John Williams artwork

John Williams

4,167 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 days ago - ★★★★★ - 32 ratings

The John Williams Full Show Podcast

News wgn radio chicago john williams
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Ask Amy’s advice for a dad who is uncomfortable with daughter and boyfriend sharing a bedroom

March 25, 2024 21:50

Amy Dickinson, the “Ask Amy” syndicated advice columnist, joins John Williams to discuss a recent column where she offered advice to a dad who was uncomfortable with the idea that his daughter would be sleeping in the same room with her boyfriend while they are at home during summer break.

Attorney Karen Conti explains how she came to represent serial killer John Wayne Gacy

March 25, 2024 21:16

Karen Conti details her experience with the serial killer in a new book.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCXXIX, 3.25.24

March 25, 2024 19:51

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 3.22.24

March 22, 2024 16:08

Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to [email protected]!

MacKenzie Scott gives $2 million to GiGi’s Playhouse

March 21, 2024 21:33

On World Down Syndrome Day, Nancy Gianni, Founder and Chief Belief Officer, GiGi’s Playhouse, joins John to talk about what we should know about Down syndrome, their mission to change the way the world views Down syndrome, how GiGi’s Playhouse is a place to learn about love and acceptance, how many locations they have around […]

What makes Caitlin Clark so special?

March 21, 2024 21:10

Mike Hlas, sports columnist and Iowa men’s basketball beat writer for The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, joins John Williams to talk about University of Iowa women’s basketball player Caitlin Clark and what makes her one of the best basketball players ever.

Dawn Jackson Blatner: Is diet soda better than regular soda?

March 21, 2024 20:05

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner talks with John Williams about the differences between regular soda and diet soda, how planks can help lower blood pressure, why being a ‘grazer’ is frowned upon, a new study that shows the replacement of regular salt with a salt substitute can reduce high blood pressure in older adults. And […]

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCXXVIII, 3.21.24

March 21, 2024 19:21

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!

The Mincing Rascals 3.20.24: Primary election recap, Grant Park’s busy summer, Trump’s ‘bloodbath’

March 21, 2024 00:14

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute, Brandon Pope, host of ‘On the Block‘ on WCIU, and Cate Plys, former staff writer at the Chicago Reader and political op-ed columnist at the Sun-Times and Tribune. The Rascals start the show discussing the Bring Chicago Home real […]

Betting analyst Sam Panayotovich: March Madness bracket predictions

March 20, 2024 22:10

New England Sports Network betting analyst Sam Panayotovich joins John Williams to tell us everything we need to know before filling out brackets for the NCAA Tournament. What are some of the likely upsets? How far will Northwestern and Illinois go? Who is likely to cut down the nets in April? Sam breaks it all down.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCXXVII, 3.20.24

March 20, 2024 21:19

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!

Eric Zorn: Why is voter turnout so low? 

March 19, 2024 21:31

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about primary election day in Illinois, the low voter turnout thus far, the CTU organizing an effort last week to get high school kids out to the polls, and if he expects the Bring Chicago Home referendum to pass.

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: When should you get a shingles vaccine?

March 19, 2024 20:50

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to tell us what you should know about the shingles vaccine, why many people have a reaction to the the shingles vaccine, when you should start getting the shingles vaccine, a new study about the best exercise to lower blood pressure, […]

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCXXVI, 3.19.24

March 19, 2024 19:49

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!

Justice Joy Cunningham: I follow the law to the letter

March 18, 2024 21:43

Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham joins John Williams to tell us why you should vote for her to remain on the court. Justice Cunningham explains how she distinguishes herself from her opponent in the race, her unique path to the Illinois Supreme Court, if she’s ever intimidated by a case, how she works with […]

What to know about the ‘Bring Chicago Home’ referendum

March 18, 2024 21:05

Two of the best Mincing Rascals, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute and veteran journalist and democratic strategist Marj Halperin, join John Williams to debate the Bring Chicago Home referendum, a ballot question that could change the way real estate transfers are taxed in the city.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCXXV, 3.18.24

March 18, 2024 20:14

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 3.15.24

March 15, 2024 18:25

Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to [email protected]!

See who is playing Ravinia Festival this summer!

March 14, 2024 21:15

Erik Soderstrom, Senior Artistic Producer, Ravinia Festival, joins John Williams to talk about the programming for the 2024 season!

