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
WGN-TV political analyst Paul Lisnek: First 10 days of the Biden White House; New book ‘Assume Treason’
January 31, 2021 01:11WGN-TV political analyst Paul Lisnek joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about President Biden’s first 10 days in office, CPS vs. CTU, and his new novel, Assume Treason.
A Chicago radio and television genealogy
January 31, 2021 01:10Dave Plier, Roger Badesch, producer Tom Hush and listeners talk about the history behind radio and television call letters including WGN ‘World’s Greatest Newspaper’, which made its first appearance in the Chicago Tribune nameplate on August 29, 1911 and ceased on December 31, 1976, and dozens of other Chicago call signs that graced the airwaves over the past 100 years on both radio and […]
‘Tales of Forgotten Chicago’: 21 fascinating, little-known stories about a great city and its people
January 30, 2021 23:43Author Richard Lindberg talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about his new book, Tales of Forgotten Chicago.
This is History: 45 years of TV classic ‘Laverne & Shirley’ with Cindy Williams
January 30, 2021 23:21Actress Cindy Williams talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about the early days of TV classic “Laverne & Shirley” which debuted 45 years ago this week… and more!
WGN-TV meteorologist Demetrius Ivory on this weekend’s Winter Storm Warning
January 30, 2021 23:20WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to WGN-TV’s Demetrius Ivory about this weekend’s snow storm.
‘I Do Solemnly Swear: Presidential Inaugural Addresses of the Last Five Decades’ and an analysis of President Biden’s speech with author Aaron Kall
January 23, 2021 23:43Aaron Kall, Director of Debate at University of Michigan and author of the book ‘I Do Solemnly Swear: Presidential Inaugural Addresses’ joined WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to look back at a century of speeches and analyzes President Biden’s address to the nation.
Jeff Rogers of Chicago’s legendary Players Workshop: the power of improv and creating a new mental space for the new year
January 23, 2021 23:29Jeff Rogers, managing partner of Players Workshop, talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about why improv classes will help you navigate through life’s challenges and opportunities, and creating a new mental space for the new year. Plus, another visit from the man who thinks he knows everything… Dr. Von Smartassen. Want to know more? Visit www.playersworkshoponline.com
Mike Wolfe of The History Channel’s ‘American Pickers’: 22 seasons of reclaiming our past
January 23, 2021 23:25Mike Wolfe from The History Channel’s ‘American Pickers’ talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about his passion fueled by a soul-deep appreciation of America’s history, values and stories, as the series debuts its 22nd season of one of cable’s top-rated shows.
TV and movie icon Rob Reiner: 50th anniversary of groundbreaking sitcom ‘All in the Family,’ relaunching Castle Rock Entertainment
January 17, 2021 00:45In a WGN Radio EXCLUSIVE, Dave Plier talks to the legendary actor, writer, producer and director Rob Reiner about the 50th anniversary of groundbreaking TV sitcom ‘All in the Family’, sharing behind the scene stories and relationships with his fellow cast members; writing for ‘The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour’, the legacy of his father Carl Reiner and his award […]
TV and Movie Icon Rob Reiner: 50th Anniversary of Groundbreaking Sitcom ‘All in the Family’, Relaunching Castle Rock Entertainment
January 17, 2021 00:45In a WGN Radio EXCLUSIVE, Dave Plier talks to the legendary actor, writer, producer and director Rob Reiner about the 50th anniversary of groundbreaking TV sitcom ‘All in the Family’, sharing behind the scene stories and relationships with his fellow cast members; writing for ‘The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour’, the legacy of his father Carl Reiner and his award […]
Elliott Bambrough from WGN-TV’s ‘Chicago’s Best’: Support your local establishments
January 17, 2021 00:44WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes WGN-TV’s Elliott Bambrough from WGN-TV’s ‘Chicago’s Best’ in studio to talk about supporting your local restaurants during a challenging time and where to find the best comfort food to go and meal kits to prepare at home.
‘Firsthand: Living in Poverty’ WTTW docuseries preview with executive producer Dan Protess
January 17, 2021 00:43WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Dan Protess, executive producer of WTTW docuseries ‘FIRSTHAND: Living in Poverty’, a multi-year initiative focusing on the firsthand perspectives of people facing critical issues in Chicago. Viewers will meet five people who were born in Chicago’s most impoverished neighborhoods to better understand the daily challenges that make their circumstances difficult to escape.
