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News and public affairs TV series and website covering Chicago politics, education, entertainment, business, science and more.
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Welcome to On the Mic with Mike! Chicago-native Multi-State Certified Firearms Instructor, US Army veteran, Criminal Justice Practitioner & Former Law Enforcement Officer Mike Brown tackles firearms and criminal justice issues across America from an independent perspective using stats, facts, and figures. As seen on Fox News nationally & locally and on WTTW’s Chicago Tonight, his controversial approach to telling it like it is has given him a nationwide social media following. Sit back, rela ...
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Every day, its a general topic to be discussed.
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The Dave Plier Podcast from Chicago's Very Own, 720 WGN
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The battle over Chicago Public Schools — CEO Pedro Martinez joins us to respond to critics. And a City Council meeting sees alderpeople fired up over CPS and ShotSpotter....De către Chicago Tonight
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One on one with Mayor Brandon Johnson on the shakeup at Chicago Public Schools. And efforts to improve the area’s public transportation systems....De către Chicago Tonight
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A fiery news conference today as Mayor Brandon Johnson unveils his new Chicago Board of Education appointees. We’ll have reaction....De către Chicago Tonight
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WGN-TV’s Larry Potash on the 15th season of ‘Backstory’: Rise and fall of the mall, tattoos, nostalgia, Chicago sports heroes
WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to WGN-TV’s Larry Potash about the 15th season of Backstory, premiering Sunday October 6, 2024 at 11pm! The broadcasts will also be livestreamed on the WGN+ app on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Samsung Smart TVs; online at WGNTV.com/Live and the WGN News mobile app. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/6784876/6784876…
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The Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan stops by the studio to share memories with Dave Plier about WGN-TV’s legendary “Bozo’s Circus” and discuss the upcoming weekend of Bozo fun at Madame Zuzu’s in Highland Park, October 18-20. They also discuss the band’s upcoming Latin America tour and more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/6784498/Billy_Co…
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Rather than fire the Chicago Public Schools CEO or side with Mayor Brandon Johnson by taking out a high-interest loan to cover a funding shortfall, the Chicago Board of Education announces...De către Chicago Tonight
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What you need to know as early voting kicks off. How parks — or a lack thereof — are affecting Chicago’s Latino communities. And a passion for collecting leads to a business venture....De către Chicago Tonight
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Efforts to improve access to mental health services. We explore the Austin community’s green spaces. And a deep dive into the hidden history of Black civil rights....De către Chicago Tonight
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What to expect as Tim Walz and J.D. Vance face off tonight on the debate stage. And Chicago’s mayor delays his budget address as the city faces a billion-dollar deficit....De către Chicago Tonight
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The ballooning cost of police overtime — we’ll tell you just how much it’s costing. And Illinois’ latest efforts to stop organized retail theft....De către Chicago Tonight
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WGN Radio’s Dave Plier celebrates the 70th anniversary of The Tonight Show with Bill Carter, columnist, author and producer of ‘The Story of Late Night’, highlighting the legacy of the series and hosts Steve Allen, Jack Paar, Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Fallon. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/6654455/6654455_2024-09-27-184055.…
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To celebrate The Tonight Show’s 70th Anniversary, WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his conversation with legendary bandleader Doc Severinsen, talking about leading the Tonight Show Band, working with Johnny, his fashion statements, favorite moments filling in for Ed McMahon, touring on the road and remembering the day that Johnny left us. https://serv…
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The CEO of Chicago Public Schools Pedro Martinez refuses to resign – ramping up the pressure in a very public battle with Mayor Brandon Johnson....De către Chicago Tonight
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Actors David Eigenberg and Chris Stolte talk to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about their 13 seasons on NBC’s Chicago Fire and TV shows turning 50 this year. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/6654246/6654246_2024-09-27-182246.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier WGN-TV’s Larry Potash on the 15th season of ‘Backstory’: Rise and fall of the mall, tattoos, nos…
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Anna Gardner, Executive Producer of WTTW’s ‘Chicago Stories’ joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about the new season featuring stories about The Black Sox Scandal, Long-lost Amusement Parks, The Making of Playboy, House Music and more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/6654270/6654270_2024-09-27-182110.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier WGN-TV’s …
