Hibernian Radio with Mike "Houli" Houlihan

This week on Hibernian Radio, host Paddy Houlihan sits down with Chicago mayoral candidate Liam Stanton to discuss his Irish Catholic roots, career in logistics, and vision for a stronger Chicago. Raised in a working-class family in Rogers Park, Liam shares how his upbringing shaped his values of community, hard work, and innovation. Liam highlights his impressive logistics career, including founding College Movers, working at Command Transportation, and helping launch the Chicago office of Arrive Logistics, where he built teams and scaled operations, experiences that inform his practical, results-driven approach to city leadership. He outlines bold plans for downtown revitalization, activating alleys, launching pop-up shops and food carts, and creating a business-friendly Chicago. He also addresses affordable childcare, housing solutions, public safety, and supporting local unions, emphasizing action over ideology.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza (Mokena and Orland Park), Flood Bros, Madden Funds, and Local 150 Engineers

This week on Hibernian Radio, Mike Houlihan is joined by his longtime friend and old co-host James “Skinny” Sheahan for a fast moving conversation that lands right in the center of St Patrick’s Day season, where parades, politics, and South Side tradition all come together. Mike and Skinny talk upcoming parades and local elections, with a spotlight on judicial candidate John Harkins, before diving into the success of the Special Children’s Charities Polar Plunge, which raised $1.8 million. As always, Skinny mixes humor with perspective, reflecting on the people and purpose behind the event. The episode is packed with classic Chicago political stories, from Skinny’s years working with Mayor Daley to a hilarious Jane Byrne impersonator stunt that rattled a room full of party regulars. Along the way, they touch on the Irish roots, unions, and neighborhood characters that continue to define the city.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza (Mokena and Orland Park), Flood Bros., Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers
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This week on Hibernian Radio, host Paddy Houlihan celebrates one of Chicago’s most cherished traditions in the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the historic Parade Queen Contest, a competition that has been part of the city’s Irish-American culture for more than 70 years.Paddy welcomes this year’s Parade Queen Claire Cahill, along with court member Elizabeth Laffey and former court member Megan Cahill. The guests share their experiences participating in the contest, from the multi-round judging process to the excitement of being named to the court. Claire, a recent law school graduate from Elmhurst with roots in County Cork, discusses her journey to becoming Queen, while Elizabeth reflects on the honor of representing Chicago’s Irish community and the friendships formed along the way. The conversation also highlights the important role of Chicago Plumbers Local 130, who have organized the parade and Queen Contest for decades, as well as the many events the Queen and her court attend throughout the year. As always, the show celebrates Irish heritage, community, and tradition in Chicago.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza of Orland Park and Mokena, Flood Brothers, Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers 

This week on Hibernian Radio host Paddy Houlihan welcomes back Father Ryan Brady, pastor of St. Christina Parish in Chicago’s Mount Greenwood and chaplain to the Chicago Fire Department, for a powerful conversation on faith, leadership, and renewal on Chicago’s South Side. Fr. Brady discusses serving 2,500 parish families and 5,000 active CFD members while celebrating a remarkable 27 percent increase in Mass attendance at St. Christina, the largest growth in the Archdiocese of Chicago. He shares why young people are returning to the Church and why presenting Catholicism boldly and authentically matters in today’s culture. The episode also features Fr. Brady’s unforgettable recent meeting with Pope Francis in Rome, his reflections on artificial intelligence and authentic human connection, and his excitement about being named Grand Marshal of the 2026 South Side Irish Parade during St. Christina’s 100th anniversary year. A candid and inspiring discussion about saying yes to God’s call.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza of Orland Park and Mokena, Flood Brothers Disposal, Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

This week on Hibernian Radio, hosts Mike and Paddy Houlihan sit down with Brendan O’Brien to honor the life and legacy of his father, Boz O’Brien, longtime owner of Reilly’s Daughter and a cornerstone of the South Side Irish community. Brendan reflects on growing up in the bar, working alongside Boz from childhood through adulthood, and eventually stepping into a leadership role himself. He shares stories of his father’s deep commitment to the neighborhood, from founding the annual St. Patrick’s Day Soda Bread Contest to welcoming generations of regulars, politicians, and families through the doors of Reilly’s Daughter. The conversation balances humor and heartbreak. Brendan speaks candidly about Boz’s sudden passing, the overwhelming support at his wake and funeral, and the sacrifices that come with running a neighborhood pub. From poinsettias for half the South Side at Christmas to long nights and cherished family moments, Boz’s life was defined by hard work, loyalty, and community. Looking ahead, Brendan will continue to carry the torch. Reilly’s Daughter will celebrate its 50th anniversary this June, and the traditions Boz built will continue in his honor. This episode is a tribute to family, resilience, and the kind of publican who turns a bar into a home for an entire neighborhood.

