Hibernian Radio with Mike "Houli" Houlihan

On this week’s episode of Hibernian Radio, Hibernian Media’s Paddy Houlihan sat down with Kevin Ryan, Illinois candidate for the United States Senate, Marine Corps veteran, teacher, and proud son of Orland Park. Kevin shared his inspiring journey from Marist High School to serving in Afghanistan, earning graduate degrees from Oxford and Georgetown, and dedicating his life to public service both inside and outside the classroom. The conversation explores Kevin’s vision for ending the influence of big money in politics, strengthening labor unions, and restoring trust between working families and government. He speaks candidly about his family’s challenges, the lessons learned from military service, and his commitment to building a campaign rooted in grassroots energy rather than corporate dollars. Kevin also discusses the importance of uplifting the working class, expanding opportunities for young people to serve their communities, and the need for a new generation of leadership that prioritizes first responders, labor, and everyday citizens. Tune in to hear Kevin Ryan’s story, his bold ideas for Illinois, and how you can get involved in his campaign.

Sponsored by Madden Funds, Fox’s Pizza, Flood Brothers Disposal, and The Tax Defenders.

This Week on Hibernian Radio Paddy Houlihan welcomes back Bill Donnelly, retired Chicago Police Detective and longtime member of the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums. Bill takes us inside his decades of service, sharing stories of undercover work, high-stakes busts, and the challenges of tracking down elusive witnesses for the State’s Attorney’s Office. He reflects on his family’s proud law enforcement legacy, the camaraderie that defined his years on the force, and the importance of having a plan for life after retirement. Beyond policing, Bill remains deeply engaged in the community whether it’s co-chairing the Father Perez Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive or performing with the Pipes and Drums at major upcoming events, including Gaelic Park Irish Fest (August 24) and the Mike Flisk Memorial Car Show (September 6). Filled with humor, heartfelt memories, and a deep sense of service, this episode shines a light on a life dedicated to both duty and community. Tune in for an hour of stories, music, and community spirit!

Proudly sponsored by Madden Funds, Local 150, Fox’s Pizza, Flood Brothers Disposal, and The Tax Defenders.

This week on Hibernian Radio, Hibernian Media’s Paddy Houlihan sits down with Sergeant Nicholas Mavraganis for his third visit to the program. A 13-year law enforcement veteran, Nick takes listeners through his remarkable career path from his start as a dispatcher to patrol officer, gang investigator, detective, and now patrol sergeant with the Mount Prospect Police Department. He shares gripping stories from his time investigating financial crimes, recovering over $100,000 for victims, and reflects on the human toll such cases can take. Nick also opens up about his time working in gang investigations, his commitment to community policing, and his role as an educator teaching criminal justice at Triton College. Beyond the badge, he’s the co-founder of Dan and Nick’s Hot Sauce, a small-batch business born out of friendship that has become a local favorite. Paddy and Nick’s conversation blends stories of service, community connection, and entrepreneurial spirit, offering a candid look at the people who keep our communities safe while giving back in creative ways.

This episode is made possible thanks to the generous support of Madden Funds, Local 150, Fox’s Pizza, Flood Brothers Disposal and The Tax Defenders.

This week’s Hibernian Radio Hour is a special throwback episode, as Mike Houlihan took the weekend off to cheer on his grandson, young Michael Houlihan, in the 10U Illinois State Little League Championship. While the Houlihans were in the stands rooting for the next generation, we’re bringing back a powerful past episode hosted by Paddy Houlihan of Hibernian Media. Originally aired on May 31st, this episode features an in-depth conversation with Caitlin Brennan, CEO of the 100 Club of Illinois, exploring the organization’s vital mission to support the families of fallen first responders and promote the wellness of those who serve on the frontlines. Brennan shares her personal journey into public service, her deep Irish roots, and how the 100 Club has evolved – expanding from financial relief to offering mental health resources, legal guidance, and statewide support for police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. Listeners will gain valuable insight into the challenges faced by first responders and the critical role the 100 Club plays in addressing trauma, providing crisis response, and advocating for mental health policy reforms.

This throwback episode is proudly brought to you by our generous sponsors: Flood Brothers Disposal, Madden Funds, The Tax Defenders, Fox’s Pizza and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150.

This week on Hibernian Radio, host Mike Houlihan welcomes veteran law enforcement officer JP Roe for an unforgettable hour of storytelling, reflection, and insight from a storied career in policing. JP takes us back to his roots growing up in the south suburbs, sharing how he followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the Dalton Police Department in 1988. From riding alongside his dad to earning respect of his own on the streets, JP paints a vivid picture of life in the force during a different era. He walks us through his time with the Metropolitan Enforcement Group and the DEA, recounting intense undercover operations, high-stakes drug busts, and a tragic arson case in Beverly that claimed the lives of two firefighters. The conversation ranges from the harrowing to the humorous, including a bizarre encounter involving the Village People band. JP also discusses his later career with the Evanston Police Department, reflects on the evolution of law enforcement, and details his current role monitoring conditionally released sex offenders. He even shares a one-of-a-kind story about visiting the Vatican with the Air Marshal Service and trading patches with the Swiss Guard. Join us for this wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation as we continue to honor the service and sacrifice of our Irish first responders.

As always, Hibernian Radio is proudly brought to you by Flood Brothers Disposal, Madden Funds, The Tax Defenders, Local 150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, and Fox’s Pizza of Orland Park and Mokena.