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What comes next for migrant care as three shelters are set to close next month. And some Pilsen residents are pushing back on a plan they say would further gentrify the area....De către Chicago Tonight
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Bill O’Reilly on new book ‘Confronting the Presidents’, presidential debate performance: ‘Trump can’t discipline himself, Harris is a generalist who dodged questions’
WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Bill O’Reilly about his new book ‘Confronting the Presidents’: From Washington to Jefferson, Lincoln to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Kennedy to Nixon, Reagan to Obama and Biden, the 45 United States presidents have left lasting impacts on our nation. Some of their legacies continue today, some are justly forgotten, and…
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Actor Anthony Michael Hall joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to celebrate the 40th anniversary of film classic ‘Sixteen Candles’, his appearance at The Hobart Art Theater in Hobart, Indiana on Saturday September 28, 2024. Plus… Anthony talks about his new role in Prime Video’s 3rd season of ‘Reacher’. For tickets visit etix.com. https://serve.castfire.c…
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Comedy icon Eugene Levy co-hosts the Emmys this weekend with his son Dan Levy! WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his conversation with Eugene, talking about Second City, SCTV, Vacation, Best in Show, American Pie, Waiting for Guffman, Schitt’s Creek, and more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/6423013/6423013_2024-09-13-203713.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts D…
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WGN Radio’s Dave Plier celebrates the 60th anniversary of TV classic ‘Bewitched’ with Erin ‘Tabitha’ Murphy. Bewitched airs on Antenna TV for a full hour at 6am and 11am weekdays. Visit antennatv.tv for more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/6423024/6423024_2024-09-13-203824.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier WGN-TV’s Larry Potash on the 15th seas…
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Mike Rowe from Discovery’s ‘Dirty Jobs’, Deadliest Catch’, podcast ‘The Way I Heard It’ and mikeroweworks.org joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to celebrate Labor Day, his Work Ethic Scholarships, the American work ethic, 810,000 fewer jobs than first reported this year. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/6194494/6194494_2024-09-02-160734.64kmono.mp3 Rece…
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WGN-TV’s Larry Potash talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about his 30 years with the ole number 9, and the 30th anniversary of the WGN Morning News. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/6194486/6194486_2024-09-02-152826.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier WGN-TV’s Larry Potash on the 15th season of ‘Backstory’: Rise and fall of the mall, tattoos, nostalgi…
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It’s Micky Dolenz of the Monkees, who joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to talk about a half a century of music, their Emmy award-winning TV series, The Monkees friendship with The Beatles, opening act Jimi Hendrix, and lifelong friendships. Micky Dolenz will be LIVE on stage at The DesPlaines Theatre on Saturday October 19th and Sunday October 20th at …
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WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks backyard autumn grilling, tailgating tips and more with Weber Ambassador Kevin Kolman. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/6194470/6194470_2024-09-02-151710.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier WGN-TV’s Larry Potash on the 15th season of ‘Backstory’: Rise and fall of the mall, tattoos, nostalgia, Chicago sports heroes .cls-…
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History of Labor Day, Pullman National Monument and State Historic Site, The legacy of Jerry Lewis and the MDA Telethon
WGN Radio’s Dave Plier and Dave Schwan talk about the history of the American labor movement and the legacy of comedian Jerry Lewis and what was an annual tradition on Labor Day weekend, the MDA telethon. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/6194467/6194467_2024-09-02-155307.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier WGN-TV’s Larry Potash on the 15th season o…
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WGN Radio’s Dave Plier celebrates the life and legacy of TV legend Phil Donahue and shares his 2020 interview with Phil and his wife, Marlo Thomas, on the secrets to a long-lasting marriage. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5936776/5936776_2024-08-24-015916.64kmono.mp3 Legendary TV host Phil Donahue dies at age 88 Remembering Phil Donahue Recent Po…
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WGN Radio’s Dave Plier sits down with Dr. Ian Smith to talk about the inspiration behind his Chicago-based new novel ’Eagle Rock’ and healthy habits for kids, parents, and grandparents as the school year begins. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5926048/5926048_2024-08-23-205048.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier WGN-TV’s Larry Potash on the 15th s…
