Steve Cochran

On December 20th, 2019 Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers: Final 3rd Quarter Growth Figures will be out today Increase in November’s personal income and spending Blackberry’s Earnings https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3707355/3707355_2019-12-20-124955.128.mp3

On this episode, the show focuses on impeachment. Donald Trump became the third president in American history to be impeached yesterday. WGN-TV Reporter, Nancy Look covers local reaction. Top 6 at 6 brings you up to speed to all the latest news, followed by Former Chairman for the Republican Party, Pat Brady, and Congressman Darin LaHood discussing impeachment. Later, “President Trump” calls in, and Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer joins the show. Plus, Congressman, Dan Lipinski joins the show to share his views on impeachment. Dean Richards reviews the new Star Wars movie, and the show wraps with Homeside Financial’s, David Hochberg.  Listen to the podcast here: https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3707126/Steve_Cochran_Full_Show_12_19_19_2019-12-19-164226.64kmono.mp3

Congressmen Darin LaHood and Dan Lipinski join the show to discuss their opposite views on impeachment with Steve. Listen to the podcast here: https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3707132/LaHood-Lipinski_121919_2019-12-19-162932.64kmono.mp3

In just a couple of weeks, the calendar will flip from 2019 to 2020. Business owners and employees alike will need to keep a few things in mind including the new rules for overtime regarding exempt and non-exempt workers. Bret McKitrick (SVP & Sr. HR Consultant at Associated Benefits and Risk Consulting – Part of Associated Bank) joined Steve Grzanich in studio for the Associated Bank Thought Leader conversation. They discuss these new overtime rules, vaping in the workplace, and Major League Baseball’s decision on testing players for marijuana. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3707052/Thought_Leader_Bret_McKitrick_New_Rules_For_Overtime_Vaping_Marijuana_2019-12-19-104352.128.mp3

On December 19th, 2019 Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers: Bank of England and Bank of Japan will release interest rate and monetary policy decisions Weekly unemployment numbers Nike quarterly earnings https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3707065/Associated_Bank_Market_Outlook_12-19-19_2019-12-19-123305.128.mp3

On this episode, the show starts off with WGN-TV Reporter, Nancy Loo, covering the City Council meeting to delay pot sales. Get all the news updates on Top 6 at 6, followed by Attorney Karen Conti, discussing consumer holiday purchases.  Today the morning crew exchanged gifts on air! Spending cap $10 dollars, and everyone had to purchase their gift from the dollar store. Find out what everyone got! Bears Insider, Adam Hoge joins the show to talk about the upcoming  Bears game against the Kansas City Chiefs.  Plus, Senator Dick Durbin discusses opioid crisis, family leave, and impeachment. The show wraps with Paul Konrad and Blackhawks Coach, Jeremy Colliton. Listen to the podcast here: https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3706834/Steve_Cochran_Full_Show_12_18_19_2019-12-18-172434.64kmono.mp3

Senator Dick Durbin joins the Steve Cochran show to discuss the opioid crisis, family leave and impeachment. He discusses how the drugs have become overused and misused, how important it is to understand family realities, and the Senate trial, that is expected to start early next year.  Listen to the podcast here: https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3706835/Senator_Dick_Durbin_121819_2019-12-18-175935.64kmono.mp3  

A couple weeks ago the Blackhawks played the Colorado Avalanche on back-to-back days. Unfortunately for the ‘Hawks, they were outscored by a combined 12-5 in those two games. Coach Jeremy Colliton talked about what needs to change when the two teams get together tonight at the United Center. He and Steve Cochran also talked about the recent holiday party the team held and what they have planned as 2019 winds to a close. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3706837/Jeremy_Colliton_121819_2019-12-18-170437.64kmono.mp3

On December 18th, 2019 Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers: Quarterly earning reports from General Mills & Micron Weekly crude oil inventories report from the Energy Information Administration https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3706765/Associated_Bank_Market_Outlook_12-18-19_2019-12-18-125205.128.mp3

