Returning guest Tara Strong called in for a chat about the final season of "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic," where she has voiced Twilight Sparkle for more than 200 episodes.  We discussed how she's been a part of the lives of multiple generations of children, how it feels to say goodbye to a character, and shared some insight on recording sessions for animated features.  She was also kind enough to say hello to my 3-year-old daughter in character as Twilight Sparkle.

Emmy Award-winning journalist and former CNN chief White House correspondent Jessica Yellin joined the show to talk about her new novel, "Savage News." We discussed why she wrote a novel versus a memoir, how she got a glowing testimonial from Amy Schumer, and the impact of "fake news" on journalists and newsrooms.

It was a thrill to chat with the legendary Terry Gilliam about his long-awaited movie The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, which will be in theaters for one-night only on Wednesday, April 10th as part of a Fathom Events presentation.  We discussed the 30-year quest it took to bring the film to the screen, shooting a movie with real people in a real setting (no CGI, no green screens) and how my 13-year-old self would be freaking out to chat with him.  A true comedy superstar.

In this week's segment from the World News Center, Bill McCormick begins with a cautionary tale of doing one's due diligence, and then we proceeded with a discussion about the capital gains implications of cyber currency, dealing with the organic food police, and an unusual rock and roll collaboration.

Plus: introducing a new podcast and discovering Bill's true essence as a big ball of floating sunshine.

Bill McCormick called in live from the World News Center to report the stunning news that no, Captain Marvel is not Wonder Woman.  We also discussed why Game of Thrones has failed to develop weaponry beyond the pointy stick standard.  Plus: Bill is not, nor has he ever been, a teenage girl.

The legendary Henry Rollins joined the show to talk about his role in a new four-part docuseries Punk, which debuts March 11 on EPIX.  We also discussed how music and fashion were attached to the English punk rock scene, why he embraced the punk rock community as a teenager, and the reason he turns down most punk rock documentaries (and why he chose to appear in this one).

Award-winning chef and Emmy-nominated TV host Edward Lee called in to talk about his book Buttermilk Graffiti, now out in paperback.  We discussed the life-affirming meals that can take place both at a Michelin-star restaurant and a small community "hole in the wall," how immigration fueled the innovation and evolution of American cuisine, and why it's important for him to get out of the kitchen.

The legendary William Shatner made his debut appearance on The Big Wakeup Call when he called in to talk about his upcoming appearance at the Rosemont Theater on March 8, where he'll be hosting a special screening of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn, followed by a conversation and Q&A.  We had a fun chat about re-visiting his films, thoughtfully answering fans' questions, and if we'll see a tour for the 30th anniversary of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (my favorite of the series...and incidentally the one he directed).

Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan joined the BWUC Five Timers' Club when they called in for a chat about Sunday Night's Oscar ceremony, including the best and worst dressed, any indicators of future fashion trends, who was the most surprisingly dressed, and Lady Gaga-Bradley Cooper revisited.  Once I get the presses running again in my basement, they'll get the official 5-timers commemorative t-shirt and certificate of achievement (suitable for framing).

Chicago Fire star Joe Minoso joined the show to talk about tonight's crossover episodes of Chicago Fire and Chicago PD, beginning tonight at 8 CT on NBC-5 Chicago. Joe and I also discussed the stupidest Chicago winter ever and his roots in the area.