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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'.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
Listen below as your host John Landecker and segment co-host, WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, take an interesting and timely spin on the classic Food Fight. They try to figure out the best holiday dessert!
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 […]
“A century is not enough,” says iconic entertainer Dick Van Dyke. To celebrate Dick Van Dyke's 100th birthday, WGN Radio's Dave Plier revisits a joyful, wide-ranging conversation with the entertainment legend himself. From growing up in Danville, Illinois, to starring in classics like The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and […]
Goose Island's team breaks down what actually changes a barrel-aged stout over time and how they achieve a perfect balance with their adjuncts.In this audio-only episode, Crafty Brewers' Brian Noonan and Cody Gough join WGN Radio host Dave Plier in-studio to discuss this year's Bourbon County Stout lineup with Goose Island President Todd Ahsmann and Senior Innovation Manager Mike Siegel. They delve into the origins of barrel-aged stouts, Goose Island's unique place in American brewing history, and why barrel-aged beers taste different every year despite using the same recipe. They also present a guided tasting through the 2025 lineup, with practical tips you can use the next time you sip a high-ABV stout, from serving temperature to mouthfeel to how bitterness, acidity, and sweetness can be “levers” that create complexity. Plus: why ingredients are added after aging, how nut/cocoa/fruit additions are made to stay balanced, the surprisingly risky logistics behind refilling freshly-emptied barrels fast enough to prevent spoilage, and the story behind their limited King Henry II Barleywine release.About Goose Island: A Chicago brewery that has been dedicated to making quality beer for all people and all occasions since 1988. Learn more about this year's Bourbon County Brand Stout lineup at https://www.gooseisland.com/bourbon-county-brand-stout —Support Crafty Brewers on our new Patreon page! https://patreon.com/craftybrewersLearn more about Crafty Brewers and get in touch with us on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com Crafty Brewers is a production of Quantum Podcasts, LLC. Is your brewery or business looking to capture a loyal audience to drive business results with the power of podcasting? Then visit https://quantum-podcasts.com/ to learn more.Our executive producer and editor is award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you'll learn about: Goose Island, Bourbon County Brand Stout, 2025 Bourbon County lineup, Bourbon County Brand Original Stout, Bourbon County Brand Reserve Stout, Bourbon County Brand Double Barrel Stout, Bourbon County Brand Chocolate Praline Stout, Bourbon County Brand Cherries Jubilee Stout, Bourbon County Brand Proprietor's Stout, baklava stout, cherries jubilee stout, chocolate praline stout, barrel-aged imperial stout, barrel aging science, bourbon barrel-aged stout, rye whiskey barrels, Parker's Heritage Collection rye barrels, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond barrels, Buffalo Trace barrels, Four Roses barrels, Wild Turkey barrels, cognac barrel finishing, oxidation in barrel-aged beer, oak tannins, seasonal temperature swings, beer mouthfeel, balancing bitterness acidity sweetness, adjuncts in stout, cocoa nibs, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews, dates, date syrup, Montmorency cherries, panela sugar, vanilla sugar, orange citrus, honey, pistachios, walnuts, cassia bark, cinnamon, lemon, imperial stout fermentation esters, serving temperature for stout, Black Friday beer release, Chicago craft beer tradition, Bourbon County Rare, King of Kentucky barrels, Pappy Van Winkle barrels, barleywine in bourbon barrels, English-style barleywine, King Henry II.
Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about the death of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, details of the ongoing investigation, and reactions from public figures. WGN Radio personalities Dean Richards and Dave Plier have interviewed Rob through the years, and […]
WGN Radio's Dave Plier welcomes WGN-TV's Larry Potash to talk about his hosting duties at the Museum of Broadcast Communications (440 W. Randolph St., Chicago) on Saturday, Dec. 6, at noon, and the upcoming WGN-TV Toy Drive on Friday, Dec. 12. Plus, a bonus encore interview with legendary anchorman Bill Kurtis. For tickets, visit museum.tv.
