John Williams
4,691 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago - ★★★★ - 154 ratingsThe John Williams Podcast from 720 WGN
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Episodes
PapaNicholas will match your Salvation Army Red Kettle donations!
December 13, 2019 19:13PapaNicholas Marketing Director Michele Vento joins the show to talk about the local tie of the coffee company. Papanicholas will be matching your donations to John’s Salvation Army virtual Red Kettle.
Gentleman’s Gazette answers whether or not Canada Goose jackets are worth their price tag
December 13, 2019 18:55Gentleman’s Gazette Founder Sven Raphael Schneider joins John Williams to explain why Canada Goose coats actually are worth that $1,500 price tag. And he explains how the materials, like coyote fur and duck down, are harvested.
WGN Radio “Eye on Travel” Host Peter Greenberg: The Chinese “are lining up at the Louis Vuitton store at 8 o’clock in the morning”
December 13, 2019 18:49WGN Radio “Eye on Travel” Host Peter Greenberg joins John Williams to talk about travel and travel shopping habits of different cultures, and whether it’s still a good time to seek out cheap holiday flights. [adio https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3703514/WGN_Radio_Eyes_on_Travel_Host_Peter_Greenberg_2019-12-13-184214.64kmono.mp3%5D
The John Williams Show Full Podcast 12.12.19: NewsClick, pot conviction expungements, next steps of the impeachment hearings, your media bills
December 12, 2019 20:33John Williams starts the show revisiting yesterday’s NewsClick question and the huge mistake Sam Panayotovich thinks the Chicago Cubs could be making. Then, Lacy Burpee of Prairie State Legal Services, Inc. joins John to explain the pot conviction expungement process, a day after Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx announced their initiation. Listeners call in with the Peter Baker, Chief White House Correspondent of the New York Times, describes what would happen if the Senate heard the i...
New York Times Chief White House Correspondent Peter Baker: President Trump’s lawyers “would throw themselves in front of the motorcade” before he testified
December 12, 2019 19:29New York Times Chief White House Correspondent Peter Baker joins John Williams to talk about how the impeachment trial in Senate would work if one were to be called. And Peter tells John about the options Republicans would have in those hearings. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3703183/New_York_Times_Chief_White_House_Correspondent_Peter_Baker_2019-12-12-195823.64kmono.mp3
Prairie State Legal Services on the process of pot conviction expungements
December 12, 2019 19:19Prairie State Legal Services Attorney Lacy Burpee joins John Williams to explain what exactly happens when a person’s criminal record is expunged of pot convictions. And Lacy explains how one’s pot conviction can be expunged as there are three different ways. That’s a day after Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx announced that expungements would occur.
The John Williams Show Full Podcast 12.11.19: Chicago Cubs shake-ups, the impeachment articles explained, “Home Alone” 30 years later, recommended water intake
December 11, 2019 19:36John Williams talks with Sports Reporter Andy Masur, about the possibility of Kris Bryant being traded off the Chicago Cubs. And along those lines, Sam Panayotovich has insider information on the potential departure of Anthony Rizzo, as well. Nexstar Media Group Washington Correspondent Trevor Shirley joins the show to describe those two articles of impeachment to John. And John moves on to ask listeners what types of product they steal from hotel rooms after their stays. Listeners flood the...
Sports Betting Analyst Sam Panayotovich on possibility of Cubs letting go Anthony Rizzo: “A serious mistake”
December 11, 2019 19:19Sports Betting Analyst Sam Panayotovich joins John Williams to share some insider information on the strain between the Chicago Cubs and Anthony Rizzo. He goes on to explain why the possibility that the Cubs will not resign Rizzo is a mistake.
AMITA Internal Medicine Dr. Jonathan Maks clears up some water drinking confusion
December 11, 2019 19:15AMITA Internal Medicine Dr. Jonathan Maks joins John Williams to clarify some facts about water consumption after the confusion that John’s Bill Bryson book, The Body, caused on Tuesday’s show. He describes an easy indicator on which to base your water intake.
“Home Alone” House Neighbor Linda Martin: It would be nice if a charity box were placed near that house for all the visitors
December 11, 2019 19:02Linda Martin is a neighbor of the Winnetka house in which Home Alone was filmed almost 30 years ago. She shares stories of the 43 days it took to shoot the film and the fun of getting to know the cast.
