Mike McConnell

Adele Nicholas

Mike talks to Adele Nicholas, who is suing the city on behalf of nine panhandlers who claim the CPD is harassing them and violating their First Amendment rights.

Joe Kittinger, Felix Baumgartner

Mike talks to Joe Kittinger, the current world record holder for the highest, fastest and longest skydive and Felix Baumgartner, who is attempting to break the record.

Rachel Perrotta, Occupy Chicago

Rachel Perrotta, a spokeswoman for Occupy Chicago talks about her group's plans for the day, including a protest at Boeing headquarters.

Rich Cohen, Wall Street Journal

Rich Cohen of the "Wall Street Journal" talks about his article "Why Wrigley Field Must Be Destroyed".

Erron Fisher and Mike LaMonica

Mike talks to Erron Fisher and Mike LaMonica of the Fisher and LaMonica law firm about a lottery ticket lawsuit.

Edward Klein, "The Amateur"

Mike talks to Edward Klein about his new book "The Amateur" and President Obama's time in office.

Joseph Bast, President of the Heartland Institute

Mike talks to Joseph Bast of the Heartland Institute about the group's upcoming climate-change conference.

John Schafer, Catherine O'Connor, and Prakasam Tata on the Chicago River Clean Up

Mike has a discussion about cleaning up the Chicago River with John Schafer of Schafer Consulting, Catherine O'Connor of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, and Prakasam Tata of The Center for Transformation of Waste...

Dan Abrams, Assistant Professor of Applied Mathematics at Northwestern University

We hear why 1 in 10 Americans are left handed from Dan Abrams, Assistant Professor of Applied Mathematics at Northwestern University.

Adam Taylor, the Vice President Advocacy at World Vision

Mike discusses the G8 summit, and why it's interesting and exciting with Adam Taylor, the Vice President Advocacy at World Vision.

Rajika Bhandari, Deputy Vice President of Research and Evaluation at the Institute of International Education

Would it be less expensive to a get a degree overseas than at the University of Illinois? Mike talks to Rajika Bhandari about the benefits of studying abroad. Rajika Bhandari is the deputy vice president of research and evaluation at the Institute of...

Andrew Basiago, Project Pegasus

Mike feels that if time travel were possible, someone from the future would have come here already and told us. His guest, Andrew Basiago, not only belives in time travel, but claims he has traveled in time. Now serving as an attorney in Seattle,...

Ms. Bowman, Principal of St. Cornelius Catholic School

Mike chats with Ms. Bowman, Principal of St.Cornelius Catholic School, about their involvement in a recycling contest.

Kelli Space, recent college graduate who started a website to help repay her college debt

Mike catches up with Kelli Space, a recent college graduate who started a fundraising program online to help repay her $200,000 in college debt.

Martin Durbin, Executive Vice President of the American Petroleum Institute

Mike talks oil with Martin Durbin, Executive Vice President of the American Petroleum Institute.

Kip Hawley, former Administrator for the Transportation Security Administration

Mike talks to the former administrator for the TSA, Kip Hawley. Mike asks about what kind of changes Kip would like to make to the TSA. Later in the conversation, Mike talks to Kip about his book: 'Permanent Emergency: Inside the TSA and the Fight...

Frida Ghitis, Columnist for the Miami Herald

Mike is joined by Frida Ghitis. Frida writes columns for the Miami Herald, but is on the show for a piece that appeared on CNN's website: 'Are Men Stupid?' It is based on how men who hold positions of power who throw it away by having affairs. Mike...

Tom Pahl, Assistant Director of Financial Practices at the Federal Trade Commission

Mike picks up an earlier conversation about debt collection laws with guest Thomas B. Pahl, Assistant Director of Financial Practices at the Federal Trade Commission.

Dr. Mary Neal, Author of the book To Heaven and Back

Mike chats with Dr. Mary Neal, Author of the book To Heaven and Back, about her near death experience while kayaking in South America, and its effects on her life.

Economist Dr. Roland Sturm of the RAND Corporation

Mike chats with Economist Dr. Roland Sturm of the RAND Corporation about the concept of "food deserts."

