Futurist David Houle joins Bob Sirott to explain what he does as a futurist, as well as why he thinks the L.A. wildfires are a tipping point concerning climate change. He also talks about how the fires have impacted much of Hollywood’s industry and the insurance industry in California going forward. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7148047/David_Ho…

Social media strategist Scott Kleinberg joins Bob Sirott to explain what “digital clutter” is, how to organize digital files, and how to de-clutter your devices. He also shares details about tips to organize your passwords, strategies to overcome digital hoarding, and answers this week’s genius bar question. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7147889…

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean share details about the postponing of the Oscar nominations and The Weeknd’s upcoming album release, as well as Jimmy Kimmel’s return to air. They also discuss who will be performing at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguratio…

Jon Hansen, host and executive producer of the Block Club Chicago Podcast, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Jon has details on: City Leaders, Advocates Rally Against Proposal To Change Chicago’s Sanctuary City Rules: Immigrant rights advocates also warned that allowing local police to cooperate with federal immigra…

On January 14th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers: December’s NFIB small business optimism index Producer price index Fed Beige Book Earnings from Applied Digital, Park Aerospace, and more https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7147789/7147789_2025-01-14-134229.128.mp3Av wgnradio.com

NewsNation correspondent Brooke Shafer joins Bob Sirott from L.A. to give an update on the wildfires and what officials are telling residents. Bob’s stepdaughter and Alhambra resident Natalie Zarowny also joins him to talk about increasing prices during the wildfires and how residents are helping each other. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7146279…

Dr. Jeff Bohmer, Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, joins Bob Sirott to talk about an increase in sugar-based drink consumption and how to shop for balanced meals at the grocery store. He also shares details about the 6-6-6 walking trend and how earbuds could harm your hearing. https://ser…

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about how some hotels in Los Angeles are offering free rooms to first responders and donations to L.A. wildfire relief from organizations and celebrities. They also share details about some celebrity deaths, weekend box off…

Jon Hansen, host and executive producer of the Block Club Chicago Podcast, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Jon has details on: Red Line Extension Secures $2 Billion In Federal Funds Before Trump Takes Office: Transit officials said last month they were “confident” they’d strike the deal to extend the Red Line sout…

On January 13th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers: December’s monthly U.S. federal budget Earnings from KB Home, BARK, Inc., and more https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7145948/7145948_2025-01-13-132648.128.mp3Av wgnradio.com

Bob Sirott’s stepdaughter and resident of Alhambra, California, Natalie Zarowny, joins Bob to give an update on the wildfires spreading in the Los Angeles area. She shares details about the air quality in the area and what people are trying to take with them should they need to evacuate. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7143600/Natalie_Zarowny_0110…

Co-Creator of ‘Poochie & Pang Eat Chicago,’ Kevin Pang, joins Bob Sirott to talk about some of Chicago’s best restaurants, including Johnnie’s Beef, Hopleaf, and Superdawg. He also shares details about a Chicago bakery that made The New York Times Best Bakeries in America article and what he thinks about food trends. https://serve.castfire.com/audi…

Marianne Murciano, Bob Sirott’s wife and founder of Savvy-Planet, joins Bob to talk about how you can reinvent yourself by evaluating your relationships, getting finances in order, and more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7143768/Marianne_011025_2025-01-10-145808.64kmono.mp3 Marianne joins Bob for a weekly segment Fridays following the 8:30 am ne…

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: One Alderwoman’s Crusade To Ban Legal Weed Dispensaries In Her Southwest Side Ward: Ald. Silvana Tabares has already passed “Restricted Cannabis Zone” ordinances in seven precincts in her Sou…

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about donations that are coming in for L.A. wildfire victims, Alec Baldwin’s lawsuit, and Chris Stapleton’s tour announcement. They also share details about a social media post from Neil Sedaka and his grandson, as well as …

On January 10th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers: U.S. unemployment report January’s consumer sentiment data Earnings from Walgreens, Delta Air Lines, and more https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7143517/7143517_2025-01-10-134117.128.mp3Av wgnradio.com

Bob Sirott’s stepdaughter Natalie Zarowny is a resident of Alhambra, located 15 minutes outside of Pasadena, California. Natalie shares an update on the wildfires sweeping through the Los Angeles area and how they are impacting the community. She talks about the air quality both indoors and out, insurance fears, and how residents must have a ‘go ba…