WGN Radio's Dave Plier welcomes WTTW's Geoffrey Baer in studio to talk about his new TV special, “Chicago Works.” In this new 60-minute program, Baer meets (and helps) the industrious workers across the city and suburbs who operate Chicago's moveable bridges, deliver millions of packages, care for the city's animals, process recycling, operate the Wrigley […]
WGN Radio's Dave Plier talks to author and host of The Carson Podcast Mark Malkoff about his new book ‘Love Johnny Carson', a wildly entertaining read by one of the world's most obsessed and informed fans of TV icon Johnny Carson, setting the record straight on Carson’s legacy and shining light on the personality behind […]
WGN Radio's Lou Manfredini, John Williams, Lisa Dent, Bob Sirott, John Landecker, Jon Hansen, Rollye James, Joe Romano, Hayley Boyd, Karen Conti, Steve Dale, David Hochberg and Dave Plier share what they are thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day. What are YOU thankful for?
WGN Radio's Dave Plier and Dave Schwan share the history of the very first Thanksgiving and the traditions that have developed over the years.
Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Dave Plier in for Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Dave and Dean talks about the 20th anniversary of “Bozo, Gar and Ray: WGN TV Classics,” as well as what movies are must-see in the theater this Thanksgiving weekend.
Weber Grill Ambassador Kevin Kolman talks turkey on your grill, sides and more this Thanksgiving morning with WGN Radio’s Dave Plier in for Bob Sirott.
WGN Radio's Dave Plier talks to legendary anchorman Bill Kurtis about his book ‘Whirlwind: My Life Reporting the News', plus his upcoming appearance on Saturday December 6th, 2025 at 12pm featuring a Q&A, book signing and meet and greet. For tickets, visit MUSEUM.TV.
Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Dave Plier in for Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Dave and Dean talks about the 20th anniversary of “Bozo, Gar and Ray: WGN TV Classics,” as well as what movies are must-see in the theater this Thanksgiving weekend.
Goose Island's annual Bourbon County Stout lineup will be released on Black Friday! WGN Radio's Dave Plier talks to Todd Ahsmann, President of Goose Island, Mike Siegel, Goose Island Senior Innovation Manager, and Brian Noonan & Cody Gough from the Crafty Brewers podcast about this time-honored tradition, the history, the process, and why Bourbon County […]
WGN Radio's Dave Plier talks to Tom Skilling about his special reports about the Byron Nuclear Plant and the rise of electrical demand to power our cities. Later, they talk about Chicago's Doppler radar.
Brian Noonan, Wally Podrazik, Justin Kulovsek and Chris Pokorny (the museum exhibit team) join WGN Radio's (and MBC chair, president and CEO) Dave Plier to talk about the new exhibits at the Museum of Broadcast Communications: “Johnny Carson: The Centennial,” “The Evolution of Late Night,” Antenna TV's “I Dream of Jeannie” 65th anniversary, “Bozo's Circus” […]
WGN Radio's Dave Plier salutes our veterans with the help of Chicago's own Gary Sinise and his foundation; Mike Rowe on his partnership between veteran-run wireless service provider PureTalk and the mikeroweWORKS Foundation to promote skilled trades among U.S. military veterans; a Chicago radio tradition with Garry Meier and his father's tape, recounting his time in […]
CEO of the Museum of Broadcast Communications and WGN Radio host Dave Plier joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about the grand opening of the new Museum of Broadcast Communications site. Some of the new exhibits highlight Johnny Carson’s career, five decades of The Loop, and “I Dream of Jeannie.”
Chicago radio legend Kevin Matthews joins WGN Radio's Dave Plier to talk about his documentary, “Broken Mary: The Kevin Matthews Story,” premiering in theatres nationwide at 7 p.m. this Tuesday, October 7th, 2025. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit fathomentertainment.com.
WGN Radio's Dave Plier talks to Dr. Ian Smith about the latest novel in his Ashe Cayne series, ‘Beyond Midnight', and how to stay healthy as we head into the colder months.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jerry Harrison of iconic band Talking Heads joins WGN Radio's Dave Plier to talk about the group's 50 year journey and the 40th anniversary and 4K showing of ‘Stop Making Sense’ at The Genesse Theatre on Thursday October 30, 2025. For tickets: geneseetheatre.com
Executive Producer Anna Gardner of WTTW's Chicago Stories joins WGN Radio's Dave Plier to talk about the brand new season with stories including Inside the Tylenol Murders, Legendary Blizzards, Rod Bagojevich, Iconic Foods and Marshall Field’s.
WGN Radio's Dave Plier talks to legendary anchorman Bill Kurtis about his new book ‘Whirlwind: My Life Reporting the News', highlighting his extraordinary career as a legendary correspondent, anchorman, and producer. Bill Kurtis details his whirlwind career reporting American history as it unfolded.