Carol Swain, Professor of Political Science and Law at Vanderbilt University

Mike talks to Carol Swain. Carol fought through poverty to become a professor at Vanderbilt University. She dropped out of high school and ended up getting her GED and started taking classes at a junior college. She became an honor student and earned...

Melissa Josephs, Women Employed

Mike talks to Melissa Josephs. Melissa is the director of Equal Opportunity Policy at Women Employed. Mike and Mellisa discuss the studies that have been done in the difference in pay between men and women. Mike and Melissa take a few calls as well.

Shannon Woodward, Marketing Manager for FeatherLiteCoaches.com (luxury motor homes)

A story came out about the comptroller of Dixon, Illinois, Rita Crundwell, embezzling over $30 million. Supposedly she spent some of the money on a fully loaded motor home. Mike talks to the marketing manager for FeatherLiteCoaches.com, Shannon...

Dan Emmett, Author

Mike talks to author Dan Emmett. Dan wrote a book about the secret service titled: 'Within Arm's Length: The Extraordinary Life and Career of a Special Agent in the United States Secret Service.' Dan turned out to be the perfect person to talk to...

Jack Kowalski, DrivingWithoutDying.com

Mike talks to Jack Kowalski of DrivningWithoutDying.com. Jack has been pushing the idea of wearing helmets while driving for quite some time now. With how dangerous car accidents are he feels it is very important for kids and people who are...

Chris Marquet, Marquet International

News out of Dixon, Illinois is that over the course of five or six year period city comptroller, Rita Crundwell, embezzled over $30 million. Mike talks to Chris Marquet of Marquet Internations. According to the Marquet International website, "Marquet...

Columnist Ron Jackson of the Kankakee Daily Journal

Mike chats with Columnist Ron Jackson of the Kankakee Daily Journal about his idea to bring back racial profiling.

Ty Fahner, President of the Civic Committee of The Commercial Club of Chicago

Mike chats with Ty Fahner, President of the Civic Committee of The Commercial Club of Chicago, about Illinois' pension crisis.

Lüc Carl, Author of The Drunk Diet

Mike talks to Lüc Carl, Author of The Drunk Diet, about how he managed to lose 40 pounds without giving up drinking.

Sedrik Newbern, Allstate Insurance Agent

Mike continues his live broadcast from Libertyville as part of the Hometown Voices Tour and talks to Allstate Insurance Agent Sedrik Newbern about the advantages of living in Libertyville.

Connie Kowal, Recreation and Sports Complex Director for the Libertyville Sports Complex

Mike continues his live broadcast from Libertyville as part of the Hometown Voices Tour and chats with Connie Kowal, Recreation and Sports Complex Director for the Libertyville Sports Complex.

Dr Charles Nozicka, Emergency Room Pediatrician at Advocate Condell Medical Center

Mike talks to Dr Charles Nozicka, Emergency Room Pediatrician at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, about the effort to curb texting and driving.

Terry Weppler, Mayor of Libertyville

Mike continues broadcasting live from the Hometown Voices Tour in Libertyville, and chats with the Mayor of Libertyville, Terry Weppler.

Hillel Levin, Writer

Mike talks about one of his favorite topics, the Chicago Outfit. He chats with Hillel Levin who is the author of 'The Gang that Wouldn't Die' which will appear in the May edition of Chicago Magazine. Some of the names that are brought up include...

Dr. Robert Wood, Professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

When it comes to food, there is a difference between being intolerant and being sensitive which is also different than being allergic to something. Mike discusses these differences with Dr. Robert Wood. Dr. Wood is Professor of Pediatrics and...

Tony Lee, Publisher of CareerCast.com

CareerCast.com recently came up with a list of the best and worst jobs in America. Where do you think your job ranks? Mike talks to the publisher of the website to see how the list came together.

Marcus Allen, Laureus Sport for Good Foundation

Mike chats with Hall of Fame running back and Laureus World Sports Academy member Marcus Allen about the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation which makes an effort to help kids through coaching in less fortunate areas.

Troy Murray, Chicago Blackhawks Broadcaster

Mike chats with Chicago Blackhawks Announcer Troy Murray as today is the WGN Radio Blackhawks Playoffs Bash.

