John Williams artwork

John Williams

4,691 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★ - 154 ratings

The John Williams Podcast from 720 WGN

News john williams wgn radio chicago
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Lake County Sheriff | ‘Those type of weapons are not needed in our society’

July 11, 2022 19:28

Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg joins Anna Davlantes, in for John Williams, to share his experience at the Highland Park 4th of July parade and share his thoughts on banning assault weapons.

Sports marketing expert Marc Ganis is highly confident the Bears will be playing games in Arlington Heights

July 08, 2022 20:47

Chicago sports marketing expert Marc Ganis joins John Williams to talk about the likelihood the Chicago Bears stay in their current location on Chicago’s lakefront. Are the Bears going be playing in Arlington Heights in a few years?

Health equity and the Northwestern Medicine transplant program

July 08, 2022 00:51

Dr. Dinee Simpson, transplant surgeon and founding director of the Northwestern Medicine African American Transplant Access Program, joins John Williams to talk about why she created the program, the type of services the program provides, and the importance of educating the public on how we can prevent disease.

A new Northwestern Medicine location is opening in Bronzeville

July 08, 2022 00:29

Set to open in 2025, the center will bring health care to marginalized communities.

The Northwestern Medicine Scholars Program is providing early access to health care education to Black and brown students

July 08, 2022 00:05

Terrell Burgess, Principal of George Westinghouse College Prep, joins Dr. Clyde Yancy to tell John Williams about the Northwestern Medicine Scholars Program and the importance of getting young students interested in becoming healthcare professionals. Northwestern Scholars are students at George Westinghouse College Prep who are mentored at Northwestern Medicine to learn about contributing to the […]

What are social determinants of health?

July 07, 2022 23:43

Dr. Clyde Yancy, Chief of Cardiology and Associate Medical director of the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Medicine, joins John Williams to discusses diversity and inclusion efforts at Northwestern Medicine. Dr. Clyde Yancy explains that the “new generation” of Northwestern Medicine is focused on ensuring access to high quality and culturally sensitive care for Chicago […]

Pastor Corey Brooks announces Ken Griffin’s donation to Project Hood

July 07, 2022 23:15

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 announce that Ken Griffin, Founder and CEO of Citadel, has donated $5 million to Project Hood in an effort to build a new community center in Woodlawn. Project HOOD seeks to help […]

State Sen. Julie Morrison: ‘We are going to mourn and then we are going to take action’

July 07, 2022 23:08

Hear why the Highland Park shooter was able to obtain a gun despite the red flag law.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXCVII, 7.7.22

July 07, 2022 19:28

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!

The Mincing Rascals 7.6.22: Highland Park mass shooting, gun control, and red flag laws

July 06, 2022 23:18

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn of The Picayune Sentinel and The Daily Herald, and Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute. The Rascals discuss the mass shooting in Highland Park. The red flags were there, but why wasn’t more done to prevent the shooter from obtaining guns? Gov. J.B. Pritzker is mandating grocers […]

Should parents be held responsible for children’s crimes?

July 06, 2022 22:06

Katherine Schweit, Former Head of the FBI Active Shooter Program and author of “Stop the Killing:How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis,” joins John Williams to talk about the mass shooting in Highland Park and what needs to be done if we are ever going to end the mass shooting epidemic in the United States.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXCVI, 7.6.22

July 06, 2022 21:02

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!

Retired Aurora police chief Kristen Ziman on the Highland Park mass shooting: ‘We are tripping over red flags and this is no different’

July 05, 2022 22:25

Kristen Ziman, former Chief of the Aurora Police Department and author of “Reimagining Blue: Thoughts on Life, Leadership, and a New Way Forward in Policing,” joins John Williams to share her thoughts and expertise about the mass shooting at the Highland Park 4th of July Parade.

Find your perfect bat at Homewood Bat

July 05, 2022 22:09

Todd Pals, President of Homewood Bat, joins guest host Anna Davlantes to talk about the business, how they make their bats, the type of wood they use for the products, the custom bats they make, how they serve youth players all the way up to Major League ballplayers, how much the bats cost, and how […]

How McDonald’s in Homewood supports the community

July 05, 2022 21:30

Christine Lott, McDonald’s Homewood Owner Operator, joins guest host Anna Davlantes to talk about how long they’ve been in Homewood, the numerous ways they have been able to support the community, and how they help with the local 4th of July parades. Christine also tells Anna what she knows about the highly coveted ‘secret menu […]

Rep. Brad Schneider: ‘There are things we can do to reduce gun violence and keep our communities safer’

July 05, 2022 21:14

U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider joins John Williams to talk about the mass shooting at the Highland Park 4th of July Parade. Rep. Schneider lives in Highland Park and was to take part in the parade before the tragedy occurred.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXCV, 7.5.22

July 05, 2022 19:59

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!

Jon Hansen welcomes NewsNation’s Mitch Carr to Chicago

July 01, 2022 20:31

Mitch Carr, new anchor of ‘Early Morning‘ on NewsNation, joins Jon Hansen to talk about his new show and role at NewsNation. And they discuss how Mitch likes Chicago and the news of the day.

