John Williams

Connell McShane, anchor of ‘NewsNation Live with Connell McShane,’ joins John Williams to talk about what we know about the attack on the Flydubai flight to Israel, and the latest on the botched execution in Tennessee.

Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com!

David Byrne, the legendary musician, writer, visual artist, and filmmaker, joins John Williams to talk about the Goodman Theatre production of ‘Theater of the Mind.’ David talks about the production and the uniqueness of the venue, how the show has many layers, the way the show was created, what he wants people to come away […]

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about her Apple Tasting Score Sheet! Dawn helps you find the perfect apple for your specific taste. And as always, Dawn answers all of your health and nutrition questions.

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Steve Bertrand, host of the Steve Bertrand on Books podcast and proprietor of Steve Bertrand Travel, and Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago. This week the podcast begins with Jon Hansen’s recap of his work at the Presidents Cup golf tournament and having the opportunity to […]

Jean Iversen, freelance writer and editor, and author of ‘Local Flavor: Restaurants That Shaped Chicago’s Neighborhoods,’ joins John Williams to tell the story about getting her bike stolen and why she decided to not press charges when she confronted the person who had the bike.

Elder law attorney Kerry Peck joins John Williams to answer all your questions about elder law, trusts, wills, and elder abuse. 

We are ‘Keeping it Green’ with Bob 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. 

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.

Chicago trial attorney Karen Conti, Founding Partner, Conti & Dolan Law, and host of the Karen Conti Show on WGN Radio, joins John Williams to break down what we learned from today’s Lindsay Clancy hearing.

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about the relationship between dementia and how long someone might live, the reaction some people get from the shingles vaccine, how the hospital is now starting to see flu patients, how long a flu shot lasts, and […]

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about some various sports stories from the weekend including the sportsmanship Scottie Scheffler displayed when he conceded a 30-foot putt to his opponent after a heckler screwed up his opponent’s shot at the Presidents Cup, the unsportsmanlike conduct by a USC player and a […]

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.

The great Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini, joins John Williams to tell us the projects we need to be working on this week. Listen to HouseSmarts Radio on WGN each Saturday morning at 6 am.

Longtime Chicago radio veteran Harvey Wells, founder, Lower Tech Bills, tells John what you need to know if you want to watch the Cubs and Sox in the MLB playoffs this week.  

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.

Our 2026 Chicagoland’s Best Delis Tournament, sponsored by The Puckered Pickle Company, Turano Baking Company and Koops’ Mustard, started with 64 Chicago area delis and sandwich shops. After more than 50,000 votes over 3 weeks, we have a champion! WGN Radio’s bracketologist and co-host of the Chicago’s Very Own Eats podcast joined John Williams and […]

Connell McShane, anchor of ‘NewsNation Live with Connell McShane,’ joins John Williams to talk about the key takeaways from President Trump meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Connell also talks about the Trump administration banning a few news organizations from the White House.

Craig Bolanos, Founder and Wealth Advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins John Williams to talk about the stock market rallying today, his thoughts on Meta’s Muse AI, how AI is changing the global economy, the overall resiliency of the market, why he supports the Fed decision to raise interest rates, and the importance of having a […]

Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com!

Thomas Deegan, Village Trustee, Schiller Park, joins John Williams to talk about his previous position working as the Chief of the Schiller Park Fire Department, where Schiller Park is located, what the vibe of the town is like, the benefits of being so close to O’Hare Airport, the easy access to major expressways, the advantages […]

Gary Magenta, Chief Pot Stirrer, The Magenta Mix, and author of ‘Blowing Up the Box: Disrupting the Customer Experience,’ joins John Williams to discuss the future of data centers and AI. Gary talks about the major concerns people have about data centers, how fast technology is changing, the challenge of putting up guardrails while still […]

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward on Substack, and award-winning journalist and political pundit Marj Halperin. The Rascals start the podcast talking about some sports related boners, both old and new. Moving on to […]

We are ‘Keeping it Green’ with Bob 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. 

The great author and Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg joins John Williams to talk about his recent column where he defends his decision to wear pajamas in public.