David Sykuta, Executive Director of the Illinois Petroleum Council

Mike chats with David Sykuta, Executive Director of the Illinois Petroleum Council, about the explanation for high gas prices.

Professor Bart Ehrman, Author of Did Jesus Exist?

Mike talks to Professor Bart Ehrman, Author of the book, Did Jesus Exist?

David Gregory, Meet The Press

Mike talks to David Gregory of Meet The Press about the upcoming presidential election.

Hart Seely, Author

Is there a cap you always wear when cheering for the Cubs or a seat you always sit in to watch the Blackhawks? Mike talks to Hart Seely, the author of 'The Juju Rules: Or, How to Win Ballgames from Your Couch: A Memoir of a Fan Obsessed.' Mike and...

David Burns, Levy Restaurants Executive Chef at Wrigley Field

Opening Day is upon us, and with that in mind Mike wants to know what kind of new food Wrigley is serving this year. David Burns, the Levy Restaurants Executive Chef at Wrigley Field, tells Mike about the 'sloppy jane,' a vegan version of the 'sloppy...

Jimmy Greenfield, Author

The author of '100 Things Cubs Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die,' Jimmy Greenfield, joins Mike to discuss his book. They discuss a few of the 'things' that stood out to Mike as well as the research Jimmy did.

Matt Skorniak, Boys and Girls Club

Matt Skorniak works for the Boys and Girls Club in Rockford. He and seven of his co-workers pitched in $20 in for Mega Millions tickets. As it turns out, they hit five of the numbers and the group won $250,000. Matt gives Mike the back story and what...

John Cochrane, UIC Professor

A piece in the Wall Street Journal titled, 'What to Do on the Day After ObamaCare' was published recently. Mike has its author, John Cochrane, on the show to discuss the contents.

Jerry Lagerloef, United Captain

After her husband collapsed, an 80-year-old woman successfully landed a small plane with no prior experience. Mike talks to United Captain Jerry Lagerloef about how he would coach someone through landing a plane.

Nick Gillespie, Editor in Chief of Reason.com

Nick Gillespie, Editor in Chief of Reason.com, joins the show to talk about why we need to teach our kids how to handle bullies.

Ed Yohnka, Director of Communications and Public Policy at American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois.

Mike chats about what your rights are when you get pulled over by a cop with Ed Yohnka, Director of Communications and Public Policy at American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois.

Bill Fleischli, Spokesperson, Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association

Mike chats with about the high gas prices with Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association Spokesperson Bill Fleischli.

Larry Jackowiak, Attorney

Mike talks to Larry Jackowiak, a lawyer in Chicago. They talk about a man who had received 24 parking violations in 14 months. The kickers is that most of the tickets were given in places that he wasn't even parked.

Jessica Bellucci, Director of Communications and Conviviality for WGN America

WGN channels would be removed from the Direct TV package if things don't change by this Sunday. Mike talks to the director of communications and conviviality for WGN America about what can be done to prevent that.

Dr. James Dixon, Iowa State University professor

Mike talks to Dr. James Dixon. Dr. Dixon has done studies with the controversial 'pink slime' meat. Mike asks some questions about it and they also take a few calls.

Dan and George Castady, Winners of the Cubs Theme Song Contest

Mike chats with the winners of the new Cubs theme song contest, brothers Dan and George Castady about their winning song.

Clarence Wood, COAL President

Mike chats with COAL President Clarence Wood about the high violence rate in Chicago. At the end of the hour, Mike takes your calls.

Steve Dale, Pet Expert

Mike talks to Pet Expert Steve Dale about the squirrel poison problem and they take your pet questions.

Mark Sundeen & Daniel Suelo, "The Man Who Quit Money"

Mark Sundeen, author of the book "The Man Who Quit Money" joins the show to talk with Daniel Suelo about his story of living without money.

Tom Schatz, President of Citizens Against Government Waste

Mike chats with Tom Schatz, President of Citizens Against Government Waste, about the proposal to cancel the dollar bill.

