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
The legacy of Chicago’s own Jack Benny: 130 years of laughter
February 17, 2024 04:42Radio Hall of Famer and old time radio guru Chuck Schaden and Steve Darnall, publisher of Nostalgia Digest, join WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the legacy of comedian Jack Benny, a world class entertainer who invented a quintessentially American art character: the genially self-deprecating fall guy, the history of his radio and TV shows, vaudeville, […]
This is History: Black History Month with Dave Schwan on Julius Rosenwald, the most important philanthropist you never heard of
February 17, 2024 04:28In this week’s history segment, WGN Radio’s Dave Plier and WGN news anchor Dave Schwan talk about Julius Rosenwald (1862-1932), best known as a part-owner and leader of Sears, Roebuck and Company, for establishing the Rosenwald Fund, which donated millions in funds to build over 5,000 schools in the South, and promoted vocational and technical education in underserved […]
The Big Game commercials preview
February 12, 2024 04:27Jeff Rogers of winmorepitches.com joins WGN’s Dave Plier to preview this year’s Super Bowl commercials.
HBO’s ‘The Sopranos’ at 25: Lorraine ‘Dr. Melfi’ Bracco, Edie ‘Carmela Soprano’ Falco, Stevie ‘Silvio Dante’ Van Zandt, Vincent ‘Johnny Sack’ Curatola, Steve ‘Bobby Bacala’ Schirippa
February 03, 2024 04:01WGN Radio’s Dave Plier celebrates the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking HBO series ‘The Sopranos’ with cast members Lorraine ‘Dr. Melfi’ Bracco, Vincent ‘Johnny Sack’ Curatola , Edie ‘Carmela Soprano’ Falco, Stevie ‘Silvio Dante’ Van Zandt, Steve ‘Bobby Bacala’ Schirripa.
The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show 60th Anniversary with Andrew Solt, owner of the Ed Sullivan Library
February 03, 2024 04:00WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his conversation with Emmy and Grammy award-winning, producer, director, writer and documentary filmmaker Andrew Solt to talk about the most valued television libraries of all time which he owns: The Ed Sullivan Show and the 60th anniversary of The Beatles first appearance on American television. The collection includes over 10,000 performances including The […]
We Dream a World: Yolanda Renee King, Granddaughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King
January 15, 2024 16:10WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to 15-year-old Yolanda Renee King, the only grandchild of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, about her beautiful book ‘We Dream a World’, the importance of activism, and the ways that Dr. King’s message and mission can continue. “A Granddaughter’s Dream: Honoring the Life and Legacy of […]
The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Looking back at a conversation with Jesse Jackson
January 15, 2024 16:06WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Dave Plier, looks back at a 2018 interview with Rev. Jesse Jackson about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the day of Dr. King’s assassination when Rev. Jackson was by his side.
AAAAAY! It’s the 50th Anniversary of TV’s Happy Days with Marion Ross, Anson Williams, Donny Most and Henry Winkler
January 15, 2024 16:04To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the classic TV sitcom ‘Happy Days,’ which debuted on January 15, 1974, WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, discusses the impact of the series with the starts of the show, including Marion Ross, Anson Williams, Don Most and Henry Winkler.
Dean Richards’ Entertainment Report: Chelsea Handler shines at Critics Choice Awards
January 15, 2024 15:03Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Dave Plier, in for Bob Sirott, to provide the latest news in entertainment. It’s award season and the two chat about the Critics Choice Awards and Chelsea Handler as the host of the event. Plus, what movies were a hit at the box office this weekend?
Grammy Award-Winning Jazz great Branford Marsalis: Influences, music styles and composing music for Netflix’s civil rights film ‘Rustin’
January 15, 2024 14:57Musician Branford Marsalis joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Dave Plier, to talk about his influences 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 of Bayard Rustin.
America’s Anchorman Bill Kurtis on ‘2050: A Parable for a Dying Planet’
January 15, 2024 14:54The legendary Bill Kurtis joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, to talk about his latest book and audiobook he wrote with his wife Donna La Pietra on a better understanding of our planet called ‘2050: A Parable for a Dying Planet’.
