WGN - The Dave Plier Podcast

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks with Colin Hay, the legendary singer-songwriter and voice of Men at Work, about his remarkable musical journey, the band’s meteoric rise to international fame, and the timeless songs that defined a generation, including “Down Under,” “Who Can It Be Now?”, and “Overkill.” Hay also reflects on his acclaimed solo career, […]

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes retired WGN newsman Roger Badesch for a fascinating look at the history and origins of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods, discovering the stories behind the names, the people, cultures, and events that shaped each community, and how Chicago’s rich neighborhood heritage continues to define the city’s identity today.

WGN Radio's Dave Plier welcomes WGN Morning News anchor and traffic reporter Brhett Vickery for a heartfelt conversation about returning to work after maternity leave. Brhett shares the joys and challenges of balancing new motherhood with the demands of early morning television, reflects on the perspective that parenthood has brought to her life, and expresses […]

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks with Chicago radio legend Garry Meier about the importance of getting out and connecting with others in an increasingly isolated world. As younger generations spend more time online and less time socializing face-to-face, Meier shares why real conversations, friendships, and community matter more than ever.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks with Tom Carballo of Detroit’s Mojo in the Morning and a newly elected member of the Museum of Broadcast Communications Board of Directors about the Museum’s Front Row Experiences Charity Auction, featuring more than 50 once-in-a-lifetime opportunities with some of the biggest names in entertainment, broadcasting, sports, and music. Highlights include cool […]

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks with comedian and Chicago native Pat McGann about making the most of summer, family vacations with his kids, time with his parents, and life on the road as one of America’s top touring comedians. They also discuss Pat’s upcoming performance at Zanies Rosemont on Sunday, July 19, and his return […]

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes Scott Dehn, proprietor of the McHenry Outdoor Theater, the only drive in movie theater in Chicagoland, to discuss the nostalgia of the drive in experience, from classic concession stand favorites and retro intermission commercials to why watching movies under the stars continues to delight generations of moviegoers. Scott also previews […]

From June, 2022: WGN Radio's Dave Plier welcomes TV icon James Burrows to talk about his book: ‘Directed by James Burrows: Five Decades of Stories from the Legendary Director of Taxi, Cheers, Frasier, Friends, Will & Grace, and More'. All this from the man who helped launch the careers of Ted Danson, Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson, […]

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks with Chicago’s own Billy Corgan about an exciting year ahead for The Smashing Pumpkins, including the band’s summer and fall tour, kicking things off with the America 250 celebration in Los Angeles, headlining Lollapalooza, and returning home for a major show at Chicago’s United Center this October. Billy also discusses […]

WGN Radio's Dave Plier talks to Chicago's own Joe Mantegna on Memorial Day to honor our fallen, a recap of the annual National Memorial Day concert, some of the other celebrities involved, how he got involved with the veteran community, plus a discussion about the Cubs, and more.

Radio Hall of Famer Garry Meier joins WGN Radio's Dave Plier to talk about the real meaning of Memorial Day, celebrating his father, Frank Meier, and his combat experiences serving in World War II. Visit Garrymeier.com for more.

WGN Radio's Dave Plier and Dave Schwan talk about the true meaning of Memorial Day, which originated as ‘Decoration Day' after the Civil War and was officially signed into law in 1967. Plus, Dave shares President Ronald Reagan's moving Memorial Day speech from 1984.

WGN Radio's Dave Plier talks to Weber's Kevin Kolman about getting your grill into gear this summer, recipes for the perfect burger, steaks, ribs, breakfast, desserts, and more! Visit Weber.com for more.

Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park proprietor Jason Sierpien joins WGN Radio's Dave Plier to celebrate the park's 67th season and reflect on the rich history of the beloved family attraction that first opened in 1959. The conversation explores the evolution of the park, including its classic rides, the Santa Springs water park, vintage Kiddieland […]

To honor a promise to “keep his name alive,” WGN Radio's Dave Plier celebrates the legacy of the late Don Rickles on what would have been his 100th birthday, sharing a memorable backstage Las Vegas interview with the comedy legend. The special also features bonus conversations with Rickles' longtime best friend, the late Bob Newhart; […]

WGN Radio's Dave Plier hangs out in studio with Jeff Mauro, “The Sandwich King,” to talk about his journey through food and comedy, his hit shows on Food Network, and his latest venture, Mauro Provisions, a new collaboration with Lou Malnati's. Jeff also previews his upcoming appearance at City Winery on May 29th.

WGN Radio and the Museum of Broadcast Communications CEO speaks with Justin Kulvsek, longtime senior consultant with the museum, about the new Evolution of Late Night Television exhibit, Johnny Carson: The Centennial, and Five Decades of The Loop. They also discuss exciting new additions, including the set from The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (NBC) and the return (after a decade) […]

WGN Radio's Dave Plier talks with The Brady Bunch's Eve Plumb about her new book, Happiness Included: Jan Brady and Beyond. She shares behind-the-scenes stories from the iconic series and reflects on her life and career beyond her role as the famous middle sister.

Steve Darnall of Nostalgia Digest Magazine talks about the Spring edition, including features on Orson Welles and the Chicago Cubs' College of Coaches, as well as his upcoming novel, Marvels: The Novelization. Visit nostalgiadigest.com for more!

Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, joins WGN Radio's Dave Plier to discuss all things Easter weekend. From the Triduum, including Easter Sunday, to the potential visit of Chicago's own Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Cupich offers insights on attending Mass with family and the rising numbers of younger generations attending Catholic churches. His Eminence also […]

80s rock icon and Grammy award-winning artist Rick Springfield sits down with WGN Radio's Dave Plier to talk about the origins of his music career, what inspired him to pick up the guitar, and the story behind his smash hit “Jessie's Girl.” Rick also reflects on his iconic role as Dr. Noah Drake on General […]

WGN Radio's Dave Plier sits down with comedian and late-night legend Craig Ferguson to discuss his journey from punk rock bands and theater to comedy, The Drew Carey Show, and The Late Late Show. They also dive into his love of game shows, as Craig brings his signature humor to Scrabble on The CW, airing Thursdays at 7 PM CT, […]

In December 2012, Dave Plier visited with Orion Samuelson to discuss Orion’s career and book, You Can’t Dream Big Enough.

Music legend Smokey Robinson, member of the Rock ‘n' Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters' Hall of Fame, Kennedy Center Honors recipient, winner of the National Medal of Arts, a Grammys Living Legend Award, including an Honorary Doctorate from Howard University, helped shaped the sound of Motown with close friend Berry Gordy. WGN Radio's […]

Actor and improvisational comedian previously known for his work on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Colin Mochrie joins WGN Radio's Dave Plier on the show to talk about the art of improvisation. Listen in while Colin gives listeners an inside look into what fans can expect if they come out to see Colin and Brad Sherwood's latest […]

Mike Toomey and Ana Belaval from the WGN Morning News join WGN Radio's Dave Plier to talk about their upcoming night of comedy happening, hosted by WGN-TV’s Jeff Hoover on Thursday, March 12th at Classic Cinemas Tivoli. Get tickets at classiccinemas.com. [audio https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8002520/8002520_2026-02-28-022120.64kmono.mp3

WGN Radio's Dave Plier sits down with comedian George Lopez to discuss his first appearance on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show, his groundbreaking sitcom, the history of Latinos on television, and his experience hosting a late-night talk show. Lopez shares why he's happiest when he's on stage, bringing laughter to audiences everywhere. For tickets to George's […]

WGN Radio's Dave Plier talks with WGN Radio producer Neal Fischer and tonight's guest producer Ashley Bihun about Neal's latest book, “The Rom-Com Ultimate Trivia Book” exploring the trivia, secrets, and behind-the-scenes stories that make romantic movies irresistible.