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about the injury to Caleb Williams, if there is any difference between name-brand medicine or the generic version, the types of vaccines that are available right now, why he believes everyone should get a COVID vaccine, and […]

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about a controversy he started on Facebook about the quality of the movie ‘9 to 5,’ Governor JB Pritzker going public with his weight loss journey and the use of GLP-1’s, and why he didn’t like Governor Pritzker’s answer about Hasan Piker when he […]

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.

Sam Panaytotovich, betting analyst and sports reporter and host at FOX 32 Chicago, joins John Williams to recap a busy sports weekend including the Bears loss to the Vikings, the status of Caleb Williams injury, and how the offense will look if Tyson Bagent start the game on Monday night.

Michael Miller, Economics Professor, Western Washington University and Professor Emeritus at DePaul University, joins John to talk about gas prices, the impact of high fuel has on the overall economy, and the disconnect between economic data and what people are feeling.

The great Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini, joins John Williams to tell us the projects we need to be working on this week. As the calendar switches from summer to fall, Lou reminds us that it’s time to start those indoor cleaning projects. Listen to HouseSmarts Radio on WGN each Saturday morning at 6 am.

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.

Connell McShane, anchor of ‘NewsNation Live with Connell McShane,’ joins John to talk about rising oil prices, when me might see prices go down, what President Trump is saying about the war in Iran, and the economic impact of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates.  

Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com!

Brian Hoogeveen, The Cash Man from Americash Jewelry & Coin Buyers, joins Jon Hansen to discuss items that could be worth money. Listeners ask about their old gold and silver, vintage coins, autographed sports and TV memorabilia, and much more! Visit topcashbuyer.com for more information.

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins Jon Hansen to talk about some great fall recipes including French Toast Pumpkin Muffins, how to add more fiber to your diet, and to answer all of your health and nutrition questions.

It’s time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature for 2026! Are you trying to come up with some getaway ideas that are only a quick trip from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, it’s Jon Hansen in the seat and he speaks with the […]

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Steve Bertrand, host of the Steve Bertrand on Books podcast and proprietor of Steve Bertrand Travel, and long-time Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972. The Rascals begin the podcast this week talking about the controversial new Medical Aid in Dying law in Illinois. Where are […]

Megan Cunningham, Vice President of Programs, Alliance for the Great Lakes, joins John Williams to talk about the project to keep invasive carp out of the Great Lakes. Megan explains the mission of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, how close invasive carp are to the Great Lakes, and why it’s important to keep this […]

We are ‘Keeping it Green’ with Bob 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. 

Mick Dumke, investigative editor at Block Club Chicago, joins John Williams to tell us everything we should know about a possible new parking meter deal in Chicago.

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.

Michael O’Brien, Chicago Sun-Times High School Sports Editor, joins John Williams to talk about a couple of recent controversies surrounding the high school football season including a racial incident at Homewood-Flossmoor and Providence firing a successful head coach.

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about Prostate Cancer Awareness month, and why you should ignore a new study that shows that drinking hot beverages could increase your cancer risk. Dr. Kopin gives an update on when to get COVID and flu shots.

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about President Trump endorsing Darren Bailey, the upcoming election for the Chicago school board, and his thoughts on WGN Radio legend Judy Markey choosing to die by medically assisted suicide.

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.

It’s the annual tradition our listeners wait for all year, and it is always a hot ticket! John Williams sits down with acclaimed humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson for a full-character portrayal of President Theodore Roosevelt. Dressed in authentic attire, Jenkinson never breaks character, making it feel like a genuine, front-row conversation with our 26th president. […]

Steve Konroyd joins John Williams and Kevin Powell to talk about joining John Wiedeman in the WGN Radio broadcast booth as the new full time color analyst. Steve tells John and Kevin about the big shoes he has to fill, the wonderful job done by studio host Roumeliotis, what it’s like working with John Wiedeman, […]

The great Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini, joins John Williams to tell us the projects we need to be working on this week. With temperatures starting to cool down, Lou offers some tips for fall seeding. And as always, Lou answers all of your home improvement questions. Listen to HouseSmarts Radio on WGN each Saturday morning at 6 am.

