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
VIDEO: TV legend Henry Winkler in studio on his memoir ‘Being Henry: The Fonz & Beyond’
November 18, 2023 04:02Winkler gets personal with his new memoir about his childhood, dyslexia, and career.
Grammy and Oscar-winning musician Melissa Etheridge: Talking to My Angels, new Broadway show ‘My Window’
November 18, 2023 04:01Grammy Award-winning rockstar and activist Melissa Etheridge joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about her latest book, ‘Talking to My Angels’, taking stock of her intervening years, recounting the euphoric triumphs and the life-altering tragedies of her life. Plus, her new Broadway show, ‘My Window,’ and why she loves her favorite NFL football team.
Goose Island’s Bourbon County Stout 2023 Release: Barrel-Aged tributes to rice pudding, bananas foster, and backyard berry-picking
November 18, 2023 04:00Goose Island’s annual Bourbon County Stout lineup will be released on Black Friday with six new beers! WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Mike Siegel, Senior Innovation Manager for Goose Island, about this time-honored tradition, the history, the process, and why Bourbon County Stout resonates with both the beer and bourbon connoisseur.
Garry Meier shares the true meaning of Veterans Day and a remembrance of his father’s experience in WWII
November 10, 2023 23:54WGN Radio’s Dave Plier catches up with Radio Hall of Famer Garry Meier to continue a Veterans Day tradition: celebrating his father, WWII veteran Frank Meier, as he shares his special recording about the 48-hour period of battle in December 1944 during his service in the U.S. Army under General George Patton.
Killing the Witches: The Horror of Salem Massachusetts, a new book by Bill O’Reilly
October 25, 2023 21:42WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Bill O’Reilly about his latest book, Killing the Witches, which revisits one of the most frightening and inexplicable episodes in American history: the events of 1692 and 1693 in Salem Village, Massachusetts. Rumors of demonic possession and witchcraft consumed Salem. Soon three women were arrested under suspicion of being witches. But […]
Resurrection Mary, Bachelors Grove Cemetery, Marshall Field’s, Congress Hotel: Chicago Ghost Stories with Ghostlorist Ursula Bielski
October 24, 2023 17:09A 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 author and ghostlorist Ursula Bielski. Worldofthesupernatural.com, You Tube: Ursula Bielski’s World of the Supernatural.
‘Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein’ 75th anniversary with Lou’s daughter, Chris Costello
October 24, 2023 16:58WGN Radio’s Dave Plier sits down with Chris Costello, daughter of comedy legend Lou Costello, on the legacy of Abbott and Costello, growing up with her iconic father, the 75th anniversary of “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” and their famous comedy skit “Who’s on First”.
Remembering Suzanne Somers
October 15, 2023 21:55Suzanne Somers, star of TV series including “Three’s Company,” “Step by Step” and “She’s the Sheriff,” has died at age 76. We’re remembering her with two of her visits with WGN Radio’s Dave Plier: August, 2014: April, 2015:
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Steve Hackett of Genesis, performing at Chicago’s Copernicus Center
October 14, 2023 23:34Rock & Roll Hall of Fame musician Steve Hackett joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his musical journey, his time with Genesis featuring Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, his influences and more. His tour marks the 50th anniversary of the legendary Genesis album Foxtrot which was pivotal in establishing the band […]
Pinball wizard Gary Stern of Stern Pinball: Pinball Expo, manufacturing expansion, Venom, Foo Fighters, Stern Pro Circuit
October 14, 2023 23:32Gary Stern, Founder and Chairman of Stern Pinball, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the expansion of his gaming business, his latest pinball games including Venom and updates for Foo Fighters, new technology, and the upcoming Pinball Expo. Sternpinball.com, pinballexpo.com.
C’mon, Get Happy: The making of ‘Summer Stock’ with Judy Garland and Gene Kelly
October 14, 2023 23:18Authors David Fantle and Tom Johnson join WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about their latest book about the making of film classic, ‘Summer Stock’. In their third and final screen teaming, Judy Garland and Gene Kelly starred together in this MGM musical, a movie that did not receive the same attention as other musicals from MGM’s […]
WGN Radio Flashback: Eddie Schwartz, Ghost Hunter Richard Crowe, and the story of Resurrection Mary
October 14, 2023 22:43What is your favorite Chicago ghost story? A WGN Radio tradition: Culled from a vintage conversation recorded in 1982 on reel to reel, the late WGN Radio legend Eddie Schwartz is joined by late Chicago Ghost Hunter Richard Crowe to talk about Resurrection Mary, Archer Avenue, and other ghostly stories around Chicago.