WGN Radio's Dave Plier and Jeff Rogers of Jeff Rogers Unlimited take an inside look at this year's Super Bowl commercials — breaking down the record-setting ad spend, the celebrity talent behind the spots, and the strategies brands use to capture the attention of one of television's largest audiences. With Super Bowl commercials now a […]

WGN-TV's Pat Tomasulo shares his thoughts on the Big Game this Sunday, plus a the upcoming ‘Laugh Your Face Off Event' on Saturday April 25th, benefiting The Facial Pain Research Foundation, to find a cure for trigeminal neuralgia. For tickets, visit LaughYourFaceOff.org.

WGN Radio's Dave Plier shares his conversation with Emmy and Grammy award-winning, producer, director, writer and documentary filmmaker Andrew Solt to talk about the most valued television libraries of all time which he owns: The Ed Sullivan Show and The Beatles first appearance on American television. The collection includes over 10,000 performances including The Beatles, The Rolling […]

WGN Radio personality Dave Plier sits down with late-night television legend Jay Leno for an engaging and deeply personal conversation you won't want to miss. Featured prominently in The Evolution of Late Night Television exhibit, now on display at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago, Jay reflects on his journey from young stand-up comic […]

WGN Radio's Dave Plier talks with Chicago Bears Super Bowl champion Kevin ‘Butthead' Butler, radio legend Kevin Matthews, and Jim Shorts about the 1985 Bears' legendary adventures on the Kevin Matthews Show, the new Loop exhibit at the Museum of Broadcast Communications, and a conversation previewing this Sunday's Bears-Rams game.

Dave Plier shares his conversation with comedy legend Robert Smigel, the creative force behind the “Da Bears” sketch and the voice of Triumph the Insult Comic Dog. They dive into Smigel's incredible career, from writing sketches on 425 episodes of Saturday Night Live to co-writing films with Adam Sandler, Conan O’Brien, and more.

WGN Radio's Dave Plier and Dave Schwan reflect on the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as they revisit past conversations with civil rights leader Jesse Jackson and Dr. King's granddaughter, Yolanda Scott King, highlighting the impact of Dr. King's work on generations past and present.

WGN Radio's Dave Plier welcomes comedian Erica Rhodes, who went viral last year on the WGN-TV Morning News, to talk about dating, aging, and her appearances at Zanies Rosemont this weekend: TONIGHT at 7pm, Friday and Saturday at 7pm and 9:15pm. You can get $10 OFF the late show on Saturday if you mention WGN. For tickets, visit […]

UIC Adjunct Lecturer and historian Wally Podrazik joins WGN Radio's Dave Plier, along with Ryan Burrow, Mark Carman and Amanda Czarnecki look back at the notable figures we lost in 2025 including Rob Reiner, James Lovell, Brian Wilson, Diane Keaton, George Wendt, Ryne Sandberg, Roberta Flack, Charlie Kirk, Sister Jean, Hulk Hogan and more.

WGN Radio's Dave Plier talks to Dr. Ian Smith about the fallacies about New Year's resolutions, motivation and commitment to make a change in your life and his latest book ‘The Last 15' with meal plans and more.

Attorney and WGN Radio host Karen Conti talks to WGN Radio's Dave Plier about the new laws that take effect on New Year's Day 2026.

Andrea Darlas joins WGN Radio's Dave Plier to talk about the upcoming WGN-TV New Year's Eve special ‘Coast to Coast Countdown 2026'.

WGN Radio's Dave Plier sits down with the stars of one of the most beloved holiday films of all time — National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. In this festive conversation, Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo revisit the behind-the-scenes stories that helped turn the Griswold family's misadventures into a Christmas classic watched by generations. From on-set memories […]

Actor, director and producer Peter Billingsley joins WGN Radio's Dave Plier for a nostalgic conversation about the making of A Christmas Story and its lasting impact. Billingsley shares behind-the-scenes stories from the original film, talks about revisiting the beloved world in A Christmas Story 2, reveals which original props he still owns, and reflects on […]