Nexstar Correspondent Trevor Shirley: “You never know what’s going to happen in Washington”
December 11, 2019 18:44Nexstar Washington Correspondent Trevor Shirley joins John Williams to describe the two articles of impeachment Democrats presented Tuesday. And he tells John when the full House vote is expected to be taken for those articles.
Attorney Mary Pat Flaherty explains the rights of people with loved ones on life support
December 10, 2019 19:29Attorney Mary Pat Flaherty joins John Williams to explain the case of a Chicago woman who had to raise thousands of dollars to relieve her husband of life support. Then, Mary Pat answers listeners’ questions similar to this case, more answers of which can be found here.
The John Williams Show Full Podcast 12.10.19: Greg Kot on Juice Wrld, water and sugar, life support and loved ones’ rights, Peter Frates’ legacy and ALS Association
December 10, 2019 19:21Chicago Tribune Music Columnist Greg Kot helps John start off the show, revisiting yesterday’s topic of the legacy of Homewood rapper Juice Wrld, born Jarad Higgins. Greg explains the hardships that might have led to drug use and the new star’s cardiac arrest over the weekend. Then, John updates you on the impeachment proceedings, and moves on to talk about a piece of art that a visiting artist consumed at the exhibition. The topic of sugar and water consumption play […]
ALS Association President on death of Peter Frates: The ice bucket challenge was “Such a galvanizing, wonderful experience for families”
December 10, 2019 18:58ALS Association President Julie Sharpe talks about the legacy of Peter Frates, who was diagnosed with ALS and pioneered the ice bucket challenge, which took over your social media feeds for months in 2013. Julie talks about where the research is in arriving at a cure for ALS, much of which is thanks to that viral fundraiser.
Chicago Tribune Music Columnist Greg Kot: “Sadness, shock…a 21-year-old guy at the height of his career”
December 10, 2019 18:27Chicago Tribune Music Columnist Greg Kot joins John Williams to explain the legacy left by Homewood rapper Jarad Higgins, known as Juice Wrld. Greg describes the culture and risks ever-present in the life of an African-American man, regardless of career success, and their impact on life choices like those of Higgins’.
The John Williams Show Full Podcast 12.09.19: Juice Wrld dies, the Peloton ad, Mary Schmich’s new book, “Ultimate Chicago Movie Cage Match,” Salvation Army
December 09, 2019 20:07John Williams wants to know which celebrity death affected you most. That’s after the death of local rapper Juice Wrld over the weekend. Then, Chicago Sun-Times Columnist Neil Steinberg joins John to respond to the controversy surrounding the Peloton ad. Chicago Tribune Columnist Mary Schmich then joins the show to discuss her new book, Even the Terrible Things Seem Beautiful to Me Now, a collection of her very successful Tribune columns. Justin Kaufmann talks with John about his “Ultimate C...
Former Salvation Army Client Jim Christensen spent his 25th wedding anniversary getting help
December 09, 2019 19:43Former Salvation Army Client Jim Christensen is the owner of a Beggar’s Pizza franchise in Oak Lawn. He tells John how he almost lost everything, and what the Salvation Army did to help him in ways that others failed him.
Mega Monday Mornings Chicago Quiz: Da Bears, 2nd Edition
December 09, 2019 19:33It’s another edition of our Mega Pros Monday Mornings Chicago quiz. Can you do as well as Paul or better? Test your Chicago Bears knowledge, and then see answers below! The Bears are still in the playoff hunt. Today we brushed up on our team knowledge in the Mega Monday Morning Quiz. Good luck! 1. Who is the all-time Bears leading scorer? A) Robbie Gould B) Kevin Butler 2. The player with the most points – who isn’t […]
Justin Kaufmann’s “Ultimate Chicago Movie Cage Match”
December 09, 2019 19:14Justin Kaufmann explains why he decided to create a tournament bracket of best Chicago movies, which include “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “Blues Brothers,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and many more. Listen to Justin tonight at 9 to find out the next few films that will advance in the tournament.
