Wgn - The Rick Pearson Podcast

Rick Pearson speaks with Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer about the Cook County Community Recovery Initiative. Bridget discusses the uncertainties we all face when it comes to re-opening businesses in the future; the various webinars the county is offering to offer assistance during this time; and more. She also highlights the relief/loan packages that the […]

On this edition of The Sunday Spin, As we await the President’s daily White House Coronavirus Task Force briefing, Rick Pearson and Roger Badesch take a look where things stand for the city and the top news stories. Rick and Roger talk about the uncertainties that remain, the stay-at-home order, and much more.

On this edition of The Sunday Spin: Rick Pearson speaks with Rob Karr, President and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association to discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on retailers and restaurants. Rob highlights the difficulties that are ahead when the time comes to re-open all businesses; the additional responsibilities all consumers must take […]

Rick Pearson talks to Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association about the primary focus of manufacturers during this time. Mark discusses the changes various manufacturing companies have made in order to increase their production rate of essential products and/or re-purposing their resources to create essential items during this time. Mark also […]

Rick Pearson speaks with Rob Karr, President and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association to discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on retailers and restaurants. Rob highlights the difficulties that are ahead when the time comes to re-open all businesses; the additional responsibilities all consumers must take on in terms of continuing to practice […]

Rick talks to Dan Montgomery, President of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, about the difficulties with e-learning as everyone doesn’t have equal access to wireless internet, proper technology, etc. Dan also touches on the importance of human connection and interaction when it comes to schooling and character building, what teachers are doing to keep a […]

Rick Pearson speaks with Bob Reiter, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor, about essential employees and their safety during this time. Aside from those working in the medical field, Bob emphasizes the importance of ensuring that everyone working during this time is taking extra precautions and that they’re receiving support from their employers as […]

On this edition of The Sunday Spin: Rick Pearson speaks with Bob Reiter, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor, about essential employees and their safety during this time. Aside from those working in the medical field, Bob emphasizes the importance of ensuring everyone working during this time is taking extra precautions and that they’re […]

On this edition of The Sunday Spin: Rick Pearson is joined by Bob Secter, editor at Crain’s Forum, and lobbyist Brian Bernardoni for a roundtable on the March 17th primary results. The men discuss the controversial question as to whether the primary should’ve been held or moved to a later date, what lies ahead for […]

Crain’s Forum editor, Bob Secter, and consultant Brian Bernardoni, managing partner and founder of Aurelius Public Affairs, join Rick for a round table discussion on the upcoming election.

On this edition of The Sunday Spin, host Rick Pearson talks with 3rd Congressional District Democratic nominee, Marie Newman, on her candidacy along with the challenges of connecting with voters in a time of social distancing. The Sunday Spin now airs Sundays from 5p-7p

Rick Pearson is joined by Rush Darwish, one of the three candidates competing in the Southwest Side and Suburban 3rd Congressional District Democratic primary. Rush talks about his candidacy and his focus of complete honesty throughout everything; the primary policies and priorities that he is concerned about, including healthcare; and the need for IL to […]

On this edition of The Sunday Spin: Rick Pearson takes on our weekly spin through politics and touches on Super Tuesday, a resurgent Joe Biden, and more. Then, Rick is joined by Rush Darwish, one of the three candidates competing in the Southwest Side and Suburban 3rd Congressional District Democratic primary. He talks about his […]

On this edition of The Sunday Spin: Rick Pearson is joined by Rebecca Shi, Executive Director of American Business Immigration Coalition, on immigration issues. With immigration continuously at the forefront of news headlines, Rebecca gives her take on why reaching a comprehensive agreement on immigration is important to the business economy. Then, Rick speaks with Illinois […]

Rick Pearson speaks with Illinois House Republican leader Bill Brady about various issues in Springfield. Bill shares his take on J.B. Pritzker’s proposed budget and the lack of support he believes Pritzker will receive on the tax increase; and emphasizes the need to focus on job creation efforts for the state. Bill also touches on the […]

Rick Pearson is joined by Rebecca Shi, Executive Director of American Business Immigration Coalition, on immigration issues. With immigration continuously at the forefront of news headlines, Rebecca gives her take on why reaching a comprehensive agreement on immigration is important to the business economy. She touches on the coronavirus and the widespread misconceptions, issues with […]

On this edition of The Sunday Spin, host Rick Pearson talks with  Illinois House Republican leader Jim Durkin discussing the new budget plan for the state of Illinois. The new graduated income tax sparks a debate in the state and a wrap up discussion of Rod Blagojevich. The Sunday Spin now airs Sundays from 5p-7p

On this edition of The Sunday Spin, Rick Pearson takes us through his weekly spin on politics for a review of the week and a look ahead at what’s to come. We take a look at the commentary made by primary candidates in the latest debate, along side President Trump’s commentary on candidates as well. […]

On tonight’s episode of the show, Rick Pearson has an in-depth discussion with Martha Jo Black, author and daughter of late MLB pitcher Joe Black. Ringing in is Bria Anderson, wife of White Sox star shortstop Tim Anderson. Listen to their conversation below.   https://serve.castfire.com/audio/3732764/bria__2020-02-17-043304.64kmono.mp3

Todd Mayfield, author of ‘Traveling Soul: The Life of Curtis Mayfield’ comes in to discuss his father, Curtis Mayfield’s legacy as one of the most influential African-American musicians of the civil rights era and so on.  Mayfield was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record producer. Listen to their conversation below on the legacy that continues […]