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’s TV Icon Rich Koz to be Honored at The Museum of Broadcast Communications on Saturday October 26th
October 20, 2019 09:37Chicago TV legend Rich Koz joins Dave Plier to talk about his upcoming October 26th event celebrating 40 Years of Svengoolie at Museum of Broadcast Communications. For tickets, visit museum.tv.
Horror on the Air: ‘The House in Cypress Canyon’ with Robert Taylor and Cathy Lewis
October 20, 2019 09:17Introduced by WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, this chilling episode of ‘Suspense: The House in Cypress Canyon’ begins as a new home goes up for sale in Cypress Canyon, when a shoebox containing a manuscript found by construction workers inside the unfinished house details all the horrifying things that would happen to the future occupants.
This is History: First Trial for Witchcraft, Orson Welles ‘War of the Worlds’, ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown’ Debuts, Disney Reboots ‘Star Wars’
October 20, 2019 09:13Dave Plier and Dave Schwan talk about the first witchcraft trial in 1390, the history of Halloween dating back to 1745, the Volstead Act is passed, Orson Welles’ broadcast of ‘War of the Worlds’ panics America, the Patriot Act is passed into law, It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown debuts, Hurricane Sandy makes landfall, Walt Disney purchases Lucasfilm and the Star Wars franchise.
Chicago’s Classic Horror TV Shows, Gone But Not Forgotten: ‘Creature Features’, ‘Shock Theater’, Monster Rally’, ‘Monstrous Movie’
October 20, 2019 09:08Dave and the late night crew talk about Chicago’s most memorable TV horror movie shows including ‘Shock Theater’ with Terry Bennett, ‘Screaming Yellow Theater’ with Jerry G. Bishop, Saturday night staple ‘Creature Features’ with the image of ‘The Ghoul’ on WGN, ‘Monster Rally’, ‘The Monstrous Movie’, ‘Thrillerama’, the original ‘Son of Svengoolie’ with Rich Koz and others…
Chicago’s Own Lecy Goranson of ABC’s ‘The Conners’ and Classic Series ‘Roseanne’ on the Sitcom’s New Season, Favored Chicago Landmarks, Perpetually a Chicago Sports Fan
October 13, 2019 10:13Chicago’s own Lecy Goranson from ABC-TV’s ‘The Conners’ joins Dave Plier at the top of his show to talk about the hit sitcom’s new season, messing with Dave when she saw him last, growing up in Evanston, favorite Chicago places to visit, Bears, Cubs and more.
Chicago’s 35th Annual Pinball Expo with Gary Stern of Stern Pinball: New Games Elvira, Star Wars, The Munsters, The Beatles, Deadpool, Guardians of the Galaxy
October 13, 2019 10:07Gary Stern, CEO of Chicago-based Stern Pinball joins Dave Plier to trace their Chicago-based company’s lineage from the early 1930’s to the founding of modern pinball, the growth of Arcade Bars across the country, a preview of Chicago’s Pinball Expo and their newest games. For more information on Stern Pinball visit Sternpinball.com and pinballexpo.net What is your favorite pinball game of all time?
Exploring Haunted Chicago with Ghostlorist Ursula Bielski: ‘Resurrection Mary’, Congress Hotel, Graceland Cemetery
October 13, 2019 10:07A longstanding WGN Radio Halloween tradition is to explore the Chicagoland hauntings of Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery, Archer Avenue, Resurrection Mary, The Willowbrook Ballroom, The Congress Hotel and more. To share the lore and paranormal happenings, Dave Plier welcomes Ghostlorist Ursula Bielski. You can find more information on Ursula’s tours and Chicago Ghost Con at chicagohauntings.com What is the most chilling Chicago ghost story?
Boo Berry, Frankenberry & Count Chocula: Monster Cereals are Back
October 13, 2019 10:06Dave Plier and Roger Badesch talk about the classic monster cereals, back for the Halloween season. What’s your favorite classic monster cereal?
Horror on the Air: ‘Suspense, Sorry Wrong Number’ Starring Agnes Moorehead
October 13, 2019 10:01Dave Plier presents one of radio’s most famous horror plays: ‘Sorry, Wrong Number’ about a bedridden wife who experiences a crossed phone line with two men planning a murder.