Mary Schmich brings “Even the Terrible Things Seem Beautiful to Me Now,” Chicago and her mother’s quote, “I think you have to be old to understand your life”
December 09, 2019 19:01Chicago Tribune Columnist Mary Schmich wrote Even the Terrible Things Seem Beautiful to Me Now tells John about her writing process and why nothing has made it easier. And she talks about some of the most influential people and moments – big and small – that have impacted her work. Mary and Chicago Tribune colleague Eric Zorn’s “Songs of Good Cheer” begins this week at the Old Town School of Folk Music; Mary says you can still get tickets day-of by phone […]
Chicago Sun-Times Columnist Neil Steinberg on the Peloton ad: “The ad is no stupider than the other ad”
December 09, 2019 18:49Chicago Sun-Times Columnist Neil Steinberg joins John Williams to weigh in on the Peloton ad debate. The debate explores the indication meant by a man giving his wife a piece of exercise equipment.
The John Williams Show Full Podcast 12.07.19: Brian Tallerico on the best movies/TV shows of the decade, the Peloton ad, & the Mincing Rascals
December 07, 2019 20:42Brian Tallerico, editor from RogerEbert.com, joins John to discuss their lists of the best TV shows and movies of the 2010s. Plus: discussion of the controversial Peloton ad, Billie Eilish’s interview with Jimmy Kimmel, and politics with the Mincing Rascals.
The John Williams Show Full Podcast 12.06.19: Dogs in stores, The Bears, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Dave Plier’s new Sinatra Hours show, eye health with Dr. Amani Fawzi
December 06, 2019 18:57A perpetually hot topic is that of people bringing their dogs to business establishments. John opens the phone lines again to opinions of this new phenomenon. And John talks Bears with Dave Eanet, whether or not he still has hope for the team in the post season. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi joins John Williams ahead of the impeachment vote and in the midst of the Washington madness. He shares what the most pivotal moment was for him in the impeachment process. […]
Northwestern Medicine Ophthalmologist Dr. Amani Fawzi answers your eye health questions
December 06, 2019 18:44Northwestern Medicine’s amazing ophthalmologist Dr. Amani Fawzi, joins John Williams for another intensive segment of answering your eye health questions!
WGN Radio “Sinatra Hours” Host Dave Plier gives you a sneak peak of his first Sinatra themed show
December 06, 2019 18:32WGN Radio Host Dave Plier joins John Williams to talk about what inspired him to create a program Sundays dedicated to Frank Sinatra’s music and the feeling he hopes to inspire in you.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th): From Mick Mulvaney’s “Get over it” to the impeachment hearings
December 06, 2019 18:25Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th) joins John Williams to give the latest from the impeachment hearings in Washington, D.C. And the Congressman updates us on the efforts being made in Congress to stop youth vaping.
The John Williams Show Full Podcast 12.05.19: Car battery chargers, Chicago Bears, lobbying ban, SNAP job requirement
December 05, 2019 20:15John Williams starts off the Thursday show by answering more listener questions and comments about the Real ID. Then, he reflects on some of the more shocking parts of yesterday’s impeachment Judiciary hearing. And he asks listeners if they would recommend buying a car battery charger as a Christmas present. John moves on to invite Alderman Michele Smith (43rd) on the show to explain the main goal of the lobbying ban and who it is directed at. Sam Panayotovich predicts […]
DuPage Federation on Human Services on a SNAP prerequisite: “The question is, how do we support those folks to achieve their dream”
December 05, 2019 20:03DuPage Federation on Human Services David Roth joins John Williams to respond to the federal requirement for able-bodied SNAP beneficiaries to work at least 30 hours a week. Then, he describes the test his organization ran to prepare for this circumstance, explaining why thought it’s achievable, three months isn’t a sufficient grace period.
Sports Betting Analyst Sam Panayotovich: The Bears are screwed no matter what
December 05, 2019 19:20Sports Betting Analyst Sam Panayotovich makes a prediction for tonight’s Bears game in light of all the negativity surrounding Chicago’s team.
Alderman Michele Smith (43rd Ward) on the city’s ethics: “It’s great that there’s the impetus for change now” in Chicago
December 05, 2019 19:14The first time an Ethics Oversight Committee has existed in Chicago, its chair, Alderman Michele Smith (43rd Ward) joins John Williams to explain the lobbying ban for private interests of elected officials in Illinois. And, Alderman Smith tells John why she resonates with Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s abrupt dismissal of CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson.