Stephanie Lulay, Executive editor and Co-Founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: HOKTUAH, GYATT, JAGWEED Rejected As Illinois License Plates In 2024: Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias released some of the vanity plates that didn’t make the cut in 2024. CT…

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean share details about celebrities who lost their homes in the L.A. wildfires, as well as SAG nominations. They also discuss how Jimmy Carter helped Georgia to become the “Hollywood of the South.” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7…

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Bob Sirott to talk about how you can protect your phone when you upgrade it and how scammers attempted to steal $5k from a local couple. He also shares details about QR code scams and some of the top scams of 2024. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7141803/Steve_Bernas_010925_2025-01…

Danny Salazar (Senior Vice President and Relationship Manager, Commercial Banking at Associated Bank) joins Steve Grzanich in the Associated Bank Thought Leader conversation to discuss the first U.S. jobs report of the year it’s potential impact, recent IRS business policy changes, and what to expect from commercial banking and financial services m…

On January 9th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers: National day of mourning for Jimmy Carter Fed speeches Earnings from Accolade Inc., Northern Technologies International, and more https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7141686/7141686_2025-01-09-134926.128.mp3Av wgnradio.com

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Bob Sirott to share details about Mike Madigan testifying on his own behalf and if this could extend the length of the case. She also talks about President-elect Donald Trump’s sentencing for the hush money case and what the process of pardoning an individual consists of. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7…

KTLA tech reporter Rich DeMuro joins Bob Sirott to share some of the highlights from CES 2025. He mentions a 163-inch TV, an electric car by Honda and Sony, and more. DeMuro, a Los Angeles resident, also provides an update on the impact the wildfires are having on the city and surrounding communities. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7139893/Rich_D…

Anna Davlantes, WGN Radio’s investigative correspondent, joins Bob Sirott to share what happened this week in Chicago history. Stories include the opening of Chicago’s first public library, the first use of the radar gun on the Edens expressway, the Bears’ “double doink” game, and more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7140109/Anna_D_TWCH_010825_20…

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: Chicago ‘Should Explore’ Congestion Tax To Reduce Traffic, Mayor Says: In an interview Tuesday with Block Club, Mayor Brandon Johnson also defended the 2025 budget process and reiterated his …

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about celebrities in L.A. leaving their homes, the death of Peter Yarrow, and Lisa Kudrow’s ‘Friends’ story. They also share details about the divorce finalization between Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, as well as what’s n…

On January 8th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers: ADP jobs report Federal Reserve’s minutes meeting December’s consumer credit Earnings from Acuity Brands, The Greenbrier Companies, and more https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7139822/7139822_2025-01-08-131522.128.mp3Av wgnradio.com

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: These South Chicago Goats Will Eat Your Christmas Trees: Urban Growers Collective is taking donations of decoration-free pine trees through Jan. 11 at its South Chicago farm to feed …

Social media strategist Scott Kleinberg joins Bob Sirott to talk about creating resolutions for enhanced social media experiences, like using a password manager, updating privacy settings, and managing your screen time. He also shares details about Apple’s Siri privacy lawsuit and answers this week’s genius bar question. https://serve.castfire.com/…

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about the Golden Globes ratings, Aubrey Plaza’s statement after her husband’s death, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson on The CW. They also share details about celebrity relationship news, like the engagement of Zendaya and Tom…

Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor & Market Strategist for Murphy & Sylvest, joins Bob Sirott to talk about why the markets remain expensive, possible rate cuts for the new year, and why commodity prices are picking up. He also shares details about what investors can expect from stocks this year and how to keep a good credit score. https://serve.cas…

On January 7th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers: November’s job openings December’s ISM services numbers November’s U.S. trade defecit Earnings from AAR Corporation, Lindsay Corporation, and more https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7137995/7137995_2025-01-07-135735.128.mp3Av wgnradio.com

The longest-lived U.S. president in history, Jimmy Carter, died at the age of 100 last Sunday (December 29) in Plains, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalynn Carter, in November of 2023. Carter, who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, will lie in repose in Atlanta from Saturday night through today f…

Dean Richards, entertainment reporter for WGN, joins Bob Sirott to provide the latest news in entertainment. Bob and Dean talk about highlights from the Golden Globes including the best speeches and host Nikki Glaser’s comedy. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7136433/Dean_010625_2025-01-06-151133.64kmono.mp3 ‘The Brutalist,’ ‘Emilia Perez’ triumph …

