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. 4h 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

  2. 4h ago

    Hilario Dominguez: WCPT 820 Candidate Interview

    Patti Vasquez is joined by Hilario Dominguez, candidate for Chicago School Board president. Here is a brief summary of the conversation:Campaign priorities- Expand universal pre-K beginning at age three and improve school meals; higher participation could create a 15- to 20-million-dollar surplus.- Prevent school closures by expanding sustainable community schools with health clinics, libraries, grocery stores, and other neighborhood services.- Ensure every school offers strong academics alongside sports, arts, music, and career or trades pathways.- Provide sanctuary and protection for immigrant families who fear enforcement near schools.- Improve special education administration by counting students immediately, stabilizing teacher caseloads, and ensuring staff can work from current IEPs (Individualized Education Programs). 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.

    Hilario Dominguez: WCPT 820 Candidate Interview

  3. 1d ago

    Melissa Walker of The States Project: WCPT 820 Interview

    Broadcasting live from The States Forum Convening in New York City, Patti Vasquez is joined by Melissa Walker, principal strategist, Giving Circles, at The States Project. In the conversation Walker explained how giving circles can help regular people influence state legislative outcomes by pooling resources.  Here are a few key points from the conversation: - Walker described giving circles as groups of people who combine donations and focus them on state legislative races through The States Project.- State legislatures shape education, health care, environmental policy, civil rights, voting rights, reproductive rights, and climate policy.- Her first circle helped close campaign funding gaps for nine Virginia state legislative candidates in 2017. "They all won their seats," she told WCPT, "and the balance of power got so close to flipping in Richmond, just one seat away, that the next year Virginia expanded Medicaid, and 400,000 people got health care who hadn't had it before."- The program now includes 214 giving circles, and The States Project participated in 59 races decided by fewer than a thousand votes in 2024.- Circles can include a few friends, a larger mailing list, co-workers, neighbors, or family members.- They are intended as recurring annual work rather than an activity limited to election years. 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.

    Melissa Walker of The States Project: WCPT 820 Interview

  4. 1d ago

    California Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D): WCPT 820 Interview

    Broadcasting live from The States Forum Convening in New York City, Patti Vasquez is joined by Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Democratic member of the California State Assembly, District 16. Bauer-Kahan, who serves as chair of the California State Assembly Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection, discussed California’s approach to regulating artificial intelligence, emphasizing child safety, consumer protection, and values-based voting. Here are a few key points from the conversation:- A California law signed into law protects children from AI systems that encourage addiction, eating disorders, self-harm, or social isolation.- Bauer-Kahan said the law could disappear if the federal government preempts state AI regulations.- She supports preserving beneficial uses of AI while adding safeguards for vulnerable users.- She said that technology companies that she works with vary in their approach: some oppose regulation, while others view consumer trust and regulation as beneficial to innovation and growth.- She urged voters to evaluate candidates by their values and positions on protecting children and future generations. 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.

    California Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D): WCPT 820 Interview

  5. 1d ago

    Ryan Geddie: WCPT 820 Interview

    Broadcasting live from The States Forum Convening in New York City, Patti Vasquez is joined by Ryan Geddie, Texas-based political content creator (find him on YouTube).  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.

  6. 1d ago

    Tom Moore of Center for American Progress: WCPT 820 Interview

    Broadcasting live from The States Forum Convening in New York City, Patti Vasquez is joined by Tom Moore, senior fellow for Democracy and Government at the Center for American Progress and former chief of staff to former Federal Election Commission Chair Ellen L. Weintraub. 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.

    Tom Moore of Center for American Progress: WCPT 820 Interview

  7. 1d ago

    Pennsylvania State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D): WCPT 820 Interview

    Broadcasting live from The States Forum Convening in New York City, Patti Vasquez is joined by Pennsylvania State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny).  The interview focused on Pennsylvania’s energy affordability, grid modernization, data-center growth, and the political path to addressing these issues. Here are a few key points from the conversation:- Sen. Pisciottano said Pennsylvania families are facing higher electric bills alongside rising housing and utility costs.- He identified grid modernization, additional generation, and battery capacity as important to improving affordability, reliability, and sustainability across the PJM network.- Data centers, he said, should be developed responsibly, with local input and environmental protections, without subsidizing large technology companies at residents’ expense.- Wind, solar, natural gas, nuclear power, and batteries can collectively help meet rising demand.- Democrats are seeking to win a Pennsylvania Senate majority after decades of Republican control; Pisciottano spoke about incremental bipartisan progress while Democrats have been in the minority. 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.

    Pennsylvania State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D): WCPT 820 Interview

  8. 1d ago

    Graig Meyer of North Carolina Justice Center: WCPT 820 Interview

    Broadcasting live from The States Forum Convening in New York City, Patti Vasquez is joined by Graig Meyer, executive director of the North Carolina Justice Center. 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.

    Graig Meyer of North Carolina Justice Center: WCPT 820 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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