The Bob Sirott Podcast from 720 WGN

Social media strategist Scott Kleinberg joins Bob Sirott to talk about how you can set resolutions for your social media and tech presence, like managing your notifications and updating passwords. He also shares why it’s important to back up the data on your phone and answers this week’s genius bar question.

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: Flu Hospitalizations In Chicago Hit 3-Year High: The rise is driven by a new variant called subclade K that's led to outbreaks across the globe. There's still time to get […]

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about the renewal of “Mayor of Kingstown” and “Emily in Paris,” as well as a gift from Neil Diamond to Hugh Jackman. They also share details on a message from Mickey Rourke, rumors about Andy […]

Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor & Market Strategist for Murphy & Sylvest, joins Bob Sirott to talk about how the markets are reacting to the capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro and catching up on economic reports. He also explains whether or not jobs numbers could sway a rate cut and the decrease in oil […]

On January 6th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Chief Medical Officer of Northwestern Medicine's Northwest region of hospitals Dr. Irfan Hafiz joins Bob Sirott to talk about the increase in flu cases across the country, why measles cases are on the rise, and the benefits of taking longer walks versus the frequency of them. He also discusses myths that surround foods that you […]

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about the weekend box office and the success of “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” They also discuss highlights of the Critics Choice Awards, Mickey Rourke’s money troubles, Billy Joel’s surprise appearance, and a “Stranger Things” documentary.

Jon Hansen, host and executive producer of the Block Club Chicago Podcast, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Jon has details on: Chicagoans March Against Trump's Removal Of Venezuelan Leader: ‘Solely About Oil And Power': Hundreds marched Downtown Saturday to denounce President Donald Trump's military operation in Venezuela, while Venezuelans living […]

On January 5th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

WGN-TV Meteorologist Mike Janssen joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about videos of recipes he makes for the Bears games every weekend, including this weekend’s Soul Rolls recipe. He also shares how he started creating his videos, how he got his start in making recipes, and the forecast for this weekend’s Bears […]

Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about some of the most memorable dishes and drinks of 2025, including the New Moon Burger from Funeral Potatoes and the Chaotic Good from void. She also shares what she thinks will be some top food trends for 2026, like […]

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: 10 Things To Do Outside In Chicago This January: Start off the new year by savoring the last of the twinkling lights, going on an “owl prowl,” […]

Alex Zalben, the host and editor of Comic Book Club, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about the “Stranger Things” finale (no spoilers included), and how the show’s special effects have evolved over their five seasons. They also share their opinions of “Marty Supreme,” the “Malcolm in the Middle” reunion, and another season […]

On January 2nd, 2026, Ryan Burrow shares today's potential market drivers:

Regional Medical Director at Northwestern Immediate Care Dr. Sindhu Aderson joins Steve Dale with some tips for staying healthy in 2026 and advise about how to avoid injuries or worse in cold weather.

The Director of Marketing for The League of Chicago Theaters Alexis Davis joins Steve Dale (in for Bob Sirott) to preview a wonderful 2026 ahead for theater in Chicago and some of the highlights from 2025.

Ald. Scott Waguespack offers up some resolutions for Chicago and its mayor in his discussion with Steve Dale (in for Bob Sirott). The 32nd Ward alderman also talks about his want for better a working relationship between Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City Council in 2026.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joins Steve Dale (in for Bob Sirott) to discuss what he is looking forward to 2026 and how he hopes to work with the City Council to better the city. The Mayor also offers up some New Year’s resolutions for himself and the city’s alders.

Emmy Award-winning writer and author, Geoffrey Mark joins Steve Dale (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about his experience witnessing the assassination of John Lennon and how Lennon’s son consoled over the guilt he endured & the helplessness he felt in that frightening moment. Steve & Mr. Mark also talks about his friendship with Rob […]

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: Chicago's Top Chefs Unite For Todos Ponen, A Fundraiser For 125 Immigrant Families: Restaurateurs Diana Dávila and Marcos Carbajal will bring together more than 40 chefs for the Jan. 19 event […]

Horticulturist at Vern Goers Greenhouse Dan Kosta joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about if you should keep your plants away from the window during cold weather, the benefits of grow lights, and how to know how much water to give your plants. He also discusses how much fertilizer to give your plants, questions […]

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to share details about how Idris Elba and Cynthia Erivo were honored in the U.K. and the showbiz deaths of 2025. He also talks about performers canceling appearances at the Kennedy Center and Dean’s most watched cooking segments of 2025.