WGN-TV’s Larry Potash on the 13th season of Backstory
October 07, 2023 03:31Larry Potash from the WGN Morning News joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to preview the new season of ‘Backstory’ premiering this Sunday at 6:30 pm. Plus, as Dave is headed to Boston in a couple of weeks, he asks Larry about places to go, things to do, and some history as it’s Larry’s hometown.
Grammy Hall-of-Famer Aaron Neville: Telling it Like It Is
October 07, 2023 03:26For the first time, legendary singer and songwriter and Grammy Hall-of-Famer Aaron Neville tells his personal story of overcoming poverty, racism, addiction, and loss through faith, family, and music. He joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to tell his story.
35th anniversary of ‘America’s Most Wanted’ with John Walsh
October 07, 2023 03:22WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to criminologist and TV host John Walsh, as ‘America’s Most Wanted’ debuted 35 years ago.
Prancer’s Pumpkin Palooza at Santa’s Village this weekend!
October 07, 2023 03:14Jason Sierpien from Santa’s Village joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about Pumpkin Palooza all this weekend through Monday at the amusement park, plus the first 600 kids get a FREE pumpkin! Santasvillagedundee.com
Chicago radio greats: Kevin Matthews and Mancow Muller on stage at The Arcada Theatre, Thursday, October 5th!
September 30, 2023 02:46Chicago radio greats Kevin Matthews and Mancow Muller join WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the world of radio and their upcoming event at The Arcada Theatre in St. Charles on Thursday, October 5th. For tickets: https://www.arcadalive.com/event/an-evening-with-radio-icon-kevin-matthews-and-mancow-muller-more/.
Entertainment icon William Shatner: Still boldly going
September 30, 2023 02:45The legendary William Shatner joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about space, fear, his longevity in show business, and his upcoming appearance at Rockford’s Coronado Performing Arts Center.
Legendary guitarist Joe Satriani reuniting with Eric Johnson and Steve Vai for G4 2024 Tour
September 30, 2023 02:30As Joe Satriani just announced this week that he is reuniting with Eric Johnson and Steve Vai for his G4 2024 Tour, Joe talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about his influences, his collaborations, and his journey in rock.
Actress Tiffani Thiessen: Saved by The Bell, 90210 and new book ‘Here We Go Again’
September 23, 2023 02:05WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to actress Tiffani Thiessen, best known for her roles in ‘Saved by the Bell’, ‘Beverly Hills 90210’ and now hosting MTV’s ‘Deliciousness’, about her new book: Here We Go Again, Recipes and Inspiration to Level Up Your Leftovers.
Amazing Chicago: The City of Big Shoulders, Murder and Mayhem
September 23, 2023 02:02Author David Anthony Witter joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his new book: Amazing Chicago, sharing fascinating stories that are even stranger than fiction. Architectural marvels, landmarks, heroes, villains, and even ghosts are chronicled alongside beautiful photos to tell the story of this incredible city.
Nancy Jones on the legacy of late country music legend George Jones
September 23, 2023 02:00Nancy Jones, wife of country music legend George Jones, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the legacy of her husband. In the new book Playin’ Possum, Nancy reveals the true insider perspectives and little-known poignant as well as humorous stories about the country music legend, his battles with cocaine, alcohol, abusive behavior toward her and others, […]
Music icon Herb Alpert trumpeting new music and a tour, back in Chicago
September 16, 2023 01:30Music icon Herb Alpert joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to celebrate 80 years in the recording studio, the success of A&M records, and the legacy of his unmistakable sound as he plays The Vic Theatre on Saturday, September 16th and Sunday, September 17th, 2023.
Fall TV reflects writers and actors strikes: Reality and reruns, 70th anniversary of TV Guide
September 16, 2023 01:10WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Watching TV author Wally Podrazik about the 70th anniversary of TV Guide, the writers and actors strikes, and the absence of a fall TV season with reality shows and reruns.