Shawn P. DeRosa, Manager of Aquatic Facilities & Safety Officer for Intercollegiate Athletics at Pennsylvania State University

The results of Whitney Houston's autopsy show that the cause of her death was drowning. Shawn P. DeRosa, Manager of Aquatic Facilities & Safety Officer for Intercollegiate Athletics at Pennsylvania State University, joins the show to explain.

Mary Schmich, Chicago Tribune

Mike chats with Mary Schmich of the Chicago Tribune about the hassle of losing your credit card.

Dan Emmett, Author of Within Arms Length

Mike chats with Dan Emmett, Author of Within Arms Length, about what life in the secret service is like.

Mireya Mayor, Primatologist

Mike talks to Mireya Mayor. Mireya has an extensive background in anthropology. Mike talks to her about the gorilla that escaped from a zoo in Buffalo among other things.

John Wasik, Author

John Wasik joins the program to talk about high gas prices. John is an award-winning author who has published 13 books. Mike asks him about who is to blame for the prices at the pump.

Dennis Baxley, Florida House of Representatives

Mike talks to Dennis Baxley from the Florida House of Representatives. Rep. Baxley is a sponsor of the 'stand your ground law' in Florida. With controversy surrounding the law, Mike wants to discuss the positives and negatives.

Toi Hutchinson, Illinois State Senate

Mike discusses the proposed 'strip club tax' with Toi Hutchinson of the Illinois State Senate.

Garry McCarthy, Chicago Police Superintendent

Mike talks to Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy. There has been an increase in crimes with the nice weather and Mike wonders if that is a coincidence or not.

Carmem Lúcia Pessoa-Silva, MD, PhD of Team Lead, Antimicrobial Drug Resistance

Mike talks to Carmem Lúcia Pessoa-Silva, MD, PhD of Team Lead, Antimicrobial Drug Resistance about the scary notion of becoming resistant to antibiotics.

John Challenger, Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc.

Mike chats with John Challenger of Challenger, Gray & Christmas Outplacement Firm about the effects of March Madness on workplace productivity.

Kathryn Edin, Author of Promises I Can Keep

Mike chats with Kathryn Edin about her book, Promises I Can Keep: Why Poor Women Put Motherhood Before Marriage.

David Gregory, Meet The Press

David Gregory joins Mike as he does every Friday morning to discuss what the U.S. should do regarding our position with Afghanistan.

Jeff Smith, Missouri State Senator

Mike chats with former Missouri State Senator Jeff Smith about his advice for Rod Blagojevich's time in prison.

Phil Cioppa, Financial Advisor

Mike talks to Financial Advisor Phil Cioppa about the future of the U.S. economy.

Deneen Perrin, Public Relations Director from the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa

Deneen Perrin, Public Relations Director from the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, joins the program to discuss the Hotel's 100 year anniversary and their program to grant general amnesty to anyone who's stolen anything from them over the past 100...

Dennis Sew, VP of Professional Bail Agents of the United States

Mike talks about the Bringing Fugitives To Justice Act with Dennis Sew, VP of Professional Bail Agents of the United States.

Michael Wilkerson, Journalist

Mike discusses the KONY 2012 viral video with a Uganda expert and freelance journalist, Michael Wilkerson.

Mark Titus, the Author of Don't Put Me In Coach

Mike talks to Mark Titus, the Author of Don't Put Me In Coach, about his journey through NCAA Basketball.

NASA expert David Dunham.

There's an asteroid headed our way, and Mike chats about it with NASA expert David Dunham.

David Gregory, Moderator of NBC's Meet The Press

Mike talks to David Gregory, Moderator of NBC's Meet The Press, about the Republican Presidential Candidates.

Karen Conti, Chicago Attorney

Chicago Attorney Karen Conti joins Mike to discuss the death of the Lipstick Killer.

Illinois State Representative Joann Osmond of Antioch

Mike talks to Illinois State Representative Joann Osmond of Antioch about cleaning up Illinois Beach State Park, which has been closed since a bad storm last year.

Andy Andrews, Author

Mike talks to the author of 'How Do You Kill 11 Million People?: Why the Truth Matters More Than You Think,' Andy Andrews. they discuss whether politicians are lying now more than ever or if it just seems that way.

