Steve Dale catches up with the iconic Alison Arngrim, forever known to millions as the “girl you love to hate,” Nellie Oleson from Little House on the Prairie. Alison pulls back the curtain on her storied career and her New York Times best-selling memoir, Confessions of a Prairie B*tch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated. Steve and Alison discuss her transition from child star to outspoken activist, the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Walnut Grove set, and how she transformed a lifetime of “bonnet-head” fame into a platform for advocacy and comedy.

Steve Dale is joined by legendary Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike “Doc” Emrick to celebrate a historic moment for American hockey. Doc and Steve break down the incredible “double gold” sweep—the first time in Olympic history both U.S. Men’s & Women’s teams have stood atop the podium in the same Games. They discuss the U.S. men’s dramatic 2-1 overtime victory against Canada, which ended a 46-year gold medal drought exactly to the day of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice”. Doc also lends his expert analysis to the U.S. women’s equally thrilling 2-1 overtime win over Canada, highlighting the clutch performances that secured their first gold in eight years.

Dr. Samantha Canning, an internal medicine specialist at Northwestern Medicine, joins Steve Dale to talk about everyone’s least favorite winter activity, getting sick. It’s unlikely you live anywhere near Chicago and haven’t either known someone or yourself who has experienced one of the really nasty upper respiratory viruses going around. What can you do to prevent this? There is no vaccine. And if you are sick, now what? If you haven’t had the influenza vaccine, is it too late in the season? And why aren’t we hearing about COVID-19?

Steve Dale is joined by veteran Chicago journalist and author Mary Wisniewski to discuss her latest literary endeavor about Nelson Algren, “Algren: A Life.” Known for her deep roots in Chicago’s history and culture, Mary shares the inspiration behind her new book and the stories that define the city’s unique character. Whether you’re a history buff, a fellow Chicagoan, or just a fan of great storytelling, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the craft of writing and the soul of the Windy City.

Steve Dale shares the heartbreaking news of the passing of a true broadcasting legend and dear friend, Betty Sanders (of the iconic “Bob and Betty” team). Steve reminisces about the early days of his career producing the legendary pair at WCFL, the invaluable lessons they taught him about class and connection, and why they were the undisputed masters of “comfort radio.” A nostalgic and deeply personal tribute to a trailblazer.

Click here to listen to Steve’s last on-air discussion with the late Betty Sanders.

Jurgen Hooper from the Timeline Theatre joins Steve Dale to discuss Eureka Day, a thoughtful and entertaining show about parenting and also vaccine hesitancy at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place through February 12. For more information, visit Timeline Theatre.

Little Shop of Horrors is now showing at the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre through March 15. Jackson Evans, who plays Seymour in the show will reveal where he thinks this carnivorous plant comes from, and about why he hopes to feed WGN-TV’s Paul Lisnek to the plant.

Albert Friedman returns to the Booth 46 Podcast, after being a guest on our debut episode, and brought with him Bernard Cherkasov from the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center. While the museum in Skokie is closed for renovations, the Holocaust Museum presents ‘Experience360’, which is now open at 360 N. State Street.

From the actual Booth 46 at Petterino’s, Bernard and Albert talk to host Steve Dale about the world’s 3rd largest Holocaust Museum, its purpose, Bernard’s story, and how Experience360 provides a panoramic view through history and truth, inviting visitors of all backgrounds to witness stories of survival, ask questions, and reflect on the past in ways that inspire empathy, respect, and hope. Listen for that and more below:

As you listen to ‘Booth 46’ live from Petterino’s, and overhear the clanking of glasses, conversations from other booths, forks hitting plates and more, swipe through the photos below from the Episode 14 podcast recording to feel even more like you’re there.

• Albert Friedman from Petterino’s and Friedman Properties, Bernard Cherkasov from Illinois Holocaust Museum and Steve Dale from WGN Radio in Booth 46 at Petterino’s. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
• Albert Friedman from Petterino’s and Friedman Properties, Bernard Cherkasov from Illinois Holocaust Museum and Steve Dale from WGN Radio in Booth 46 at Petterino’s. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
• Albert Friedman from Petterino’s and Friedman Properties, Bernard Cherkasov from Illinois Holocaust Museum and Steve Dale from WGN Radio in Booth 46 at Petterino’s. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
• Albert Friedman from Petterino’s and Friedman Properties, Bernard Cherkasov from Illinois Holocaust Museum and Steve Dale from WGN Radio in Booth 46 at Petterino’s. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio

You’ll also see Mr. Friedman appear in our January 2026 Your Hometown video tour of Chicago’s Loop, and can hear his recent visit with John Williams on the Noon Business Lunch.

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

Forgiveness. Empathy. Compassion. Kindness. That’s what F.E.C.K. stands for in the title of Chaz Ebert’s new book, ‘It’s Time To Give A FECK.‘ (available to order on Amazon).

While Chaz is excited about the book’s success so far, she wants people to take those principles to heart and practice them. She joined Steve Dale on the latest episode of Booth 46, recorded live at Petterino’s in the heart of downtown Chicago, to discuss the book, her late husband and legendary film critic Roger Ebert, the movies they loved, and so much more.

As you listen to ‘Booth 46’ live from Petterino’s, and overhear the clanking of glasses, conversations from other booths, forks hitting plates and more, swipe through the photos below from the Episode 13 podcast recording to feel even more like you’re there.

• Chaz Ebert and Steve Dale in Booth 46 at Petterino’s. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
• Chaz Ebert and Steve Dale in Booth 46 at Petterino’s. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
• Chaz Ebert and Steve Dale in Booth 46 at Petterino’s. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
• Chaz Ebert and Steve Dale in Booth 46 at Petterino’s. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio
• Chaz Ebert with Steve Dale and her new book, “It’s Time To Give a FECK.” at Petterino’s in Chicago. Photo by Michael Piff / WGN Radio

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

Chicago’s 43rd Ward Alderman Tim Knudsen joins WGN Radio’s Steve Dale to discuss current issues in his ward and across the city. Alderman Knudsen talks about the city’s budget, curfew, homelessness, and CTA safety.