Best WGN Plus Podcasts (2025)

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The Mincing Rascals 9.24.25: Kimmel returns, autism debate, fatal ICE shootings, dogs in restaurants

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7h ago

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The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, long-time Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972, and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals begin the podcast talking about Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late night after a brief suspension. What did the Rascals …

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The Steve and Johnnie Fall Equinox Show!

6h ago

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Summer is officially over! Don’t worry, Steve King and Johnnie Putman are here to stay and they brought a bunch of friends! Our first guests are Ed Janz and ABC7’s Roz Varon, who both have long careers in Chicago broadcasting, and they talk about a benefit concert in honor of their late daughter, Sara Janz. “Stars for Sara” takes place on Oct. 21 a…

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Getting to Yes, And… | Maryellen MacDonald – ‘The Science of Talking’

11h ago

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By WGN Plus

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Chicago actors star in: ‘Walter, Grace & the Submarine’ streaming now on AppleTV, Amazon Prime and Google Play

2d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxEv2UUpdas?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] The film is about a weekend during which Walter and Grace meet through an on-line app, meet up for coffee, and well…the dynamics seem to work between them. The conversation includes th…

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Dungeons and Dragons Twenty-Sided Tavern at Broadway Playhouse through September 28th

1d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnIR2Dw5lAk?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] The classic game Dungeons & Dragons is back and called “The Twenty-Sided Tavern.” It’s the game you may have played and still play, or perhaps you’ve never played it. Either way, this …

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Chicago Way w/John Kass: What the FCC’s Carr got wrong about Jimmy Kimmel

1d ago

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Chicago Way w/John Kass (09/22/25): Dan Proft, co-host of “The Morning Answer” radio program 5-9 a.m. on WIND AM 560, is this week’s guest joining John Kass & Jeff Carlin with a breakdown of the FCC meddling in the Jimmy Kimmel fiasco and what it will take to push the JB Pritzkers of the world out of politics. Plus, Kasso wonders if we’re ready to …

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‘Elton Jim’ ‘accidentally’ discovers we may have more friends than we realize

2d ago

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In this 487th episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano “accidentally” discovers we may have more friends than we realize. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7718289/Elton_Jim_s_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_487_2025-09-18-182529.64kmono.mp3 More from Elton Jim Elton Jim s Captain Pod-tastic ‘Elton Jim’: We may have more friends t…

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Efficiencies and local control are driving conservation at the federal level

4d ago

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On this episode of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter explains how conservation efforts at the federal level are being propelled by efficiencies and local oversight, alongside a strange health advisory from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7718414/The_Great_Outdoors_9_21_25_2025-09-18-195514.128.mp3 Re…

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The Mincing Rascals 9.17.25: Mayor Johnson’s job, Charlie Kirk death, inflammatory speech

7d ago

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The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, multi-media journalist Brandon Pope, author of Brandon Pope’s Screening Room, and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals begin the show this week talking about Mayor Brandon Johnson’s appearance with Bob Sirott this morning. The Rascals…

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Getting to Yes, And… | Martin Dubin – ‘Leadership Blindspots’

8d ago

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Kelly talks to Martin Dubin, a clinical psychologist, serial entrepreneur, business coach, and adviser to C-suite executives and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, about his new book: “Blindspotting: How to See What’s Holding You Back as a Leader.” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7711876/7711876_2025-09-16-023416.64kmono.mp3 “Things go well until they …

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Can Sondheim change your life? A new book says YES!

9d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2yfCm4A8lQ?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Sondheim reigns larger in death, arguably, than he did in life. He changed the landscape of what a theatrical production could do. Taking this a step further, author and professor Rich…

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‘Elton Jim’ is concerned how a silly radio prank reveals serious media reporting breakdown

9d ago

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In this 486th episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano is concerned how a silly radio prank reveals serious media reporting breakdown. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7706114/Elton_Jim_s_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_486_2025-09-11-170014.64kmono.mp3 More from Elton Jim Elton Jim s Captain Pod-tastic ‘Elton Jim’: We may have m…

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Chicago Way w/John Kass: Where do we go from here?