Explore Minnesota this summer!

July 01, 2022 20:30

Lauren Bennett McGinty, state tourism director, Explore Minnesota, joined Jon Hansen to talk about why you should visit Minnesota for a summer getaway! For more information visit exploreminnesota.com

Fuel Your Pride with nutrition expert Dawn Jackson Blatner: Have some fun with your fruit

June 30, 2022 19:39

Author and food and nutrition expert Dawn Jackson Blatner joins guest host Anna Davlantes to give us some helpful tips on how you can add more fruits and vegetables to your snacks and desserts to make them fun!

Best of the Midwest: Visit Lake Geneva!

June 30, 2022 19:36

Looking to take a quick getaway from the Chicago this summer? Well, John Williams has you covered with our “Best of the Midwest” feature. Today, guest host Anna Davlantes chats with Stephanie Klett, President and CEO, Visit Lake Geneva, to tell us about all the great things to do in Lake Geneva (aka The Hamptons […]

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXCIV, 6.30.22

June 30, 2022 15:33

Please enjoy this ‘Best Of’ Speed Jokes from April, 2022. Keep sending your speed jokes to [email protected]!

Attorney Kerry Peck: How to avoid potential landmines when managing your elderly parents’ finances

June 29, 2022 23:19

Elder law attorney Kerry Peck joins Jon Hansen to talk about regularly hearing from clients who are concerned about their elderly parents and if they have the mental capacity to pay bills and do their banking. And as always, Kerry answers all of your elder law questions.

The Mincing Rascals 6.29.22: Bailey wins big, Jan. 6 hearings, and Roe v. Wade

June 29, 2022 22:16

The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio, Block Club Chicago and WCIU, Eric Zorn of The Picayune Sentinel and The Daily Herald, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute, Heather Cherone, political reporter for WTTW, and Brandon Pope, host of ‘On the Block‘ on WCIU. This week, the Rascals talk about the results of last night’s Illinois primary […]

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXCIII, 6.29.22

June 29, 2022 21:01

Please enjoy this ‘Best Of’ Speed Jokes from April, 2022. Keep sending your speed jokes to [email protected]!

Dr. Michael Bauer on COVID vaccines for kids: ‘The benefit far outweighs any potential risk’

June 28, 2022 20:38

Dr. Michael Bauer, Medical Director at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins Jon Hansen to talk about where we are with booster shots, if we will see a combination flu / COVID vaccine, what COVID might look like in the fall, and what we know about COVID vaccines for children under 5.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXCII, 6.28.22

June 28, 2022 19:35

Please enjoy this ‘Best Of’ Speed Jokes from April, 2022. Keep sending your speed jokes to [email protected]!

Rep. Marie Newman: ‘I’m disturbed that this court is clearly communicating that it is okay to be biased’

June 27, 2022 22:48

U.S. Congresswoman Marie Newman joins guest host Ilyce Glink to talk about the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and two other recent decisions about gun rights and school prayer.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXCI, 6.27.22

June 27, 2022 20:23

Please enjoy this ‘Best Of’ Speed Jokes from April, 2022. Keep sending your speed jokes to [email protected]!

Rep. Jan Schakowsky: ‘This court has clearly gone away from the interest of the vast majority of Americans’

June 24, 2022 20:33

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-9) joins guest host Jon Hansen to talk about the decision by the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Fuel Your Pride with nutrition expert Dawn Jackson Blatner: How to use up the produce in your fridge before it goes bad

June 23, 2022 20:10

Author and food and nutrition expert Dawn Jackson Blatner joins guest host Rick Kogan to give us some helpful tips on how you can add some more fruits and vegetables to your dinner. Dawn also tells us the best ways to use up the produce in your fridge before it goes bad.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXC, 6.23.22

June 23, 2022 19:39

Please enjoy this ‘Best Of’ Speed Jokes from April, 2022. Keep sending your speed jokes to [email protected]!

How vacant properties are falling victim to squatters

June 23, 2022 00:09

Mo Dadkhah, Broker/Owner at Main Street Real Estate and Owner/Attorney at Dadkhah Law Group, joins John Williams to talk about how vacant properties are falling victim to squatters and why the police are having a difficult time doing anything about it.

The Mincing Rascals 6.22.22: Speed cameras, Jan. 6, and Jones College Prep controversy

June 22, 2022 23:49

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn of The Picayune Sentinel and The Daily Herald, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute, and Laura Washington from the Chicago Tribune. This week, the Rascals mince about the Chicago City Council delaying the vote on a higher threshold for speed cameras and the hijinks that went […]

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCLXXXIX, 6.22.22

June 22, 2022 21:06

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!

How much should you spend on a wedding gift?

June 21, 2022 22:18

Elizabeth Spiers, Pay Dirt columnist for Slate, joins John Williams to talk about her advice on how much is appropriate to spend on a wedding gift. John also takes your calls and gets input from Lisa Dent, Steve Bertrand, Mary Van De Velde and Kevin Powell.

