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John Williams

4,071 episodes - English - Latest episode: 24 days ago - ★★★★★ - 32 ratings

The John Williams Full Show Podcast

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Episodes

Dr. Samuel Kim: Younger people are getting diagnosed with lung cancer

December 19, 2023 21:15

Dr. Samuel Kim, thoracic surgeon at the Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute, joins John Williams to talk about actor Andre Braugher being diagnosed with lung cancer months before his death, when lung cancer is typically diagnosed, why he recommends getting a CT scan to check your lung health, how many cases of lung cancer are […]

Attorney Rae Kaplan: Deadline extended for student loan forgiveness

December 19, 2023 20:47

Attorney Rae Kaplan of Kaplan Law Firm joins John Williams to talk about the Biden administration announcing an extension of a critical student loan forgiveness deadline. The old deadline was 12/31/23, but the new deadline is 4/30/24.

Craig Bolanos: It’s a momentous market rally

December 19, 2023 20:38

Craig Bolanos, Co-Founder and CEO of Wealth Management Group, joins John to talk about the momentous market rally, his thoughts on the Fed cutting interest rates in 2024, the concern over consumer debt, and if real estate should still be part of your portfolio. Call Craig now to see how your spending, savings, investing, impacts your chances […]

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCLXXXII, 12.19.23

December 19, 2023 20:21

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

WGN’s Sara Tieman lists her favorite books of 2023

December 18, 2023 21:56

Sara Tieman is not only an ace Promotions & PR Manager for WGN Radio, but she is also a voracious reader (and world traveler!) who has once again read nearly 100 books this year! She joins John Williams to discuss some of the best books she read in 2023. You can check out her entire list […]

Don’t miss this spectacular Christmas light show in Spring Valley!

December 18, 2023 21:22

Software engineer and Christmas lights enthusiast Billy Quesse joins John Williams to talk about the spectacular light show that he puts on each year at his home in Spring Valley, Illinois! How does this light show come together? You can check out the awesome video and find out more here.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCLXXXI, 12.18.23

December 18, 2023 20:34

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, 12.15.23

December 15, 2023 20:57

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

Listen to a WGN Radio story created by AI

December 14, 2023 23:35

A WGN listener used AI to create a story using the phrases, ‘John Williams radio personality,” ‘WGN Radio,” “Daisy the Dizzy Dapple Dachshund,” and “Speed Joke coffee mug.” John Williams reads the story for all to enjoy!

The Forge is the coolest outdoor family recreation destination

December 14, 2023 22:36

We are celebrating all the cool things in Lemont this month for our “Your Hometown” feature! Today, Jeremie Bacon, Founder and CEO, The Forge: Lemont Quarries, joins John Williams to tell us all the fun activities you can do at The Forge, the type of customer they typically see, and why Lemont is so important […]

Does ‘Love Actually’ hold up?

December 14, 2023 22:11

John Williams, Kevin Powell, and Mary Van De Velde talk about the movie, “Love Actually,” and if the film is as good as some people thought it was when it originally came out in 2003.

Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens: We need a better plan for migrants coming to Illinois

December 14, 2023 22:03

Rosemont mayor Brad Stephens joins John Williams to talk about buses of asylum seekers being dropped off in Rosemont and how they are handling the crisis.

Dawn Jackson Blatner: Healthy holiday dinner meals from Dom’s Kitchen and Market

December 14, 2023 21:37

John Williams is joined by Dawn Jackson Blatner, author and registered dietician nutritionist, for a special in-studio party to promote healthy and fun holiday catering menu ideas, sponsored by Dom’s Kitchen and Market in Lincoln Park and Old Town. Today’s feature: Entrees and sides! And as always, Dawn answers all of your nutrition questions.

Dawn Jackson Blatner and Dom’s Kitchen and Market show John Williams what a healthy and delicious party spread looks like

December 14, 2023 21:37

Just a few weeks ago, John Williams was joined by author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner to sample and showcase items from Dom’s Kitchen and Market’s holiday catering menu. Fortunately for us, there was a lot more from their menu to try. As you swipe through the photos from our latest healthy spread, […]

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCLXXX, 12.14.23

December 14, 2023 20:32

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

The Mincing Rascals 12.13.23: Burke trial, Texas abortion ruling, 2024 predictions

December 14, 2023 00:29

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, political pundit Marj Halperin, 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. […]

John Williams toured the ECHO factory

December 14, 2023 00:03

John Williams talks about visiting the ECHO factory in Lake Zurich. Illinois Manufacturing is alive and well!