This is History: Betty White celebrates 99 years, Jesse Jackson on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
January 17, 2021 00:42In this week’s history segment with Dave Schwan, WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his 2012 conversation with TV legend Betty White as she celebrates her 99th birthday on Sunday, January 17, 2021. Dave also talks to civil rights activist Jesse Jackson on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
Classic Chicago TV Commercials: Memorable Jingles and Legendary Pitch People
January 17, 2021 00:40Roger Badesch, WGN News Anchor and pop culture enthusiast, returns to ‘The Dave Plier Show’ to talk to Dave and our listeners about vintage Chicago commercials including Boushelle (Hudson3-2700), Victory Auto Wreckers, Empire Carpet, Zayre, Wieboldt’s, Marshall Fields, Lincoln Carpeting and United Auto Insurance; and Chicago’s most legendary pitchmen Elmer Lynn Hauldren (The Empire Carpet man), Al Piemonte, Linn Burton, Harry Schmerler and […]
Dave Plier’s conversation with Chicago Blackhawks legend Tony Esposito
January 16, 2021 03:45WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his conversation with legendary goalie ‘Tony O.’, Tony Esposito, about memories of hockey and childhood in Sault Ste. Marie in Ontario, 15 years with the Blackhawks, his goaltending style and his role as Chicago Blackhawks Ambassador.
‘Six Degrees with Mike Rowe’ from Discovery+: Everything is connected, essential workers, student loan forgiveness
January 09, 2021 04:50WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes Mike Rowe to talk ‘Dirty Jobs’, his new Discovery+ series ‘Six Degrees with Mike Rowe’, why all workers are ‘essential’ and the conflicting issues surrounding a national effort to forgive all student loans.
Meteorologist Cheryl Scott: The American Red Cross and Great Chicago Blood Drive
January 09, 2021 04:40WGN’s Dave Plier welcomes ABC7 Chicago’s Cheryl Scott in studio to talk about her work with the American Red Cross and the Great Chicago Blood Drive on Wednesday, January 13th.
Dr. Ian Smith, host of syndicated ‘The Doctors’: Vaccinations, New Year’s resolutions, eating better all year
January 09, 2021 04:35Dr. Ian Smith, host of TV’s ‘The Doctors’, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the COVID-19 vaccinations, how to eat better and lose weight in seven easy steps, keeping your New Year’s resolutions and his new Chicago based mystery novel, ‘The Unspoken’.
Chicago’s own Lecy Goranson on the midseason premiere of ABC’s ‘The Conners’
January 09, 2021 04:30Chicago’s own Lecy Goranson, Becky from ABC’s ‘The Conners,’ hangs with WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk all things Chicago and preview the mid-season premiere of her hit series.
Sports legend (in his own mind) Jimmy Shorts: Pig Skin Picks for Sunday’s NFL Wild Card game
January 09, 2021 04:20WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Jimmy Shorts about this Sunday’s Bears vs. Saints Wild Card game.
Dave Plier’s favorite conversations of the year
January 02, 2021 03:12WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his favorite conversations of 2020: featuring actress and comedian Susie Essman from HBO’s ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’; Robert Hayes, who played Ted Striker, on the 40th Anniversary of cult classic ‘Airplane’; Emmy award winning actress Edie Falco on her career which includes ‘Oz’, ‘The Sopranos’ and ‘Nurse Jackie’; actress Lea Thompson on […]
Chicago Christmas traditions: The Tree Ship, State Street Parade, the Walnut Room
December 24, 2020 16:13Dave Plier and Dave Schwan talk about the history of Christmas around Chicago including the Christmas Tree Ship, The State Street Parade, Marshall Fields’ Windows and Walnut Room and more.
Dean Richards’ Entertainment Report: Christmas Day movie premieres
December 24, 2020 15:45WGN-TV’s Dean Richards joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier (filling in for Bob Sirott) to talk about this year’s Christmas Day movie releases.
Music legend Johnny Mathis: 60 years of holiday cheer with ‘The Voice of Christmas’
December 24, 2020 15:44It’s a Winter Wonderland as WGN Radio’s Dave Plier (filling in for Bob Sirott) shares his conversation with Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Johnny Mathis to talk about his career, the early support of his beloved parents, the warmth of Christmas as a child, his legendary holiday album and more.
