John Williams
4,435 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★ - 20 ratingsThe John Williams Uncut podcast from News/Talk 720 WGN, The Voice of Chicago.
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Episodes
What you’ll see at a drone light show
July 02, 2024 20:23Zack James, Head of Operations at Chicago Drone Light Shows, joins John to talk about when they started getting into the drone business, how a drone show typically works, how many drones are used during a show, the way they come up with ideas for the show, the various formations in a drone show, how […]
Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: Everybody should get new COVID shot in the fall
July 02, 2024 20:08Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about the CDC recommending all Americans ages 6 months and older receive one of the new COVID-19 vaccines when they become available this fall, why most people are no longer losing their sense of smell or taste with COVID infections, […]
Eric Zorn: Immunity decision by SCOTUS is very troubling
July 02, 2024 19:53Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about President Biden’s ‘dreadful’ performance at the debate last week and his thoughts on the Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCLXXXVI, 7.2.24
July 02, 2024 19:32John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]
Illinois will be first state to ban credit cards from charging fees on taxes and tips
July 01, 2024 20:48Rob Karr, President and CEO, Illinois Retail Merchants Association, joins John Williams to talk about a new law in Illinois that will prohibit banks and credit card companies from charging retailers a fee on sales taxes and tips. What will this new law mean for both retailers and consumers?
Kent College of Law professor: SCOTUS immunity opinion ‘quite shocking’
July 01, 2024 19:52Professor Carolyn Shapiro, Associate Dean for Academic Administration and Strategic Initiatives, Co-Director of the Institute on the Supreme Court of the United States, Professor of Law, Chicago-Kent College of Law, joins John Williams to talk about the Supreme Court ruling that former President Donald Trump is entitled to some level of immunity from prosecution.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCLXXXV, 7.1.24
July 01, 2024 19:26Marge Sipla, Speed Jokes spirit animal, cataloger and Member of the Speed Jokes Committee, joins John and the gang to give us her favorite Speed Jokes of June! And then, as always, John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]!
The Titanic exhibition has been extended through Labor Day
June 28, 2024 20:02Mark Lach, Creative Producer for “Titanic: The Exhibition,” joins John Williams to reflect on the anniversary of the Titan submersible implosion. And due to popular demand, the Titanic exhibition has been extended yet again! You can see the exhibit through Labor Day. Find more information here.
Takeaways from first presidential debate
June 28, 2024 19:51Connell McShane, anchor, NewsNation Now, joins John Williams to break down the debate between President Biden and Donald Trump.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 6.28.24
June 28, 2024 19:15Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to [email protected]!
Your Hometown: The community culture of Yorkville is unmatched
June 27, 2024 20:53Renee Kryger, President/CEO, Yorkville Area Chamber of Commerce, joins John Williams to talk about their growing community, how they are becoming a dining destination with an abundance of family-owned restaurants, and the plethora of other attractions that draw visitors from all over the area. Also, Skittles are made in Yorkville!
Asher Perlman makes cartoons to not feel so alone
June 27, 2024 20:24Asher Perlman, Writer, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Cartoonist, The New Yorker, joins John Williams to talk about his new cartoon collection, “Well, This is Me.” Asher talks about the time he spent in Chicago, why he enjoyed performing in Chicago, when and why he decided to start cartooning, how his work ended up […]
Dawn Jackson Blatner: America eats too much animal protein
June 27, 2024 19:54Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about a new study that shows America’s diet quality moved from an F to a D. What tips does Dawn have for improving your diet? Also, another study showed that eating plant-based meat may be healthier for your heart than real meat. What does Dawn […]
Best of the Midwest: Visit the Palmer House!
June 27, 2024 19:43It’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, we don’t travel very far from Chicago at all! In fact, we head […]
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCLXXXIV, 6.27.24
June 27, 2024 19:20John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]
The Mincing Rascals 6.26.24: Presidential debate, Burke sentence, SCOTUS corruption ruling
June 26, 2024 22:53The 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 political pundit Marj Halperin! This week the Rascals kick off the podcast talking about the upcoming debate between President Biden and Donald Trump. […]
Landscape expert Bob Bertog: Is it okay to plant grass seeds now?