Retired Aurora police chief Kristen Ziman is not in favor of ‘no chase’ policies

June 21, 2022 21:48

Kristen Ziman, former Chief of the Aurora Police Department, joins John Williams to talk about when she decided that writing a book might be in her future, why she decided to retire from the Aurora Police Department, the experience being on duty during a mass shooting, the importance of training officers to handle a mass shooting, her […]

Dr. Tiffany Wen: ‘The data for the vaccine actually looks very favorable for the younger population’

June 21, 2022 21:13

Dr. Tiffany Wen, family medicine physician in Northwestern Medicine’s Geneva office and on staff at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, joins John Williams to tell us what we should know about COVID-19 vaccines for kids under 5.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCLXXXVIII, 6.21.22

June 21, 2022 19:51

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!

Eric Zorn: Why did Jones College Prep censor a ‘Build the Wall!’ yearbook quote?

June 20, 2022 22:36

Eric Zorn of The Picayune Sentinel and The Daily Herald joins John Williams to talk about Liz Cheney’s chances to keep her seat in Congress, the race for Illinois governor, and Jones College Prep officials blacking out a yearbook quote that said, “Build The Wall! Yes We Can! — Bob The Builder.”

CDOT Commissioner Gia Biagi: ‘Speed cameras have been an effective tool for lowering speeds and even preventing fatalities’

June 20, 2022 22:12

Gia Biagi, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Transportation, joins John Williams to talk about about traffic safety in Chicago and the role Chicago’s speed cameras play in creating safer streets.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCLXXXVII, 6.20.22

June 20, 2022 19:40

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!

What is ranked-choice voting and should it be used in Illinois?

June 17, 2022 20:07

Jeanne Massey, Executive Director, FairVote MN, joins John Williams to talk about the popularity of ranked-choice voting. Jeanne talks about what ranked-choice voting is, how it works, and why it gives voters more choice and more power.

Ald. Anthony Beale: Speed cameras are strategically placed to generate the maximum amount of revenue for the City of Chicago

June 17, 2022 20:02

9th Ward Ald. Anthony Beale joins John Williams to talk about why he wants to raise the speed camera threshold from 6 to 9 miles an hour over the speed limit and why a vote on the issue was stalled in yesterday’s finance committee meeting.

Ald. Anthony Beale: Speed cameras are strategically placed to generate the maximum amount of revenue for the city of Chicago

June 17, 2022 20:02

9th Ward Ald. Anthony Beale joins John Williams to talk about why he wants to raise the speed camera threshold from 6-9 miles an hour over the speed limit and why a vote on the issue was stalled in yesterday’s finance committee meeting.

Professor Joel Ostrow: ‘January 6 was a practice run’

June 16, 2022 21:30

Dr. Joel Ostrow, professor, comparative and international politics, Benedictine University, joins guest host Jon Hansen to talk about the January 6 hearings and the danger to our democracy because of the extreme radicalization of the Republican party.

Fuel Your Pride with nutrition expert Dawn Jackson Blatner: Tips to add fruits and vegetables to your lunch

June 16, 2022 21:18

Author and food and nutrition expert Dawn Jackson Blatner joins guest host Jon Hansen to give us some helpful tips on how you can add some more fruits and vegetables to your lunch.

Best of the Midwest: Visit Chicago’s Northwest suburbs!

June 16, 2022 21:02

Looking to take a quick getaway from the Chicago this summer? Well, John Williams has you covered with our “Best of the Midwest” feature. Today, Heather Larson, President of Meet Chicago Northwest, joins guest host Jon Hansen to tell us about all the wonderful things to do in Chicago Northwest (the official tourism office for […]

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCLXXXVI, 6.16.22

June 16, 2022 20:14

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!

The Mincing Rascals 6.15.22: Race for governor, Jan. 6, and Caterpillar leaving Illinois

June 15, 2022 23:11

The Mincing Rascals are John Williams of WGN Radio, Heather Cherone, political reporter for WTTW, and Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute. Today, John, Heather and Austin talk about the GOP race for governor and the latest polling showing State Senator Darren Bailey with a commanding lead over Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin, the arguments made for ranked-choice voting, the latest on […]

Guests

Eric Zorn
4 Episodes
Mike Quigley
4 Episodes
Kristen Ziman
3 Episodes
Neil Steinberg
3 Episodes
Steve Bertrand
3 Episodes
Lou Manfredini
2 Episodes
Jeanne Gang
1 Episode
Rick Kogan
1 Episode

Twitter Mentions

@ericzorn 191 Episodes
@a_r_berg 76 Episodes
@bpopetv 45 Episodes
@djblatner 42 Episodes
@jonhansentalks 39 Episodes
@congressmanraja 28 Episodes
@heathercherone 27 Episodes
@spshoot 15 Episodes
@loumanfredini 11 Episodes
@petersgreenberg 11 Episodes
@neilsteinberg 11 Episodes
@marjhalperin 10 Episodes
@repmikequigley 8 Episodes
@coreybbrooks 8 Episodes
@markjacob16 7 Episodes
@markguarino 7 Episodes
@phillipstribune 6 Episodes
@byldonovan 6 Episodes
@ziman_kristen 5 Episodes
@annadavlantes 5 Episodes