Ji Suk Yi
135 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingThe Ji Suk Yi Podcast from 720 WGN. Born in South Korea, Ji Suk Yi immigrated to the U.S. when she was almost five years old. She had an eclectic childhood - a fusion of Southern and Korean American culture. She’s called Chicago home since 2006.
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Episodes
Drive-In Theater Pop-Up takes over Soldier Field
July 13, 2020 23:36Ji Suk Yi speaks with the mastermind behind the drive-in entertainment event at Solider Field, Tionna Van Gundy, about CHI-Together and Socially-Safe Entertainment. Tionna shares details about the drive-in theater pop-up and all that’s included in the experience,
Ji Suk Yi gives her farewell to WGN Radio as she embarks on her journey with WGN America’s ‘News Nation’
July 11, 2020 03:06Ji Suk Yi says goodbye to WGN Radio and hello to WGN America‘s ‘News Nation’. Ji takes a moment to reminisce about her time on the air, shares her excitement for what the future holds, and more.
A closer look into the lives of Chicagoland’s mother-daughter duo featured on TLC’s sMothered, Kathy and Cristina
July 11, 2020 01:30Ji Suk Yi is joined by Chicagoland mother-daughter duo Kathy Crispino and Cristina Betrolli from TLC’s sMothered! Kathy and Christina share some insight into their close-knit relationship, provide an update on their home remodeling project, and much more.
How to ensure your garden thrives in the hot summer
July 10, 2020 04:15It’s hot outside, and your plants need to stay hydrated just like you! Sue Ryba, horticulturist and landscape expert at Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling, joins Ji with tips on how to keep your plants happy and hydrated during the hot summer months!
Illinois blood providers seek the public’s help for blood donations
July 10, 2020 04:03There’s a national blood shortage due to COVID-19, and Illinois is experiencing a critically low supply of all blood types. Emily Alanis is the Regional Manager & Donor Recruitment of Versiti Blood Center of Illinois (formerly Heartland Blood Centers). She joins Ji to discuss the critical blood shortage crisis, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic […]
Summer safety: Tips for staying safe around water
July 09, 2020 03:48Did you know that drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States? Dave Benjamin, Co-Founder of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, joins the Ji Suk Yi show to talk about important swimming safety tips to help you and your kids be safe this summer while in the water.
Dr. Jonathan Maks discusses the latest updates on COVID-19 in Illinois
July 09, 2020 03:26Dr. Jonathan Maks from Amita Health checks in with Ji to discuss the latest on Illinois’ response to COVID-19. They also talk about the latest increases in COVID-19 cases across the nation and explains why, when, and how wearing a mask can reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection/transmission.
Media analyst Ken Doctor on the future of news media outlets amid the COVID-19 pandemic
July 08, 2020 03:59Ken Doctor, media analyst and author of Newsonomics: Twelve New Trends That Will Shape the News You Get, speaks with Ji about the pandemic’s effects on newspapers, magazines, and digital media companies, the ownership standstill of Tribune Publishing, and why the current model of paying for journalism on the internet is broken.
Restaurateur Alpana Singh checks in with Ji
July 08, 2020 03:37Alpana Singh, host of ‘Check, Please!‘ and owner of Evanston’s Terra & Vine talks with Ji about the revival of her restaurant amid coronavirus pandemic reopening, her stance on diversity in the wine industry, and much more.
WGN Radio’s Mark Carman weighs in on the 2020 schedules for the Cubs and White Sox
July 07, 2020 03:30WGN Radio’s Mark Carman sits down with Ji to break down all the latest news in sports. From the Cubs and White Sox new 2020 schedules to what’s going on with MLB and NHL’s COVID-19 testing, Mark covers it all.
Institute for Nonviolence Chicago Director Chris Patterson addresses the recent gun violence in the city ahead of the 4th of July weekend
July 03, 2020 02:42Chris Patterson, Senior Director of Programs & Policy at the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago, speaks with Ji about their collaborative community-based approach, their programs, and how they support those in crisis and with other key members of the community to defuse and deescalate conflicts. The mission of the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago is to replace […]
Fireworks safety tips: What you need to know ahead of the 4th of July weekend
July 03, 2020 02:37Retired Fire Chief Mike Figolah from the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance joins Ji to discuss what you need to know about safety tips and laws for fireworks in Illinois.
