John Williams
4,691 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★ - 154 ratingsThe John Williams Podcast from 720 WGN
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Episodes
It’s all in the McFamily for this Orland Park McDonald’s
February 24, 2022 23:48Katina Kavooras, owner/operator of two McDonald’s restaurants in Orland Park, joins John Williams to talk about growing up in the McDonald’s family (her father is one of the first operators in the system), how owning a McDonald’s has changed over the years, how they have become more of a chicken market than a burger market, […]
Catching up with Northwestern football head coach, Orland Park legend Pat Fitzgerald
February 24, 2022 23:25It’s “Your Hometown” day on WGN Radio and today we are putting a spotlight on Orland Park! And who better to talk about the lovely southwest suburb than Orland Park legend and head football coach for your Northwestern Wildcats, Pat Fitzgerald!
Rep. Mike Quigley on supporting Ukraine: ‘We have to think of them in our minds and our actions as if they were a NATO ally’
February 24, 2022 22:44U.S. Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL5), a House Intelligence Committee member and co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, joins John Williams to talk about how the U.S. will punish Russia for the invasion of Ukraine.
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi: ‘Ruthless authoritarian dictators like Putin don’t just stop at one country’s borders. They go on and on’
February 24, 2022 22:14U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi joins John Williams to talk about what he calls Russia’s “premeditated savage unprovoked attack” on Ukraine and what the U.S. will do to stand with Ukrainians.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXXIV, 2.24.22
February 24, 2022 21:26John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
State Rep. Blaine Wilhour defends his claim that face coverings provide no benefit to school children
February 24, 2022 01:14State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) joins John Williams to refute a Better Government Association fact-check about the benefits of masking for school children.
The Mincing Rascals 2.23.22: School mask mandates, Russia-Ukraine crisis, and the race for Illinois Secretary of State
February 24, 2022 00:44The Mincing Rascals are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn of The Picayune Sentinel and The Daily Herald, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute, Chicago Tribune editor and writer Lisa Donovan. and Brandon Pope from WCIU. Today, the Rascals discuss Governor J.B. Pritzker filing an appeal with the Illinois Supreme Court on school mask mandates, the lack of clarity over masking in schools, the ongoing […]
Elder law attorney Kerry Peck: Do you need both a will and a trust?
February 24, 2022 00:20Elder law attorney Kerry Peck joins John Williams to talk about why you need to make sure your caregivers are doing all they can to keep people safe amid the pandemic, the differences between a will and a trust, and the importance of prioritizing your end-of-life planning. And as always, Kerry answers all of your elder care […]
Former Northwestern student hopes to cash in by selling an unused ticket to Michael Jordan’s first NBA game
February 23, 2022 23:57Former Northwestern student Mike Cole joins John Williams to talk about attending Michael Jordan’s first game as a Chicago Bull and how he ended up with one unused ticket that he’s now putting up for auction.
Oak Park native Emery Lehman recounts how he won a bronze a medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics
February 23, 2022 23:42Oak Park native, Marquette University graduate and Olympic speed skater Emery Lehman joins John Williams and WGN Radio’s Olympic Correspondent Ryan Burrow to talk about his experience at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and capturing a bronze medal in men’s Team Pursuit.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXXIII, 2.23.22
February 23, 2022 22:09John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Rep. Mike Quigley on the Russia-Ukraine crisis: ‘We are prepared to do whatever we can do short of war’
February 22, 2022 22:22U.S. Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL5) joins John Williams to give an update on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. What is the United States doing in support of Ukraine?
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXXII, 2.22.22
February 22, 2022 20:51John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Former federal judge Michael McCuskey is the state’s new legislative inspector general
February 21, 2022 23:46Former federal Judge Michael McCuskey joins John Williams to talk about being approved by the Illinois General Assembly as the new legislative inspector general.
A visit from Thomas Jefferson on Presidents’ Day
February 21, 2022 22:34It’s Presidents’ Day so it’s fitting that we get a visit from the 3rd U.S. President! President Thomas Jefferson time travels to talk about how he believes the current U.S. government is performing. And no, Thomas Jefferson won’t be buying a mattress on this holiday.
How many people really watched the Olympic games?
February 21, 2022 22:18Dr. Michael Socolow, Director of the McGillicuddy Humanities Center at the University of Maine, joins John to talk about his recent piece in Slate that breaks down the number of people that actually put eyes on the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Should Michigan basketball coach Juwan Howard be fired for hitting an opposing coach?
