Episodes
-
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.
-
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 Abbottâs diagnostics business.In her role, Mary manages research from the Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition, the first industry-led global scientific and public health partnership dedicated to the early detection of and rapid response to future pandemic threats. As part of the coalition, over 20 sites around the world monitor circulating and emerging pathogens to help quickly detect outbreaks, and then work together with health officials to minimize the spread.
Mary also tracks the diversity of infectious diseases including HIV, hepatitis and SARS-CoV-2 to track new variantâs impact on diagnostic testing. In 2019, Mary and a team of Abbott scientists announced the discovery of a new subtype of HIV and made the sequence available to the global research community. This research marked the first time in 19 years that a new subtype of HIV-1 Group M had been identified.
Mary joined Abbott in 2014 and has authored or coauthored more than 40 research papers and contributed thousands of viral genomes to public databases. Mary was named one of Business Insiderâs 30 under 40 Young Leaders in Biotech in 2017 and is an inducted member of Abbottâs Volwiler Society, which recognizes its most distinguished scientists and engineers.
Mary received her Ph.D. in biological and biomedical sciences from Harvard University. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Southern California.
-
Missing episodes?
-
Send us a text
Award-winning author Sandra Magsamen discusses her career writing books for children and her newest board book, "Silly Santa."
-
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 travel tips! A former engineer whose career changed into the culinary world, attending the Institute of Culinary Education in NYC and later working at Food Network and Saveur magazine; Julie is a regular on your favorite morning and lifestyle shows and has published 1000's of recipes and hosting tips for Food Network, Weight Watchers, Real Simple, Shape Magazine, Pop Sugar, Bed Bath Beyond, and more. A fun-loving person and natural born host; Julie loves sharing easy recipes and entertaining ideas so you can kick back and enjoy your party too. You can learn more at JulieHartigan.com. -
Send us a text
Whether dealing with âinvited painâ from physical activity or âuninvited painâ from an injury or condition â 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, and Gwyneth Paltrow shares techniques such as salt soaks, foam rolling, and the first FDA-registered topical pain relief line formulated with CBD, CBDMEDIC. (From 11-14-19)
-
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).
-
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 monthâs worth of cash in his pocket when he checked into a Hollywood motel. The first night, he tried to ârescueâ a girl he thought was in distress. That was Janis, who punched him in the mouth. With the kind of serendipity that would mark the next five decades in a remarkable career, Gordonâs life as a legendary manager, agent, and producer was launched. Famous among the famous, Gordon came to wider public attention through Mike Myersâs âshagadelic rock docâ Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon. Now, in THEY CALL ME SUPERMENSCH: A Backstage Pass to the Amazing Worlds of Film, Food, and RockânâRoll, this charismatic original tells his own version of his rollicking, good-spirited life story. -
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 of experience in the tech industry, she has a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of diverse market segments and customers. -
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.
-
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 Genius, and most of the other animated projects that Paulsen has been part of as a voice actor for nearly three decades. With over 2,000 (yes, that's right) half-hour programs and dozens of films, video games, and other animated media to his credit, Paulsen has been one of the hardest working, most in-demand, and most beloved voice artists in the industry, earning (so far) a Daytime Emmy and Peabody, three times winning the Annie Award (for voice actors).
Rob called in to talk about the -
Send us a text
Christopher âChrisâ 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 Simmonsâ 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 executive produced Money Talks with Charlie Sheen and then appeared in Luc Bessonâs The Fifth Element. In 2006, he negotiated an unprecedented $25 million salary to appear in Rush Hour 3, which at the time made him the highest paid actor in Hollywood.
Chris called in to promote his upcoming show on January 24th at the Chicago Theater. (From 1-14-15) -
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. From the Outside, complete with a foreword by Spike Lee, is his story in his words: a no-holds-barred look at his life and career, filled with behind-the-scenes stories and surprising revelations about the game he has always cherished. (From 3-28-18)
-
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 the mask of Michael Myers in "Halloween" and "H2," talked about his movie "Compound Fracture."
From 1/29/2018: Kane Hodder, who played Jason in the "Friday the 13th" series, chatted about his movie "Victor Crowley."
From 10/20/2021: Deborah Vorhees, actress from the "Friday the 13th" series, talked about her new movie and directorial debut, "13 Fanboy."
From 10/27/2017: "Count" Dominick Dicce discussed his book "You're a Vampire - That Sucks!"
And from 10/20/2015: We revisit Elvira's first appearance on the show, talking about her stint as a guest judge on Food Network's "Halloween Wars."
Happy Halloween! -
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 about the Jets and the Bears. (From 3-12-18)
-
Send us a text
Craig Fugate knows the power and danger of natural disasters like few people in this nationâs history. He served as President Barack Obamaâs 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 vast experience in a special interview about being prepared for the danger and challenges of winter weather. Craig discusses the growing number of major weather events and how these events are impacting the nation. Learn why Mr. Fugate is also teaming up with Jackery to share a checklist that reveals important steps families can take prepare for the challenges of winter weather. -
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 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, offering practical tips and proactive strategies for both businesses and consumers to stay safe in todayâs digital world.
-
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 management, advertising, shopper and retail marketing, consumer insights, and staying ahead of the latest trends has made him a trusted figure among some of the most recognized food companies and brands found in millions of households today.
Throughout his career, including over 20 years at Conagra Foods and Smithfield Foods, Mike has consistently driven growth and innovation. Paribello is now helping Grecian Delight | Kronos into its next 50 years, focusing on innovative and convenient solutions for both retail and foodservice operators making it easy for them to bring the finest Greek and Mediterranean food options to tables and menus everywhere.
-
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 heroesâfrom Tracee Ellis Ross, and Victor Perez, to Doña Gracia Nasi. A first-ever collection that disrupts the narrative of how a Jewish person is perceived!
- Show more