Patric Richardson, The Laundry Evangelist, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to answer the listeners’ laundry questions, like how to properly wash shoes, how much is too much detergent, and why you should tear laundry sheets in half. He also explains how to clean out a washing machine at a laundromat and if you […]

Michael Hides (Senior Vice President Business Banking at Associated Bank) joins Steve Grzanich in today's Associated Bank Thought Leader conversation to discuss how large U.S. banks are entering 2026 in a strong position, along with year-end moves that could save you money.

On December 31st, 2025, Ryan Burrow shares today's potential market drivers:

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to discuss an update on Rob Reiner’s autopsy, Beyoncé’s billionaire status, and Taylor Swift’s good deed on Christmas. They also share details on George Clooney’s residency in France, a new trailer for “Malcom in the Middle,” and Dean’s interview with Michael B. […]

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: 40 Ways To Celebrate The New Year In Chicago: Parties, Fireworks, Fine Dining And Family Fun: Celebrate the new year with midnight ball drops, fireworks shows, […]

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to share details about fake job texts and how you can avoid getting scammed from holiday gift exchanges and returns. He also talks about whether or not you should pick up spam calls and how you can research a business using […]

Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor & Market Strategist for Murphy & Sylvest, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about what people should review in their financial accounts for the new year and if more jobs will be created in 2026. He also explains how people can save for retirement while supporting their […]

On December 30th, 2025, Ryan Burrow shares today's potential market drivers:

Chief Medical Officer at Central DuPage Hospital Dr. Tom Moran joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about a study that looks at the benefits of light drinking and whether or not coffee is good for your heart. He also discusses how to boost your dopamine in the morning and how natural daylight […]

Jon Hansen, host and executive producer of the Block Club Chicago Podcast, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Jon has details on: Where To Recycle Your Christmas Trees And Lights In Chicago: You can bring your Christmas tree to one of 27 city parks Jan. 3-17 to […]

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to provide the latest news in entertainment. Wendy and Dean talk about the death of Brigitte Bardot and “Big Brother” contestant Mickey Lee. They also take a look back at some of Dean’s favorite interviews of 2025, which include Rob Reiner and […]

Social media influencer Rob Kenney joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about how he began his YouTube channel Dad, how do I? and how he comes up with ideas for videos. He also explains why he started his channel and who taught him all the skills he teaches.

On December 29th, 2025, Ryan Burrow shares today's potential market drivers:

UIC Adjunct Lecturer and historian Wally Podrazik joins WGN Radio's Dave Plier, along with Ryan Burrow, Mark Carman and Amanda Czarnecki look back at the notable figures we lost in 2025 including Rob Reiner, James Lovell, Brian Wilson, Diane Keaton, George Wendt, Ryne Sandberg, Roberta Flack, Charlie Kirk, Sister Jean, Hulk Hogan and more.

WGN Radio's Dave Plier talks to Dr. Ian Smith about the fallacies about New Year's resolutions, motivation and commitment to make a change in your life and his latest book ‘The Last 15' with meal plans and more.

Attorney and WGN Radio host Karen Conti talks to WGN Radio's Dave Plier about the new laws that take effect on New Year's Day 2026.

Andrea Darlas joins WGN Radio's Dave Plier to talk about the upcoming WGN-TV New Year's Eve special ‘Coast to Coast Countdown 2026'.

On December 26th, 2025, Ryan Burrow shares today's potential market drivers:

The voice of Northwestern Wildcasts and former WGN Radio Sports Anchor Dave Eanet joins Lisa Dent (in for Bob Sirott) to preview Friday’s Northwestern Football Bowl Game. Tune in to WGN Radio on Friday, December 26th 2025 for an 11:30am pregame for Northwestern vs. Central Michigan in the GameAbove Sports Bowl at Ford Field in […]

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN-TV, joins Lisa Dent (in for Bob Sirott) to provide the latest news in entertainment. Lisa and Dean talk about Taylor Swift and her sizable donation to charity this holiday season, the late Pat Finn, Tracy Letts talking about being in the “Festivus” episode of ‘Seinfeld,’ movies opening this Christmas […]