John Williams
4,691 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago - ★★★★ - 154 ratingsThe John Williams Podcast from 720 WGN
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Episodes
Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: What to know about rebound COVID cases
August 02, 2022 20:52Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about President Biden continuing to test positive for COVID and if there is a connection between COVID-related loss of smell and cognitive impairment.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CDX, 8.2.22
August 02, 2022 19:30John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Jeremy Allen White on how ‘The Bear’ gets restaurant work right
August 01, 2022 21:16'I look at every business and restaurant as a miracle now,' the actor says.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CDIX, 8.1.22
August 01, 2022 19:45John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
How ‘dynamic pricing’ is impacting the concert industry
July 29, 2022 21:03Dean Budnick, Editor-in-Chief, Relix, and author of 2012’s “Ticket Masters: The Rise of the Concert Industry and How the Public Got Scalped,” joins John Williams to talk about the recent controversy surrounding the price of Bruce Springsteen concert tickets. Dean’s new book, “The Music Never Stops: What Putting on 10,000 Shows has taught me about […]
How NIL deals are changing college sports
July 29, 2022 20:29Kamron Cox, INFLUENCE program (NIL) coordinator, University of Illinois, joins John Williams to talk about the impact that NIL is making on college athletics and how they are handling the NIL program at U of I.
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi: ‘We are basically having weapons of war becoming accessible to average civilians’
July 28, 2022 23:04U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi joins John Williams to talk about yesterday’s Committee on Oversight and Reform hearing in which the congressman questioned gun manufacturers about their ads on social media.
Professor Joel Ostrow: Will Putin accept a deal to get Brittney Griner home?
July 28, 2022 22:48Dr. Joel Ostrow, professor, comparative and international politics, Benedictine University, joins John Williams to talk about the the Biden administration offering a deal to Russia aimed at bringing home WNBA star Brittney Griner.
Your Hometown: Get lost in the arts at Riverside Arts Center
July 28, 2022 22:18Liz Chilsen, Executive Director, Riverside Arts Center, joins John Williams to talk about what it’s like running an arts center in Riverside, the two contemporary art galleries at the arts center, how they also host exhibitions from local artists, their outdoor sculpture garden, internationally acclaimed mural artist Collin van der Sluijs painting a new mural […]
Your Hometown: Fun with burgers at Burger Antics in Brookfield
July 28, 2022 21:52Daniel Velcich, Owner / General Manager, and Brenna Velcich, Owner / Executive Chef, join John Williams to talk about their restaurant, Burger Antics in Brookfield. Daniel and Brenna chat about the vibe at the restaurant, what you will find on the menu at Burger Antics, the type of burgers they serve, their craft beer selection […]
Record-breaking magician Martin Rees visits John Williams
July 28, 2022 21:32Magician Martin Rees, a five-time Guinness world record holder, visits John Williams to talk about magic and baffle John with a card trick. Rees is in town supporting this year’s Largest Dog Wedding Ceremony, Sunday, October 2nd at Northwestern Medicine Field. For more information, visit https://www.largestdogwedding.com/.
Best of the Midwest: Visit Whiskey Acres Distilling Company
July 28, 2022 21:07Looking to take a quick getaway from the Chicago this summer? Well, John Williams has you covered with our “Best of the Midwest” feature. Today, John chats with Nick Nagele, co-founder and COO of Whiskey Acres Distilling Company! Nick talks about how business has been, how long they have been making whiskey, the type of […]
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CDVIII, 7.28.22
July 28, 2022 19:36John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
All of your lawn and garden questions answered
July 28, 2022 00:27Bob 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.
The Mincing Rascals 7.27.22: Darren Bailey on Jan. 6, Soldier Field plans, and no mask mandate for CPS
July 27, 2022 23:41The Mincing Rascals are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn of The Picayune Sentinel and The Daily Herald, Heather Cherone of WTTW, and Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute. This week, the Rascals discuss State Sen. Darren Bailey refusing to answer questions about Congressman Adam Kinzinger and the Jan. 6th Commission. Is Bailey trying to distance himself from Donald Trump ahead […]
Take a cruise on the Great Lakes this summer!
