John Williams

Todd Simon, Omaha Steaks fifth-generation family owner, chairman, and chief steak evangelist, joins John Williams to talk about why their burgers taste so good, what makes giving the gift of Omaha Steaks so special, their mission of giving an exceptional experience, the variety of carefully curated options, the product people buy the most, and what he would recommend to give this holiday season.

Craig Bolanos, Founder and Wealth Advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins John Williams to talk about the market, why he’s optimistic about the end of 2024 and into 2025, how transformative big tech has been to the market, why it’s okay to have a pullback occasionally, the strength of the economy overall, why he believes the soft landing remains intact, if he’s concerned over the inflation numbers, and what he expects from the Fed interest rate announcement next week.

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 Chelios, former Blackhawks (we won’t mention the other teams) great and NHL Hall of Famer, joins John Williams and Andy Masur to preview the upcoming Winter Classic game between your Chicago Blackhawks and the St. Louis Blues at Wrigley Field. Chris chats with Andy and John about his successful tequila company, the Hawks recent coaching change, what the players look for in a new coach, and his recollections of playing in the Winter Classic back in 2009. Chris will be a part of a big fundraiser at the House of Blues that will benefit the St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks alumni. You can get tickets to that here.

And don’t forget that you can join Charlie Roumeliotis and Kevin Powell live from Murphy’s Bleachers on Dec. 31, 1-3:30pm for a little pre-game party!

Bobby Pierobon, Superintendent of Villa Olivia, joins John Williams to talk about all the things you can do at Villa Olivia throughout the year, the winter sports operations they have once the weather gets cold, the different ski hills that are on the grounds, why tubing is one of their more popular attractions, where you can relax and get warm during your visit, and what you need to do to secure your spot.

Pam Jaramillo, owner, BookLady’s Book Attic in Bartlett, joins John Williams and talks about how long she’s been in business, the unique building that houses the shop, the types of books they sell, the importance of having a book buying experience, how people love the thrill of searching for treasures, how much the inventory is donation based, and the wonderful community support she’s received in Bartlett.

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about the health benefits of apples (and their skin!), why she loves Michigan apples, and to give some tips for healthy holiday entertaining. And as always, Dawn answers all of your health and nutrition questions!

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

From the archives, a January 3, 2008 John Williams conversation with The Amazing Kreskin. They recall Kreskin’s visit to Peoria in which he located a pin that John and his radio colleagues at the time had hidden on a parking meter somewhere in the town. Also, they discussed the possibility of Kreskin joining in the investigation of the Drew Peterson case. Kreskin died Tuesday at age 89.

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, and Brandon Pope, host of ‘On the Block‘ on WCIU, This week, the Rascals start the show breaking down the Chicago visit from Tom Homan, President-elect Trump’s ‘border czar.’ Do the Rascals believe the new administration’s plan for mass deportation will happen? And what of birthright citizenship? Do the Rascals think the 14th Amendment survives? Mayor Brandon Johnson’s senior advisor Jason Lee is causing controversy for voting in Texas during the last election. What do the Rascals make of the latest Johnson administration slip up? New information continues to come out about Luigi Mangione, the person who shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Will this tragic incident spur any change with the U.S. healthcare system? And finally, it’s recommendation time for the Rascals! What are John, Jon, and Brandon watching? Oh, and as an added bonus, we get a brief appearance from Rascal Cate Plys at the end!