New Episode of the Tyrant In Training podcast. Hosted by Kevin Ryan. Todays guest is Amanda Graham, Screenwriter & Script Editor | Public Speaker | Content Writer | BAFTA Connect Member | Knowledge Curator | Ed TV Festival's Ones to Watch | Disability Advocate Also known as Queen Amanda Panda Potts, Protector of Artists and Keanu Reeves Queen Amand…

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier is joined by co-founder of the Chicago Jazz Orchestra Jeff Lindberg and vocalist Paul Marinaro to discuss and highlight the history of the Chicago Jazz Orchestra; from its humble beginnings at the University of Illinois to their first regular gig at Gaspars (now known as Schubas) and their first big break at the first annual …

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier is joined by music legend and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee Johnny Mathis to reminisce on his life and career; from growing up in a full house, to record breaking track and field feats, night clubs, and more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5360202/5360202_2024-07-20-003902.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier Paul Marinaro: U…

Photographer and author Nick Freeman joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to highlight his book ‘Good Old Neon: Signs You’re in Chicago’ and explore Chicago’s history with neon signs which began in the 1920’s and really picked up in the 1960’s. The book highlights various restaurants, motels, laundries, theatres and more that still utilize the power of neo…

New Episode of the Tyrant In Training podcast. Hosted by Kevin Ryan. Todays guest is Screenwriter of The Sin-Eater and Paul Dood's Deadly Lunch Break Matt White! Also known as The Plum of Three Plum uses a policy of "Beef and Tea" to keep his citizens in check. Forcing anyone with a complaint or dispute to enact "beef" with each other for the wider…

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Chicago radio legend Kevin Matthews about his new book ‘Mary’s Roadie’ and his journey in radio. Jim Shorts also takes over ‘The Dave Plier Show’ via satellite to tell listeners that Dave has been fired (not true) and also talks about the upcoming Chicago Bears season, his ‘casino’ and more. https://serve.castfire.co…

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Neal Schon from Journey, who is in town to play Wrigley Field on Monday, July 15, 2024, along with The Steve Miller Band and Def Leppard. Dave and Neal talk about the band’s five decades in rock, the mega-hit ‘Don’t Stop Believin’, Neal’s guitar collection, and more! https://serve.castfire.c…

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Craig Klatzco of Novelty Golf in Lincolnwood about his iconic miniature golf course and The Bunny Hutch, celebrating 75 years and the weekend-long event on July 20 and 21, 2024 with LIVE music, photo booths, their classic arcade, discounts and fun for all ages! Noveltygolf.com. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/530292…

Season Five, Episode Five of the Tyrant In Training podcast. Hosted by Kevin Ryan. Todays guest is Award Winning Actress, Creator, & Bundle of Joy Candice Palladino Also known as The Chief Artistic Officer of CandyLand! On this episode, The C.A.O sings the opening song to the musical sequel of Old School, has the cutest dog in the world, Coco, leav…

WGN Radio’s ‘The Dave Plier Show’ presents ‘The Women of Rock’ featuring conversations with music legends Joan Jett, Debbie Harry, Pat Benatar and Suzi Quatro. Included are bonus interviews with Melissa Etheridge, Vicki Peterson (The Bangles) and original MTV veejay Nina Blackwood. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5275249/5275249_2024-07-06-181749.…

Season Five, Episode Four of the Tyrant In Training podcast. Hosted by Kevin Ryan. Todays guest is Actor and Mancunian Dom Blackwood! Also known as The Emperor of Troll-Mane-land! On this episode, The Emperor explains the origins of Troll-Mane-Land which involves the epic adventure of Bertie "Beans" Bean-Grower assaulting a bellowing dragon. Empero…

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his conversation with rock legend Kevin Cronin on his summer tour, the band’s rise to fame, the meaning behind ‘REO Speedwagon,’ and more! https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5249284/5249284_2024-06-28-202324.128.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier Paul Marinaro: Upcoming tribute to Frank Sinatra .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenod…

As iconic TV anthology series ‘The Twilight Zone’ celebrates its 65th Anniversary, WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to the daughter of TV legend Rod Serling, writer Anne Serling, on her father’s legacy, ‘The Twilight Zone’ and ‘Night Gallery’. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5249282/5249282_2024-06-28-201522.128.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier Paul Marina…

Children’s television historian Jim Engel talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about WGN-TV’s Ray Rayner, celebrating the 1964 launch of his own self-titled show ’Ray Rayner & His Friends’ which premiered 60 years ago along with Cuddly Dudley, ‘Ark in the Park’ with Dr. Lester Fisher and Chelveston the Duck, his years on ‘Bozo’s Circus’ as Oliver O. Oli…