Comedian Nikki Glaser Uncensored: ‘The Good Girl Tour’ at The Chicago Theatre
September 09, 2023 02:45WGN Radio’s Dave Plier sits down with comedian Nikki Glaser on her rise in the comedy world, her jokes about sex, commitment, boyfriends, drinking, parents and her safe space performing on the stage.
Kevin Matthews at the Arcada Theatre with Mancow, Jim Shorts’ Pig Skin Picks
September 09, 2023 02:40Chicago radio great Kevin Matthews joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his upcoming appearance on Thursday, October 4th at the Arcada Theatre with Erich ‘Mancow’ Muller and comedian Mike Toomey. For tickets, visit oshows.com. Later, Jim Shorts joins the conversation with his ‘Pig Skin Picks’ for this Sunday’s Bears-Packers game.
WGN-TV’s Sarah Jindra and Ji Suk Li on new show ‘Spotlight Chicago’
September 09, 2023 02:35WGN-TV’s Sarah Jindra and Ji Suk Li talk to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about their new weekday TV series ‘Spotlight Chicago’ which will spotlight Chicago events, showcase area individuals and organizations making a difference in the community, and feature visits to local attractions.
Bill O’Reilly: The importance of term limits, witch hunts in Washington
September 09, 2023 02:30Journalist Bill O’Reilly joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his views on the need for term limits, the challenges to pass legislation to get it done, and the witch hunts in Washington.
Mike Rowe from Discovery Channel’s ‘Dirty Jobs’, ‘Deadliest Catch’: Mike Rowe Works Foundation’s $1M in scholarships, labor shortages in skilled trades, the American work ethic
September 04, 2023 15:16Mike Rowe from Discovery’s ‘Dirty Jobs’, Deadliest Catch’, podcast ‘The Way I Heard It’ and mikeroweworks.org joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to celebrate Labor Day, his $1M in scholarships, the American work ethic, and reducing remote working.
Celebrating comedy legend Bob Newhart’s 94th birthday!
September 04, 2023 15:16WGN Radio’s Dave Plier celebrates comedy legend Bob Newhart as he celebrates his 94th birthday with behind the scene stories of ‘The Bob Newhart Show’ and ‘Newhart’.
This is history: The true meaning of Labor Day, the legacy of Jerry Lewis and the Labor Day Telethon
September 04, 2023 15:15WGN Radio’s Dave 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.
Bob’s Record Collection: Gladstone Park’s Throwback Music Fest
September 04, 2023 15:15WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Johnny Garrido about Gladstone Park’s Throwback Music Fest on Friday 9/8 – Sunday 9/10. The Gladstone Park Community will also honor all the sacrifices of our military members and first responders, past and present. Visit throwbackmuscifest.com for more information.
Weber Grill: Labor Day favorites, fall grilling, the art of tailgating
September 04, 2023 15:14WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks backyard autumn grilling, tailgating tips and more with Weber Ambassador Kevin Kolman.
Comedy Tonight: Pat McGann, Tom Dreesen, Richard Lewis, Tom Papa, Kelly Carlin, Judd Apatow on Garry Shandling, the late Joan Rivers
September 02, 2023 03:00On WGN Radio’s Stand-Up Comedy Special, Dave talks all things comedy with Pat McGann, Tom Dreesen and his Sinatra stories, Richard Lewis on his longtime friendship with Larry David, Tom Papa, Judd Apatow on his friend the late Garry Shandling and Kelly Carlin on her father George Carlin. Dave also shares his 2014 interview with […]
Music legend Don McLean and American Pie
August 26, 2023 01:19Music legend Don McLean talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to preview his upcoming concert at The Arcada Theatre on Friday September 1st, writing and performing his iconic song ‘American Pie,’ and more.
Music Legend Don McLean & American Pie
August 26, 2023 01:19Music legend Don McLean talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to preview his upcoming concert at The Arcada Theatre on Friday September 1st, writing and performing his iconic song ‘American Pie’ and more.
Anheuser-Busch heir Billy Busch on book ‘Family Reins’, offer to buy Bud Light back
August 26, 2023 01:19Anheuser Busch heir Billy Busch joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his family history and legacy in his new book ‘Family Reigns’ and also talks to Dave about his serious offer to buy back the Budweiser brand in America.
