Where Are They Now

This energetic episode features Jorianne the Coffee Psychic, returning for her third visit to field on-air readings for listeners and studio guests. Joined by original Chicago Honey Bear cheerleaders Andrea Gadara-Gatilla and Patty, the show dives into psychic predictions, lively sports banter, and personal stories of travel, career, and health. Jorianne shares her background—including how a childhood brain injury led to psychic abilities and coffee readings—and gives spot-on predictions to callers and in-studio guests about careers, health, relationships, pets, and coming prosperity. The morning is filled with laughter, surprise connections, football nostalgia, and advice for developing intuitive skills, while listeners call in for quick psychic guidance. The program also features lighthearted moments, shout-outs to community businesses, and celebrates milestones like birthdays and anniversary trips.

This engaging episode features Lee Crooks, the acclaimed voice announcer for the Chicago Transit Authority's trains and buses for over 25 years. Lee shares stories of his journey from Wausau, Wisconsin, to becoming one of Chicago's most recognized (but unseen) personalities, recounting his early career in audio engineering and music, the process of winning the CTA role, and why voice acting is truly acting, not just talking. Lee details the intricacies and technology behind recording thousands of station and route announcements, how the job evolved with advancing tech, and even responds to audience questions about union work, training, and iconic recording slip-ups (like the infamous “library” incident). Listeners get career advice, behind-the-scenes CTA trivia, and thoughts on AI in the voiceover field. Lighthearted moments include sports fandom talk, funny commercials, and Powerball predictions, blending entertainment and insight for anyone fascinated by everyday voices heard all across Chicago.

This episode spotlights Jay Pridmore, Chicago architecture historian and author, joining live from Italy to discuss his book on the Sears Tower and his latest work, "Modern Beyond Style and the Pursuit of Beauty." Jay shares stories of the Sears Tower’s origin, pioneering engineering and controversial name changes, alongside rich anecdotes about famed Chicago architects like Larry Booth and the Chicago Seven. The conversation explores the connection between city buildings and cultural history, how modern architects balance style and function, and what makes Chicago’s skyline unique. Jay also touches on urban legends, neighborhoods, insider trivia, and the importance of green design in contemporary architecture. Call-in questions add fun facts, including robotic window washers and timeless debates (Sears vs. Willis, Comiskey vs. Guaranteed Rate), while community announcements wrap up the show with local flavor and upcoming events.

This lively, insightful episode welcomes tattoo and body artist Kelsey Carmela, who discusses her journey from the Philippines to becoming a sought-after tattoo artist based in Wilmette. Kelsey shares her unique perspective as a young Filipino American shaping her own niche within the art form. The hosts explore everything from the basics (pain, pricing, consultations, and aftercare) to specialty techniques like script, minimalist, and LA/Chicano style tattoos. Listeners are treated to stories about Kelsey's first tattoos, favorite styles, career development, and even playful debates about what's considered "sexy ink" on men and women. The conversation also touches on tattoo history, trends, pet and animal tattoos, and the art of balancing client expectations with creative freedom. Call-in and in-studio questions round out the episode with humor, practical tips, and plenty of personal anecdotes, making this an engaging look at modern tattoo culture.

This episode welcomes Helen Shiller, renowned Uptown alderwoman, community organizer, and author of Daring to Struggle, Daring to Win: Five Decades of Resistance in Chicago’s Uptown Community. Shiller shares candid stories of her upbringing in Brooklyn, her activism in the antiwar and racial justice movements of the 1960s and 70s, and her move to Chicago to organize poor and working-class residents. The conversation spans her coalition-building in Uptown, close connections with the Black Panther Party and Harold Washington, and behind-the-scenes accounts of hard-fought city elections, tackling corruption, and the changing demographics and challenges in Uptown. The hosts discuss Shiller’s book, her involvement in survival programs (housing, pantries, health care), the infamous Chicago "Council Wars," and her fight to preserve affordability and diversity in Uptown through decades of political and social change. The episode is filled with personal anecdotes, audience questions about city politics, and reflections on what has (and hasn’t) changed in local activism.

This international episode welcomes overseas reporter Julie Haines, live from England, for a firsthand account of British life one year following Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III’s ascension. Julie shares her perspective on the nation’s economic challenges, including rising fuel prices and mortgage rates, and offers insights into generational opinions on the monarchy. She also talks about the Queen’s beloved corgis (with Sarah Ferguson adopting some) and the impact on royal pets. The conversation is filled with humor, cultural comparisons, local UK traditions (Oktoberfest, sports, pizzerias), and audience questions about royal headlines. The episode ends with community announcements and listener participation in a royal dog trivia contest.

In this remarkable and deeply inspiring episode, Dr. Marina Kostina joins Art, Bobby, and Nicky to share her extraordinary story of survival and transformation. After a skydiving accident left her with 52 broken bones and a near-death experience, she rebuilt her body and spirit through 10 surgeries, self-discovery, and hypnotherapy. The author of 52 Pieces: A Manual of Light to Survive the Abysses of Trauma, Dr. Kostina discusses the physical and emotional journey of embracing healing, overcoming PTSD, and helping others through clinical hypnotherapy and motivational retreats. With humor, wisdom, and heart, she reveals how every trauma can become a tool for growth, light, and gratitude.

Dr. Marina Kostina – author, clinical hypnotherapist, trauma specialist

This entertaining and nostalgic episode features Larry Albright, better known to fans as professional wrestler Rodeo Jones. Larry reflects on his early days in Denver, training in Chicago, and his rise to fame in the wrestling world. He shares wild behind-the-scenes stories of wrestlers such as Dick the Bruiser, The Crusher, Andre the Giant, and many others, providing an inside look at what really went on in the ring and backstage during wrestling’s golden era. The episode strikes a balance of humor, storytelling, and nostalgia, highlighting Larry’s time as both an athlete and a Cook County Sheriff after retiring from wrestling. The hosts and callers join in with laughter, memories, and appreciation for a true wrestling veteran.

This engaging episode features Kiki Whitehead, the national chairman of Hellenic Voters of America and a board member of Project Hope, a philanthropic endeavor under the Chicago Greek Orthodox Metropolis. Kiki shares her immigrant family background, artistic talents as a children’s book illustrator and Chicago Greytown artist, and her dedication to community service and political advocacy. Listeners hear stories of cultural heritage, local events, and Kiki’s work in digital marketing and graphic design. The show also highlights upcoming community festivals and personal anecdotes, blending heritage, art, and civic engagement in a heartfelt conversation.

In this fascinating and nostalgic episode, author and historian Evelyn Zumaya joins Art Andros and Bobby Drell to explore the life, career, and mystery surrounding silent film icon Rudolph Valentino. Zumaya, author of Affairs Valentino and other acclaimed works, delves into the “pink powder puff” controversy—a scandal that erupted in Chicago just weeks before Valentino’s death in 1926—and its lasting impact on his legacy. The conversation also touches on the romantic folklore surrounding Valentino’s funeral, annual memorial traditions at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, and the enduring fascination with the myth of the “Lady in Black.” In between the historical insights, the hosts celebrate community events, pet stories, and local Chicago culture, creating a show both informative and heartwarming.