The Bob Sirott Podcast from 720 WGN

Robert Sherman, NewsNation National Correspondent, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the current state in Israel and the ceasefire they have with Lebanon. He also explains why Hezbollah had a lack of involvement in the ceasefire negotiations and statements from The White House about the ceasefire with Iran. This conversation was recorded before the Strait […]

David Flom, managing partner of Chicago Cut Steakhouse, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the return of the power breakfast and how successful it’s been so far. He also discusses what the steakhouse competition is like in the city and why it’s a good thing to get together with other steakhouse owners.

Freelance food writer Lisa Shames joins Bob Sirott to share another growing trend in the city that focuses on cafés in retail stores and what their purpose is. Some of the places where you can grab coffee and a snack include Postcard, Kith Treats, and Soloway Coffee.

John Dreznes, Beverly Records third generation, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the history of Beverly Records, how they plan on celebrating Record Store Day, and the rising popularity of vinyl among younger generations. Choose Chicago's director of corporate communications Isaac Reichman also joins Bob to share details about what’s happening in and around the city this […]

Marianne Murciano, Bob Sirott's wife and founder of Savvy-Planet, joins Bob to discuss the topic of Artificial Intelligence and whether it’s really helping or hurting us. She explains how it could make us more passive with its responses and how to use it the right way. Marianne joins Bob for a weekly segment Fridays following the […]

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: The Video Strip Outlived Blockbuster And Is Still Renting Out 25,000 Movies On The South Side: As the film and streaming industries have shifted, so has Joe Trutin's McKinley Park store. […]

On April 17th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Jim DeRogatis, co-host of Sound Opinions, joins Bob Sirott to talk about what a New York jury ruled on the Ticketmaster-Live Nation civil case and whether or not that will impact future ticket prices. He also explains the history of the merger of the two companies and how much money each person could receive if […]

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to talk about a wide variety of scams that are popping up, including calls about tax returns, fake texts claiming to be from the Secretary of State’s office, and social media investment groups. He also explains what ghost tipping scams are and how he will […]

Quinn Myers, reporter for Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Quinn has details on: Da Local Boy, The Loop's Hawaiian Food Hotspot, Named One Of NYT's Best Restaurants: Nate Domingo and his wife Dianne didn't intend to open a restaurant, but now they have two — one in suburban […]

Cindy Pearlman Gaber, senior writer for the New York Times and entertainment columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, joins Bob Sirott to talk about a preview of Tom Cruise’s new movie, Ben Stiller’s bowling documentary, and a Martha Stewart biopic. She also shares details about an Earth, Wind & Fire documentary and “The End of […]

Vice President of Lending for Team Hochberg at Atlantic Coast Mortgage and host of WGN's “Home Sweet Home Chicago” David Hochberg joins Bob Sirott to talk about why home sellers in the Midwest aren’t following the trend of cutting prices and who is most likely to miss “buy now, pay later” loan payments. He hosts […]

Caryn Levey, Senior Vice President and Private Banking Group Manager at Associated Bank, joins Steve Grzanich on this week's Thought Leader segment to break down the new 2026 401(k) limits, explore why many Gen Z adults still depend on their parents financially, and discuss the upcoming Trump Accounts for Kids.

On April 16th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the appellate court’s release of two of the “ComEd Four,” the arguments for Michael Madigan’s appeals, and the dismissal of President Trump’s lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal. She also explains a new ordinance proposal for police officers, the Illinois law concerning overpayment, and penalties […]

Anna Davlantes, WGN Radio's investigative correspondent, joins Bob Sirott to share what happened this week in Chicago history. Stories include the election of former Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, the first cellphone call, the debut of the Red Solo Cup, and more. Sponsored by UI Health.

Dr. Aileen Marty, Infectious Disease Specialist and Professor at Florida International University, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the latest health news. Dr. Marty shares details about immunotherapy for cancer and if this type of treatment can help lessen the side effects of treatments, like chemotherapy.

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: Igor's Bike Shack Offers Repairs, Rentals And Community On The Lakefront Trail: A once-worn shed near the Waveland tennis courts has been rebuilt by Igor Does My Bike into a repair […]

Cindy Pearlman Gaber, senior writer for the New York Times and entertainment columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, joins Bob Sirott to talk about CinemaCon in Las Vegas and a new docuseries “Boy Band Confidential.” She also shares details about a new book from Jennie Garth, as well as her own book, “The Order of […]

On April 15th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

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: For 100 Years, Filbert's Has Made Root Beer The ‘Old Time' Way: ‘Do It Well And Right': The family-owned soda business took off during Prohibition in McKinley Park and has […]

Social media strategist Scott Kleinberg joins Bob Sirott to talk about how you can make your device safer by limiting app permissions and review your privacy settings. He explains what app permissions are, how you can change them in your settings, and which ones you should start with limiting, including access to contacts and photos.

