Dave Plier

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks with comedian and Chicago native Pat McGann about making the most of summer, family vacations with his kids, time with his parents, and life on the road as one of America’s top touring comedians. They also discuss Pat’s upcoming performance at Zanies Rosemont on Sunday, July 19, and his return […]

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes Scott Dehn, proprietor of the McHenry Outdoor Theater, the only drive in movie theater in Chicagoland, to discuss the nostalgia of the drive in experience, from classic concession stand favorites and retro intermission commercials to why watching movies under the stars continues to delight generations of moviegoers. Scott also previews […]

From June, 2022: WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes TV icon James Burrows to talk about his book: ‘Directed by James Burrows: Five Decades of Stories from the Legendary Director of Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, and More’. All this from the man who helped launch the careers of Ted Danson, Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson, […]

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks with Chicago’s own Billy Corgan about an exciting year ahead for The Smashing Pumpkins, including the band’s summer and fall tour, kicking things off with the America 250 celebration in Los Angeles, headlining Lollapalooza, and returning home for a major show at Chicago’s United Center this October. Billy also discusses […]

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier and Watching TV co-author Walter Podrazik celebrate television’s most memorable dads, spanning more than seven decades of TV history. From the wise and dependable fathers of the 1950s like Jim Anderson (Antenna TV’s Father Knows Best) and Ward Cleaver (Leave It to Beaver), to the lovable dads of the 1960s including Andy Taylor (The […]

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Chicago’s own Joe Mantegna on Memorial Day to honor our fallen, a recap of the annual National Memorial Day concert, some of the other celebrities involved, how he got involved with the veteran community, plus a discussion about the Cubs, and more.

Radio Hall of Famer Garry Meier joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the real meaning of Memorial Day, celebrating his father, Frank Meier, and his combat experiences serving in World War II. Visit Garrymeier.com for more.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier and Dave Schwan talk about the true meaning of Memorial Day, which originated as ‘Decoration Day’ after the Civil War and was officially signed into law in 1967. Plus, Dave shares President Ronald Reagan’s moving Memorial Day speech from 1984.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Weber’s Kevin Kolman about getting your grill into gear this summer, recipes for the perfect burger, steaks, ribs, breakfast, desserts, and more! Visit Weber.com for more.

Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park proprietor Jason Sierpien joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to celebrate the park’s 67th season and reflect on the rich history of the beloved family attraction that first opened in 1959. The conversation explores the evolution of the park, including its classic rides, the Santa Springs water park, vintage Kiddieland […]

To honor a promise to “keep his name alive,” WGN Radio’s Dave Plier celebrates the legacy of the late Don Rickles on what would have been his 100th birthday, sharing a memorable backstage Las Vegas interview with the comedy legend. The special also features bonus conversations with Rickles’ longtime best friend, the late Bob Newhart; […]

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier hangs out in studio with Jeff Mauro, “The Sandwich King,” to talk about his journey through food and comedy, his hit shows on Food Network, and his latest venture, Mauro Provisions, a new collaboration with Lou Malnati’s. Jeff also previews his upcoming appearance at City Winery on May 29th.

WGN Radio and the Museum of Broadcast Communications CEO speaks with Justin Kulvsek, longtime senior consultant with the museum, about the new Evolution of Late Night Television exhibit, Johnny Carson: The Centennial, and Five Decades of The Loop. They also discuss exciting new additions, including the set from The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (NBC) and the retu...

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks with The Brady Bunch’s Eve Plumb about her new book, Happiness Included: Jan Brady and Beyond. She shares behind-the-scenes stories from the iconic series and reflects on her life and career beyond her role as the famous middle sister.

Steve Darnall of Nostalgia Digest Magazine talks about the Spring edition, including features on Orson Welles and the Chicago Cubs’ College of Coaches, as well as his upcoming novel, Marvels: The Novelization. Visit nostalgiadigest.com for more!

Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to discuss all things Easter weekend. From the Triduum, including Easter Sunday, to the potential visit of Chicago’s own Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Cupich offers insights on attending Mass with family and the rising numbers of younger generations attending Catholic churches. His Eminence also […]

80s rock icon and Grammy award-winning artist Rick Springfield sits down with WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the origins of his music career, what inspired him to pick up the guitar, and the story behind his smash hit “Jessie’s Girl.” Rick also reflects on his iconic role as Dr. Noah Drake on General […]

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier sits down with comedian and late-night legend Craig Ferguson to discuss his journey from punk rock bands and theater to comedy, The Drew Carey Show, and The Late Late Show. They also dive into his love of game shows, as Craig brings his signature humor to Scrabble on The CW, airing Thursdays at 7 PM CT, […]

In December 2012, Dave Plier visited with Orion Samuelson to discuss Orion’s career and book, You Can’t Dream Big Enough.

Music legend Smokey Robinson, member of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, Kennedy Center Honors recipient, winner of the National Medal of Arts, a Grammys Living Legend Award, including an Honorary Doctorate from Howard University, helped shaped the sound of Motown with close friend Berry Gordy. WGN Radio’s […]

Actor and improvisational comedian previously known for his work on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Colin Mochrie joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier on the show to talk about the art of improvisation. Listen in while Colin gives listeners an inside look into what fans can expect if they come out to see Colin and Brad Sherwood’s latest […]

Mike Toomey and Ana Belaval from the WGN Morning News join WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about their upcoming night of comedy happening, hosted by WGN-TV’s Jeff Hoover on Thursday, March 12th at Classic Cinemas Tivoli. Get tickets at classiccinemas.com. [audio https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8002520/8002520_2026-02-28-022120.64kmono.mp3

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier sits down with comedian George Lopez to discuss his first appearance on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, his groundbreaking sitcom, the history of Latinos on television, and his experience hosting a late-night talk show. Lopez shares why he’s happiest when he’s on stage, bringing laughter to audiences everywhere. For tickets to George’s […]

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks with WGN Radio producer Neal Fischer and tonight’s guest producer Ashley Bihun about Neal’s latest book, “The Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book” exploring the trivia, secrets, and behind-the-scenes stories that make romantic movies irresistible.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier and Jeff Rogers of Jeff Rogers Unlimited take an inside look at this year’s Super Bowl commercials — breaking down the record-setting ad spend, the celebrity talent behind the spots, and the strategies brands use to capture the attention of one of television’s largest audiences. With Super Bowl commercials now a […]