This is History: First Chicago Marathon in 1905, Chicago White Sox Win the 2005 World Series, Mayor Richard J. Daley Hosts JFK, Cuban Missile Crisis
October 13, 2019 10:00Dave Plier and Dave Schwan talk about including the first Macy’s store, the first every marathon in Chicago, the Cubs lost the World Series in 1910, Mayor Richard J. Daley hosted JFK in Chicago on the eve of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Water Tower Place opened in 1975, The Police play their first US concert, and the Sox win the World Series in 2005.
WGN-TV’s Larry Potash on 4th Season of ‘Backstory’: How Real was the Exorcist? A Mick Jagger – Keith Richards Conflict? A Puzzle to Solve in an Abandoned Home?
September 29, 2019 10:34WGN Morning News anchor Larry Potash joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the 4th season premiere of ‘Backstory’ on WGN-TV, Saturday nights at 10pm cst. To see more: https://wgntv.com/category/backstory/.
TV Legend Carl Reiner Makes Life Worth Living at 97: ‘Your Show of Shows’, ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show’, ‘The Jerk’ at 40, 2,000 Year Old Man with Mel Brooks
September 29, 2019 10:28WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes back 97-year old comedy legend Carl Reiner to talk about the early days of television writing for Sid Caesar, creating the 2,000 Year-Old Man with Mel Brooks, developing the award-winning ‘Dick Van Dyke Show’, directing Steve Martin in ‘The Jerk’, his most coveted award ‘The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor’ and a peek into his latest book ‘Scrunched Celebrity Photos, Hand Scrunched by Carl Reiner’.
Oktoberfest at Chicago’s Historic Berghoff Restaurant: Classic German Fare, Chicago Liquor License #1, Adams Street Brewery
September 29, 2019 10:24WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Colleen Silk, Brand Manager of the historic Berghoff Restaurant about their annual Oktoberfest, the bar that boasts Chicago’s #1 liquor license, the Adam Street Brewery and more.
A Guide to Chicago’s Neighborhoods: A Literary Anthology Celebrating the Place We Live
September 29, 2019 10:21WGN Radio’s Dave Plier chats with Chicago editor Martha Bayne about The Chicago Neighborhood Guidebook, which aims to explore community history and identity through essays, poems, photos and art articulating the lived experience of its residents.
This is History: University of Chicago Opens, Henry Ford and the Modern Assembly Line, 1st Peanuts Comic Strip, ‘Twilight Zone’ Turns 60 with Anne Serling
September 29, 2019 10:16Dave Plier and Dave Schwan talk history this week as The University of Chicago opened it’s doors in 1890, Henry Ford developed the modern assembly line, the first Peanuts comic strip by Charles Schultz debuted and ‘The Twilight Zone’ turns 60 with excerpts of Dave’s exclusive interview with the daughter of creator Rod Serling, Anne Serling.
David Eigenberg, LIVE in studio on the 8th Season Premiere of NBC’s ‘Chicago Fire’
September 22, 2019 08:55Actor David Eigenberg of NBC’s ‘Chicago Fire’ and ‘Sex in the City’ fame joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier in studio to preview the Chicago-based drama’s 8th season and test his knowledge with some 70’s TV trivia. For more information on ‘Chicago Fire’ visit nbc.com/chicago-fire
Architectural Gem: Chicago’s Historic Water Tower Turns 150
September 22, 2019 08:54Maurice Champagne from the Chicago Architecture Center talks to Dave Plier about the 150th Anniversary of Chicago’s Water Tower, architect William Boyington and other buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire including St. James Cathedral, he Courthouse Finial in Lincoln Park and a Graveyard Crypt in Lincoln Park.
Everything You Need to Know About the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards with TV Critic Maureen Ryan
September 22, 2019 08:54WGN’s Dave Plier talks to TV Critic Maureen Ryan about her picks for Sunday’s Emmy Awards, TV content shifts, reaching audiences across various platforms and a peek into the new Fall season.
WGN Morning News 25th Anniversary Primetime Special Preview with Robin Baumgarten: ‘I’m sure people are going want to look at this mug for another 25 years!’
September 15, 2019 10:09Chicago’s own Robin Baumgarten returns to the show to talk about 25 years of the WGN Morning News, pulling clips she barely remembers, the unbridled chemistry on the anchor team and her three top moments on the show. Chicago’s Very Own WGN Morning News 25th Anniversary Special will air in primetime on Tuesday, September 17 from 7-9pm CT. The LIVE broadcast on WGN-TV will also be streamed live at WGNTV.com/Live
Radio Icon Kevin Matthews & Jim Shorts Take Over The Dave Plier Show
September 15, 2019 10:09Chicago Radio icon Kevin Matthews kicks off this weeks ‘Dave Plier Show’ by taking over the airwaves with his trusted companion Jim Shorts, the only way he knows how to do it.
