American composer, conductor, and pianist
POPULARITY
Categories
Retired agent Tom Larned reviews two fraud cases he investigated while assigned to the Fort Myers Resident Agency out of the Tampa Division, the Orion Bank failure and the VR Labs wire fraud investigations. At the time of Tom's investigation, Orion was the largest privately owned bank in the state of Florida. The failure of the bank cost the FDIC $884 million. Tom investigated VR Labs owners Kay and Robert Gow and business partner John Williams for cheating Lee County, Florida, taxpayers out of $5 million and hundreds of potential jobs. Tom served in the FBI for 24 years. Check out the episode show notes, photos, and related articles: https://jerriwilliams.com/366-thomas-larned-orion-bank-failure-vr-labs-wire-fraud/ Buy me a coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JerriWilliams Join my Reader Team to get the FBI Reading Resource - Books about the FBI, written by FBI agents, the 20 clichés about the FBI Reality Checklist, and keep up to date on the FBI in books, TV, and movies via my monthly email. http://eepurl.com/dzCCmL Check out my FBI books, non-fiction and crime fiction, available as audiobooks, ebooks and paperbacks wherever books are sold. https://jerriwilliams.com/books/
The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute and The Last Ward, and political pundit Marj Halperin! This week the Rascals begin the podcast with a fascinating discussion about the future of journalism and Substack. The Rascals then mince about Chicago Tribune film critic Michael […]
JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE TO LISTEN TO MONSTER PARTY! JAMES GONIS, SHAWN SHERIDAN, LARRY STROTHE, and MATT WEINHOLD revel in the legacy of a shark named “Bruce.” Get a bucket of chum, and find yourself a bigger boat, as MONSTER PARTY presents… JAWS: 50 YEARS OF FRIGHTS AND BITES!!! In 1975, STEVEN SPIELBERG unleashed a breathtaking thriller that would go on to be one of the highest-grossing motion pictures of all time, ushering in the era of the “blockbuster.” Based on the best-selling book by PETER BENCHLEY, JAWS' journey from novel to screen was a difficult one. Faced with a malfunctioning shark, precarious ocean conditions, bickering actors, and skyrocketing production costs, Spielberg would rise above these obstacles, turning adversity into ingenuity. And let's not forget the contribution of JOHN WILLIAMS' legendary score. To this day, can anyone resist humming “Dun Dun Dun Dun” when they hit the pool? After JAWS' initial worldwide success, the film was followed up by several lackluster sequels and copycats. But no matter how hard (or how little) other filmmakers tried, no one was able to capture the magic that made JAWS be considered by many to be one of the few perfect films. And who would have thought that 50 years later, the film they almost pulled the plug on would be the pop culture icon that it is today? Joining us for this monumental maw fest is an accomplished actor, author, journalist, and publicist who is a beloved staple of the monster kid community. He has appeared in such diverse movies and TV shows as IN THE SHADOWS, THE PREY: KARNOCTUS, LAVALANTULA, CHASTITY BITES, BLOOD AND GUTS WITH SCOTT IAN, TIM AND ERIC AWESOME SHOW, GREAT JOB, THE FLINTSTONES, BEETHOVEN'S 2ND, and STAR TREK: VOYAGER. He's been a long-time contributor for FANGORIA, STARLOG, FILM REVIEW, and DREAD CENTRAL, and is the author of the books THE GREATEST AMERICAN HERO COMPANION, BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY: A TV COMPANION, YOU WOULDN'T LIKE ME WHEN I'M ANGRY: A HULK COMPANION, and the must-have tome for any respectable JAWS fan, JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE: A JAWS COMPANION. Please welcome… PAT JANKIEWICZ! MONSTER PARTY SALUTES THE PHENOMENON OF JAWS! AND THIS TIME… IT'S PERSONAL.
Episode 57 - SPOILER Review: Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)Just when it was starting to look pretty bleak for comic movies (over saturation, becoming extremely dark, forgettable stories, visual effects suffering from unsustainable output stretching visual FX artists too thin), it looks like studios are getting the message. First "Superman" from DC/Warner Brothers and now for today's episode we see how Marvel/Disney with "Fantastic Four: First Steps" has done an about face and put a "fantastic" crowd-pleaser of movie to die-hard comic-fans and popcorn moviegoers alike.For today's episode our friend of the podcast, Ali-Reza Beheshti, returns and we both get into how this movie completely surprised us. A beautifully shot, wonderfully paced, thrill ride of a movie. There was a part that was a little bit of a "stretch" but the movie still was so much fun that you can almost completely let this detail go. Almost. Michael Giacchino returns as Marvel's go-to Composer but here he really crafts something epic and unique on par with John Williams music from classics such as Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park.This one must be seen in the theaters. It will make you a believer in comic-book movies again. There is still life in this category of movies. Here is to hoping the studios continue to space these movies out enough to keep the creativity, anticipation, and quality going!"Fantastic Four: First Steps" is playing in theaters now.We've got more episodes, reviews, and recommendations coming your way. If you're enjoying the show, please leave a review, it really helps the podcast.Thanks for listening, and enjoy the movie.
