Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods, joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for John Williams, to talk about the new products Lifeway Kefir is offering, their global reach and their involvement in the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. Smolyansky discusses how Lifeway started the kefir craze and how the probiotic product has gone international.

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for John Williams, to talk about balanced eating and eating healthy during the Thanksgiving holiday. Blatner answers listener questions and talks about ‘adult lunchables’.

David Guerin, the president of the Village of River Grove, joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for John Williams, to talk about the village. Guerin tells the story of buying his first business at 20 years old, being born and raised in River Grove, and his favorite things to do in River Grove with his family.

Alex Zalben, the host and editor of Comic Book Club, joins Wendy Snyder, filling in for John Williams, to talk about the hottest shows that are on streaming services. Colin Farrell’s ‘The Penguin,’ ‘Dune’s’ new television series, and more!

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys, and Brandon Pope, host of ‘On the Block‘ on WCIU! This week the Rascals kick off the podcast breaking down the nominees for President-elect Trump’s Cabinet. Do the Rascals believe these nominees will get confirmed? Next, the Rascals discuss Chicago’s ongoing budget issues and Mayor Brandon Johnson ultimately deciding not to attend Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez’s funeral after the family asked him not to come. Speculation is starting to gain steam on who will likely run against Mayor Johnson in 2027. What do the Rascals think of the names being talked about? And is Mayor Johnson definitely a one-term mayor? What’s the latest on CPS-CTU contract negotiations? And what does the future hold for CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. Austin gets you up to speed. And finally, the Bears. How optimistic are the Rascals about the rest of the season?

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. We still are below average on moisture so Bob implores you to keep watering those trees and bushes!

Tim Crane, President/CEO, Wintrust, joins John Williams to talk about the upcoming Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival! Tim explains what the festival means for the central business district and how you can spend your entire day enjoying the city. Tim also discusses the health of the banking business and his forecast for Chicago business in 2025.

Alisa Rodriguez, Social Services Director, The Salvation Army, joins John Williams to talk about her journey from working for the city of Chicago to the Salvation Army, how her work for the city has influenced her work with the Salvation Army, why the Red Kettle Program is essential to the work that the Salvation Army does, and how the Salvation Army helps people during times of crisis.

Click here to help John fill his virtual Red Kettle and help our neighbors in need this holiday season!

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

Cory Suski, professor of natural resources and environmental sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, joins John to talk about co-authoring a new study that shows how pollution is slowing the advance of the invasive silver carp.