The Bob Sirott Podcast from 720 WGN

Phil Stefani, Founder and CEO of Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants, joins Bob Sirott to talk about his history of owning restaurants and how he got his start. He also shared details about his project with the Vatican and working on this project with chef Art Smith.

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean share details about a Superman comic that sold for millions of dollars, the new Miss Universe, and a celebration for Michael B. Jordan. They also talk about Dean’s review of “Wicked: For Good” and things to […]

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: South, West Sides Hit Hardest By Massive Property Tax Bill Spikes, New Report Shows: A report this week from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas' office found the median residential tax bill […]

Marianne Murciano, Bob Sirott's wife and founder of Savvy-Planet, joins Bob to talk about the things people wished they would’ve done before they died per a nurse. Some of those things include allowing yourself joy and forgiving others. Marianne joins Bob for a weekly segment Fridays following the 8:30 am newscast. For more savvy tips, go […]

Chicago's Mayor Brandon Johnson joins Bob Sirott to talk about the Protecting Chicago Budget, including the proposed community safety surcharge, and if there will be any relief for higher property taxes. He also explains how new construction jobs are being created throughout the city, an expansion on the congestion surcharge, and his opinion of Bob’s […]

On November 21st, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Columnist and film critic Richard Roeper joins Bob Sirott to talk about Illinois’ new digital IDs and how this phenomenon takes away the nostalgic feeling of presenting a physical ID. He also shares details about “The Super Bowl Shuffle” documentary and the history of how the song was created.

Mayor of Addison Tom Hundley joins Bob Sirott to talk about how long his family has lived there and a few public works projects in progress. He also shares details about upcoming holiday events and some of their best restaurants.

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: 21 Things To Do In Chicago This Weekend: Christkindlmarket, Tree Lighting, Mag Mile Lights Festival: There's also the Millennium Park Holiday Market, a Beyond Hunger fall benefit concert, a cardboard art show, […]

VP of Public and Board Relations of the BBB Tom Johnson joins Bob Sirott to talk about the spike of puppy scams during the holidays and how you can avoid purchasing counterfeit stamps. He also explains how you can help prevent utility scams, fake calls pretending to be from Homeland Security, and the BBB Torch […]

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean share details about winners from the Country Music Awards, why Dolly Parton wasn’t there, and the U.K.’s ban of reselling concert tickets for a profit. They also talk about Daniel Radcliffe’s outreach to the new Harry […]

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 why U.S. mass layoff warnings are on the rise and tips for paying off credit card debt. David hosts “Home Sweet Home Chicago” on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm […]

Dan Barrins (Senior Vice President in the Commercial Real Estate Group at Associated Bank) joins Steve Grzanich in today's Associated Bank Thought Leader conversation to discuss the latest in real estate lending trends, new property tax increases, and the recent property tax hike in Cook County.

On November 20th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

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 a new strain of the flu and how RSV is sending more babies and young children to hospitals.

Anna Davlantes, WGN Radio's investigative correspondent, joins Bob Sirott to share what happened this week in Chicago history. Stories include when the Chicago Bears signed Red Grange, The Rolling Stones’ impromptu performance with Muddy Waters, the invention of the chocolate phosphate, 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: 1985 Bears' Hit Single ‘The Super Bowl Shuffle' Is The Subject Of New HBO Documentary: The 40-minute documentary will explore how a local record executive convinced the Bears to try rapping, […]

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean share details about Leo High School choir’s star-studded performance, which character was killed off in “The Simpsons,” and Dean’s “Wicked: For Good” pre-review. They also talk about why Alinea lost a Michelin Star and what’s new […]

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to talk about an update in the case against former FBI Director James Comey and the order for OJ Simpson’s estate to pay out to Ron Goldman’s family. She also explains what stand-your-ground laws are and the case of the TikTok influencer that was ordered to pay […]

On November 19th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Social media strategist Scott Kleinberg joins Bob Sirott to talk about digital safety tips to use when traveling for the holidays, like why you shouldn’t use public Wi-Fi and why you should be cautious when using public USB charging stations. He also explains why it isn’t smart to announce your travel plans on social media […]

