John Williams
4,691 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 12 hours ago - ★★★★ - 154 ratingsThe John Williams Podcast from 720 WGN
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Episodes
What to know about the 2024 cicada emergence
January 29, 2024 22:16'A really special event for Illinois': Two major broods will emerge starting mid-May.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCXCVII, 1.29.24
January 29, 2024 20:23John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Celebrate Groundhog Days in Woodstock with Tom Skilling!
January 26, 2024 22:12Rick Bellairs, Chairman, Woodstock Groundhog Days, joins John Williams to tell us about all the events they have planned for the annual Groundhog Day celebration…including a visit from WGN-TV’s Tom Skilling!
What to know about induction cooking
January 26, 2024 21:07Shirley Hood, appliance expert at Abt Electronics in Glenview, joins John Williams to tell us everything we should know about induction cooking. Shirley gives all the details and answers all of your questions!
Councilman Josh McBroom says zero Naperville residents would volunteer to help house migrants
January 26, 2024 20:59Naperville Councilman Josh McBroom joins John Williams to talk about his “provocative” effort to call attention to the crisis at the border.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 1.26.24
January 26, 2024 20:18Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to [email protected]!
Best Speed Jokes of 2023: Final Four – Matchup #2
January 26, 2024 13:23There’s one matchup to go before our John Williams Best Speed Jokes of 2023 Championship, sponsored by Team Hochberg. Vote for who will be advancing now! [UPDATE] WINNER (with 51% of 982 votes): I called the incontinence hotline, and they asked if I could please hold and I said, “Lady, if I could hold, I wouldn’t be […]
Your Hometown: Don’t miss the incredible gameday environment at Circa sportsbook in Waukegan
January 25, 2024 22:57Brian Floyd, Property Manager, Circa sportsbook at American Place Casino in Waukegan, joins John Williams to talk about when they opened in Waukegan, how they distinguish themselves from other wagering spots, their focus on customer service, what you can do at the retail location that you can’t do on the mobile app, the incredible environment […]
Dawn Jackson Blatner: How to strengthen your immunity
January 25, 2024 22:36Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams with tips to strengthen your immunity. Dawn also offers her comments on the study that showed multivitamins improving memory in older adults. And as always, Dawn answers all of your food and nutrition questions!
Your Hometown: Roberti Community House is an organization that changes lives
January 25, 2024 22:13Pam Fisher, Volunteer Coordinator, Roberti Community House in Waukegan, joins John Williams to talk about what happens at Roberti Community House, how they provide emotional support, connection, and opportunities for community members, how they have grown since they started in 2011, the culinary training program they opened in 2018, they type of volunteers they are […]
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCXCVI, 1.25.24
January 25, 2024 20:47John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Best Speed Jokes of 2023: Final Four – Matchup #1
January 25, 2024 12:41The John Williams Best Speed Jokes of 2023 Tournament, sponsored by Team Hochberg, started with sixteen competitors. Now we’re down to the Final Four! We have a feeling these will be tougher to choose from. [UPDATE] WINNER (with 61% of 400 votes): What did the elephant say to the naked man? Cute, but can it pick […]
The Mincing Rascals 1.24.24: Natural gas ban, New Hampshire primary, Sox to ‘The 78’
January 25, 2024 00:37The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute, and Cate Plys, former staff writer at the Chicago Reader and political op-ed columnist at the Sun-Times and Tribune. Today, the Rascals debate the proposed ordinance in Chicago that would ban natural gas in newly constructed homes and […]
Meet the amazing football-throwing doctor who uses his skill to raise awareness for underserved patients
January 24, 2024 23:23Award-winning physician Dr. Kenneth Candido joins John Williams to talk about his incredible ability to consistently throw an official NFL football with a perfect spiral from 45+ yards through a basketball hoop. Dr. Candido is using this skill in an effort to raise awareness and funds for The Global Health Initiative Fund, which provides resources […]
Alderman Gilbert Villegas: Need more time to study natural gas ban ordinance
January 24, 2024 23:0936th Ward Ald. Gilbert Villegas joins John Williams to talk about the city of Chicago considering an ordinance that would ban natural gas in new homes. Alderman Villegas is calling for more time to study the ordinance and how this will impact the residents of Chicago and says this ordinance is not clean nor affordable. [audio: https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4483644/4483644_2024-01-24-230744.128.mp3]
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCXCV, 1.24.24
January 24, 2024 22:25John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Best Speed Jokes of 2023: Round 2 – Matchup #4
January 24, 2024 12:42Round 2 of John Williams Best Speed Jokes of 2023 Tournament, sponsored by Team Hochberg, wraps up with Matchup #4! [UPDATE] WINNER (with 53% of 676 votes): The doctor handed me a cup and said, “urinate.” I said, “Thank you. My wife says I’m a six at best.“ OVER: Fun fact: If you sneeze and fart […]
Proposal to ban natural gas in new Chicago buildings
January 23, 2024 22:44Lindy Wordlaw, the city of Chicago’s Director of Climate and Environmental Justice Initiatives, joins John Williams to discuss an ordinance that would ban natural gas in new Chicago homes and buildings.
Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips: Oscar snubs and surprises
January 23, 2024 22:06The great Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips joins John Williams to talk about this year’s Oscar nominations. What was the biggest snub? What are the movies he definitely thinks we should see before the ceremony? Michael breaks it all down.
Eric Zorn: Should plowing sidewalks be a city service?
January 23, 2024 21:57Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about a number of topics making news including the idea being floated that the city of Chicago should be responsible for clearing sidewalks after a snowfall, the latest controversy surrounding Chicago’s Rat Hole, and Chicago’s effort to ban natural gas in new buildings.
Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: When should you get screened for prostate cancer?
January 23, 2024 21:20Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about a study that shows taking a daily multivitamin supplement may improve memory and ward off dementia in aging adults, the efficacy of wearing masks to prevent virus spread, and former Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg being treated […]
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCXCIV, 1.23.24
January 23, 2024 20:27John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Best Speed Jokes of 2023: Round 2 – Matchup #3
January 23, 2024 12:44Round 2 of John Williams Best Speed Jokes of 2023 Tournament, sponsored by Team Hochberg, continues with Matchup #3! [UPDATE] WINNER (with 54% of 524 votes): I just went on the Weight Watcher’s website, and it asked me if I accept cookies. Is that a trick question? OVER: The inventor of throat lozenges has died. Not […]
Will Ron DeSantis supporters vote for Donald Trump?
January 22, 2024 23:35Kellie Meyer, Washington Correspondent in NewsNation’s Washington D.C. Bureau, joins John Willliams to talk about Ron DeSantis dropping out of the presidential race and what that means for the GOP moving forward. Also, Julia Manchester, National Political Reporter, The Hill, tells Lisa Dent who benefits from Ron DeSantis dropping out of the presidential race.
Attorney Rich Lenkov: Can cannabis odor be cause for a vehicle search?
January 22, 2024 23:20Attorney Rich Lenkov, Capital Member, Downey & Lenkov, and co-host of “Legal Face-Off” on wgnradio.com, joins John Williams to talk about the Illinois Supreme Court considering whether the smell of cannabis is a reason for the police to search a vehicle.
Author Shelby Van Pelt on the success of her book ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’
January 22, 2024 21:41Best-selling author Shelby Van Pelt joins John Williams to discuss her book, “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” Shelby talks about how the success of the book has changed her life, what led her to write the book, how long she worked on the book before it was published, how word of mouth fueled the success of the […]
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCXCIII, 1.22.24
January 22, 2024 20:31John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Best Speed Jokes of 2023: Round 2 – Matchup #2
January 22, 2024 13:07Round 2 of John Williams Best Speed Jokes of 2023 Tournament, sponsored by Team Hochberg, continues with Matchup #2! [UPDATE] WINNER (with 52% of 495 votes): I called the incontinence hotline, and they asked if I could please hold and I said, “Lady, if I could hold, I wouldn’t be calling.” OVER: If I’m ever on […]
Texas bus company sues city of Chicago over migrant drop-off
January 19, 2024 21:35Attorney Mike Kozlowski, Senior Counsel, Esbrook P.C., joins John Williams to talk about why a Texas bus company that he’s representing is suing the city of Chicago over its migrant drop-off ordinance.
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi: ‘Our immigration system is completely messed up’
January 19, 2024 21:13U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL 8) joins John Williams to talk about his work as the lead Democrat and Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, why we need to improve our immigration system, his recent tour of a Motorola Solutions facility in Elgin, the stopgap funding […]
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 1.19.24
January 19, 2024 20:39Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to [email protected]!
Best Speed Jokes of 2023: Round 2 – Matchup #1
January 19, 2024 12:42Round 1 of John Williams Best Speed Jokes of 2023 Tournament, sponsored by Team Hochberg, is in the books. Now we’re onto Round 2, starting with Matchup #1. [UPDATE] WINNER (with 60% of 652 votes): What did the elephant says to the naked man? Cute, but can it pick up peanuts? OVER: Two sociologists are sitting […]
Best of the Midwest: Lake Geneva Winterfest!
January 18, 2024 21:09It’s time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature! Is winter getting you down? Looking for some fun things to do to conquer those winter blues? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, John is joined by Stephanie Klett, President and CEO, Visit Lake Geneva! Stephanie tells John about the upcoming Winterfest […]
Dawn Jackson Blatner: How to build a better sandwich
January 18, 2024 20:55Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner talks with John Williams about how you can build a better sandwich. And as usual, Dawn answers all of your food and nutrition questions!