Cindy Pearlman Gaber, senior writer for the New York Times and entertainment columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, a “Hunger Games” prequel, and Netflix’s “Little House on the Prairie.” She also shares details about Lady Gaga’s song for “The Devil Wears […]

Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor & Market Strategist for Murphy & Sylvest, joins Bob Sirott to discuss strategies for investors, an update on the tech stocks, and the importance of the Producer Price Index. He also talks about whether earnings numbers will reflect what the Fed will do with interest rates and an update on […]

On April 14th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Pat Tomasulo, WGN TV's Morning Sports Anchor, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the 11th annual Laugh Your Face Off! benefit that raises money for The Facial Pain Research Foundation. He shares details about when he first started this tradition, who will be performing at the event, and the fabulous silent auction prizes.

Chief Medical Officer of Northwestern Medicine's Northwest region of hospitals Dr. Irfan Hafiz joins Bob Sirott to talk about the benefits of eating plant-based foods, the lifestyle changes that could help decrease the risk of dementia, and a blood test that could detect early signs of dementia. He also discusses how you can help decrease […]

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: South Side Birth Center Breaks Ground, Bringing Equitable Maternal Health Care To Area: The center is expected to assist in about 225 births annually while offering reproductive, preventive and gender-affirming […]

Cindy Pearlman Gaber, senior writer for the New York Times and entertainment columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the weekend box office numbers, highlights from Coachella, and a new season of “Emily in Paris.” She also shares details about the return of “The Silence of the Lambs,” another season […]

WTTW's Geoffrey Baer joins Bob Sirott to talk about his new special “Riding The Rails” on WTTW that focuses on the rich history of trains in the Chicagoland area. He discusses his love of trains, history if the Chicago “L” System, and the more unusual food served on the dining cars. Interview with Dave Plier:

On April 13th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Contributing editor at Chicago magazine Robert Reed joins Bob Sirott to discuss whether or not Portillo’s can still become a successful national brand and their plans to open eight more restaurants. He also talk about some of the new Portillo’s Pick Up locations and how their Chicagoland locations are doing financially.

Marianne Murciano, Bob Sirott's wife and founder of Savvy-Planet, joins Bob to talk about the things people typically forget to clean on a regular basis, including their toothbrush, water bottle, and light switches. Marianne joins Bob for a weekly segment Fridays following the 8:30 am newscast. For more savvy tips, go to Savvy-Planet.Com. Share your own savvy […]

Freelance food writer Lisa Shames joins Bob Sirott to talk about the rising popularity of communal dining and people’s personal experiences of dining with strangers. She also shares which restaurants provide this option and a Chicago chef who hosts communal dinners once a month.

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: ‘Puffy Coat Bandits' Part Of Crime Ring That's Targeted Downtown Diners For Years, Police Say: After gaining infamy in 2023 for a spree of thefts at North Side restaurants, the pickpockets […]

Cindy Pearlman Gaber, senior writer for the New York Times and entertainment columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, joins Bob Sirott to talk about movies to watch this weekend, this year’s Coachella lineup, and the host of the next Tony Awards ceremony. Choose Chicago's director of corporate communications Isaac Reichman also joins Bob to discuss […]

On April 10th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Greg Hinz of Crain’s Chicago Business joins Bob Sirott to discuss Chicago’s next Mayoral Election and Mayor Johnson’s chances of re-election if he decides to run again. He also shares how Mayor Johnson’s tactics have changed since he was elected and who some other candidates might be.

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: Chicago Turns All Public School IDs Into Library Cards To Boost Student Access: Chicago Public Library and CPS announced the expansion of The 81 Club, building on a pilot launched […]

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to talk about travel scams involving the war in Iran, an alert from the post office concerning postmark dates, and scams targeting prom. He also shares details about fake rewards points texts, a warning from the Plainfield Police Department, and fake social security email alerts.

Cindy Pearlman Gaber, senior writer for the New York Times and entertainment columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the sentencing of the “Ketamine Queen,” SNL’s upcoming hosts and musical guests, and the premiere of “The Miniature Wife” on Peacock. She also shares details about a movie featuring a new […]

Brittany Snorgrass, Senior Vice President, Senior Treasury Management Officer & Sales Team Lead – Treasury & Payments Solutions at Associated Bank, joins Steve Grzanich on this week's Thought Leader segment to break down how merchant services offers payment management solutions for businesses, emerging payment trends, and surcharging finding a fit in business strategy. They also discuss the upcoming Associated […]