On this episode, the show starts off with WGN-TV Reporter, Courtney Gousman covering the shooting of a 16-year-old girl. Amazon Spokesperson, Av Raichura, talks about how you can keep your packages safe this holiday season. Later, the Top 6 at 6 brings you up to speed with the latest news, followed  by Kid Of The Week, Samantha DeFily, a 14-year-old 8th grader that started a book drive for underprivileged kids. The show continues with Steve Cochran’s granddaughter who turns 4 today!  Happy Birthday Abigail Grace! Plus, Author of The Way We All Became The Brady Bunch, Kim Potts, joins the show to talk about her book, the Brady Bunch, current TV shows and much more. Dean Richards has the latest news in entertainment that includes Mariah Carey’s popular Christmas song, ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ finally reaching the top spot on the billboard charts. Plus, a voicemail to ABC 7’s Mark Giangreco. The show wraps up with Breakfast with a Blackhawk, Left Wing player, Zach Smith. Listen to the podcast here: https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3706552/Steve_Cochran_Full_Show_12_17_19_2019-12-17-174752.64kmono.mp3

Kid Of The Week is Samantha DeFily, a 14-year-old 8th grader that started a book drive for underprivileged kids. Since she was little she has always wanted to help others. Her passion for reading 10-12 books a week, pushed her to find a way to make a difference. Last year she wrote the superintendent of her district 157 and started a book drive for underprivileged children just at her junior high and collected 500 books in 1 week period. This year she expand to K-8 and collected 3400 books that are going to Mahalia Jackson Elementary School in Chicago’s Gresham neighborhood, most of this done by Sam. Going into High school LWE next year she hopes to continue this. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3706555/KOTW_121719_2019-12-17-174355.64kmono.mp3

After spending over a decade in Ottawa with the Senators, Zach Smith was acquired by the Blackhawks this past offseason. He called into the Steve Cochran Show to talk about what it’s like playing for an Original 6 franchise and adjusting to a new city and new teammates as well. Zach described and how much he’s looking forward to January as he and his wife are expecting their second child. Later on Zach talks about the respect Patrick Kane gets from opposing teams, and gives a preview of tomorrow night’s game against the Colorado Avalanche. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3706556/Zach_Smith_121719_2019-12-17-171656.64kmono.mp3

On December 17th, 2019 Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers: Housing starts lead off today’s economic reports November’s industrial production Job openings for November are due this morning https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3706490/Associated_Bank_Market_Outlook_12-17-19_2019-12-17-123130.128.mp3

On this episode, the show starts off with WGN-TV’s Courtney Gousman reporting live from Gary Indiana  about a  4-year-old who was shot and killed. Google’s Sustainability Officer Kate Brandt joins the show to talk about everyday tips and tricks for making more sustainable choices,  gift ideas,  and help you have a more positive impact on the planet this holiday season. The show continues with the Top 6 at 6 followed by Dr. Kevin Most, on diabetes and weight management. Later Bears Hall of Famer, Dan Hampton joins the show to talk about the Bears loss against the Green Bay Packers over the weekend. Dean Richards has the latest news in entertainment. Plus Steve’s “Christmas Card Over the Phone” features singer, Jim Cornelison. The show wraps up with Bob Mueller author of The Bulge Battlefields. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3706280/Steve_Cochran_Full_Show_12_16_19_2019-12-16-170520.64kmono.mp3

75 years ago today, a series of battles took place in and around the Forest of Ardennes. Bob Mueller has written five visitor guides to the battlefields of Northern Europe under the Fields of War imprint which have garnered eleven national book awards including being twice honored by the Military Writers Society of America. He stopped by the studio to give some background information on the Battle of the Bulge and to talk about the book he wrote about it: “The Bulge Battlefield“. For more information, please visit Bob’s website: FrenchBattleFields.Com.   https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3706284/Bob_Mueller_121619_2019-12-16-170124.64kmono.mp3