This episode was originally released on 11/1/2019. While new episodes of Breaking Walls are on hiatus I'll be going back and posting the older episodes. ____________ In Breaking Walls Episode 97 we usher in the holiday season with the first of a three-part mini-series on the 1947-48 radio season. The 1947-48 season had the largest radio audience in history. Homes with radios jumped 6%, car radios 29%. The major networks—NBC, CBS, ABC, and the Mutual Broadcasting System added 147 new affiliates. 97% of the nation's AM stations were now linked to one of the big four. Network revenue topped $200 Million. —————————— Highlights: Famine in Europe; Anti-Communism at Home—The World is Changing Boomer Babes Fuel a Ratings Increase The Annual Hollywood Santa Parade Happy Thanksgiving 1947 Breakfast with the Couples Prepping With the Soaps The Answer Man Takes to the Air The Annual Elgin Thanksgiving Special Juvenile Adventure At Dusk Settling Into Prime Time George Burns: French Crooner Casey Gets His Turkey Home is Where the Heart Is Eddie Cantor Has Been Kidnapped Late Night and Looking Ahead —————————— The WallBreakers: http://thewallbreakers.com Subscribe to Breaking Walls everywhere you get your podcasts. To support the show: http://patreon.com/TheWallBreakers —————————— The reading material used in today's episode was: Frank and Anne Hummert's Radio Factory - By Jim Cox On the Air - By John Dunning Network Radio Ratings, 1932-53 — by Jim Ramsburg As well as articles from: Broadcasting Magazine: January 20th, 1947; October 27th, 1947; December 1st, 1947 —————————— On the interview front: Jackson Beck, Hans Conried, Staats Cotsworth, John Gibson, Tony Marvin, and Jan Miner were with Dick Bertel and Ed Corcoran for WTIC's The Golden Age of Radio. These interviews can be heard at GoldenAge-WTIC.org. Chuck Schaden interviewed Ken Carpenter and Les Tremayne. Hear their full chats at SpeakingofRadio.com. While SPERDVAC was with Betty Lou Gerson and Jack Johnstone. For more information, please go to SPERDVAC.com. Barbara Walters interviewed George Burns for 20/20. —————————— Selected Music featured in today's episode was: “Over the River and Through The Woods” — by the US Airforce Band “Holiday On Skis” - by Al Caiola & Riz Ortolani “Joy” - by George Winston “Star of Bethlehem” - by John Williams
Send us a text*Apologies for connection issues which caused some delays / pauses *After taking a couple week off, the Crew return to talk some #StarWars : #Visions - Season 1. Before jumping into that, Mike talks about his trip experience to #Montana and how the #AirBnB his family stayed in happened to be Star Wars themed. This was all a happy accident. From a media / #theater room filled with Star Wars items to a room completely dedicated to a Star Wars theme, it all added to the great experience him and his family had.Even though the DetBlock Crew have talked Visions Volume 1, Bogie had not joined the team yet. So, with it being a bit of a slow time for Star Wars news and content, Bogie watched episodes 1-5 of volume 1 of Visions, which Mike and him look to discuss.Social Media Handles:TikTok: @DetBlockAA23Twitter: @DetBlockAA23PodInstagram: detention_block_aa_23FB Group: Detention Block AA-23: A Star Wars PodcastYouTube: Detention Block AA-23: A Star Wars #PodcastDon't forget to #SUBSCRIBE to our #YouTube channel for #podcast episodes and other content! #Prize #giveaway at 200 subs! Goal = 500!Sponsors:Under Pressure #BrewingGolden Valley, MNMirror Twin BrewingLexington, KYSource: #Comics & #GamesRoseville, MNStar Wars ComicsStar Wars Games: X-Wing & Armada strategy games; Star Wars: Legion strategy #gameTwin Cities Geek - Magazine & Online #CommunityMy Star Wars Life - FB Group (Join Now!)
NewsNation Now anchor Connell McShane joins John Williams to break down what we can expect from the meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com!
Christina Hunger, a speech-language pathologist and author of “Your Dog Can Talk: A Step-By-Step Guide to Button Training,” joins John Williams to talk about how her career in speech pathology led her to teach her dog how to communicate. Christina explains how the teaching process works, the huge potential for language learning, how many words […]
Christina Hunger, a speech-language pathologist and author of “Your Dog Can Talk: A Step-By-Step Guide to Button Training,” joins John Williams to talk about how her career in speech pathology led her to teach her dog how to communicate. Christina explains how the teaching process works, the huge potential for language learning, how many words […]
Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com!