10d ago

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Chicago Way w/John Kass (09/15/25): Charles Lipson, the Peter B. Ritzma Professor of Political Science Emeritus at the University of Chicago, joins John Kass and Jeff Carlin to talk about the cold-blooded murder of Charlie Kirk and how free speech in the UK is under threat. Plus, Kasso wonders if the Democrat culture of assassination can be stopped…

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Aim is for streamlined federal funding to be more effective

11d ago

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On this episode of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter discusses the current goal of achieving more effective federal funding. Plus, waterfowl numbers are in, and it was a tough breeding year for key species. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7709116/The_Great_Outdoors_9_14_25_2025-09-13-004816.128.mp3 Recent Posts The Great Outdoors with Charlie Pot…

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Matteo Meletti 38:33

13d ago38:33

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We love amaro on Barrel to Bottle, but shockingly, we’ve never spoke to an Italian Amaro maker. That changes today as we welcome Matteo Meletti. For nearly 155 years, the Meletti family has been making anisettes and amari in the Le Marche region of Italy. Meletti Anisette Meletti Amaro Meletti Fernet Meletti Coffee Liqueur Meletti 1870 Bitter Aperi…

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Caribbean boat strike, Elie Honig, Belichick’s trademarks, Travis-Taylor prenup and much more

12d ago

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Cardozo Law School Professor Rebecca Ingber tells us why President Trump’s boat strike was illegal. CNN Senior Legal Analyst and former New Jersey federal prosecutor Elie Honig returns to LFO to discuss his new book “When You Come at the King.” Duane Morris Partner Christi Campbell explains Bill Belichick’s rejected trademark applications. Beermann…

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The Mincing Rascals 9.10.25: Charlie Kirk shot dead, ICE raids, Darren Bailey running

14d ago

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The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and The Last Ward, and long-time Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972. This week the Rascals address the breaking news that conservative activist Char…

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’44 – The Musical’ plays at the Studebaker Theatre through September 21st

15d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR7SHpQWAEA?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] “44 – The Musical” is a satirical look at the rise and first term of the presidency of Barack Obama along with the myriad of characters who were part of that story. As told from the me…

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‘Pippin’ Plays the Skokie Theatre from September 5th – 28th!

15d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiD1Box7d5o?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Pippin is one of the great fun musicals, the work of the magnificent Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked,” “Godspell”) and now a new production presented by MadKap Productions at the Skokie Thea…

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Getting to Yes, And… | Maya Smart – ‘The Reading Crisis in America’

16d ago

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Kelly talks to educator Maya Smart about her new book “Reading for Our Lives: The Urgency of Early Literacy and the Action Plan to Help Your Child.” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7700601/7700601_2025-09-09-031401.64kmono.mp3 “Alarms ring; they don’t teach. And often when an alarm rings for too long, we tune it out.” “Spoken words are the precurs…

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Getting a little wiser with Johnnie and Steve

16d ago

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Johnnie Putman and Steve King are starting off September feeling a little older and wiser with this shortened show! We lament the Sox, welcome some new faces, and we celebrate Johnnie for completing another year around the sun! Our first guest is Robert Loerzel, an author, journalist, and photographer from Chicago and we welcome him to the show to …

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Chicago Way w/John Kass: Illinois voters have a clear choice for their future

16d ago

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Chicago Way w/John Kass (09/08/25): Newly minted candidate for Illinois Governor Ted Dabrowski of Wirepoints joins John Kass & Jeff Carlin to lay out his plan for convincing the center left & independent voters of the state to help him beat Gov. JB Pritzker in next year’s election. Plus, Kasso wonders if this is the state’s last chance to stem the …

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‘Elton Jim’ sees the Oasis reunion tour frenzy as delivering one clear message: GenXers are officially old!

