, 2024 19:59Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner talks with John Williams about what you need to know about ultra-processed foods, a couple of nutrition hacks for 100% whole wheat croutons and scrambled eggs with extra protein, and health benefits (heart and brain!) of olive oil. Dawn also answers all of your nutrition questions.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCLX, 5.16.24
May 16, 2024 19:25John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
RIP to Daisy, the dizzy dappled dachshund
May 16, 2024 00:46John shares the bad news that their family dog, Daisy, passed away and talks about why our relationships with dogs are so important and meaningful. RIP to Daisy, the dizzy dappled dachshund.
RIP to Daisy the dizzy dappled dachshund
May 16, 2024 00:46John shares the bad news that their family dog Daisy passed away and talks about why our relationships with dogs are so important and meaningful. RIP to Daisy the dizzy dappled dachshund.
Peter Greenberg: People are determined to travel this year
May 16, 2024 00:36Peter Greenberg, “Eye on Travel” host and CBS News travel editor, joins John Williams to talk about the health of the travel industry right now, the booming cruise industry, and the airlines taking the DOT to court over passenger rights, junk fees and ticket transparency. Peter also answers all of your travel questions.
Landscape expert Bob Bertog: Cicadas will be a natural aeration of your lawn
May 16, 2024 00:31Bob 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 do we need to know about the emerging cicadas?
The Mincing Rascals 5.15.24: Mayor Johnson’s first year, CPS day of action, Biden-Trump debates
May 16, 2024 00:11The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Cate Plys, former staff writer at the Chicago Reader and political op-ed columnist at the Sun-Times and Tribune, and political pundit Marj Halperin. This week, the Rascals talk about the 1-year anniversary of the inauguration of Mayor […]
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCLIX, 5.15.24
May 15, 2024 21:06John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Are higher credit card late fees here to stay?
May 14, 2024 23:02Ted Rossman, Senior Industry Analyst, Bankrate.com, joins John to talk about a federal judge in Texas blocking a Biden administration rule that would have capped credit card late fees at $8.
Eric Zorn: CPS teachers taking the day off to advocate for more state funding is concerning
May 14, 2024 21:52Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about CPS teachers heading to Springfield to lobby for more funding, why he disagrees with Amy Dickinson on the advice she offered to a husband whose sister-in-law disclosed romantic feelings for him, and his thoughts on the Soldier Field colonnades.
Tom Fortino: It doesn’t look like interest rates will go up
May 14, 2024 20:58Tom Fortino, Founder and Principal, Alpha Wealth Group, and host of “The Alpha Wealth Hour” (formerly “This Week in Wealth”) on WGN Radio, joins John to talk about the market reacting to inflation data this week, what he expects the Fed to do with interest rates, meme stock activity, the ongoing concern about debt and how […]