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. 19h ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Ruth Scifo and Mary Mahady

    Patti Vasquez is joined in studio by Ruth Scifo, chair of the Democratic Party of McHenry County, and Mary Mahady, president of the McHenry County Democratic Women. 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.

  2. 19h ago

    WCPT 820 Candidate Interview: Fred Wellman

    Patti Vasquez is joined by Fred Wellman, veteran, entrepreneur, and 2026 candidate for Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District. 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.

    WCPT 820 Candidate Interview: Fred Wellman

  3. 19h ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Missouri State Rep. Mark Boyko (D)

    Patti Vasquez is joined by Mark Boyko, Democratic representative serving the 90th House District of Missouri and 2026 candidate for re-election. 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.

    WCPT 820 Interview: Missouri State Rep. Mark Boyko (D)

  4. 2d ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Kirk Bangstad of Minocqua Brewing Company

    Patti Vasquez and guest co-host Ken Mejia-Beal are joined in studio by Kirk Bangstad, CEO and founder of Minocqua Brewing Company and the Minocqua Marketplace. 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.

    WCPT 820 Interview: Kirk Bangstad of Minocqua Brewing Company

  5. 2d ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Jax West of Friends Who March

    Patti Vasquez and guest co-host Ken Mejia-Beal are joined by Jax West, founder and president of Friends Who March. The discussion focused on organizing a rapid-response protest during Donald Trump's planned visit to DuPage County. Here is a brief summary of the conversation:- West is coordinating with Friends Who March, Team Blue Page, Illinois Handmaids, and the Bloomingdale Township Democratic Organization.- Participants are expected to gather on public sidewalks, bring signs, remain peaceful, and follow all laws.- Updates will be shared through the participating organizations' Facebook pages - The discussion emphasized safety in numbers, support for first-time protesters, and the importance of voting in addition to attending demonstrations. 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.

    WCPT 820 Interview: Jax West of Friends Who March

  6. 3d ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Author Geoff Curtis

    Patti Vasquez is joined in studio by Geoff Curtis, Chicago-based author of "Embracing Your Own Purgatory." Curtis discussed how losing a long-held job can destabilize professional identity and how self-reflection can help people navigate career change. Here is a brief summary of the conversation:- Curtis’s role became redundant after his company was acquired, leading to depression and a realization that work had defined his identity for 30 years.- He described professional identity as “armor” that provided comfort while also shielding him from emotions and relationships.- He emphasized that job loss, industry change, and AI may require people to rethink how closely they tie self-worth to employment.- Curtis advised people to ask who they are outside work, identify their values and purpose, and allow time for self-discovery during transitions. 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.

    WCPT 820 Interview: Author Geoff Curtis

  7. 3d ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Playwright Jessica Huang

    Patti Vasquez is joined by Jessica Huang, playwright of “The Birth of the Pill,” having its world premiere at TimeLine Theatre through October 4th. Here is a brief summary of the conversation:- Timeline Theatre commissioned the play after pursuing the project for more than a decade.- Jessica described it as a play that is "in conversation" with Jonathan Eig’s "Birth of the Pill" book, rather than a direct adaptation of it.- Research and collaboration with Eig, Puerto Rican community members, historians, and Jessica’s husband shaped the portrayal of Puerto Rican women who were coerced into early pill trials.- The play examines how the pill expanded women’s ability to pursue education, careers, pleasure, and control over parenthood.- Jessica said the production reflects the vulnerability of reproductive rights after the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, while remaining funny, intimate, and accessible.- The Chicago production runs through October 4 at Timeline Theatre’s new Uptown location. 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.

    WCPT 820 Interview: Playwright Jessica Huang

  8. Sep 5

    WCPT 820 Candidate Interview: Ernie Marcelain

    Patti Vasquez is joined by Ernie Marcelain, 2026 candidate for Illinois Senate District 38. Candidate Background- Ernie grew up in Sandwich, Illinois, experienced financial hardship due to his father’s long-term layoff, and began working immediately after high school to support his family.- His work history includes union manufacturing roles, firefighting and paramedic training, and more than 22 years as a shipping and receiving manager.- He said his motivation for running is to make a lasting difference and remain accessible to constituents.District Concerns- Residents across the district are frustrated by data-center development, limited transparency, and difficulty reaching their state senator, Republican Sue Rezin.- Ernie emphasized one-on-one conversations across party lines, stronger union protections, broader mental-health access, and removing Flock cameras. 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.

    WCPT 820 Candidate Interview: Ernie Marcelain
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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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