‘The Show Won’t Go On’: The Most Shocking, Bizarre, and Historic Deaths of Performers Onstage
September 15, 2019 10:08Dave Plier talks to author and Hollywood publicist Jeff Abraham about dozens of heart-stopping stories in his new book ‘The Show Won’t Go On: The Most Shocking, Bizarre, and Historic Deaths of Performers Onstage’, the first comprehensive study of a bizarre phenomenon… performers who died onstage. For more information, visit theshowwontgoon.com.
This is History: U.S. Postal Service Opens, Lincoln’s Emancipation, Chicago Blackhawks Debut, Kennedy-Nixon Debate, Cubs clinch NL East Title in ’84
September 15, 2019 10:07Dave Schwan and Dave Plier talk about the creation of the US Post Office in 1789, President Lincoln’s Emancipation in 1862, Henry Ford announces the 8 hour-5 day workweek, the Chicago Blackhawks are formed, the White Sox clinch the AL Pennant in 1959, the Kennedy-Nixon Debate in Chicago, ‘The Munsters’ premieres and the Cubs clinch.
‘Gridiron Greats’ Chicago Bears Legends Mike Ditka, Charles ‘Peanut’ Tillman, Brian Urlacher and Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael: Giving Back Off the Field, 100th Anniversary of NFL, Bears Loss in the Preseason Opener
September 08, 2019 10:34Join Dave as he talks to Chicago Bears Legends Mike Ditka, Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael, Charles ‘Peanut’ Tillman and Brian Urlacher about the ‘Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame’ about the importance of giving back off the field, the 100th season of the NFL and some thoughts on the Bears loss to the Packers in the season opener.
The Dark Power of Comedian Anthony Jeselnik: Crossing the Line and Loving It, New Comedy Central Series ‘Good Talk’
September 08, 2019 10:30Comedian Anthony Jeselnik joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his new Friday night Comedy Central series ‘Good Talk with Anthony Jeselnik’ with some of his best friends in comedy, his impactful debut on ‘The Roast of Donald Trump’, overreactions of people and crossing the line in his stand-up and loving it.
Legendary Anchorman Bill Kurtis: 13th Season of ‘American Greed’ on CNBC, The Power of Investigative Journalism
September 08, 2019 10:29Dave Plier welcomes legendary anchorman Bill Kurtis to talk about the 13th season of CNBC’s “American Greed’ focusing on white collar crime; his new social media series ‘What’s in Bill’s Office’, the inspiration behind Bill getting into broadcasting and the power of investigative journalism.
Chicago’s Own Grant Deporter: Chicago Gateway Green, Green Tie Ball, History of Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse Building in River North, Chicago Sports Museum
September 08, 2019 10:27Dave Plier talks to Grant DePorter, Chair of Gateway Green and President and Managing Partner of Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group, about upcoming Green Tie Ball on Friday September 13th, the greening and beautification of Chicago’s expressways, the history behind Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse building on Kinzie and the Chicago Sports Museum.
This is History: 18 Years After 9/11, ‘Texaco Star Theater’ Breaks Ground on TV, Nixon on ‘Laugh-In’, Bears’ Walter Payton Scores an NFL Record
September 08, 2019 10:24Dave Plier and Dave Schwan reflect on the impact of 9/11 and how it changed America on the 18th Anniversary, sharing the audio from various news outlets on that fateful morning. Plus, ‘Texaco Star Theater’ debuts, Richard Nixon appears on ‘Laugh-In’ and Water Payton scores an NFL record.
The Sunday Dinner: A Family Tradition We Need to Bring Back
September 08, 2019 10:20America seems to be losing focus on the great tradition of having Sunday dinner together as a family. Dave Plier, news anchor Roger Badesch, producer Ashley Bihun and listeners discuss the opportunity to bring multiple generations of friends and family together around the table to share what’s important in our lives.
The Button Down Mind of a TV Comedy Legend: Celebrating Chicago’s Own Bob Newhart’s 90th Birthday
September 02, 2019 17:03Dave Plier talks to comedy legend Bob Newhart as he celebrates his 90thbirthday, about why retirement is not in his vocabulary, his upcoming honor at ‘The Paley Center’s Tribute to Television’s Comedy Legends’, how late comedian Buddy Hackett introduced Bob to his wife of over 55 years and the legacy of his award winning comedy albums and TV shows. Which show is your favorite? ‘The Bob Newhart Show’ or ‘Newhart’?
