Christi Holston, Board President, Monee Historical Society, joins John Williams to talk about why the Monee Historical Society was started, the unique history of the building that is now the Monee Heritage Center, what we should know about the history of Monee, and why it’s important to tell the stories of Monee.

Chris Collins, head basketball coach at Northwestern, joins John Williams and Dave Eanet to talk about their first exhibition game last night, how much the players prepare for the upcoming season, what his team will be like without the great Boo Buie, who he is most excited about on this year’s squad, the way they used the transfer portal to acquire some impact players, why Northwestern continues to be a desirable destination for players, his thoughts on the expansion of the Big 10, and why he’s excited about the upcoming season.

It’s time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature! Are you trying to come up with some vacation ideas that are only a quick getaway from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, John takes you on a trip down to Dollywood! Josh Sauer, publicist for Dollywood, tells John about the pretty drive from Illinois down to Dollywood, where you can stay when you visit, why he considers it the most beautiful theme park in the U.S., and the incredible Smoky Mountain Christmas event starting November 1st.

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner tells John if its better to eat before or after you exercise. And since it’s Halloween, Dawn gives us a hack for the best ways you can use Halloween candy, and her acronym for how to tackle a SWEET tooth. And as always, Dawn 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, longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys, Brandon Pope, host of ‘On the Block‘ on WCIU, and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals begin the podcast talking about the Chicago School Board elections. How are the Rascals handling their vote for the school board? Eric bemoans how much money is being spent on these elections. Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson proposed a property tax hike to close the budget gap. The Rascals explain what they think of the proposal. There has been a lot of talk about newspaper endorsements this week. Marj was one of the 250,000 people to cancel their Washington Post subscription. What do the rest of the Rascals make of the Washington Post and L.A. Times not endorsing a presidential candidate this year? President Trump held an inflammatory rally at Madison Square Garden that featured speakers making many racist comments. Do the Rascals think the event will hurt Trump politically? And finally, who do the Rascals think will win the presidential election?

WGN News anchor Steve Bertrand joins John Williams to announce that he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Steve talks about when he first noticed symptoms of Parkinson’s, the symptoms he’s experiencing now, his progression being remarkably slow, the support he’s received from his family, the wonderful treatment he has received from Northwestern, and why he implores people to understand that this diagnosis is not a death sentence. Steve says that’s while it’s not beatable right now, he’s going to dance with it.

Christina Shutt, Executive Director, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, joins John Williams to talk about the new exhibition “Freedom in Form: Richard Hunt.” Director Shutt tells John about their mission at the library, why telling the story of Illinois is so important, the goal to make history relevant to the modern day public, what you can learn when you visit, their exploration of the Civil War, and what visitors should know about the Richard Hunt exhibit.

Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob says we are still well below normal with precipitation and you need to give trees and shrubs ‘a good drink’ before winter.

Elder law attorney Kerry Peck joins John Williams to answer all your questions about elder law, trusts, wills, and elder abuse. Kerry talks about how difficult it has become for those in the ‘sandwich generation,’ his ongoing work with the Alzheimer’s Association, his thoughts on Vice President’s Kamala Harris’s proposal to expand Medicare to pay for long-term, in-home care services for seniors, and what you need to know about estate plans.