Dave Plier
884 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 10 ratingsThe Dave Plier Podcast from Chicago's Very Own, 720 WGN
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Episodes
Chicago radio legend Kevin Matthews: Upcoming book ‘Mary’s Roadie’; Jim Shorts takes over ‘The Dave Plier Show’
July 13, 2024 03:10WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Chicago radio legend Kevin Matthews about his new book ‘Mary’s Roadie’ and his journey in radio. Jim Shorts also takes over ‘The Dave Plier Show’ via satellite to tell listeners that Dave has been fired (not true) and also talks about the upcoming Chicago Bears season, his ‘casino’ and […]
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Neal Schon of Journey: Performing at Wrigley Field this Monday!
July 13, 2024 03:05WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Neal Schon from Journey, who is in town to play Wrigley Field on Monday, July 15, 2024, along with The Steve Miller Band and Def Leppard. Dave and Neal talk about the band’s five decades in rock, the mega-hit ‘Don’t Stop Believin’, Neal’s guitar collection, and […]
Novelty Golf in Lincolnwood celebrates 75 years!
July 13, 2024 03:02WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Craig Klatzco of Novelty Golf in Lincolnwood about his iconic miniature golf course and The Bunny Hutch, celebrating 75 years and the weekend-long event on July 20 and 21, 2024 with LIVE music, photo booths, their classic arcade, discounts and fun for all ages! Noveltygolf.com.
Women of Rock: Joan Jett, Debbie Harry, Pat Benatar and Suzi Quatro, Melissa Etheridge, Vicki Peterson and Nina Blackwood
July 06, 2024 18:51WGN Radio’s ‘The Dave Plier Show’ presents ‘The Women of Rock’ featuring conversations with music legends Joan Jett, Debbie Harry, Pat Benatar and Suzi Quatro. Included are bonus interviews with Melissa Etheridge, Vicki Peterson (The Bangles) and original MTV veejay Nina Blackwood.
Evanston’s own Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon
June 29, 2024 02:55WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his conversation with rock legend Kevin Cronin on his summer tour, the band’s rise to fame, the meaning behind ‘REO Speedwagon,’ and more!
65th anniversary of ‘The Twilight Zone’ created by Rod Serling
June 29, 2024 02:53As iconic TV anthology series ‘The Twilight Zone’ celebrates its 65th Anniversary, WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to the daughter of TV legend Rod Serling, writer Anne Serling, on her father’s legacy, ‘The Twilight Zone’ and ‘Night Gallery’.
Waking up with WGN-TV’s Ray Rayner, 60 years later
June 29, 2024 02:50Children’s television historian Jim Engel talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about WGN-TV’s Ray Rayner, celebrating the 1964 launch of his own self-titled show ’Ray Rayner & His Friends’ which premiered 60 years ago along with Cuddly Dudley, ‘Ark in the Park’ with Dr. Lester Fisher and Chelveston the Duck, his years on ‘Bozo’s Circus’ […]
Comedy legend Robert Smigel and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, SNL, Conan and new YouTube special ‘Let’s Make a Poop’
June 15, 2024 03:05Comedy legend Robert Smigel joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier! Smigel is the voice of Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, he’s co-written films with Adam Sandler, wrote sketches on 425 episodes of SNL, and he has won countless Writer’s Guild and Primetime Emmy Awards throughout the years. His contemporaries at Saturday Night Live were Conan O’Brien, Bob Odenkirk, Al Franken, Chris […]
WGN-TV’s Mike Lowe: Reporting and storytelling; cancer sucks and Mike is going to beat it!
June 15, 2024 03:03WGN-TV’s Mike Lowe talks about his exemplary reporting and today’s press conference on infrastructure investments. Mike then talks about his recent cancer diagnosis, the importance of early detection and seeing your doctor, new statistics on cancer rising in people under 50, and beating this! You’ve got this, Mike!
Father Knows Best! Top TV dads and their impact on pop culture
June 15, 2024 03:02WGN’s Dave Plier and Wally Podrazik, television historian and author of ‘Watching TV’, break down top TV dads by decade including Howard Cunningham (‘Happy Days’), Andy Taylor (‘The Andy Griffith Show’), Jim Anderson (‘Father Knows Best’), Mike Brady (‘The Brady Bunch’), Archie Bunker (‘Archie Bunker’s Place’), Cliff Huxtable (‘The Cosby Show’) Phil Dunphy (‘Modern Family’), Andre […]
The remarkable rise of the drive-in theater
June 15, 2024 03:01Scott Dehn from the McHenry Outdoor Theatre and drive-in documentarian April Wright talk to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about the revival of the drive-in theater, a true piece of Americana, discovering the retro magic, and watching cinema under the stars.
