Send us a text Legendary comedian and actor Tommy Davidson returns to the show for a fun interview and to promote his upcoming appearance at the Chicago Improv in Schaumburg Dec 20-22.Ryan Gatenby

Send us a text With an uptick in flu, Covid, and RSV, virus hunter Mary Rodgers shares tips on navigating the winter months. Mary Rodgers, Ph.D. is an Associate Research Fellow in Abbott’s diagnostics business. In her role, Mary manages research from the Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition, the first industry-led global scientific and public health p…

Send us a text Award-winning author Sandra Magsamen discusses her career writing books for children and her newest board book, "Silly Santa."Ryan Gatenby

Send us a text It's always a good time to talk Wisconsin cheese, and returning guest Julie Hartigan has some great recipes and entertaining ideas using the world's most awarded cheese! Julie Hartigan is a trained chef, recipe creator, hosting expert, and culinary travel guide who helps people enjoy the good life with cooking, entertaining, and trav…

Send us a text Whether dealing with “invited pain” from physical activity or “uninvited pain” from an injury or condition – pain is a reality for many Americans. In fact, the CDC estimates that 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. Harley Pasternak, The fitness instructor to celebrities such as Ariana Grande, Jessica Simpson, Adam Levine, …

Send us a text From 10-5-16: Comedian and actress Phoebe Robinson talks about her first book, You Can't Touch My Hair (And Other Things I Still Have to Explain).Ryan Gatenby

Send us a text Legendary agent and producer Shep Gordon discusses his book THEY CALL ME SUPER MENSCH (From 9-21-16). It started with a punch from Janis Joplin. It was 1968 and Shep Gordon had quit the job that had brought him to L.A. after only one day. He had about a month’s worth of cash in his pocket when he checked into a Hollywood motel. The f…

Send us a text In a public service interview, I'm joined by Alla Reznik from Verizon, who talks about cybersecurity awareness and the holidays. Alla Reznik is the Senior Director at Verizon Business, where she has been leading a national team of Cybersecurity and Unified Communications sales specialists for over two years. With more than 20 years o…

Send us a text Returning guest Aaron Blakey visits the show to talk about the final book in THE BAD GUYS series, THE BAD GUYS IN ONE LAST THING.

Send us a text Kenny Curtis and Jillian Hughes return to the show for a fun chat about the latest book-inspired-by-the-podcast: GREEKING OUT: HEROES AND OLYMPIANS.Ryan Gatenby

Send us a text ROB PAULSEN, voice of Yakko on ANIMANIACS, called in to talk about the show's return to Hulu 22 years after its final episode aired. Maybe you've never heard of Rob Paulsen. But you've heard him. A lot. Maybe you don't know Rob Paulsen, but you know Pinky and the Brain, Animaniacs, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Jimmy Neutron Boy Geni…

Send us a text Christopher “Chris” Tucker is an international award winning actor and comedian best known for playing the role of Detective James Carter in the Rush Hour film series. Tucker became a favorite on Russell Simmons’ HBO Def Comedy Jam in the 1990's and came to prominence in the 1995 film Friday alongside Ice Cube. Next he co-starred and…

Send us a text Playing in the NBA for eighteen years, Ray Allen won championships with the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat and entered the record books as the original king of the three-point shot. Known as one of the hardest-working and highest-achieving players in NBA history, this most dedicated competitor was legendary for his sharp shooting.…

Send us a text On this episode we once again open The Big Wakeup Call Vault (TM) and listen to some of my Halloween-related interviews! First, from 9/27/21: Cassandra Peterson AKA Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, made her second visit to the show when she called in to discuss her memoir "Yours Cruelly, Elvira." From 10/30/2014: Tyler Mane, who donned …

Send us a text Emmy Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated actor Bobby Cannavale called into promote the release of "Jumani: Welcome to The Jungle," out now on digital, and coming to DVD and Blu-Ray on March 20th. We also discussed Boardwalk Empire, how we're both members of the "old dad's club," and unfortunately ended on a down note with a chat a…

Send us a text Craig Fugate knows the power and danger of natural disasters like few people in this nation’s history. He served as President Barack Obama’s FEMA Administrator from 2009 to 2017, leading the agency through multiple record-breaking disasters, including floods, tornadoes and Hurricanes Sandy and Matthew Now, Mr. Fugate is sharing his v…

Send us a text Whether it's a NSFW ("not safe for work") encounter with a bra-selling pet parent or a touching farewell to a beloved family dog - DR. DAWN FILOS bring us a variety of tales underscoring the deep connection and mutual affection between pets and their owners in the new book: TALES OF A PET VET: STORIES FROM THE CLINIC AND HOUSE CALLS…

