The Bob Sirott Podcast from 720 WGN

48th ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth joins Bob Sirott to talk about the potential of a teen takeover at Foster Beach a couple weeks ago and the plans she helped to coordinate to prevent it. She also shares details on how other wards can prepare for future teen takeovers and what her stance is on the […]

Consumer technology journalist and host of WGN Radio's Techishly Jenn, Jennifer Jolly, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the latest tech gifts for dad, including the Motorola Razr Fold and the Mammotion Luba 3 AWD Robot Mower. She also shares her experience trying out the new Siri AI software and how you can cut down on spam calls.

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: Food Delivery Robots Coming To South Side After Alderman Approves Program's Expansion: Ald. William Hall is bringing the robots to portions of Chatham, Englewood and Greater Grand Crossing, saying his […]

Cindy Pearlman Gaber, senior writer for the New York Times and entertainment columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest single from Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter, Riley Green’s fourth studio album, and why Jalen Brunson wants to be on “Law & Order.” She also discusses Jennifer Lopez’s new movie and […]

Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor & Market Strategist for Murphy & Sylvest, joins Bob Sirott to talk about how Iran’s deal with the U.S. is impacting the markets and SpaceX’s first days of public trading. He also shares details about the level of debt that the economy currently carries and the consumers’ equities in home […]

On June 16th, 2026, Ryan Burrow shares today's potential market drivers:

Emergency medicine physician and associate chief medical officer for Northwestern Medicine's Central DuPage Hospital Dr. Jeffrey Bohmer joins Bob Sirott to talk about a study that looks at a possible link between blood pressure and dementia risk and how midlife habits can impact your brain health as you age. He also shares details about the […]

Wall Street Journal news associate Terell Wright joins Bob Sirott to talk about what the current deal between the U.S. and Iran details and what this means for domestic gas prices. He also shares details about frozen assets with Iran and what could be discussed during the 60-day deadline.

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry senior exhibit strategist John Llewellyn joins Bob Sirott to talk about how the museum is celebrating it’s 93rd birthday with free access to Illinois residents on Friday, June 19th. He also shares what some of their favorite exhibits are, including the coal mine and the baby chick incubator.

Blockbuster Blake Stubbs joins Bob Sirott to talk about his review of “Disclosure Day” and why he thinks it will do better at the box office next week. He also shares highlights form the weekend at the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the death of Oliver Tree, and Fox Corporation’s purchase of ROKU.

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

Maggie Hennessy, freelance food writer and restaurant critic, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the bagel boom that hit the city and why people are passionate about supporting their favorite local bagel shops. She mentions a few of her favorite picks, like Rosca, Tilly Bagel Shop, and Dorothy’s Bakery.

Marianne Murciano, Bob Sirott's wife and founder of Savvy-Planet, joins Bob to discuss the different uses and functions that your dryer has besides its regular uses. You can get rid of wrinkles in clothes without ironing, sanitize your clothes and bedding, and more. Marianne joins Bob for a weekly segment Fridays following the 8:30 am […]

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: Blocked Access To Northerly Island During Some Concerts Has Neighbors Fuming: Events like this Saturday's Red Bull Spin Off and last weekend's Beyond Wonderland have left much of the island's beach […]

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 movies coming out this weekend, another spin-off of “John Wick,” and Train’s upcoming tour stop in Tinley Park. Jason Lesniewicz, senior director of cultural tourism at Choose Chicago, also joins […]

On June 12th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Robert Channick, business reporter for the Chicago Tribune, joins Bob Sirott to talk about Ryan Baker’s departure from CBS and the arrival of “The Late Show” set at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago. He also discusses how operations are continuing at “60 Minutes,” including how Nick Bilton was hired as a consultant.

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to discuss what the FBI is reporting on real estate fraud and safe ways to pay with your credit card. He also talks about what fake electronic invite scams look like and what the BBB does to bring attention to World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Michael Liptrot, reporter for Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Michael has details on: Historic Jefferson Park Firehouse Could Be Turned Into Salon Suite For Local Businesses: A developer is proposing turning the first floor of the vacant 120-year-old firehouse into a beauty and wellness space housing 15 businesses. […]

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 concert news and new movie trailers, including “The Social Reckoning” and “Whales.” She also shares details about the Hulu and Disney+ series “Furious,” Wynonna Judd’s new single, and highlights […]

Doug McClure, Senior Vice President and Team Leader, Commercial Banking at Associated Bank, joins Steve Grzanich on this week's Thought Leader conversation to discuss business confidence heading into 2026, the challenges posed by tariffs, inflation, and interest rates, and why many Chicago-area companies remain optimistic about growth. Doug also shares what CEOs are seeing, the outlook for hiring and […]

On June 11th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the self-defense laws in Texas and how they relate to the trial of Karmelo Anthony, as well as new Illinois regulations for scooters and e-bikes. She also shares details about what could be discussed during the final days of the Supreme Court’s current term, […]

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 Long COVID is diagnosed and a trial that looks an experimental vaccine for helping to treat melanoma.