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AAAAAY! Celebrating the 50th anniversary of TV’s Happy Days with Marion Ross, Anson Williams, Donny Most, and Henry Winkler
This year marks the 50th anniversary of classic TV sitcom ‘Happy Days,’ which debuted in 1974! WGN Radio’s Dave Plier discusses the cultural impact of the series with the stars of the show including Marion Ross (Mrs. C.), Anson Williams (Potsie Weber), Don Most (Ralph Malph) and Henry Winkler (The Fonz). https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5810979/581…
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Totally the 80’s Part 2: Robert Hays, Valerie Bertinelli, Michael Gross, Fred Savage, Alan Ruck, Martha Davis
WGN Radio’s Dave Plier celebrates the eighties with part two of his radio special: ‘Totally the 80’s’, featuring conversations with Robert Hays from ‘Airplane’, Valerie Bertinelli from ‘One Day at a Time’, Chicago’s own Michael Gross from ‘Family Ties’, Chicago’s own Fred Savage from ‘The Wonder Years’, Alan Ruck from ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ and…
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Don Barnes from 38 Special celebrates the band’s 50th Anniversary with WGN Radio’s Dave Plier, talks about how the band was formed, how they came up with the names, and the stories behind their biggest hits. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5482904/5482904_2024-08-02-182104.64kmono.mp3 Nostalgia Stories: Don Barnes of 38 Special Recent Posts Dave P…
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Retired WGN Radio newsman Roger Badesch joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier to explore common sayings and the unusual stories behind them including ‘Paint the town red’, ‘Blood is thicker than water’, ‘Let the cat out of the bag’, ‘Mind your Ps and Qs’ and more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5488221/5488221_2024-08-03-002121.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Da…
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Actress Julia Duffy of ‘Newhart’ with memories of Bob, Apple TV+’s ‘Palm Royale’ co-starring Carol Burnett and Kristen Wiig
WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to actress Julia Duffy on the legacy of Bob Newhart, eight seasons on ‘Newhart’ and her latest role on Palm Royale with Carol Burnett and Kristen Wiig. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5407576/5407576_2024-07-27-014316.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier WGN-TV’s Larry Potash on the 15th season of ‘Backstory’: Rise and …
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Chicago’s own Matt Walsh from HBO’s ‘Veep’, Apple TV+ ‘Manhunt’ on this weekend’s Improv Olympic Fest
WGN Radio’s Dave Plier catches up with actor and comedian Matt Walsh on the relevance of HBO’s ‘Veep’ today, his latest role on ‘Manhunt’ about the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and his improv journey with Players Workshop, Upright Citizens Brigade and IO Chicago and their IOFest all weekend long. For tickets and more, visit ioimprov.c…
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Nostalgia Digest summer edition with Steve Darnall: Lucille Ball, The Many Lives of Lassie, 90th Anniversary of The Lux Radio Theater
Editor and Chief of Nostalgia Digest Magazine Steve Darnall talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about their summer edition including the fashion statements of Lucille Ball, Lassie, the 90th anniversary of The Lux Radio Theater and more! Nostalgiadigest.com. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5407381/5407381_2024-07-27-012221.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave…
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The Chicago Jazz Orchestra featuring vocalist Paul Marinaro: ‘Sinatra by Request’ on Sunday August 25th at the Studebaker Theater
WGN Radio’s Dave Plier welcomes Jeff Lundberg of the Chicago Jazz Orchestra and vocalist Paul Marinaro to talk about the history of the orchestra, Paul’s inspirations on stage, and the upcoming ‘Sinatra by Request’ at the Studebaker Theater on Sunday August 25, 2024. For tickets visit CJOmusic.org. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5360026/5360026_2…
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Chicago radio legend Kevin Matthews: Upcoming book ‘Mary’s Roadie’; Jim Shorts takes over ‘The Dave Plier Show’
WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Chicago radio legend Kevin Matthews about his new book ‘Mary’s Roadie’ and his journey in radio. Jim Shorts also takes over ‘The Dave Plier Show’ via satellite to tell listeners that Dave has been fired (not true) and also talks about the upcoming Chicago Bears season, his ‘casino’ and more. https://serve.castfire.co…
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WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Neal Schon from Journey, who is in town to play Wrigley Field on Monday, July 15, 2024, along with The Steve Miller Band and Def Leppard. Dave and Neal talk about the band’s five decades in rock, the mega-hit ‘Don’t Stop Believin’, Neal’s guitar collection, and more! https://serve.castfire.c…
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WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Craig Klatzco of Novelty Golf in Lincolnwood about his iconic miniature golf course and The Bunny Hutch, celebrating 75 years and the weekend-long event on July 20 and 21, 2024 with LIVE music, photo booths, their classic arcade, discounts and fun for all ages! Noveltygolf.com. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/530292…
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Women of Rock: Joan Jett, Debbie Harry, Pat Benatar and Suzi Quatro, Melissa Etheridge, Vicki Peterson and Nina Blackwood