From May 24, 2015: Songwriter Bobby Hart joins Dave Plier to talk about being half of one of the most powerful musical duos, ‘Boyce & Hart’, working with music icons Don Kirshner and Dick Clark, and how they wrote and performed the songs that launched musical group ‘The Monkees' to stardom. Hart has died at age 86.
WGN Radio's Dave Plier talks to Bill O'Reilly about conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, the need for the nation to confront and end political violence, and Bill's new book ‘Confronting Evil'.
WGN Radio's Dave Plier talks to TV Insider and TV Guide's Matt Roush about the ever-evolving way we watch our favorite shows, plus a preview of Sunday's Emmy Awards.
Chicago radio great Kevin Matthews joins WGN Radio's Dave Plier to talk about his radio days and his upcoming documentary, ‘Broken Mary,' premiering October 7th, 2025. Jim Shorts also joins in to talk about the new Bears coach and his ‘Pig Skin Picks’ for the first Bears game of the season.
WGN Radio's Dave Plier sits down with Mike Rowe, host of the Emmy-Award winning show ‘Dirty Jobs' and host of YouTube's ‘People You Should Know', to talk about the American workforce, concerns of the nearly 7 million able-bodied, working age Americans who are not looking for work, the skilled trades gap issue, and how the […]
The leather jacket is back! WGN-TV's Larry Potash talks to WGN Radio's Dave Plier about his upcoming triple season premiere of ‘Backstory' on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 11pm with stories including:
WGN Radio's Dave Plier talks backyard autumn grilling, tailgating tips, and more with Weber Ambassador Kevin Kolman.
WGN Radio's Dave Plier and Dave Schwan talk about the history of the American labor movement as well as the legacy of comedian Jerry Lewis and what was an annual tradition on Labor Day weekend, the MDA telethon.
Don Barnes from 38 Special celebrates five decades of music with WGN Radio's Dave Plier and talks about how the band was formed, how they came up with the name, and the stories behind their biggest hits.
WGN Radio's Dave Plier talks to Grammy Award winning artist Herb Alpert about his music, the Tijuana Brass, one of the most iconic album covers of all time ‘Whipped Cream & Other Delights', the history behind A&M Records and the artists that graced his label including The Carpenters, Styx, The Go Go's and Janet Jackson. Herb […]
Editor and Chief of Nostalgia Digest Magazine Steve Darnall talks to WGN Radio's Dave Plier about their summer edition including Burma Shave, Harpo Marx, Don Ameche, and more!
WGN Radio's Dave Plier talks to WGN-TV's Mike Lowe who will be honored for his courage and determination at the H Foundation’s 23rd Annual Goombay Bash, a fundraising event for basic science cancer research on July 26, 2025 at Navy Pier. Mike will be the recipient of the “Eye of the Tiger” Award.
Harry Teinowitz, one of Chicago’s most popular sports radio hosts, has died at age 64. In addition to a number of appearances on WGN Radio through the years, in 2014 Harry was part of our sister station, 87.7 FM The Game. In 2021, Harry along with frequent on-air partner Spike Manton visited with Dave Plier […]
WGN Radio's Dave Plier celebrates Wally Phillips on the 100th anniversary of his birth, sharing a little bit of Wally on the WGN Radio airwaves, including a portion of Bob Sirott's 2004 interview with Wally and Wally's acceptance speech in 1993 for the Radio Hall of Fame.
Chicago radio legend Garry Meier joins WGN Radio's Dave Plier in studio along with Tom Skilling from Hawaii to talk about Garry's adventures in the suburbs. Tom jumped in with Garry and Dave to reminisce about his time on air with Garry, volcanoes erupting in Hawaii, weather and too many laughs to count.
Class of 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Chubby Checker joins WGN Radio's Dave Plier to talk about his 60 years in music, the origins of his name, ‘The Twist,' and his upcoming appearance at Ron Onesti's Des Plaines Theatre on Sunday, 7/27/25. For tickets, visit arcadalive.com.
WGN Radio's Dave Plier celebrates the ‘Fabulous Fifties' with 91 year old music legend Pat Boone; author Todd Purdum on his book ‘Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television'; 50's teen idol Frankie Avalon; the definitive story of the drive-in theater; Keith Thibodeaux ‘Little Ricky', the last living cast member from ‘I Love Lucy'. Plus, […]