June 26, 2024 22:25Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob tells us if it is safe to plant grass seeds now when air temperatures are cooler.
Some of the best pizza in the U.S. can be found in tiny Ava, Illinois
June 26, 2024 21:58Aaron Kleidon, owner, Scratch Brewing, joins John Williams to talk about his spot being named as one of the best pizza places in the USA by the New York Times. Aaron tells John how they are pretty well known for beer across the U.S., the way word of mouth has been a good advertiser for […]
Elder law attorney Kerry Peck: Make decisions on your asset management while you are capable
June 26, 2024 21:41Elder law attorney Kerry Peck joins John Williams to answer all your questions about elder law, trusts, wills, and elder abuse. Kerry discusses the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s disease on both the patient and the family and what you need to know about dealing with the legal impact of the illness.
Olympian Tori Franklin relishes being the underdog
June 26, 2024 21:30USA Triple Jumper Tori Franklin joins John Williams and Ryan Burrow to talk about her strenuous training regimen, the keys to be a successful triple jumper, the mental aspect of her sport, her experience at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, her chances of medaling in Paris, and why she likes being the underdog. And don’t […]
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCLXXXIII, 6.26.24
June 26, 2024 21:06John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]
Para athlete Noelle Malkamaki hopes to compete in Paris
June 25, 2024 21:15US Para Track & Field athlete, Decatur native, and DePaul University alum Noelle Malkamaki joins John Williams and Ryan Burrow to talk about competing against non-disabled athletes growing up and at DePaul, when she fell in love with track and field, how she came to start competing in the Para games, what she’s doing to […]
Eric Zorn: Burke will be a dark chapter in Chicago history
June 25, 2024 19:48Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about the controversy surrounding U.S. Track & Field star Athing Mu not qualifying for the Paris Olympics, his thoughts on the sentence given to former Alderman Ed Burke, and what he’s looking forward to in the debate between President Biden and Donald Trump.
Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: Why you shouldn’t drink raw milk
June 25, 2024 19:35Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about how the heat can impact your brain health, why you need to be smart when dealing with extreme temperatures, how thinner stools might be a sign of colon cancer, how closely we should be paying attention to bird flu, […]
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCLXXXII, 6.25.24
June 25, 2024 19:30John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]
Patrick Kennedy: We need a unified approach to tackle the mental health crisis in the U.S.
June 24, 2024 21:19Former U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy (D-Rhode Island) joins John Williams to talk about his mission tackling the mental health crisis in the U.S. Patrick discusses his struggle with addiction, why we need to bring more attention to addiction, suicide, and mental health treatment, and the need for more vigorous advocacy. Patrick’s latest book is “Profiles […]
Pastor Corey Brooks: People are breaking laws and not getting any punishment
June 24, 2024 20:30Corey Brooks, Founder and Senior Pastor at New Beginnings Church of Chicago and the Founder and CEO of Project H.O.O.D, joins John Williams to talk about the latest on his opportunity center in Woodlawn, how the financing on the project is going, what he hopes to accomplish with the opportunity center once it’s finished, where they […]
Will Chicago teachers go on strike?
June 24, 2024 20:09Robert Bruno, professor of labor and employment relations at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the co-author of the 2016 book “A Fight for the Soul of Public Education: The Story of the Chicago Teachers Strike,” joins John Williams to talk about the contract negotiations between CPS and CTU. Professor Bruno is optimistic about these […]
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCLXXXI, 6.24.24
June 24, 2024 19:37John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]
Rep. Harry Benton wants to prohibit elected officials from flying U.S. flag upside down
June 21, 2024 19:45Illinois State Rep. Harry Benton (D-Plainfield) joins John Williams to talk about why he’s filed two bills to prohibit elected officials from displaying the American flag upside down on government property.