Season Five, Episode Three of the Tyrant In Training podcast. Hosted by Kevin Ryan. Todays guest is Comedian / ​Actor / Writer / Coach Renee Percy! Also known as The Almighty and Hilarious Renee of Relarious Island On this episode, The Almighty and Hilarious Renee reviews the world rankings of funny countries, stars in the sequel to The Princess Br…

Season Five, Episode Two of the Tyrant In Training podcast. Hosted by Kevin Ryan. Todays guest are real-life couple and real-life individuals Stephen and Laura of the cozy, funny Midday Musings Podcast. Also known as King Stephen & King Laura of the Glorious Democratic Republic of Stelaura On this episode, King Laura is shocked to learn King Stephe…

Comedy legend Robert Smigel joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier! Smigel is the voice of Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, he’s co-written films with Adam Sandler, wrote sketches on 425 episodes of SNL, and he has won countless Writer’s Guild and Primetime Emmy Awards throughout the years. His contemporaries at Saturday Night Live were Conan O’Brien, Bob Odenk…

WGN-TV’s Mike Lowe talks about his exemplary reporting and today’s press conference on infrastructure investments. Mike then talks about his recent cancer diagnosis, the importance of early detection and seeing your doctor, new statistics on cancer rising in people under 50, and beating this! You’ve got this, Mike! https://serve.castfire.com/audio/…

WGN’s Dave Plier and Wally Podrazik, television historian and author of ‘Watching TV’, break down top TV dads by decade including Howard Cunningham (‘Happy Days’), Andy Taylor (‘The Andy Griffith Show’), Jim Anderson (‘Father Knows Best’), Mike Brady (‘The Brady Bunch’), Archie Bunker (‘Archie Bunker’s Place’), Cliff Huxtable (‘The Cosby Show’) Phi…

Scott Dehn from the McHenry Outdoor Theatre and drive-in documentarian April Wright talk to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about the revival of the drive-in theater, a true piece of Americana, discovering the retro magic, and watching cinema under the stars. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5138129/5138129_2024-06-14-215329.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Pl…

Season Five, Episode One of the Tyrant In Training podcast. Hosted by Kevin Ryan. Todays guest is award-winning actor, acting coach, writer, director, and producer David August Also known as The David of The Augustian Islands On this episode, The David destroys a sick woman's bucket list, stars in a James Bond remake as a Casanova ruler of his isla…

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Smashing Pumpkins frontman and Chicago music icon Billy Corgan about the CW’s ‘Adventures in Carnyland’, the National Wrestling Alliance, the Smashing Pumpkins summer tour, Bozo, and more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5068115/5068115_2024-06-08-011115.64kmono.mp3 Get up-close and personal with Billy Corgan in ‘Bi…

Barely living comedy legend John Cleese is heading to Chicago for a truly memorable evening of comedy and conversation at the Vic Theatre on Wednesday, June 12th and Thursday, June 13th. John talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about his journey in comedy, Monty Python, Fawlty Towers and how political correctness is killing comedy. https://serve.castfi…

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks about this week’s news that Dr Pepper is now the second-most popular soda brand in America, outselling Pepsi and behind Coca-Cola. Dave also shares the history of sodas that were created in Chicago and the retro soda brands we still love. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5068109/5068109_2024-06-08-004009.64kmono.mp3 Dr …

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Chicago’s own Joe Mantegna on Memorial Day to honor our fallen, the importance of the National Memorial Day concert streaming now at pbs.org, his ‘Bleacher Bums’ and throwing out the first pitch at Wrigley this Friday. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4867181/4867181_2024-05-27-145821.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Pl…

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to actor John Stamos about touring with The Beach Boys, their 2024 concerts in Elk Grove Village, Ravinia and being the voice of Graceland. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4867195/4867195_2024-05-27-155535.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier Paul Marinaro: Upcoming tribute to Frank Sinatra .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:ev…

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes the Honorable Tanya Bradsher, Deputy U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to salute our fallen on Memorial Day, combatting homelessness and the mental health services available for veterans. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4867142/4867142_2024-05-27-124742.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier Paul Marinaro: Upcoming tr…

Radio Hall of Famer Garry Meier joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the real meaning of Memorial Day, celebrating his father Frank Meier and his combat experiences serving in World War II. Visit Garrymeier.com for more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4867173/4867173_2024-05-27-144713.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier Paul Marinaro: Upcom…

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Kevin Kolman, Weber Grill Ambassador, to talk about the new electric grills, the Weber Smokefire and barbecuing all summer long! https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4867184/4867184_2024-05-27-153624.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier Paul Marinaro: Upcoming tribute to Frank Sinatra .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} T…