Local cookbook author and food magazine editor shares her thoughts on the closing of iconic restaurant Blackbird
July 02, 2020 03:21Cookbook author and editor of award-winning food magazine Plate, Chandra Ram, shares her memories of iconic Chicago restaurant Blackbird. The award-winning restaurant and culinary industry favorite announced this week it was closing after 23 years as a West Loop neighborhood landmark. Ram is a member of the Les Dames d’Escoffier and the James Beard Foundation Award […]
Former Chicago Bear Israel Idonije explains why he thinks that Mayor Lightfoot and Gov. Pritzker should reconsider Phase 4 guidelines for reopening local fitness studios
July 02, 2020 03:05Israel Idonije, former Chicago Bear, entrepreneur, and owner of RSTR gym, joins Ji to talk about his work with The Chicago Boutique Fitness Alliance and why they are asking the Mayor and Governor to expand Phase 4 guidelines to allow 75% occupancy with a minimum of 3 feet or closer between each person when a […]
Ready for a carpool concert? Storied Fitzgerald’s Nightclub in Berwyn plans drive-in show
July 01, 2020 03:35Fitzgerald’s Owner Will Duncan is planning pop-up music with a setup similar to drive-in movie theaters. Concert guests say in their cars and listen to live music via amplifiers and FM transmission. Showcasing a creative and innovative way to continue live music concerts is necessary to create revenue for an industry known for audiences that […]
Carlos Nelson on the INVEST South/West program and the healthy lifestyle hub slated for the Auburn Gresham neighborhood: ‘It inches us closer to the finish line’
July 01, 2020 03:17The City of Chicago is investing $11 million in healthcare on the city’s west and south sides as part of the city’s much-promoted INVEST South/West program. Carlos Nelson, CEO of Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation, joins Ji to describe what the $4 million “Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub” project will look like and how it […]
WTTW reporter Heather Cherone on the city releasing the bodycam video of former CPD Supt. Eddie Johnson: ‘Why wasn’t there a sobriety test performed?’
June 30, 2020 03:42Heather Cherone, political reporter for WTTW News, joins Ji to discuss her latest story surrounding the 371 complaints filed against CPD officers for their response to protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. They also discuss the body camera footage released by the city from the night former police Superintendent Eddie Johnson was found asleep at the […]
Bottle and Branch heats up as COVID-19 outbreak seems to cool down within the city
June 30, 2020 03:33Bottle & Branch creates unique floral arrangements in a range of styles for commercial and residential clients, including many of Chicago’s top restaurants, as well as by request for private events and weddings. Heather Shouse, the owner of Bottle & Branch, joins Ji to talk about how her business was affected during the COVID-19 outbreak and […]
Astrologer Anne gives personalized live readings
June 27, 2020 03:15Ji is joined by Astrologer Anne for a full hour to go over the latest astrology forecast, what it means to experience Mercury Retrograde, and more.
Artists throughout Chicago are providing hope to communities through murals
June 27, 2020 02:51Ji Suk Yi speaks with Owner of Vault Gallerie and Curator of The Mural Movement, Delilah, about her efforts to bring hope to various communities throughout Chicago. Delilah has been making arrangements during the duration of quarantine to have artists create murals on store fronts that have been boarded up, in hopes of bringing optimism […]
Nader Issa of Chicago Sun Times provides details into his latest story surrounding charges brought against an ex-CPS principal
June 27, 2020 02:50Ji Suk Yi speaks with Nader Issa of the Chicago Sun Times about the latest news surrounding Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Nader shares details from his latest story involving an ex-CPS principal that has been charged with injuring a school lunchroom employee; and also touches on the on-going notion to end the Chicago Police Department’s […]
The journey for bars to fully reopen begins
June 27, 2020 02:49Ji Suk Yi speaks with AJ, Bar Manager of Scarlet Bar in Boystown, about the procedures and precautions they’re taking entering this new re-opening phase. AJ shares the nervousness the staff members are feeling, the anticipation to get back to work, and more.
Black bear traveling through Illinois creating a sensation; Experts say to leave him alone for the sake of man and bear
June 26, 2020 03:54Stefanie Fitzsimons, district wildlife biologist with Illinois Department of Natural Resources joined Ji to discuss the spotted black bear seen crossing into western Illinois from Wisconsin on June 10. IDNR has asked people to leave the bear alone as it has been closely monitoring its movements. Black bears are the continent’s smallest of the species, […]
Local news producer turned screenwriter shares how she found success in Hollywood
June 26, 2020 03:39After 20 years in the news business, Sylvia L. Jones, turned in her press badge to try and make it in Hollywood. The Chicagoan found success after just four years and has continued her rapid ascension in the writers room. She now splits her time between Los Angeles and Chicago and has multiple credits to […]
Pandemic summer skincare tips; how to treat sunburn, dark spots and razor burn
June 25, 2020 03:21Dr. Emily Keimig, a dermatologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Chief of the Division of Medical Dermatology and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at NUFSM, joins Ji to share her top tips on how to get a healthy glow this summer and what to look for when stocking up on sunscreen.
CPS board votes to continue contract with CPD for now, but what’s next?