16d ago

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In this 485th episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano sees the Oasis reunion tour frenzy as delivering one clear message: GenXers are officially old! https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7694544/Elton_Jim_s_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_485_2025-09-04-165144.64kmono.mp3 More from Elton Jim Elton Jim s Captain Pod-tastic ‘Elton Jim…

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A miracle is occurring on the lower Mississippi

17d ago

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On this episode of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter shares an uplifting story of how a miracle is occurring on the lower Mississippi. Plus “Secrets of Great Salt Lake” comes to the giant screen. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7694866/The_Great_Outdoors_9_7_25_2025-09-04-193306.128.mp3 Recent Posts The Great Outdoors with Charlie Potter Efficien…

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Booth 46: Episode 3 with Mayor Brandon Johnson

19d ago

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In collaboration with Petterino’s in downtown Chicago, WGN Radio’s Steve Dale is joined by the Mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, for a conversation in their famous Booth 46. It’s not often that Mayor Johnson gets to do fun interviews, but this is definitely one of them. Mayor Johnson talks about what it’s like being the mayor and representing all …

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What's New From the Whiskey Hotline - September 2025 50:55

20d ago50:55

50:55

It’s Bourbon Heritage Month, so this week we’re trying…tequila, Scotch, rum, whiskey and of course bourbon. Dan from the Whiskey Hotline is here with a round-up of the latest offerings from the world of spirits. Manuscrito Tequila Chapter One Blanco FEW Breakfast Bourbon Finished in Maple Syrup Barrels Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Ryder Cup Lim…

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There Goes Another Steve and Johnnie Summer!

21d ago

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Steve King and Johnnie Putman ring in September with a few friendly faces and celebrating the one thing all Americans love: labor! Our first guest is Grammy and Emmy Award winning country musician John Berry, best known for his #1 single “Your Love Amazes Me.” We get to know the background behind some of his hits and a song called “All Come Togethe…

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The Mincing Rascals 9.3.25: Chicago crime, National Guard, political messaging

21d ago

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The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, multi-media journalist Brandon Pope, Publisher of Brandon Pope’s Screening Room, political pundit Marj Halperin, and longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys! The Rascals kick off the podcast talking about the the level of crime in Chicago and …

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Leslie Uggams receives ICON Award from Porchlight Music Theatre on September 14th at Ritz Carlton

22d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2zdni3MZiE?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] The legendary Icon Leslie Uggams will be honored with the ICON Award from Porchlight Music Theatre on September 14th at Ritz Carlton. Ms Uggams was most recently seen in Season 3, Ep 7…

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Getting to Yes, And… | Keir Graff – ‘Murder, Music, Magic and More in Chicago’

22d ago

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Kelly digs in with author Keir Graff, who has written a new book about a legendary building in the Windy City, “Chicago’s Fine Arts Building: Music, Magic and Murder.” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7689385/7689385_2025-09-02-151125.64kmono.mp3 “All passes – Art alone endures.” “You’ll feel as you’ve just stepped out of a time machine.” “Let the …

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Chicago Way w/John Kass: Over 50 shot this weekend, but we don’t need help

23d ago

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Chicago Way w/John Kass (09/01/25): This week, former Cook County and federal prosecutor Bob Milan joins John Kass & Jeff Carlin to talk about his original plan from 10 years ago to bring in National Guard troops to tamp down the weekly number of shootings in Chicago and how this strategy might work today. Plus, Kasso remembers when he believed Dem…

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‘Elton Jim’ is angered that Chicago’s multi-billion dollar O’Hare renovation will be yet another grossly delayed project

23d ago

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In this 484th episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano is angered that Chicago’s multi-billion dollar O’Hare renovation will be yet another grossly delayed project. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7685018/Elton_Jim_s_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_484_2025-08-28-210718.64kmono.mp3 More from Elton Jim Elton Jim s Captain Pod-tas…

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Time to take a child hunting plus honoring a hunter education leader

24d ago

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On this episode of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter takes a moment to acknowledge the importance of taking a child hunting with the start of dove season, as well as honoring a hunter education leader. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7682462/The_Great_Outdoors_8_31_25_2025-08-27-200502.128.mp3 Recent Posts The Great Outdoors with Charlie Potter E…

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Oktoberfest 2025 55:13

27d ago55:13

55:13

It’s the prost wonderful time of the year for beer geeks! The dog days of summer are probably over and it’s time to get your malt on. Specifically, the malty beers of Munich and the surrounding areas. This week we’re trying copper-colored Marzens and their paler but still strong Festbier counterparts. Spaten Oktoberfest Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier Paul…

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Steve, Johnnie and Carl!