Northwestern to play football on the shores of Lake Michigan
June 21, 2024 19:31Jesse Marks, Deputy Director of Athletics & Assistant Vice President (Development), Northwestern University, joins John Williams and WGN Radio Sports Director Dave Eanet to talk about the temporary field the university is building for the Northwestern football team while Ryan Field is being rebuilt. Jesse and Dave are really excited to watch the team play […]
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 6.21.24
June 21, 2024 19:19Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to [email protected]!
Best of the Midwest: Celebration River Cruises
June 20, 2024 19:34It’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, we head to the Mississippi River and chat with Susan Yarolem, Director of […]
Dawn Jackson Blatner: Spice up your summer salad
June 20, 2024 19:31Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner gives John Williams some ideas for delicious summer salads, the importance of strength training, and why you might need to reevaluate your sleep hygiene. Dawn also answers all of your health and nutrition questions.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCLXXX, 6.20.24
June 20, 2024 19:25John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]
The Mincing Rascals 6.19.24: Reparations, CTU-CPS bargaining, SCOTUS bump stock ruling
June 19, 2024 23:09The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Brandon Pope, host of ‘On the Block‘ on WCIU, Cate Plys, former staff writer at the Chicago Reader, and political op-ed columnist at the Sun-Times and Tribune, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute, and political pundit Marj Halperin! This week the Rascals start the podcast by discussing Mayor Johnson launching a […]
Landscape expert Bob Bertog: Do not water your lawn at night
June 19, 2024 21:37Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. What should we know about our lawns during this hot weather?
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCLXXVIX, 6.19.24
June 19, 2024 21:18John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]
Ald. Ervin explains why Chicago should look into a reparations program
June 18, 2024 20:0828th Ward Alderman Jason Ervin joins John Williams to talk about the Johnson administration launching a task force to look into a reparations program.
Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: What we are learning about added benefits of taking weight loss drugs
June 18, 2024 19:57Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about how to stay safe during this hot weather and what we are learning about weigh-loss drugs.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCLXXVIII, 6.18.24
June 18, 2024 19:19John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]
How to stay safe during heat wave
June 17, 2024 19:36Dr. Paul Allegretti, emergency room physician at Provident Hospital, joins John Williams to offer tips on how to stay safe during oppressive heat.
Landscape expert Bob Bertog: How to protect your lawn in extreme heat
June 17, 2024 19:29Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to talk about what you can do to protect your lawn in this extreme heat.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part DCCLXXVII, 6.17.24
June 17, 2024 19:24John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]
A Father’s Day message from John Williams
June 14, 2024 20:04John Williams shares a loving tribute to his dad for Father’s Day.
John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 6.14.24
June 14, 2024 19:14Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to [email protected]!
The Mincing Rascals Live from Winter’s Jazz Club 6.12.24: Burke sentence, downtown curfew, SCOTUS ethics
June 13, 2024 20:44This week’s Mincing Rascals was recorded in front of a live audience at Winter’s Jazz Club on Wednesday, June, 12, 2024. The Mincing Rascals for this special live show are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Brandon Pope, host of ‘On the Block‘ on WCIU, Cate Plys, […]
How the road to recovery is different for everyone
June 13, 2024 19:58Daryl Pass, Senior Manager of Recovery Support Services, Kenneth Young Center, joins John Williams to talk about why people use Kenneth Young’s services, their robust clinical team, how business is going right now, the amazing counselors and therapists that work at the center, how the system of care has changed over the years, how recovery looks […]
Dawn Jackson Blatner: Fruits and vegetables associated with decreasing disease risk
June 13, 2024 19:44Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner talks with John Williams about the 19 specific fruits and vegetables most associated with decreasing disease risk. Dawn also answers all your health and nutrition questions.
Best of the Midwest: Visit Shipshewana!
June 13, 2024 19:38It’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, we head to the heart of Amish country and speak with Sonya Nash, […]