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
This is History: Buzz Aldrin Remembers Apollo 11 and a Pathway to Mars
July 21, 2019 09:25Dave Plier and Dave Schwan recap this week in history including Corn Flakes being invented, Looney Tunes cartoons on Saturday mornings, Cigarettes being required to print health warnings and a conversation with American Icon Buzz Aldrin about his first steps on the moon, the funding NASA and his mission to Mars.
Always ‘Good Things’ for Kurt Neumann and Kenny Aronoff of ‘The Bodeans’
July 21, 2019 08:12As The Bodeans hit the stage at Chicago Ridge Fest on Friday July 26th, Dave Plier shares his conversation with founder and front man Kurt Neumann and drummer Kenny Aronoff, to talk about their midwest sound, their dedicated fans and the origins of their biggest hits. Kenny also shares stories about some of the other legends he performs with including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Mellencamp, Jon Bon Jovi, Stevie Wonder, Joe Walsh and Melissa Etheridge.
Cool Ways to Beat the Heat in Chicago
July 21, 2019 08:12Dave Plier, producer Curtis Koch and Roger Badesch talk about how to beat the heat in Chicago, the Windy City’s hottest days and 10 facts about hot summer weather that won’t make you feel any cooler. How do you beat the heat?!
The Centennial of Legendary Chicago Children’s Television Host Ray Rayner
July 21, 2019 08:12Children’s television historian Jim Engel joins Dave Plier to look back at WGN Television’s Very Own Ray Rayner, celebrating the centennial of his birth and his own self-titled show ’Ray Rayner & His Friends’ along with Cuddly Dudley, ‘Ark in the Park’ with Dr. Lester Fisher and Chelveston the duck, his years on ‘Bozo’s Circus’, Dick Tracy’ and more. What’s your favorite memory of Ray Rayner?
Chicago Cubs Manager Joe Maddon: Respect 90… The Importance of Giving Back Off the Field
July 04, 2019 15:18WGN Radio talks to Chicago Cubs Manager Joe Maddon about the excitement he generates on the field and his equally charitable moments off the field. Maddon also shares his thoughts on Bryant, Baez and Contreras representing the Cubs in next week’s All-Star Game.
Jared Cohen, CEO of Jigsaw at Google Parent Company, Alphabet: Accidental Presidents, Eight Men Who Changed America
July 04, 2019 15:14Author Jared Cohen, CEO of Jigsaw at Alphabet and Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his new book: Accidental Presidents, Eight Men Who Changed America. The strength and prestige of the American presidency has waxed and waned since George Washington. Accidental Presidents looks at eight men who came to the office without being elected to it. It demonstrates how the character of the man in that powerful seat affects […]
MVPP: Wayne Messmer, Singing in the Key of Life
July 04, 2019 15:07It’s been 25 years since Wayne Messmer’s life was changed forever. Chicago’s most legendary anthem singer, Wayne talks about the impact of giving of time and talent to the communities we live in.
Retro Chicago Summer Experiences: The McHenry Outdoor Drive-In
July 04, 2019 15:02Dave Plier talks about the timeless entertainment of the Drive-In Theater with Scott Dehn, President of Golden Age Cinemas. They discuss the McHenry Drive-In, their history, the brand new double features shown weekly, their retro concessions stand and all that the drive-in experience has to offer. goldenagecinemas.com. What are your drive-in memories? What drive-in did you go to?
There is a Fifth Dimension… The 60th Anniversary of ‘The Twilight Zone’ with Anne Serling, Daughter of Creator Rod Serling
July 04, 2019 15:00As ‘The Twilight Zone’ turns 60, Dave Plier is joined by Anne Serling, daughter of TV legend Rod Serling to talk about the iconic series, best episodes, and her relationship with her famous father.
