Dave Plier

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier celebrates the 1960’s with Mike Love of The Beach Boys, Barbara Eden of “I Dream of Jeannie” (seen weekdays on Antenna TV), Micky Dolenz of The Monkees, Bill Mumy of Lost in Space, George Schlatter of “Laugh In” and iconic singer Darlene Love.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier showcases stand-up comedians with Chicago’s Own Pat McGann, Roastmaster General Jeff Ross, Nikki Glaser, Harvey Illinois’ own Tom Dreesen, Tom Papa, Jake Johannsen. Dave also talks to author Michael Starr on his new book: ‘Nothing Comes Easy: The Life of Rodney Dangerfield and Kelly Carlin on the legacy of her late […]

Comedian Pat McGann joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about opening for Sebastian Maniscalco in Las Vegas and his upcoming show at the Raue Center for the Arts on Saturday July 12, 2025. For tickets, visit rauecenter.org or patmcganncomedy.com.

Author Michael Starr joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his latest biography, Nothing Comes Easy: The Life of Rodney Dangerfield, the first-ever biography of the legendary comic and the most improbable rise to fame in the history of American comedy.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to All American Icon Christie Brinkley about her memoir ‘Uptown Girl’, being discovered in Paris, life with Billy Joel, the origins of the song ‘Uptown Girl’, ‘Vacation’ movie with Chevy Chase, life lessons, and living with gratitude.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Chicago’s own Gary Sinise on Memorial Day to honor our fallen, recap the annual National Memorial Day concert, discuss The Gary Sinise Foundation, and explain the significance of how his non-profit honors the country’s fallen, first responders, and more.

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Kevin Cronin joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his journey this summer touring with The Kevin Cronin band and Styx in their Brotherhood of Rock tour and the wind down last December of the iconic band REO Speedwagon. Kevin will sing the songs of REO that you […]

Radio Hall of Famer Garry Meier joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the real meaning of Memorial Day. Garry celebrates his father, Frank Meier, and his combat experiences from serving in World War II. Visit garrymeier.com for more.

NYT best-selling author Robert M. Edsel, who also wrote ‘The Monuments Men’, speaks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about his new book ‘Remember Us’, an ensemble piece that follows twelve main characters over a six-year span. It zeroes in on ordinary people from the small rural province of Limburg in the Netherlands, their gratitude for freedom […]

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier and Dave Schwan talk about the true meaning of Memorial Day, which originated as ‘Decoration Day’ after the Civil War and was officially signed into law in 1967. Plus, Dave shares President Ronald Reagan’s moving Memorial Day speech from 1984.

WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Weber’s Kevin Kolman about getting your grill into gear this summer, recipes for the perfect burger, desserts, and more!

Smashing Pumpkins’ own Billy Corgan joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his new solo tour with newly formed band The Machines of God, upcoming concerts overseas, his upcoming collaboration this fall with The Lyric Opera of Chicago, expanding his family, and Billy’s world of wrestling.

Authors Wally Podrazik and Harry Castleman join WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the latest edition of their extremely comprehensive book on the history of television and visual media from the 1940’s to today.

Chicago radio great Kevin Matthews joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his radio days, his upcoming documentary, a longtime friendship with the ‘85 Chicago Bears including the late great Steve McMichael, and Jim Shorts joins in to talk about the new Bears coach and his pig skin picks.

Chicago Bishop John Siemianowski joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about Chicago’s own Pope Leo XIV, the expected direction of the Catholic Church, and is the new Pope a Cubs fan or Sox fan?

Evanston’s own Jeremy Piven joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his upcoming comedy show at The Vic Theatre on June 6th, his acting journey, his legendary parents and the Piven Theater Workshop and his upcoming projects. For tickets, visit axs.com.

Who is your favorite TV mom? WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Watching TV author Wally Podrazik about TV’s best moms that you grew up with, ranging from I Love Lucy, The Brady Bunch, The Partridge Family, Happy Days, The Cosby Show, Modern Family and more.

In keeping a promise to help ‘keep his name alive’, WGN Radio’s Dave Plier celebrates the legacy of the late Don Rickles on his birthday by sharing his backstage Vegas interview with the comedy legend. Plus bonus interviews with his longtime best friend, the late Bob Newhart, author Michael Starr of the book ‘The Merchant […]

Comedian Lisa Ann Walter joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about her Emmy, Peabody, Golden Globe award-winning sitcom ‘Abbott Elementary’, ‘The Parent Trap’, being a mom and her love of stand-up comedy leading into her appearances at Zanies Rosemont this weekend.

Voted by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the greatest drummers of all time, Kenny Aronoff joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about his nearly 50 years in music, touring with Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony and playing with the likes of John Mellencamp, The Rolling Stones, Sting, Ringo Starr, Elton John, Rod […]