Dave Plier

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier sits down with WGN colleague Karen Conti to talk about her new book: Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy. Karen was the last person to represent executed serial killer John Wayne Gacy. Karen speaks about how she became a lawyer, how she got involved with this case, and more. Karen’s book can […]

Actress Eden Sher joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about her national tour of her new one-woman show ‘I Was on a Sitcom’, the days of working on ABC-TV sitcom ‘The Middle’, childbirth, marriage, airports and more.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to iconic drummer Kenny Aronoff about his musical journey and playing with some of the biggest names in music including John Mellencamp, Paul McCartney, Springsteen, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Bodeans and more.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes comedy legend Dan Aykroyd to talk about Second City and his friendship with the late Joe Flaherty, his newest movie ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’, the business side of filmmaking, John Belushi (who would have been 75), SNL, and his Crystal Head Vodka.

Larry Potash from the WGN-TV Morning News joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the 14th season of ‘Backstory’ and 1984 as Pop’s Greatest Year as listed by Rolling Stone Magazine.

Did a UFO fly over O’Hare Airport? How did the alligator later named “Chance the Snapper” suddenly appear in Chicago’s Humboldt Lagoon? Is Hull House haunted? Why don’t Chicagoans put ketchup on their hot dogs? WTTW award-winning host/writer/producer Geoffrey Baer talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to solve these and other puzzlers in his new […]

Comedian Tom Papa is back in Chicago on stage on Friday, April 26, 2024 at The Rialto Square Theatre and talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about his laugh-out-loud life’s observations and his latest book, ‘We’re All in This Together’. Visit tompapa.com for more.

Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about Easter weekend activities with Dave’s youngest son Alex, his recent birthday at 75, and his ‘Easter Message of Renewal.’

Actress Lecy Goranson talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about the 6th season of ABC-TV’s hit comedy ‘The Conners’, her love of Chicago sports including the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Cubs, and Old Style beer.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his interview with author and historian Adam Selzer to talk about the fascinating yet little-known story of how Chicago served as the unlikely capital of American film production in the years before the rise of Hollywood (1907–1913), the rise and fall of the major Chicago movie studios in the mid-silent […]

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes Brendan, Siobhan, and Anlon McKinney of Chicago’s #1 Irish pub Chief O’Neill’s talk to about the legend of Chicago Police Chief O’Neill, their 25th anniversary, the art of pouring the perfect pint of Guinness, their classic Irish cuisine, new private label scotch, beer, the Bad Irish Momz of Comedy event on […]

They are big Tom Skilling shoes to fill, but WGN-TV’s Demetrius Ivory is up to the task! WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Demetrius about his first official days on the job.

Music legend Tony Orlando joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier for an in-depth conversation reflecting on six decades in music and his farewell tour. Tony is appearing at the DesPlaines Theatre on Saturday March 2, 2024 and at The Arcada Theatre on Sunday March 3, 2024. For tickets, visit oshows.com.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes Phil Rosenthal, creator of ‘Everybody Loves Raymond,’ on touring the globe on the 7th season of ‘Somebody Feed Phil’.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to comedian Jake Johannsen about his shows this weekend at Zanies in Old Town and on Sunday in Rosemont, marital advice, navigating parenthood, aging and more. zanies.com

Listen to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier’s complete interview with Grammy Award winning jazz great Branford Marsalis, about the influence of his father in music, playing with the likes of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Sting, The Grateful Dead, his style of music and collaboration, and composing the moving sounds for the soundtrack of Netflix’s civil rights story […]

Presidential historian and author Douglas Brinkley joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the history of the American presidency, how the course of history would have changed if the 9 U.S. Presidents who were assassinated or died in office completed their terms, and why it takes 25 years to realize the impact of an […]

Radio Hall of Famer and old time radio guru Chuck Schaden and Steve Darnall, publisher of Nostalgia Digest, join WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the legacy of comedian Jack Benny, a world class entertainer who invented a quintessentially American art character: the genially self-deprecating fall guy, the history of his radio and TV shows, vaudeville, […]

In this week’s history segment, WGN Radio’s Dave Plier and WGN news anchor Dave Schwan talk about Julius Rosenwald (1862-1932), best known as a part-owner and leader of Sears, Roebuck and Company, for establishing the Rosenwald Fund, which donated millions in funds to build over 5,000 schools in the South, and promoted vocational and technical education in underserved […]