Send us a text As National Cybersecurity Awareness Month unfolds, we have an exclusive interview with Cybersecurity Expert, Grant Hansen. This is a timely and critical discussion to help understand the rising threat of cybercrime, with losses exceeding $37.4 billion in the past five years (FBI Internet Crime Report 2023). Grant Hansen brings over 2…

Send us a text We celebrate 50 years of local area company Grecian Delight | Kronos as they Honor Greek American Cuisine, Culture, and Heritage with Community Events. Mike Paribello is a seasoned marketing, sales, and innovation leader with over 25 years of experience in the consumer products and food industry. His extensive expertise in brand mana…

Send us a text Compiled acclaimed anti-racist educator Liz Kleinrock and celebrated author Caroline Kusin Pritchard, and illustrated by Iris Gottlieb, WHAT JEWISH LOOKS LIKE is a powerful intersectional anthology celebrating thirty-six Jewish heroes—from Tracee Ellis Ross, and Victor Perez, to Doña Gracia Nasi. A first-ever collection that disrupts…

Send us a text Grammy, Tony, and Emmy Award winning singer-songwriter) that’s 3/4 of an EGOT!) Cyndi Lauper called in to talk about some of her newest projects as well as her work as a spokesperson for the 8 million Americans dealing with symptoms of psoriasis. (From November 14, 2019)Ryan Gatenby

Send us a text Linda Sue Park visits the show to discuss her book Gracie Under the Waves. Linda Sue Park is the author of many books for young readers, including the 2002 Newbery Medal winner A Single Shard and the New York Times bestseller A Long Walk to Water. Her most recent title for middle grade readers is The One Thing You’d Save, a collectio…

Send us a text An informative discussion with Natasha Daniels about her memoir OUT OF MY SHELL: Overcoming Social Anxiety from Childhood to Adulthood. Natasha Daniels is an anxiety and OCD child therapist and has published six other books including How to Parent your Anxious Toddler, Anxiety Sucks: A Teen Survival Guide, Social Skills Activities fo…

Send us a text Lucy Ashe discusses her new book The Sleeping Beauties. Lucy Ashe is an English teacher. After training at the Royal Ballet School, she decided to change career plans and go to college. She studied English literature at St. Hugh’s College, Oxford, before receiving her teaching qualification. Ashe’s poetry and short stories have been …

Send us a text Dr. Chadi Nabhan discusses his book THE CANCER JOURNEY: Understanding Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, and Prevention. Chadi Nabhan, MD, MBA, FACP, is a board-certified hematologist and a medical oncologist who practiced hematology and oncology for years. He has authored or co-authored over 300 peer-reviewed manuscripts and abstracts.…

Send us a text It's a lively chat with Annie Zaleski as we talk all things Taylor Swift and her new book Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind the Songs. Annie Zaleski is an award-winning music journalist and author based in Cleveland, Ohio. Her writing has appeared in Rolling Stone, the Guardian, Time, and the Los Angeles Times, and she has written boo…

Send us a text As someone who has worn headphone for nearly 30 years of a radio career and who plays in a band in loud venues, hearing protection is very important to me, so I called in an expert. We have world-renowned hearing expert Professor De Wet Swanepoel to discuss the critical hearing issues facing many Americans. It’s estimated that 44 mil…

Send us a text HGTV star Matt Blashaw joins our 6-Timers Club as we talk about sustainable energy for your home. Matt shares tips on the many benefits of using propane in both new construction and remodeling/renovating homes. Matt will share his own experience of living in a propane-equipped homestead that includes appliances, energy sources and ba…

Send us a text Director, writer, comedian, singer and songwriter Gino McKoy called in to discuss his directorial debut on the sci-fi-horror-comedy, "Lumina." Also written and produced by McKoy with a cast headed by veteran Eric Roberts, the film follows an odd foursome who desperately search for their friend who's mysteriously disappeared. Their qu…

Send us a text William King, founding member of the Commodores, called in to chat about his career and the band's participation in the upcoming 2020 Ultimate Disco cruise. Topics: How "Night Shift" wasn't originally considered to be released as a single, opening for the Jackson 5, and the dedication of their fans. (From November 18, 2019)…

Send us a text Comedy legend Judy Gold called in to chat about her new book "YES, I CAN SAY THAT: When They Come for the Comedians We Are All In Trouble." (From July 28, 2020)Ryan Gatenby

Send us a text Legendary best-selling author Dean Koontz joined us for a chat about dogs and his new book, "Devoted." (From April 2, 2020)Ryan Gatenby