NewsNation Now anchor Connell McShane joins John Williams to break down what we can expect from the meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Neste episódio do Clube de Leitura 30:MIN, Arthur Marchetto e Cecilia Garcia Marcon discutem Circe, de Madeline Miller. A conversa examina como a autora reinterpreta a mitologia grega a partir da perspectiva da feiticeira, resgatando narrativas femininas tradicionalmente marginalizadas nessas tradições.Os participantes analisam a jornada de Circe, focando em como o romance legitima sentimentos como ódio e amor ao longo de sua autodescoberta. O debate aborda ainda maturidade, relacionamentos e as interações entre as tradições e as releituras.Além disso, Stoner, de John Williams, é a próxima leitura do Clube de Leitura 30:MIN.Então, aperte o play e compartilhe conosco: como você viu a transformação de Circe ao longo da narrativa?---LinksApoie o 30:MINSiga a gente nas redesJá apoia? Acesse suas recompensasConfira todos os títulos do clube!
Christina Hunger, a speech-language pathologist and author of “Your Dog Can Talk: A Step-By-Step Guide to Button Training,” joins John Williams to talk about how her career in speech pathology led her to teach her dog how to communicate. Christina explains how the teaching process works, the huge potential for language learning, how many words […]
Enjoy this edition of “The Best of Speed Jokes.” What was your favorite joke of the week? Keep sending your jokes to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com!
NewsNation Now anchor Connell McShane joins John Williams to break down what we can expect from the meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Segment 1: Michael Miller, Economics Professor, Western Washington University and Professor Emeritus at DePaul University, joins John Williams to talk about how tariffs will impact general prices, why markets are still hitting all-time highs, when the Fed might cut interest rates, and to explain why initial labor report numbers are typically not reliable. Segment 2: Mike Spriggs, […]
In Part 2 of this special Movie Rob Minute episode, Christian and Corey Johnson continue their conversation with Rob about Saving Private Ryan, diving into the intricacies of Corey's role on set, military bonds, and reflections on the powerful themes of Spielberg's war epic. From detailed behind-the-scenes tales to touching insights on military brotherhood and trauma bonding, this episode brings it all.We explore how Corey's experiences on set—like working with dummies, blood bags, and Tom Hanks—compare to the real horrors of war. Plus, Christian shares her reflections on the connection between veterans' war experiences and the power of storytelling in her documentary The Girl Who Wore Freedom.As the conversation shifts to film scores, we jump into Maestro Mondays to share our top 5 John Williams movie scores, dissecting what makes his compositions iconic and unforgettable.Key Takeaways:•Corey shares how he worked with Tom Hanks on Saving Private Ryan, revealing behind-the-scenes moments that most viewers don't know, such as the use of dummies and blood bags in the intense D-Day sequence.•Christian and Corey dive into the concept of trauma bonding, drawing parallels between military camaraderie and the deep connections shared by actors on set.•A fascinating discussion on the therapeutic impact of storytelling, both for veterans and filmmakers, and how film scores can evoke deep emotions tied to historical moments.•In the Maestro Mondays segment, we break down our top 5 John Williams scores, exploring the enduring power of his music to transport audiences into the heart of a story.Additional Information:•The Girl Who Wore Freedom is available for viewing in the U.S. on platforms like Amazon, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check out the trailer and learn more at thegirlwhoworefreedom.com.•Be sure to listen to Part 3 of this conversation as we continue our analysis of Saving Private Ryan and dive deeper into more movie magic and historical stories.
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
It's time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature! Are you trying to come up with some vacation ideas that are only a quick getaway from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we take a short trip north and visit once again with Cari Greving, […]
Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about the ‘Japanese walking’ trend. Dawn explains the benefits of this type of walking. Dawn also talks about a new study about ultra-processed foods, and answers all of your fitness and nutrition questions.
Pastor Corey Brooks, Founder and Senior Pastor at New Beginnings Church of Chicago and the Founder and CEO of Project H.O.O.D, joins John Williams to talk about the progress he's making in the effort to build his opportunity center on the South Side and why he’s walking across America to raise awareness and funds for […]
Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about the ‘Japanese walking’ trend. Dawn explains the benefits of this type of walking. Dawn also talks about a new study about ultra-processed foods, and answers all of your fitness and nutrition questions.
