Hibernian Radio with Mike "Houli" Houlihan

This week on Hibernian Radio, host Paddy Houlihan welcomes Patrick J. McGee, retired First Deputy Superintendent of Police for the Cicero Police Department and longtime member of the Cook County Sheriff’s Police. Over the course of a 40-year career, McGee trained more than 7,000 recruits and 12,000 in-service officers, helping shape generations of law enforcement professionals across Illinois. Pat shares stories from his early days growing up in Chicago’s Our Lady of Angels parish, his multicultural roots, and the family influences that led him toward public service. He recalls career milestones including guarding John Wayne Gacy’s house and developing a defensive tactics system still in use today, while reflecting on the changes he has witnessed in policing since the 1970s. Throughout the conversation, McGee emphasizes the lasting importance of empathy, communication, and confidence in the field. He discusses how modern officers can balance ethical conduct with the realities of today’s challenges and why proper training remains the foundation of effective police work. Paddy and Pat close the episode with advice for young officers, reflections on leadership, and a shared appreciation for faith, family, and service in the Irish-American tradition.

Sponsored By: Madden Funds, Flood Brothers Disposal, Fox’s Pizza, and Local 150 Operating Engineers. We thank our sponsors for their continued support of Hibernian Radio and the Irish-American community.

This week on Hibernian Radio, host Paddy Houlihan welcomes Chris Kribales, longtime North Riverside firefighter and President of IAFF Local 2714. Chris shares the extraordinary story behind a 14-year union fight to stop the privatization of the North Riverside Fire Department, a battle that tested the resolve and unity of every firefighter on the force. What started as a cost-cutting plan by village leadership soon turned into a defining labor struggle. Chris recounts how the firefighters rallied together, going door to door to earn community support, raising funds out of their own pockets, and standing strong through years of legal challenges and uncertainty. Their perseverance ultimately paid off, securing better conditions and job security for the department. The story is powerfully captured in Colin Hughes’s documentary Fire Department, Inc., which follows the union’s determination and the human toll of the fight. Chris also opens up about his own journey from police officer to firefighter, the toll such a prolonged union battle can take on mental health, and the strength of brotherhood that keeps first responders going. It is a powerful conversation about loyalty, leadership, and the enduring spirit of union first responders.

Sponsored by: Madden Funds, Local 150 (International Union of Operating Engineers), Fox’s Pizza of Orland Park and Mokena and Flood Brothers Disposal.

This week on Hibernian Radio, host Mike Houlihan welcomes Maureen O’Donnell, the longtime obituary writer for the Chicago Sun-Times. A proud Northwest Sider with deep Irish roots, Maureen shares the story of her path into journalism and her two decades chronicling the lives of extraordinary Chicagoans. She discusses her start at the City News Bureau, the lessons learned from her father’s love of writing, and her transition into obituary writing in 2009. Maureen offers an inside look at the art and responsibility of writing about life and loss, emphasizing accuracy, empathy, and the power of storytelling. Throughout the conversation, she recalls some of her most memorable subjects, including Jim Cole, the nature photographer who survived two grizzly bear attacks; Paul Obis, founder of Vegetarian Times; Chicago’s first Asian American principal, Sam Ozaki; and Bernard Slaughter, the mortician who prepared Sam Cooke’s body. She also remembers Ben Wilson, the high school basketball star whose tragic death left a lasting impact on the city. Maureen reflects on her father’s experiences during the Blitz, her own travels around the world, and the unpretentious, resilient spirit that defines Chicago.

Sponsors for this episode: Madden Funds, Local 150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Fox’s Pizza, Flood Brothers Disposal

This week on Hibernian Radio, host Mike Houlihan welcomes back retired Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Gene Roy, a trusted voice and longtime friend of the program. Gene brings decades of experience and insight to the conversation, reflecting on leadership, service, and the challenges facing law enforcement in today’s Chicago. He discusses Governor Pritzker’s recent deployment of the National Guard, the department’s ongoing manpower shortage, and the removal of the Shot Spotter system that once helped police respond more effectively to gunfire across the city. Gene also revisits key moments from his 40-year career, including his leadership role in major investigations such as the Gage Park family homicide, and his continued work advocating for officers coping with PTSD. As always, Gene speaks candidly about the cost of public service, the importance of mentorship, and his deep pride in the men and women who continue to serve.