A Requiem for Saturday Morning Cartoon Blocks
August 26, 2023 01:19WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to TV historians Wally Podrazik and Jim Engel about the lost art of Saturday Morning Cartoons including ‘Bugs Bunny/Road Runner’, ‘Superfriends’, ’Top Cat’, ’The Banana Splits’, ’The Pink Panther’, ‘Fat Albert’, ‘Schoolhouse Rock’, ’The Smurfs’ and LIVE action shows ‘HR Pufnstuf’ and ‘Pee Wee’s Playhouse’.
A requiem for Saturday morning cartoon blocks
August 26, 2023 01:19WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to TV historians Wally Podrazik and Jim Engel about the lost art of Saturday Morning Cartoons including ‘Bugs Bunny/Road Runner’, ‘Superfriends’, ’Top Cat’, ’The Banana Splits’, ’The Pink Panther’, ‘Fat Albert’, ‘Schoolhouse Rock’, ’The Smurfs’ and LIVE action shows ‘HR Pufnstuf’ and ‘Pee Wee’s Playhouse’.
Fox 32’s Corey McPherrin retires from Chicago television
August 19, 2023 01:42Longtime Fox 32 News anchor and sports broadcaster Corey McPherrin retires on Friday August 18, 2023 and joins Dave Plier LIVE in studio hours before his final broadcast.
Legendary anchorman Bill Kurtis on new Hulu series ‘Cold Case File: DNA Speaks’, Mini on-air reunion with Walter Jacobcon
August 19, 2023 01:41Legendary anchorman Bill Kurtis joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his new series on Hulu: ‘Cold Case Files: DNA Speaks’. His former on air co-anchor Walter Jacobson stops by the studio for a mini reunion and talk about the 50th anniversary of their pairing.
NBC5’s Steve Dolinsky previews Pizza City Fest next weekend!
August 19, 2023 01:40NBC5 Chicago’s Steve Dolinsky joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his Pizza City Fest, taking place at The Salt Shed on Saturday August 26th and Sunday August 27th. For tickets visit pizzacityfest.com.
It’s time to head back to school with Dave and Alex Plier
August 19, 2023 01:40WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes his youngest son into the studio to talk about his summer, heading back to class, and with some fun facts about school.
Joey D’Auria, WGN-TV’s Bozo from 1984-2001, on an appearance at The Wheaton All Night Flea Market
August 19, 2023 01:40Voice-over artist Joey D’Auria, Chicago’s Bozo from 1984-2001, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the legacy of the Bozo character and his appearance at the Wheaton All Night Flea Market on Saturday. Visit https://zurkopromotions.com/wheaton-illinois-all-night-flea-market/.
Pat Tomasulo from the WGN Morning News: Zanies Chicago Shows in August, New Material Night in Rosemont
July 29, 2023 05:47WGN-TV’s Pat Tomasulo joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his list for the most overrated summer activities and his upcoming shows at Zanies in Chicago on Thursday August 3rd – Saturday August 5th.
Kevin Matthews on new documentary, Kev & Mancow Show at The Arcada Theatre in October
July 29, 2023 05:43Chicago radio great Kevin Matthews joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his upcoming new book, documentary and an October show at The Arcada Theatre.
Kevin Matthews on New Documentary, Kev & Mancow Show at The Arcada Theatre in October
July 29, 2023 05:43Chicago radio great Kevin Matthews joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his upcoming new book, documentary and an October show at The Arcada Theatre.
Ron Onesti on Rock & Roll and upcoming shows at The Arcada and DesPlaines Theatre, Little Italy Festa in August
July 29, 2023 05:36Ron Onesti joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to preview the rest of the summer at The Arcada Theatre, The DesPlaines Theatre and previews Little Italy Fest in August. Visit oshows.com for more info.
Ron Onesti on Rock & Roll and Upcoming Shows at The Arcada & DesPlaines Theatre, Little Italy Festa in August
July 29, 2023 05:36Ron Onesti joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to preview the rest of the summer at The Arcada Theatre, The DesPlaines Theatre and previews Little Italy Fest in August. Visit oshows.com for more info.
Alison Victoria of HGTV’s Windy City Rehab: Alison’s Dream Home, Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge, Battle on the Beach
July 22, 2023 01:03Alison Victoria of HGTV’s Windy City Rehab joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about her latest project ‘Windy City Rehab: Alison’s Dream Home’, what inspires her, her passion for her hometown and her timeless design style.