WGN Radio’s ‘The Dave Plier Show’ presents ‘The Women of Rock’ featuring conversations with music legends Joan Jett, Debbie Harry, Pat Benatar and Suzi Quatro. Included are bonus interviews with Melissa Etheridge, Vicki Peterson (The Bangles) and original MTV veejay Nina Blackwood. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5275249/5275249_2024-07-06-181749.…
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WGN Radio’s Dave Plier shares his conversation with rock legend Kevin Cronin on his summer tour, the band’s rise to fame, the meaning behind ‘REO Speedwagon,’ and more! https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5249284/5249284_2024-06-28-202324.128.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier WGN-TV’s Larry Potash on the 15th season of ‘Backstory’: Rise and fall of the mall…
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As iconic TV anthology series ‘The Twilight Zone’ celebrates its 65th Anniversary, WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to the daughter of TV legend Rod Serling, writer Anne Serling, on her father’s legacy, ‘The Twilight Zone’ and ‘Night Gallery’. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5249282/5249282_2024-06-28-201522.128.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Plier WGN-TV’s La…
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Children’s television historian Jim Engel talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about WGN-TV’s Ray Rayner, celebrating the 1964 launch of his own self-titled show ’Ray Rayner & His Friends’ which premiered 60 years ago along with Cuddly Dudley, ‘Ark in the Park’ with Dr. Lester Fisher and Chelveston the Duck, his years on ‘Bozo’s Circus’ as Oliver O. Oli…
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Comedy legend Robert Smigel and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, SNL, Conan and new YouTube special ‘Let’s Make a Poop’
Comedy legend Robert Smigel joins WGN Radio’s Dave Plier! Smigel is the voice of Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, he’s co-written films with Adam Sandler, wrote sketches on 425 episodes of SNL, and he has won countless Writer’s Guild and Primetime Emmy Awards throughout the years. His contemporaries at Saturday Night Live were Conan O’Brien, Bob Odenk…
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WGN-TV’s Mike Lowe talks about his exemplary reporting and today’s press conference on infrastructure investments. Mike then talks about his recent cancer diagnosis, the importance of early detection and seeing your doctor, new statistics on cancer rising in people under 50, and beating this! You’ve got this, Mike! https://serve.castfire.com/audio/…
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WGN’s Dave Plier and Wally Podrazik, television historian and author of ‘Watching TV’, break down top TV dads by decade including Howard Cunningham (‘Happy Days’), Andy Taylor (‘The Andy Griffith Show’), Jim Anderson (‘Father Knows Best’), Mike Brady (‘The Brady Bunch’), Archie Bunker (‘Archie Bunker’s Place’), Cliff Huxtable (‘The Cosby Show’) Phi…
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Scott Dehn from the McHenry Outdoor Theatre and drive-in documentarian April Wright talk to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about the revival of the drive-in theater, a true piece of Americana, discovering the retro magic, and watching cinema under the stars. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5138129/5138129_2024-06-14-215329.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Pl…
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Chicago music icon Billy Corgan: Smashing Pumpkins summer tour, CW’s ‘Adventures in Carnyland’, National Wrestling Alliance
WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Smashing Pumpkins frontman and Chicago music icon Billy Corgan about the CW’s ‘Adventures in Carnyland’, the National Wrestling Alliance, the Smashing Pumpkins summer tour, Bozo, and more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5068115/5068115_2024-06-08-011115.64kmono.mp3 Get up-close and personal with Billy Corgan in ‘Bi…
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Comedy legend John Cleese: ‘Last Chance to See Me Before I Die’ at The Vic Theatre, Monty Python, Fawlty Towers
Barely living comedy legend John Cleese is heading to Chicago for a truly memorable evening of comedy and conversation at the Vic Theatre on Wednesday, June 12th and Thursday, June 13th. John talks to WGN Radio’s Dave Plier about his journey in comedy, Monty Python, Fawlty Towers and how political correctness is killing comedy. https://serve.castfi…
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WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks about this week’s news that Dr Pepper is now the second-most popular soda brand in America, outselling Pepsi and behind Coca-Cola. Dave also shares the history of sodas that were created in Chicago and the retro soda brands we still love. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/5068109/5068109_2024-06-08-004009.64kmono.mp3 Dr …
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Chicago’s Own Joe Mantegna: National Memorial Day Concert streaming at pbs.org, Bleacher Bums, our Chicago Cubs
WGN Radio’s Dave Plier talks to Chicago’s own Joe Mantegna on Memorial Day to honor our fallen, the importance of the National Memorial Day concert streaming now at pbs.org, his ‘Bleacher Bums’ and throwing out the first pitch at Wrigley this Friday. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4867181/4867181_2024-05-27-145821.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Dave Pl…
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