Jeff Rogers of winmorepitches.com joins WGN’s Dave Plier to preview this year’s Super Bowl commercials.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier celebrates the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking HBO series ‘The Sopranos’ with cast members Lorraine ‘Dr. Melfi’ Bracco, Vincent ‘Johnny Sack’ Curatola , Edie ‘Carmela Soprano’ Falco, Stevie ‘Silvio Dante’ Van Zandt, Steve ‘Bobby Bacala’ Schirripa.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his conversation with Emmy and Grammy award-winning, producer, director, writer and documentary filmmaker Andrew Solt to talk about the most valued television libraries of all time which he owns: The Ed Sullivan Show and the 60th anniversary of The Beatles first appearance on American television. The collection includes over 10,000 performances including The […]

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to 15-year-old Yolanda Renee King, the only grandchild of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, about her beautiful book ‘We Dream a World’, the importance of activism, and the ways that Dr. King’s message and mission can continue. “A Granddaughter’s Dream: Honoring the Life and Legacy of […]

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Dave Plier, looks back at a 2018 interview with Rev. Jesse Jackson about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the day of Dr. King’s assassination when Rev. Jackson was by his side.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the classic TV sitcom ‘Happy Days,’ which debuted on January 15, 1974, WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, discusses the impact of the series with the starts of the show, including Marion Ross, Anson Williams, Don Most and Henry Winkler.

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Dave Plier, in for Bob Sirott, to provide the latest news in entertainment. It’s award season and the two chat about the Critics Choice Awards and Chelsea Handler as the host of the event. Plus, what movies were a hit at the box office this weekend?

Musician Branford Marsalis joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Dave Plier, to talk about his influences in music, playing with the likes of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Sting, The Grateful Dead, his style of music and collaboration, and composing the moving sounds for the soundtrack of Netflix’s civil rights story of Bayard Rustin.

The legendary Bill Kurtis joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, to talk about his latest book and audiobook he wrote with his wife Donna La Pietra on a better understanding of our planet called ‘2050: A Parable for a Dying Planet’.

Matt Roush, longtime Senior Critic for TV Guide and journalist for TV Insider, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, to preview the 75th Emmy Awards airing tonight.

Dr. Sindhu Aderson from Northwestern Medicine talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, about why everyone seems to be sick with either the flu, COVID, or RSV, how to recognize the symptoms, and what preventative measures you can take.

Show regular Dr. Ian Smith joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about kicking off the new year in a healthy way, his Met Flex Diet, how to battle the winter blues, and a sneak-peak at his new novel.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier is joined in studio by ABC7 Meteorologist Cheryl Scott to talk about the sub-zero conditions heading our way. Cheryl also shares the details about the Great Chicago Blood Drive next Wednesday, January 17, 2024, and Thursday, January 18, 2024. The American Red Cross is facing an “emergency blood shortage” as it experiences the […]

Demetrius Ivory from the WGN-TV Weather Center joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to provide the latest on the second wave of snow, high winds, and more.

WGN Morning News’ Jeff Hoover and wife Tracy talk to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about some New Year’s Eve trivia, jokes, and cocktail recipes for a bubbly celebration!

ABC7’s Terrell Brown joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about a Chicago tradition, ‘Countdown Chicago 2024’, a local on-air celebration to ring in the new year on ABC7, this Sunday, December 31st at 11:25pm.

Legendary anchorman Walter Jacobson joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to break down the top three Chicago stories in 2023, including the Ed Burke trial, the election of Mayor Brandon Johnson and the migrant crisis, and the Chicago Bears quest to find a new home.

WGN Radio’s Andy Masur shares his top national and local sports headlines of the year.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his favorite conversations of the year, including iconic anchormen Bill Kurtis & Walter Jacobson on the 50th anniversary of their pairing on THE 10 O’Clock News and a chat with Kurt Neumann of The Bodeans.

Shamus Toomey of Block Club Chicago talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about Ernest Hemingway’s home going on the market, what do do with a community space in Uptown and Edgewater and FREE rides on the CTA this New Year’s Eve and early New Year’s Day.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, is joined by Wally Podrazik and Kevin Pokorny to talk about those we lost in 2023 including Bobby Hull, Dick Butkus, Matthew Perry, Suzanne Somers, Tina Turner, and more.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his favorite conversations of the year including TV’s Mike Rowe and Jon Anderson of YES.

Shamus Toomey, President and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, to talk about winter break, FREE museum days, and more.

Steve Bernas, President and CEO of the Illinois Better Business Bureau, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about best uses and timelines for your gift cards, holiday returns, avoiding scams, and more!

Professor Jennifer Jenkins, Director of the Duke Center for the Study of the Public Domain at Duke University, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, to talk about public domain works and the films, music and books that enter free use on January 1, 2024 including Disney’s Mickey Mouse from ‘Steamboat Willie’.

New laws impacting employment, consumer protection and more are now in effect.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, shares his favorite conversations of 2023 (part 2), featuring music icon Melissa Etheridge and comedian Nikki Glaser.

