The Bob Sirott Podcast from 720 WGN

Tommy James of Tommy James & The Shondells joins Bob Sirott to talk about how his hit “Mony Mony” got its name, how he evolved his writing style, and what he remembers from working with George Harrison. He also shares details about a series he’s working on and how he got his claim to fame. […]

Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor & Market Strategist for Murphy & Sylvest, joins Bob Sirott to talk about why the markets continue going up despite interest rates and the slight decrease in gas prices. He also discusses the upcoming wage growth numbers and why he is keeping an eye on inflation for the back half […]

Joseph Lindsley, Editor in Chief of Under Fire News, joins Bob Sirott to talk about his travels to London for pro-Ukraine meetings and the recent Russian missile attack on Kyiv. He also explains his point of view when it comes to news about the Ukraine-Russia war in the media and what it felt like to leave […]

Social media strategist Scott Kleinberg joins Bob Sirott to talk about how to protect your devices and your identity while you travel, including why you shouldn’t use public Wi-Fi and not tagging your location while you’re away from home. He also discusses the biggest concerns when traveling with your devices, why you shouldn’t use public […]

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: Renaming Push Would Land Trump Tower On Street Honoring Barack Obama: An online petition seeking to rename a section of Wabash Avenue after Obama has more than 700 signatures. A […]

Cindy Pearlman Gaber, senior writer for the New York Times and entertainment columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, joins Bob Sirott to share details about Taylor Swift’s original song for “Toy Story 5,” Cindy’s interview with Ralph Johnson, and Ben Stiller’s new comedy series. She also shares her book recommendations and what Robert Pattinson borrowed […]

On June 2nd, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Dr. Ezekiel J. Emanuel, oncologist and Vice Provost for Global Initiatives and the Diane v.S. Levy and Robert M. Levy University Professor at the University of Pennsylvania joins Bob Sirott to discuss his latest book, Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life. Listen in while Dr. Emanuel delivers a […]

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 box office successes and failures. Cindy also shares that there might be a new Spider-Man in the mix, Talladega Nights is coming back in theaters for a 20th anniversary celebration, and […]

Kenneth Womack, Professor of English and Popular Music at Monmouth University, joins Bob Sirott on the show to share details surrounding the legal battle including The Beatles' first known recording. Famed Abbey Road engineer Geoff Emerick, who passed away in 2018, had a long-lost Beatles demo from June 6, 1962 which featured the band’s earliest […]

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: Trump Tower Lands Its First Riverfront Retail Tenant After 17 Years Of Vacancy: The suburban restaurant Prasino is opening a location next spring inside the building's long-empty 70,000-square-foot riverfront […]

Chief Medical Officer of Northwestern Medicine's Northwest region of hospitals Dr. Irfan Hafiz joins Bob Sirott to talk about the effects consuming an abundance of protein can have on our bodies, details surrounding a new cholesterol drug called VERVE-102, and how movement is king. He also discusses the latest research surrounding Ozempic which shows there […]

On June 1st, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

5th Ward Alderman Desmon Yancy joins Bob Sirott to talk about last week’s teen takeover at the 57th Street Beach and how he feels about the proposed snap curfew. He also discusses why it’s important to invest in resources for teens and what his short-term and long-term plans are going forward.

Quinn Myers, reporter for Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Quinn has details on: Apothecary Lounge Wants To Bring Craft Cocktails And Calm Vibe To Lakeview: The pharmacy-inspired bar, which opens Friday, will offer drinks made with housemade infusions, elevated bar food and DJs spinning soul and jazz. Riot […]

Neal Samors and Eric Bronsky, co-authors of Corned Beef on Rye: Remembering Chicago’s Jewish Delicatessens, join Bob Sirott to explain the meaning of the word “delicatessen,” who they interviewed for the book, and why the number of delis had declined by the 1980s. They also discuss how Chicago delis are different than delis in other […]

Marianne Murciano, Bob Sirott's wife and founder of Savvy-Planet, joins Bob to talk about what most men stop caring about as they get older. Some examples include not participating in trends and pretending they don’t want dessert. Marianne joins Bob for a weekly segment Fridays following the 8:30 am newscast. For more savvy tips, go to […]

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 new movies coming out for the weekend, Nicolas Cage’s legal name change, and music from Mark Ambor. Stephen Crano, senior manager and corporate communications for Choose Chicago, also joins Bob to share […]

On May 29th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Mayor of Ottawa Robert Hasty joins Bob Sirott to talk about what compelled him to move to Ottawa and how it’s changed since he went to school there. He also shares details about upcoming summer activities, how far they’re located from Chicago, and some of his favorite local restaurants.

