John Williams

Nick Offerman, actor, comedian, carpenter and writer, joins John Williams and special guest “Mr. Fix-It” Lou Manfredini to preview Iceboy!, a new musical 40,000 years in the making now running at Goodman Theatre. Nick talks about his talented wife Megan Mullally, the star of the show, and how she spent years getting the production ready […]

World-renowned paleontologist, educator and author Steve Brusatte joins John Williams to talk about his new book, The Story of Birds: A New History from Their Dinosaur Origins to the Present, and breaks down how modern birds are “living dinosaurs.” Steve will appearing in Ottawa at The Abbey at The Ottawa Arts Center, Sunday, July 12, for a […]

Amie Parnes, senior political correspondent for The Hill, joins John Williams to explain embattled Maine Democrat Graham Platner’s exit from the Senate race, the current scramble to replace him, and what the fallout means for Democrats’ chances of flipping the Senate.

Hector Corona, founder of City Kids Camp, joins John Williams to give an update on camp this year from weather‑challenged activities to powerful connections between inner‑city kids and visiting police officers. To learn more, visit citykidscamp.org

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!

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about what you should do if you want to crave less junk food and the diet that is best for high blood pressure. Dawn also answers all of your health and nutrition questions.

It’s time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature for 2026! Are you trying to come up with some quick getaway ideas that are only a quick trip from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we take a drive towards the picturesque Starved Rock State […]

Chicago Tribune theater critic, author and editorial page editor Chris Jones joins John Williams to talk about today’s editorial that implores Mayor Brandon Johnson to stop demonizing business and to focus on things that Chicagoans really care about.

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

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Steve Bertrand, host of Steve Bertrand on Books and proprietor of Steve Bertrand Travel, and award-winning journalist and political pundit Marj Halperin. The Rascals begin the podcast asking Steve Bertrand his thoughts on the Supreme Court r...

Isa Alvarez, Northwestern Medicine Scholar, joins John Williams to talk about the Northwestern Medicine Scholars Program, what it was like being in the inaugural class of the program, how the Scholars Program helped with her preparation for college, when she first became interested in medicine, the mentors that provided support throughout her journey, the interaction […]

Susan Resko, CEO and President at Josselyn, joins John Williams to talk about their mission of providing quality outpatient mental health care, the work they do with Northwestern Medicine, why someone might reach out to Josselyn, the importance of having better awareness about mental health therapy, the various types of services they offer, some of […]

Dr. Quentin R. Youmans, Heart Failure and Heart Transplant Cardiologist, Northwestern Medicine, joins John Williams to talk about heart health, why he encourages patients to start small when on the path to better heart health, why it’s important to bring heart health screenings into the community, what you should know about the early signs of […]

Dr. Dinee Simpson, Transplant Surgeon and Chief Health Equity Executive, and Ann Hall, Vice President of Administration, Northwestern Medicine, join John Williams to talk about the launch of the Kathy Schreiber Community Health Institute, the importance of community health at Northwestern Medicine, why moving barriers to care matters, what the term ‘community health’ means and […...

We are ‘Keeping it Green’ with 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. Bob talks about the large amount of rainfall we had and why you should make sure your trees […]

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

Dr. Michael Bauer, Medical Director, Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital, talks to John Williams about the importance of donating blood due to a shortage of Type O blood, how some users of weight loss drugs lose their sense of taste, the other health benefits of weight loss drugs, and what we should know about […]

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about President Trump intervening in the World Cup, a new candidate announcing a run for Chicago mayor, another scandal involving Graham Platner, and why he’s not a fan of the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier.

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

The great Mr. Fix-It, Lou Manfredini, joins John Williams to tell us the projects we need to be working on this week. Lou says now that we are in the thick of summer, it’s time to start putting some food down. Listen to HouseSmarts Radio on WGN each Saturday morning at 6 am.

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

Dustin Green, Weber‘s Head Grill Master and Director of the Weber Grill Academy and BBQ Experience, joins John Williams to offer some tips for your 4th of July barbecue. Dustin says to make sure you have enough fuel, supplies, and your grill is in the best condition…’a clean grill is a happy grill.’ Also, thanks […]

It’s time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature for 2026! Are you trying to come up with some quick getaway ideas that are only a quick trip from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we take a trip to the Hoosier state and visit […]

Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about tiny swaps you can make to upgrade your 4th of July cookout. Dawn also recommends some summer salads and answers all of your health and nutrition questions.

Marge Sipla, Speed Jokes spirit animal, cataloger, and member of the Speed Jokes Committee, joins John Williams and the gang to give us her favorite Speed Jokes of June 2026! What was your favorite joke this month? Keep sending your jokes to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com