The ALL NEW Big Wakeup Call with Ryan Gatenby

Send us a textThe Daily Show with Trevor Noah correspondent Michael Kosta called in to talk about his first one-hour stand-up special on Comedy Central, “Michael Kosta: Detroit. NY. LA.,” which was filmed in each of those three cities in a hilarious and nostalgic reminder of pre-pandemic life.  (From 12-9-20)

Send us a text"American Idol" winner Abi Carter called in to talk about her appearance on PBS's "A Capitol Fourth," her new album, and her upcoming appearance in Chicago at the Beat Kitchen on October 23rd.ABI CARTERBIO After charming judges, audiences, and voters during her journey on Season 22 of American Idol, singer-songwriter Abi Carter went from hopeful auditioner to season winner in a matter of weeks. With the release of her 2024 album, ghosts in the backyard, the Coachella Valley native officially introduced herself as a confident, layered artist in her own right.  The nostalgia-ridden 10-track LP is a narrative, story-driven collection of music that allows listeners to get to know the person behind the powerful voice that won over millions during her Idol journey. Abi wrote on every song on the project, processing her own youth from a distance in the hopes that others might feel encouraged in their own journeys.  “When I wrote this album, it was therapy for myself,” Abi said. “I was trying to work through what I was feeling and thinking, and it was cathartic for me. If other people can feel that and relate to my emotions, that would be ‘mission accomplished' — even if it just reaches one person.”  The second-oldest in a family of seven kids, Abi was raised in a musical household. Growing up, she sang just about anywhere she could, but it was learning piano that changed the trajectory of her life. Her skill on the instrument is near virtuosic and remains infused into every aspect of her music-making process, including the genre-blending elements of ghosts in the backyard. Abi refuses to let herself be boxed in. She embraces influences like Phoebe Bridgers, Manchester Orchestra, Gracie Abrams, and Renee Rapp, playing with indie-pop, folk, and cinematic drama throughout her discography. Regardless of genre elements, it's the raw earnestness to Abi's voice that consistently sets her apart — it's something that can only be informed by performing from the very bottom of one's soul. Abi is the rare artist that exists in the crossover of being born with natural talent and having the technical skill set to back it up.   “I believe in the things I sing,” she confirms. “I try not to sing just because it sounds pretty; the best singers connect with what they're saying. That's what moves people.” 

Send us a textGordon Korman is a household name in the middle grade space. With over 100 titles to his name, he's written a book for every kind of reader in this age group—from reluctant to voracious and all the shades in between. We discussed his brand-new adventure: SNOOP is the story of a screen-obsessed boy who finds himself trapped at home—and discovers that life gets harder when screens are all you have.

Send us a textOne of my all-time favorite ballplayers, Dave "Cobra" Parker passed away June 28th at age 74.  Dave's numbers speak for themselves and he should be in the Hall of Fame.  We revisit our conversation from April 12, 2021.Original episode description: Dave Parker won two batting titles, an MVP award, three silver sluggers, and played in 7 all-star games.  Of his 339 career homers, I bet at least 100 of those were hit against the Cubs. Dave called in to talk about his memoir, “Cobra: A Life of Baseball and Brotherhood.”  

Send us a textNew York Times culture reporter, best-selling author, and Twitter superstar Dave Itzkoff dialed into the show to talk about his new book Robin: The Definitive Biography and Untold Story of Robin Williams. We discussed why fans felt such a connection to Robin, how he dealt with a rocket-like ascent to fame from comedy clubs to Mork and Mindy, his struggles with substance abuse, and how the public side of Robin Williams differed from the private side. (From 5-30-18)

Send us a textJustin “MR. FASCINATE” Shaifer is nationally renowned as one of the top advocates for science education in the nation. He is a LinkedIn Top Voice in Technology, Science Communicator, popular TV host and producer who has starred in shows for ABC News, Hulu, PBS, and Travel Channel.On June 13th, Shaifer hosted the world's largest K-12 science competition awards – the annual Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Challenge. This event honors national student winners who have produced amazing inventions to help overcome some of the world's greatest challenges.  Justin joined the show to discuss the competition and introduce the student winners.

