Cindy Pearlman, senior writer for the New York Times and entertainment columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, joins Bob Sirott to share details about HBO Max’s new series “IT: Welcome to Derry,” as well as the supporting cast in “Happy Gilmore 2.” She also talk about the last season of the Apple TV + series “Shrinking” and Fleetwood Mac’s official announcement.

This week Steve Grzanich is joined by Thought Leader Doug McClure (Senior Vice President and Team Leader, Commercial Banking at Associated Bank) to discuss how the chances of a recession have decreased over the last three months. Doug also shares his thoughts on how companies in the U.S. are dealing with tariffs.

On July 24th, 2025, Kevin Wells, filling in for Steve Grzanich, shares today’s potential market drivers:

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the DOJ’s plans to meet with Jeffrey Epstein’s girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, and how this could be beneficial to her. She also discusses what will happen for the sentencing of the Idaho murders and what we can expect in terms of sentencing.

Johnny Jet, travel influencer, joins Bob Sirott to talk about how to beat the line at tourist destinations, when you should use your airline miles, and answers a listener’s question. He also discusses why you should stay away from coffee and tea on airplanes, new charges from rental car companies, and why bringing a portable charger on a trip is essential.

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on:

USPS Needed Stamps For Its 250th Anniversary. Local Cartoonist Chris Ware Delivered: Ware, a contributor to The New Yorker who began his career in Chicago’s alt weeklies, designed a sheet of 20 stamps that show a mail carrier’s neighborhood journey. The stamps go on sale Wednesday.

The Flashy Fugitives: Ex-Loretto Leader And Pal Accused Of Stealing Millions Are Living Large In Dubai: Anosh Ahmed and Sameer Suhail could face years in prison in the United States — but they’ve fled abroad, court records show. Suhail has opened a luxe plastic surgery clinic, while Ahmed is making appeals to President Donald Trump.

Daddy Victory Club Shines A Light On Black Fatherhood — And Their Meetups Have Gone Viral: Kouri Marshall founded Daddy Victory Club to connect fathers and soon-to-be dads to neighbors and resources. Its monthly Daddy & Me Strolls have gone viral online, reaching more than 15 million people.

Cindy Pearlman, senior writer for the New York Times and entertainment columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner and changes that are coming to the Marvel universe. She also has details about some new movies and TV shows, as well as what it means to get “Coldplayed.”

On July 23rd, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers:

Owners of Naperville’s Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar Kyle and Angie Howard join Bob Sirott to talk about why they are interested in displaying Bob’s old softball cleats and a little history about the iconic shoes. They also share how the shoes will be displayed and gave a history of their restaurant.

Craig Bolanos, co-founder and wealth advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins Bob Sirott to discuss why the stock market is at an all-time high and if big tech stocks could help reenergize the market. He also explains whether or not the Fed could cut short-term interest rates and if higher costs at grocery stores will impact the economy.