Sports marketing expert Marc Ganis: The ’78’ is an extraordinary site for new White Sox stadium
January 18, 2024 20:39Chicago sports marketing expert Marc Ganis joins John Williams to talk about the story in the Sun-Times that the White Sox are in serious talks to build new stadium in South Loop’s ‘The 78.’ Marc believes this proposal (if it gets done) would be the kind of project that would change the relevance of the White […]
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCXCII, 1.18.24
January 18, 2024 20:30John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Best Speed Jokes of 2023 Tournament: Matchup #8
January 18, 2024 12:02The inaugural John Williams Best Speed Jokes of 2023 Tournament, sponsored by Team Hochberg, rolls on with Matchup #8!’ [UPDATE] WINNER (with 51% of 678 votes): Fun fact: If you sneeze and fart at the same time, your body takes a screenshot. OVER: Brookfield Zoo has an interesting attraction. A lion and a sheep living peacefully […]
The Mincing Rascals 1.17.24: Iowa caucuses, Trump v. Biden, Bulls’ Ring of Honor
January 18, 2024 01:30The Mincing Rascals this week are Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Brandon Pope, host of ‘On the Block‘ on WCIU, political pundit Marj Halperin, and Cate Plys, former staff writer at the Chicago Reader and political op-ed columnist at the Sun-Times and Tribune. The Rascals start this week’s show by discussing the results of the Iowa caucuses. Is there […]
How many books did you read last year?
January 17, 2024 23:09Andrew Van Dam, Columnist at the Department of Data, The Washington Post, joins John Williams to break down the data on how many books people read last year.
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi: ‘We need assistance from the federal government to take care of migrants in the cities’
January 17, 2024 22:55U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL 8) joins John Williams to talk about a number of topics including his name popping up as a potential replacement for Senator Dick Durbin if the senator decides not to run for re-election, the deadline for funding the government, what needs to be done to handle migrants, how to expedite work authorization for migrants, […]
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCXCI, 1.17.24
January 17, 2024 21:57John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Best Speed Jokes of 2023 Tournament: Matchup #7
January 17, 2024 12:50The inaugural John Williams Best Speed Jokes of 2023 Tournament, sponsored by Team Hochberg, rolls on with Matchup #7! [UPDATE] WINNER (with 53% of 554 votes): I just went on the Weight Watcher’s website, and it asked me if I accept cookies. Is that a trick question? OVER: My new SUV has a button that says rear […]
Eric Zorn: Iowa caucuses recap, Bulls’ Ring of Honor ceremony, more
January 16, 2024 22:06Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins Jon Hansen to talk about a number of topics making news including the Feds banning humorous electronic messages on highways, the widow of Jerry Krause being booed at the Chicago Bulls Ring of Honor ceremony, and the big takeaways from the GOP caucuses in Iowa.
Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: Is it too late to get a flu or COVID shot?
January 16, 2024 21:37Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about why people might be feeling sicker for longer periods of time, the GI virus that is going around, how Chicago’s cold weather might dampen the amount of respiratory virus infection that is around, and […]
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCXC, 1.16.24
January 16, 2024 20:44John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
Best Speed Jokes of 2023 Tournament: Matchup #6
January 16, 2024 12:33The inaugural John Williams Best Speed Jokes of 2023 Tournament, sponsored by Team Hochberg, rolls on with Matchup #6. [UPDATE] WINNER (with 68% of 438 votes): I called the incontinence hotline, and they asked if I could please hold and I said, “Lady, if I could hold, I wouldn’t be calling.” OVER: Judge: All of your responses […]
Craig Bolanos: The market is slightly misaligned with the Federal Reserve
January 12, 2024 20:57Craig Bolanos, Co-Founder and CEO of Wealth Management Group, joins John to talk about the market being slightly misaligned with the Federal Reserve, if he thinks we will ever get inflation down to 2%, how many interest rate cuts we will see in 2024, why we need to pay attention to energy prices, and how he expects the […]
Dr. Pattani: What are the most effective types of toothpaste and mouthwash?
January 12, 2024 20:47Dr. Amar Pattani, family dentist at Main Street Smiles at 312 W Main Street in Barrington, joins John Williams to talk about what you should know about mouthwash, what toothpaste he recommends, the best teeth whiteners, flossing vs. using a Waterpik, and to answer all of your oral hygiene questions.
CES roundup with Abt Electronics
January 12, 2024 20:43Carl Prouty, “The Technologist” at Abt Electronics in Glenview, talks to John about everything he saw at the Consumer Electronics Show. What were the hottest TVs at the show?
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 1.12.24
January 12, 2024 20:19Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to [email protected]!