Mike Rowe, host of ‘Dirty Jobs’ and ‘Returning the Favor’, talks to Dave Plier about the skills gap in the American workforce and his advocacy for skills training and hands-on careers that addresses the prosperity and potential that some trades and industries can yield.      

Jarrett Payton talks to Andy Masur on The Dave Plier Show about “Savoring Sweetness: The Life & Times of Walter Payton” which will premiere at 7 p.m. on Wednesday September 4 on WGN-TV and stream live at WGNTV.com/Live.  Interviews include Jim McMahon, Dan Hampton, Steve McMichael, Gary Fencik and Barry Sanders, among other teammates, family and friends, on the famed running back’s legacy.  

Urbanist Pete Saunders shares his research with Dave Plier on Chicago’s ever changing demographics, featured in Curbed Chicago. The downtown and Near North Side, stretching from the Loop to neighborhoods such as Bucktown and Logan Square, has boomed, while large stretches of the rest of the city have suffered from decreasing middle class populations, disinvestment, and in the worst cases, abandoned property and increased crime.  

Dave Plier talks fall backyard grilling, tailgating tips, the recipe for brisket, classic side dishes and brown bag apple pie on the grill with Grillmaster Kevin Kolman from Weber Grill. What is the best food item to grill while tailgating?  

Dorian is slowly making its way toward the US, and is expected to reach Florida today. Dave Plier talks to Pete Combs from ABC News, LIVE from Del Ray Beach, FL.    

Dave Plier and newsman Roger Badesch celebrate the 80’s with the music, movies and TV shows that best defined the era, featuring interviews with John Stamos from ‘Full House’ (and ‘Fuller House’), Chicago’s own George Wendt from ‘Cheers’, Glencoe’s own Fred Savage from ‘The Wonder Years’, original MTV Veejay Nina Blackwood, musician Bryan Adams and rock legend Pat Benatar!

Dave Plier and Dave Schwan talk about the history of Pullman and the introduction of the first sleeping car, Kodak’s introduction of rolled film, the first NFL Chicago All-Star Game, WWII begins when Germany invades Poland, Gunsmoke leaves the airwaves, and Mary Tyler Moore ends her historic TV show and Classic Saturday Night TV.

Beatles fan and historian Wally Podrazik talks to Dave Plier about the Chicago’s ‘Fest for Beatles Fans’, taking place next weekend, as well as celebrating the 50th anniversary of ‘Abbey Road. For more information about the festival visit, thefest.com. What is your favorite Beatles song?

Dave welcomes Chicago Fire Department historian Phil Little to talk about one of Chicago’s little know cultural gems, ‘The Fire Museum of Greater Chicago’, which houses some of the earliest fire-fighting equipment still in existence including beautifully restored trucks dating back to the 1920’s.

Dave Plier, Roger Badesch and Curtis Koch talk about new Millennial trends (people born between 1981 and 1996), and how they are responsible for the demise of many time-honored traditions.