Phil Stefani, Founder and CEO of Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants, joins Bob Sirott to talk about his history of owning restaurants and how he got his start. He also shared details about his project with the Vatican and working on this project with chef Art Smith.

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean share details about a Superman comic that sold for millions of dollars, the new Miss Universe, and a celebration for Michael B. Jordan. They also talk about Dean’s review of “Wicked: For Good” and things to do this weekend.

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on:

South, West Sides Hit Hardest By Massive Property Tax Bill Spikes, New Report Shows: A report this week from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ office found the median residential tax bill in Chicago rose 16.7 percent. The Downtown economy still rebounding from the pandemic is to blame, officials said.

Chicago Artist Starts His Own Postal Service — And Will Deliver And Read Mail To Anyone For Free: A whimsical yet very serious public art project by Logan Square artist Charlie Dean is gaining traction as an alternative to a paid postal service, designed to be used for monumental conversations or difficult news that need softening.

Smoke Daddy BBQ Closing In Wicker Park After 31 Years: The barbecue joint on Division Street will close in early January, although the owners plan to open another restaurant there. The Wrigleyville Smoke Daddy will remain open.

Marianne Murciano, Bob Sirott’s wife and founder of Savvy-Planet, joins Bob to talk about the things people wished they would’ve done before they died per a nurse. Some of those things include allowing yourself joy and forgiving others.

Marianne joins Bob for a weekly segment Fridays following the 8:30 am newscast. For more savvy tips, go to Savvy-Planet.Com. Share your own savvy tip: [email protected]. Follow Marianne on Twitter (@marimur), Instagram (@havanagirl), and on Facebook (SirottAndMurciano).

Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson joins Bob Sirott to talk about the Protecting Chicago Budget, including the proposed community safety surcharge, and if there will be any relief for higher property taxes. He also explains how new construction jobs are being created throughout the city, an expansion on the congestion surcharge, and his opinion of Bob’s parking ticket idea.

On November 21st, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Columnist and film critic Richard Roeper joins Bob Sirott to talk about Illinois’ new digital IDs and how this phenomenon takes away the nostalgic feeling of presenting a physical ID. He also shares details about “The Super Bowl Shuffle” documentary and the history of how the song was created.

Mayor of Addison Tom Hundley joins Bob Sirott to talk about how long his family has lived there and a few public works projects in progress. He also shares details about upcoming holiday events and some of their best restaurants.

Stephanie Lulay, Executive editor and Co-Founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on:

21 Things To Do In Chicago This Weekend: Christkindlmarket, Tree Lighting, Mag Mile Lights Festival: There’s also the Millennium Park Holiday Market, a Beyond Hunger fall benefit concert, a cardboard art show, artisan markets and more.

Rogers Park’s Le Piano To Stay Open After Owner Chad Willetts’ Death: ‘His Spirit Will Guide Us’: Chad Willetts died suddenly last month, but Le Piano will “march on” in his honor, friends said. Three tribute shows this weekend will celebrate the longtime Chicago musician and business owner.

Chicago-Brewed ‘Da Pope’ Beer Now In Pope Leo’s Fridge, Thanks To Gov. Pritzker: Gov. JB Pritzker gifted Pope Leo the beer from Burning Bush Brewery during a visit to Rome this week. “We’re very excited and very thankful,” said the North Center brewery’s owner, a former pastor.

VP of Public and Board Relations of the BBB Tom Johnson joins Bob Sirott to talk about the spike of puppy scams during the holidays and how you can avoid purchasing counterfeit stamps. He also explains how you can help prevent utility scams, fake calls pretending to be from Homeland Security, and the BBB Torch Awards.