Scott G. Shea, leading music historian and author of the best-selling book, “All the Leaves Are Brown: How the Mamas and Papas Came Together and Broke Apart,” joins John Williams to talk about the impact The Monkees had on popular culture and to make the case for them to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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

Pat Tomasulo, the hilarious sports anchor/reporter on the WGN Morning News, joins John Williams to talk about the upcoming “Laugh Your Face Off” show, which benefits those that are suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia, a very rare nerve disorder doctors classify as one of the worst pains known to mankind. Pat talks about how special this charity show is, his personal connection to Trigeminal Neuralgia, some of the incredible items up for auction (including dinner with Tom Skilling!), and to share his thoughts on the Bears win over the Titans. Limited tickets remain and you can grab those here. And silent auction items are available here.

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

2nd Ward Ald. Brian Hopkins joins John Williams to talk about Chicago’s contract with ShotSpotter, the gunshot detection technology, ending at the end of the month. Alderman Hopkins explains what ShotSpotter does, why he is a proponent of the technology, what he says to critics of the technology, and how having the technology in Chicago has saved lives.

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

Dr. Janice Jackson, CEO, Hope Chicago, joins John Williams to talk about the mission and work of Hope Chicago and how Hope Chicago is trying to change the way higher education operates. Also joining Dr. Jackson in-studio are Hope Scholars Ajani Cunningham, who is attending Loyola University, and Anabel Limón-Torres, who is a student at UIC. Ajani and Anabel talk about what led them to Hope Chicago, what they are studying in college, the obstacles they have overcome to attend school, and why they believe in the importance of voting.

Beloved WGN’er Joe Brand joins John Williams (and Lisa Dent and Steve Bertrand and Kevin Powell and Mary Van De Velde) to talk about leaving the station he called home for 10 years to become the radio play-by-play voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins Radio Network. How well does Joe know his new city? Go be great, Joe!

Phil Martinez, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention of Illinois Board Member President, joins John Williams to talk about his personal connection to AFSP, what can cause someone to take their own life, the warning signs to look for if you are concerned that a person may try to take their life, what to say to someone if you are worried about them, and the upcoming Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk.

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, we explore the Mississippi with Carrie Stier, Co-Owner, Riverboat Twilight! Carrie tells John where they dock the boat, the various cruises that are offered, the kind of boat you’ll be cruising on, where you cruise on the Mississippi River, the food and beverages that are offered, where you can stay during the cruise, and how you can book a trip in September and October.