Christopher ‘Peter’ Knight on the 50th Anniversary of ‘The Brady Bunch’ and HGTV’s Upcoming ‘A Very Brady Renovation’
September 02, 2019 16:56Christopher Knight who played Peter Brady on the iconic TV Series ‘The Brady Bunch’ joins Dave Plier to talk about the show’s 50th Anniversary, with a preview of HGTV’s ‘A Very Brady Renovation’ which documents the journey of all six Brady kids restoring the original Brady home. What is the most memorable ‘Brady Bunch’ episode?
Back to School: Teaching Kids to Be Smart About Social Media & What You Need to Know
September 02, 2019 16:45As kids head back to school, we’ll talk about the perils of social media and what you need to know as Dave welcomes Robbie Schneider from Franciscan Health.
Mike Rowe Takes on America’s Skills Gap: “We need to get people to look at alternative education in the same way they look at higher education
September 02, 2019 16:25Mike Rowe, host of ‘Dirty Jobs’ and ‘Returning the Favor’, talks to Dave Plier about the skills gap in the American workforce and his advocacy for skills training and hands-on careers that addresses the prosperity and potential that some trades and industries can yield.
Jarrett Payton Previews ‘Savoring Sweetness: The Life & Times of Walter Payton’
September 02, 2019 16:11Jarrett Payton talks to Andy Masur on The Dave Plier Show about “Savoring Sweetness: The Life & Times of Walter Payton” which will premiere at 7 p.m. on Wednesday September 4 on WGN-TV and stream live at WGNTV.com/Live. Interviews include Jim McMahon, Dan Hampton, Steve McMichael, Gary Fencik and Barry Sanders, among other teammates, family and friends, on the famed running back’s legacy.
Chicago New Demographics: A Tale of Two Cities with Urbanist Pete Saunders
September 02, 2019 15:59Urbanist Pete Saunders shares his research with Dave Plier on Chicago’s ever changing demographics, featured in Curbed Chicago. The downtown and Near North Side, stretching from the Loop to neighborhoods such as Bucktown and Logan Square, has boomed, while large stretches of the rest of the city have suffered from decreasing middle class populations, disinvestment, and in the worst cases, abandoned property and increased crime.
Weber Grill’s Kevin Kolman: Fall Grilling Tips and a Tailgating Game Plan
September 02, 2019 15:15Dave Plier talks fall backyard grilling, tailgating tips, the recipe for brisket, classic side dishes and brown bag apple pie on the grill with Grillmaster Kevin Kolman from Weber Grill. What is the best food item to grill while tailgating?
This is History: The American Labor Movement, Jerry Lewis and the MDA Labor Day Telethon
September 02, 2019 15:02Dave Plier and Dave Schwan talk about the history of the American Labor Movement and the legacy of comedian Jerry Lewis and what was an annual tradition on Labor Day weekend, the MDA telethon.
Hurricane Dorian Morning Update: A Path of Uncertainty with Pete Combs from ABC News
September 02, 2019 14:50Dorian is slowly making its way toward the US, and is expected to reach Florida today. Dave Plier talks to Pete Combs from ABC News, LIVE from Del Ray Beach, FL.
Saint Juliana Parish’s Queen of Hearts Raffle in Chicago Worth Nearly $600,000
September 02, 2019 14:32St. Juliana Parish’s Queen of Hearts pot in Chicago has rolled over again. Fr. James Wallace, Pastor of St. Juliana, joins Dave Plier to break it all down. Raffle is a Firewater Saloon in Edison Park on Thursday at 9pm. Tickets can be purchased at Firewater, Emerald Isle and Moretti’s in Edison Park. For more info, visit stjuliana.org.
Totally 80’s: John Stamos from ‘Full House’, Rock Icon Pat Benatar, Musician Bryan Adams, Fred Savage of ‘The Wonder Years’, Original MTV VJ Nina Blackwood, George Wendt from ‘Cheers’
August 25, 2019 08:50Dave Plier and newsman Roger Badesch celebrate the 80’s with the music, movies and TV shows that best defined the era, featuring interviews with John Stamos from ‘Full House’ (and ‘Fuller House’), Chicago’s own George Wendt from ‘Cheers’, Glencoe’s own Fred Savage from ‘The Wonder Years’, original MTV Veejay Nina Blackwood, musician Bryan Adams and rock legend Pat Benatar!