Chicago music icon Billy Corgan: Smashing Pumpkins summer tour, CW’s ‘Adventures in Carnyland’, National Wrestling Alliance
June 08, 2024 03:05WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Smashing Pumpkins frontman and Chicago music icon Billy Corgan about the CW’s ‘Adventures in Carnyland’, the National Wrestling Alliance, the Smashing Pumpkins summer tour, Bozo, and more.
Comedy legend John Cleese: ‘Last Chance to See Me Before I Die’ at The Vic Theatre, Monty Python, Fawlty Towers
June 08, 2024 03:01Barely living comedy legend John Cleese is heading to Chicago for a truly memorable evening of comedy and conversation at the Vic Theatre on Wednesday, June 12th and Thursday, June 13th. John talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about his journey in comedy, Monty Python, Fawlty Towers and how political correctness is killing comedy.
Move over Pepsi, Dr Pepper is now the 2nd biggest soda brand in America
June 08, 2024 00:54WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks about this week’s news that Dr Pepper is now the second-most popular soda brand in America, outselling Pepsi and behind Coca-Cola. Dave also shares the history of sodas that were created in Chicago and the retro soda brands we still love.
Chicago’s Own Joe Mantegna: National Memorial Day Concert streaming at pbs.org, Bleacher Bums, our Chicago Cubs
May 27, 2024 15:37WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Chicago’s own Joe Mantegna on Memorial Day to honor our fallen, the importance of the National Memorial Day concert streaming now at pbs.org, his ‘Bleacher Bums’ and throwing out the first pitch at Wrigley this Friday.
Bob’s Record Collection: Actor John Stamos, touring with The Beach Boys, voice of Graceland
May 27, 2024 15:35WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to actor John Stamos about touring with The Beach Boys, their 2024 concerts in Elk Grove Village, Ravinia and being the voice of Graceland.
Memorial Day with Deputy U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Tanya Bradsher: New VA services, combating homelessness, suicide prevention
May 27, 2024 15:27WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes the Honorable Tanya Bradsher, Deputy U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to salute our fallen on Memorial Day, combatting homelessness and the mental health services available for veterans.
Radio Hall of Famer Garry Meier: Venerating our fallen with memories of WWII by his father
May 27, 2024 15:24Radio Hall of Famer Garry Meier joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the real meaning of Memorial Day, celebrating his father Frank Meier and his combat experiences serving in World War II. Visit Garrymeier.com for more.
Kevin Kolman: Weber Grill’s sizzling summer barbecue, new electric grills, Weber smokefire
May 27, 2024 15:22WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Kevin Kolman, Weber Grill Ambassador, to talk about the new electric grills, the Weber Smokefire and barbecuing all summer long!
WGN-TV’s Marcus LeShock, roller coaster bureau chief: new rides, Six Flags, Dollywood, Cedar Point, Santa’s Village
May 27, 2024 14:16WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to WGN-TV’s Marcus LeShock about his love of roller coasters, new amusement park rides in the Midwest, and the beauty of Dollywood.
This is History: 40th U.S. President Ronald Reagan on the true meaning of Memorial Day
May 27, 2024 14:13Dave Plier and Dave Schwan talk about the true meaning of Memorial Day, which originated as ‘Decoration Day’ after the Civil War and was officially signed into law in 1967. Plus, Dave shares President Ronald Reagan’s moving Memorial Day speech from 1984.
Totally the 80’s: Anthony Michael Hall, Debbie Harry, Kevin Bacon, Andrew McCarthy, Bryan Adams, Dan Aykroyd, Lea Thompson
May 25, 2024 03:05It’s Dave Plier’s WGN Radio Special ‘Totally the 80’s!’ featuring Dave’s conversations with Anthony Michael Hall (Vacation, Sixteen Candles, Breakfast Club), music icon Debbie Harry (Blondie), Kevin Bacon (40th Anniversary of ‘Footloose’), Andrew McCarthy (‘Pretty in Pink’, ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’), 80’s rocker Bryan Adams, Dan Aykroyd (Ghostbusters) and Lea Thompson (Back to the Future).
Actor Chris Stolte from NBC’s Chicago Fire on 250th episode and season finale
May 18, 2024 03:15Actor Chris Stolte joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about 12 seasons of NBC’s Chicago Fire, 250 episodes, and the legacy of TV cliffhangers.
WGN Morning News’ Ana Belaval on her upcoming stand-up at Zanies Rosemont
May 18, 2024 03:08WGN-TV’s Ana Belaval joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about her upcoming appearances at Zanies Rosemont on Friday May 24th and Saturday May 25th 2024, aging parents, the best things about her hometown in Puerto Rico, and the origins of her sense of humor.
