John Williams

Greg Kot, former music critic for the Chicago Tribune and co-host of ‘Sound Opinions,’ joins John Williams to talk about the history of protest songs, where you can hear contemporary artists doing protest songs, how the way listening to music has changed, and if these newer protest songs have the same impact as they did in the ’60’s and ’70’s.

It’s time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature for 2026! Are you trying to come up with some quick getaway ideas that are only a quick trip from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we head to the great state of Michigan and visit with Linda Hart, Executive Director of the Holland Area Visitors Bureau! Linda talks to John about the easy drive from Chicago to Holland, how close they are to Lake Michigan, the upcoming Tulip Festival, the best events and activities to do when you visit during the summer, the amazing green spaces to enjoy, and where you can stay during your trip. Click here for your chance to win a lovely weekend getaway in Holland!

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about the best time of day to exercise and a new study about the best and worst carbs for your weight. Dawn also answers all of your health and nutrition questions.

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected].

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972, and multi-media journalist Brandon Pope, author of Brandon Pope’s Screening Room. This week, the Rascals start the podcast close to home by talking about the Chicago City Council failing to override Mayor Johnson’s veto on the One Fair Wage ordinance. Is this a political win for Mayor Johnson? And what does this mean long-term for Johnson if he decides to run for another term? Next, the Rascals try to make sense of President Trump sharing AI images of him depicted as Jesus, and his ongoing feud with Pope Leo. Also this week, to celebrate President Trump’s agenda and ‘No Tax on Tips,’ the administration welcomed the ‘Door Dash Grandma’ to talk about how much the policy has helped her. What did the Rascals make of the stunt? And finally, it’s time for red light, yellow light, green light. What are the Rascals recommending (or not recommending) this week?

Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune reporter covering the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse and criminal justice issues in Chicago, joins John Williams to talk about a federal appeals court announcing that former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and lobbyist Michael McClain would be released from prison and granting them new trials.

We are ‘Keeping it Green’ with Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals! Bob tells John that you don’t need to water the rest of the week after all the rain, and don’t attempt to mow the heavy, wet grass. Bob also answers all of your lawn and garden questions. 

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected].

Dawndria Murray, Franchisee Owner Operator of Culver’s of Matteson, joins John Williams to talk about her now viral video that showed her making a plea to parents after kids were behaving poorly at her restaurant.

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about physician burnout and everything that Northwestern does to deal with employee wellness, the challenge of getting people the right care at the right place in a timely manner, COVID being down, the flu season being over, and new research that shows the flu vaccine that is recommended for older adults could lower Alzheimer’s risk.