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)By 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)By 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)By 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)By 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."By 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)By 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)By 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)By 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)By 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!By Ryan Gatenby

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

Send us a text We unlock the massive and highly-secured Big Wakeup Call Vault and retrieve my 2014 interview with "Karate Kid" and "Cobra Kai" star Ralph Macchio.By Ryan Gatenby

Send us a text We celebrate the opening of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics and the U.S. Women's Gymnastics team and revisit my 2018 interview with 7-Time Olympic Gymnastics medalist Shannon Miller. Shannon talked about her career, and we shared our experiences as cancer survivors as we recognized National Cancer Survivors Month.…

Send us a text From 2018: "Kids In The All" legend Mark McKinney joined the show (appearance #2!) to chat about the season finale of his show "Superstore" and some favorite KITH sketchesBy Ryan Gatenby

Send us a text We go deep into the archives to 2012 for a chat with comedian, actor, and "Bob's Burger's" star Eugene Mirman.By Ryan Gatenby

Send us a text Jenny Boyd, model, actress, sister-in-law to George Harrison & Eric Clapton and wife of Mick Fleetwood (twice), discusses her memoir Jennifer Juniper. (From 4-2-20)By Ryan Gatenby

Send us a text Baseball legend Dave Winfield discusses his Hall-of-Fame career as one of the few people to be drafted in three major sports. (From 5-23-17)By Ryan Gatenby

Send us a text Chicago's very own Josh Johnson returned to the show for a chat about his first one-hour Comedy Central special, Trevor Noah Presents Josh Johnson. (From 6-15-21)By Ryan Gatenby

Send us a text We're back from our Summer break and happy to once again have consumer expert Alanna Shipley for DoorDash to share some fun and helpful travel tips. About Alanna: Alanna Shipley is the Head of Audience Insights and Consumer Insights Expert at DoorDash, where she is responsible for establishing, defining, and growing the Marketing Ins…

Send us a text Bestselling author Dan Gutman joins the show to discuss the 20th anniversary of the "My Weird School" series and the 100th "My Weird School" book Miss Nichol Is in a Pickle! Dan Gutman is the New York Times bestselling author of 185 books for young readers, including the "My Weird School" series, the "Baseball Card Adventure" series,…

Send us a text Scott Aukerman first appeared on The Big Wakeup Call back in 2014 to discuss the season one DVD of the Comedy Bang! Bang! TV show. Here on his 20th appearance, we discuss the origin of the TV show and what could have been a spinoff, the 15th anniversary of the podcast, the CBB action figures, CBB book, and the Bang! Bang! Into Your M…

Send us a text Jennifer Donnelly discusses her newest book Beastly Beauty. Jennifer Donnelly is the author of A Northern Light, which was awarded a Printz Honor and a Carnegie Medal; Revolution, named a Best Book by Amazon, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and the Chicago Public Library; and many other books for young readers, including Lost…

Send us a text Singer-songwriter and "The Voice" alum (Team Blake) Gina Zo called in to talk about her time on the show, what she experienced in the music industry following her appearance, and a story of self-empowerment that led to her embracing her personal truth. Gina's band Velvet Rouge has a new single coming out soon - check them out on Band…

Send us a text From May 17, 2018: Kate Walsh called in to chat about season 2 of her critically-acclaimed series "13 Reasons Why," which returns to Netflix on Friday. Kate revealed all spoilers for the newseason (which unfortunately could not be included on the podcast version for legal reasons -- sorry!), gave us an update on her health (following…

Send us a text From October 30, 2019: It was a fun visit with returning guest Felicia Day as she called in to promote her newbook "Embrace Your Weird." We talked about our experiences as weird kids and how we were able to harness our mutual weirdness and turn it into a career. With help from her book, you can do it, too!…

Send us a text From October 9, 2020: Amy Bruni is an expert in the world of paranormal investigating. You’ve seen her on the popular tv shows “Ghost Hunters” and “Kindred Spirits.” She’s the author of a newbook, “Life With the Afterlife: 13 Truths I Learned About Ghosts,” which is available now where you buy your books.…

Send us a text Award-winning ABC News correspondent Deborah Roberts called in to talk about her book Lessons Learned and Cherished: The Teacher Who Changed My Life. Deborah Roberts is an award-winning ABC News Correspondent and co-anchor of the prestigious news magazine, "20/20". A media veteran, Roberts has traveled the world for her reporting. Sh…

Send us a text Chef Michael Symon guested on the show for the first time in a decade to talk about his career, how to make sure a restaurant is keeping food and the dining room clean and safe, and shared a recipe as grilling season finally arrives in the Midwest. Chef Michael Symon is a celebrity chef, restaurant owner and the author of six award-w…

Send us a text Michelle Strong, Verizon Business Director Small & Mid-Size Business, joined the show to discuss Verizon's "Small Business Days." Michelle Strong is the Director for Small and Midsize Businesses at Verizon Business. In this role, Michelle is responsible for leading a team of over 115 sales professionals in the Mountain West Territory…

Send us a text From October 5, 2018: Paget Brewster joined the show to talk about her new movie The Witch Files. We also discussed Criminal Minds and working with Paul F. Tompkins on The Thrilling Adventure Hour. Plus: an inside scoop on the making of a Drunk History segment.By Ryan Gatenby

Send us a text From September 26, 2016: Comedy legend and Chicago's own Tom Dreesen discusses his comedy career and his appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson (more than 60!), along with a DVD set: THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JOHNNY CARSON: THE VAULT SERIES. ABOUT TOM DREESEN (2016 BIO): Tom Dreesen’s life is equal parts comedy and philan…