Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez (Featured Interviews)

WCPT 820
WCPT 820
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Politics
  • Updated Daily

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. 1h ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Robert Held

    Filling in for Patti Vasquez, Paul Chivari and Ken Mejia-Beal are joined by Robert Held, Chicago attorney, president of the Chicago Council of Lawyers, anti-ICE activist, and former Air Force fighter pilot; he filed a federal complaint this morning seeking a temporary restraining order that would bar the village of Broadview from enforcing a designated “protest zone” outside the ICE detention facility. Held previously sued Broadview to remove a protest hour restriction, which was successful. The current lawsuit aims to allow protests on the sidewalk instead of a designated zone. Held criticized the government's efforts to stifle protests, citing incidents of violence and intimidation. He plans to sue an ICE agent who attacked him and is involved in a lawsuit in Memphis against ICE for retaliating against protesters.   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: Robert Held

  2. 5d ago

    WCPT 820 Interview: Stormy Daniels

    Filling in for Patti Vasquez, Elliott Serrano and Ken Mejia-Beal chat with Stormy Daniels, who will be doing a special event at Zanies Rosemont, Monday, August 31.  Daniels, a former adult entertainer turned stand-up comedian and storyteller, talks about her current tour, which includes humorous tales from her personal and professional life. She highlights her transition from the adult industry to mainstream media, including directing and writing mainstream movies. She also shares her experiences with the two Trump administrations, noting the public's fatigue and desensitization to political scandals. She emphasizes her commitment to charity work and encouraged audience engagement through her live Q&A sessions. Plus, Elliott, Ken and Stormy play a trivia game called Aliases, where Elliott gives a stage name and Ken and Stormy have to decide whether it's the name of someone from the adult entertainment industry or pro wrestling! 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: Stormy Daniels

  3. Aug 26

    WCPT 820 Candidate Interview: Paul Nolley

    Filling in for Patti Vasquez, Paul Chivari and guest co-host Ken Mejia-Beal are joined by Paul Nolley, candidate for Congress in the 16th District of Illinois. Campaign Status and Geography- Nolley notes that the district's vast geography makes door-to-door campaigning a significant challenge.- Despite the difficult political terrain in the 16th District, currently held by Republican Darin LaHood, Nolley expresses high confidence in his ability to win this cycle.Nolley's Professional Background- Nolley grew up in the Rockford area and has spent much of his career with nonprofit organizations.- He has worked with faith-based groups on youth literacy and fundraising for organizations like Habitat for Humanity and United Way.- For the last six years, he has served as the executive director of a labor management organization focused on construction apprenticeships.Motivations for Running- Nolley decided to run for office after discussing potential political shifts with his wife.- He wants to provide a working-class contrast to the incumbent, who comes from a politically powerful family.- His primary goal is to offer a new vision that helps working-class citizens improve their lives.Legislative Priorities and Goals- Nolley aims to address corruption and backroom deals within the government - He supports national redistricting reform and overturning Citizens United to reduce dark money influence.- Other priorities include industrial policy for manufacturing hubs like Rockford and making health care more affordable via Medicare expansion and Affordable Care Act tax credits.Political Support and Voter Issues- The Democratic Party of Illinois has designated Nolley's race as a targeted campaign with its potential to turn blue.  - In voter outreach, Nolley reports that economic anxiety regarding future opportunities for younger generations is a primary concern.- He also hears frequent mentions of health care costs, war impacts, and general societal instability from both Democrats and Republicans.Debate Participation and Engagement- Nolley reports that LaHood hasn't held an in-person town hall in nine years.- A candidate forum is confirmed for October 5 in Peoria, but a direct debate remains unconfirmed by LaHood's team.- Supporters can get involved or donate via his official website at paulnolley.com. 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: Paul Nolley

  4. Aug 25

    WCPT 820 Interview: Daniel Squadron

    Patti Vasquez talks to Daniel Squadron, president and co-founder of Future Now and author of “The Fourth Branch: How State Government Can Save Our Union” (2026). They discuss the critical importance of state-level governance in addressing systemic issues like health care, labor rights, and economic inequality. Daniel Squadron's Background- Squadron grew up in New York City in a family deeply committed to public service and civil rights.- His father was a lawyer who participated in the 1963 March on Washington, while his mother worked with the ACLU and participated in the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Summer.- Squadron emphasizes the influence of historical figures like Bayard Rustin and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his worldview regarding universalism and equality.The Power of State Government- Squadron argues that state governments have a more direct impact on citizens' lives than the federal government in Washington, D.C.- He left his position in the New York State Senate to focus on political shifts occurring across the other 49 states.- The discussion highlights how state-level decisions determine critical outcomes for residents, such as Medicaid expansion and minimum wage levels.Labor and Economic Stability- The conversation explores how organized labor provides benefits like predictable scheduling, paid leave, and retirement security through negotiation.- Squadron notes that even when private-sector union membership is low, these negotiations significantly shape the broader labor market and public policy.- He argues that full-time work should provide a path to a reasonable life, including stable housing and the ability to support a family.Healthcare Disparities by State- Squadron compares health care access in Texas, where Medicaid was not expanded, to states like Colorado or Illinois, where it was expanded.- He illustrates how state-level decisions impact families' ability to afford medical care during critical moments like childbirth or illness.Media Influence and Civic Values- Patti and Daniel discuss how conservative media consolidation has created an imbalance between progressive and conservative voices in radio broadcasting.- Squadron suggests that Democrats should focus more on shared American values rather than just debating specific policies or partisan grievances.- He advocates for grounding political movements in the "promissory note" of equality found in the Declaration of Independence to reach a wider audience.Mobilizing Through Local Action- Patti shares her personal motivation for entering politics, driven by advocating for social services for her son who has a rare genetic disorder.- Squadron recommends three ways for citizens to engage: supporting The States Project, organizing at state capitals, or running for local office themselves.- The dialogue concludes with an emphasis on moving from feelings of powerlessness toward active participation within state legislatures to protect democracy. 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: Daniel Squadron

  5. Aug 25

    WCPT 820 Interview: Brandon Wu of ActionAid USA

    Patti Vasquez is joined by Brandon Wu, director of Policy and Campaigns at ActionAid USA. 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: Brandon Wu of ActionAid USA

  6. Aug 25

    WCPT 820 Interview: Chris Fitzsimon of States Newsroom

    Patti Vasquez is joined by Chris Fitzsimon, publisher, CEO and founder of States Newsroom and host of the Stories from the States podcast. 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: Chris Fitzsimon of States Newsroom

  7. Aug 22

    WCPT 820 Candidate Interview: Carol Glanville

    Patti Vasquez is joined by Carol Glanville, Michigan state representative (District 84) and candidate for Michigan state Senate (District 30). 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: Carol Glanville

  8. Aug 22

    WCPT 820 Interview: Trans author Zia Varajon

    Patti Vasquez and guest co-host Stephanie Kifowit are joined by Zia Varajon, Chicago-based author whose debut book is “Love, Your Trans Big Sister: Advice on the Transfeminine Journey”; on September 2 Chicago’s Center on Halsted presents “Love, Your Trans Big Sister – A Reading, Conversation & Celebration.” 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 Threads: threads.com/@heartlandsignal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heartlandsignal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    WCPT 820 Interview: Trans author Zia Varajon
See All (100)

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.  

Information

More From WCPT 820