Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez (Featured Interviews)

WCPT 820
WCPT 820
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From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, here are featured interviews from "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.), a radio talk show devoted to covering the news of the day and connecting listeners with local leaders.  Patti Vasquez is a Chicago comedian, writer, actor, talk show host, consultant, advocate, and policy adviser. After achieving a degree in history from the University of Illinois, she set out to share her hilarious observations about how people behave, and stories about her second-generation Irish dad and Mexican immigrant mom. Patti has headlined in comedy clubs and colleges all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe, appeared on Nickelodeon, TBS, ABC, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and has a recurring role on NBC’s “Chicago Fire.” When her son Declan was born with a rare neurological disorder, Patti decided to take her communication and performance experience to launch her company “With Kind Words,” in which she helps medical professionals and educators communicate with compassion. For six years, Patti was the first Latina to host her own talk show on WGN Radio 720. In addition to her work as a performer and consultant, Patti began advocating for children and families throughout Illinois and helped restore funding for vital support services after massive cuts were made by former Governor Bruce Rauner. In 2020 she ran to be the state representative of the 19th District.  She is now the health care and human services liaison and assistant policy adviser for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.  Patti lives with her family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and continues to advocate for her community.  

  1. 2d ago

    Patrick Cortesi of McLean County Dems: WCPT 820 Interview

    Patti Vasquez is joined by Patrick Cortesi, chair of the Democratic Party of McLean County. The discussion highlighted McLean County Democrats’ organizing strategy, local economic concerns, and candidates for upcoming elections. Here are a few key points from the conversation:- County residents are focused on rising grocery, fuel, fertilizer, insurance, and farming costs.- Rivian remains strong locally, with continued hiring and an added production shift, but reduced federal EV and solar incentives may limit future growth.- SNAP cuts and reduced agricultural export markets are expected to increase pressure on food pantries, farmers, and local communities.- Cortesi described the Democrats’ coalition of organized labor, college students, and women as central to taking control of the McLean County Board.- The party is supporting candidates including Eric Sorensen and Paul Nolly for Congress, Joshua Crockett for McLean County clerk, and a slate of 10 county board candidates. Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).   Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Patrick Cortesi of McLean County Dems: WCPT 820 Interview

  2. 2d ago

    Dan VanTilburg of DeKalb County Dems: WCPT 820 Interview

    Patti Vasquez is joined by Dan VanTilburg, vice chair of the DeKalb County Illinois Democratic Party. Patti will be the keynote speaker at DeKalb Democrats’ Paul Simon Awards Dinner & Fundraiser Sunday, October 4.  The discussion examined voter concerns and Democratic organizing in DeKalb County. VanTillburg described listening efforts across the county, with gas prices, immigration enforcement, and the Palestinian issue among the concerns raised. Other key points from the conversation:- Some lifelong Republican voters are reconsidering their support for the party because of ICE enforcement.- Immigration enforcement near the Sycamore courthouse has made some university-affiliated residents less willing to go out, affecting the local economy.- Farmers are facing lower soybean prices after losing contracts and trust in foreign markets.- Tariffs and input costs were identified as additional pressures on generational and newer farms. Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).   Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Dan VanTilburg of DeKalb County Dems: WCPT 820 Interview

  3. 2d ago

    Emma's Revolution: WCPT 820 Interview

    Patti Vasquez is joined by folk music and social justice activist duo Emma’s Revolution (Pat Humphries and Sandy O.), who will perform at the 2nd Annual Concert for Democracy Sunday, October 11 at Belvedere Events & Catering in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. The event benefits Partners for Our Communities, which provides legal help, know-your-rights training, food assistance, and English classes. The concert is intended to energize attendees and encourage civic engagement ahead of the midterms. The conversation highlighted Emma’s Revolution’s role in using music to build solidarity and support social justice causes. The duo connects issues including immigration, climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and human rights. Pat described Pete Seeger as a mentor whose response to the first song she wrote as an adult, "Keep on Moving Forward," shaped her musical work. Seeger called it "the best song I've heard in 50 years." Their documentary, "Keep on Moving Forward," will chronicle the duo’s first 20 years and is scheduled for a February 2027 release. Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).   Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Emma's Revolution: WCPT 820 Interview

  4. 3d ago

    Amy Blythe of Easterseals: WCPT 820 Interview

    Patti Vasquez is joined in studio by Amy Blythe, assistant vice president of early learning services at Easterseals Chicago & Rockford Regions.  The discussion examined how proposed federal changes to Head Start could affect service quality, funding, families, and children with disabilities. Here are a few key points from the conversation:- Blythe said Easterseals’ Chicago and Rockford programs serve more than 1,500 children from birth to age five through Head Start, home visiting, prenatal doula services, and partner sites.- Services include meals, diapers, formula, evidence-based learning, health support, disability services, and assistance for parents with employment, GEDs, and community resources.- Reduced performance standards could create inconsistent services across states, including for children with disabilities, dual-language learners, mental health needs, and families experiencing homelessness.- Families and providers are concerned about funding, quality, language access, and support during disability evaluations.- The 60-day public comment period is nearing its close (Tuesday, October 6), and Blythe emphasized that community input and congressional advocacy could affect the proposal. Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).   Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Amy Blythe of Easterseals: WCPT 820 Interview

