WGN Plus - The Steve and Johnnie Podcast

Hi kids! Steve King and Johnnie Putman broadcast live from the WGN Skyline Studios on a breezy summer-in-Chicago Saturday night. Jessica Radloff, The New York Times Bestselling Author and host of the Official Big Bang Theory Podcast on HBO Max, joins Steve and Johnnie to talk about her new book Young Sheldon: The (Juicier-Than-Meemaw’s-Brisket) Inside Story of the Hit Comedy. With the news that Guitar Works, an Evanston institution, is closing after 47 years, Steve and Johnnie share some personal memories of the store and their friendship with the store’s owner, Terry Straker. Finally, Patrick Crispen, Director of Educational Technology at Keck School of Medicine of USC, addresses the threat of a Bluetooth exploit in car-security systems, how to streamline your email threads, and other helpful tech-tips you can use everyday. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8582309/8582309_2026-08-09-204509.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Steve and Johnnie A Big Bang Theory book and sad news for Evanston .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} The mystery of Bobby Fuller, Rainbow Cones, and more .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Steve King’s latest journey around the sun: A celebration .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} A smoky Saturday with pierogies and ‘Empty Pockets’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Steve and Johnnie: Back in the studio .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Steve King and Johnnie Putman are live in the WGN Skyline Studios on a rainy Lollapalooza Saturday night. Steve and Johnnie are joined by Ron Smith, Author of He Fought The Mob, his book about famed singer Bobby Fuller; best known for the hit song “I Fought the Law,” his hits and misses, links to Buddy Holly, and untimely and unusual demise. David Hammond, a corporate communications consultant and food journalist, talks about the 100th anniversary of Chicago’s Rainbow Cone and the unique flavor combinations involved, in addition to the engineering involved with the stacking of scoop slices and it’s historic Chicago origins. Next, Rogers Park’s historic 400 Theater-owner Jordan Stancil fills in Steve and Johnnie on the progress of the grand reopening of the legendary venue, his family’s Michigan roots in theater-ownership, and highlights the incredibly competitive pricing the 400 offers moviegoers. The always informative and entertaining Tom Appel, Publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive, updates Steve and Johnnie on the latest vehicle recall announcements, in addition to clearing up travel information regarding the new Gordie Howe bridge that connects the U.S. and Canada and more. See more on SteveAndJohnnie’s “Both Sides Now” Blog and be sure to tune in next Saturday, August 8th at 9pm-2am. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8555830/8555830_2026-08-02-214930.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Steve and Johnnie The mystery of Bobby Fuller, Rainbow Cones, and more .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Steve King’s latest journey around the sun: A celebration .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} A smoky Saturday with pierogies and ‘Empty Pockets’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Steve and Johnnie: Back in the studio .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Adding corn sweat to your lexicon and more .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Steve King and Johnnie Putman race back to the mic in the WGN Skyline Studios on Steve’s Birthday! Alice Wallace sits in with S&J to discuss recording after the California wildfires, her recent move to Chicago, and dives deep into the art of cowboy yodeling. Patrick Crispen, Director of Educational Technology at Keck School of Medicine of USC, tells us about the recent instances of AI cheating on tests and scavenging rival companies for information and more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8540157/8540157_2026-07-26-204057.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Steve and Johnnie Steve’s latest journey around the Sun .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} A smoky Saturday with pierogies and ‘Empty Pockets’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Steve and Johnnie: Back in the studio .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Adding corn sweat to your lexicon and more .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Live, From Florida, it’s Saturday Night! .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Steve King and Johnnie Putman are in the WGN Skyline Studios and they’re joined by Tony Panek of the Whiting Pierogi Fest. Erika Brett & Josh Solomon of ‘The Empty Pockets’ sits with S&J to discuss their new song ‘Serrated,’ inspiration during car troubles, and much more. Tom Appel, Publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive, comes on to chat about long-lost car brands, new road tests, automotive recalls, and Tom’s “Car Tunes.” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8523149/8523149_2026-07-19-174349.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Steve and Johnnie A smoky Saturday with pierogis and ‘Empty Pockets’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Steve and Johnnie: Back in the studio .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Adding corn sweat to your lexicon and more .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Live, From Florida, it’s Saturday Night! .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Steve and Johnnie: Recipes, Road Tests & Rock ’n’ Roll .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Johnnie Putman and Steve King return to Chicago after a Fourth of July weekend spent in the Florida panhandle and they’re joined by C. Crane CEO Jessica Crotty to dive into the world of AM/FM Radios. Denise LaGrassa sits with S&J to discuss her new album “A Crossroads Communion,” trapeze acts in Wisconsin, and upcoming gigs. Patrick Crispin visits the show to talk about all things tech, including the end of physical media in gaming and Meta Instagram permissions. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8505157/8505157_2026-07-12-214957.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Steve and Johnnie Steve and Johnnie: The return from Florida .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Adding corn sweat to your lexicon and more .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Live, From Florida, it’s Saturday Night! .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Steve and Johnnie: Recipes, Road Tests & Rock ’n’ Roll .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Steve and Johnnie: Post-postgame show .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Max Armstrong of the ‘U.S. Farm Report‘ and ‘This Week in Agribusiness,’ join Steve and Johnnie for the lighter side of agriculture related weather phenomena in the Midwest. Bill Anderson and his thought on his 65th anniversary, the longest tenured, of being a member of the ‘Grand Ole Opry.’ Aaron Beardon, the owner of ‘Instant Replay Sports and Collectables,’ and musician provides insight on card collecting and plays us some tunes. Plus, Tom Appel with everything automotive and recall information. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8480436/8480436_2026-06-29-012736.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Steve and Johnnie Adding corn sweat to your lexicon and more .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Live, From Florida, it’s Saturday Night! .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Steve and Johnnie: Recipes, Road Tests & Rock ’n’ Roll .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Steve and Johnnie: Post-postgame show .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Great Moments, a full moon, and banning balloons .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Johnnie Putman and Steve King come to you from the studios of WKGC-FM at the Charles Hilton Center for Advanced Technology and Hospitality Management at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida. Our hosts are joined by Eli Ingram & Sandi MarLisa, the musical duo of ‘Jack & Gin,’ to talk about their new album, ‘Southern Gothic Tale.’ Gino Salomone of FOX6 WakeUp, Real Milwaukee and 4 p.m. news. provides Steve and Johnnie our showbiz update and Patrick Crispin, Director of Educational Technology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, gives us this weeks cyber-tips and more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8467174/Steve_and_Johnnie_-_06-20-2026_2026-06-21-181214.64kmono.mp3