Send us a textChicago Fire star Joe Minoso joined the show to talk about tonight's crossover episodes of Chicago Fire and Chicago PD, beginning tonight at 8 CT on NBC-5 Chicago. Joe and I also discussed the stupidest Chicago winter ever and his roots in the area. (From 2-25-19)

Send us a textDebi Mazar called it to talk about her new series, “Arde Madrid: Burn Madrid Burn,” which is streaming on the Megahertz choice service. Debi plays Ava Gardner in 1960.  We also discussed meeting Frank Sinatra with Madonna, her battle with COVID-19, and the future of her series "Younger." (From 5-4-20)

Send us a textJonathan McHugh is the director of a new documentary, “Long Live Rock: Celebrate the Chaos,”  now available on demand.  (From 3-12-21)Jonathan McHugh has been producing, directing and music supervising films and TV for decades. He has produced over 35 films and TV shows, music supervised over 75 films and produced many gold, platinum, Emmy and Oscar-nominated film and TV show soundtracks. McHugh has produced quality content while working at great companies like New Line Cinema/ Warner Brothers films, as well as Universal Records and Sony Records. As a director, McHugh's first subculture documentaryLong Live Rock.Celebrate the Chaos will be released in 2021 by Abramorama Entertainment. McHugh is currently producing "City of Ali," a documentary about Muhammad Ali and the relationship to his hometown. He has produced hit films like Paramount's "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never," "Crossroads" starring Britney Spears, as well as the highly-regarded documentary, "Janis: Little Girl Blue." As a TV producer McHugh has produced many shows including Viacom's "Sun Records" and Discovery's "Battleground Earth."

Send us a textChef Marcus Samuelsson called in to give me some tips on putting a new spin on the 5 dishes I can semi-successfully make, including getting out my olive oil rut and exploring avocado oil.  Plus: Marcus talks about his new restaurant and gives a shout out to Chicago. (From 2-20-20)

Send us a textBest-selling author Joanna Ho makes her 5th appearance on the show and earns the coveted prize as we talk about her fun new book "Becoming Boba."Joanna Ho is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of many children's books, including We Who Produce Pearls, Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, and The Silence That Binds Us, her debut young adult novel, which received the Young Adult Honor for the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature. She earned her masters in educational leadership at Berkeley, and her passion for equity in books and education is matched only by her love of homemade chocolate chip cookies, outdoor adventures, and dance parties with her kids. Visit her at Joannahowrites.com.

Send us a textThe Award-Winning Story of Illegal Drugs and Famous Baseball Stars On DVD and Digital Platforms on June 4, 2019"Another masterpiece of wild and woolly Floridiana from Florida's documentarian laureate." - Vincent Mancini, FILMDRUNKSome of the biggest U.S. sports stars come under harsh scrutiny in the eye-opening - and queasily funny -  SCREWBALL , which reveals the real story behind baseball's notorious drug scandal. The film, by award-winning documentarian Billy Corben, will be released on Greenwich Entertainment DVD and digital platforms on June 4, 2019.Recounting the high-profile doping scandal that rocked Major League Baseball, director Billy Corben (Cocaine Cowboys, Magic City Hustle) takes us into the surreal Miami underworld that provided performance-enhancing drugs to Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez and other star players.They say South Florida is a sunny place for shady people and this is certainly true of steroid peddler Anthony Bosch and his most notorious client, Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees. While Bosch's medical credentials may be lacking, his storytelling skills are first-rate as he hilariously details the rise and fall of his "health clinic," including mob connections, financial chicanery, his cocaine habit and Rodriguez's eccentric behavior.The documentary plays like a madcap Floridian crime comedy in the vein of Elmore Leonard, Carl Hiaasen and the Coen Brothers while it raises serious questions about the ethics of professional sports. Powerful interests would be happy to let this story slip from memory, but SCREWBALL makes it unforgettable.(From 6-4-19)

Send us a textPaul Rees is an award-winning writer who has been covering rock and roll for three decades.  His new book is “The Ox: The Authorized Biography of The Who's John Entwistle.” (From 4-29-20)

Send us a text(From 5-17-20) It was nice to welcome Clive Standen back to the show for a chat about his new show "Council of Dads."  Will there be new additions to the circle?  Will Tom Everett Scott return to the show as a ghost? Listen for the spoiler-free details!

Send us a textMay is National Water Safety Month, which makes it the perfect time for parents and caregivers to contact their local Y and sign their children up for a Safety Around Water program or swim lesson. The YMCA's Safety Around Water program provides children of all ages and backgrounds with the tools they need to be confident in and around water.Water safety expert Lindsay Mondick of the YMCA joined the show to discuss the importance of eliminating distractions and how even quick glances at a phone can result in tragedy.  