Sponsored By: Foxes Pizza of Orland Park and Mokena, Flood Brothers Disposal, Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

This week on Hibernian Radio, Paddy Houlihan welcomes back veteran law enforcement professional John Paul “JP” Rowe for a powerful and often humorous conversation about a lifetime in service. JP traces his career from following his father into the Dalton Police Department, to years as an officer in Evanston, and ultimately to his post-9/11 role as a Federal Air Marshal. Along the way, he shares unforgettable stories from the street, reflections on elite federal training, and candid insight into how law enforcement and officer morale have changed over the decades. Balancing humor with heartfelt perspective, JP reflects on the personal cost of the job, lifesaving moments in the line of duty, family sacrifices, and the enduring brotherhood shared by those who wear the badge. The episode closes with lighter memories, Irish traditions, and warm St. Patrick’s Day spirit. A great episode!!

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza (Orland Park & Mokena), Flood Brothers Disposal, Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

This week’s Hibernian Radio Hour features a “from the vault” episode from March 2021 with retired Chicago Police Department Sergeant and Watch Commander Mike Ryan of the 22nd District. Host Mike Houlihan sits down with Ryan live from the Cork & Kerry Irish Pub to hear stories from his 28-year career, from patrolman to Special Operations to watch commander. Ryan reflects on policing in his own neighborhood, sharing vivid accounts of gang activity, car thefts, and a haunting triple homicide, as well as the camaraderie, challenges, and moral complexities of life on the force. He also discusses the current climate for law enforcement and his transition to a post-retirement role at McCormick Place. Packed with humor, war stories, and heartfelt respect for Chicago’s Irish first responders, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the life of a lifelong cop. Quick reminder to please join us for our monthly Movie Hooley at Chicago Gaelic Park. On Sunday, February 15th at 7:00 pm, Hibernian Media proudly presents a special screening of the film Emerald City, a hilarious film about a hard partying crew of Irish construction workers living in New York that reach the end of a line. Come early, grab a pint, and support independent Irish-American storytelling.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza (Mokena & Orland Park), Flood Brothers Disposal, Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

Patrick Hynes –

On this week’s Hibernian Radio, Paddy Houlihan speaks with Patrick Hynes, candidate for Cook County Assessor, about growing concerns surrounding property assessments and rising tax bills across Cook County. Hynes explains how the assessor’s office is responsible for fairly distributing the county’s property tax burden and why inaccurate data, missing parcel records, and unstable assessment practices have resulted in sharp increases for many homeowners, particularly on the South and West Sides. He points to a documented gap of hundreds of millions of dollars in property records and criticizes an over reliance on software without sufficient field verification. The discussion focuses on the real world consequences of unpredictable assessments, including financial strain on homeowners, reduced construction activity, and broader economic instability. Hynes outlines the need for cleaner data, more field staff, improved transparency, and better communication so taxpayers understand assessment changes before they occur. He also advocates for clearer assessment modeling to provide predictability for large development projects. Hynes concludes by outlining his campaign priorities and encouraging listeners to vote in the March 17 election.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMaXMwmcGD0

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza of Orland Park & Mokena, Flood Brothers Disposal, Madden Funds and Local 150

This week on Hibernian Radio, Mike Houlihan welcomes Bob Fioretti, Republican candidate for Illinois Attorney General, for a wide-ranging conversation about his campaign and the state of Illinois. Fioretti discusses his background in public service, past election efforts, and why he believes the Attorney General’s race is critical to restoring accountability in state government. He critiques incumbent Kwame Raoul’s current administration, pointing to what he sees as inaction on crime and corruption, rising housing and utility costs for residents, and the outsized influence of nefarious political donors. The episode also explores Bob’s personal story, including his education at Mendel Catholic High School and his early political roots, along with reflections on how Chicago has changed over the years. Fioretti outlines his vision for a more transparent Attorney General’s office, stronger criminal justice policies, and safer communities across Illinois. The conversation closes with a look at Bob’s grassroots campaign strategy and his continued efforts to engage voters statewide.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza of Mokena and Orland Park, Flood Bros., Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

This week’s Hibernian Radio Hour, hosted by Mike Houlihan, opens with sponsor acknowledgments and a feature on John Kass titled “Everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.” Houli also congratulates Claire Cahill, the new 2026 Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade Queen, and highlights the upcoming Hibernian Movie Hooley Salon Series, including screenings of Redemption of a Rogue and Emerald City. The episode’s main segment is a replay interview with 2025 Queen Cara Walsh and her court, discussing the rich tradition of the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Queen contest, parade day experiences, and the role of queens as ambassadors for Chicago’s Irish American community. The conversation also touches on community involvement, networking, and excitement for the annual parade.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza of Mokena and Orland Park, Flood Bros., Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers.