John Williams

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

Pastor Corey Brooks, Founder and Senior Pastor at New Beginnings Church of Chicago and the Founder and CEO of Project H.O.O.D, joins John Williams to talk about the progress he’s making in the effort to build his opportunity center on the south side, and why he’s considering a walk across America to raise awareness and funds for his cause.

Marge Sipla, Speed Jokes spirit animal, cataloger and Member of the Speed Jokes Committee, joins John and the gang to give us her favorite Speed Jokes of May 2025! And there was some debate over the ‘bald eagle’ and ‘Tupperware’ jokes! What was your favorite joke this month? And as always, John brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected]

Jonas Frey, Founder of Appointment Trader, talks to John Williams about the Illinois General Assembly voting to ban third party restaurant reservations apps. The bill is awaiting Governor Pritzker’s signature. Jonas tells John about the app, how it works, how much reservations typically sell for, how they keep people from hoarding reservations, how much money people have made using the app, the business not being much different from a concierge service at a hotel, and what he thinks about the possible ban of the service in Illinois. Does he think the bans will end his business?

NewsNation Now anchor Connell McShane joins John Williams to talk about the trade negotiations between the US and China, the debate over banning international students coming to the U.S., and the latest on the judicial rulings on tariffs.

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

Chris Johnson, CEO and CPE (Chief Popcorn Eater), Classic Cinemas, joins John Williams to talk about how long they have had a theater in Fox Lake, how many people visit the theater in a year, what makes them stand out from other theaters, what gets people to come out to see movies, the connection that is made when you see a film with other people, the record weekend they just had with ‘Lilo & Stitch,’ and ‘Mission Impossible,’ the wide variety of films they are able to show on their 13 screens, and what to expect when you come out this summer!

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 is joined once again by Amy Beadle, Marketing Manager, Visit Springfield! Amy tells John about the new exhibit at The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum that is not to be missed, the best places to eat and drink (including a bourbon trail!), what you should know about the upcoming State Fair, and where you can stay on your trip. Amy also suggests taking a trip to Springfield by driving on historic Route 66! Click here for a chance to win a Springfield getaway!

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John to talk about how she can tell if a fruit is ripe, a new study that shows the benefits of vegan protein, and to share her thoughts on weight loss drugs. Dawn also answers all of your health and nutrition questions.

Kelly Leonard, Vice President, Creative Strategy, Innovation and Business Development at The Second City and host of the “Getting to Yes, And…” podcast, joins John Williams to talk about a recent conversation he had with University of Toronto professor Christopher DiCarlo where they discussed the ethics of artificial intelligence. Are robots going to kill us? Kelly explores how AI is being used, when it might be useful, and why there are some things that AI will never replace. Kelly also shares his thoughts on the late, great George Wendt.