Bob Reiter

Joanna Whaley

On today's show Patti is joined by guest co-host Ken Mejia-Beal and their guests are:
– Bob Reiter, president of the Chicago Federation of Labor
– Joanna Whaley, 2026 Democratic candidate for Michigan state representative, District 2; she is seeking to become the first transgender woman elected to the Michigan House

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).

On today's show&nbsp;Patti is joined by guest co-host Ken Mejia-Beal and their guests are: &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://chicagolabor.org/about/meet-our-team/bob-reiter/">Bob Reiter</a>, president of the&nbsp;<a href="https://chicagolabor.org/">Chicago Federation of Labor</a> &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.joannawhaley.com/">Joanna Whaley</a>, 2026 Democratic candidate for Michigan state representative, District 2; she is seeking to become the first transgender woman elected to the Michigan House
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).

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

Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez | August 12, 2026

Patti Vasquez is joined by Paula Deacon Garcia, 2026 candidate for DuPage County clerk. The discussion focused on election administration, voting access, and Deacon Garcia’s priorities as the Democratic nominee for DuPage County clerk.

Here is a brief summary of the conversation:
- Deacon Garcia said the status of proposed federal postal requirements for mail-in-ballot envelopes remains uncertain, though she does not expect them to take effect this close to the election.
- DuPage County will fund election needs; the clerk’s office recently received $665,000 for postage. Paula advised voters to use drop boxes or early-voting locations when possible, and to mail ballots at least two weeks ahead.
- She emphasized financial transparency, coordination with the county’s finance and procurement departments, timely bids, and stronger collaboration with the County Board and chair.
- She wants to expand nonpartisan voter-registration work with the League of Women Voters, schools, and community organizations, particularly for young voters.
- She asked DuPage voters to support her November 3 campaign and participate in the election.

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 <a href="https://www.pdg4dupage.com/">Paula Deacon Garcia</a>, 2026 candidate for DuPage County clerk. The discussion focused on election administration, voting access, and Deacon Garcia&rsquo;s priorities as the Democratic nominee for DuPage County clerk.
Here is a brief&nbsp;summary of the conversation: - Deacon Garcia said the status of proposed federal postal requirements for mail-in-ballot envelopes remains uncertain, though she does not expect them to take effect this close to the election. - DuPage County will fund election needs; the clerk&rsquo;s office recently received $665,000 for postage. Paula advised voters to use drop boxes or early-voting locations when possible, and to mail ballots at least two weeks ahead. - She emphasized financial transparency, coordination with the county&rsquo;s finance and procurement departments, timely bids, and stronger collaboration with the County Board and chair. - She wants to expand nonpartisan voter-registration work with the League of Women Voters, schools, and community organizations, particularly for young voters. - She asked DuPage voters to support her November 3 campaign and participate in the election.
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>).
&nbsp;
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WCPT 820 Candidate Interview: Paula Deacon Garcia

Patti Vasquez is joined by John Perryman, candidate for Wisconsin's 31st Assembly District.

- Perryman is a pediatrician running against Wisconsin Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August.
- He argued that work requirements for BadgerCare could cause eligible adults, including seasonal and gig workers, to lose coverage because of complex documentation.
- He cited concerns about families missing medications, specialist care, and preventive treatment when they lose insurance.
- Perryman supports simplifying Medicaid eligibility, strengthening BadgerCare, and exploring a state public option for people who cannot afford commercial or ACA coverage.
- He also discussed the state surplus, public education, farm financial pressures, ACA premium increases, and the environmental impacts of data centers.

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 <a href="https://perryman4assembly.com/">John Perryman</a>, candidate for Wisconsin's 31st Assembly District.
- Perryman is a pediatrician running against Wisconsin Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August. - He argued that work requirements for BadgerCare could cause eligible adults, including seasonal and gig workers, to lose coverage because of complex documentation. - He cited concerns about families missing medications, specialist care, and preventive treatment when they lose insurance. - Perryman supports simplifying Medicaid eligibility, strengthening BadgerCare, and exploring a state public option for people who cannot afford commercial or ACA coverage. - He also discussed the state surplus, public education, farm financial pressures, ACA premium increases, and the environmental impacts of data centers.
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>).
&nbsp;
Follow us:
Website:<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/"> https://heartlandsignal.com</a>
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WCPT 820 Candidate Interview: John Perryman

Patti Vasquez is joined by Michigan State Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou, campaign board chair for the Michigan House Democrats and 2026 candidate for re-election in Michigan's 75th House District. Tsernoglou discussed voter concerns, election access, polling-place safety, the lack of any investigation by the Republican-controlled Michigan House into allegations of sexual abuse at Interlochen Center for the Arts, and her re-election priorities.

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Affordability is the dominant concern, including food, gas, housing, health care, child care, and access to benefits.
- The campaign is targeting independents, infrequent midterm voters, and Republicans who may be dissatisfied, while emphasizing early voting, absentee ballots, drop boxes, and campus voting.
- Michigan officials are monitoring the possibility of federal immigration agents at polling locations; existing state laws restrict activity by federal agents, but further action is uncertain.
- The House has not advanced a major investigation into reported abuse allegations at Interlochen and is instead investigating the Board of State Canvassers over a petition that lacked sufficient signatures.
- Tsernoglou identified health care, education, clean water, PFAs remediation, election improvements, and state-level AI regulation as priorities for another term.

(Please note that Patti was broadcasting from a remote location.)

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 Michigan State&nbsp;<a href="https://housedems.com/penelope-tsernoglou/">Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou</a>, campaign board chair for the Michigan House Democrats and 2026 candidate for re-election in Michigan's 75th House District.&nbsp;Tsernoglou discussed voter concerns, election access, polling-place safety, the lack of any investigation by the Republican-controlled Michigan House into allegations of sexual abuse at Interlochen Center for the Arts, and her re-election priorities. Here are a few key points from the conversation: - Affordability is the dominant concern, including food, gas, housing, health care, child care, and access to benefits. - The campaign is targeting independents, infrequent midterm voters, and Republicans who may be dissatisfied, while emphasizing early voting, absentee ballots, drop boxes, and campus voting. - Michigan officials are monitoring the possibility of federal immigration agents at polling locations; existing state laws restrict activity by federal agents, but further action is uncertain. - The House has not advanced a major investigation into reported abuse allegations at Interlochen and is instead investigating the Board of State Canvassers over a petition that lacked sufficient signatures. - Tsernoglou identified health care, education, clean water, PFAs remediation, election improvements, and state-level AI regulation as priorities for another term.
(Please note that Patti was broadcasting from a remote location.)
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>).
&nbsp;
Follow us:
Website:<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/"> https://heartlandsignal.com</a>
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Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez | August 12, 2026

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