Dean Richards joins Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, to talk entertainment, Dean’s home video report, and more.

Jen Sabella, Director of Strategy & Co-Founder of Block Club Chicago, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, to talk about top stories including turning the historic and abandoned Green Dolphin into a dispensary, options for your Christmas tree, rejected vanity license plates, and more.

Dr. Sindhu Aderson joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, to talk about the symptoms and remedies for RSV, strep, flu and COVID.

WGN-TV’s Paul Lisnek joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, to talk about the year in politics including the wars in Ukraine, Israel, the 118th U.S. Congress being the most unproductive since the Great Depression, President Biden’s impeachment inquiry, the Hunter Biden investigation, President Trump indictments; and state and city headlines including the […]

WGN-TV’s Dean Richards joins Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, to talk about a lackluster holiday weekend box office, Taylor Swift, interviews with the cast of the new ‘The Color Purple’ and more!

Dan Hampton joins Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, and Andy Masur to break down the Chicago Bears win over the Arizona Cardinals on Christmas Eve.

Sam Toia, President of the Illinois Restaurant Association joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, to talk about this year’s restaurant closures, openings, and trends for 2024.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, filling in for Bob Sirott, shares his Favorite Conversations of 2023 Part 1, including TV icon Henry Winkler and music legend Smokey Robinson.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, along with his two eldest children, Josh and Emma, visit with Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, at his private residence to talk about the true meaning of the Christmas season, The Declaration Fiducia Supplicans, the power of Catholic Charities, the history of the grand mansion, and the importance of family traditions.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his conversation with official Dr. Seuss biographer Dr. Judith Morgan about the legacy of Theodor Geisel and the story behind “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”.

Oh, fudge! Lead Tour Guide Bill Schmidt from A Christmas Story House joins Dave Plier to share everything you can see at the original Christmas classic location, including a chance to sleep in Ralphie and Randy’s beds! To visit this holiday favorite, visit achristmasstoryhouse.com.

Music legend Smokey Robinson, member of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, Kennedy Center Honors recipient, winner of the National Medal of Arts, a Grammys Living Legend Award, inclduing an Honorary Doctorate from Howard University, helped shaped the sound of Motown with close friend Berry Gordy. WGN Radio’s […]

Actor and University of Illinois Chicago alum Michael Gross joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the donation of more than 50 boxes of papers, scripts, photographs and other memorabilia from his long career to the University Library Special Collections; ‘Family Ties’ and working with Michael J. Fox, Meredith Baxter, Justine Bateman, his role as […]

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer and his most recent special, ‘The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago 2’. Meet the creators and enthusiasts who tell the stories of how these innovative and uniquely magnificent spaces and places across many of Chicago’s neighborhoods came to be, why they are meaningful to the people […]

Norman Lear, the television writer, producer and director who redefined TV comedy by pushing boundaries through the use of controversial social issues as subjects for humor, has died at age 101. In 2014, WGN Radio’s Dave Plier spoke with Lear about his career creating groundbreaking television.

Marty Krofft, along with his brother Sid, were responsible for some of the most memorable children’s TV shows of the 1960s and 1970s including “The Banana Splits,” “H.R. Pufnstuf,” and “Land of the Lost,” as well as other hits including “Donny & Marie.” Marty died Saturday at age 86. In 2018, shortly after receiving a Lifetime Achievement […]

Comedy icon Chevy Chase joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the classic holiday film ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’, Caddyshack, Fletch, Funny Farm, and his appearance at The Chicago Theatre on Sunday, November 26th. For tickets visit chicagotheater.com/theaters

Weber Grill Ambassador Kevin Kolman talks turkey on your grill, sides and more, and actress Tiffani Thiessen shares recipes for your Thanksgiving leftovers.

Music legend Johnny Mathis joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about his 60-year career, his love of holiday music, and his Christmas Show at The Rosemont Theatre on Saturday, December 9th. Visit Johnnymathis.com for more!

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier and Dave Schwan share the history of the very first Thanksgiving and the traditions that have developed over the years.

Winkler gets personal with his new memoir about his childhood, dyslexia, and career.

Grammy 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 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.

WGN 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.

WGN 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 […]

A 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.

WGN 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”.

Suzanne 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 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 […]

Gary 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.

Authors 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 […]

What 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.

Larry 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.

For 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.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to criminologist and TV host John Walsh, as ‘America’s Most Wanted’ debuted 35 years ago.

Jason 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 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/.

The 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.

As 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.

WGN 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.

Author 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, 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 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.

WGN 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.

WGN 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.

Chicago 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 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. 

Journalist 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’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.

WGN 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’.

WGN 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.