The Bob Sirott Podcast from 720 WGN

Bob Sirott sends morning show producer Hayley Boyd back into the pedway again, and on the coldest day of the year so far! She talks about the debut of a new mural, how to know where the entrances and exits are located, and shares a fun fact about the City Hall portion of the Pedway.

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: CTA Riders May See More Police On Trains As Federal Funding Deadline Looms: The programs to boost police presence and add outreach workers began this week. The Trump administration has threatened […]

Marianne Murciano, Bob Sirott's wife and founder of Savvy-Planet, joins Bob to discuss how AI tends to agree with us, even when we’re wrong, and how you can train it to help keep your mind sharp. Some of those ways include asking it to challenge your ideas and requesting a different point of view. Marianne […]

Brian Hieggelke, editor and publisher for NewCity, joins Bob Sirott to talk about some of the city’s old-school restaurants and their history. Some of the restaurants included are The Berghoff, Gene & Georgetti, and Miller’s Pub.

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 new single and tour announcement from Harry Styles, the success of Bruno Mars’ latest single, and a “Legally Blonde” prequel series. She also shares details about a new trailer for […]

David Sheff, author of the autobiography “Yoko,” joins Bob Sirott to explain why he felt the need to tell Yoko Ono’s story, how his friendship with her began, and what it was like interviewing John Lennon and Yoko together. He also talks about Yoko’s struggles after John’s death, why she and John moved to the […]

Columnist and film critic Richard Roeper joins Bob Sirott to talk about the importance of announcing the Oscar nominations and reactions on social media. He also shares details about a Chicago man who owns over three hundred sports jerseys and how wearing jerseys are a great way to support your favorite sports team.

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 latest Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress. She also shares details about Matthew McConaughey’s trademark phrase and a tribute on “General Hospital.”

Stephanie Lulay, Executive editor and Co-Founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: Uber, Lyft Drivers Push For Right To Unionize, Citing Lost Pay, Safety Risks: Illinois drivers launched a statewide push Tuesday for legislation that would allow collective bargaining without changing their contractor status. […]

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to talk about a fake email going around about the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) and why you aren’t required to confirm anything. He also shares details about scams associated with tax season and fake phone calls in the Western Springs area.

Duston Detrick, Vice President and Business Banking Relationship Manager at Associated Bank, joins Steve Grzanich on this week's Thought Leader conversation to discuss why small businesses are turning to high-interest loans to cover rising costs, why fewer college graduates are being hired into entry-level roles, and the growing threat of cyber scams targeting small businesses.

On January 22nd, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to talk about allegations against Homeland Security in Minnesota and why there will not be an investigation into the death of Renee Good. She also explains how important it is for a client to be released pending a trial and what the purpose of the “Clean Slate” […]

Dr. Aileen Marty, Infectious Disease Specialist and Professor at Florida International University, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the latest health news. Dr. Marty explains how our bodies regulate viruses that are introduced into our system and if vitamin C and zinc really help with the recovery from a cold.

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: 4 Ways Chicago Is Celebrating Derrick Rose Ahead Of Bulls Legend's Jersey Retirement: A mural, flower shop and retail collection have been unveiled in the past week to honor Rose. Chicago […]

Anna Davlantes, WGN Radio's investigative correspondent, joins Bob Sirott to share what happened this week in Chicago history. Stories include the birth of Betty White, Mayor Daley’s McDome proposal, the debut of “Hill Street Blues,” and more.

Cindy Gaber, senior writer for the New York Times and entertainment columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, joins Bob Sirott to share details about a feud between Brooklyn Beckham and his family and a reboot of “The Bodyguard” on Netflix. She also shares how you can vote live while watching “Star Search” on Netflix and […]

On January 21st, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor & Market Strategist for Murphy & Sylvest, joins Bob Sirott to talk about how markets are reacting to possible tariffs on Europe, if consumers are starting to pull back on their purchases, and if gas prices will continue to stay low. He also discusses the demand for loans and why […]

Social media strategist Scott Kleinberg joins Bob Sirott to talk about different kinds of error messages and what you can do when they pop up. Some of them include messages about storage space, no internet connection, and an incorrect password.

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about Indiana’s championship win, celebrities’ tributes to Valentino, and a “Sphere” coming to D.C. They also discuss why Poison put their tour on hold and Dean’s interview with Chris Pratt.