Send us a textBen Cohen joined us to discuss his new book "The Hot Hand: The Mystery and Science of Streaks."  We talked about the lack of Michael Jordan on NBA Jam for Sega Genesis, the difference between "hot hand" and "dumb luck," how to write songs like John Lennon, and a special "hot hand" Spotify playlist. (From 3-12-20)

Send us a textWill Vought has joined the cast of the multiple Emmy Award-winning "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel."  We discussed his character (an Army Major who wants to be Bob Hope), the accuracy and detail of their 50s setting and re-creation of the era's comedy scene, and his on-screen relationship with Midge. (From 12-9-19)

Send us a textMark L. Walberg is the long-time host of "Antiques Roadshow" on PBS, and is also hosting "Temptation Island," which is headed toward the two-part season 2 finale this Thursday (12/12/19) on USA Network.  We discussed some of the events of this season, how his role as host also incorporates being a counselor, and a spoiler-free hint and teaser what we can expect on the finale. (From 12-11-19)

Send us a textKate Black is the co-author, along with June Diane Raphael, of the book "Represent: The Woman's Guide to Running for Office & Changing the World."  We had a lively discussion about her inspiration for the book, her collaboration with June Diane Raphael, how to (and how not to) begin your campaign, and getting a testimonial from Hillary Clinton.  (From 9-17-19)

Send us a textPete Correale called in to the show for a chat about his new stand-up album "For Pete's Sake."  We talked about the adventures of being a marathon spectator, listening to classic comedy albums, and juggling a show from city to city.  (From 10-21-19)

Send us a textIt was an honor to have Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin on the show to discuss her book "Leadership in Turbulent Times," which is now out in paperback.  I think I managed to not sound like a dullard in the interview, which was all I could hope for. (From 10-4-19)

Send us a textCybercrime is evolving as consumers and businesses – from healthcare to finance to manufacturing --- are facing increasingly sophisticated threats. Now, Verizon's 18th Annual Data Breach Investigation Report has analyzed 22,000+ security incidents and their impact across 139 countries, providing insights about the critical need to take proactive measures to protect data from bad actors. Cybersecurity expert Alla Reznik of Verizon returned to the show to discuss the important new report and how businesses can stay ahead of cyber threats by enhancing security practices and effectively responding to breaches. 

Send us a textThe Great Barrier Reef is a jewel of Australia and a designated UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. The Reef is alive and thriving and now people around the world are signing their support to recognize this treasure as part of the United Nations Environment Programme's Champions of the Earth Awards, with a Lifetime Achievement Award, as the world's first non-human recipient. Natalie Smith, with GBR Biology, and Mark Olsen, Great Barrier Reef Advocate and CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland, discussed the importance of getting involved in this worldwide grassroots campaign and advocacy movement to provide support to preserve one of the seven wonders of the natural world.

Send us a textChrissy Metz returned to The Big Wakeup Call to talk about her new movie, "Breakthrough." We discussed the challenges of playing a character based on an actual person, how she prepared to play a mom, and how she's working on recording some tunes. (From 4-18-19)

Send us a textAfter a lengthy absence, Ed Begley Jr. called in to the show for a chat about Earth Day and what we can do to help take care of our planet as we take care of ourselves.  (From 4-20-20)

Send us a textGarrett Morris called in to talk about his new movie "Granddaddy Day Care" and share stories about working in Chicago, his time on SNL and owning a comedy club. (From 1-31-19)

Send us a textLegendary sportscaster Verne Lundquist called in for a chat about his new memoir PLAY BY PLAY: Calling the Wildest Games in Sports - From SEC Football to College Basketball, The Masters, and More. Topics: reminiscing about the Bears-Eagles "Fog Bowl" in 1988, being present for so many historical sports moments, and making a memorable call for the ages. (From 10-16-18)

Send us a textAndrew Zimmern visited the show for a third time, and on this visit we discussed his new MSNBC series "What's Eating America," a travel show that connects the links between food and politics.  (From 2-13-20)

Send us a text Parkinson's disease affects nearly one million people in the U.S., with more than 90,000 newly diagnosed each year. John L. Lehr, President, CEO of the non-Profit Parkinson's Foundation, and Dr. Kathleen Blake, a person living with Parkinson's disease, let people know some of the early signs of PD, such as tremors, small handwriting, loss of smell, trouble sleeping or walking, a soft or low voice, stooping or hunching over, as well as non-motor symptoms like depression and anxiety. 