Barry Livingston, author of 'The Importance of Being Ernie'

Mike talks to Barry Livingston about the ups and downs of being a childhood start. Barry played Ernie on the show 'My Three Sons.' He recently wrote a book: 'The Importance of Being Ernie.'

Amisha Patel, Executive Director of the Grassroots Collaborative

Mike talks to the executive director of the 'Grassroots Collaborative' Amisha Patel. $65 million was raised for the events and security for G8 and NATO. Now that they aren't coming to Chicago, Amisha talks about what what might be done with the...

John Kass, Chicago Tribune columnist

John Kass joins Mike in studio to talks about why the G8 will not be coming to Chicago. They also discuss their thoughts on President Barack Obama.

Kristi Lefleur, Executive Director of the Illinois Tollway

The Illinois Tollway is considering making some changes that would make the system more customer friendly. Mike talks to Kristi Lefleur, who is the executive director, about how fines may be cut down and the new 'toll calculator.'

John Ragen, Irish Anti-Defamation Federation

With St. Patrick's Day right around the corner, Mike talks to John Ragen from the Irish Anti-Defamation Federation. John protests the sale of apparel that mocks the Irish.

Will Davis, Illinois General Assembly Representative

A bill that would force all guns to be registered and put a tax on ammunition was approved Wednesday by the Illinois House Executive Committee. The bill’s sponsor, Illinois Rep. Will Davis, talks to Mike about the reasoning behind it.

David Dunning, psychology professor at Cornell University

Mike talks to David Dunning. David is a psychology professor at Cornell University. They talk about how people may not be smart enough to realize that they aren’t any good at something.

Sean Purnell, chibarproject.com

Mike talks to Sean Parnell from chibarproject.com. They discuss the history of some of the oldest bars in the city. Mike and Sean also take calls from listeners about certain establishments.

Mark Doyle, forensic accountant who is the managing member of Prairie Avenue Advisors, a Chicago based strategic consulting firm.

Mike talks to Mark Doyle. Mark recently had an opinion piece published in the Chicago Tribune about the amount of money being spent in Afghanistan.

Bob McNamara, attorney for the Institute for Justice

Mike wonders why people can’t benefit financially for selling organs like the way they do for donating plasma more blood. Bob McNamara is fighting to change that.

Kent Hartman, Professor at Portland State University

The 'Wrecking Crew' played a part in the success of the 'Beach Boys'. Kent Hartman, a professor at Portland State University, wrote a book, "The Wrecking Crew: The Inside Story of Rock and Roll's Best-Kept Secret." Mike talks to Kent about some of...

Lorie Chaiten, Director of the Reproductive Rights Project at the ACLU

House Bill 4085 would have women undergo an ultrasound before receiving an abortion or refuse to do so in writing. Lorie Chaiten, Director of the Reproductive Rights Project at the ACLU, joins the show to discuss.

Professor Jeffrey Rosen, George Washington University

Professor Jeffrey Rosen of George Washington University joins Mike to talk about what your rights are if someone posts a Facebook picture of you that you don't appreciate.

Ken Poris, Attorney

Attorney Ken Poris joins the show to discuss private security groups hired to police certain areas and what authority they have.

Kay Hymowitz, Author of Manning Up

Mike talks to Kay Hymowitz, author of the controversial book Manning Up: How the Rise of Women Has Turned Men into Boys.

Joel Frader, Professor at Northwestern University

Joel Frader, a Professor at Northwestern University, joins the show to chat about developing a clinic for transgender children at Children's Memorial Hospital.

Baratunde Thurston, Author of How to Be Black

Mike talks to Baratunde Thurston, author of How to Be Black, about his memoir.

Lora Thomas, Executive Director of the Illinois National Alliance on Mental Illness

Lora Thomas, Executive Director of the Illinois National Alliance on Mental Illness, joins the show to comment on the closings of mental health facilities across Illinois.

Steve Dale, Pet Expert

Pet Expert Steve Dale joins the program to give pet advice, and answer your questions.

Richard Widmark, Barrel Jumper

Barrel Jumper Richard Widmark joins the program to talk about his induction in to the Northbrook Sports Hall of Fame.