Retro Chicago Summer Experiences: 70 Years of Lincolnwood’s Novelty Golf
July 04, 2019 14:59Dave Plier talks to Craig Klatzco, owner of one of Chicagoland’s retrotainment venues, ‘Novelty Golf’ in Lincolnwood about their history, new features and their 70th anniversary celebration. noveltygolf.com Do you have a favorite memory of playing at Novelty Golf?
Far Out 70’s TV Throwback: Alan Alda from M*A*S*H, Charlie’s Angels’ Cheryl Ladd, Laverne & Shirley’s Cindy Williams, Three’s Company’s Suzanne Somers, Gavin McLeod from The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Love Boat
June 30, 2019 09:37Dave Plier travels back to 1970’s television featuring conversations with Alan Alda from M*A*S*H, Cheryl Ladd from ‘Charlie’s Angels’, Cindy Williams from ‘Laverne & Shirley’, Suzanne Somers from ‘Three’s Company’ and Gavin MacLeod from ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ and ‘The Love Boat’.
This is History: ‘Get Your Kicks’ on Historic Route 66 with Dave Schwan
June 30, 2019 09:37Dave Plier and Dave Schwan talk about historic Route 66 and the journey from Chicago to California, featuring some amazing attractions along the way.
Juke Box Hero: Mick Jones of Legendary Rock Band ‘Foreigner’
June 23, 2019 09:12Dave Plier talks to Mick Jones, founder, songwriter & lead guitarist for legendary rock band ‘Foreigner’, who has been the band’s driving force since its inception over 40 years ago, recruiting band members, and he’s written or co-written all of the group’s hit songs including “Urgent,” “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Feels Like The First Time,” “Hot Blooded,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You” and “Cold As Ice.” For more information on the band, visit foreigneronline.com.
‘Fading Ads of Chicago’: Vintage Advertisements on the City’s Brick Buildings that Remain from a Bygone Era
June 23, 2019 09:10Dave Plier talks to author Joseph Marlin, who began documenting the city’s advertisements on the side of brick buildings that still remain from bygone era (1890 to 1915), from national brands to mom-and-pop shops, many have disappeared… and his collection offers a last glimpse in his new book ‘Fading Ads of Chicago’.
A Chicagoland Family Tradition for 100 Years: Celebrating Anderson’s Candy Shop!
June 23, 2019 09:05Dave Plier and Roger Badesch welcome back the Anderson Family to talk about their amazing chocolates as they celebrate 100 years! For more information about the delicious treats Leif and Katie have to offer, visit their website at andersonscandyshop.com.
This is History: Charles Comiskey Park Opens, Chicago Proposes Secession from Illinois, ‘Popeye’ Debuts, 1st Ever TV Commercial for Bulova
June 23, 2019 09:01Dave Plier and Dave Schwan talk about the first US Zoo, President Garfield is shot, Chicago’s Comiskey Park opens, the City of Chicago proposes to secede from the State of Illinois in 1925, Popeye debuts, the first ever television commercial, Johnny Carson hits the airwaves and more.
Dave & Josh Plier’s Father’s Day Full Show 2019: Rich ‘Svengoolie’ Koz, Architecture in the Windy City, America’s Top TV Dads, History of Chicago’s Elevated Train
June 16, 2019 09:50The tradition continues as Dave Plier’s son, Josh, joins him for his annual Father’s Day show to talk about America’s Top TV Dads with listeners, Roger Badesch and Curtis Koch; a celebration of Rich Koz as he celebrates 40 years as ‘Svengoolie’; author Tom Miller about the amazing architecture of Chicago with his new book ’Seeking Chicago’, ‘This is History’ with Dave Schwan and more!
Clear All Air Lanes for the Big Broadcast! June 16, 1979: Celebrating 40 Years of Rich Koz as ‘Svengoolie’
June 16, 2019 09:47Chicago’s own Rich Koz celebrates 40 Years since he stepped into the role of Svengoolie… it all happened on June 16, 1979! Dave Plier, Rich Koz, Josh Plier and Executive Producer Jim Roche talked about Rich’s beginnings in television, ‘Son of Svengoolie’, his favorite monstrous films, history of his set and the return of ‘The Three Stooges’ to ME TV. For more information visit Svengoolie.com.