Beer Hiking Chicago and Beyond: The Tastiest Way to Discover the Windy City
May 18, 2024 03:05WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to urban hiking enthusiasts and married couple Jessica Sedgwick and Dan Ochwat about their new book, ‘Beer Hiking Chicago and Beyond: The Tastiest Way to Discover the Windy City’.
Nikki Glaser is the new ‘it’ girl of comedy!
May 18, 2024 03:01Hot off the ‘Tom Brady Roast on Netflix’, WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his conversation with comedian Nikki Glaser who talks about her rise in the comedy world, her jokes about sex, commitment, boyfriends, drinking, parents, her safe space performing on the stage, and more.
Legendary comedian Tom Dreesen back in his kind of town
May 11, 2024 14:18Comedian Tom Dreesen joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier LIVE in studio to talk about his return to Chicago for his one-man show, ‘Tom Dreesen – From Harvey to Hollywood’, along with stories about Frank, Sinatra, Johnny Carson, David Letterman, Sammy Davis Jr. and more.
Martha Davis of 80’s rockers ‘The Motels’: ‘Abducting by the 80’s’ coming to Chicago
May 11, 2024 14:18Legendary rocker Martha Davis joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about her biggest hits: ‘Only the Lonely’, ‘Suddenly Last Summer’ and ‘Shame’, her journey in rock & roll and The Motels’ upcoming concert at the Des Plaines Theatre ‘Abducted by the 80’s’ with Wang Chung, Men Without Hats and Naked Eyes.
Top TV moms who raised us!
May 11, 2024 14:17Who is your favorite TV mom? WGN Radio’s Dave Plier along with Wally Podrazik, author of ‘Watching TV’ discuss TV’s best moms from June Cleaver (‘Leave it to Beaver’), Carol Brady (‘The Brady Bunch’) and Marion Cunningham (‘Happy Days’) to Claire Huxtable (‘The Cosby Show’), Marie Barone (‘Everybody Love Raymond’), Gloria Pritchett and Claire Dunphy (‘Modern Family’), […]
The Loop Files: Meet author Rick Kaempfer, Jeff Hoover, and Piranha Man, Saturday 3-7pm at Pollyanna Brewing in Roselle
May 11, 2024 01:34Rick Kaempfer joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his book ‘The Loop Files’ about the legacy of Chicago’s Rock Radio station.
Comedian Pat McGann at The Rialto Square Theatre on Saturday May 17th
May 04, 2024 03:10Comedian Pat McGann talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about his upcoming concert at The Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, a new tour with Sebastian Maniscalco, kids sports, vacations and more.
A celebration of the late great comedian Don Rickles: ‘Keeping his name alive’
May 04, 2024 03:05In keeping a promise to help ‘keep his name alive’, WGN Radio’s Dave Plier celebrates the legacy of the late Don Rickles on his birthday by sharing his backstage Vegas interview with the comedy legend and reminiscing with TV icon (and Don’s best friend) Bob Newhart, celebrity author and television editor Michael Starr, and Tony […]
Actor Alan Ruck from ‘Succession’ and ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ LIVE at The Auditorium Theatre, Thursday May 2nd, 2024 with WGN’s Dave Plier
April 27, 2024 03:38WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes actor Alan Ruck, whose most memorable roles include Cameron Frye in the John Hughes’ film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, as well as television roles as Stuart Bondek on the ABC sitcom Spin City, and of course Connor Roy on the HBO series Succession. Alan will be back in Chicago Thursday May 2nd, 2024 at The Auditorium Theatre, presenting a special showing of the […]
Attorney and WGN Radio host Karen Conti’s new best-selling book: Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy
April 27, 2024 03:35WGN Radio’s Dave Plier sits down with WGN colleague Karen Conti to talk about her new book: Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy. Karen was the last person to represent executed serial killer John Wayne Gacy. Karen speaks about how she became a lawyer, how she got involved with this case, and more. Karen’s book can […]
Actress Eden Sher from ‘The Middle’ opens up about her One-Woman Show ‘I Was on a Sitcom’, Childbirth, Marriage & more
April 27, 2024 03:30Actress Eden Sher joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about her national tour of her new one-woman show ‘I Was on a Sitcom’, the days of working on ABC-TV sitcom ‘The Middle’, childbirth, marriage, airports and more.
Music icon Kenny Aronoff: One of the most influential and in-demand drummers in rock music
April 27, 2024 03:19WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to iconic drummer Kenny Aronoff about his musical journey and playing with some of the biggest names in music including John Mellencamp, Paul McCartney, Springsteen, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Bodeans and more.
Comedy legend Dan Aykroyd: Creating ‘Ghostbusters’ at 40, The Blues Brothers, Remembering Joe Flaherty, Crystal Head Vodka
April 20, 2024 03:10WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes comedy legend Dan Aykroyd to talk about Second City and his friendship with the late Joe Flaherty, his newest movie ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’, the business side of filmmaking, John Belushi (who would have been 75), SNL, and his Crystal Head Vodka.
