Where Are They Now

Commissioner Mariyana Spyropoulos discusses her career in public service, from the Water Reclamation District to her run for Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court. She emphasizes transparency, technology, and improving access to justice.

Guest: Mariyana Spyropoulos – Commissioner, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago; candidate for Clerk of the Circuit Court.

Associate Judge Frank Andreou and attorney Jack Costello join the show to discuss their careers in law, from criminal cases to civil litigation. They reflect on the courtroom, public service, and Jack’s run for judge.

Guests:

• Judge Frank Andreou – Associate Judge, Law Division, Cook County.

• Jack Costello – Attorney and judicial candidate.

Environmental expert and professor David Arieti discusses his book Prognosis: Disaster – How Climate Change and Disease Will Ruin Your Life Unless…. He shares insights on global warming, public health, and the urgent need for sustainable change.

Guest: David Arieti – Professor, environmental expert, and author of Prognosis: Disaster.

Three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and author Yvette Manessis Corporon shares her journey from covering global news to writing acclaimed books. She talks about her Greek heritage, her life as a New Yorker, and her passion for storytelling.

Guest: Yvette Manessis Corporon – Journalist, author of Something Beautiful Happened and other books.

Chicago native Bruce Carlson reflects on his career in technology, from the early days of punch cards at Lane Tech to modern IT consulting. He shares insights from his business Technology Made Simple and his role in helping companies adapt through innovation.

Guest: Bruce Carlson – Industrial engineer, IT consultant, and VP of Technology at an HVAC and plumbing company.

On Saturday, August 31, 2024, Zak Johnson, a seasoned vocalist and frontman with over two decades of music industry experience, joined the show for a lively discussion about music bands. As a key figure in Chicago’s Too Hype Crew, the city’s world-famous old-school hip-hop party band, Zak shared insights into his musical journey, the art of live performance, and the enduring appeal of classic hip-hop.

In this episode of Where Are They Now? (August 24, 2024), national bestselling author William Hazelgrove joins the hosts to dive into Chicago’s storied Maxwell Street, the birthplace of Chicago Blues and a melting pot of culture and commerce. Hazelgrove also discusses his acclaimed book Madam President: The Secret Presidency of Edith Wilson, revealing how Edith Wilson quietly ran the White House after Woodrow Wilson’s stroke. The conversation expands into the Titanic tragedy, Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds broadcast, and Hazelgrove’s personal survival story from the 2016 Fort Lauderdale Airport shooting. Alongside lively listener call-ins, Art Andros, Bobby Drell, Artie, and producer Devin bring their humor and heart, making history feel as alive and relevant as ever.

Guest: William Hazelgrove – National bestselling author of fiction and nonfiction (Madam President, Maxwell Street, 160 Minutes: The Race to Save the Titanic, Dead Air).

This episode featured Alexia Melocchi, a highly accomplished entrepreneur, P.G.A producer, author, and podcaster. As the co-founder of Little Studio Films, Alexia shared insights from her remarkable 30-year journey in Hollywood, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her work in filmmaking, storytelling, and fostering creative collaborations.

Listeners gained valuable advice on breaking into the industry, adapting to its ever-changing landscape, and staying resilient. With her wealth of experience and inspiring anecdotes, Alexia’s story left listeners motivated to pursue their own creative dreams.

This episode featured Jorianne The Coffee Psychic, joined by her two friends, both named Kim. Jorianne shared her unique method of psychic readings, using a cup of coffee as a crystal ball, interpreting images in the steam, cream, and bubbles.

Listeners were enthralled as she demonstrated her craft and recounted fascinating readings, with the Kims adding personal anecdotes. The episode blended mysticism, humor, and insight, turning an ordinary cup of coffee into a doorway to the extraordinary.

Sicilian-born author Carlo Lombardo shares stories of his childhood in Alta Villa, his immigration to Chicago, and his years at Lane Tech. He discusses his published works, including Alta Vila Sicily: Memories of a Happy Childhood, Making America, and Vietnam/University: Two Schools of Thought.

Guest: Carlo (Calogero) Lombardo – Author of memoirs and historical works exploring Sicilian roots, American life, and personal history.