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John Williams

4,633 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 10 hours ago - ★★★★ - 152 ratings

The John Williams Podcast from 720 WGN

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Episodes

Matt Walsh and Brad Morris talk about their upcoming movie, ‘Unplugging’

April 08, 2022 21:02

Matt Walsh (‘Veep’) and Brad Morris (‘A.P. Bio’) join John Williams to discuss their upcoming film (out April 22nd), ‘Unplugging.’ Matt and Brad talk about the plot of the movie, how it was making the movie during COVID, the evolution and our dependence on technology, and what it was like working with Eva Longoria.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi: ‘I think we have to escalate our armament shipments to the Ukrainians now’

April 07, 2022 20:22

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi joins John Williams to talk about the crisis in Ukraine, how the sanctions against Russia are working, and why we need to provide more armament shipments to Ukrainians.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXLVII, 4.7.22

April 07, 2022 19:24

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

The Mincing Rascals 4.6.22: Ald. Lopez running for mayor, Chicago casino bids, and statewide stimulus checks

April 06, 2022 23:39

The Mincing Rascals are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn of The Picayune Sentinel and The Daily Herald, veteran journalist and communications consultant Kristen McQueary, and the Dean of City Hall, legendary reporter Bill Cameron! Today, the Rascals mince about a variety of topics including Alderman Ray Lopez announcing a run for Chicago mayor, who might also toss […]

Spring garden tips from ‘The Lawn Ranger’

April 06, 2022 23:02

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 tell us what we need to do to make sure our lawn and gardens are ready for the growing season. And, as always, Bob answers all of your lawn and garden […]

‘Eye on Travel’ host Peter Greenberg: What are the current COVID travel restrictions?

April 06, 2022 22:38

Peter Greenberg, “Eye on Travel” host and CBS News travel editor, joins John Williams to talk about the latest COVID-19 travel restrictions, when we might see domestic flights drop mask requirements, which airlines are back to serving alcohol, and his trip on the new Silversea Silver Dawn luxury cruise ship.

Attorney Rae Kaplan: What you should know about the pause on student loan payments

April 06, 2022 22:13

Consumer rights attorney Rae Kaplan of Kaplan Law Firm joins John Williams to talk about the Biden administration announcing that it will extend the pause on student loan repayments until August 31st.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXLVI, 4.6.22

April 06, 2022 21:11

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

American humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson explores the legacy of Benjamin Franklin

April 05, 2022 22:04

Clay Jenkinson, American humanities scholar, author and educator (and familiar to WGN Radio listeners as Thomas Jefferson and Teddy Roosevelt), joins John Williams to discuss the new Ken Burns documentary, “Ben Franklin.” Clay talks about his work on the documentary, what we should know about Ben Franklin, why he was regarded as a second Newton, […]

Dr. Kopin: Should we be concerned about the new XE variant?

April 05, 2022 21:15

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about who should be getting another booster shot, if we should be concerned about the XE variant, and what people can do if they are still suffering from long-term COVID symptoms like lack of taste and smell.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXLV, 4.5.22

April 05, 2022 19:53

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

Catching up with a Ukrainian musician still living in Kyiv

April 04, 2022 22:01

Scott Bauer, CEO of Prosper Trading Academy, joins John Williams to give us an update on his friend in Ukraine, Serge Tiagnyriadno, from the hugely popular Chicago cover band, Leonid & Friends. Scott tells us how Serge is getting along, where the rest of his family is spending their days, and the heartbreaking destruction that is taking place.

Are speed cameras reducing traffic accidents?

April 04, 2022 21:43

Adam Schuster, vice president of policy for the Illinois Policy Institute, joins John Williams to talk about the results of a new investigation that shows that Chicago drivers were issued more speed camera tickets in 2021 than there are city residents.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXLIV, 4.4.22

April 04, 2022 20:26

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

Your Hometown: McDonald’s runs in the family for owner Laura Herrera

March 31, 2022 23:03

It’s Your Hometown day on WGN and today we take you to Libertyville! McDonald’s owner / operator Laura Herrera joins John Williams to talk about how long she’s been an operator, how her parents opened a McDonald’s in 1991 and she started working there in 1995 (becoming an operator in 2009), the challenges and rewards […]

Your Hometown: How the town of Libertyville influences the music of Ike Reilly

March 31, 2022 22:35

The tremendous musician and Libertyville native Ike Reilly joins John Williams to talk about working with his kids on his latest record, “Because the Angels,” where he comes up with the ideas for his songs, how the best-selling author Stephen King became a fan, their reputation as a great live band, what it was like […]