Walter Jacobson: The City of Chicago and The State of Illinois ‘Year in Review’ 2020
December 24, 2020 15:43Legendary Chicago newsman Walter Jacobson joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier (filling in for Bob Sirott) to talk about ‘The Year in Review.’
Festive flashback: Merriest must-see TV classics
December 24, 2020 15:40Dave Plier, Dave Schwan, Dave Eanet and listeners talk about their favorite holiday TV episodes of all time including I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Brady Bunch, All in the Family, Cheers, Seinfeld’s ‘Festivus for the rest of us’, Johnny Carson’s ‘The Tonight Show’, Modern Family and more! What is your favorite holiday sitcom episode?
Dolly McCarthy: This is History with Dave Schwan
December 19, 2020 12:34Dolly McCarthy and Dave Schwan dive into the Mayflower Landing, the sinking of a “Christmas ship”, the first national Christmas tree and more!
Dolly McCarthy: The Red Kettle Campaign
December 19, 2020 12:25Dolly McCarthy, filling in for Dave, welcomes Katie Heinz from The Salvation Army to talk about The Red Kettle Campaign and how important it is to the community. for more information go to salarmychristmas.org
Dolly McCarthy: Chicago’s holiday lights
December 19, 2020 12:19Dolly McCarthy, filling-in for Dave Plier, welcomes Mary Edsey Best-selling Author of the book The Best Christmas Decorations in Chicagoland. Mary tells us where to go to spot out the best holiday lights in all Chicagoland.
Dolly McCarthy: Chicago entertainer Tony Ocean sings in the key of life
December 19, 2020 12:10Dolly McCarthy, filling-in for Dave Plier, welcomes Tony Ocean to tell us about his journey through entertainment in Chicago and what it means to him. Follow Tony on his website tonyoceanmusic.com
Dolly McCarthy: Chicago’s own Whitney Reynolds new syndication deal brings ‘Voice of Hope’ to PBS
December 19, 2020 12:04Dolly McCarthy, filling-in for Dave Plier, welcomes Whitney Reynolds on the show to share her story, and celebrate her show being picked up for national distribution which will premiere across the country in 2021! Congratulations Whitney! You can keep up with Whitney at her website www.whitneyreynolds.com
Dolly McCarthy: Chicago crooner John Vincent sends positive vibes, one song at a time
December 19, 2020 11:55Dolly McCarthy, filling-in for Dave Plier, welcomes Chicago local singer John Vincent on the show. John opens up about his struggles with depression and how a little kindness can change everything. Keep up with John Vincent on his website! Johnvincentlive.com
Dolly McCarthy: Comedian and master impersonator Nick Smeriglio
December 19, 2020 11:45Dolly McCarthy, filling-in for Dave Plier, welcomes comedian, master impersonator, and Chicago native Nick Smeriglio on to the show. Nick entertains us with a rapid fire gallery of impressions from Christopher Walken to The Grinch. You can follow Nick on Instagram @nicky.smigs
Chicago’s very own Bob Newhart: 25 years later comedy special ‘Off the Record’ comes to Amazon Prime, Chicago holiday memories
December 12, 2020 06:46WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes comedy legend Bob Newhart to talk about the 25thanniversary of his only televised stand up special, re-releasing on Amazon Prime; Bob reflects on his early career and his appearances on WGN Radio in the 1960’s, plus Bob’s favorite holiday traditions in Chicago. Bobnewhart.com
Peter ‘Ralphie’ Billingsley on the legacy of holiday classic ‘A Christmas Story’
December 12, 2020 06:43Actor, director and producer Peter Billingsley joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the making of ‘A Christmas Story’, behind the scene stories, original props he owns and why the movie has become a Christmas classic.
Those we lost in 2020: Sean Connery, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Kobe Bryant, Eddie Van Halen, Carl Reiner, Alex Trebek
December 12, 2020 06:42Historian and author Walter Podrazik join WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to celebrate ‘Those We Lost’ in 2020.