Steve’s “Christmas Card Over the Phone” features singer, Jim Cornelison. Chicago Blackhawk fans have known him for over a decade as their National Anthem Singer. Now fans of the Indianapolis 500, NASCAR, Mecum Auto Auctions and many others hear him regularly, too. For more information, visit: www.jimcornelison.com https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3706283/Jim_Cornelison_121619_2019-12-16-173423.64kmono.mp3

We have talked in the past numerous times about Diabetes and the epidemic levels we are reaching here in the United States. Diabetes is a terrible disease that can impact our heart, our kidneys, our vision, our circulation our risk for cancer, the list goes on. Diabetes is a condition where the level of glucose or sugar in our blood is much higher than needed. This leads to many problems. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3706207/Doc_Most_121619_2019-12-16-130407.64kmono.mp3 Diabetes is broken down into 2 groups, Type 1 Diabetes ( makes up 5% of all diabetes) and Type 2 Diabetes,( makes up the other 95% of diabetics) they are very different, treated differently but unfortunately can end up with the same complications. So why are we discussing this today, was there a cure found? Is there a new blockbuster drug? Unfortunately the answer to those questions are no. The reason we are discussing is that some very concerning studies came out last week that show that we are probably not going to see a slowdown of the incidence of diabetes and in fact will probably see an increase in the number of case of diabetes, at least Type 2. So what are the differences between the 2 types of Diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin, it was known as Childhood Diabetes as it was often diagnosed in Children at a young age as many are born with this condition. Type 2 Diabetes which was previously termed Adult Onset diabetes is a different disease, with Type 2 Diabetes the body actually resists the effects of insulin or in some cases it does not make enough insulin. Insulin is needed to move sugar from your bloodstream to your cells that need sugar. The treatment for Type 1 diabetes is to replace the insulin that the pancreas is not making with shots of insulin. Technology has allowed us to move from the shots to insulin pumps for many people, and the finger stick to monitor your blood sugar is also seeing technology help with sensors that are placed under the skin that monitor your blood sugar continuously thru the day. These results are tracked and stored on your phone with many apps and in some cases the results are sent to your doctor as well. Prior to these advancements, patients had to stick their finger a few times thru the day to monitor their blood sugar levels which would then dictate the amount of insulin they needed. They would keep a paper copy which they would then bring to their doctors visit for the doctor to review, so technology has allowed us to treat and control Type 1 diabetics much better. The bigger issue is the Type 2 diabetics, remember this used to be termed Adult onset diabetes. A study that came out in JAMA last week gave us some startling and sobering information. This study showed that 1 in 5 adolescents and 1 in 4 young adults are now termed prediabetic. The term prediabetic means that your blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be termed a diabetic. These individuals are on track for a likely progression to a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. This is extremely concerning as we have seen a sharp increase in childhood obesity rates over the past decade. Obesity rates in children and adolescents is approaching 20%, which falls right in line with the study showing prediabetic patients being in the 20% rate. The concerning trend is not only with obesity but also with overweight children. Adults with Type 2 diabetes are treated with medication that makes their existing insulin more effective, but in some cases the patients actually need insulin as well even though they are making insulin. The best treatment for Type 2 diabetes is actually losing weight. The loss of weight allows the insulin to be more effective and thus often eliminates the need for medication. So why are we discussing this now, It has nothing to do with our Thanksgiving meal discussion however it does relate to the fact that many individuals will gain weight over the winter. There are many reasons for our winter weight gain. Below are a few reasons. 1.) We sleep more in the winter and thus are not actively burning calories for the same time as we do in the summer 2.) Cold weather keeps our outdoor activities limited 3.) We have a few major holiday meetings as well as holiday parties laden with unhealthy high caloric foods 4.) We enjoy comfort foods in the winter, stews and pastas are common in the winter and additional servings are not felt as much as they are in the summer 5.) We find less fresh produce in the stores and when there the prices have increased dramatically 6.) Believe it or not, the extra heavy clothes we wear don’t give us visual clues of any weight gain and thus do not remind us to eat properly 7.) We actually use more salt in the winter, be it from the comfort foods we are eating or the heavier foods and snacks we eat are high in sodium 8.) Let’s not forget the specialty coffees we see at this time of the year whether they are pumpkin latte, peppermint coffee or even spiced apple drinks, the calories add up Now this would all be fine as we all know about the weight swings we see from winter to summer, however a study was released last week that shared with us the fact that we have many more American’s that weigh over 200lbs than we have ever had and that the majority of individuals in the United States are either overweight or obese. This increase has been noted in both sexes, in 2001 we had 38% of men over 200lbs, now that number is 42%. For women in 2001, 12% had a weight over 200lbs, this year we are closer to 15%. Couple that with measurement of BMI where height is taken into consideration and we find that 70% of American’s are actually over the desired BMI of 25. These statistics tell us why our issue with diabetes is increasing in this country. This additional weight also contributes the heart disease, high blood pressure and joint pain. The more concerning finding in the study is that American’s overall are more content with their weight and we find that more individuals have no desire to lose weight. American’s are less likely to be bothered by their weight and actually feel that their current weight is “about right”. This study done by Gallup, contradicts the study recently studied in JAMA which said more Americans are trying to lose weight. The reason for the awareness is that obesity is felt to be responsible for 20% of deaths each year and countless other illnesses and injuries. The feeling of being accepting of our weight certainly played out this week with the backlash from the commercial from exercise bike company Peloton. The commercial which Peloton produced to celebrate fitness and wellness journey was slammed in the media for being sexist and weight loss focused. I find it hard to slam a company that makes exercise equipment for those who want to exercise and stay healthy, but many others obviously disagree. If we don’t accept that we have a problem with obesity and diabetes in this country then we should be accepting of the increased cost in healthcare. I can tell you that treating diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease is not inexpensive, yet a large portion of those issue can be eliminated or minimized with weight control.