On this episode of the Steve & Johnnie Show, the hosts kicked off the evening with a lively Round Robin discussion featuring Bob Fukuda, Ron Brown The show then welcomed Todd Wilbur, founder of Top-Secret Recipes, who shared insights into his popular “Hack That Dish” concept, discussing how he reverse-engineers restaurant favorites and the secrets behind recreating iconic dishes at home. Later, Musician Terry White joined the program alongside Rod Pierce to talk about Terry’s upcoming appearance at Fitzgerald’s American Music Festival. The conversation explored his music career, live performances, and what fans could expect from the festival. Terry remained on the show for an extended segment, allowing for a deeper discussion of his musical influences and experiences in the industry. After midnight, automotive expert Tom Appel of Consumer Guide Automotive checked in remotely to discuss the latest vehicle road tests, automotive recalls, industry trends, and consumer advice for car buyers. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8450119/8450119_2026-06-14-072619.64kmono.mp3

Johnnie Putman and Steve King kick off the show with hockey sticks in hand directly after the NHL Stanley Cup Finals ready to roll with a reduced version of their show. First, Steve & Johnnie talk to Ron Brown about the latest movies including how much they loved Remarkably Bright Creatures. Then, Patrick Crispen, Director of Educational Technology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, talks Meta subscription plans, Google AI search and this week in hacks! Lastly, Steve & Johnnie meet & greet their Producer Du jour for the evening, Neal E. Fischer, who talked about all his projects and along with new producer, Jonathan Lyle, kept things fun and interesting. Musician Joanna Connor was planned to be on the show but will join us in the coming weeks. To learn about about her performance dates head to http://www.joannaconnorwreckingcrew.com See more on SteveAndJohnnie’s “Both Sides Now” Blog and be sure to tune in next Saturday, with our normal 9PM start where we will welcome these guests to the show: Todd Wilbur, author of Hack That Dish – https://www.topsecretrecipes.com Terry White, on his appearance at Fitzgerald’s American Music Festival– https://www.terrywhitemusic.com Tom Appel, publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive on road tests, automotive recalls and more – https://www.consumerguide.com https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8436482/8436482_2026-06-07-071122.64kmono.mp3