The John Williams Show Full Podcast 12.04.19: Best inventions, new DMV hours for Real IDs, The Who stampede disaster, Todd Stroger runs again, Yesterday owner passes away
December 04, 2019 19:42John Williams has a few final notes about the latest on the firing of CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson and Ceres Cafe. And he invites listeners to tell him what the best invention of all time is in their opinions. Then, Dave Druker of the Secretary of State’s office joins John to talk about the new DMV hours tailored towards Real ID applicants. And he answers more listener questions. And on its 40th anniversary, John reminds listeners of the stampede disaster […]
Max Zelenka on the legacy of Tom Boyle, late owner of Wrigleyville’s Yesterday shop
December 04, 2019 19:30Max Zelenka took care of his great uncle, Tom Boyle, who owned a beloved shop in Wrigleyville named Yesterday. He joins John Williams to talk about the legacy Tom left at the shop, which famous people like Jimmy Kimmel have even checked out.
Water Reclamation District Commissioner Candidate Todd Stroger on overseeing an over $1 billion budget
December 04, 2019 19:16Water Reclamation District Commissioner Candidate Todd Stroger joins John Williams to share why he decided to put his name in the hat again for 2020. Then, Todd fills John in on the astronomical (to us) salaries board members of Chicago Water Reclamation earn.
Debt Relief Attorney Rae Kaplan on the disappointment one early high school graduate faced come time for college
December 04, 2019 19:07A Harlem, New York high school student worked hard to graduate early with the dream of pursuing a dermatology degree, but she worries that she’ll be able to pay for Spring semester of college. Rae joins John to explain solutions for people like that bright young woman. And she answers another stream of listener questions.
Secretary of State Press Secretary Dave Druker on new DMV hours for Real ID applicants
December 04, 2019 18:52Secretary of State Press Secretary Dave Druker returns to the John Williams Show to answer more of your questions on applying for the Real ID. Here are all the questions Dave answered last time he joined us.
The John Williams Show Full Podcast 12.03.19: The firing of CPD Supt. Eddie Johnson, car charging stations, Debt Relief Attorney Rae Kaplan
December 03, 2019 20:04John Williams kicks off the show with the latest on Mayor Lightfoot’s firing of CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson. Listeners call in with their theories of what led to it, and with their answers to our NewsClick today. Then, John shares some musings about his condo board position, which listeners react to in shock. John also has an observation on car charging stations at grocery stores. Listeners share their knowledge on that. And Debt Relief Attorney Rae Kaplan responds to a […]
Debt Relief Attorney Rae Kaplan responds to the internet musing that divorce can lower student loans
December 03, 2019 19:20Debt Relief Attorney Rae Kaplan joins John Williams to discuss a Reddit post that explored the benefits of divorce on student loans. And, as always, Rae answers a slew of listener questions about how they can take advantage of loan forgiveness.
The John Williams Show Full Podcast 12.02.19: Cyber Monday, David Krupa against House Speaker Madigan, Dometi Pongo from MTV News, STOP-IT Against Human Trafficking
December 02, 2019 20:28John Williams invites Best Reviews Editorial Manager Jacob Palmer on the show to share some of the best Cyber Monday deals he’s found and is writing about. Then, DePaul sophomore David Krupa joins the show to explain why he is running specifically in the 13th Ward for Committeeperson, where House Speaker Mike Madigan has a significant amount of bipartisan power. Dometi Pongo, formerly of WGN Radio News, and now an MTV News Host, joins John Williams to describe how he […]
STOP-IT, a Salvation Army Initiative Against Human Trafficking
December 02, 2019 20:11STOP-IT Initiative Against Human Trafficking is a program of The Salvation Army. Its project manager, Elyse Dobney, describes the program, its goal and how she helps to protect exploited people, either from sex or labor trafficking. Foreign visitors are not the only group susceptible to human trafficking. You can help the effort by donating to John’s very own virtual Red Kettle.