February 21, 2022 21:58Eric Zorn of The Picayune Sentinel and The Daily Herald (and a University of Michigan alum with strong ties to the university) joins John Williams to talk about the incident that took place between Michigan head basketball coach Juwan Howard and Wisconsin assistant Joe Krabbenhoft after Michigan’s loss to the Badgers on Sunday.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXXI, 2.21.22
February 21, 2022 20:59John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Pastor Corey Brooks wants to build a community center in Woodlawn and still needs your help
February 18, 2022 22:16Corey 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 provide an update on his mission to build a new community center in Woodlawn that will help combat Chicago’s violence epidemic.
Meet Kelley Leyden, Chicago police officer and St. Patrick’s Day Queen
February 18, 2022 21:18Chicago police officer Kelley Leyden joins John Williams to talk about being crowned St. Patrick’s Day Queen. Kelley talks about her work as a Chicago police officer, the theme for the 2022 St. Patrick’s Day Queen being “Honoring Chicagoland’s Essential Workers,” why she decided to try and be the St. Patrick’s Day Queen, what we […]
Why will it cost more to shop at Old Orchard Shopping Center?
February 17, 2022 23:11Len Becker, Village of Skokie Economic Development Manager, joins John Williams to talk about the reasons behind Skokie lawmakers voting to make the Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center a “business district,” allowing businesses there to charge an extra 1% sales tax.
A UIC law professor was suspended for alluding to a racial insult on an exam: ‘It’s just a collapse of leadership’
February 17, 2022 22:14Eric Zorn of The Picayune Sentinel and The Daily Herald joins John to talk about a story that they have been following about UIC law professor Jason Kilborn being suspended for alluding to an offensive term on an exam in December 2020. Also joining John and Eric is Professor Jason Kilborn, who talks about how this ordeal has been […]
A UIC law professor was fired for alluding to a racial insult on an exam: ‘It’s just a collapse of leadership’
February 17, 2022 22:14Eric Zorn of The Picayune Sentinel and The Daily Herald joins John to talk about a story that they have been following about UIC law professor Jason Kilborn being suspended for alluding to an offensive term on an exam in December 2020. Also joining John and Eric is Professor Jason Kilborn, who talks about how this ordeal has been […]
Sen. Dick Durbin: ‘Putin is a thug. . . He believes he can intimidate countries into his orbit. It will never work.’
February 17, 2022 21:48U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) joins John Williams to update us on the situation in Ukraine. Why is Russia intent on invading Ukraine?
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXX, 2.17.22
February 17, 2022 20:57John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
The Mincing Rascals 2.16.22: Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson convicted, GOP gubernatorial candidates get big donations, and an Olympic doping controversy
February 17, 2022 00:39The Mincing Rascals this week 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. The Rascals chat about the conviction of Alderman Patrick Daley Thompson, who Mayor Lightfoot might appoint as Alderman Thompson’s successor, the ongoing debate over mask mandates in the state, the race […]
The Mincing Rascals 2.16.22: Alderman Patrick Daley Thompson convicted, GOP gubernatorial candidates get big donations, and an Olympic doping controversy
February 17, 2022 00:39The Mincing Rascals this week 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. The Rascals chat about the conviction of Alderman Patrick Daley Thompson, who Mayor Lightfoot might appoint as Alderman Thompson’s successor, the ongoing debate over mask mandates in the state, the race […]
Why businessman Gary Rabine wants to be the next governor of Illinois
February 16, 2022 23:12Gary Rabine, GOP candidate for Illinois governor, joins John Williams to talk about why he decided to run for governor, how he plans to create jobs and bring jobs to Illinois, his plan to reduce crime across the state, why his business background will help him run the state, how he would have managed the […]
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXIX, 2.16.22
February 16, 2022 22:25John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Will Patrick Daley Thompson serve time in prison after being convicted of tax fraud?
February 15, 2022 23:51Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune Reporter covering the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse and criminal justice issues in Chicago, joins John Williams to talk about Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson being convicted of tax fraud.
How to watch all the Oscar-nominated movies
February 15, 2022 23:26Joan E. Solsman, Senior Reporter, CNET, tells John how we can watch all the movies that are nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. Some of the movies are still only playing in theaters, but many of them are already streaming. Joan tells you what you need to know. Where to watch the 2022 Best Picture Nominees BELFAST: […]
Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: Will we need a 4th COVID shot?
February 15, 2022 23:16Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about coming out of the omicron surge, the likelihood we see another COVID variant, if there is concern over unvaccinated people infecting vaccinated people, the waning efficacy of booster shots, and if it’s the right time to end mask […]
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXVIII, 2.15.22
February 15, 2022 21:12John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Once conjoined, the Altobelli twins are back in Chicago after successful separation surgery
February 15, 2022 00:26What an incredible story. Maggie and Dominic Altobelli join John Williams to talk about being back in Chicago after their conjoined twins, Addison and Lilianna, were successfully separated at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. You can find more information about the “Addy and Lily Fund for Transformational Surgical Care” here and you can donate here.
