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WBBM's Rob Hart sits down with Susanna Wickam, the President of the Boys & Girls Club of Chicago, to discuss the various roles & programs for children within the organization, their Youth of the Year ceremony, stories from the program & much more!
What began as a Nashville hot chicken sandwich shop in Oak Lawn has grown into a Chicagoland chain expanding across city neighborhoods and the suburbs. Joe Fontana, founder and owner of Fry the Coop joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss…
As young people enter a competitive job market, parents can make a real difference by offering guidance, structure, and perspective - without hovering over every decision. Rick Cobb, founder of the Chicago-based workplace consulting firm 2-Discern, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.
As people start heading out for Spring Break trips, it's a good reminder not to overshare on social media while on vacation - it can put people at risk - revealing empty homes, real-time locations and personal details to criminals. Mark Wolters of Wolters World Travel and Culture on YouTube, and Teaching Associate Professor of Business Administration at the University of Illinois' Gies College of Business in Urbana-Champaign, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with need-to-know advice.
Before booking a bucket-list trip - let's use Antarctica as an example - consider a test run, like an Alaskan cruise, first. Build up gradually to maximize both the experience and your investment. Angie Rice, co-founder of Boutique Travel Advisors in Scottsdale, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss...
More retirees are rethinking retirement - spending months at sea, mixing extended cruises with stays with family and time in low-cost apartments between voyages, all while potentially saving money. Cindy Richards, editor-in-chief of SheBuysTravel.com here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with key advice.
WBBM's Rob Hart sits down with Urologist Dr. Fenwa Milhouse to discuss the psychological barriers facing medicine today and her thoughts on how to break the stigma of discussing the more "uncomfortable" parts of our health.
Cash-only weekends are gaining popularity as a simple, old-school strategy to curb spending in today's tap-to-pay world. Ed Gjertsen, Certified Financial Planner and Founder of Engage Wealth Group here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.
AI is driving demand for an entirely new set of technical skills - while still requiring strong critical thinking, communication, and ethical decision-making. Shelly Palmer, CEO of the Palmer Group and Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to explain.
Implementing the so-called 72-hour rule can be a simple way to curb impulse spending and protect your long-term wealth. Shari Greco Reiches, Regional Director of E-P Wealth here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to explain.
A lot can go awry on a trip, so it's smart to be prepared. Before Spring Break, parents should set a plan, confirm logistics, and square away finances to help ensure their child has a safe, fun getaway. Mark Wolters of Wolters World Travel and Culture on YouTube, and Associate Professor of Business Administration at the University of Illinois Gies College of Business in Urbana-Champaign, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with key advice.
WBBM's Rob Hart sits down with two doctors from City of Hope, Dr. Kevin King & Dr. Walter Stadler, to discuss the rising number of cases of colorectal cancer amongst younger people after the death of TV & film actor James Van Der Beek. They discuss the symptoms, when people should get tested and much more.
If you haven't signed your kids up for summer camp yet, now's the time - spots fill fast, and many programs are already nearing capacity. Colette Marquardt, CEO and executive director of the American Camp Association, Illinois, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.
As students increasingly integrate AI into their homework, experts say parents should embrace the technology and help kids use it properly rather than restrict it outright. Matt Wren, tech expert and founder of V-R-A-R Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.
More people are relying on AI for taxes and personal financial advice, raising concerns about accuracy and oversight. Chris Stegh, Chief Technology Officer at E-Group in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss the risks and what consumers should consider.
Tax season is upon us - and getting them done as soon as possible means faster refunds - fewer delays and more time to put that money to work. Elizabeth Buffardi, Founder of Crescendo Financial Planners in Oak Brook, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.
WBBM's Rob Hart sits down with Chicago real estate expert Steve Kerch & Dru Wischover of Inspired Title Group to discuss the current state of renting & homebuying in Chicagoland, offer up possible solutions, affordibility for first-time homebuyers and more!
We meet a local board-certified urologist who founded Down There Urology, became a reality TV star, and promotes diversity in medicine nationwide. Doctor Fenwa Milhouse, CEO of Down There Urology here in Chicago joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss...
We're quick to criticize kids for being addicted to TikTok, social media and chasing “likes,” but adults — even older ones — can be just as bad, if not worse, when it comes to seeking the dopamine hits those platforms provide. Jennifer Jolly, Tech Life columnist for USA Today and founder and editor-in-chief of Techish.com in Seattle, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details...
