Dave Plier
884 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 10 ratingsThe Dave Plier Podcast from Chicago's Very Own, 720 WGN
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Celebrating the 100th birthday of legendary TV producer Norman Lear
July 23, 2022 22:17WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his interview with TV legend Norman Lear, the producer behind classic sitcoms ‘All in the Family,’ ’The Jeffersons,’ ‘Good Times’ and others. Norman shares his experience and front-row seat at the birth of television and his success in writing, producing, creating, and developing more than a hundred shows, viewed at their peak by more than 120 […]
Radio legend Tommy Edwards on The MBC’s ‘Rock Radio Revisited’, Sunday August 14th at The Des Plaines Theatre with John Landecker, Bob Stroud and hosted by Wendy Snyder
July 16, 2022 04:07Radio legend Tommy Edwards joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the upcoming Museum of Broadcast Communications’ event ‘Rock Radio Revisited’ on Sunday August 14th at The Des Plaines Theatre, which stars Tommy, John Records Landecker, Bob Stroud and hosted by Wendy Snyder. For tickets, visit MUSEUM.TV.
Chicago Classic Rainbow Cone: Summer ice cream trucks on the move
July 16, 2022 04:00WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Lynn Sapp, 3rd generation owner of Chicago’s iconic Rainbow Cone, about it’s history, future, and where their trucks will be all weekend.
This Week in Sports with special guest Sam Panayotovich from NESN
July 16, 2022 03:36Sam Panayotovich joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk This Week in Sports including Duncan Keith’s retirement from the Blackhawks, Cubs losing streak, and the Bears season that is right around the corner.
The Infatuation’s best new restaurants, patios, rooftops and views around Chicagoland
July 16, 2022 03:33Adrian Kane from theinfatuation.com joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the summer in Chicago and the best places to eat and drink, patios, rooftops and more! For more, visit: https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/collection/chicago-summer-guide-2022.
The Definitive Story of the American Drive-In Movie Theater
July 16, 2022 03:23Chicago’s own April Wright, writer, producer and director of the documentary ‘Going Attractions, The Definitive Story of the American Drive-In Movie,’ talks with WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about the history and future of the drive-in theater and its role in American culture, family, cars, and entertainment.
Secret concerts in Chicago
July 16, 2022 02:32WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Tori Hughes from Sofar Sounds about the ‘secret concerts’ popping up all over the city. For more info, visit: https://www.sofarsounds.com/cities/chicago.
Legends of Rock: Stevie Van Zant, Elvis Costello, Robert Lamm, Rick Nielsen, Kevin Cronin, Mick Jones
July 02, 2022 14:27WGN Radio’s Dave Plier and The Drive’s Bob Stroud celebrate rock radio in Chicago and introduce Dave’s radio special ‘Legends of Rock’ featuring rock icons Stevie Van Zandt from Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Robert Lamm of Chicago, Mick Jones of Foreigner, Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon and a conversation […]
Chicago radio icon Bob Stroud: Celebrating his Rock & Roll roots
July 02, 2022 14:22Chicago radio legend Bob Stroud, who just stepped down after 21 years as a weekday host at classic rock ‘The Drive’, joined WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to reminisce about his 43 years in radio including WMET, The Loop, CD94.7, WXRT, WLS-AM, WDRV and the origins of his ‘Rock & Roll Roots’.
TV icon James Burrows: Five decades of stories from the legendary director of Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, and more
June 24, 2022 23:59WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes TV icon James Burrows to talk about his new book: ‘Directed by James Burrows: Five Decades of Stories from the Legendary Director of Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, and More’. All this from the man who helped launch the careers of Ted Danson, Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson, Jennifer Aniston, […]
Lesley Stahl from CBS’ 60 Minutes on the 50th anniversary of Watergate and how it changed America and her career
June 18, 2022 03:11Lesley Stahl from CBS’ 60 Minutes joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about her life-changing early reporting on Watergate.
Summerfest Milwaukee preview 2022: The World’s Largest Music Festival!
June 18, 2022 03:08Bob Babisch, VP of Entertainment for Milwaukee’s Summerfest, celebrates their 2022 season by joining WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to preview this year’s lineup at the World’s Largest Music Festival.
