The Big Wakeup Call

On this week's episode, Bill McCormick and Ryan Gatenby discuss the latest information available regarding the coronavirus crisis, including some of the myths involved (it has nothing to do with beer, it doesn't turn itself away at a national border, and a football helmet face mask will not protect you).  Also: wash your bleeping hands, don't inhale sneezes, and cocaine is not a coronavirus killer (nor does it turn all of the coronavirus's bad feelings into good feelings).

Michael Seth Starr is author of the new book "Shatner," one of the few third-person biographies of the legendary actor.  Michael discussed what inspired the book, why Shatner declined to cooperate and blocked him on Twitter, and how Shatner has remained a force in the industry for seven decades.

Chelsea Ursin is the host of the great new podcast "Dear Young Rocker."  It's an audio memoir of growing up a loner and finding a home in music, including a segment on letters she'd write to her younger self.  Despite our being a generation apart, I relate to so much of her story as a fellow creator/writer/nerd/musician.

Mark Bego is a best-selling author who has written books about Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, and the Supremes. Mark called into the show to discuss his new book "Rocket Man: The Life of Elton John."

In this week's episode, Bill McCormick and Ryan Gatenby discuss the troubling new discovery of an actual, real-life land shark. Plus: surfing kittens, murderous carrier pigeons, disguised dodos and rapid robot replacements.

Blackhawks legend Patrick Sharp dialed us up for a chat about the current NHL season, the status of the Blackhawks, the return of Coach Q to the United Center, and how local communities can win rink upgrades and the chance to hold an NHL pre-season game.

In this week's episode, Bill McCormick and Ryan Gatenby share some follow-up information on last week's story about the Green Valley Alzheimer's treatment, and then discuss Mojo Vision, the new "smart" contact lens.  Is it an eyeball implant like Michael Jackson in Thriller?  Is it as much fun as watching televised eye surgery? Plus: Blade Runner, Hover Boards, and Windows Phones.

Best-selling author and Chicagoan Rachel Bertsche called in to discuss her new book "The Kids are In Bed," about how parents need to carve out time for themselves and not feel guilty about it.  We shared our experiences with our four-year-olds and how we can maintain an identity other than that of a parent.  Plus: Rachel does her best to help me get a free Peloton bike.

In this extra-long plus-sized episode, Bill McCormick joined us from the World News Center to discuss the mysterious story of how an Alzheimer's treatment achieved FDA approval in record time.  Also: No, Wal-Mart isn't giving away $75 gift cards, we get a prank call from a whistleblower, and Bill has hurt feelings.

Chicago's own Rob Belushi called in to say hello to his grandmother in Naperville and talk about his new GSN game show, "Get a Clue," as well as give us an exclusive insider look at the role of game show judges.