Send us a textVanessa Bayer, who was currently in her 5th season on Saturday Night Live, talks about the "Trainwreck Comedy Tour" coming to the Harris Theater in Chicago, an all-star evening featuring Vanessa, Amy Schumer, Colin Quinn, Judd Apatow, Mike Birbiglia and Dave Attell.  (From 6-10-15)

Send us a text Monica Mohindra is the Director of the Veterans History Project (VHP) of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. In over 15 years with the Project, she has coordinated major initiatives with Members of Congress, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Endowment for the Humanities, PBS, Ken Burns/ Florentine Films, the HISTORY Channel, and many more. Before joining the Library, she worked in various communications with a variety of theater companies including The Smithsonian's Discovery Theater, Arena Stage's Living Stage Theatre Company and The Washington Revels. She is the spouse of a US Navy Veteran.  

Send us a textThe legendary Henry Rollins joined the show to talk about his role in a new four-part docuseries "Punk." We also discussed how music and fashion were attached to the English punk rock scene, why he embraced the punk rock community as a teenager, and the reason he turns down most punk rock documentaries (and why he chose to appear in this one). [From 3-7-19)

Send us a textSongwriting icon Diane Warren discusses her legendary career.(From 2016)

Send us a textWilliam DeWitt is the Director of Global Security at Verkada, where he is building a best-in-class corporate security program. Prior to Verkada, Will spent nearly 12 years at Palantir, where he served as Global Safety and Security Lead, building the company's corporate global security and government security programs. Under his leadership, Palantir's government security program obtained accreditation at the highest level, allowing it to process U.S. government data and pursue government contracts. The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency awarded the program he built the Cogswell Award. Previously, Will served in the US Marine Corps for eight years. 

Send us a textAuthor Jacqueline Friedland's books have been called ferociously insightful, wholly engrossing and unputdownable! Her newest is Counting Backward, which is being called "An Erin Brockovich for our times."Next month, she delivers her most thought-provoking book yet with: COUNTING BACKWARD. This “ripped-from-the-headlines story is an Erin Brockovich for our times.”

Send us a textI had a fun chat with author Tanisia Moore about her new book for children (and parents, too) "Wash Day Love."Tanisia Moore views writing as her avenue for giving hope, sharing life's lessons, and sparking imaginations. Her companion picture books I Am My Ancestors' Wildest Dreams and When Black Girls Dream Big empower young readers to dream and live big, and remind them of their strength and potential. She lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband and three young children. Learn more at tanisiamoore.com 

Send us a textTom Carroll is the writer director of “The Stress is Killing Me,” which is now available to rent/own on all North American digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms.  He is also the director or “Big Bad Budget,” which aired on PBS stations nationwide, and the writer director of “Who Stole the Tasmanian Devils?” Tom is also the author of several novels, including “The Dogs Who Play Baseball,” “Young and Dumb”, and “Lawrence and the Ant Colony,” and the play “Churchill's Finest Hour.”  

Send us a textAnnasophia Robb of The CW's Carrie Diaries discusses her new film DOWN A DARK HALL.  (From 8-17-18)

Send us a textMLB Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt called into talk about his serious battle with skin cancer (Stage 3 Melanoma) and a new initiative from CancerCare, "Your Cancer Game Plan."  It was also a thrill to talk to Mike about baseball memories of him always destroying my Cubs and his thoughts on whether the Cubs can repeat.(From 9-20-17)

Send us a textLauded by David Baldacci, Karin Slaughter, and Stephen King, among others "The Oligarch's Daughter" by Joseph Finder is already on the bestseller list. The hero, Paul Brightman, is a regular finance guy who by accident falls in love with an Oligarch's daughter. The U.S. intelligence community traps him into spying on his father-in-law and his activities. 

Send us a textCelebrated New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry returns to the show to discuss the latest installment in his wildly popular Cotton Malone series—now in development as a streaming series. The Medici Return takes Cotton to Italy to solve a five hundred year-old mystery. 

Send us a textJim Jefferies is coming to the Vic Theater in Chicago for two stand-up shows being taped for a new special.  We discuss the state of the world, the state of comedy, and the state of our minds.

