Patti Vasquez is joined by Charlie Laskonis, six-term chair of the Winnebago County Democratic Party and organizer for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

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).

 

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Patti Vasquez is joined by Charlie Laskonis, six-term chair of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.winnebagodems.org/">Winnebago County Democratic Party</a> and organizer for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home">heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home</a>).
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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.  

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> 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.&nbsp;
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&rsquo;s &ldquo;Chicago Fire.&rdquo; When her son Declan was born with a rare neurological disorder, Patti decided to take her communication and performance experience to launch her company &ldquo;With Kind Words,&rdquo; 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.&nbsp; She is now the health care and human services liaison and assistant policy adviser for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.&nbsp; Patti lives with her family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and continues to advocate for her community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez (Featured Interviews)

From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, here are full episodes of "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.  

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago, here are full episodes of "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.&nbsp;
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&rsquo;s &ldquo;Chicago Fire.&rdquo; When her son Declan was born with a rare neurological disorder, Patti decided to take her communication and performance experience to launch her company &ldquo;With Kind Words,&rdquo; 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.&nbsp; She is now the health care and human services liaison and assistant policy adviser for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.&nbsp; Patti lives with her family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and continues to advocate for her community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez (Full Episodes)

From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central) is 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.  

From Heartland Signal and <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT AM 820</a> in Chicago, "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central) is a radio talk show devoted to covering the news of the day and connecting listeners with local leaders.&nbsp;
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&rsquo;s &ldquo;Chicago Fire.&rdquo; When her son Declan was born with a rare neurological disorder, Patti decided to take her communication and performance experience to launch her company &ldquo;With Kind Words,&rdquo; 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.&nbsp; She is now the health care and human services liaison and assistant policy adviser for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.&nbsp; Patti lives with her family on the Northwest Side of Chicago and continues to advocate for her community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez

Charlie Laskonis of the Winnebago County Democratic Party: WCPT 820 Interview

Broadcasting from Brewpoint Coffee in Elmhurst, Illinois, Patti Vasquez is joined by Leah Greenberg, co-founder and co-executive director of the Indivisible Project, and Lynne, group leader of Indivisible Elk Grove Township.

The discussion focused on the nonpartisan No Kings Vote Early event and the role of early voting in protecting access to elections.
- Leah described No Kings as a broad, nonpartisan effort to defend democracy and bring people together across the country.
- Lynne said the Arlington Heights event is designed as both a celebration of voting and an opportunity to help people make a plan to vote early.
- The event, which takes place at North School Park, will include a rally, a democracy fair, family activities, and a possible march to a nearby ballot drop box for eligible attendees.
- Leah said elections are safe, federal authorities do not administer them, and early voting helps counter attempts to make voting feel confusing or intimidating.
- Lynne shared that volunteers can get involved through Indivisible Elk Grove Township; event and group information is available at indivisibleegt.com and nokings.org.
Action Items

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).

 

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Broadcasting from <a href="https://brewpointcoffee.com/">Brewpoint Coffee</a> in Elmhurst, Illinois, Patti Vasquez is joined by <a href="https://indivisible.org/people/leah-greenberg/">Leah Greenberg</a>, co-founder and co-executive director of the <a href="https://indivisible.org/">Indivisible Project</a>, and Lynne, group leader of <a href="https://indivisibleegt.com/">Indivisible Elk Grove Township</a>.
The discussion focused on the nonpartisan No Kings Vote Early event and the role of early voting in protecting access to elections. - Leah described No Kings as a broad, nonpartisan effort to defend democracy and bring people together across the country. - Lynne said the <a href="https://indivisibleegt.com/">Arlington Heights event</a> is designed as both a celebration of voting and an opportunity to help people make a plan to vote early. - The event, which takes place at North School Park, will include a rally, a democracy fair, family activities, and a possible march to a nearby ballot drop box for eligible attendees. - Leah said elections are safe, federal authorities do not administer them, and early voting helps counter attempts to make voting feel confusing or intimidating. - Lynne shared that volunteers can get involved through <a href="https://indivisibleegt.com/">Indivisible Elk Grove Township</a>; event and group information is available at <a href="indivisibleegt.com">indivisibleegt.com</a> and <a href="https://www.nokings.org/">nokings.org</a>. Action Items
Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home">heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home</a>).
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Indivisible's Leah Greenberg and Lynne: WCPT 820 Interview

Leah Greenberg and Lynne

Melissa Villanueva

Chris Ford

On today's show Patti broadcasts live from Brewpoint Coffee in Elmhurst, Illinois, and her guest are
– Leah Greenberg, co-founder and co-executive director of the Indivisible Project, and Lynne, group leader of Indivisible Elk Grove Township
– Melissa Villanueva, candidate for DuPage County District 1
– Chris Ford, Democratic candidate for Minnesota State Senate District 32

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).

 

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On today's show&nbsp;Patti broadcasts live from <a href="https://brewpointcoffee.com/">Brewpoint Coffee</a> in Elmhurst, Illinois, and her guest are &ndash;<a href="https://indivisible.org/people/leah-greenberg/"> Leah Greenberg</a>, co-founder and co-executive director of the Indivisible Project, and Lynne, group leader of Indivisible Elk Grove Township &ndash; <a href="https://www.melissafordupage.com/">Melissa Villanueva</a>, candidate for DuPage County District 1 &ndash; <a href="https://www.chrisfordformn.com/">Chris Ford</a>, Democratic candidate for Minnesota State Senate District 32
Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home">heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home</a>).
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Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez | October 15, 2026

Patti Vasquez is joined by Kristy Janigo, Maple Grove, Minnesota, councilmember and Democratic candidate for Minnesota State Senate District 37.

The interview focused on Janigo’s campaign and her experience in local government, fraud oversight, and veterans’ services. Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Janigo emphasized her community ties, door-knocking, and record on the Maple Grove City Council, including keeping local tax levies low.
- She described herself as a fiscal conservative and bridge builder, noting support from some Republicans.
- She supports addressing Medicaid fraud while restoring funding for people who rely on services. 
- Janigo talked about veteran food-security initiatives and the state’s effective end to veteran homelessness
- She identified health care, housing, everyday costs, prescription drugs, and potential surveillance pricing as concerns among voters.

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).

 

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Patti Vasquez is joined by Kristy Janigo, Maple Grove, Minnesota, councilmember and Democratic&nbsp;<a href="https://kristyjanigoformn.com/">candidate for Minnesota State Senate District 37</a>.
The interview focused on Janigo&rsquo;s campaign and her experience in local government, fraud oversight, and veterans&rsquo; services. Here are a few key points from the conversation: - Janigo emphasized her community ties, door-knocking, and record on the Maple Grove City Council, including keeping local tax levies low. - She described herself as a fiscal conservative and bridge builder, noting support from some Republicans. - She supports addressing Medicaid fraud while restoring funding for people who rely on services. - Janigo talked about veteran food-security initiatives and the state&rsquo;s effective end to veteran homelessness - She identified health care, housing, everyday costs, prescription drugs, and potential surveillance pricing as concerns among voters.
Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (<a href="http://heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home">heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home</a>).
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Charlie Laskonis of the Winnebago County Democratic Party: WCPT 820 Interview

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