Dane Neal

Dean Neal fills in for Bob Sirott on this 4th of July:

Segment 1: Racing in the NASCAR Chicago Street Race for the first time, Katherine Legge joins Dane to talk about how she’s feeling going into this weekend. Katherine shares other events she’ll be attending, like Fan Fest, and how she’s looking forward to visiting some Chicago restaurants. She also talks about street racing, holding a special place in her heart.

Segment 2: Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series champion, joins to discuss the fan experience, the music series, and his excitement about returning to the city for the street race.

Segment 3: WGN Radio News Director, Ryan Burrow, talks about NASCAR’s new fan base, the upcoming Route 66 anniversary, and more!

With race week in Chicago beginning, Dane Neal, in for Dean Richards, starts the show talking to Steve Miklos, live from the New Orleans Powerboat Grand Prix, discussing the first race at Lake Pontchartrain in 20 years.

Andy Kuntz of Andy’s Frozen Custard joins Dane to talk about the new All-American Cherry Pie Concrete, exclusive for the 4th of July week and his partnership with NASCAR.

For today’s Far Flung Forecast, Dave takes us to Cooperstown, New York.

Dr. Santina Wheat, family medicine physician at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva joins Dane for this week’s health update. She discusses the best ways to stay hydrated this summer and shares tips on how to have a safe Independence Day celebration.

Nick Lowery, the all-time leading scorer in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs, joins Dane to talk about the excitement for this upcoming football season and his charity organizations. For more information, go to https://nicklowery.com/.

Dane kicks off This Week in Theatre by chatting with television writer Sylvia L. Jones in the studio. They discuss the her career shift from journalism to screenwriting and talk about her annual writers’ workshop. For more information, visit https://www.sylvialjones.com/.

With NASCAR racing down the streets of Chicago this week, Dane spoke with drivers Kyle Busch and Shane van Gisbergen, sharing the excitement for the upcoming race weekend.

NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Nick Sanchez and President of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race Julie Giese stop by the studio to help kick off the race festivities this week and share just what goes into making a race like this possible.

Khaled Ibrahim of Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar joins the show to talk about the growth of the restaurant and hints at where they could be headed next.

Jim Bob Morris joins Dane to count down the days until they can break out the Bandido together at a Blackhawks game.

Dane kicks off Food Time by speaking with Max Robbins about the upcoming Windy City Smokeout festival and the best dishes to look out for.

Food journalist David Hammond joins Dane to talk about his book Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites.

NASCAR driver Daniel Suarez joins Dane Neal on WGN Radio during a recent visit to Chicago with his wife Julia. Hear as Daniel shares importance of inspiration for school kids and the next generation of fans. Listen as Daniel talks about having his wife Julia with him on this trip and also the benefits of her advice and guidance on nutrition for him and the race team. Daniel fills us in on all the excitement around NASCAR in Mexico and what it means to win. Daniel will be back in Chicago soon and can’t wait to see the city and fans. For more information on NASCAR Chicago Street Race including, activities, times and tickets go to https://www.nascarchicago.com. Follow Daniel Suarez and Trackhouse Racing at https://danielsuarezracing.com/

This race weekend, make it Tequila at the Track with El Bandido Yankee, the Official Tequila of Raceday! For events, recipes and places for purchase go to www.elbandidoyankee.com 

El Bandido Yankee, NHRA Crew Chief, Scott Hamilton joins Dane Neal on WGN Radio. Hear as Scott sets the stage for a weekend of ASA Stars National Tour racing in Wisconsin and all under the banner of El Bandido Yankee. Fans are taking tequila to the track at two legendary races including the El Bandido Yankee 250 and the El Bandido Yankee 300 at Slinger Super Speedway. Listen at Scott fills us in on events and excitement around the race with tastings at Woodman’s and pre-race parties at Raceway Bar and Grill. Fans will meet and celebrate with racing legend Derek Thorn and El Bandido Yankee cocktails, specials and more. For more information on all things El Bandido Yankee Racing, check out https://www.facebook.com/share/1BsJAfRfDN/ and to see the El Bandido Yankee 300 at Slinger, for race times and tickets go to https://www.slingersuperspeedway.com/