Send us a text 25 years after the death of Kurt Cobain, former Nirvana manager Danny Goldberg discusses his book "Serving the Servant: Remembering Kurt Cobain." (From April 2, 2019)Ryan Gatenby

Send us a text From March 11, 2020: Film and TV director Barry Sonnenfeld (Men In Black, Addams Family, Get Shorty) talks about his career with some slightly naughty talk, as well as his book "Barry Sonnenfeld, Call Your Mother: Memoirs of a Neurotic Filmmaker." Enjoy one of my final pre-covid interviews where we are blissfully unaware of the garba…

Send us a text In my most popular, most shared, and most downloaded interview of all time, featuring my favorite comments from YouTubers about my "annoying Chicago accent," Dan Howell and Phil Lester (Dan and Phil) talk about their book "The Amazing Book is Not on Fire" and an upcoming appearance at the Chicago Theater. (From April 21, 2016)…

Send us a text We remember TV legend Phil Donahue with this interview from July 29, 2020, where he was joined by his wife and fellow legend Marlo Thomas to discuss their book "What Makes a Marriage Last."Ryan Gatenby

Send us a text Sam Calagione is the legendary brewing superstar who started Dogfish Head, who has written four books and is considered the man behind the massive growth of the micro-brew industry. Sam shared his super secrets for a great party and his innovative takes on classic drink recipes that can take any Labor Day celebration to the next leve…

Send us a text Comedian and actor John Fugelsang called in to discuss his new tv show Page Six TV, shared stories of interviewing George Harrison and Paul McCartney, and talked about his upcoming appearance in Chicago at the Athenaeum Theatre as part of the "Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour." (From Sep. 25, 2017)…

Send us a text Tracy Wilson and Holly Frey talk about their popular podcast, Stuff You Missed in History Class. (From November 6, 2019)Ryan Gatenby

Send us a text Greg Proops discusses his career and new book "The Smartest Book In the World." (From May 7, 2015) Greg Proops is a revered stand-up comic from San Francisco, and he records his chart-topping podcast “The Smartest Man in the World” from live shows around the world as well as Cleveland. Mr. Proops has been a voice actor in Star Wars: …

Send us a text Tracy Ifeachor visits the show to promote her USA Network series "Treadstone." USA Network’s new series Treadstone explores the origin and present-day actions of the infamous covert program – as seen in the Jason Bourne movies -- that uses behavior modification protocol to turn recruits into nearly superhuman assassins. The action-pa…

Send us a text We go way, way back into the archives for a fun (and funny) visit with Kristen Schaal that almost got me fired! We discuss a "Bob's Burgers" live tour and her appearances on "30 Rock." (From May 1, 2013)

Send us a text Emmy Award-winning comedy writer Jill Twiss ("Last Week Tonight with John Oliver") returns to the show for a lively chat about her book "Major Makes History." (From September 28, 2021)Ryan Gatenby

Send us a text Comedy and musical legend Weird Al Yankovic returned to the show for a chat about the success of his album "Mandatory Fun" and an upcoming tour. (From 5/20/16)Ryan Gatenby

Send us a text Toto keyboardist Steve Porcaro visited the show for a chat about his career, a summer tour, and his first-ever solo album. (From 5/13/16)Ryan Gatenby

Send us a text Dr. Jen Wademan joined the show to talk back-to-school eye exams and her partnership with Zeiss to recognize Children's Eye Health and Safety Month. Dr. Jen Wademan, OD, is an optometrist dedicated to promoting a modern approach to eyecare with cutting-edge technology and innovative products while showcasing a general love of eyewear…

Send us a text Returning guest Tucker Perkins visited the show once again to talk back-to-school bus safety and how propane-fueled busses lead to healthier kids who don't choke on a cloud of diesel fumes like I did for most of my school years. Tucker Perkins is the president and chief executive officer for the Propane Education & Research Council, …

Send us a text Kathryn Nicolai's podcast "Nothing Much Happens" was literally a life-changer for me, as I've been able to have more consistent and restful sleep night after night. I couldn't recommend it more highly. (From 10/20/20). KATHRYN NICOLAI, the Michigan-based writer and creator of the enormously successful podcast Nothing Much Happens, is…

Send us a text Joanna Ho is one of our favorite guests, and it was a pleasure to have her on the show once again, this time to talk about her book "We Who Produce Pearls: An Anthem for Asian America." Joanna is now a member of our 4-Timers Club!Ryan Gatenby

Send us a text Longtime Rolling Stone columnist Rob Sheffield joined us in 2016 to discuss his book "On Bowie."Ryan Gatenby