Peter from Watra Church Goods on Archer Ave

Mike starts a discussion about religious holidays as today is Ash Wednesday, then talks to Peter from Watra Church Goods on Archer Ave about the tradition of palm ashes.

Joel Handley, Occupied Chicago Tribune

Mike chats with Joel Handley of Occupied Chicago Tribune, a paper that reports on the Occupy movement. Check out his coverage at occupiedchicagotribune.org.

Dr. Thomas Esposito, Medical Director of the Trauma Department for Loyola University Health System

A man in Sweden somehow survived after being stranded in his car for over a month! Dr. Thomas Esposito, Medical Director of the Trauma Department for Loyola University Health System, joins the show to explain how humans can hibernate.

Michael Cimino, the Mother-in-Law project

Mike chats with Michael Cimino, the Casting Director for a new show called the Mother-in-Law project.

Steve Hindi, SHARK Founding President

SHARK founding president Steve Hindi joins the program to discuss animal rights issues.

John Wiedeman, radio play-by-play voice of Blackhawks hockey

Mike interviews John Wiedeman, who is currently in his sixth season as the radio play-by-play voice of Blackhawks hockey.

Charles Murray, Author of Coming Apart

Mike chats with Charles Murray, Author of Coming Apart, about cultural and economic divides in America.

Alderman Anthony Beale

Mike chats with Alderman Anthony Beale about the Mayor's new speed zone cameras around schools and parks.

Chris Kyle, author of American Sniper

Mike chats with Chris Kyle, author of American Sniper, about his experience being a Navy Seal.

Patrick Symmes, Outsidemagazine.com

Mike talks to Patrick Symmes about an article he wrote for outsidemagazine.com about chasing down his stolen bike.

Joseph Epstein, Author of Gossip

Mike discusses the new book Gossip with Author Joseph Epstein.

Larry Daniel, Digital Forensic Examiner

Larry Daniel, Digital Forensic Examiner at Guardian Digital Forensics and author of Digital Forensics for Legal Professionals, joins the program to explain hacking to us.

David Lazarus, Columnist for the L.A. Times

At the bottom of the hour, the dust is settling on a $25 billion settlement for homeowners who are in trouble, and David Lazarus, columnist for the L.A. Times joins the show to comment

Bella DePaulo, Author of Singled Out

Then, Mike chats with Bella DePaulo, Author of Singled Out, about how badly singles have it in this country.

Professor Thomas Conley, Department of Communication at the University of Illinois

Professor Thomas Conley from the Department of Communication at the University of Illinois joins the program to discuss the origin of the action of flipping someone off. It goes back farther than you'd think!

Ken Reed, Sports Policy Director for the League of Fans

Mike chats with Ken Reed, the Sports Policy Director for the League of Fans, about how they are trying to discourage hockey players from fighting.

Carey Pinkowski, Bank of America Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director

The Chicago Marathon sold out in record time, and Carey Pinkowski, Bank of America Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director, joins the program to comment.

Representative Jil Tracy of the 93rd District

Should your employer have access to your Facebook username and password? Representative Jil Tracy of the 93rd District in Quincy joins the program to discuss.

Raymond Moody, Author of Paranormal

Mike discusses the afterlife with Raymond Moody, Author of Paranormal.

Jesse Washington, Writer on Race and Ethnicity for the The Associated Press

Mike chats with Jesse Washington, a National Writer on Race and Ethnicity for the The Associated Press, about whether African Americans prefer the term Black or African American.

Gene Healy, VP of the Cato Institute

Mike chats with Gene Healy, VP of the Cato Institute, about the TSA and what usually results of airport security searches.

David Wolman, Author of the End of Money

Mike chats with David Wolman, Author of the End of Money, about, you guessed it - the end of using cash.

Doug Hall, the Director of the Economic Analysis and Research Network (EARN)

Mike chats with Doug Hall, the Director of the Economic Analysis and Research Network (EARN), about working to increase the state's minimum wage.

Michael Grabell, Author of Money Well Spent?

Mike discusses the stimulus package with Michael Grabell, author of Money Well Spent?: The Truth Behind the Trillion-Dollar Stimulus, the Biggest Economic Recovery Plan in History.