Chief Medical Officer at Central DuPage Hospital Dr. Tom Moran joins Bob Sirott to talk about the increase in norovirus cases and the lifestyle factors that could help contribute to a longer, healthier life. He also discusses the benefits of an antioxidant-rich diet and education on cholesterol numbers. https://serve.castfire.com/s:northwestern_med…

Jon Hansen, host and executive producer of ‘The Block Club Chicago Podcast’, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Jon has details on: 90 Miles Cuban Cafe Closes In Roscoe Village — And Logan Square Location Faces Possible Eviction: Both 90 Miles restaurants were closed as of Friday. The landlord of its Logan Square loc…

On January 6th, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers: S&P final U.S. services PMI numbers November’s factory orders Earnings from Trio Petroleum and more https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7136177/7136177_2025-01-06-134417.128.mp3Av wgnradio.com

In November, 2005, Bob Sirott sat down with President Jimmy Carter for a conversation on an episode of WTTW’s “The Friday Night Show.” Courtesy WTTW News. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4103003/President_Carter_WTTW_2023-03-22-204003.64kmono.mp3 Death of President Jimmy Carter Recent Posts Bob Sirott A futurist analyzes the L.A. wildfires and cli…

Brian Hoogeveen, ‘The Cash Man’ from Americash Jewelry & Coin Buyers, joins Jon Hansen to discuss items that could be worth money. They include books from the 1800s, misprinted baseball cards, Tiger Woods’ signature, and more! https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7134400/Brian_The_Cash_Man_010325_2025-01-03-164500.64kmono.mp3 If you think you have item…

Blockbuster Blake Stubbs, in for Dean Richards, joins Jon Hansen (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about Ana Gasteyer’s connection to the Carter presidency and Tom Holland’s future in Hollywood. He also shares details about the box office for January and who we can expect to see at the Golden Globes. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7134191/Blockbuster_B…

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Jon Hansen (in for Bob Sirott) to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: Abercrombie And Fitch Opens Wicker Park Store: The retailer completed extensive renovations to the former John Fluevog store on Milwaukee Avenue before opening la…

On January 3rd, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers: December’s ISM manufacturing index December’s auto sales Fed speeches Earnings from Taylor Devices and more https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7134040/7134040_2025-01-03-135540.128.mp3Av wgnradio.com

WGN-TV political analyst Paul Lisnek joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about new taxes and fees to be aware of that will take effect in Chicago this year and how you might be able to avoid some of them. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7132810/Paul_Lisnek_010225_2025-01-02-154810.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Bob Sirott A futurist analyzes …

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Steve Bernas joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about New Year’s resolutions to keep you safe from scammers, like never giving financial information or money to people you don’t know. They also share details about misleading ads on Facebook and the importance of strong passwords. https://s…

On-camera reporter for CNET Bridget Carey joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about Apple’s latest updates and A.I. features on current Apple products. She also shares highlights of this year’s Consumer Electronics Show and their celebrity guests. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7132814/Bridget_Carey_010225_2025-01-02-152314.64kmono.mp3…

Blockbuster Blake Stubbs, in for Dean Richards, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about the Golden Globes nominations and the death of Jocelyn Wildenstein. They also share details about some movie releases for 2025 and legal battles concerning the stars of ‘It Ends with Us.’ https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7132704/Blockbuster_Blake_01…

Shamus Toomey, Editor in Chief and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Wendy Snyder (in for Bob Sirott) to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. Shamus has details on: Bill Murray Joining Blood Brothers For Sold-Out Shows At Thalia Hall This Weekend: Advance tickets are gone, but there’ll be a limited number of tickets at the door for …

Lori Novak (Vice President of Foreign Exchange, Capital Markets at Associated Bank) joins Steve Grzanich in today’s Associated Bank Thought Leader conversation to talk about the strength of the U.S. dollar, President Elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats, and what countries and companies are doing in response to both. https://serve.castfire.com/audio…

On January 2nd, 2025, Steve Grzanich shares today’s potential market drivers: Weekly jobless claims November’s construction spending Earnings from Mesa Air Group and more https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7132536/7132536_2025-01-02-132336.128.mp3Av wgnradio.com