John Williams

Bob Kustra, former Illinois lieutenant governor, state legislator and president of Boise State University, joins John Williams to talk about his Tribune Op-ed about the four beluga whale deaths at the Shedd Aquarium and why he believes ‘the time for imprisoning them for our entertainment or “education” has passed.’

Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson joins John Williams to talk about his recent Op-ed in the Tribune about why he supports data centers in his town.

The great Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini, joins John Williams to tell us the projects we need to be working on this week. With the beautiful weather this week, Lou says it’s time to tackle your fall pruning! And as always, Lou answers all of your home improvement questions.

Listen to HouseSmarts Radio on WGN each Saturday morning at 6 am.

Marge Sipla, Speed Jokes spirit animal and member of the Speed Jokes Committee, joins John Williams and the gang to give us her favorite Speed Jokes of September 2026! John has a few that he likes, too! What was your favorite joke this month? Keep sending your jokes to [email protected]

Tom Fortino, Founder and Principal, Alpha Wealth Group, and host of “The Alpha Wealth Hour” on WGN Radio, joins John Williams to talk about what’s going on with the market, what to expect from the economic data that will be released soon, how the war in Iran continues to impact the economy, what’s the safest thing to do for people saving for retirement, the latest on the trade war with Canada, and what you need to know about taxes before the end of the year.

TUNE IN to WGN Radio and listen to The Alpha Wealth Hour on Sundays at 7 AM. Catch up on previous episodes on WGNRadio.com, and subscribe to it on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Dr. Jennifer Obel, a retired oncologist who writes about the intersection of medicine, ethics and public policy, joins John Williams to talk about her Tribune Op-ed about the Cornell sexual assault case and what she wants every young woman to know if they’ve been a victim of sexual assault.

Connell McShane, anchor of ‘NewsNation Live with Connell McShane,’ joins John Williams to talk about what we know about the attack on the Flydubai flight to Israel, and the latest on the botched execution in Tennessee.

Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to [email protected]!

David Byrne, the legendary musician, writer, visual artist, and filmmaker, joins John Williams to talk about the Goodman Theatre production of ‘Theater of the Mind.’ David talks about the production and the uniqueness of the venue, how the show has many layers, the way the show was created, what he wants people to come away with after seeing the show, and his latest record, ‘Who is the Sky?’

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about her Apple Tasting Score Sheet! Dawn helps you find the perfect apple for your specific taste. And as always, Dawn answers all of your health and nutrition questions.