Best of the Midwest: Sip whiskey by the lake at the inaugural Wee Whiskey Fest!

March 14, 2024 20:40

Spring has nearly sprung so it’s time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature! Are you trying to come up with some trip ideas that are only a quick getaway from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for you! Today, John is joined by Dana Trilla and Sherm Lindsey, Co-Founders […]

Dawn Jackson Blatner: How ultra-processed foods can affect your brain

March 14, 2024 20:05

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner talks with John Williams about her beloved brownie recipe, how ultra-processed foods can affect your brain, and an acronym that could help you eat less processed food. Dawn also answers all of your nutrition questions.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCXXIV, 3.14.24

March 14, 2024 19:31

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!

The Mincing Rascals 3.13.24: SOTU recap, Bring Chicago Home, new Bears stadium

March 14, 2024 00:01

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, political pundit Marj Halperin, and Cate Plys, former staff writer at the Chicago Reader and political op-ed columnist at the Sun-Times and Tribune. The Rascals kick off the podcast this week recapping last Thursday’s State of the Union. What do the Rascals think […]

Illinois Supreme Court candidate Jesse Reyes: ‘I bring a voice to the court that is needed’

March 13, 2024 22:24

Democratic state Appellate Justice Jesse Reyes joins John Williams to tell us why he is running for a seat on the Illinois Supreme Court. Justice Reyes talks about his history on the bench in Illinois, what made him decide to run for a seat on the Supreme Court, why he considers himself a progressive judge, […]

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCXXIII, 3.13.24

March 13, 2024 21:22

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!

Kicking off the Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament with 2023 champion Georgio’s

March 13, 2024 17:34

With the 2024 Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament (sponsored by Career Vision) underway, John Williams was joined by Chicago’s Very Own Eats co-host and WGN Radio “bracketologist” Michael Piff on Monday to discuss the details for listeners to vote. To kick off the tournament properly, John also spoke with Courtney Miller, general manager of the 2023 […]

Peter Greenberg: Will self-service airport security compromise safety?

March 12, 2024 21:36

Peter Greenberg, “Eye on Travel” host and CBS News travel editor, joins John Williams to talk about a new self-service security screening process being used at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.

Eric Zorn: CTU voting rally, Bring Chicago Home, and more

March 12, 2024 21:09

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about what he remembers about the day in March 2020 when the world seemingly shut down because of the COVID outbreak, the latest news about the Bring Chicago Home real estate transfer tax referendum, why the CTU rallying voting-age high schoolers to get out […]

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: No one should be worried about a measles epidemic

March 12, 2024 20:26

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to discuss the biggest issues facing hospitals right now, his recollections of when the pandemic began in March of 2020, how concerned we should be about measles, and Wegovy being approved by the FDA for reducing the risk of heart attacks.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCXXII, 3.12.24

March 12, 2024 19:40

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!

Cook County State’s Attorney candidate Clayton Harris III: We have to do everything possible to ensure safety and justice

March 11, 2024 21:25

Clayton Harris III, candidate for Cook County State’s Attorney, joins John Williams to talk about why he wants to be the next Cook County State’s Attorney. Clayton discusses Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara telling Chicago police officers to vote for his opponent Eileen O’Neill Burke, his reaction to people saying his opponent will be […]

Second City’s Kelly Leonard explains how you can become more productive at work

March 11, 2024 20:40

Kelly Leonard, Vice President, Creative Strategy, Innovation and Business Development at The Second City and host of the “Getting to Yes, And…” podcast, joins John Williams to talk about his recent podcast with Cal Newport, a professor of computer science at Georgetown University, who explains how, in many jobs, we don’t really have a good […]

Sports business expert Marc Ganis: Are the Bears focused on a new lakefront stadium?

March 11, 2024 20:19

Marc Ganis, sports business expert and President and Co-Founder of Sportscorp Ltd., joins John Williams to talk about a new report that says the Bears are interested in building a new publicly-owned domed stadium south of Soldier Field using $2 billion in private money.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCXXI, 3.11.24

March 11, 2024 19:37

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!

Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips previews the Academy Awards

March 08, 2024 20:53

The great Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips joins John Williams to talk about what movies he expects to take home Oscars at this weekend’s Academy Awards. What was Michael’s favorite film? What documentary should we see before the ceremony? Michael gives us the scoop.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 3.8.24

March 08, 2024 20:34

Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to [email protected]!

How to protect yourself from cybercrime

March 07, 2024 22:19

Brett Johnson, cyber security expert and former US Most Wanted cybercriminal turned good guy, joins John Williams to talk about the amount of ransomware attacks that are targeting hospitals, why hospitals are being targeted by cyber attacks, why many cyber criminals are never arrested, how cyber criminals gain the trust of their victims, what you […]

Best of the Midwest: Visit Lake of the Ozarks!

March 07, 2024 21:36

Spring has nearly sprung so it’s time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature! Are you trying to come up with some vacation ideas that are only a quick getaway from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, John is joined by Lagina Fitzpatrick, Executive Director, […]

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCXX, 3.7.24

March 07, 2024 20:39

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!

The Mincing Rascals 3.6.24: Trump on ballot, Bring Chicago Home, CTU contract

March 07, 2024 00:42

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute, Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, and Cate Plys, former staff writer at the Chicago Reader and political op-ed columnist at the Sun-Times and Tribune. This week, the Rascals start the pod talking about everyone’s favorite […]

David Hochberg: Realtors need to realize that times are changing

March 06, 2024 22:55

Mortgage and real estate expert David Hochberg joins John Williams to share his thoughts on the Tribune editorial, “The law is catching up to rip-off real-estate commissions. It’s time for a change.” David hosts “Home Sweet Home Chicago” on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm on WGN Radio. You can call him at 855-56-David, or check out […]

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCXIX, 3.6.24

March 06, 2024 22:26

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!

Eric Zorn: Justices need to issue rulings with urgency

March 05, 2024 22:25

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about the growing popularity of women’s college basketball, Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark declaring for the WNBA draft, Robbie Avila (aka “Cream Abdul-Jabbar”) putting Indiana State men’s basketball back on the map, and why he’s appalled how slowly justice is unwinding with both the Bring […]

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin explains new COVID isolation guidelines

March 05, 2024 21:38

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to explain the new CDC guidelines for COVID isolation, how contagious you are with the common cold, and the mortality rate for U.S. women with breast cancer falling an estimated 58 percent from 1975 to 2019.

Craig Bolanos: AI is driving the market

March 05, 2024 21:02

Craig Bolanos, Co-Founder and CEO of Wealth Management Group, joins John to talk about what’s causing the markets being off today, how AI is driving the market, what he expects from the economic data set to be released later this week, the latest news on cryptocurrency investment, and how many rate cuts does he expect to make this […]

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCXVIII, 3.5.24

March 05, 2024 20:34

Marge Sipla, Speed Jokes cataloger and Member of the Speed Jokes Committee, joins John and the gang to recap some of their favorite Speed Jokes of January and February of 2024. And then, as always, John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!

How Cook County assessor’s office is improving quality of their records

March 04, 2024 22:51

Axios reporter Monica Eng joins John Williams to explain how Cook County is trying to fix inaccurate property tax data.

Should some real estate commissions be cut?

March 04, 2024 22:23

Chris Jones, Editorial Page Editor and Chief Theater Critic, Chicago Tribune, joins John Williams to talk about the the recent Tribune editorial, “The law is catching up to rip-off real-estate commissions. It’s time for a change.”

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCXVII, 3.4.24

March 04, 2024 20:55

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 3.1.24

March 01, 2024 20:15

Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to [email protected]!

Twitter Mentions

@ericzorn 172 Episodes
@a_r_berg 71 Episodes
@bpopetv 40 Episodes
@djblatner 40 Episodes
@jonhansentalks 36 Episodes
@heathercherone 26 Episodes
@congressmanraja 24 Episodes
@spshoot 15 Episodes
@neilsteinberg 11 Episodes
@loumanfredini 10 Episodes
@petersgreenberg 10 Episodes
@marjhalperin 8 Episodes
@repmikequigley 8 Episodes
@coreybbrooks 8 Episodes
@markjacob16 7 Episodes
@markguarino 7 Episodes
@ziman_kristen 6 Episodes
@byldonovan 6 Episodes
@annadavlantes 5 Episodes
@phillipstribune 5 Episodes