Send us a textRenowned rock and roll photographer Mick Rock, who has taken iconic photographs of David Bowie, Queen, Sex Pistols, Iggy Pop, Ramones, and especially Lou Reed, called in to discuss a limited-edition book of pictures and stories, Transformer, out now to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the LP that, with the magic help of David Bowie and Mick Ronson, launched Lou Reed into the hero status we know today. We only had 10 minutes for the interview, but I could listen to Mick tell Reed and Bowie stories all day. Mick sadly passed away in 2021 at age 72.

Send us a textMarg Helgenberger called in to talk about her movie, "Almost Friends" as well as her play "What We're Up Against." Plus: Chicago geography and filming in Alabama in the summer -- on purpose. (From 11-14-17)

Send us a textLindsay Arnold discusses partnering with Cubs legend Davis Ross on " Dancing With the Stars." (From 4-13-17).Lindsay Arnold is an all-American girl who was born and raised on the stage in Provo, Utah. She began dancing at the age of four and has not stopped dancing since. She trained extensively in Utah with some of the country's best teachers, including Shirley Ballas and Mark Ballas, a Dancing with the Stars veteran dancer.Lindsay is incredibly versatile, but her area of expertise is Latin dance. Previously a finalist on So You Think You Can Dance, perform in the 30-city tour, in theaters all across the nation. She later joined Dancing with the Stars, where she was first partnered with boxer Victor Ortiz.Her numerous awards include placing 1st place in both the United States Open Youth Latin Championships and the United States Open Junior Latin Championships, being a top 3 finalist at the World Junior Latin Team Match, a top 5 finalist at the World Cup Latin Junior Championships and a top 5 finalist at the United States Junior National 10 dance Championships.

Send us a textJames Feinstein discusses his book "THE FIRST MAJOR: The Inside Story of the 2016 Ryders Cup Tournament." (From 11-3-17)John Feinstein is one of America's favorite sportswriters, and his new book invites readers to join him on the trail of the storied Ryders Cup – an intense tournament that pits America's best golfers against their European counterparts in one of the most emotional matches of the year. 

Send us a textThe Amazing Kreskin made 88 appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, and has also been on with David Letterman, Jimmy Fallon and more. He continues to be the world's leading mentalist. His off-broadway show debuts on April 12th at Theatre Row-Lion Theatre in New York City. We discussed how he first landed an appearance on the Tonight Show, his relationship with Johnny and Dave, and his experiences in Chicago. Kreskin also graciously agreed not to read my thoughts (or least not to announce them on the radio).(From March 29, 2018)

Send us a textActor James Faulkner discusses his role as Paul in the film "Paul, Apostle of Christ." (From March 2018.)Born in Hampstead, London, James Faulkner has enjoyed a prolific and varied career spanning more than 40 years. In 2017, he was widely acknowledged for his portrayal of Randyll Tarly in HBO's Game of Thrones as well as playing the head of MI6 in ATOMIC BLONDE alongside Charlize Theron. His numerous British and U.S. television roles include such series as Downton Abbey, Da Vinci's Demons, I Claudius, The Martian Chronicles, Crazy Like a Fox, Highlander and La Femme Nikita. Film credits include X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, THE GOOD SHEPHERD starring Robert de Niro, BRIDGET JONES' DIARY among many others. James' theatre roles include multiple West End productions, and he has narrated over 40 documentaries, read 15 audio books and voiced a number of video games.

Send us a textWe open the vault and go all the way back to 2014 for my chat with LeeAnn Rimes, who was promoting her Christmas tour and her album “ONE Christmas - Chapter 1."

Send us a textIan Port talks about his book THE BIRTH OF LOUD: LEO FENDER, LES PAUL & THE GUITAR-PIONEERING RIVALRY THAT SHAPED ROCK 'N ROLL.  (From 1-17-19)Ian Port is an award-winning writer and music critic whose work has appeared in Rolling Stone, The Village Voice, and The Believer, among other publications. He is also the former music editor of the San Francisco Weekly. He lives in New York. For more information, visit: www.iansmithport.com.

Send us a textAndrew Chimka, industry hiring expert and LinkedIn's Director of Product Management, shares his top hiring tips for small business success, including the state of hiring today for small businesses, the top challenges small businesses face, and how LinkedIn is helping small businesses find qualified candidates with its new AI assistant.