Johnnie Putman and Steve King kick off the show catching up with the crew, featuring Bob Fukuda, Ron Brown, and Jeff Carlin, and a discussion about superstitions. Continuing the celebration of ‘Celiac Disease Awareness Month,’ Eli Sommerfeld joins the show to talk about the National Celiac Association Pickleball Tournament and how raising awareness has helped him. Next up, prominent Chicago-based radio personality, voiceover artist, and musician, William Lindsey ‘Bill’ Cochran stops by the studio with some music from ‘Great Moments in Vinyl’ and share some of his favorite music history stories. As usual, Tom Appel, publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive, warns about a motor oil shortage that will start costing everyone more. Lastly, Steve & Johnnie meet & greet with their new producer, Jonathan Lyle. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8421593/8421593_2026-05-31-072733.64kmono.mp3 See more on SteveAndJohnnie’s “Both Sides Now” Blog and be sure to tune in next Saturday, after Stanley Cup Playoffs at 10:30? William Lindsey ‘Bill’ Cochran – https://www.greatmomentsinvinyl.com/ Tom Appel – https://consumerguide.com/ Recent Posts Steve and Johnnie Steve and Johnnie: Great Moments, a full moon, and banning balloons .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} 60 years pushing buttons and making noise .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Congratulations to Steve King on 60 years in radio! .cls-4{fill:#000;} First gluten-free hotel, Chicago’s delicatessens .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Superdawg at 78, Bob Kessler’s avant-garde jazz .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Johnnie Putman and Steve King kick off the show catching up with the crew, featuring Bob Fukuda, Ron Brown, and Jeff Carlin celebrating the exact anniversary of Steve’s start in radio, 60 YEARS AGO! Then they are joined by Dane Neal to preview the upcoming 110th running of the Indy 500. To continue the celebration of ‘Celiac Disease Awareness Month,’ Johanna Van Dorf, owner of Defloured Bakery, stops by the studio to share her expertise her story going from her kitchen making gluten free goodies for family & friends to over 25 Whole Foods stores, 30+ coffee shops, and brick-and-mortar shop in Andersonville on Chicago’s north side. In the second half of the show, Patrick Crispen, Director of Educational Technology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, joins the program remotely. He will provides an update on the AI changes coming to Google, which AI agent Patrick ‘trusts’ most, and an experiment with AI radio stations. Lastly, Johnnie shares a special gluten-free recipe in honor of Celiac Awareness Month, the perfect, gluten-free baked beans. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8407681/8407681_2026-05-24-071121.64kmono.mp3 See more on SteveAndJohnnie’s “Both Sides Now” Blog and be sure to tune in next Saturday, May 30th, 9pm-2am. Johanna Van Dorf: https://www.deflouredbakery.com/ Patrick Crispen: https://linktr.ee/patrickcrispen Recent Posts Steve and Johnnie 60 years pushing buttons and making noise .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Congratulations to Steve King on 60 years in radio! .cls-4{fill:#000;} First gluten-free hotel, Chicago’s delicatessens .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Superdawg at 78, Bob Kessler’s avant-garde jazz .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} S&J: Celiac Awareness Month, Don McLean, car questions .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Johnnie Putman and Steve King kick off the show by celebrating the Chicago White Sox 8-3 win over the Chicago Cubs. Then, Steve and Johnnie welcome in News Anchor Ron Brown, Producer Ashley Bihun, and Engineer’s Krista Flores and Bob Fukuda to share their review on Johnnie’s Celiac Awareness month gluten free rib recipe. Spoiler Alert: Everyone agreed they were 11/10. To close out the hour, ‘Movie Man’ Ron Brown talks about the original Top Gun in honor of the 40th anniversary, he shares his prediction of how the the new Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas film, Power Ballad will be and he share’s his reviews of the latest films in the theatre. Steve and Johnnie are then joined by Michael Echols, co-owner of Hotel Monroe to talk about how they are the only gluten-free hotel in the U.S. Listen in while Michael shares what inspired him and his family into making a hotel 100% gluten-free. Johnnie then share’s this week’s Celiac awareness month gluten free recipe which is great for a Sunday brunch. Next, Steve and Johnnie welcome Neal Samors, co-author of Corned Beef on Rye: Remembering Chicago’s Jewish Delicatessens. Listen in while Neal shares why he wanted to write a book that celebrates the iconic Jewish delis that helped define Chicago’s culinary and cultural image. What’s your favorite Chicago delicatessen? Then, Steve and Johnnie check in with their favorite car guru, Tom Appel, whom also happens to be the Publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive and Host of the Car Stuff Podcast to highlight the latest auto industry news. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8387328/8387328_2026-05-17-072428.64kmono.mp3 See more on SteveAndJohnnie’s “Both Sides Now” Blog and be sure to tune in next Saturday, Memorial Day Weekend, May, 23rd from 9pm-2am.

