Patti is joined by guest co-host Jesse Rojo (director of Public Policy & Advocacy for Clearbrook) and their guests are
– Peter Janko, candidate for Illinois House, District 69; he currently serves as Democratic State Centralcommitteeperson for Illinois' 11th Congressional District
– Ellie Krug, transgender activist, lawyer, author of “Being Ellen: A Second Chance at Life,” and host of “The Illegal Trans Woman” on KTNF AM950, the Progressive Voice of Minnesota
– Mike Bedenbaugh, Navy veteran, historic preservationist, and author of “Reviving Our Republic: 95 Theses for the Future of America”

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 is joined by guest co-host Jesse Rojo (director of Public Policy &amp; Advocacy for Clearbrook) and their guests are &ndash; <a href="https://pete4illinois.com/">Peter Janko</a>, candidate for Illinois House, District 69; he currently serves as Democratic State Central committeeperson&nbsp;for Illinois' 11th Congressional District &ndash; Ellie Krug, transgender activist, lawyer, author of &ldquo;<a href="https://beingellen.com/">Being Ellen: A Second Chance at Life</a>,&rdquo; and host of &ldquo;<a href="https://www.am950radio.com/events/the-illegal-trans-woman/">The Illegal Trans Woman</a>&rdquo; on <a href="https://www.am950radio.com/">KTNF</a> AM950, the Progressive Voice of Minnesota &ndash; <a href="https://mikebedenbaugh.com/">Mike Bedenbaugh</a>, Navy veteran, historic preservationist, and author of &ldquo;<a href="https://revivingourrepublic.com/">Reviving Our Republic: 95 Theses for the Future of America</a>&rdquo;
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

Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez | August 20, 2026

Patti Vasquez and guest co-host Ken Mejia Beal are joined by Dr. Kristin Lyerly, OB/GYN, 2024 candidate for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District, and host of “The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show.”

Postpartum Health and Risks
- Dr. Lyerly discusses the high mortality rates for mothers during the postpartum period.
- She notes that approximately 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable through treatment of mental health, substance use, and cardiac issues.

The Broken Health care System
- Patti, Ken and Dr. Lyerly criticize the United States health care system as being fundamentally broken for all citizens.
- They discuss how political divisions and a capitalistic approach hinder the development of a true care economy.
- Dr. Lyerly suggests that health care should be viewed as a matter of national security to ensure stability for families and communities.

Obamacare and Political Debate
- They defend Obamacare as a necessary compromise that provided essential coverage despite its imperfections.
- They critique Republican efforts to dismantle the law over the last decade

Vaccine Safety and Outbreaks
- Dr. Lyerly reports an ongoing measles outbreak in southwest Wisconsin involving nearly 40 people.
- She emphasizes that Wisconsin is one of the least vaccinated states for children entering kindergarten, creating a dangerous environment.
- She debunks claims regarding vaccines causing autism and argues against splitting up the MMR vaccine into separate shots.

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 and guest co-host Ken Mejia Beal are joined by&nbsp;Dr. Kristin Lyerly, OB/GYN, 2024 candidate for Wisconsin&rsquo;s 8th Congressional District, and host of &ldquo;<a href="https://civicmedia.us/shows/kristin-lyerly-show">The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show</a>.&rdquo;
Postpartum Health and Risks - Dr. Lyerly discusses the high mortality rates for mothers during the postpartum period. - She notes that approximately 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable through treatment of mental health, substance use, and cardiac issues. The Broken Health care System - Patti, Ken and Dr. Lyerly criticize the United States health care system as being fundamentally broken for all citizens. - They discuss how political divisions and a capitalistic approach hinder the development of a true care economy. - Dr. Lyerly suggests that health care should be viewed as a matter of national security to ensure stability for families and communities. Obamacare and Political Debate - They defend Obamacare as a necessary compromise that provided essential coverage despite its imperfections. - They critique Republican efforts to dismantle the law over the last decade Vaccine Safety and Outbreaks - Dr. Lyerly reports an ongoing measles outbreak in southwest Wisconsin involving nearly 40 people. - She emphasizes that Wisconsin is one of the least vaccinated states for children entering kindergarten, creating a dangerous environment. - She debunks claims regarding vaccines causing autism and argues against splitting up the MMR vaccine into separate shots.
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 Interview: Dr. Kristin Lyerly

Patti Vasquez and guest co-host Ken Mejia-Beal are joined by Dylan Blaha, state director for Let’s Address Illinois, organizer, veteran, and former congressional candidate in Illinois.

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 and guest co-host Ken Mejia-Beal are joined by Dylan Blaha, state director for <a href="https://letsaddressillinois.substack.com/">Let&rsquo;s Address Illinois</a>, organizer, veteran, and former congressional candidate in Illinois.
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 Interview: Dylan Blaha

Dr. Kristin Lyerly

Dylan Blaha

On today's show Patti is joined by guest co-host Ken Mejia-Beal and their guests are:
– Dr. Kristin Lyerly, OB/GYN, 2024 candidate for Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District, and host of "The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show" 
– Dylan Blaha, state director for Let's Address Illinois, organizer, veteran, and former congressional candidate in Illinois

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).

 

Follow us:

Website: https://heartlandsignal.com

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On today's show Patti is joined by guest co-host Ken Mejia-Beal and their guests are: &ndash; Dr. Kristin Lyerly, OB/GYN, 2024 candidate for Wisconsin&rsquo;s 8th Congressional District, and host of "<a href="https://civicmedia.us/shows/kristin-lyerly-show">The Dr. Kristin Lyerly Show</a>" &ndash; Dylan Blaha, state director for <a href="https://letsaddressillinois.substack.com/">Let's Address Illinois</a>, organizer, veteran, and former congressional candidate in Illinois
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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Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez | August 20, 2026

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