Robert Channick, business reporter for the Chicago Tribune, joins Bob Sirott to talk about what contributed to the ratings of the Crosstown Classic between the Cubs and White Sox, as well as a statement from Sharyn Alfonsi about her departure from “60 Minutes.” He also explains what he thinks led up to the ending of […]

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to talk about how a Chicago man lost thousands of dollars to an AI scammer and how sharing your location could impact your safety and increase risk of identity theft. He also shares details about “final notices” for your car’s warranty and how to check if […]

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: Plastic Posts Installed To Block Drivers Using Elston Bike Lane To Skirt Traffic: Rush-hour backups near Goose Island have led some drivers to illegally use a partially protected bike lane on […]

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 project from Tom Hanks that focuses on World War II, the premiere of “Sinatra: The Musical,” and Robert Pattinson’s new role as Chris Hansen. She also shares details about HBO’s […]

Mike Sankowski (Vice President of Foreign Exchange at Associated Bank) joins Steve Grzanich in the Associated Bank Thought Leader conversation to discuss the growing disconnect between consumer sentiment and the overall economy. They break down rising inflation, high gas and housing costs, the Fed's changing rate outlook, and what investors should expect from a volatile global economy.

On May 28th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to discuss why the charges against the “Broadview Six” were dropped and how Illinois legislation is working to govern AI companies. She also shares details about the indictment of Cuba’s former president and the Supreme Court’s rejection for an appeal from the NFL.

Dr. Aileen Marty, Infectious Disease Specialist and Professor at Florida International University, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the latest health news. Dr. Marty gives updates on the Andes virus and Bundibugyo, as well as trials that are looking to help treat inflammatory bowel disease.

Anna Davlantes, WGN Radio's investigative correspondent, joins Bob Sirott to share what happened this week in Chicago history. Stories include the unveiling of the American Eagle coaster at what was then called Marriott’s Great America, the debut of “The Untouchables,” the “Poperoni Pizza” at Aurelio’s, and more.

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 Toasts To Schlitz As Bars Serve Up Their Last Kegs Of The Truly Midwestern Beer: Parent company Pabst Brewing ended production Saturday. In Chicago, where Schlitz tied houses still dot […]

Cindy Pearlman Gaber, senior writer for the New York Times and entertainment columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, joins Bob Sirott to discuss who the next “James Bond” could be and if we could see an “Outlander” movie. She also discusses a fan’s encounter with Russell Crowe and a list of the top ten movies […]

On May 27th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Craig Bolanos, co-founder and wealth advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins Bob Sirott to discuss what he predicts for today’s markets and how gas prices have impacted consumer sentiment numbers. He also explains why it could be months before gas prices could decrease significantly and what the Fed policy could be going forward.

Social media strategist Scott Kleinberg joins Bob Sirott to talk about why more people should be taking a break from social media and the benefits of limiting time on your smart devices. He also explains where people can start, what you can do in place of scrolling on social media, and answers this week’s genius […]

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: Ford City Mall's Final Weeks Draw Shoppers — And Neighbors Ready To Fight Plans For Industrial Park: Two Southwest Side groups will host a community meeting Saturday to rally neighbors […]

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 disappointing weekend for the new “Star Wars” movie, highlights from the American Music Awards, and Billy Joel’s thoughts on his biopic. She also shares details about an upcoming biopic on […]

On May 26th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Dr. Lori Ross, emergency veterinarian and Medical Director at Emergency Veterinary Care Centers (EVCC), joins Wendy Snyder, in for Bob Sirott, to talk about outdoor safety for our pets this summer. Dr. Ross explains the foods to keep away from pets, symptoms that may suggest heat exhaustion, why dogs should be on a leash even […]

Dave Plier, WGN Radio host and Museum of Broadcast Communications Chairman, President & CEO, joins Wendy Snyder, in for Bob Sirott, to discuss some big news for the museum. The entire set from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, along with archives and other items, will arrive at the museum next week. Dave highlights ‘The Evolution of […]

WGN's Dane Neal joins Wendy Snyder, in for Bob Sirott, to get listeners ready for the 2026 Indianapolis 500. He talks about Alex Palou’s recent success as well as Katherine Legge attempting ‘the double’. He also remembers the life and career of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch, who died at 41.

Alex Zalben, Editor of Comic Book Club, joins Wendy Snyder, in for Bob Sirott, to discuss the final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Alex talks about the show’s key moments, the legacy of Stephen Colbert, and the future of late-night television. Alex also comments on Lupita Nyong'o pushing back on critics for her […]

Chicago's Very Own Eats podcast co-host Mike Piff joins Wendy Snyder, in for Bob Sirott, to preview ‘Chicagoland’s Best Hot Dogs Tournament,’ sponsored by The Puckered Pickle Company, which kicks off June 1st. There will be 64 mom-and-pop shops across the area that will battle for the top spot! Mike asks listeners for their recommendations on […]