David Hochberg: How to combat rising mortgage rates

March 31, 2022 22:15

David Hochberg joins John Williams to talk about rising household debt, where we are seeing mortgage rates now, how interest rates are impacting your mortgage, and what you can do to get around rising mortgage rates. David hosts “Home Sweet Home Chicago” on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm on WGN Radio. You can call him […]

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXLIII, 3.31.22

March 31, 2022 19:36

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

Attorney Kerry Peck: How to ensure an elderly parent is capable of making important estate decisions

March 31, 2022 00:04

Elder law attorney Kerry Peck joins John Williams to talk about a law that limits the amount a senior citizen can gift to a caretaker, who is excluded from this law, and what you can do to make sure your elderly parent is capable of making important estate decisions. Kerry also answers all of your elder law […]

The Mincing Rascals 3.30.22: Oscars slap, Columbus statue, and Chicago’s new inspector general

March 30, 2022 23:31

The Mincing Rascals are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn of The Picayune Sentinel and The Daily Herald, Heather Cherone of WTTW. and Brandon Pope from WCIU. Today, The Rascals mince about Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars, Mayor Lightfoot saying the Columbus statue will return to Grant Park, the possibility that the Democratic Convention comes to Chicago in 2024, Mayor Lightfoot […]

Spring ahead with lawn and garden cleanup

March 30, 2022 22:22

A pro weighs in on getting your outdoor spaces ready for the growing season.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXLII, 3.30.22

March 30, 2022 21:13

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

Should Will Smith be prosecuted for slapping Chris Rock?

March 29, 2022 23:07

Award-winning veteran journalist Ashleigh Banfield, host of “Banfield” on NewsNation, joins John Williams to talk about Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars broadcast on Sunday. Ashleigh believes that what we witnessed was a crime.

How the 1963 Loyola Ramblers basketball team changed the game forever

March 29, 2022 22:18

'The Loyola Project' documentary chronicles the team that broke racial barriers.

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: Who should get a second booster shot?

March 29, 2022 21:36

Northwestern Medicine's Dr. Jeffrey Kopin answers this question and more.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXLI, 3.29.22

March 29, 2022 19:54

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

Eric Zorn: Betrayal of daughter illustrates the depths of Michael Madigan’s alleged corruption

March 28, 2022 23:02

Eric Zorn of The Picayune Sentinel and The Daily Herald joins John Williams to talk about some stories that are making news this week including the Elite 8 of his Tweet Madness Tournament and the great piece in the Chicago Tribune about former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan allegedly choosing his allies at ComEd over a piece of legislation […]

The Women’s ‘L’ Project wants to honor great women of Chicago’s past and present

March 28, 2022 22:29

None of the CTA stops are named for women. The Women's L Project has changed that.

Professor Joel Ostrow: ‘I still believe the administration has done an incredibly heroic job of unifying the response against Russia’s actions’

March 28, 2022 21:42

Dr. Joel Ostrow, professor, comparative and international politics, Benedictine University, joins John Williams to talk about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, if he’s optimistic about Russia’s shift in strategy and if it’s a turning point in the battle, President Biden saying Putin can’t remain in power, the job that the administration has done so far, and if the […]

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXL, 3.28.22

March 28, 2022 19:53

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

Which film is the favorite to win Best Picture?

March 25, 2022 20:52

Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips joins John Williams to preview the Oscar telecast this Sunday night. What movies does Michael like? Who is the favorite to win Best Picture? What surprises should we look for? Michael has all the answers.

Sweet 16 picks from betting analyst Sam Panayotovich

March 24, 2022 21:36

New England Sports Network betting analyst Sam Panayotovich joins John Williams to talk about who he thinks will advance in the NCAA Tournament.

Political science professor Dr. Joel Ostrow: ‘When you are isolated to a single set of information, your views can become warped’

March 24, 2022 21:26

Dr. Joel Ostrow, professor, comparative and international politics, Benedictine University, joins John Williams to talk about how much information the people in Russia are getting about the invasion of Ukraine, how the government controlled media in Russia is shaping how Russians are feeling about the war, and how difficult it will be for Russian citizens to […]

Political Science Professor Dr. Joel Ostrow: ‘When you are isolated to a single set of information, your views can become warped’

March 24, 2022 21:26

Dr. Joel Ostrow, Professor, comparative and international politics, Benedictine University, joins John Williams to talk about how much information the people in Russia are getting about the invasion of Ukraine, how the government controlled media in Russia is shaping how Russians are feeling about the war, and how difficult it will be for Russian citizens to […]

Happy Two-Year Anniversary to Speed Jokes!