75th Emmy Awards preview with Matt Roush of TV Guide and TV Insider
January 15, 2024 14:51Matt Roush, longtime Senior Critic for TV Guide and journalist for TV Insider, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, to preview the 75th Emmy Awards airing tonight.
Dr. Sindhu Aderson from Northwestern Medicine: High levels of flu, RSV and COVID and what to do
January 15, 2024 14:46Dr. Sindhu Aderson from Northwestern Medicine talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, about why everyone seems to be sick with either the flu, COVID, or RSV, how to recognize the symptoms, and what preventative measures you can take.
Dr. Ian Smith: New Year New You, Fun Fitness Bros., Met Flex, Battling the winter blues
January 13, 2024 02:12Show regular Dr. Ian Smith joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about kicking off the new year in a healthy way, his Met Flex Diet, how to battle the winter blues, and a sneak-peak at his new novel.
ABC7 meteorologist Cheryl Scott: Frigid temps ahead, Great Chicago Blood Drive powered by The American Red Cross
January 13, 2024 01:30WGN Radio’s Dave Plier is joined in studio by ABC7 Meteorologist Cheryl Scott to talk about the sub-zero conditions heading our way. Cheryl also shares the details about the Great Chicago Blood Drive next Wednesday, January 17, 2024, and Thursday, January 18, 2024. The American Red Cross is facing an “emergency blood shortage” as it experiences the […]
WGN-TV meteorologist Demetrius Ivory: Winter storm updates, second wave near blizzard snow, high winds
January 13, 2024 01:25Demetrius Ivory from the WGN-TV Weather Center joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to provide the latest on the second wave of snow, high winds, and more.
New Year’s Eve cocktails for a bubbly celebration with Jeff and Tracy Hoover
December 29, 2023 20:02WGN Morning News’ Jeff Hoover and wife Tracy talk to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about some New Year’s Eve trivia, jokes, and cocktail recipes for a bubbly celebration!
Countdown Chicago 2024 with ABC7’s Terrell Brown
December 29, 2023 19:44ABC7’s Terrell Brown joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about a Chicago tradition, ‘Countdown Chicago 2024’, a local on-air celebration to ring in the new year on ABC7, this Sunday, December 31st at 11:25pm.
Chicago stories of the year with Walter Jacobson
December 29, 2023 19:39Legendary anchorman Walter Jacobson joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to break down the top three Chicago stories in 2023, including the Ed Burke trial, the election of Mayor Brandon Johnson and the migrant crisis, and the Chicago Bears quest to find a new home.
Top Chicago sports headlines of 2023 with Andy Masur
December 29, 2023 19:36WGN Radio’s Andy Masur shares his top national and local sports headlines of the year.
Dave’s favorite conversations of the year, part 4: Bill Kurtis and Walter Jacobson, Kurt Neumann of The Bodeans
December 29, 2023 17:21WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his favorite conversations of the year, including iconic anchormen Bill Kurtis & Walter Jacobson on the 50th anniversary of their pairing on THE 10 O’Clock News and a chat with Kurt Neumann of The Bodeans.
Block Club Chicago: Hemingway’s Chicago home on the market, Red Line community space, Free rides New Year’s Eve on the CTA
December 29, 2023 17:19Shamus Toomey of Block Club Chicago talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about Ernest Hemingway’s home going on the market, what do do with a community space in Uptown and Edgewater and FREE rides on the CTA this New Year’s Eve and early New Year’s Day.
Those we lost 2023 in film, TV, music, sports, politics
December 29, 2023 01:20WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, is joined by Wally Podrazik and Kevin Pokorny to talk about those we lost in 2023 including Bobby Hull, Dick Butkus, Matthew Perry, Suzanne Somers, Tina Turner, and more.
Dave Plier’s favorite conversations of the year, part 3: Jon Anderson of YES, TV’s Mike Rowe
December 28, 2023 19:43WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his favorite conversations of the year including TV’s Mike Rowe and Jon Anderson of YES.
