John Williams

The John Williams Uncut podcast from News/Talk 720 WGN, The Voice of Chicago.

Craig Bolanos: Market should continue to propel forward

Craig Bolanos, Founder and Wealth Advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins John Williams to talk about the likelihood we see an interest rate cut in December, why the stock market likes the idea of a rate cut, where people should be putting their money considering the volatility in the market, why consumer sentiment is down, his thoughts […]

11-21
--:--

Can AI truly be considered an artist?

Dr. David J. Gunkel, Distinguished Research Professor, Distinguished Teaching Professor, Chair – Department of Communication, Northern Illinois University, joins John Williams to talk about AI generated music, what the AI landscape in the arts is like right now, how human artists are using AI in their music, the ethical problems that come with AI, who […]

11-21
--:--

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, The Best Of, 11.21.25

Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com!

11-21
--:--

Connell McShane separates the news from the noise

NewsNation Now anchor Connell McShane joins John Williams to talk about President Donald Trump meeting New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, the Coast Guard changing their swastika policy, President Trump telling a reporter, ‘Quiet, piggy,’ and President Trump accusing several Democratic lawmakers of “seditious behavior,” after they posted a video telling military and intelligence officers to “refuse illegal orders.” […]

11-21
--:--

How to best experience the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Kimberly Bares, CEO, Magnificent Mile Association, tells John Williams to tell us everything we need to know about this year’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival! Kimberly also talks about the economic impact and what it means for the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois.

11-20
--:--

Your Hometown: How the Addison blood bank has saved lives

Judy Socha, who has organized the Addison blood bank for over 50 years, joins John Williams to talk about her personal connection to blood drives, the importance of people donating blood, why she continues her mission to help bring in blood, the wonderful people that she has met on her journey, the amount of blood they […]

11-20
--:--

Best of the Midwest: Get in the Christmas spirit with a visit to Lake Geneva!

It’s time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature! Are you trying to come up with some holiday vacation ideas that are only a quick getaway from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we head north and visit with the always delightful Stephanie Klett, President […]

11-20
--:--

Dawn Jackson Blatner: How to enjoy a healthy Thanksgiving

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about the three things she’s going to add to her Thanksgiving routine, how to add color to your Thanksgiving meal, the most important tip to enjoy a healthy Thanksgiving, and how to R.E.S.E.T. your health the next day and beyond!

11-20
--:--

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part MLXII, 11.20.25

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.

11-20
--:--

Jeff Buys Your House: Honoring service and friendship

John Williams talks with Jeff Nydegger of JeffBuysYourHouse.com and Chris Kasper, both veterans of the U.S. Army. The two became friends while serving in the 864th Combat Heavy Engineer Battalion at Fort Lewis, Washington. In 2003, while attached to the 101st Airborne, the two were among the first to cross the border into Iraq. They […]

11-20
--:--

The Mincing Rascals 11.19.25: Head tax defeat, Epstein files, Mobile ID, Word of the Year

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, political pundit Marj Halperin, and long-time Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972. This week, the Rascals start the podcast talking about Illinois launching Mobile ID for iPhones. Are the Rascals on board with the new technology feature? Next, Mayor […]

11-19
58:20

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias: Mobile ID is a new way to think about identity, security, and convenience

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias joins John Williams to talk about Illinois implementing Mobile IDs. Secretary Giannoulias explains how the digital technology works, why this technology is both convenient and safe, where you can use your digital ID right now, when the mobile ID will come to Android phones, and if passports will be coming to your […]

11-19
--:--

How the Salvation Army helps families break a cycle of crisis

Tameka Patterson, MSW, LSW Divisional Pathway of Hope Project Manager, The Salvation Army, North and Central Illinois Division, joins John Williams to talk about the work she does at the Salvation Army, what they do to help families in tough circumstances, how many people they typically serve in a day, how each family they help […]

11-19
--:--

Landscape expert Bob Bertog: Continue to water your trees and shrubs

Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions.

11-19
--:--

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part MLXI, 11.19.25

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.

11-19
--:--

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin: Get the seasonal flu shot now

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer, Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about it being cold and flu season and the importance of getting your flu vaccine. Dr. Kopin also talks about a new study that showed daily music listening being linked to a big drop in dementia risk, the […]

11-18
--:--

Eric Zorn: Border Patrol won’t be back in Chicago next year

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about his choice for ‘Word of the Year,’ Border Patrol leaving the Chicago area, and the Chicago City Council Finance Committee rejecting Brandon Johnson’s head tax proposal.

11-18
--:--

Jen Jolly with the top tech trends of 2025

Jen Jolly, tech reporter and founder of Techish.com, joins John Williams to talk about some of the top tech trends for 2025 and the best gadgets for the holiday season.

11-18
--:--

John Williams brings you a round of Speed Jokes, Part MLX, 11.18.25

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.

11-18
--:--

Lou Manfredini: How to prep if you are hosting Thanksgiving

The great Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini, joins John Williams to tell us the projects we need to be working on this week. This week, Lou offers tips on how to prep your house if you are hosting Thanksgiving. Lou also answers your home improvement questions about window cleaning, outside hoses, and fruit flies. Listen to HouseSmarts Radio on WGN each […]

11-17
13:08

Recommend Channels