Anna Davlantes, WGN Radio's investigative correspondent, joins Bob Sirott to share what happened this week in Chicago history. Stories include Princess Diana’s visit to the Cook County Hospital, service from the first L Train, the first honorary “Ferris Bueller Day,” 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: Foundry Park In Line For $200 Million In Public Funding At Former Lincoln Yards Site: The sprawling development is set to bring more than 3,000 housing units, a riverwalk and parks […]

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 reunion for “Romy and Michele 2,” an approved “Grey’s Anatomy” spin-off, and a reboot of “Cop Land.” She also shares details about a biopic featuring Heart and a new album […]

As the Chicago Cubs mark 150 years of baseball history, Nikco Sports is celebrating the milestone with a limited-edition, MLB and MLBPA licensed 150th Anniversary Bat. What a way to commemorate your all-time favorite Cubs moments! Chicago Cubs 150th Anniversary Bat graphic, via Nikco Sports Memorabilia In time for Father’s Day, WGN Radio’s Bob Sirott […]

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

Bill Conway, 34th Ward Alderman, joins Bob Sirott to talk about the news surrounding a new parking meter deal for Chicago and what would change if the deal is approved. He also explains what the next steps in the process are and if there really is a deadline on June 30th.

Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor & Market Strategist for Murphy & Sylvest, joins Bob Sirott to share details about the upcoming public offering of SpaceX, why commodity prices are coming down, and last Friday’s unemployment numbers. He also explains what a “K-Shaped” economy is and how future retail sales will impact the market.

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's Outdoor Pools Will Open A Week Earlier This Summer: Neighborhood pools open June 19. The pools, along with Humboldt Park Beach and more than 200 water features, will be […]

Social media strategist Scott Kleinberg joins Bob Sirott to talk about how to use the built-in functions on your phone to make your life easier, including adjusting the text size, muting unwanted notifications, and setting reminders. He also shares details about the upcoming upgrades coming to Siri and answers this week’s genius bar question.

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 possibility of a “Friends” podcast, Paul Rudd’s interaction with Neil Diamond, and the 40th anniversary of “Pretty in Pink.” She also shares details about a crime series featuring Kevin Bacon […]

On June 9th, 2026, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Al Maag, co-founder of the 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame, joins Bob Sirott to talk about an upcoming reunion picnic and how they are celebrating their 30-year anniversary. He also explains what people can expect to see at the museum and what their mission is.

Emergency medicine physician and associate chief medical officer for Northwestern Medicine's Central DuPage Hospital, Dr. Jeffrey Bohmer, joins Bob Sirott to talk about support for stricter food regulations and some medical routines that older people may not need. He also explains why surgery may not help with osteoarthritis and the benefits of being in nature.

Author of A Century of Hitchcock: The Man, the Myths, the Legacy, Tony Lee, joins Bob Sirott to talk about what the media has gotten wrong over the years about Alfred Hitchcock and the different people that he interviewed for the book to get a more accurate representation. He also shares details about two of […]

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 ‘Peace Takeover' Looks To Provide An Alternative To Controversial ‘Teen Trends': Saint Sabina's annual Peace Takeover called on teenagers and their parents to resist participating in the […]

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 what happened at the Tony Awards and the weekend box office numbers. She also shares what Quentin Tarantino has to say about Hollywood and the countdown to Keith Urban’s cover album.

On June 8th, 2026, Dave Schwan shares today's potential market drivers:

Fourth-generation owner of J.P. Graziano Grocery Company, Jim Graziano, joins Bob Sirott to talk about how his giardiniera made its way to the Vatican, the celebration of their 89th anniversary, and the story of how his great-grandfather came from New York to Chicago. President of Marconi Foods, Jeff Johnson, also joins Bob to discuss what […]