Seeking Chicago: The Stories Behind the Architecture of the Windy City – One Building at a Time
June 16, 2019 09:45Dave Plier and his son Josh Plier talk to author Tom Miller about ’Seeking Chicago’ and the stories behind the architecture of the Windy City, one building at a time.
America’s Top TV Dads of All Time: From ‘Father Knows Best’ to ‘Modern Family’
June 16, 2019 09:41WGN’s Dave Plier, son Josh, Roger, Curtis and listeners 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’) and Phil Dunphy (‘Modern Family’). Who is your favorite TV Dad of all time?
This is History: Chicago’s Elevated Train System ‘The L’, Chicago’s ‘Don McNeill’s Breakfast Club’ Debuts, First Ground Forces in Vietnam, ‘Late Night With David Letterman’ Ends on NBC
June 16, 2019 09:38Dave Plier and Dave Schwan talk about the 1868 passing of the 8 hour workday, the every first Father’s Day, the debut of Raggedy Ann & Andy, the premier of Don McNeill’s Breakfast Club in Chicago, the introduction of Chicago’s elevated train system, Captain Video & the Video Rangers, the start of the Vietnam War, the last episode of Late Night with David Letterman.
Move over Millennials, Gen Z Has Arrived!
June 16, 2019 08:41Millennials have become the largest generation in the U.S. workforce, but now they have something to look out for… Generation Z! Dave (Generation X) & Josh Plier (Generation Z) along with Roger Badesch (Baby Boomer) and Curtis Koch (Millennial) talk about the differences between the generations and how Gen Z is making an impact.
Legalizing Sports Betting In Illinois: Breaking It All Down With Daniel Wallach, U.S. Gaming Law & Sports Betting Attorney
June 09, 2019 09:44Dave Plier talks with Daniel Wallach, U.S. Gaming Law & Sports Betting Attorney about legalizing sports betting in Illinois, 25 years of federal inaction and rampant illegal sports betting, 11 sports facilities in Illinois that could qualify for a sports betting license based on seating capacity and what it means for gambling revenues in Chicago and across the state. Do you plan on betting on your favorite Chicago teams?
Classic 60’s TV Flashback: Comedy Legend Dick Van Dyke, Batman’s Adam West, Jeannie’s Barbara Eden, The Monkees’ Mickey Dolenz
June 09, 2019 09:44In this 1960’s TV flashback segment, Dave Plier shares conversations with Barbara Eden talks her early career at 20th Century Fox, working with Elvis, Lucille Ball and TV classic ‘I Dream of Jeannie’, comedy icon Dick Van Dyke about his award winning TV show ’The Dick Van Dyke Show’; the late Adam West and his rise to fame as the Caped Crusader in ‘Batman’ and The Monkee’s Mickey Dolenz. What is your favorite 1960’s TV sitcom of all-time?
This is History: 70 Years of Kiddieland’s ‘Little Dipper’ at Six Flags, Martin & Lewis at The Chicago Theater, the Legacy of ‘The Blues Brothers’
June 09, 2019 09:44Dave Plier and Dave Schwan talk about the first roller coaster in the US and stories of ‘The Little Dipper’ rollercoaster originally built for Kiddieland in 1950 and was rebuilt for Six Flags in 2010, the debut of Pepsi, FDR’s ‘New Deal’, the first box of Cheerios, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis end their partnership and the legacy of the movie Blues Brothers filmed in Chicago. Do you remember the Kiddieland’s Little Dipper Rollercoaster (now at Great America in Gurnee)?