Father Knows Best: America’s top TV dads through the years
June 18, 2022 03:03WGN’s Dave Plier and Wally Podrazik, television historian and author of ‘Watching TV’, 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’), Archie Bunker (‘Archie Bunker’s Place’), Cliff Huxtable (‘The Cosby Show’) Phil Dunphy (‘Modern Family’), Andre […]
Teatro ZinZanni now playing at The Cambria Hotel Chicago: Duo Rose with Sylvia and Sam
June 18, 2022 02:22Duo Rose, two of the stars of the highly acclaimed ‘Teatro ZinZanni,’ join WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about an experience unlike any other, a whirlwind of international cirque, comedy and cabaret served with a multi-course feast, craft cocktails… world-class acrobats, musicians, illusionists, madmen, and aerialists. What a show! For tickets, visit zinzanni.com.
This Week in Sports with Lauren Magiera, summer rites of passage and traditions
June 18, 2022 01:54WGN Radio’s Dave Plier and Lauren Magiera talk about the current challenges of baseball in Chicago, Bears Mini Camp and summer rites of passage and traditions in and around Chicagoland.
Rock & Roll pioneer Chubby Checker: Still Twisting 70 years later at The Arcada Theatre
June 11, 2022 03:29Rock & roll pioneer Chubby Checker joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about his 60 years in music. The origins of his name, ‘The Twist,’ and his upcoming appearance at Ron Onesti’s Arcada Theatre on Sunday June 12th. For tickets, visit arcadalive.com.
Comedian Pat McGann’s big show at The Raue Center this Sunday
June 11, 2022 03:05Comedian Pat McGann joins Dave to talk about his big show coming to the Raue Center on Sunday, Summer vacations and more! For tickets, visit https://events.rauecenter.org/event/pat-mcgann-saturday-june-11-2022-800-pm/.
Lauren Magiera: Bears’ Justin Fields hits a home run at Wrigley, first summer jobs
June 11, 2022 02:57Lauren Magiera joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk this week in sports, first jobs, summer jobs and more!
Wendy Snyder and Dave Plier discuss Rock & Roll Hall of Fame snubs
June 11, 2022 02:44Wendy Snyder joins Dave Plier before she fills in for Bob Sirott on Thursday June 16th and Friday June 17th from 6-10am. Dave and Wendy talk about a recent article highlighting life-long snubs at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The musical journey of entertainment legend Johnny Mathis and the Great American Songbook
June 11, 2022 02:27The great Johnny Mathis joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his summer tour, his influences, and his passion for great music.
Chicago’s Own Gary Sinise
May 30, 2022 16:10WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Chicago’s own Gary Sinise on Memorial Day to honor our fallen, the annual National Memorial Day concert Gary performs, and the significance of how it honors the country’s fallen.
The Honorable Denis McDonough, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs
May 30, 2022 16:10WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes the Honorable Denis McDonough, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, to salute our fallen on Memorial Day, and the mental health services available for veterans.
Garry Meier: Venerating Our Fallen with Memories of WWII by Garry’s father Frank Meier
May 30, 2022 16:06Radio Hall of Famer Garry Meier joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the real meaning of Memorial Day, celebrating his father Frank Meier and his combat experiences serving in World War II.
Bill Taylor: On Full Automatic: Surviving 13 Months in Vietnam
May 30, 2022 15:53Dave is in for Bob Sirott on Memorial Day and talks with Vietnam veteran Bill Taylor about Bill’s book, “On Full Automatic: Surviving 13 Months in Vietnam.”
Memorial Day History with Dave Schwan
May 30, 2022 15:48WGN Radio’s Dave Plier and Dave Schwan talk about the history of Memorial Day, how it started out as Decoration Day, and much more!
Bob’s Record Collection: Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon
May 30, 2022 15:44Dave fills in for Bob Sirott on Memorial Day and talks with REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin for Bob’s Record Collection. They discuss band’s return to touring and their upcoming show with Styx and Loverboy at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, IL on June 4th.
Sizzling Summer BBQ with Kevin Kolman from Weber Grill
May 30, 2022 15:43Grillmaster Kevin Kolman from Weber Grill joins Dave to share his grilling experiences from the Indianapolis 500 along with Memorial Day backyard favorites!
Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park is back and better than ever!
May 30, 2022 15:15Jason Sierpien, owner of the iconic Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park, joins Dave to talk about all the new features at the park this season including the new water park, early purchase ticket savings, and more!
From the archives: Dave Plier talks with Ray Liotta – Acting was ‘nothing that I even thought of doing’
May 26, 2022 17:02Multiple sources are reporting that actor Ray Liotta, known for performances in films including “Goodfellas” and “Field of Dreams,” has died at age 67. In 2016, Liotta talked with WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to celebrate a quarter of a century of “Goodfellas” and discuss what was then his new project, the NBC crime drama “Shades of Blue.”
David Eigenberg and Chris Stolte on the upcoming season finale of NBC’s ‘Chicago Fire’
May 21, 2022 02:53WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes two of the stars of NBC’s ‘Chicago Fire’, David Eigenberg and Chris Stolte, to talk about their upcoming season finale, summer concerts, and more.
Chicagoland’s only drive-in theater, ‘The McHenry Outdoor’ is ready for summer!
May 21, 2022 02:51Scott Dehn, proprietor of the McHenry Outdoor, joins Dave to talk about their new screen, movie schedule, concessions, season passes, and the new bar opening on-site!
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Johnny Carson’s final ‘Tonight Show’
May 21, 2022 02:48WGN Radio’s Dave Plier celebrates the life and legacy of Johnny Carson with Johnny’s nephew (and President of Carson Entertainment) Jeff Sotzing, music icon Doc Severinsen, and a look back at a 2017 interview with Carson biographer Bill Zehme.
Now available! WGN Chicago’s Very Own Golden Lager from Metropolitan Brewing, Seipp Brewing & Chicago Brewseum
May 21, 2022 02:12WGN Radio’s Dave Plier and Lauren Magiera talk to Tracy & Doug Hurst, Co-Founders & Head Brewer at Metropolitan Brewing, Liz Garibay, Executive Director at The Chicago Brewseum and Laurin Mack, Owner of The Conrad Seipp Brewing Company LIVE from the Chicago’s Very Own Golden Lager release party!
Comedy legend Don Rickles: ‘Keeping His Name Alive’ with best friend, TV Icon Bob Newhart
May 07, 2022 18:30In keeping a promise to help ‘keep his name alive’, WGN Radio’s Dave Plier celebrates the legacy of the late Don Rickles on his birthday by sharing his backstage Vegas interview with the comedy legend, reminiscing with TV icon (and Don’s best friend) Bob Newhart, and highlights of a conversation with Don’s road manager Tony […]
Chicago radio legend Kevin Matthews and Jim Shorts fill in for Dave Plier for 16 minutes
April 30, 2022 03:15Chicago radio legend Kevin Matthews fills in for WGN Radio’s Dave Plier (for a very short show) giving Jim Shorts 16 minutes of audition time on the 50,000 watt blowtorch! Kevin and Jim talk about their time in Chicago radio, Kevin’s Charity Golf Outings, Broken Mary, Elevator-A-Go-Go, the Chicago Bears, Pig Skin Picks, and Jim’s […]
Buzz Kilman shares his weekend picks with Chicago bluesman Toronzo Cannon
April 23, 2022 03:30There’s a lot of great shows this weekend and Buzz Kilman (filling in for Dave Plier) shares his top choices for live music entertainment around the Chicagoland area. Later, renowned blues musician Toronzo Cannon joins the conversation to talk about their live show at Buddy Guy’s Legends on Saturday, April 23rd.
TV legend Henry Winkler on the long-awaited return of HBO’s ‘Barry’
April 22, 2022 15:29Legendary actor Henry Winkler joined Dave Plier, who filled in for Bob Sirott, shared details about the new season of “Barry,” his many acting roles, and the appreciation Henry has for his fans. They also talked about his memorabilia from ‘Happy Days’ and a new book to be released next year.
WGN-TV’s Larry Potash on the newest episode of ‘Backstory’
April 22, 2022 15:29Larry Potash, co-anchor for WGN TV Morning News, joined Dave Plier, who filled in for Bob Sirott, to share details about the latest season of ‘Backstory with Larry Potash’ and collecting baseball cards. Viewers who want to catch up on previous seasons of Backstory with Larry Potash can watch featured videos at WGNTV.com/Backstory.