This race weekend make it Tequila at the Track with El Bandido Yankee, the Official Tequila of Raceday! For events, recipes and places for purchase go to www.elbandidoyankee.com 

Executive Officer for the U.S. Army Golden Knights, MAJ Andrew Keithley joins Dane Neal for Veteran Voices on WGN Radio. Hear as MAJ Keithley shares excitement around the Golden Knights, his journey in the service and great ways the Golden Knights showcase the Army and its opportunities and capabilities. Listen as MAJ Keithley fills us in on some of the biggest places fans experiences the Golden Knights, like the Indy 500, the Chicago Air and Water Show and the Army’s 250th Birthday celebration in Washington DC. For more information on the Golden Knights and all things U.S. Army check out https://www.goarmy.com/golden-knights

Celebrate our service members with the Red White and Blue-Weber Agave of El Bandido Yankee. And for events, recipes and places for purchase go to www.elbandidoyankee.com

Hot Rod Magazine editor in Chief John McGann joins Dane Neal on WGN Radio. Hear as John shares the excitement around this annual event that brings fans of the magazine and car culture together for a multi-day road trip that take them down Route 66 and throughout the Midwest. Fans can follow, meet and see this traveling car show along way to experience all the sights and sounds of the Hot Rod Power Tour. For information on this years tour, stops and all things Hot Rod, go to https://www.hotrod.com/hot-rod-power-tour-2025

This race weekend make it Tequila at the Track with El Bandido Yankee, the Official Tequila of Raceday! For events, recipes and places for purchase go to www.elbandidoyankee.com 

Acclaimed star of stage, screen and Chicago, Jeremy Piven joins Dane Neal live on WGN Radio. Hear as Jeremy shares love for the city and Chicagoans and excitement for his upcoming performance June 6th at the iconic Vic Theatre. Listen as Jeremy talks about the connection with fans through the tour across the country and how he enjoys the live interaction with the audience during the shows. Jeremy Piven will be filming his latest special during the Chicago show and fans that mention WGN will have opportunity to attend the meet and great at the Vic. For more information, tickets and stops on the tour, go to https://www.jeremy-piven.com

Jim Bob Morris joins Dane Neal on WGN Radio before the 2025 Indianapolis 500. Listen as Jim Bob shares excitement for the race and fans at the track as he and Dane “start the engines” for the race day coverage!

This race weekend make it Tequila at the Track with El Bandido Yankee, the Official Tequila of Raceday! For events, recipes and places for purchase go to www.elbandidoyankee.com

Dane Neal fills in for Lisa Dent on Memorial Day:

Segment 1: Robert Irvine joins Dane Neal, in for Lisa Dent, to discuss his passion for military personnel and first responders through The Robert Irvine Foundation.

Segment 2: Stan Czech joins to discuss the work that the VFW does and the programs and services they offer.

Segment 3: Evanston’s own Jeremy Piven joins to talk about shooting his special in Chicago and returning to perform stand-up at The Vic on June 6.

Dane Neal fills in for Lisa Dent this Memorial Day.

Segment 1: Phil Ray, General Manager JW Marriott Indianapolis, joins Dane Neal to talk about the aftermath of the Indy 500.

Segment 2: Bo Kemp, Founder & CEO of the Southland Development Authority Entrepreneur and Venture Capitalist joins the show to discuss the Achieve Summit. The summit will show entrepreneurs how to scale their business, increase profitability, and access capital.

Segment 3: From singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “O Canada” at home games for the Chicago Blackhawks, to being the Indy 500, Jim Cornelison talks about giving relatable performances, practicing, and managing distractions.