John Williams

Craig Bolanos, Founder and Wealth Advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins John Williams to talk about the mixed reaction from the markets after news on inflation, GDP, and the SCOTUS ruling on tariffs, what all the data means for Fed policy moving forward, why he expects a volatile year in the markets, the existential retirement crisis in America, and what he’s telling his clients about how they should manage their portfolios. For more information, go to GetRetiredStayRetired.com.

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

Actor Cody Combs, who plays Evan Hansen in the new production of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora (which is getting rave reviews), joins John Williams to talk about his work in the show, how he approaches this character, what his career has been like up until now, when he started taking theater seriously, how he landed the role of Evan, and what he plans to do next. The production runs through March 22nd and you can get tickets here.

It’s time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature! Are you trying to come up with some winter vacation ideas that are only a quick getaway from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we head to the beautiful state of Michigan and speak with Chad Mesbergen, Director of Events and Operations, for the Tulip Time Festival in Holland! Chad tells John how far Holland is from the Chicago area, how many people visit Holland during the festival, how the festival provides something for everybody, what we should know about some of the iconic Tulip Time experiences such as the Dutch Dance Performances and the Makers Market & Quilt Show, the unique tours available during the festival, where you can stay if you want to extend your time in Holland, the best places to eat and drink, and the other highlights not to miss!

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about a new research study from Northwestern published this week about your nightly routine and heart health, foods that can help you combat dry skin, the health benefits of storing bread in the freezer, and her favorite types of fruit. Dawn also answers all of your health and nutrition questions.

Marc Ganis, sports business expert and President and Co-Founder of Sportscorp Ltd., joins John Williams to talk about the possibility that the Chicago Bears will build a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana.

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, long-time Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972, and political pundit Marj Halperin! Today, the Rascals start the podcast talking about the death of civil rights activist and Chicago icon Jesse Jackson. The Rascals reflect on the complicated legacy of the long-time activist. Next, the Rascals debate Chicago Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful Chicagoans. Also this week, Stephen Colbert said bosses at CBS told him that he couldn’t interview James Talarico, who is running for the senate in Texas citing the ‘equal-time’ rule. What do the Rascals make of the Colbert-FCC-CBS drama? Nancy Guthrie is still missing and Eric believes the media coverage is way overblown. What do the other Rascals think? Getting back to local news, the Rascals discuss the debate between Cook County board president Toni Preckwinkle and Ald. Brendan Reilly. Does Reilly stand a chance in this race for board president? And finally, it’s time for red light, yellow light, green light! What are the Rascals recommending (or not recommending) this week?

Tahman Bradley, WGN-TV Political Editor, and host of ‘The Point,’ joins John Williams to preview WGN-TV’s debate between the candidates running for Democratic nomination

Jane Kirtley, Silha Professor of Media Ethics and Law at the University of Minnesota, joins John Williams to talk explain the equal-time rule in broadcasting after Stephen Colbert said that CBS told him that he couldn’t air an interview with a candidate for the Texas senate.