  5. 3d ago

    Ben Brist: WCPT 820 Candidate Interview

    Patti Vasquez is joined by Ben Brist, Democratic candidate for Wisconsin State Assembly District 61. He discussed his campaign priorities for making life more affordable while protecting local communities. Here are a few key points from the conversation:- Brist, a West Point graduate and former Army paratrooper, described his military service, local government experience, and decision to run amid concerns about democracy and the difficulty of building a life in Wisconsin.- He characterized the race as a potential tipping-point contest in efforts to achieve a Democratic trifecta in Wisconsin.- His policy priorities include:* Addressing the cost of living through prescription drug affordability, child care, housing, electricity prices, health care access, and public education.* Reforming state funding for municipalities and schools to reduce pressure on property taxes.* Supporting a pause or moratorium on new AI data centers until statewide protections address electricity rates, air and water resources, and transparent local approval.* Pursuing state AI safeguards involving children, classrooms, intellectual property, and liability, while also seeking national and international frameworks. Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).   Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ben Brist: WCPT 820 Candidate Interview

  6. 3d ago

    U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-IL): WCPT 820 Interview

    Patti Vasquez is joined by U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, 2026 candidate for re-election in the 17th District of Illinois.  The interview focused on Sorensen’s proposals for addressing farm, household, and national security pressures affecting Illinois residents. Here are a few key points from the conversation:- Sorensen, a former TV meteorologist, described his proposed National Weather Safety Board Act (H.R.7848), which would investigate climate-related disasters and inform resilience legislation.- He promoted the Homegrown Fertilizer Act to increase fertilizer competition and lower farm input costs, the STOP GAMES Act to accelerate generic drug access, and restoring the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program.- Rising fuel, grocery, prescription, and water costs are linked to supply pressures, tariffs, reduced assistance, and federal policy choices.- The closure of Tyson Foods' Joslin, Illinois, plant eliminated jobs for approximately 2,500 workers and exposed broader issues concerning cattle supply and immigrant labor.  "[Understand] that at that Joslin plant in Western Illinois, in Rock Island County, Illinois, there were some 20 different languages that were spoken under that roof," Sorensen said. "And so now these people don't have jobs anymore. Where are they going to go? Where is their safety net? But as we go forward, I've been working with the governor, and Governor Pritzker and I have done everything we can. If we can get that plant back open, we're still going to need immigrant labor. But the problem is, this administration just wants them to go back to their home countries. No, their home country is the United States. We have to take care of them here." Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).   Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-IL): WCPT 820 Interview

  7. 3d ago

    Angela Cummings of AFSP and Jake Lavin of Happiness Project: WCPT 820 Interview

    Patti Vasquez is joined by Angela Cummings, executive director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, along with Jake Lavin, founder and CEO of the Happiness Project, ahead of the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk at Montrose Harbor, October 3. Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).   Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Angela Cummings of AFSP and Jake Lavin of Happiness Project: WCPT 820 Interview

  8. 4d ago

    Maria Elena Bisabarros: WCPT 820 Candidate Interview

    Patti Vasquez is joined by Maria Elena Bisabarros, Democratic candidate for Wisconsin State Assembly District 33, who focused in the interview on local impacts of data center incentives, infrastructure, and strained community budgets. - Bisabarros argued that Wisconsin’s estimated $1.5 billion construction-related sales tax cost and ongoing tax breaks for data centers divert resources from schools, emergency services, infrastructure, and local governments.- She supports a state moratorium on new data centers until stronger regulations are established.- She also opposes proposed 765-kilowatt transmission lines, citing concerns from farmers and property owners.- Bisabarros emphasized her experience as a teacher, small-business owner, farmer partner, and longtime East Troy community participant.- She presented herself as a moderate voice focused on bringing state funds back to local communities without additional taxes. Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).   Follow us: Website: https://heartlandsignal.com WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820 Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heartlandsignal  Heartland Signal X: https://x.com/HeartlandSignal WCPT 820 X: https://x.com/WCPT820 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartlandsignal Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Maria Elena Bisabarros: WCPT 820 Candidate Interview
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About

From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, here are featured interviews from "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.), a radio talk show devoted to covering the news of the day and connecting listeners with local leaders.  Patti Vasquez is a Chicago comedian, writer, actor, talk show host, consultant, advocate, and policy adviser. After achieving a degree in history from the University of Illinois, she set out to share her hilarious observations about how people behave, and stories about her second-generation Irish dad and Mexican immigrant mom. Patti has headlined in comedy clubs and colleges all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe, appeared on Nickelodeon, TBS, ABC, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and has a recurring role on NBC’s “Chicago Fire.” When her son Declan was born with a rare neurological disorder, Patti decided to take her communication and performance experience to launch her company “With Kind Words,” in which she helps medical professionals and educators communicate with compassion. For six years, Patti was the first Latina to host her own talk show on WGN Radio 720. In addition to her work as a performer and consultant, Patti began advocating for children and families throughout Illinois and helped restore funding for vital support services after massive cuts were made by former Governor Bruce Rauner. In 2020 she ran to be the state representative of the 19th District.  She is now the health care and human services liaison and assistant policy adviser for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.  Patti lives with her family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and continues to advocate for her community.  

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