June 25, 2020 01:32The Chicago Board of Education has voted 4-3 in favor of rejecting a proposal that would have ended its $33 million contact with the Chicago Police Department on Wednesday. Yana Kunichoff, reporter for Chalkbeat Chicago, joins Ji to discuss the latest news on the story.
Planning a micro-wedding? A south suburban wedding venue may have an opening for your special day
June 24, 2020 04:20Small businesses are at the heart of a wedding industry hit hard by coronavirus. One local wedding venue, Farmington Lake, has unexpected openings available for petite or micro weddings (50 people and less) as Illinois moves into Phase 4 of reopening. Owner Melanie Lauffer shared that wedding postponements and rescheduling in 2021, has left the […]
Chicago Botanic Garden continues its gradual reopening to pre-registered visitors on timed entries
June 24, 2020 04:07Vice President of Visitor Programs and Business Development Harriet Resnick shares what you need to know as the Chicago Botanic Garden continues its gradual reopening. The Garden encompasses 385-acre grounds, opening June 24 to pre-registered visitors, having successfully tested a ticketed perimeter walk that kicked off earlier this month.
From iconic institutions to small store-fronts, Chicago’s commercial and nonprofit theaters face an uncertain future
June 24, 2020 03:47Deb Clapp, Executive Director of the League of Chicago Theatres, discusses the plight of over 250 theaters in Chicagoland. Without easy access to federal aid and no box office income, the theater community is experiencing a wake-up call to mobilize efforts to save an industry hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
Volunteers organize grocery delivery for over 650 seniors in need
June 23, 2020 03:48Natia Simone created Village Minds to provide fresh produce and non-perishable foods to hundreds of South Side seniors after she witnessed the devastation from this month’s looting in her neighborhood. She joined the show to talk about how got the idea to start the organization on Facebook and how they’ve successfully donated to over 650 seniors […]
Pilsen-based The Resurrection Project gives cash grants to families left out of the federal stimulus fund
June 23, 2020 03:27The Chicago Resiliency Fund is a cash assistance program to support Chicago residents who were excluded from federal stimulus aid in response to COVID-19. Eréndira Rendón, vice president of Immigrant Defense and Advocacy at the Resurrection Project, joins Ji to talk about their mission, the eligibility requirements for the fund, and how individuals can apply. For more […]
Raising awareness for Alzheimer’s on The Longest Day
June 20, 2020 03:47Olivia Tuck, Longest Day Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, joins Ji to discuss the mission behind The Longest Day and the different activities people can do/participate in this year while also social distancing.
‘Shall We Wine’ is a free virtual cocktail hour where guests mingle with top food and beverage industry professionals
June 19, 2020 04:00Regine T. Rousseau, Founder & CEO of Shall We Wine, joins Ji to talk about how she got into the wine industry, how her company has pivoted since the COVID-19 outbreak, her passion for poetry, building an online community, and her latest collaboration with the Ask Chefs Anything initiative.
Rob Kenny on his viral YouTube channel, ‘Dad, How Do I?’
June 19, 2020 03:40A local Chicago dad has gone viral with his YouTube channel that teaches basic life skills like how to unclog a drain, tie a tie, and how to fix a toilet. Rob Kenny’s ‘Dad, How Do I?’ YouTube page has racked up over 2 million subscribers in just a couple of months. He joins Ji […]
The best Father’s Day gift ideas for every budget
June 18, 2020 04:03Looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift? Lindsay Myers is a budget travel and lifestyle expert whose outside-the-box approach proves you don’t have to pay top dollar to experience all that life has to offer. She joins Ji to share the best budget-friendly Father’s Day gifts for every type of dad on your list. Follow @GetLostWithLindsay and visit GetLostWithLindsay.com to learn more.
New York Times bestselling author Jemar Tisby on how the ‘context of compromise’ creates complicity in American churches
June 18, 2020 03:39Jemar Tisby, author of “The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism,” speaks with Ji about his latest book that tells the story of how Christians have reinforced theories of racial superiority and inferiority—and motivates readers to take bold action to ensure a future of equity and justice. Catch Jemar […]
How Mezcla Media Collective continues to uplift women and non-binary filmmakers of color during COVID-19
June 17, 2020 03:43Elena Valentine is the Co-Founder of Mezcla Media Collective, an organization that lifts up over 500 women and non-binary filmmakers of color in Chicago by building community, increasing skill capacity, and advancing careers. She joins Ji to tell us more about the their mission and activism within the community. To support Mezcla Media Collective COVID-19 […]
Commissioner Brandon Johnson, former CPS teacher, weighs in on police in schools
June 17, 2020 03:12First District Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson joins Ji to get his thoughts on police reform, how Cook County’s jail system is managing COVID-19, the push to remove police officers from inside Chicago Public Schools and more.