July 27, 2022 22:43Isis Ruiz, Chief Commercial Officer, American Queen Voyages, joins John Williams to talk about how long the company has been in business, the types of cruises they offer, how they specialize in cruising North America, the unique river cruises, their ships that have access to Lake Michigan and Navy Pier, how much their lake excursions […]
Elder law attorney Kerry Peck: ‘Cognitive impairment in older adults often leads to financial exploitation’
July 27, 2022 22:21Elder law attorney Kerry Peck joins John Williams to tell us about what you need to know about “grandparent scams,” how you can prevent yourself from becoming a victim, and the Illinois Department of Aging’s Community Care Program. And, as always, Kerry answers all of your elder law questions.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CDVII, 7.27.22
July 27, 2022 21:06John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: When should you get a second COVID vaccine booster shot?
July 26, 2022 22:03Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about the spread of monkeypox and what we should know, the percentage of the U.S. population that likely has been infected with COVID, and when we might see the next booster be available for those under 50.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CDVI, 7.26.22
July 26, 2022 20:50John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CDV, 7.25.22
July 25, 2022 19:57John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Best of the Midwest: Visit Shipshewana and LaGrange County, Indiana!
July 21, 2022 21:57Looking to take a quick getaway from the Chicago this summer? Well, John Williams has you covered with our “Best of the Midwest” feature. Today, John chats with Phyllis Youga, Executive Director, LaGrange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, about all the fun things to do in Shipshewana / LaGrange County in Indiana!
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CDIV, 7.21.22
July 21, 2022 19:46John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
The Mincing Rascals 7.20.22: NASCAR in Chicago, speed cameras, and Jan. 6
July 20, 2022 23:33The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, longtime freelance journalist Mark Guarino of the Washington Post and Good Morning America, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute, and Laura Washington from the Chicago Tribune and ABC7. This week, the Rascals talk about the race for Illinois governor. Was it a mistake for Governor Pritzker to help […]
How Comcast is closing the digital divide in Chicago
July 20, 2022 22:42Dalila Wilson-Scott, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, Comcast Corporation & President, Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation, joins John Williams to discuss Comcast’s 10-year, $1 billion initiative to advance digital equity. Dalila explains what digital equity is, the importance being connected to the internet in a digital world, how we often take connectivity for granted, how […]
Don McLean pulls back the curtain on ‘American Pie’
July 20, 2022 22:24Singer-songwriter Don McLean joins John Williams to talk about the new Paramount+ documentary ‘The Day the Music Died: The Story of Don McLean’s “American Pie.” ’
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CDIII, 7.20.22
July 20, 2022 21:08John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Do speed cameras reduce traffic accidents?
July 19, 2022 22:27Austin Berg, Vice President of Marketing, Illinois Policy Institute, joins John to talk about the City Council voting tomorrow on the speed camera threshold. Mayor Lightfoot wants to keep the speed camera threshold at 6 mph over the speed limit, while others want to raise the threshold to 10 mph over the speed limit. But is […]
Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: ‘It’s a good thing that the governor is taking the anti-viral medicine’
July 19, 2022 20:31Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about Gov. Pritzker contracting COVID, the rise of the BA. 5 variant, how safe it is to travel, and when we might see people under 50 become eligible for a second booster shot.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CDII, 7.19.22
July 19, 2022 19:50John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CDI, 7.18.22
July 18, 2022 19:47John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Best of the Midwest: Visit Champaign County!
July 14, 2022 22:21Looking to take a quick getaway from the Chicago this summer? Well, John Williams has you covered with our “Best of the Midwest” feature. Today, John chats with Terri Reifsteck, Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement for Visit Champaign County about all the wonderful things happening in Champaign. Terri introduces us to the stargazing […]
Max Strus talks about his journey from DePaul to the Miami Heat
July 14, 2022 22:08Max Strus of the Miami Heat joins John Williams to talk about the run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, his rise from undrafted free agent from DePaul (via Lewis and Stagg H.S.) to his major contributions for the Heat, what it’s like playing against players he idolized as a kid, and his basketball […]
Alpha Wealth Group founder Tom Fortino: Will inflation go even higher?