From hockey and tennis to Irish dance, kids' activities can strain family budgets, forcing parents to make tough financial trade-offs. Craig Bolanos, co-founder and wealth advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners in Inverness and Downers Grove, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss strategies to help make it all work.
This week, I talk with Jeff Rake and Rob Hart about the first installment of their new series Detour. Jeff shares how he got the idea for the story originally for TV, but when he mentioned it to a friend they said it sounded like a novel. When he got connected to Rob, their partnership was instantly born, and they went on to write an entire full-length novel without meeting in person until the very end.They share what their process was like, how they developed such a large cast of characters, and how being fathers themselves shaped the family themes in the book.Detour SynopsisRyan Crane wasn't looking for trouble—just a cup of coffee. But when this cop spots a gunman emerging from an unmarked van, he leaps into action and unknowingly saves John Ward, a billionaire with presidential aspirations, from an assassination attempt.As thanks for Ryan's quick thinking, Ward offers him the chance of a lifetime: to join a group of lucky civilians chosen to accompany three veteran astronauts on the first manned mission to Saturn's moon Titan.A devoted family man, Ryan is reluctant to leave on this two-year expedition, yet with the encouragement of his loving wife—and an exorbitant paycheck guaranteeing lifetime care for their disabled son—he crews up and ventures into a new frontier.But as the ship is circling Titan, it is rocked by an unexplained series of explosions. The crew works together to get back on course, and they return to Earth as heroes.When the fanfare dies down, Ryan and his fellow astronauts notice that things are different. Some changes are good, such as lavish upgrades to their homes, but others are more disconcerting. Before the group can connect, mysterious figures start tailing them, and their communications are scrambled.Separated and suspicious, the crew must uncover the truth and decide how far they're willing to go to return to their normal lives. Just when their space adventure seemingly ends, it shockingly begins. Check Out Author Social Media PackagesCheck out the Bookwild Community on PatreonCheck Out My Stories Are My Religion SubstackGet Bookwild MerchFollow @imbookwild on InstagramOther Co-hosts On Instagram:Gare Billings @gareindeedreadsSteph Lauer @books.in.badgerlandHalley Sutton @halleysutton25Brian Watson @readingwithbrianMacKenzie Green @missusa2mba
Food delivery robots offer convenience and are being tested in markets nationwide, but many people - including in Chicago - see them as sidewalk clutter that complicates already crowded pedestrian spaces, with some saying their dogs aren't big fans either. Paul Hochman, president of Humongous Media in Cambridge, Massachusetts, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.
A lot of people plan trips around a big event or activity - like a concert, a golf tournament, or Wimbledon. With trips like these, it's often a great idea to bring in a professional. Juliet Huddy, travel vlogger and curator at JetSetJulietTravels.com, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.
Solo dining is becoming more common, with more consumers ordering meals just for themselves. Sami Sparber, a reporter for Axios, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.
With credit card rates near historic highs, more consumers are searching for ways to regain control of mounting debt. Ted Rossman, an industry analyst at Bankrate.com in New York, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with key tips on digging out.
WBBM's Rob Hart sits down with former Riverside Police Chief Tom Weizel to discuss potential changes within electronic police monitoring in Cook County, how artificial intelligence will play a role, federal agents as potential police officers in Illinois and more.
A local Black female-owned Chicago pop-up, food truck, and catering business is serving soulful, authentic street-style tacos across the city. Taylor Mason, founder and co-owner of Taylor's Tacos, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.
This week on From the Front Porch, it's a New Release Rundown! Annie, Erin, and Olivia share the February releases they're excited about to help you build your TBR. When you purchase or preorder any of the books they talk about, enter the code NEWRELEASEPLEASE at checkout for 10% off your order! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 567) or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: Annie's Books: This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman So Old, So Young by Grant Ginder More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen Olivia's Books: Warning Signs by Tracy Sierra Birdy by N West Moss PostScript by Cory McCarthy Erin's Books: Good People by Patmeena Sabit The Reservation by Rebecca Kauffman A Good Animal by Sara Maurer From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com. A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations. This week, Annie is reading Homeschooled by Steffan Merrill Block. Olivia is reading Detour by Jeff Rake and Rob Hart. Erin is listening to Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Ashley Ferrell, Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, and Wendi Jenkins.