Larry Potash of WGN-TV’s ‘Backstory’: Vintage sound effects, marijuana and whiskey; A look back at Pop’s Greatest Year: 1984
April 20, 2024 03:05Larry Potash from the WGN-TV Morning News joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the 14th season of ‘Backstory’ and 1984 as Pop’s Greatest Year as listed by Rolling Stone Magazine.
Geoffrey Baer: Solving ‘Chicago’s Mysteries’ on new WTTW special
April 20, 2024 03:03Did a UFO fly over O’Hare Airport? How did the alligator later named “Chance the Snapper” suddenly appear in Chicago’s Humboldt Lagoon? Is Hull House haunted? Why don’t Chicagoans put ketchup on their hot dogs? WTTW award-winning host/writer/producer Geoffrey Baer talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to solve these and other puzzlers in his new […]
Comedian Tom Papa: Back in Chicago at the Rialto Square Theater next Friday!
April 20, 2024 03:01Comedian Tom Papa is back in Chicago on stage on Friday, April 26, 2024 at The Rialto Square Theatre and talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about his laugh-out-loud life’s observations and his latest book, ‘We’re All in This Together’. Visit tompapa.com for more.
An Easter Message of Renewal from Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, with WGN’s Dave & Alex Plier
March 29, 2024 23:00Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about Easter weekend activities with Dave’s youngest son Alex, his recent birthday at 75, and his ‘Easter Message of Renewal.’
Actress Lecy Goranson on Chicago sports and the 6th season of ABC-TV’s ‘The Conners’
March 09, 2024 03:01Actress Lecy Goranson talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about the 6th season of ABC-TV’s hit comedy ‘The Conners’, her love of Chicago sports including the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Cubs, and Old Style beer.
Long before Hollywood the film industry was invented in Chicago: Essanay Studios, Charlie Chaplin
March 09, 2024 03:00WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his interview with author and historian Adam Selzer to talk about the fascinating yet little-known story of how Chicago served as the unlikely capital of American film production in the years before the rise of Hollywood (1907–1913), the rise and fall of the major Chicago movie studios in the mid-silent […]
25 years of Chicago’s own Chief O’Neill’s: St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Friday fish fries, Sunday brunch, Bad Irish Momz of Comedy
March 02, 2024 02:27WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes Brendan, Siobhan, and Anlon McKinney of Chicago’s #1 Irish pub Chief O’Neill’s talk to about the legend of Chicago Police Chief O’Neill, their 25th anniversary, the art of pouring the perfect pint of Guinness, their classic Irish cuisine, new private label scotch, beer, the Bad Irish Momz of Comedy event on […]
Hail to the Chief! WGN-TV’s NEW Chief Meteorologist Demetrius Ivory
March 02, 2024 02:20They are big Tom Skilling shoes to fill, but WGN-TV’s Demetrius Ivory is up to the task! WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Demetrius about his first official days on the job.
Tie a yellow ribbon round music legend Tony Orlando: A Journey in Music
March 02, 2024 02:17Music legend Tony Orlando joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier for an in-depth conversation reflecting on six decades in music and his farewell tour. Tony is appearing at the DesPlaines Theatre on Saturday March 2, 2024 and at The Arcada Theatre on Sunday March 3, 2024. For tickets, visit oshows.com.
Phil Rosenthal on the new season of Netflix’s ‘Somebody Feed Phil’, new children’s book with his daughter ‘Just Try It!’
March 02, 2024 02:12WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes Phil Rosenthal, creator of ‘Everybody Loves Raymond,’ on touring the globe on the 7th season of ‘Somebody Feed Phil’.
Comedian Jake Johannsen: Laughing it up at Zanies, marriage advice, being a parent today, aging
February 17, 2024 05:10WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to comedian Jake Johannsen about his shows this weekend at Zanies in Old Town and on Sunday in Rosemont, marital advice, navigating parenthood, aging and more. zanies.com
Musician Branford Marsalis is heading home to New Orleans as new Artistic Director at Music Center named after his father
February 17, 2024 05:04Listen to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier’s complete interview with Grammy Award winning jazz great Branford Marsalis, about the influence of his father in music, playing with the likes of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Sting, The Grateful Dead, his style of music and collaboration, and composing the moving sounds for the soundtrack of Netflix’s civil rights story […]
Presidential historian Douglas Brinkley: Washington, Lincoln, Kennedy and the 45 American Presidents in history, their style, their leadership, their impact
February 17, 2024 04:51Presidential historian and author Douglas Brinkley joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the history of the American presidency, how the course of history would have changed if the 9 U.S. Presidents who were assassinated or died in office completed their terms, and why it takes 25 years to realize the impact of an […]