On December 16th, 2019 Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers: National Association of Home Builders’ housing index is due out today The U.S. Empire State Manufacturing Survey is out https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3706203/Associated_Bank_Market_Outlook_12-16-19_2019-12-16-120003.128.mp3

On this episode, the show starts off with WGN-TV Reporter Judy Wang covering the kidnapping and robbery of two men on the NW Side by people pretending to be cops. A new hotel is opening in Chicago, C.O.O. of citizenM Hotel, Michael Levie, joins the show to talk about why they picked Chicago as their new location. The show continues with the Top 6 at 6 followed by Lou’s First Call. Plus do you get a work perk?  Later on the show Ji Suk Yi joins Steve Cochran with a special guest…Ji’s mom! “Cochran’s Christmas Card” calls continue with Spike O’Dell, and Bears Hall of Famer joins the show to talk about the upcoming Bears vs. Packers game this weekend. Dean Richards has the latest in entertainment and the show wraps with Comedian John Heffron!  Listen to the podcast here: https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3703464/Steve_Cochran_Full_Show_12_13_19_2019-12-13-165504.64kmono.mp3

On this episode, the show start off with a live report by WGN-TV’s Kelly Davis covering the annual pilgrimage to pay homage to Our Lady of Guadalupe, (a Mexican icon of Catholicism), in Des Plaines. Nick Digilio talks about what movies to watch this weekend, and the morning crew opens their white elephant gifts sent from Goodwill on air. Later the show brings you up to speed with the Top 6 at 6, followed by Former Chairman for The Republican Party, Pat Brady, and Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer join in studio to talk impeachment and more political news.  Dean Richards has the latest news in entertainment, and Steve calls Ana Belaval to wish her Merry Christmas, so he doesn’t have to send out a Christmas card. Homeside Financial’s David Hochberg stops by to talk about his new show on WGN Radio and the show ends with Emmy and Golden Globe winner, Jane Lynch to talk about her  her own live concert tour, “A Swingin’ Little Christmas,” with Kate Flannery, Tim Davis, and The Tony Guerrero Quintet. Find out more here: janelynchofficial.com Listen to the podcast here: https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3703144/Steve_Cochran_Full_Show_12_12_19_2019-12-12-173344.64kmono.mp3