The 2023 WGN Radio Salvation Army Radiothon

December 13, 2023 23:51

John Williams hosts the annual Salvation Army Radiothon. Our Virtual Red Kettle goal of $175,000 was exceeded thanks to our amazing WGN listeners and all of our generous sponsors. Special thanks to the one and only David Hochberg, Major Caleb Senn, Theo Coleman, Shane Carlin, and Brian Duewel of the Salvation Army, Bob Coyne and […]

The Matrix Club in Naperville is a platform for global culture, art and corporate events

December 13, 2023 22:58

Madan Kulkarni, Owner, The Matrix Club, joins John Williams on the Wintrust Business Lunch to talk about their club in Naperville, what’s inside the Matrix Club, what inspired him to open this space, why he considers it a global meeting space, why the venue is so unique and a perfect place to experience other cultures, […]

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCLXXIX, 12.13.23

December 13, 2023 22:22

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

Rep. Mason: Illinois should eliminate age-based road test

December 12, 2023 22:57

State Representative Joyce Mason joins John Williams to talk about the effort to eliminate road tests for seniors in Illinois. Rep. Mason plans to propose legislation that eliminates the age-based road test. Rep. Mason says we need to focus on evidence-based data and not just our perception of old people driving.

Tom Fortino: Fed Chair Powell will be cautious on interest rate cuts

December 12, 2023 22:39

Tom Fortino, Founder and Principal, Alpha Wealth Group, and host of “This Week in Wealth” on WGN Radio, joins John Williams to talk about how the markets have performed this year, the positive economic data coming out, why debt issues are a cause for concern, and what he expects from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell’s comments later this […]

Dr. Michael Bauer: Can Ozempic curb alcohol cravings?

December 12, 2023 22:00

Dr. Michael Bauer, Medical Director at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about the number of flu cases that are being reported this year, the respiratory viruses that are circulating outside of the flu, and what he thinks of a new report about Ozempic and alcohol cravings.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCLXXVIII, 12.12.23

December 12, 2023 20:48

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

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCLXXVII, 12.11.23

December 11, 2023 20:31

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

Attorney Rae Kaplan: Federal loans get forgiven

December 08, 2023 21:17

Attorney Rae Kaplan of Kaplan Law Firm joins John Williams to talk about what we should know about Grad PLUS loans and the SAVE repayment plan, why you approach federal loans differently that other types of debt, the options you have if you hold a private loan, and the application period for student loan forgiveness closing on Dec. 31, 2023.

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg: Midwest is ripe for an excellent high-speed rail network

December 08, 2023 21:02

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg joins John Williams to talk about new transportation funding coming to Chicago, what improvements will be made with the funding, what it would take to get high-speed rail throughout the Midwest, if he expects a smooth holiday season when it comes to air travel, and his future political ambitions.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi: Blind trust in China would be foolish

December 08, 2023 20:57

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL 8) joins John Williams to talk about a glowing profile in Foreign Policy about the the work the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party is doing to map out a new era of U.S. competition with China. Congressman Krishnamoorthi also explains why he’s concerned with TikTok.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 12.8.23

December 08, 2023 20:23

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

Winners and losers from GOP debate

December 07, 2023 21:24

Blake Burman, Moderator of The Hill and Chief Washington Correspondent of NewsNation, joins John Williams to tell us the major takeaways from the GOP debate in Alabama.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCLXXVI, 12.7.23

December 07, 2023 20:43

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

The Mincing Rascals 12.6.23: Brighton Park migrant shelter, Ed Burke corruption trial, George Santos on Cameo

December 07, 2023 00:31

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Neil Steinberg of the Chicago Sun-Times, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute, 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 discuss the state of Illinois halting the construction of a migrant shelter in Brighton Park. How has […]

Pastor Corey Brooks on his mission to create opportunities for kids in his community

December 06, 2023 23:45

Listener Paul Shah, President of Anderson & Shah Roofing, along with other members of the Chicagoland Roofing Council, tell John Williams about a $50,000 donation their group is making to Pastor Corey Brooks and Project H.O.O.D, to help build their leadership and economic center in Woodlawn. The goal is to create a partnership with Pastor […]

The Salvation Army sees the goodness in everyone

December 06, 2023 23:07

Salvation Army soldier Lydia Riley joins John Williams to talk about what The Salvation Army has meant to her family and the Salvation Army programs that have impacted her and her two sons.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCLXXV, 12.6.23

December 06, 2023 22:05

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

Does Elon Musk truly care about free speech?