This week on Hibernian Radio, host Mike Houlihan welcomes retired Chicago Police Officer and author Dr. Ron Rufo for a deeply important and timely conversation. With over 22 years on the force, Dr. Rufo has dedicated his post-retirement life to addressing the growing mental health crisis among first responders. In this powerful episode, Dr. Rufo speaks candidly about the alarming rise in police officer suicides, including over 50 in Chicago this year alone. He shares his own experiences on the job and in peer support roles, including personal stories of traumatic incidents and the toll they take on officers’ mental well-being. The discussion covers everything from the importance of sleep and stress management to the stigma around seeking help and the need for more mental health resources within departments. A published author of four books, with a fifth on the way, Dr. Rufo is committed to educating officers and the public alike on wellness, personal safety, and post-traumatic stress. His passion for officer support and suicide prevention shines through in every story he shares. Don’t miss this impactful conversation that sheds light on one of the most urgent issues facing law enforcement today.

Hibernian Radio is proudly brought to you by Madden Funds, Local 150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Fox’s Pizza (Orland Park and Mokena), Flood Brothers Disposal, Global Irish Radio and The Tax Defenders.

This week on Hibernian Radio, host Mike Houlihan is joined by two standout voices from Chicago’s emergency services: Patrick Fitzmaurice, retired CFD paramedic chief and outspoken advocate for paramedics, and Pat Quane, a second-generation firefighter and rising union leader. Though not lifelong friends, the two have built a strong bond over years of shared service, and it shows. Their conversation is as funny as it is fierce, with Quane frequently poking fun at Fitzmaurice and the two engaging in playful, brotherly banter that keeps things light even as they tackle serious topics. Together, they dive deep into the challenges facing Chicago’s first responders, from the urgent need for more ambulances and trained paramedics to the political and bureaucratic roadblocks that hinder progress. They discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic intensified staffing issues, why the city’s EMS billing system is leaving money on the table, and how divisive tactics from leadership have strained unity within the department. Quane brings a reform-minded perspective and a sharp sense of humor, while Fitzmaurice delivers the unvarnished truth earned from decades in the trenches. Their conversation is filled with real frontline stories, emotional reflections, and practical ideas like fast-tracking military medics into EMS roles and introducing EMT training in high schools to strengthen the fire department from the inside out. Through it all, their chemistry and candor make this episode not just informative, but genuinely entertaining.

Proudly brought to you by our sponsors:
Madden Funds • Local 150 Operating Engineers • Fox’s Pizza • Flood Brothers Disposal • Global Irish Radio • The Tax Defenders 

This Fourth of July weekend, we’re opening the vault for one of our all-time favorite conversations with a familiar voice, retired Chicago Police detective Cornelius “Neil” Maas. A regular guest on the show, Maas brings decades of experience and a treasure trove of stories from his 30-year career with CPD.

In this unforgettable episode, Maas takes us deep inside some of his most dramatic cases, from a multi-state bombing investigation to a high-speed chase through rural Iowa. With his trademark candor and sharp sense of humor, he sheds light on the gritty realities of police work: con artists, legal battles, and high-profile criminals, all told from the front lines.

It’s an intense, eye-opening, and often hilarious behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement, straight from a man who’s seen it all.

Proudly sponsored by
Flood Brothers Disposal – Keeping Chicago clean with a family touch
Madden Funds – Protecting first responders’ investments
The Tax Defenders – Fighting for your financial freedom
Fox’s Pizza – Serving the best pizza in town
Local 150 Operating Engineers – Supporting working families everywhere

This week on the show, Mike Houlihan sits down with Daniel S. McDevitt, a truly remarkable public servant whose 36-year law enforcement career spans the Navy, Illinois State Police, and multiple suburban Chicago departments. McDevitt began his journey as a Special Agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, then spent 24 years with the Illinois State Police, retiring as a Captain. He later served as Chief of Police in both Homewood and Lansing, Illinois. A U.S. Navy veteran who rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, McDevitt served as a medical corpsman during Vietnam and later specialized in counterintelligence and anti-terrorism. He was twice recalled to active duty during the Gulf War to conduct counter-surveillance operations and protective service details.Armed with a master’s degree in Criminology and training from the FBI National Academy, McDevitt has taught law enforcement professionals across the globe, including the United States, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. He has developed training for the U.S. Department of State’s Global Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program, consulted on security for high-profile individuals, and written three authoritative books on police leadership and investigative management. Listeners will be riveted by McDevitt’s real-world stories, from facing off with notorious Chicago Outfit hitmen like Harry Aleman to life-or-death situations that shaped his decades of service. With sharp insight and a disarming sense of humor, he reflects on what it means to lead, protect, and serve at every level of law enforcement. A can’t-miss episode honoring the dedication, intelligence, and courage of our nation’s first responders.

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

This week on Hibernian Radio, host Paddy Houlihan welcomes longtime law enforcement veteran Joe Gulino, affectionately known as “Joey Bag of Donuts,” for a riveting and heartfelt conversation. A Chicago native and 18-year police officer, Gulino recounts two intense officer-involved shootings that occurred within his first two years on the job. One took place during a home invasion, the other after a dangerous high-speed pursuit. His stories are gripping and revealing, offering listeners a firsthand look at the unpredictable nature of life in law enforcement.

Joe also shares his path from working security at Northwestern Memorial Hospital with Levy Security to becoming a full-time police officer. He speaks candidly about the emotional impact of critical incidents and the psychological weight that officers often carry. Throughout the episode, he stresses the importance of mental health support in the profession and reflects on how humor and friendship among fellow officers helped him navigate the toughest moments. In addition to his police work, Joe dives into his passion for whiskey and cigars. He discusses his role as a pairing reviewer and editor at Whiskey Network, where he combines his love of fine spirits and cigars with a knack for storytelling and community engagement.

Proudly Sponsored By: Madden Funds, Local 150, Fox’s Pizza, Flood Brothers Disposal and The Tax Defenders.