Record Store Day preview with Rick Wojcik of Chicago’s Dusty Groove Records
April 22, 2022 15:28Rick Wojcik, owner of Dusty Groove record store, joined Dave Plier, who filled in for Bob Sirott, talked about how he began the store, Record Store Day, and the growing popularity of vinyl records.
60 years of classic souvenir maker Mold-a-Rama
April 22, 2022 15:27Paul Jones, CEO of Mold-A-Rama, joined Dave Plier, who filled in for Bob Sirott, to talk about the history of the company, how molds are made, and different themed molds for holidays.
Chicago Park District celebrates Earth Day
April 22, 2022 15:26Rosa Escareño, Interim General Superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District, joined Dave Plier, who filled in for Bob Sirott, to talk about the upcoming city-wide Parks and Preserves Cleanup and summer job opportunities.
Ukraine-Russia crisis update: ‘The main thing we need is weapons’
April 22, 2022 12:19Journalist and editor of ‘Lviv Now’ Joseph Lindsley joined Dave Plier, who filled in for Bob Sirott, from Ukraine to deliver the latest news on the Ukraine-Russia crisis, including Russia’s control over Mariupol and what Ukrainians will do to celebrate Easter. Stay up to date on what is going on in Ukraine on Joseph’s website, lvivlab.com.
A conversation with Chicago’s own Bob Odenkirk as the final season of AMC’s ‘Better Call Saul’ premieres
April 16, 2022 02:32As the final season of AMC’s ‘Better Call Saul’ kicks off next week, WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his conversation with Chicago’s own Bob Odenkirk on the likeable darkness of his character, comedy influences in Chicago and his thoughts on political correctness and comedy.
Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago: ‘An Easter Message of Peace’
April 16, 2022 02:31Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about ‘Renew My Church,’ Catholic Charities and the war in Ukraine, and his ‘Easter Message of Peace.’
WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer Kicks off the second season of ‘The Great Chicago Quiz Show’
April 16, 2022 02:28WGN Radio’s Dave Plier and WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer will try to ‘out-stump’ each other on Chicago history as WTTW’s ‘Great Chicago Quiz Show’ returns next week.
Dr. Ian Smith’ Plant Power: Flip Your Plate, Change Your Weight
April 16, 2022 02:24Dr. Ian Smith talks about his new book ‘Plant Power’ utilizing the benefits of fruits, vegetables, and complex carbs-without eliminating the meat, dairy, fish, and fats that you love.
Chicago’s sweet candy history: Baby Ruth, Tootsie Rolls, Fannie May, Brach’s, Frangos and more
April 16, 2022 02:23Historian Leslie Goddard joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about Chicago’s rich history in the candy business with some of your favorites made here now or long ago in the Windy City including Baby Ruth, Tootsie Rolls, Brach’s, Lemonheads, Chuckles, Fannie May and Frangos. What’s your favorite candy from when you were a kid?
Lauren Magiera with ‘This Week in Sports’: Pat Foley retires, Bulls playoffs, Cubs’ Suzuki breaks a record
April 16, 2022 02:21Lauren Magiera talks sports with WGN Radio’s Dave Plier including the retirement of Pat Foley, the Bulls in the playoffs, Cubs’ Suzuki breaks a record, and her adventures in Portugal.
WGN-TV’s Larry Potash: New episodes of ‘Backstory’: Enduring legacy of The Playboy Clubs, JFK’s 1962 Chicago visit, History of bronzeville
April 09, 2022 04:02WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes Larry Potash from the WGN Morning News to talk about new episodes of ‘Backstory’ on Saturday nights at 6pm. For more information visit wgntv.com/backstory/.
Actor Oliver Hudson wraps 1st season of Fox’s ‘Cleaning Lady’, moving his family in with mom Goldie Hawn and stepdad Kurt Russell, sibling revelry with his sister Kate Hudson
April 09, 2022 03:54Actor Oliver Hudson talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about wrapping up the 1st season of Fox’s ‘Cleaning Lady’, temporarily moving his family in with mom Goldie Hawn and stepdad Kurt Russell and sibling revelry with his sister Kate Hudson.