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to WGN-TV’s Marcus LeShock about his love of roller coasters, new amusement park rides in the Midwest, and the beauty of Dollywood. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4867113/4867113_2024-05-27-111613.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier Paul Marinaro: Upcoming tribute to Frank Sinatra .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} T…

Dave Plier and Dave Schwan talk about the true meaning of Memorial Day, which originated as ‘Decoration Day’ after the Civil War and was officially signed into law in 1967. Plus, Dave shares President Ronald Reagan’s moving Memorial Day speech from 1984. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4867168/4867168_2024-05-27-143008.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dav…

It’s Dave Plier’s WGN Radio Special ‘Totally the 80’s!’ featuring Dave’s conversations with Anthony Michael Hall (Vacation, Sixteen Candles, Breakfast Club), music icon Debbie Harry (Blondie), Kevin Bacon (40th Anniversary of ‘Footloose’), Andrew McCarthy (‘Pretty in Pink’, ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’), 80’s rocker Bryan Adams, Dan Aykroyd (Ghostbusters) and…

Actor Chris Stolte joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about 12 seasons of NBC’s Chicago Fire, 250 episodes, and the legacy of TV cliffhangers. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4862570/4862570_2024-05-18-023010.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier Paul Marinaro: Upcoming tribute to Frank Sinatra .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} The life of music…

WGN-TV’s Ana Belaval joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about her upcoming appearances at Zanies Rosemont on Friday May 24th and Saturday May 25th 2024, aging parents, the best things about her hometown in Puerto Rico, and the origins of her sense of humor. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4862574/4862574_2024-05-18-025314.64kmono.mp3 Recent Post…

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to urban hiking enthusiasts and married couple Jessica Sedgwick and Dan Ochwat about their new book, ‘Beer Hiking Chicago and Beyond: The Tastiest Way to Discover the Windy City’. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4862564/4862564_2024-05-18-020804.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier Paul Marinaro: Upcoming tribute to Fra…

Hot off the ‘Tom Brady Roast on Netflix’, WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his conversation with comedian Nikki Glaser who talks about her rise in the comedy world, her jokes about sex, commitment, boyfriends, drinking, parents, her safe space performing on the stage, and more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4862717/4862717_2024-05-18-142817.64kmono…

Comedian Tom Dreesen joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier LIVE in studio to talk about his return to Chicago for his one-man show, ‘Tom Dreesen – From Harvey to Hollywood’, along with stories about Frank, Sinatra, Johnny Carson, David Letterman, Sammy Davis Jr. and more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4857960/4857960_2024-05-11-141400.128.mp3 Recent Post…

Legendary rocker Martha Davis joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about her biggest hits: ‘Only the Lonely’, ‘Suddenly Last Summer’ and ‘Shame’, her journey in rock & roll and The Motels’ upcoming concert at the Des Plaines Theatre ‘Abducted by the 80’s’ with Wang Chung, Men Without Hats and Naked Eyes. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4857959/485…

Who is your favorite TV mom? WGN Radio’s Dave Plier along with Wally Podrazik, author of ‘Watching TV’ discuss TV’s best moms from June Cleaver (‘Leave it to Beaver’), Carol Brady (‘The Brady Bunch’) and Marion Cunningham (‘Happy Days’) to Claire Huxtable (‘The Cosby Show’), Marie Barone (‘Everybody Love Raymond’), Gloria Pritchett and Claire Dunph…

Rick Kaempfer joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his book ‘The Loop Files’ about the legacy of Chicago’s Rock Radio station. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4857802/4857802_2024-05-11-012402.128.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier Paul Marinaro: Upcoming tribute to Frank Sinatra .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} The life of music legend Johnny M…

Comedian Pat McGann talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about his upcoming concert at The Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, a new tour with Sebastian Maniscalco, kids sports, vacations and more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4818683/4818683_2024-05-04-021723.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier Paul Marinaro: Upcoming tribute to Frank Sinatra .cls-7{f…

In keeping a promise to help ‘keep his name alive’, WGN Radio’s Dave Plier celebrates the legacy of the late Don Rickles on his birthday by sharing his backstage Vegas interview with the comedy legend and reminiscing with TV icon (and Don’s best friend) Bob Newhart, celebrity author and television editor Michael Starr, and Tony Oppedisano, road man…

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes actor Alan Ruck, whose most memorable roles include Cameron Frye in the John Hughes’ film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, as well as television roles as Stuart Bondek on the ABC sitcom Spin City, and of course Connor Roy on the HBO series Succession. Alan will be back in Chicago Thursday May 2nd, 2024 at The Auditorium The…