Legacy Project Co-Founder on historic LGBTQ employment discrimination ruling: ‘This is extraordinary good news’
June 16, 2020 03:32In a historic decision, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday ruled that employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is prohibited under federal civil rights law. Victor Salvo, Co-Founder & Executive Director of The Legacy Project, speaks with Ji about today’s ruling and the importance of embracing equality and diversity in […]
Travel expert Peter Greenberg on why right now is the best time to plan your post-pandemic trip
June 13, 2020 03:03Are you traveling soon? Chances are your own travel plans may be on pause due to COVID-19. “Eye on Travel” Host and Travel Expert Peter Greenberg joins Ji to talk about how to plan your first post-pandemic vacation and he takes your phone calls.
Jeremy Joyce on his Black-Owned Restaurants Relief Fund
June 12, 2020 03:59Jeremy Joyce created Black People Eats to promote and celebrate black-owned restaurants. He joins Ji tonight to discuss how he launched the online database in 2017, his Black-Owned Restaurants Relief Fund to help support restaurants that were impacted by unrest in Chicago, his future plans for the website, and much more. To donate to the Black-Owned […]
An inside look into Urban Growers Collective
June 11, 2020 04:06Urban Growers Collective is a community organization rooted in growing food. They cultivate several nourishing environments that support health, economic development, and healing. The collective provides job training and community engagement from pre-school age to teens and it is facilitated on farms across 11 acres in various Chicago neighborhoods. Soon, they launch a mobile farmers […]
Dr. Jonathan Maks explains what we should know about asymptomatic carriers of coronavirus and takes your phone calls
June 11, 2020 03:38AMITA Health Internal Medicine Dr. Jonathan Maks joins Ji to discuss the confusion from a recent statement by the World Health Organization about the asymptomatic spread of COVID-19. Dr. Maks also explained the difference between asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic virus carriers and then takes your calls.
Dr. Jonathan Maks explains what should we know about asymptomatic carriers of coronavirus and takes your phone calls
June 11, 2020 03:38AMITA Health Internal Medicine Dr. Jonathan Maks joins Ji to discuss the confusion from a recent statement by the World Health Organization about the asymptomatic spread of COVID-19. Dr. Maks also explained the difference between asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic virus carriers and then takes your calls.
Hazel Crest Police Chief Mitchell R. Davis III weighs in on police reform following George Floyd’s death
June 10, 2020 04:09Chief Mitchell R. Davis III is the Chief of Police for the Hazel Crest Police Department. He joined Ji to talk about police reform, defunding the police, racial injustice, and the George Floyd protests. Chief Davis reflected on the past two weeks and what needs to happen in order to enact real change.
How the coronavirus pandemic has impacted the fireworks industry
June 10, 2020 03:43The fireworks industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. With 4th of July fireworks shows canceled across the country, many fireworks companies are seeing a 75 to 90 percent decrease in business. Greg Kaplan, owner of Krazy Kaplans Fireworks, joins Ji to discuss how the virus has impacted his business and the fireworks industry across […]
Exploring the concept of ‘Defund the Police’ as cities look at law enforcement reform, policy changes, and reallocation of budget funding
June 09, 2020 04:11Ji speaks with national and breaking news reporter for the Washington Post Derek Hawkins, and keynote speaker, consultant, author, and retired FBI Special Agent in Charge, Michael Tabman, to discuss the demand for police reform as cities across the nation take their stances on defunding agencies.
Libertyville author Gail Lukasik reflects on her mother’s struggles of being biracial passing as white in her book “White Like Her: My Family’s Story of Race and Racial Passing”
June 09, 2020 03:42Award-winning author and Libertyville native Gail Lukasik speaks with Ji about her critically acclaimed book: White Like Her: My Family’s Story of Race and Racial Passing. The book recounts the story of her mother’s “passing” for white, her struggle with the shame of mother’s choice, and her subsequent journey of self-discovery and redemption. FGW Productions […]
Libertyville author Gail Lukasik opens up about her mother’s struggles of being biracial passing as white in her book “White Like Her: My Family’s Story of Race and Racial Passing”
June 09, 2020 03:42Award-winning author and Libertyville native Gail Lukasik speaks with Ji about her critically acclaimed book: White Like Her: My Family’s Story of Race and Racial Passing. The book recounts the story of her mother’s “passing” for white, her struggle with the shame of mother’s choice, and her subsequent journey of self-discovery and redemption. FGW Productions […]
Is your mask irritating your skin? We’ve got a dermatologist to answer all of your acne questions
June 06, 2020 03:19Dr. Emily Keimig is a dermatologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. She is also the Chief of the Division of Medical Dermatology and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at NUFSM. She joins Ji to talk about the best ways to prevent and treat “maskne” and how to stay safe and cool behind your face coverings in the […]