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
Pastor Corey Brooks, Founder and Senior Pastor at New Beginnings Church of Chicago and the Founder and CEO of Project H.O.O.D, joins John Williams to talk about the progress he's making in the effort to build his opportunity center on the South Side and why he’s walking across America to raise awareness and funds for […]
It's time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature! Are you trying to come up with some vacation ideas that are only a quick getaway from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we take a short trip north and visit once again with Cari Greving, […]
It's time once again for our Best of the Midwest feature! Are you trying to come up with some vacation ideas that are only a quick getaway from the Chicago area? Well, John Williams has some great recommendations for your trip! Today, we take a short trip north and visit once again with Cari Greving, […]
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about the ‘Japanese walking’ trend. Dawn explains the benefits of this type of walking. Dawn also talks about a new study about ultra-processed foods, and answers all of your fitness and nutrition questions.
Pastor Corey Brooks, Founder and Senior Pastor at New Beginnings Church of Chicago and the Founder and CEO of Project H.O.O.D, joins John Williams to talk about the progress he's making in the effort to build his opportunity center on the South Side and why he’s walking across America to raise awareness and funds for […]
The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys, and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals begin the podcast talking about the Cook County State's Attorney's Office declining to file charges against the Chicago police officers who fired dozens of shots at Dexter Reed. Do the […]
Andrew Donaldson joined Brady to discuss Trump federalizing D.C, the upcoming Trump/Putin summit, the Left's insistence on handling all Trump-related news as poorly as possible, the brilliance of John Williams and Billy Gibbons, and much more. Follow Andrew @four4thefire and follow us @bradyleonard @nogimmickspod
Brent Venables and the Oklahoma Sooners added elite pass rusher Jake Kreul from IMG Academy. Not only is Kreul an excellent football player, he's a great young man and cultural fit for the Sooners.I join John Williams of Locked On Sooners to define how Kreul will make an early impact for OU, as well as the long-term impact of Oklahoma's football recruiting efforts.On X @LO_ThePortal TikTok @lockedontheportalSupport us by supporting our sponsors!WayfairGet organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys, and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals begin the podcast talking about the Cook County State's Attorney's Office declining to file charges against the Chicago police officers who fired dozens of shots at Dexter Reed. Do the […]
Bill Daley, former White House Chief of Staff and co-chair of ‘Fair Maps Illinois,’ joins John Williams to talk about the effort he’s leading with Ray LaHood to remove partisanship from how Illinois legislative maps are drawn. Bill explains how they are trying to create maps that are more representative of the population of the […]
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob talks about the amount of rain we’ve been getting, and how fungus is completely out of control because of the heat and […]
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob talks about the amount of rain we’ve been getting, and how fungus is completely out of control because of the heat and […]
Bill Daley, former White House Chief of Staff and co-chair of ‘Fair Maps Illinois,’ joins John Williams to talk about the effort he’s leading with Ray LaHood to remove partisanship from how Illinois legislative maps are drawn. Bill explains how they are trying to create maps that are more representative of the population of the […]
The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys, and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals begin the podcast talking about the Cook County State's Attorney's Office declining to file charges against the Chicago police officers who fired dozens of shots at Dexter Reed. Do the […]
Sean Connolly, Board Member with the Illinois Chapter of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, joins John Williams to talk about the upcoming Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk, the largest suicide prevention event in the United States. Sean tells John about the purpose and impact of the walk, the connection between mental health and suicide, […]
Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about heart attack warning signs (and the importance of knowing where the nearest defibrillator is), a pancreatic cancer vaccine showing promise in an early trial, when you need another COVID shot, and when a new COVID vaccine will be available.
Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about Mayor Brandon Johnson saying the Bears should be called the Arlington Heights Bears if they move to the suburbs, the continuing debate over redistricting, and Governor Pritzker’s appearance on ‘Meet the Press’ regarding the Texas Democrats fleeing to Illinois to avoid a vote […]
Did you know August 9 is National Book Lovers Day? Our WGN Radio Book Club is back with the books they loved this past month. Perhaps you will find your next read in this list of book selections shared by John Williams, Steve Alexander, Bob Kessler and Sara Tieman. Or, revisit and reread a past […]
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
This week on the Functional Tennis Podcast I'm joined by John Williams, coach and mentor to world number 1 doubles player Taylor Townsend.John's approach to coaching is anything but conventional. He doesn't just build tennis players, he builds characters. In this chat we talk about the characteristics he looks for in players, how his outside-the-box thinking shapes their development, and why mindset and life skills are just as important as technique.Key Topics
John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to JohnWilliams@wgnradio.com.
Sean Connolly, Board Member with the Illinois Chapter of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, joins John Williams to talk about the upcoming Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk, the largest suicide prevention event in the United States. Sean tells John about the purpose and impact of the walk, the connection between mental health and suicide, […]
In the aftermath of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, John Williams, a wilderness survival trainer from Utah, embarked on a dangerous mission to infiltrate American militias. Posing as an ally, Williams spent years undercover within groups like the Oath Keepers.