A tribute to Tom Smothers, one half of the famed comedy duo The Smothers Brothers
December 28, 2023 19:41WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, shares his conversation with Dick Smother about his brother Tommy and their act’s impact on comedy.
Block Club Chicago: Winter Break FREE Chicago Museum Days for the family
December 28, 2023 19:19Shamus Toomey, President and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, to talk about winter break, FREE museum days, and more.
Better Business Bureau: National Use Your Gift Card Days, Holiday returns, How to avoid scams
December 28, 2023 18:23Steve Bernas, President and CEO of the Illinois Better Business Bureau, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about best uses and timelines for your gift cards, holiday returns, avoiding scams, and more!
Public domain for 2024: Artists, books, films and music including Disney’s Mickey Mouse in ‘Steamboat Willie’
December 27, 2023 16:32Professor Jennifer Jenkins, Director of the Duke Center for the Study of the Public Domain at Duke University, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, to talk about public domain works and the films, music and books that enter free use on January 1, 2024 including Disney’s Mickey Mouse from ‘Steamboat Willie’.
New Illinois laws impacting employee rights, healthcare, policing in 2024
December 27, 2023 16:32New laws impacting employment, consumer protection and more are now in effect.
Dave’s favorite conversations of the year part 2: Music icon Melissa Etheridge and comedian Nikki Glaser
December 27, 2023 16:31WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, shares his favorite conversations of 2023 (part 2), featuring music icon Melissa Etheridge and comedian Nikki Glaser.
Dean’s Entertainment Report: Home video report, Dolly Parton gives back, New Year’s appetizers
December 27, 2023 16:31Dean Richards joins Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, to talk entertainment, Dean’s home video report, and more.
Block Club Chicago: Green Dolphin to become dispensary, What to do with your Christmas tree, Rejected vanity license plates
December 27, 2023 16:30Jen Sabella, Director of Strategy & Co-Founder of Block Club Chicago, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, to talk about top stories including turning the historic and abandoned Green Dolphin into a dispensary, options for your Christmas tree, rejected vanity license plates, and more.
Northwestern Medicine: Symptoms and remedies for RSV, strep, flu, COVID
December 27, 2023 16:30Dr. Sindhu Aderson joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, to talk about the symptoms and remedies for RSV, strep, flu and COVID.
The Year in Politics with Paul Lisnek: Biden, Trump, Ukraine, Israel, Migrant Crisis, Unproductive Congress, Safe-T Act, Burke Trial
December 26, 2023 19:32WGN-TV’s Paul Lisnek joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, to talk about the year in politics including the wars in Ukraine, Israel, the 118th U.S. Congress being the most unproductive since the Great Depression, President Biden’s impeachment inquiry, the Hunter Biden investigation, President Trump indictments; and state and city headlines including the […]
Dean’s Entertainment Report: Holiday Weekend Box Office, Taylor Swift breaks records again, ‘The Color Purple’ cast interviews
December 26, 2023 19:16WGN-TV’s Dean Richards joins Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, to talk about a lackluster holiday weekend box office, Taylor Swift, interviews with the cast of the new ‘The Color Purple’ and more!
Dan Hampton recaps the Bears win over the Cardinals
December 26, 2023 19:09Dan Hampton joins Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, and Andy Masur to break down the Chicago Bears win over the Arizona Cardinals on Christmas Eve.
The Year in Dining with Sam Toia, President of the Illinois Restaurant Association
December 26, 2023 18:57Sam Toia, President of the Illinois Restaurant Association joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, to talk about this year’s restaurant closures, openings, and trends for 2024.
Dave Plier’s Favorite Conversations of the Year Part 1: Henry Winkler and Smokey Robinson
December 26, 2023 18:52WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, shares his Favorite Conversations of 2023 Part 1, including TV icon Henry Winkler and music legend Smokey Robinson.
