John Williams

Matt Singer, editor and critic at ScreenCrush, and author of ‘Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever,’ joins John Williams to talk about the 50th anniversary of the TV show starring famed movie critics Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel. Matt explains how Siskel and Ebert impacted movie criticism, their influence on films in general, and how the duo embraced their combative image. Check out Matt’s list of the Best Siskel & Ebert reviews here!

Elder law attorney Kerry Peck joins John Williams to answer all your questions about elder law, trusts, wills, and elder abuse. 

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 continue to water your trees and shrubs and remember to cut your lawn down to 2 inches for the winter.

John Williams read a portion of a letter from listener Janelle from Michigan:

Good morning, John. 

I wanted to share this with you, after listening to it again this morning…..

So interesting to look back and recall the thoughts and emotions so many people were experiencing that morning a little over a year ago. 

It’s also nice to reflect on where we are now, including the positive changes that have happened in the last year.  

Before the election, I routinely had MSNBC on as I began my day (Morning Joe); it was something I truly enjoyed. After the election, I couldn’t bring myself to watch anymore.  It just felt too heavy for me to hear continuous coverage of the incoming administration. It was kind of sad to lose something that had been a part of my life for so long. 

But now, a year later, I listen to WGN more!

I’ve found it to be a place where I can be informed and entertained, and still feel connected to what’s happening in the world. 

Instead of just politics and a continual analysis of all the problems, I now have a place where I can find interesting and fun discussions anytime I tune in. 

I’m thankful for you, and the many guests you chat with on your show….
-Dawn, to inspire us to be fit and healthy
-Lou and Bob, who help us take care of our home and yard
-Terry, helping us be financially wise
-Eric, sharing his wit and wisdom on what’s happening in the world
-Kelly Leonard, always inspiring in your interviews
-The various doctors, who give us their wise interpretation of what is happening in the world of medicine and health 

And, of course I have to mention Speed Jokes, my favorite!  Steve, Andy, Dave and all the wonderful people who a send in jokes and help make the Speed Joke bit the fun and lighthearted thing so many of us look forward to each day. 

I’ve now learned to appreciate getting my day started with Bob Sorrott and his gang (the opening of his show is the best!) and listening to the joyful and fun Lisa Dent group in the afternoon. 

I’ve also come to truly appreciate Jon Hansen and Wendy Snyder, and their ability to fill in with ease when a host is away. 

I’m grateful for all of you at WGN!  Hear’s to all of you that work together to make our days better. 

U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL 14) joins John Williams to talk about what she found when she visited the Broadview ICE detention center. Rep. Underwood details the inhumane conditions at the facility and also tells John what she expects from Operation Midway Blitz in the months to come.

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

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about why you should go for a brief walk after having your Thanksgiving meal, why he suggests getting a COVID shot and a flu shot in separate arms, Pfizer’s mRNA flu shot outperforming the standard flu vaccine in a late-stage trial, and the efficacy and safety of the COVID vaccine. Dr. Kopin also answers all of your medical questions.

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about the best Thanksgiving food, why he thinks Chicago’s winter-parking rules are more of a cash grab, and his idea to get rid of divisions in the NFL.

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, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward, and Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago. This week, the Rascals kick off the podcast with ‘News or Noise.’ What are the news stories that are worth paying attention to? And what are the stories that are just a distraction? Eric says we should be paying attention to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announcing that she’s resigning from Congress. Jon wants to talk about the meeting between President Trump and New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. Austin reminds us that President Trump likes winners and that’s what contributed to the ‘love fest.’ John thinks the U.S. striking alleged drug boats in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean is a story we should be watching. Over the weekend, President Trump doubled down on his sedition accusation over a video released by some Democratic lawmakers. Is that a serious threat or just some more noise? And where are we on the Epstein files? Closer to home, it was 10 years ago today the Laquan McDonald tape was released. Looking back, what are the main takeaways from the release of the video? Austin catches us up on two Chicago Public School stories: CPS employees spent $23.6 million in tax dollars on lavish vacations at 5-star hotels and overseas trips, and the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce sent a formal demand letter to Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates wanting the last five years of CTU audits. A new, independent poll for the Democratic primary in the 9th Congressional District race has Daniel Biss and Kat Abughazaleh tied for first place. Do the Rascals give Abughazaleh a chance? And finally, it’s time for a Thanksgiving version of red light, yellow light, green light.