July 14, 2022 20:55Tom Fortino, Founder and Principal, Alpha Wealth Group, joins John Williams to talk about the importance for people to control what they can and take advantage of the opportunities in the market. Does Tom think the Fed will be able to handle surging inflation? And what you should you do with your portfolio in this volatile […]
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CD, 7.14.22
July 14, 2022 19:39John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
From the archives: John Williams attends the 75th Anniversary re-creation of the Scopes ‘Monkey’ Trial
July 14, 2022 15:11In 1925, history was made in Dayton, Tennessee. Clarence Darrow faced off against William Jennings Bryan in the Scopes “Monkey” Trial, pitting the theories of evolution and creationism against each other. The case was the basis of the play and film Inherit the Wind. Besides the legal significance of the arguments and the outcome, there was […]
The Mincing Rascals 7.13.22: Uvalde school shooting video, rifle raffle, and Dan Lipinski returns
July 13, 2022 23:52The Mincing Rascals are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn of The Picayune Sentinel and The Daily Herald, Heather Cherone, political reporter for WTTW, and Jon Hansen of WGN Radio, Block Club Chicago and WCIU. Today, the Rascals open the show talking about NASA releasing new images from the James Webb Space Telescope. Science! We get an update on Alderman […]
An ‘angry’ Highland Park mom calls for a federal assault weapon ban
July 13, 2022 23:10Dr. Emily Lieberman, a survivor of the Highland Park mass shooting, joins John Williams from Washington, D.C. to discuss why she’s taking part in today’s rally calling for stricter gun control and a federal assault weapons ban.
Kendall County GOP Chairman: ‘We’re not backing down on our protection of the 2nd Amendment’
July 13, 2022 22:42James Marter, Chairman, Kendall County GOP, joins John Williams to talk about why they are moving ahead with a fundraiser that includes auctioning off a gun similar to the one used in the Highland Park mass shooting.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXCIX, 7.13.22
July 13, 2022 21:16John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Author A.J. Jacobs: ‘Puzzles bring people together’
July 12, 2022 21:53Best-selling author A.J. Jacobs joins John Williams to discuss his new book, “The Puzzler: One Man’s Quest to Solve the Most Baffling Puzzles Ever, from Crosswords to Jigsaws to the Meaning of Life.”
U.S. Attorney John Lausch: ‘What we need to be focused on is keeping people safe’
July 12, 2022 20:58John Lausch, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, joins John Williams to talk about federal efforts to combat violent crime in Chicago.
Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: Are boosters effective against new COVID variant?
July 12, 2022 20:22Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to tell us everything we need to know about the new BA.5 variant. Are boosters effective against this new variant? Is the new variant making us more vulnerable to the flu or other illnesses? [audio https://serve.castfire.com/s:northwestern_medicine_KEiLn/audio/3985006/3985006_2022-07-12-203006.128.mp3
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXCVIII, 7.12.22
July 12, 2022 19:32John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
VIDEO: Financial Insights – Is there a silver lining to this downturn for investors?
July 11, 2022 20:29Joe Nader is the Head of Calamos Investment’s Wealth Management. He joins Anna Davlantes, filling in for John Williams, to discuss whether or not there is a silver lining for investors and what opportunities are on the horizon for investors.
VIDEO: Financial Insights – Investing in tech stocks…is it worth it?
July 11, 2022 20:21Michael Grant is the Calamos Investments Co-Chief Investment Officer, Head of Long/Short Strategies, and Senior Co-Portfolio Manager. He joins Anna Davlantes, filling in for John Williams, to share observations on the Federal Reserve as a portfolio manager. Michael also talks about the tech sector of stocks and how to maximize earnings and cash flow, consumer […]
Financial Insights – Calamos’ Co-CIO shares advice for the first-time investor
July 11, 2022 20:10Matt Freund is a Senior Portfolio Manager and Co-Chief Investment Officer at Calamos Investments. He joins Anna Davlantes, filling in for John Williams, to give us a broad view on the economy. Matt also shares more insight on Fed policy, bond market/bond funds, gas prices, and shares some key advice for the first-time investor.
IL State Rep. shares weaknesses within gun laws
July 11, 2022 19:40Kathleen Willis, Illinois State Representative from the 77th District, joins Anna Davlantes in for John Williams to discuss the weaknesses within the gun laws and what are the next steps for Illinois when it comes to combating gun violence.
Why are the adoption shelters filling back up?
July 11, 2022 19:38Noted pet expert Steve Dale joins Anna to talk about all things pets. Listen in while Steve explains why adoption shelters are filling back up and no, it’s not because of the pandemic pets being “returned”. Steve also shares an eerie connection between animal cruelty and domestic violence and shootings in general.
Lake County State’s Attorney calls for a ban on assault weapons
July 11, 2022 19:29Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart joins Anna Davlantes, in for John Williams, to shed some light on where Highland Park and Lake County are in the healing process as a community. Listen in while Eric gives more information on where the investigation is in the process and Eric shares his thoughts on why there […]