Cardinal Blase Cupich: A Christmas conversation with Dave, Josh and Emma Plier
December 23, 2023 02:09WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, along with his two eldest children, Josh and Emma, visit with Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, at his private residence to talk about the true meaning of the Christmas season, The Declaration Fiducia Supplicans, the power of Catholic Charities, the history of the grand mansion, and the importance of family traditions.
The legacy of Dr. Seuss and ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’
December 23, 2023 02:02WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his conversation with official Dr. Seuss biographer Dr. Judith Morgan about the legacy of Theodor Geisel and the story behind “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”.
On the Map: ‘A Christmas Story’ experience off the big screen
December 16, 2023 21:00Oh, fudge! Lead Tour Guide Bill Schmidt from A Christmas Story House joins Dave Plier to share everything you can see at the original Christmas classic location, including a chance to sleep in Ralphie and Randy’s beds! To visit this holiday favorite, visit achristmasstoryhouse.com.
Music legend Smokey Robinson: The Sound of Motown, why music brings people together, new album ‘Gasms’, concert in Chicago
December 16, 2023 05:00Music legend Smokey Robinson, member of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, Kennedy Center Honors recipient, winner of the National Medal of Arts, a Grammys Living Legend Award, inclduing an Honorary Doctorate from Howard University, helped shaped the sound of Motown with close friend Berry Gordy. WGN Radio’s […]
Chicago’s own Michael Gross: ‘Family Ties’, Michael J. Fox, ‘Tremors’, UIC career donation
December 16, 2023 05:00Actor and University of Illinois Chicago alum Michael Gross joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the donation of more than 50 boxes of papers, scripts, photographs and other memorabilia from his long career to the University Library Special Collections; ‘Family Ties’ and working with Michael J. Fox, Meredith Baxter, Justine Bateman, his role as […]
Geoffrey Baer on WTTW special ‘The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago 2’, now streaming
December 16, 2023 04:22WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer and his most recent special, ‘The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago 2’. Meet the creators and enthusiasts who tell the stories of how these innovative and uniquely magnificent spaces and places across many of Chicago’s neighborhoods came to be, why they are meaningful to the people […]
Remembering Norman Lear
December 06, 2023 16:02Norman Lear, the television writer, producer and director who redefined TV comedy by pushing boundaries through the use of controversial social issues as subjects for humor, has died at age 101. In 2014, WGN Radio’s Dave Plier spoke with Lear about his career creating groundbreaking television.
Remembering legendary children’s TV producer Marty Krofft
November 26, 2023 20:19Marty Krofft, along with his brother Sid, were responsible for some of the most memorable children’s TV shows of the 1960s and 1970s including “The Banana Splits,” “H.R. Pufnstuf,” and “Land of the Lost,” as well as other hits including “Donny & Marie.” Marty died Saturday at age 86. In 2018, shortly after receiving a Lifetime Achievement […]
Comedy icon Chevy Chase: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at the Chicago Theatre, Q&A, and more!
November 23, 2023 14:59Comedy icon Chevy Chase joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the classic holiday film ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’, Caddyshack, Fletch, Funny Farm, and his appearance at The Chicago Theatre on Sunday, November 26th. For tickets visit chicagotheater.com/theaters
Thanksgiving dinner tips with Weber Grill Ambassador Kevin Kolman and actress Tiffani Thiessen
November 23, 2023 14:57Weber Grill Ambassador Kevin Kolman talks turkey on your grill, sides and more, and actress Tiffani Thiessen shares recipes for your Thanksgiving leftovers.
Mr. Christmas, Johnny Mathis: His music, his legacy, and his upcoming holiday concert at The Rosemont Theatre
November 23, 2023 14:54Music legend Johnny Mathis joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about his 60-year career, his love of holiday music, and his Christmas Show at The Rosemont Theatre on Saturday, December 9th. Visit Johnnymathis.com for more!
The history of Thanksgiving in America: Plymouth Rock, turkey, and Presidential pardons
November 23, 2023 14:53WGN Radio’s Dave Plier and Dave Schwan share the history of the very first Thanksgiving and the traditions that have developed over the years.