John Williams

Nick Offerman, actor, comedian, carpenter and writer, joins John Williams and special guest “Mr. Fix-It” Lou Manfredini to preview Iceboy!, a new musical 40,000 years in the making now running at Goodman Theatre. Nick talks about his talented wife Megan Mullally, the star of the show, and how she spent years getting the production ready for its Chicago premiere. He also raves about the stacked cast of Illinois locals and Tony-nominated favorites, and shares details on “Nick Offerman: Humor and Mirth,” his special Ramova Theatre benefit on Monday, July 13 with proceeds supporting Japan House in Champaign-Urbana. To get tickets to Iceboy!, head to goodmantheatre.org, and to attend Nick’s Ramova show, visit www.ramovachicago.com/

World-renowned paleontologist, educator and author Steve Brusatte joins John Williams to talk about his new book, The Story of Birds: A New History from Their Dinosaur Origins to the Present, and breaks down how modern birds are “living dinosaurs.” Steve will appearing in Ottawa at The Abbey at The Ottawa Arts Center, Sunday, July 12, for a discussion on the book. Tickets can be purchased at OttawaCenter.org

Amie Parnes, senior political correspondent for The Hill, joins John Williams to explain embattled Maine Democrat Graham Platner’s exit from the Senate race, the current scramble to replace him, and what the fallout means for Democrats’ chances of flipping the Senate.

Hector Corona, founder of City Kids Camp, joins John Williams to give an update on camp this year from weather‑challenged activities to powerful connections between inner‑city kids and visiting police officers. To learn more, visit citykidscamp.org

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

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about what you should do if you want to crave less junk food and the diet that is best for high blood pressure. Dawn also answers all of your health and nutrition questions.

It’s time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature for 2026! Are you trying to come up with some quick getaway ideas that are only a quick trip from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we take a drive towards the picturesque Starved Rock State Park and visit with Stephanie Bias, General Manager of Camp Aramoni! Stephanie tells John where Camp Aramoni is located, how big the camp is, where they got the idea to open a boutique campground, how luxurious the accommodations are, the amazing food and beverage program that is included with your stay, why the location is perfect for your event or retreat, and the upcoming ‘Seafood Boil and Live Bluegrass Music‘ event happening in August!

Check out photos from John’s trip to Camp Aramoni here!

Chicago Tribune theater critic, author and editorial page editor Chris Jones joins John Williams to talk about today’s editorial that implores Mayor Brandon Johnson to stop demonizing business and to focus on things that Chicagoans really care about.

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, Steve Bertrand, host of Steve Bertrand on Books and proprietor of Steve Bertrand Travel, and award-winning journalist and political pundit Marj Halperin. The Rascals begin the podcast asking Steve Bertrand his thoughts on the Supreme Court ruling on transgender athletes. Next, the Rascals talk about the city of Chicago considering renaming Northerly Island for Pope Leo. Do the Rascals think this is a good idea? And what about a new law in Rhode Island that will put limits and staffing ratios for self-checkout lanes at grocery stores. Are the Rascals on board with this? Should Illinois consider this? A new candidate threw her name in the ring for the Chicago mayoral race. What do the Rascals make of Dr. Lisa Nee decision to run for mayor? And what about Mayor Brandon Johnson? Would he make a runoff? Nationally, questions are growing about the health of Senator Mitch McConnell, who was hospitalized in June. Does the public deserve an explanation about his health? Or what about the health of any public servant? Scandal plagued Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner still hasn’t made a decision on his political future. Eric explains why it’s important for Democrats that Platner drop out of the race. The USMNT lost to Belgium in the World Cup this week after President Trump lobbied FIFA to lift Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban for a red card. The Rascals wonder if the government should have stepped in on this issue. Briefly switching back to local news, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling announced his retirement and the Rascals wonder why he decided to announce in the middle of the summer. Finally, it’s Rascals recommendation time! What should you be reading, and eating this week!