Stocking stuffers and holiday treats from Anderson’s Candy
December 12, 2020 06:40Katie Anderson joins Dave Plier to talk about their nearly 100-year-old family-owned business, the best chocolates in the world and their sweet treats, just for the holidays. Andersonscandyshop.com
Meteorologist Cheryl Scott on National Geographic’s five-part series about our Great Lakes: ‘So Great, So Fragile’
December 05, 2020 06:04WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes meteorologist Cheryl Scott to talk about the new National Geographic docuseries about our Great Lakes: ‘So Great, So Fragile’.
Music icon Darlene Love: The legendary voice of Christmas
December 05, 2020 05:58Darlene Love, whose voice has been synonymous with the holiday season for over half a century joins Dave to talk about her decades long career. Darlene’s “Love For The Holidays” digital Christmas concert from Sony Hall will be available for Pay-Per-View on Dec 5th. Tickets are on sale NOW and are only $35 and you can […]
Chicago’s own Amy Landecker on Showtime mini-series ‘Your Honor’
December 05, 2020 05:54Chicago’ own Amy Landecker joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to preview Showtime’s series ‘Your Honor,’ also starring Bryan Cranston.
Chicago’s Restaurant Roundtable: Winter take-out, no outdoor dining, fighting to survive the pandemic restrictions
December 05, 2020 05:46WGN Radio’s Dave Plier catches up with three Chicagoland restaurateurs including George Karzas from Gale Street Inn in Jefferson Park, Guido Nardini from Club Lago in River North and Matthew Ranalli from Holt’s in Park Ridge, about how they are navigating through the pandemic, frigid outdoor dining and how you can support your favorite local […]
Rock & Roll’s Jimmy Angel: A story of the music and the Mob, new release ‘Love Fever’
December 05, 2020 05:44WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to rock & roll legend Jimmy Angel, who had 38 singles on top U.S. labels under his belt before being whisked off to Japan over 30 years ago, thanks to the goodwill and open check books of several major players in the Nashville music trade (including show biz icon Pat Boone […]
Blake Stubbs bingeable shows for the long weekend
November 27, 2020 14:47Blake Stubbs a film critic for WGN joins Jon and recommends a few series to stream over the long weekend.
James Beard award-winning chef Stephanie Izard: Preparing your Thanksgiving table
November 26, 2020 15:18Stephanie Izard, James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of Chicago’s Girl & the Goat, Duck Duck Goat, Little Goat, and now Sugargoat Cupcake Bakery in the West Loop, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about preparing your Thanksgiving dinner, recipes, meals to go and her upcoming fundraiser for ‘Equality Should Be Normal’. For more information, visit Stephanieizard.com
Dr. Phil: Navigating the holidays during a pandemic, ways to make your holidays stress-less
November 26, 2020 15:17Dr. Phil McGraw joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about how to make your holidays stress-less and navigating the holidays during a pandemic without seeing loved ones and having family traditions on hold.
Chicago’s Very Own Wayne Messmer: New album ‘Doesn’t Seem Like Christmas Without You’
November 26, 2020 15:15Chicago’s own Wayne Messmer joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his new Christmas album, with music and lyrics by Joy Smith with arrangement by Bobby Schiff. For more information visit, Waynemessmer.hearnow.com
WGN-TV’s Dean Richards on the 15th Anniversary of ‘Bozo, Gar & Ray: WGN TV Classics’
November 26, 2020 15:13Dean joins Dave to talk about the 15th anniversary of ‘Bozo, Gary & Ray: WGN TV Classics’, plus his daily entertainment report.
Grilling your Thanksgiving turkey, sides and sweets with Weber Grill Master Kevin Kolman
November 26, 2020 15:07Weber Grill’s Kevin Kolman tells Dave Plier how to smoke or grill your holiday bird, as well as recipes for side dishes and desserts on the grill. Kevin also introduces the new Weber Smoke Fire grill!
The history of Thanksgiving in America: Plymouth Rock, pies, parades and Presidential pardons
November 26, 2020 12:56Dave Plier and Dave Schwan share the history of the very first Thanksgiving and the traditions that have developed over the years.
David Eigenberg and Chris Stolte on the new season of NBC’s ‘Chicago Fire’
November 21, 2020 05:11WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes pals David Eigenberg and Chris Stolte of NBC’s ‘Chicago Fire’ for some laughs and to talk about their 9th season.