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: The Best Chicago Restaurant Week Deals Of 2026, Listed By Locals: Influencer Paige Serena's spreadsheet of the best and worst dining values has become a go-to resource for many foodies. […]

The college football landscape has changed quite a bit over the last five years. Athletes can now be compensated for their name, image, and likeness. The Pac-12 no longer exists. The champion is not crowned by the Associated Press but by a 12-team playoff. For years, decades even, the football program at Indiana University was […]

On January 20th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Brian Hoogeveen, The Cash Man from Americash Jewelry & Coin Buyers, joins Jon Hansen to discuss items that could be worth money. Looking to sell an autograph, rookie cards, or prints? Brian can help you and answer your questions! If you think you have items you'd like to have appraised, visit topcashbuyer.com or call (630) 969-9600

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Jon Hansen (in for Bob Sirott) to provide the latest news in entertainment. Green Day joins the Super Bowl opening ceremony, Dolly Parton is releasing a song on her birthday, and Speedy Gonzales making his return.

Coming through in the 4th quarter like past games, the Chicago Bears kept fans on the edge of their seats. A field goal was the deciding factor in overtime, and the Bears lost to the Rams 20-17. Hall of Fame defensive lineman Dan Hampton joins Jon Hansen (in for Bob Sirott) and Andy Masur to talk about […]

Dr. Jeff Bohmer, Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, joins Jon Hansen ( in for Bob Sirott) to talk about flu season and hospitalizations. Plus, the GLP-1 shot in pill form and how it can be a game changer for pricing and accessibility.

On January 19th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Creator of Tripping Billy, Billy Zureikat, joins Bob Sirott to talk about how he went from playing basketball to learning how to cook after being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. He shares details about the pizzas he creates based on the Bears’ opponents called Chicago Squares and his pizza that inspired by the Los Angeles Rams. […]

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: Cheese Grater Guy Gets Prime Seats To Bears Playoff Game Thanks To His Favorite Beer: Brandon Martinez went viral after he snuck a cheese grater into Soldier Field with some […]

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean share health news about John Mellencamp’s daughter, new music from Harry Styles, and who will perform at the Bears halftime show this weekend. They also talk about a new song from SNL Bears Superfan Robert Smigel, […]

Marianne Murciano, Bob Sirott's wife and founder of Savvy-Planet, joins Bob to take a look at some causes of death that can be easily prevented. Some of them include being around certain houseplants, carbon monoxide exposure, and drinking too much water. Marianne joins Bob for a weekly segment Fridays following the 8:30 am newscast. For more […]

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

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about Ashton Kutcher’s love for the Chicago Bears, Lil Wayne’s apology to Caleb Williams, and Ariana Grande at Chicago’s Art Institute. They also share details about Pete Davidson’s Netflix podcast, more tour announcements, and Dean’s […]

Futurist David Houle joins Bob Sirott to talk about what happened in the first part of the 2020s and how he thinks the rest of it will turn out, as well as why he believes we will go through many more changes. He also discusses his opinion of artificial intelligence and what we need to do as […]

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to talk about an expected increase in scams concerning fake Bears tickets and fake weight loss products sold online. He also shares details about a utility refund scam and what the top local scam to watch out for in the new year.

Stephanie Lulay, Executive editor and Co-Founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: The Wieners Circle Is Looking For Chicago's Top Caleb Williams Look-Alike: Quarterback build, appetite for hot dogs? This snarky Lincoln Park institution wants to see you. How Chains Are Changing Fulton Market, […]

Vice President of Lending for Team Hochberg at Homeside Financial and host of WGN's “Home Sweet Home Chicago” David Hochberg joins Bob Sirott to talk about opportunities from lower mortgage rates and if President Trump’s credit card cap is a good or bad thing. He hosts “Home Sweet Home Chicago” on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm […]

Caryn Levey, Senior Vice President and Private Banking Group Manager at Associated Bank, joins Steve Grzanich on this week's Thought Leader segment to share insights on what banking may look like in 2026, how the new credit card interest rate cap could impact consumers, and what to know about updated 401(k) contribution limits in the year ahead.

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

Anna Davlantes, WGN Radio's investigative correspondent, joins Bob Sirott to share what happened this week in Chicago history. Stories include Walter Payton’s final game, Mike Royko’s last day with the Chicago Sun-Times, WGN Radio’s airing of “Little Orphan Annie,” and more.