How a local company helped make one of the best Super Bowl commercials
February 14, 2022 23:34Larry Pecorella, Founder and Creative Director, Comma, joins John Williams to talk about creating the music for the Rocket Mortgage Super Bowl ad, which landed at the top of USA Today’s Ad Meter.
Alpha Wealth Group founder Tom Fortino: Stock market reaction to Russia-Ukraine crisis
February 14, 2022 23:07Tom Fortino, Founder and Principal, Alpha Wealth Group, joins John Williams to talk about the relationship between the winner of the Super Bowl and the stock market, the amount of advertising for cryptocurrency during the Super Bowl, what we should know about cryptocurrency if we are curious about investing, the ongoing concern over inflation, and how […]
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXVII, 2.14.22
February 14, 2022 21:19John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx: ‘We have to make sure that the people who are driving violence are not allowed to be out and commit further harm’
February 11, 2022 21:49Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx joins John Williams to talk about a man being charged for a deadly shooting on Chicago’ West Side last October that caused a rift between her and Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Betting analyst Sam Panayotovich: Most interesting bets for Super Bowl LVI
February 10, 2022 22:37New England Sports Network Betting Analyst Sam Panayotovich joins John Williams to talk about Super Bowl betting! Sam tells us what we should know about the match-up, how many people are expected to wager on the game, and some of the more interesting bets being placed.
Betting analyst Sam Panayotovich: Most interesting bets for Super Bowl 2022
February 10, 2022 22:37New England Sports Network Betting Analyst Sam Panayotovich joins John Williams to talk about Super Bowl betting! Sam tells us what we should know about the match-up, how many people are expected to wager on the game and some of the more interesting bets being placed.
What a new community center would mean to kids in Woodlawn
February 10, 2022 21:40Corey Brooks, Founder and Senior Pastor at New Beginnings Church of Chicago and the Founder and CEO of Project H.O.O.D, joins John to talk about his efforts to bring a new community center to Woodlawn that will help combat Chicago’s violence epidemic. Also joining John and Pastor Brooks is an 18-year old who talks about why […]
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXVI, 2.10.22
February 10, 2022 20:46John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Second City’s Kelly Leonard | ‘You can’t have innovation without creativity but you can have creativity without innovation’
February 10, 2022 19:15WGN Radio’s John Williams is joined by Second City’s Executive Director of Learning and Applied Improvisation Kelly Leonard. Kelly kicks off the conversation by sharing tips on how to successfully tell a story and then breaks down some of John’s Speed Jokes. Next, Kelly and John talk about how important it is to utilize improvisation […]
The Mincing Rascals 2.9.22: Mask mandates, Olympic drama, and the race to replace Rep. Bobby Rush
February 10, 2022 00:01The 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 Brandon Pope from WCIU. The Rascals have a lot on their minds today including the continuing debate over “Dibs,” Chicago’s new marketing campaign, “Chicago Not in Chicago,” the longtime Mother McAuley teacher that was fired for using […]
Queen of Martyrs principal on being put on leave after making masks optional at his school: ‘I have no regrets’
February 09, 2022 23:13Queen of Martyrs Principal M. Jacob “Doc” Mathius joins John Williams to talk about why he was put on administrative leave from the school after after he said he would be making masks optional.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part CCCXV, 2.9.22
February 09, 2022 22:13John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Parents for Choice of the Catholic Archdiocese wants to end masks in schools
February 08, 2022 23:02Attorney Rich Lenkov, partner at Bryce Downey & Lenkov and host of “Legal Face-Off,” joins guest host Anna Davlantes to discuss what we need to know about the temporary restraining order issued by a downstate judge that prohibits school districts from enforcing Gov. Pritzker’s mask mandate. Also joining Anna is Robyn Franzen, parent of a preschooler at St. […]
BBB’s Steve Bernas: Beware of romance scams ahead of Valentine’s Day
February 08, 2022 22:32Steve Bernas, President & CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois, joins guest host Anna Davlantes to talk about why you need to be aware of romance scams as we head into Valentine’s Day.
Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: When will it be safe for vaccinated people to remove their masks while inside?
February 08, 2022 21:25Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins guest host Anna Davlantes to talk about when we might see Illinois drop indoor mask mandates, the value of wearing a mask to prevent COVID infection, what we know about the flu season, and how effective the vaccines have been in preventing serious […]
The most romantic restaurants in Chicago
February 07, 2022 22:38The man can do it all! The great Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini, joins John to talk about his favorite romantic restaurants that you should visit for Valentine’s Day. Not only can Lou help with all of your home improvement issues, but he can also assist you before you make those Valentine’s Day plans.