Johnnie Putman and Steve King continue to celebrate Celiac Disease Awareness Month with Chris Rich, the CEO of the National Celiac Association, to discuss the importance of awareness & advocating for yourself. Johnnie also shares a special gluten-free recipe perfect for the month of May, baby back ribs! Bob Kessler visits the studio to talk about his brand-new album, “Frequency,” and shares insights into his latest musical journey, including starting his career with S&J, performing at Carnegie Hall, and recording his album himself. In the second half of the show, Patrick Crispen, Director of Educational Technology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, has an update on the Canvas hack that has seen school across the world scrambling to get systems back online. Plus, Siri might owe you some money. Then, Lisa and Don Drucker stop by to celebrate a major milestone: the 79th anniversary of the legendary Superdawg, which first opened its doors in 1948. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8370951/8370951_2026-05-10-072351.64kmono.mp3 See more on SteveAndJohnnie’s “Both Sides Now” Blog and be sure to tune in next Saturday, May 16th at 9pm-2am. National Celiac Association: https://nationalceliac.org/ Bob Kessler Music: https://www.bobkesslermedia.com/ Patrick Crispen: https://linktr.ee/patrickcrispen Recent Posts Steve and Johnnie Superdawg at 78, Bob Kessler’s avant-garde jazz .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} S&J: Celiac Awareness Month, Don McLean, car questions .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Steve and Johnnie: River road trio & roundtables .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Steve and Johnnie celebrate Record Store Day .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Steve and Johnnie: Grand Canyon travel .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Johnnie Putman and Steve King kick off Celiac Disease Awareness Month (May? Already?) with Jen Martindale from the Chicago Cubs to talk about Celiac Awareness Day at Wrigley Field (May 3rd) and tease a special recipe from Johnnie. Merrill Miller, the Manager of Concerts for the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, joins the show to talk about recent changes to the venue and highlight some of this years big shows, including a night with Don McLean. Plus, Merrill highlights plans for a series of speakers this year like noted storm chaser, Reed Timmer. Everyone’s favorite automotive guru, Tom Appel, is back and champing at the bit to discuss a slew of new cars, including a new offering from Honda & Genesis. Tom also has a timely update on various recalls making news. In the mix, “Sunny Night’s” features a killer cover of Steve’s song “Satan is Her Name” by Holly Golightly, new Empty Pockets videos, and some phone-camera tips for replicating Johnnie’s ride in pics. Finally, Johnnie has a great recipe for gluten-free stir fry. Seriously easy. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8355194/Steve_and_Johnnie_5-2-26_2026-05-04-005034.64kmono.mp3 See more on SteveAndJohnnie’s “Both Sides Now” Blog and be sure to tune in next Saturday, May 9th at 9pm-2am. Recent Posts Steve and Johnnie S&J: Celiac Awareness Month, Don McLean, car questions .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Steve and Johnnie: River road trio & roundtables .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Steve and Johnnie celebrate Record Store Day .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Steve and Johnnie: Grand Canyon travel .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Steve and Johnnie with Dick Biondi! .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Click for more

Steve and Johnnie are joined by Chief Meteorologist Chris Smith, who breaks down the latest on Florida wildfires and burn bans, giving listeners an important update on developing conditions. The music takes over at 10:30 with a special in-studio performance from Jonelle & Terry Carter of the River Road Trio, bringing live energy into the studio. The trio continues into the 11 PM hour with extended performances. The late-night stretch keeps things loose and entertaining with Unfinished Bidnez. May is Celiac awareness month, then wrapping up the show with Last Call at 1:45. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8335846/8335846_2026-04-26-075146.64kmono.mp3