CBS News ’60 Minutes’ Correspondent Scott Pelley: Truth Worth Telling, A Reporter’s Search for Meaning in the Stories of Our Times
June 02, 2019 09:36Dave Plier talks to Scott Pelley of CBS News and ’60 Minutes’ about his new book: “Truth Worth Telling” which introduces us to unforgettable people who discovered the meaning of their lives in the historic events of our times.
Celebrating the 95th Anniversary of WGN Radio and it’s Storied History with Broadcasting Historian Chuck Schaden
June 02, 2019 09:35Radio Hall of Famer Chuck Schaden talks to Dave Plier about the history of WGN Radio including the launch of call letters W-G-N when the Chicago Tribune assumed control of WJAZ The Zenith Edgewater Beach Hotel station on March 29, 1924, the first Cubs broadcast, the Scopes Monkey Trial, the groundbreaking programs and events that launched our legendary station, our association with the Mutual Broadcasting Company, stories about Quin Ryan, Jack Brickhouse, Wally Phillips and a special appeara...
This is History: First Edition of The Chicago Tribune, The Drive-In Theater Debuts, Baseball Hall of Fame Opens, President Reagan’s Legacy
June 02, 2019 09:35Dave Plier and Dave Schwan talk about the first edition of the Chicago Tribune in 1847, the Farmer Labor Party was formed in Chicago in 1922, the first Drive-In Theater opened in 1933, the Baseball Hall of Fame opened, Sonny & Cher make their 1st TV appearance, ‘Grease’ debuts, Ronald Reagan died in 2004 and more.
Catching Up with Chicago Radio Legend Garry Meier: Honoring America’s Fallen, Why Summer Jobs for Kids are Few and Far Between
May 27, 2019 16:32WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes Radio Hall of Famer Garry Meier to talk about the real meaning of Memorial Day, celebrating his father Frank Meier, as he shares his special recording about the 48-hour period of battle in December 1944 during his service in WWII and reflects on those who never made it home. Plus, a conversation about summer jobs becoming a rite of passage for American teenagers.
Secretary Robert Wilkie, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Venerating the Fallen, Mental Health Care and Suicide Prevention
May 27, 2019 16:08WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes the Honorable Robert Wilkie, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, to salute our fallen on Memorial Day, new and expanded programs take care for our veterans, the stigma of mental health issues across America and efforts to reduce and eliminate the growing rate of Veteran suicides.
Chicago’s Own Gary Sinise: Honoring the Fallen with Reflection, Revelry and Remembrance, Caring for our Veterans
May 27, 2019 15:58Dave Plier shares his conversation with Chicago’s Own Gary Sinise to honor our fallen and to see that those who defend this country and its freedoms are never forgotten.
Elliott Bambrough from WGN-TV’s ‘Chicago’s Best’: Cool Treats and Favorite Sweets
May 27, 2019 15:53Elliott Bambrough of WGN-TV’s ‘Chicago’s Best’ checks in with Dave to share the best places for cool treats, Italian ice and the best frozen custard in the city. Plus… Michael Ciapciak, owner of ‘Pretty Cool’ Ice Cream (and ‘Bang Bang Pie’) stops by to talk about his unique frozen novelties. What’s your favorite place for ice cream, frozen yogurt or frozen custard? For more information, visit chicagosbesttv.com and prettycoolicecream.com
Santa’s Village Celebrates 60 Years of Summer Fun in Chicagoland
May 27, 2019 15:44Jason Sierpien, proprietor of ‘Santa’s Village’ in East Dundee talks the park’s storied 60th history, new summer water rides, vintage Kiddieland rides, food offerings, special events and more! For more information, visit santasvillagedundee.com What is your favorite memory of Santa’s Village?
Weber Grill Master Kevin Kolman: The Ultimate Summer Barbecue
May 27, 2019 15:38Dave welcomes Weber Grillmaster Kevin Kolman to kick-off the grilling season to get your grill ready for the summer, and recipes for a great brisket, burger, side dishes, dessert and more! For more information, visit weber.com. What are you looking forward to grill this summer?