This episode is brought to you by: Flood Brothers Disposal, Madden Funds, Local 150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers and Fox’s Pizza of Mokena and Orland Park

This week on Hibernian Radio, we’re pulling one from the vault as Mike Houlihan revisits an unforgettable conversation with Dan McDevitt, a true American hero whose distinguished career spans military service, law enforcement, and global security consulting. After taking a week to recharge from the Irish American Movie Hooley, we are proud to re-air this powerful episode that reminds us why we celebrate the stories of courage and service that define the Irish American experience. Dan McDevitt’s 36-year career began as a Special Agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and continued through 24 years with the Illinois State Police, where he retired as Captain. He later served as Chief of Police in both Homewood and Lansing, Illinois, and holds the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy. In this candid and compelling conversation, Dan shares stories from his time as a medical corpsman in Vietnam, his counterintelligence and anti-terrorism work during the Gulf War, and his years leading police departments across Chicagoland. He recounts close encounters with notorious figures like Chicago Outfit hitman Harry Aleman, reflects on protecting world leaders such as the Dalai Lama, and discusses the faith and resilience that guided him through decades of public service. Now a respected author and security consultant, Dan continues to teach and mentor law enforcement professionals around the world. His perspective on leadership, loyalty, and family offers timeless wisdom for first responders and civilians alike. Tune in to Hibernian Radio for an inspiring and deeply human look at a lifetime dedicated to service, integrity, and the Irish American spirit.

Sponsors for this episode: Flood Brothers Disposal, Madden Funds, Local 150 International Union of Operating Engineers and Fox’s Pizza of Orland Park and Mokena

This week on Hibernian Radio, host Paddy Houlihan sits down with longtime friend and collaborator Sarah Hand, a key member of the Hibernian Media family. Originally from Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, Sarah has built an impressive career in Chicago as a producer, Irish language teacher, and storyteller. Her work spans PBS documentaries, indie films, and live comedy projects featuring stars like Sebastian Maniscalco and John Mulaney. Paddy and Sarah share an open and lively conversation about her journey from Ireland to the U.S., the lessons she has learned from both film communities, and the power of networking, adaptability, and hard work in the creative world. They also talk about Sarah’s vital role in producing the Irish American Movie Hooley, from curating films to welcoming visiting filmmakers, and her excitement for this year’s screenings of King Frankie and Dead Man’s Money. It is a heartfelt episode full of laughs, wisdom, and gratitude that celebrates the stories, friendships, and shared passion that define the Irish American creative community. Tune in for a conversation that captures the heart of Irish American storytelling and the creative spirit behind Hibernian Radio.

Sponsors for this episode: Madden Funds, Local 150 International Union of Operating Engineers, Fox’s Pizza and Flood Brothers Disposal

This week on Hibernian Radio, host Paddy Houlihan sits down with Peggy O’Flaherty, a five-time founder and current CEO of Vinly, the AI-powered communication platform built to foster meaningful conversations and unlock real community. From growing up as the youngest of ten in Downers Grove to becoming a leading female voice in Chicago’s tech and entrepreneurial circles, Peggy’s story is as inspiring as it is deeply Irish. Paddy and Peggy trace her path from launching small ventures as a stay-at-home mom, to co-founding OneParish, an app that connected thousands of churches and parishioners nationwide, to building Mavely, a pioneering influencer marketing platform. Each step of the journey highlights the grit, faith, and creativity that have made Peggy a standout leader. Now with Vinly, she’s setting her sights on disrupting legacy platforms like LinkedIn, using AI to strengthen networks, elevate authentic conversations, and build social capital in new ways. Along the way, Peggy opens up about the highs and lows of startup life, the challenges facing women in tech, and her passion for mentoring the next generation of female founders. It’s an episode filled with entrepreneurial lessons, Irish spirit, and plenty of inspiration for anyone chasing a big idea.

