Where Are They Now

Lois Vitt Sale, architect and clay artist, reflects on her journey from sustainable building design to creating hand-built ceramic art. She discusses green roofs, net-zero buildings, and her upcoming exhibit at Clay Space in Lisle. Lois shares stories of her family, creative inspirations, and the meditative nature of working with clay. Listeners and callers add birthday wishes, art stories, and thoughtful reflections on design, creativity, and community.

Guest: Lois Vitt Sale - FAIA, LEED Fellow, Clay Artist

Evelyn Zumaya Flores, author and Valentino historian, explores the life of silent film icon Rudolph Valentino and his wife Natasha Rambova. She discusses Rambova’s influence, controversies, and later career as an Egyptologist, while sharing insights from seance transcripts and archival research. Evelyn reflects on her late husband Renato’s work translating Valentino material and her ongoing writing. The show covers Valentino’s marriages, career, and early death, blending history, Hollywood lore, and personal dedication.

Guest: Evelyn Zumaya Floris - Author

Subject:
Living Between Two Birthdays: Kerry Nagle's Leap Year Story

Recap:
In this episode, Kerry Nagle, author of "The Girl with Two Birthdays", shared her unique experience of being born on February 29. Kerry explained how she celebrates with two birthday parties every year—one with family on February 28 and another with friends on March 1.

She delved into the joys and quirks of her leap year birthday and how it inspired her book, a heartfelt exploration of identity, time, and celebrating life's milestones in unconventional ways. The conversation was warm, insightful, and a reminder of how special moments can be celebrated beyond the calendar.

Lisa Zane, actress and singer-songwriter, joins with classical guitarist Rafael Vivanco to share their collaboration on Mysteries of Spain, a CD of Spanish classical songs. Lisa recalls her acting career in ER, L.A. Law, and Dinotopia, while Rafael tells his journey from Peru to music in Chicago. They discuss life in Hollywood, New York, and Paris, the influence of family (including Lisa’s brother Billy Zane), and blending art forms through performance and songwriting.

Guest: Lisa Zane - Actress/Singer-songwriter

Rafael Vivanco - Guitarist

Mariyana Spyropoulos, Commissioner at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, discusses her run for Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. She shares her background as an attorney, her record of fiscal responsibility, and her push for transparency through independent oversight. The conversation highlights court backlogs, data collection, fraud prevention, and the need for stronger ethics and technology in the clerk’s office. Callers ask about voting, early voting, and her plans for leadership and reform .

Guest: Mariyana Spyropoulos, Commissioner

Mark Yamo shares the story of his family’s Italian sausage business, Yamo’s Sausage. He recalls growing up in Melrose Park, his father’s recipes, and how the business grew from a neighborhood grocery store to Chicago markets. Mark discusses the art of making authentic sausage, family traditions, and future plans for chicken and plant-based products. The conversation includes food tastings, Chicago Cubs memories, and how Yamo’s keeps its legacy alive with quality and care.

Guest: Mark Yamo - Family Business Owner, Sausage Maker

Tony DeYoung, rapper and mentor, shares his journey from hardship to building a label under Sony Orchard. He reflects on influences from Eminem to Stone Cold Steve Austin and how faith and music shaped his path. Alongside co-host Zach Johnson, they discuss signing artists, promoting positive rap, and transforming performers toward uplifting messages. The episode features live music from Rusty Drake and Eric Cohen, audience calls, and stories about resilience, opportunity, and the power of creativity.

Guests:

• Tony DeYoung (Tony D) – Rapper, mentor, label owner

• Zach Johnson – Co-host, musician with band Stick the Landing

Dr. Charles Bennett, hematologist, oncologist, and researcher, shares his journey from Pittsburgh to Northwestern and his fight against Big Pharma. He discusses uncovering deadly drug reactions, industry retaliation, lawsuits, and his book Taking on Big Pharma: The Battle. Bennett reflects on threats, legal struggles, and resilience, while also previewing a film project based on his story. The hosts discuss trust, corruption, and perseverance in the face of systemic pushback.

Guest: Dr. Charles Bennett - Author

This heartwarming Christmas episode features Kristy Sobel, a global goodwill ambassador, entrepreneur, author, and breast cancer survivor. Kristy shares her empowering story of overcoming a devastating car accident, life-threatening illness, and the loss of her daughter, transforming pain into purpose through advocacy for veterans, first responders, and patients in need. Her service dog, Hope, and projects like the DigniCap initiative symbolize her ongoing mission to inspire faith, perseverance, and healing. The show also welcomes musician Joni Pilato, who adds festive flair with a soulful jazz performance of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." Together, the guests and hosts deliver a message of courage, compassion, and Christmas spirit.

Kristy Sobel – global goodwill ambassador, entrepreneur, breast cancer survivor

Joni Pilato – jazz artist, composer, and vocalist

This episode features Rick Kaempfer, author of The Loop Files: An Oral History of the Most Outrageous Radio Station Ever. Rick shares his personal journey from growing up in Germany to becoming a producer at The Loop in Chicago, where he worked with iconic personalities like Steve and Gary, Johnny B., Kevin Matthews, and John Landecker. The conversation covers hilarious and wild stories about radio show antics, memorable guests including Ringo Starr and Gene Simmons, the celebrated yet chaotic radio culture, and behind-the-scenes insights into the legendary Disco Demolition event. Rick discusses the station’s eventual sale and format change to a Christian station, the impact on the local radio scene, and the deep bond among staff and fans. He also touches on his career as a full-time author and podcaster, reflecting on the evolution of radio and sharing family anecdotes. The show includes community shout-outs, holiday greetings, and lighthearted banter about music, pets, and upcoming events.