Johnnie Putman and Steve King kick off the show celebrating National Record Store Day by talking about the first albums they ever bought. Throughout the show they turned to the text line to see what listeners spent their hard earned money on for their first album. Steve and Johnnie are then joined by author, journalist, and photographer from Chicago Robert Loerzel who joins to talk all things pertaining to the historic Uptown Theatre and where it’s at in its preservation journey. Listen in while Robert also shares details surrounding a special free presentation about the Uptown Theatre happening over at the Riviera Theatre from 2pm-4pm on Sunday, April 19th. Next, Steve and Johnnie welcome Shelley & Paul Bottomley, owners of the Rt. 34 Drive In, in Earlville, IL to share that the theatre opens for the season on April 24, 2026. Listen in while Shelley and Paul talk about their new outside food policy, what movies they have lined up for their opening weekend, some drive in tales and more. Gates typically open at 7:00 PM, with movies starting at dusk. The drive-in operates on weekends through October. Then, Steve and Johnnie check in with Patrick Crispen, Director of Educational Technology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC for a look at latest on the Google Android class action settlement, the Samsung messages app shutting down and, speaking of apps, this week in hacks and more tech news. Steve and Johnnie also talk about an audio tour app they used on their Grand Canyon trip. For this week’s ‘Sports Between The Sheets‘ segment, News Anchor and sports master Gabe Salgado shares the answer to the question everyone’s been dying to know – “How many sports jerseys does Gabe Salgado have in his closet?” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8292460/8292460_2026-04-19-073500.64kmono.mp3 See more on SteveAndJohnnie’s “Both Sides Now” Blog and be sure to tune in next Saturday, April, 25th at 9pm-2am.

With the recent release of “The Voice That Rocked America – The Dick Biondi Story”, please enjoy this September 2006 Dick Biondi interview with Steve King and Johnnie Putman! https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4135804/Dick_Biondi_2023-07-02-022704.64kmono.mp3

Johnnie Putman and Steve King are back from a much needed Florida stay just in time for the changing of the season and changing of the guard. First on the show is Pamela Pulice, the Director for a new movie called “The Voice That Rocked America – The Dick Biondi Story” and we learn about the countless local legends in the movie that helped bring Pamela’s vision to life. We then check in with Patrick Crispen, Director of Educational Technology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC for a look at the new FCC regulations on routers, Windows 11 updates and the war on social media rages on. Follow along with Patrick’s show notes so you don’t get lost! Tom Appel, Publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive and Host of the Car Stuff Podcast makes a quick pit stop to follow up on the previous week’s power seat problems for Hyundai. News Anchor and sports master Gabe Salgado checks in on the NCAA tournament as the Final Four are fast approaching. To close the show, we close a chapter as Steve and Johnnie’s producer for the last 3 years moves on from WGN to the next big thing. To follow along with producer Julian’s next adventures, stop by Saldierna Media Productions for photo and video work from the previous 6 years and even more on the horizon. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8072261/8072261_2026-04-02-030101.64kmono.mp3

Steve King and Johnnie Putman cap off their Florida spring break with a short and sweet show. Tom Appel, Publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive joins the show for an update on all things car related including a Hyundai stop sale due to a fatal power seat malfunction and we learn what a crumple zone is, all while Tom navigates his own malfunction. Tune in to the end for their tribute to WGN Radio’s own Orion Samuelson, passing just before his 92nd birthday. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8061440/8061440_2026-03-27-020140.64kmono.mp3

Johnnie Putman and Steve King are in Panama City Beach with a very special guest local to the Florida panhandle but well known across the country! Johnnie’s watch also develops a mind of its own and they honor International Women’s Day, a day that is not celebrated nearly enough as it should be. Michael Lister is an award winning crime novelist in northwest Florida best known for his ‘John Jordan’ series and he stops by the studio to provide creative insight behind his latest and upcoming work. Steve and Johnnie also share some of their favorite reads from the Micahel Lister bibliography essential for any true crime fan! Checking back in with Patrick Crispen, Director of Educational Technology at the Keck School of Medicine at USC, we have the latest news on Apple’s new “entry level” MacBook Neo, the outlook of the Trump Administration removing Anthropic AI from government and military services and all of the usual tech and hack updates. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/8025662/8025662_2026-03-10-235402.64kmono.mp3