Mega Pros Monday Quiz on a Chicago Christmas
December 02, 2019 19:59John Williams invites a listener to participate in his weekly Mega Pros Monday quiz, which is based on facts that relate to Chicago. Today, John tested the Chicago Christmas knowledge of one Lou from Lockport. See the questions below and listen to see how you did in answering them, compared with Lou. 1. He was born on Christmas day. A) Sox Manager Rick Renteria (1961) B) Cubs Manager David Ross. 2. This is Chicago’s Christmas song, Chicago’s Mel Torme […]
DePaul Sophomore and 13th Ward Committeeperson Candidate David Krupa: “Mike Madigan thinks if you don’t like me, you’re not getting anything”
December 02, 2019 19:41David Krupa is a DePaul University sophomore running for 13th Ward Committeeperson in an effort to lessen the power of House Speaker Mike Madigan in the ward. When David joined John in October, he explained what Madigan’s office did to harm his campaign for Alderman. And he talks about some of the issues he wished to address.
MTV News Host and Former WGN Radio Anchor Dometi Pongo just in time for breaking news
December 02, 2019 19:38Dometi Pongo was a news anchor at WGN Radio until he moved to New York to pursue a MTV News career, and he talks about the process to becoming a MTV News anchor late last year. Then, Dometi editorializes on one breaking story of the morning.
Best Reviews on Cyber Monday Deals that stand out
December 02, 2019 18:31Best Reviews Editorial Manager Jacob Palmer has a range of items you’ll find great deals on, on this Cyber Monday. Those include the much-coveted Nespresso, beautiful jewelry and more.
The John Williams Show Full Podcast 11.27.19: What you’re thankful for, last-minute Thanksgiving dinner reservations, best Christmas movies, OddBox
November 27, 2019 21:51John Williams starts the show with a playback of this week’s Mincing Rascals episode, which was taped early in light of the Thanksgiving holiday. And John wants to know what you’re thankful for this year. You text us with your answers. Then, Chicago Tribune Restaurant Critic Phil Vettel joins the show to talk about last-minute Thanksgiving dinner reservations you can still make, and his review of Good Fortune in Logan Square. John checks in with you on your favorite Christmas […]
Cat Drawing Guy of Shark Tank on his new OddBox: “I lack the filter that says…’this isn’t a good idea'”
November 27, 2019 21:41Steve Gadlin, an innovator you know from Shark Tankby his cat drawings, joins John Williams today to describe his new colorful spin on life, which is the OddBox. It’s a monthly, hilarious subscription that you can even gift this holiday season!
Chicago Tribune Restaurant Critic Phil Vettel has your last-minute Thanksgiving restaurants
November 27, 2019 21:33Chicago Tribune Restaurant Critic Phil Vettel joins John Williams with his review of Logan Square’s Good Fortune, and shares some choice restaurants with last-minute Thanksgiving reservations available.
The John Williams Show Full Podcast 11.26.19: Self-driving semi-trucks, holiday weather forecast, a healthier Thanksgiving, a Twitter storm
November 26, 2019 22:07John Williams welcomes Krystian Gebis, the founder and CEO of Autobon AI, the company responsible for self-driving semi-trucks on Chicago highways. He explains what drove him to start the company, and answers a slew of listener questions. Then, WGN-TV Meteorologist Demetrius Ivory has the holiday forecast and answers listeners’ specific questions about their travel plans. Audra Wilson, a bariatric dietitian at the Northwestern Medicine Metabolic Health & Surgical Weight Loss Center at Delnor...
Miami University Student Jon Becker responds to the storm that his food tweet quickly became
November 26, 2019 21:55Miami University Student Jon Becker asked a simple question on Twitter about food and it backfired. Jon joins John Williams to reacted to accusations of racism towards those who responded to his tweet,
Northwestern Medicine Bariatric Dietitian Audra Wilson on delicious and healthy Thanksgiving ingredients
November 26, 2019 21:46Northwestern Medicine Bariatric Dietitian Audra Wilson joins John Williams to share tips on compiling a healthier Thanksgiving. She explains how even ingredients that sound unhealthy actually aren’t.
WGN-TV Meteorologist Demetrius Ivory: One important takeaway for the Chicago area this holiday
November 26, 2019 21:41WGN-TV Meteorologist Demetrius Ivory joins John Williams to talk about your Thanksgiving travel, and the weather that might put a damper on it.