March 24, 2022 19:42

Happy Two-Year Anniversary to Speed Jokes! On this special edition, John speaks with listener Marge Sipla, who has transcribed over 700 (and 45 pages worth) of her favorite Speed Jokes! Incredible. John also fondly recalls the work of the great Steve Alexander and Dave Eanet. And then we remember some of our favorite jokes over […]

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi: ‘This is an all-in fight for every person in Ukraine and we have to do everything we can to help them’

March 23, 2022 20:44

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi joins John Williams to talk about what the U.S. should be doing to better help Ukraine in its battle with Russia. Rep. Krishnamoorthi also tells John about President Biden signing into law the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act. The health care worker mental wellness bill was named in honor of […]

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXXXIX, 3.23.22

March 23, 2022 20:06

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

The Mincing Rascals 3.22.22: Chicago casino bids, SCOTUS confirmation hearing, and Willie Wilson’s gas giveaway

March 22, 2022 23:28

It’s a special Tuesday edition of the Rascals! The Mincing Rascals are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn of The Picayune Sentinel and The Daily Herald, Heather Cherone of WTTW, and Chicago Tribune editor and writer Lisa Donovan. Today, the Rascals discuss Eric’s suggestions for improving college basketball games, the bids for a Chicago casino being narrowed down from five to three, Willie Wilson giving away […]

‘Eye on Travel’ host Peter Greenberg: How high gas prices are impacting the airline industry

March 22, 2022 22:17

Peter Greenberg, “Eye on Travel” host and CBS News travel editor, joins John Williams to talk about American Airlines making the decision to end alcohol restrictions on April 18th, what we know about the Boeing jet that crashed in China, and how fuel prices are impacting the price of airfare.

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: ‘BA.2 variant is nothing to be fearful of’

March 22, 2022 22:06

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about the mask mandate for airlines being lifted in April, how concerned we should be about the new BA.2 variant, the importance of getting vaccinated, and what we know about the possibility of needing another booster shot. Dr. Kopin […]

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXXXVIII, 3.22.22

March 22, 2022 21:06

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

What do Russian citizens know about the invasion of Ukraine?

March 21, 2022 21:59

Dr. Joel Ostrow, Professor, comparative and international politics, Benedictine University, joins John Williams to talk about the message that Russian citizens are getting about Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, the degree of credible information being distributed to the Russian people, the amount of censorship and propaganda from the Russian government, and to share his thoughts […]

Dr. Willie Wilson is giving away more gas this Thursday

March 21, 2022 21:09

Dr. Willie Wilson joins John Williams to talk about his second gas giveaway happening this Thursday at 7:00 am. You can see a list off all the participating gas stations here. Dr. Wilson also talks about last week’s event and the traffic disruptions that the giveaway caused.

Eric Zorn: 10 ideas to fix college basketball

March 21, 2022 20:49

Eric Zorn of The Picayune Sentinel and The Daily Herald joins John Williams to talk about some stories that are making news this week including Netflix cracking down on password sharing and the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament. Eric loves the NCAA tournament, but Czar Zorn offers some suggestions on how to make the game and tournament even […]

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXXXVII, 3.21.22

March 21, 2022 19:58

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

Oscar-winning screenwriter Graham Moore discusses his Chicago-set mob thriller, ‘The Outfit’

March 17, 2022 22:37

Academy Award-winning screenwriter and Chicago native Graham Moore joins John Williams to discuss his directorial debut, “The Outfit,” a mob thriller set in Chicago.

Oscar-winning screenwriter Graham Moore discusses his Chicago-set mob thriller ‘The Outfit’

March 17, 2022 22:37

Academy Award-winning screenwriter and Chicago native Graham Moore joins John Williams to discuss his directorial debut, “The Outfit,” a mob thriller set in Chicago.

Rep. Mike Quigley on Vladimir Putin: ‘His intention is to level Ukraine, as it was from day one’

March 17, 2022 21:44

U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL5), a House Intelligence Committee member and co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, joins John Williams to talk about the situation in Ukraine, what additional assistance the U.S can give to combat Russia’s invasion, and the tremendous humanitarian effort underway to help Ukrainian refugees.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXXXVI, 3.17.22

March 17, 2022 20:11

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

The Mincing Rascals 3.16.22: March Madness, Jussie Smollett, and Chicago’s vaccine mandate

March 16, 2022 23:34

The Mincing Rascals are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn of The Picayune Sentinel and The Daily Herald, Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, and Chicago Tribune editor and writer Lisa Donovan. The mincing commences with a discussion on the upcoming March Madness basketball tournament. The Rascals then talk about the Chicago police officers involved in the shootings of Adam Toledo and […]

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

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