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: How Chicagoans Helped Their Neighbors Through The SNAP Freeze: From turning their porches into food pantries to baking birthday cakes, neighbors found creative ways to help those going without food […]

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about new allegations against P Diddy, a local tribute for Robert Redford, and the premiere of “Wicked: For Good” in New York. They also share details about who will host and perform on SNL in […]

Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor & Market Strategist for Murphy & Sylvest, joins Bob Sirott to discuss if the Fed is thinking about cutting rates again in December and why the next four to five months are typically the best for the markets. He also talks about when we will get accurate readings on market […]

On November 18th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Dr. Irfan Hafiz, Chief Medical Officer of Northwestern Medicine's Northwest region of hospitals, joins Bob Sirott to talk about how you should treat a cold versus a fever and how patients have more choices to manage high cholesterol. He also shares research about the rejection of a pig kidney in some transplant patients, a study […]

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: Cannabis Dispensary Across From Wrigley Field Gets Final Approval From City Council: Entourage Holdings cleared its final zoning hurdle Friday, paving the way for the team to open after […]

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean discuss the weekend box office numbers, the Pope’s A-List guests at the Vatican, and why Dennis DeYoung slams the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They also talk about the 35th anniversary of “Home Alone,” a […]

On November 17th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Marianne Murciano, Bob Sirott's wife and founder of Savvy-Planet, joins Bob to talk about how you should react to and handle unruly airline passengers. She also mentions one of her famous Thanksgiving sides. 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 […]

Choose Chicago's Director of Corporate Communications Isaac Reichman joins Bob Sirott to talk about some of his favorite restaurants in Chicago’s Theater District, like The Berghoff and The Dearborn, and more. He also shares some restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving, like Hawksmoor and Cafe Robey, as well as Thanksgiving Day Afternoon Lunch Cruises.

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: 3 Friends Visit Every CTA ‘L' Stop In 9 Hours In Effort To Set Guinness World Record: The trio wore Chicago flags as capes and fought snowfall Monday to reach their ambitious […]

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean share details about the man who grabbed Ariana Grande on the red carpet, Bad Bunny’s Latin Grammy awards, and the “Dawson’s Creek” star that needs cancer treatment. They also talk about things to do this weekend, […]

On November 14th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

WGN Radio’s afternoon news anchor Steve Bertrand joins Bob Sirott and Andy Masur to talk about some of the highlights of his career and his forty years at WGN Radio. He also jokes about what he’ll do for the first day of his retirement and how he would like to end his time at the […]

Columnist and film critic Richard Roeper joins Bob Sirott to talk about “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” coming to Chicago and their experiences hosting New Year’s Eve events. They also discuss movies and TV shows that are set in Chicago but filmed somewhere else, as well as some of their favorites.

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean share details about King Charles’ outreach to Ozzy Osbourne’s family, Dean’s interview with Katherine McNamara, and Adele’s acting debut. They also discuss a movie that Sabrina Carpenter will be part of, Dean’s interview with Alicia Silverstone, […]

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to discuss scams that target veterans and members of the church, as well as fake texts claiming to be from Geek Squad. He also shares details about a podcast scam email, a warning about fake government invoices, and the Justice Department’s health care fraud charges.

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: Hundreds Previously Detained By ICE Could Be Released By Judge Under New Order: The order could allow hundreds of immigrants to return home while the court reviews whether their arrests were unlawful. […]

Jake Braund (Portfolio Manager, Wealth Management & Institutional Services at Associated Bank) joins Ryan Burrow in today's Associated Bank Thought Leader conversation to discuss the recent divide of Fed officials on rate cuts, along with a stablecoin surge possibly pushing interest rates lower.

On November 13th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today's potential market drivers:

Ahead of their 30th anniversary, North Shore Center For The Performing Arts marketing manager Sophie Woolley joined Bob Sirott to preview what they have in store in 2026. The celebration kicks off on April 22nd with a performance by Linda Edder and Michael Feinstein! Pre-sale is coming up on November 19th at Noon. Use promo […]