The Chicago Auto Show returns this weekend - offering a close-up look at new vehicles. indoor test tracks, and interactive experiences. Jennifer Morand, President of the Chicago Auto Trade Association and General Manager of the Chicago Auto Show joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with a preview...
Rising living costs are forcing more retirees back to work, with many older Americans “unretiring” just to afford everyday expenses. Craig Bolanos, co-founder and wealth advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.
Millions of Americans have lost track of old retirement and financial accounts - leaving real money on the table... Ed Gjertsen, Certified Financial Planner and Founder of Engage Wealth Group here in Chicago joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with need to know advice.
Every once in a while, it can be a healthy reset for parents and their relationship to plan a kid-free trip - leaving the kids with grandparents or relatives and enjoying a stress-free, adults-only getaway. Cindy Richards, Editor-in-Chief of SheBuysTravel.com, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss...
WBBM's Rob Hart is joined by RJ Hottovy & Matt Wren to discuss the growing use of artificial intelligence, human reliance on A.I, it's benefits & disadvantages and much more.
Even after someone dies - their digital life lives on - and without a plan, accounts can be lost, locked away, or mismanaged. Paul Hochman, president of Humongous Media in Cambridge, Massachusetts, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss digital estate planning and why it matters...
Many investors let politics drive portfolio decisions, but history shows markets reward discipline, data, and long-term focus over partisan emotion. Shane Gornik, financial advisor at Forefront Financial Planning in Lisle, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.
Spring is an ideal time for a financial reset—cutting waste, organizing accounts, and realigning money habits for the year ahead. Alonso Munoz, chief investment officer at Hamilton Capital Partners in Atlanta, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with key advice.
More families are re-imagining spring break, adding learning and volunteer experiences to create more meaningful travel memories. Mark Wolters of Wolters World Travel and Culture YouTube channel and teaching associate professor of business administration at the University of Illinois' Gies College of Business - joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.
WBBM's Rob Hart sits down with Loyola Professor Ted Karamanski to discuss Lake Michigan's past, present & future with Chicago, its impact on local communities, and much more.
Don't be a passive homeowner this winter - cold-snap preparation can prevent frozen pipes, ice dams, and ultimately costly insurance claims. Shannon Martin, insurance expert at Bankrate in Buffalo, New York, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.
The popular social media trend known as the 10-Year Challenge may seem harmless - but experts warn those photos could quietly help train facial-recognition AI. Matt Wren, tech expert and founder of VRAR Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.
A trial retirement lets people test budgets, routines, and purpose years in advance - helping avoid financial surprises when it's actually time to hang up the cleats. Craig Bolanos, co-founder and wealth advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners in Inverness and Downers Grove, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss…
Career momentum rarely comes from resumes alone. It's built quietly over time through mentors, allies, and advocates. Michelle Reisdorf, Chicago jobs expert at Robert Half, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to explain.
WBBM Noon Business Hour host Rob Hart is joined by the president & CEO of the Better Government Association David Greising to take a look at what city funding hopes to look like in 2026, the Bears & their potential new stadium, city grants and much more.
Pat King in conversation with Jeff Rake & Rob Hart
We're taking a look at prediction markets - what they are, how they work, and the regulatory questions surrounding platforms like Polymarket, Kalshi, and Robinhood. Andrew Busch, former Chief Markets Intelligence Officer at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and economic futurist at AndrewBusch.com in Charlotte, North Carolina, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.
So-called gray divorce - the rising trend of couples aged 50 and older ending long-term marriages - can spark reinvention and independence, even as women face disproportionate financial challenges entering life's second act. Carolyn McClanahan, founder of Life Planning Partners in Jacksonville, Florida, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.
AI is speeding up work for many employees, but new research shows much of those time savings are lost fixing AI mistakes. Emily Peck, national correspondent for Axios in New York, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to explain.
The Better Business Bureau is warning Bears fans about ticket scams ahead of Sunday's playoff game, with fake websites, social media ads, and fraudulent sellers targeting eager fans. Steve Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.
WBBM Noon Business Hour host Rob Hart sits down with Political Editor Geoff Buchholz to provide an outlook on how the political scene will look at a city & state level, the city budget and much more.
In this week's episode, WBBM Noon Business Hour host Rob Hart speaks with Michelle Reisdorf of the Robert Half company and Rick Cobb of 2 Discern about the increasingly challenging job market. They break down how to navigate the current hiring process and how to stand out in the face of AI.