This is History: 160th Anniversary of Chicago’s Pullman Palace Car Company, Kodak Introduces Film, 1st NFL Chicago All-Star Game, WWII Begins, Classic Saturday Nights
August 25, 2019 08:49Dave Plier and Dave Schwan talk about the history of Pullman and the introduction of the first sleeping car, Kodak’s introduction of rolled film, the first NFL Chicago All-Star Game, WWII begins when Germany invades Poland, Gunsmoke leaves the airwaves, and Mary Tyler Moore ends her historic TV show and Classic Saturday Night TV.
The Fest for Beatles Fans in Chicago: Yellow Submarine and Abbey Road’s 50th Anniversary, the Legacy of Paul, Ringo, George and John
August 04, 2019 09:07Beatles fan and historian Wally Podrazik talks to Dave Plier about the Chicago’s ‘Fest for Beatles Fans’, taking place next weekend, as well as celebrating the 50th anniversary of ‘Abbey Road. For more information about the festival visit, thefest.com. What is your favorite Beatles song?
The Fire Museum of Greater Chicago: A Little Known Cultural Gem Celebrating The Chicago Fire Department and The First Responders
August 04, 2019 09:07Dave welcomes Chicago Fire Department historian Phil Little to talk about one of Chicago’s little know cultural gems, ‘The Fire Museum of Greater Chicago’, which houses some of the earliest fire-fighting equipment still in existence including beautifully restored trucks dating back to the 1920’s.
Cultural Shifts in America: Things a Younger Generation is Killing Off
August 04, 2019 09:06Dave Plier, Roger Badesch and Curtis Koch talk about new Millennial trends (people born between 1981 and 1996), and how they are responsible for the demise of many time-honored traditions.
This is History: Washington Creates the Purple Heart, Atom Bomb Dropped, Legacy of Marilyn Monroe, ‘American Graffiti’ Debuts, Chicago Cubs’ First Night Game
August 04, 2019 09:06Dave Plier and Dave Schwan share this week’s historical moments including when President Washington created the Purple Heart, the atom bomb is dropped on Hiroshima during WWII, the mystery behind Marilyn Monroe’s death, President Nixon resigns and memories from the first night game at Wrigley Field.
WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer: Taking a Staycation and Exploring the City We Live In
July 28, 2019 10:11Geoffrey Baer of WTTW as he joins Dave Plier for a full hour to talk about last minute summer ‘Staycations’ in and around Chicagoland. For more information visit interactive.wttw.com/a/geoffrey-baer-tours.
Everything You Need to Know About Lollapalooza: Music, Food, Fashion & Fun
July 28, 2019 10:08WGN’s own Michael Heidemann breaks down this year’s Lollapalooza (August 1-4 in Grant Park) including what’s it all about, the music, food, fashion and fun. Visit wgnradio.com/category/sound-sessions/ and lollapalooza.com.
The Ultimate Wisconsin State Fair Experience: A Family Tradition for 168 years
July 28, 2019 10:05Kathleen O’Leary, CEO of the Wisconsin State Fair (August 1-11, West Allis, WI), shares the best ways to explore this 168 year old family tradition across the border. Plus, listen to a bonus interview with Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon who is performing LIVE at the Wisconsin State Fair on Thursday August 1st! Visit wistatefair.com for more information. What memories do you have of the Wisconsin State Fair?
This is History: Saturday Evening Post Debuts, Dick Clark Introduces ‘American Bandstand’, President Nixon Resigns, Wrigley Field’s First Night Game in ‘88, 12th Annual Blackhawks Convention
July 28, 2019 10:02Dave Plier and Dave Schwan talk about the first edition of the Saturday Evening Post, Lucille Ball was born 105 years ago, American Bandstand debuts, Nixon resigns, the Cubs turn on the lights and more. Do you remember that first Wrigley Field night game?
The Chicago Neighborhood Block Party: A Summer Rite of Passage
July 28, 2019 09:19Dave Plier, along with Roger Badesch and producer Curtis Koch talk about the long-standing Chicago tradition of neighborhood block parties, the top ranked communities that hold them and it’s importance to bringing people together.
American Moonshot: John F. Kennedy and the Great Space Race, 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing with Presidential Historian Douglas Brinkley
July 21, 2019 09:25To celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the first lunar landing, award winning historian and perennial New York Times bestselling author Douglas Brinkley joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to take a fresh look at the space program, President John F. Kennedy’s inspiring challenge, and America’s race to the moon.