December 05, 2023 23:14

Jane Kirtley, Silha Professor of Media Ethics and Law at the University of Minnesota, joins John Williams to discuss Elon Musk criticizing advertisers who are leaving the social media platform X. Jane says, “Elon Musk is for freedom of speech for Elon Musk.”

Eric Zorn: No incredible smoking gun in Burke trial

December 05, 2023 22:24

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to share his thoughts on the corruption trial of former Alderman Ed Burke and why he’s upset at the Dr. Pepper tuition giveaway contest that took place during halftime of the Big 12 Championship football game. And there are a still a few tickets left for […]

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: Should you still get a flu shot this year?

December 05, 2023 21:34

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to tell us if we should get a flu shot if we haven’t received one already, what we should know about vaccine side effects, why you should get the latest COVID shot, and to answer all of your medical questions.

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCLXXIV, 12.5.23

December 05, 2023 20:44

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

Give the experience of Omaha Steaks this holiday season

December 04, 2023 22:39

Todd Simon, Omaha Steaks fifth-generation family owner, chairman, and chief steak evangelist, joins John Williams to talk about why a gift from Omaha Steaks this holiday is giving an experience and is much more than just giving meat in a box.

Ray LaHood: One party rule does not benefit the citizens of Illinois

December 04, 2023 22:17

Ray LaHood, former GOP member of Congress and the U.S. Secretary of Transportation under President Barack Obama, joins John Williams to talk about his op-ed in the Chicago Tribune that suggests the Illinois GOP should challenge the state’s district maps in court.

How to stay connected to a person living with Alzheimer’s

December 04, 2023 22:03

Monica Moreno, Senior Director of Care and Support at the Alzheimer’s Association, joins John Williams to talk about the new Chevy holiday commercial that shows an elderly woman in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. How accurate is this commercial? Monica explains how a powerful memory of a person’s past can provide an opportunity to foster […]

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCLXXIII, 12.4.23

December 04, 2023 20:27

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

Best of the Midwest: Visit hip and historic Holland, Michigan!

December 01, 2023 18:52

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 this holiday season? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, John is joined by Linda Hart, Executive Director Holland Visitors […]

Antioch has a variety of holiday activities for the whole family

December 01, 2023 04:45

Barbara Porch, Executive Director of Antioch Chamber of Commerce, joins John Williams to put a spotlight on Antioch. She runs through the plethora of fun family activities free for all ages this holiday season.

Ronald McDonald Charities helps kids and families, you can too

December 01, 2023 02:40

Ruth-Ann Renaud, Chief Marketing Officer at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and NW Indiana, joins John Williams to talk about the incredible mission to take care of sick children and their families. They do so by providing care, housing, and financial alleviation to keep those families together during their children’s recovery. To donate, go […]

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCLXXII, 11.30.23

November 30, 2023 22:07

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

Have a hearty holiday meal and feel good about it with Dom’s Kitchen and Market!

November 30, 2023 19:44

John Williams is joined by Dawn Jackson Blatner, author and registered dietician nutritionist, for a special in-studio appearance to promote healthy and fun holiday catering menu ideas, sponsored by Dom’s Kitchen and Market in Lincoln Park and Old Town. See all the items that John, Dawn and our WGN Radio office was treated to, which could […]

The Mincing Rascals 11.29.23: Migrant housing challenge, Burke trial continues, Hinsdale South basketball controversy

November 30, 2023 01:24

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Cate Plys, former staff writer at the Chicago Reader and political op-ed columnist at the Sun-Times and Tribune, and Axios reporter Monica Eng. On this week’s episode, the Rascals discuss the challenge of housing asylum seekers and and the […]

Arne Duncan’s mission to reduce gun violence in Chicago

November 30, 2023 00:24

Arne Duncan, Managing Partner, Chicago CRED, former United States Secretary of Education, and ex-CEO of Chicago Public Schools, joins John Williams to talk about what Chicago CRED does, their mission for a transformative reduction in gun violence in Chicago, the goal to move people from the illegal economy to the legal economy, and the $21 million […]

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