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.

WGN Radio legend Kathy O’Malley and longtime WGN producer Beth Swierk join John Williams to talk about the life of Judy Markey, who passed away this morning at 82. Kathy tells John about how Judy chose to die, and Beth and Kathy reflect on the legacy of ‘The Kathy & Judy Show.’ John Williams, Mary […]

Connell McShane, anchor of ‘NewsNation Live with Connell McShane,’ joins John Williams to reflect on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and to share his thoughts on covering the attack as a young reporter in New York.

Journalist Tom Junod joins John Williams to talk about the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and his piece on ‘The Falling Man‘ in Esquire from September 2003.

Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com!

Harold Redman, CEO, ECHO, tells John about the the innovative new products they recently introduced at their Power-On-Athon event. Harold also talks about how business has been going, some of the other great products they sell, where you can find their products, why they are proud of being a Chicago-area business and the work they do […]

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about when kids should be aware of good nutrition and exercise, three great snacks for watching football this season, and why a well-stocked freezer is important when trying to eat healthy. What are Dawn’s freezer staples?

It’s time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature for 2026! Are you trying to come up with some quick getaway ideas that are only a short trip from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we head toward the beautiful fall colors in Wisconsin and […]

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Steve Bertrand, host of the Steve Bertrand on Books podcast and proprietor of Steve Bertrand Travel, and award-winning journalist and political pundit Marj Halperin. The Rascals begin the podcast talking about Michigan’s controversial win over Western Michigan over the weekend. As a Michigan alum, Eric feels bad […]

Dr. Selwyn Rogers joins John Williams to discuss his book, ‘Healing the Gun Violence Epidemic:Ending Violence, Rebuilding Communities, and a Trauma Surgeon’s Vision for Restoring Hope.’ Dr. Rogers tells John about the work he does at the hospital, what the scene is like when trauma patients come in, what’s going on with gun violence on […]

Longtime Chicago radio veteran Harvey Wells, founder, Lower Tech Bills, talks to John about how he helps customers lower their internet, cell phone, and television costs. As the NFL football season gets underway, Harvey tells you what you need to know to watch football this season. To request a free tech check you can contact Harvey at […]

We are ‘Keeping it Green’ with Bob 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 says that now is a good time to core aerate, as well as divide and plant.

John Williams reflects on the loss of his mom, who passed away over the weekend.

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.

Dr. Cynthia Paidipati, Board of Director for the IL Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for John Williams, to talk about the upcoming Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk. Dr. Paidipati tells Wendy how suicide impacts everyone, the importance of sharing stories and opening dialogue about mental health, […]

On the Noon Business Lunch, John Williams was joined by Michelle Edmonson, Vice President of Exhibitions for AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology and leads for the IMTS – International Manufacturing Technology Show brand, to talk about how many people and exhibitors the show brings to Chicago, the types of manufacturing they showcase, what will we […]

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins Jon Hansen to talk about Michigan’s controversial win over Western Michigan on Friday night, the poll of Picayune Sentinel readers about Flock cameras, and his thoughts on the Medical Aid in Dying bill that will become law on Saturday.

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital, joins Wendy Snyder about the importance of getting the flu vaccine, when you should think about getting COVID and flu shots, how vaccine hesitancy is causing a rise in measles cases, and a new study that shows a pancreatic cancer drug may […]

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.

John Williams talks about the controversial ‘Medical Aid in Dying’ bill that will become law late next week. We hear from caller Anna who has a personal story to tell about the law. Later, Benjamin Fleshman, Counsel, The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, joins to talk about the lawsuit to block the End-of-Life Options for […]

Connell McShane, anchor of ‘NewsNation Live with Connell McShane,’ joins John Williams to give us the latest update on the Lindsay Clancy trial.

Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com!

Mr. Cat, Dave Eanet, joins John Williams and Andy Masur to preview the upcoming Northwestern football season! Go Cats!

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about the importance of magnesium rich foods, why you should get your blood work done (and understanding the numbers!), a famous toast recipe, and to answer all of your health and nutrition questions.