27d ago

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Steve King and Johnnie Putman are lucky enough to be graced with the presence of one of Chicago’s living legends! Carl Giammarese, one of the founding members of The Buckinghams, comes by for a special show to debut some music from of his brand new solo album, Let The Music Play. We hear some great stories of his youth on the North side of Chicago,…

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Emmy-nominated Jeff Hiller details his decades long struggle to stardom in new book

27d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJASq_bLeHw?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] From decades of small roles and comedy shows to making it big on HBO’s hit series “Somebody, Somewhere“, Jeff Hiller is now nominated for his first Emmy for his portrayal of Joel in it…

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The Mincing Rascals 8.27.25: National Guard, Chicago finances, Trump distractions

28d ago

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The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute and The Last Ward, and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals begin the podcast talking about President Trump possibly sending the National Guard to Chicago to combat crime. Do the Rascals th…

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Meet the newly renovated Fine Arts Building & Studebaker Theatre, A Chicago Crown Jewel

29d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz7y6YWCWOU?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Paul goes behind the curtain with the managing artistic director of the Fine Arts Building and Studebaker Theater, Jacob Harvey and Keir Graff, author of the new book, Chicago’s Fine A…

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Lyric Opera of Chicago is so much more than opera!

29d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwoipSJsVNk?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In this interview with John Mangum, the General Director, President & CEO of Lyric Opera of Chicago, we learn that in addition to the fabulous history of operas presented at the Lyric,…

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Getting to Yes, And… | Dr. Adam Dorsay – ‘The Vital Role of Connection’

30d ago

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Kelly talks with psychologist Dr. Adam Dorsay about how connection is our path to a happy and meaningful life. Adam’s latest book is Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the 4 Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7678934/7678934_2025-08-26-144234.64kmono.mp3 “Connection is vital for life.” “Our brains are …

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Chicago Way w/John Kass: When IL Dems play Russian roulette with our children

1M ago

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Chicago Way w/John Kass (08/25/25): Glenview native Joe Abraham joins John Kass & Jeff Carlin to talk about his gut-wrenching experience losing his daughter Katie when she was killed in a hit-and-run crash, allegedly caused by a Guatemalan national who was in the country illegally and is suspected of driving under the influence, Julio Cucul Bol. Jo…

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‘Elton Jim’ finally goes to Williamsport to experience the Little League World Series

1M ago

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In this 483rd episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano finally goes to Williamsport to experience the Little League World Series. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7659169/Elton_Jim_s_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_483_2025-08-21-162309.64kmono.mp3 More from Elton Jim Elton Jim s Captain Pod-tastic ‘Elton Jim’: We may have more f…

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The power of nature: A collapsing glacier and tidal wave plus a report from the coast of Maine

1M ago

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On this episode of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter discusses the power of nature, including a collapsing glacier and tidal wave, as well as a report from the coast of Maine. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7668604/The_Great_Outdoors_8_24_25_2025-08-23-193104.128.mp3 Recent Posts The Great Outdoors with Charlie Potter Efficiencies and local cont…

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Chicago news, law firm data breach, reclassifying marijuana and much more

1M ago

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Chicago 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins comments on the latest buzz in the City of Chicago, including the Air & Water show damage, the Bears stadium, minimum wage, and his potential mayoral run. McDonald Hopkins Partner Spencer Pollock discusses Kelley Drye’s data breach cyberattack, resulting in a class action suit. Law Offices of Bruce Margolin F…

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Trust in Johnnie and Steve

1M ago

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Johnnie Putman and Steve King like to change things up once in a while and along with some regular players, it’s another show full of surprises. WGN-TV’s Meteorologist Mike Janssen managed to step away from the cameras and talk the past weekend’s hectic weather woes. After recently setting up a trust, Steve and Johnnie aim to educate the class on h…