Sponsors for this episode: Madden Funds, Local 150, Fox’s Pizza, and Flood Brothers Disposal.

This week on Hibernian Radio, hosts Mike and Paddy Houlihan take a step back to reflect on the mission and origins of Hibernian Media and its growing role as a hub for Irish American storytelling. The father-son duo look ahead to the 11th anniversary of the Irish American Movie Hooley, revisiting highlights from past festivals and previewing this year’s lineup of films that celebrate the Irish spirit on both sides of the Atlantic. They also shine a light on the newly formed Irish American Labor Alliance, an initiative dedicated to elevating the voices of Irish first responders, tradespeople, and community leaders whose stories too often go untold. The conversation weaves together personal reflections, Chicago history, and the ongoing fight to preserve cultural traditions in the face of modern challenges like AI. Listeners will also enjoy a lighter turn in the beloved “Houli Town” segment, plus tributes to members of the Irish American community who have recently passed.

This episode is proudly brought to you by Madden Funds, Local 150, Fox’s Pizza and Flood Brothers Disposal.

This week on Hibernian Radio, host Paddy Houlihan sits down with Pete Brown, grandson of legendary Chicago sportswriter Warren Brown and a great force in the world of finance and philanthropy. Pete shares colorful stories of his family’s remarkable legacy, from Warren’s friendships with sports icons like Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney to his own rise on the Chicago Board of Options Exchange, where he went on to found X-Change Financial Access (XFA), the largest floor broker on the exchange. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Pete reflects on his daughter Kathleen’s childhood battle with cancer and how that journey ignited his lifelong passion for helping others. He highlights the incredible work of the Mulliganeers, a Chicago-based charity dedicated to helping children and families in need, which has raised more than $8 million to date. Pete also previews the upcoming 31st Annual Mulliganeers Golf Outing at Cog Hill on September 19th, inviting listeners to be part of this mission of “friends helping families.” Along the way, Pete offers insights into community, resilience, and the importance of storytelling—values passed down through his family that continue to shape his life’s work. Tune in for Chicago history, heartfelt reflections, and a powerful call to action to support the Mulliganeers at mulliganeers.org.

This episode is proudly brought to you by Madden Funds, Local 150, Fox’s Pizza, Flood Brothers Disposal and The Tax Defenders.

This week on Hibernian Radio, host Mike Houlihan welcomes Ivan Rittenberg, former Chicago alderman and 32-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department. A proud South Sider and one of the few Jewish deputy chiefs in CPD history, Ivan shares stories from his early days as a police cadet at just 18 years old through his rise in the department, including his service during the turbulent 1968 Democratic Convention. The conversation explores his time in politics as alderman under Mayor Jane Byrne, where his reputation for honesty often put him at odds with the realities of political life. Ivan reflects on his dual career as both a police officer and a lawyer, the lessons he learned along the way, and the challenges facing today’s police force. Mike and Ivan also dive deep into Jewish history, the recurring persecution of the Jewish people, and the survival of Israel in the modern world, drawing connections to the Irish experience and the importance of cultural identity. Ivan offers personal stories of his family’s resilience, from his father’s service in World War I to his uncles’ heroism as commandos in World War II, illustrating a life shaped by faith, history, and service. As always, the show features humor, community announcements, and a trip to “Houli Town.”

This week’s sponsors include Madden Funds, Local 150, Fox’s Pizza, Flood Brothers, Global Irish Radio, Irish American News, and The Tax Defenders. Upcoming events highlighted include the Officer Michael Flisk Memorial Car Show and the 11th Annual Irish American Movie Hooley.

Tune in for a blend of history, humor, and heartfelt conversation on Hibernian Radio!