Tom Appel and Jim Addie

Up North podcast

On today's show:
– Car Guy Tom Appel, host of the Consumer Guide Car Stuff podcast, along with WCPT engineer Jim Addie
– In hour two, Patti joins the Up North Podcast with the Minocqua Brewing Company and contributors Kirk Bangstad, Ben Cominos, Amy Thomas and more

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: &ndash; Car Guy Tom Appel, host of the&nbsp;<a href="https://consumerguide.com/car-stuff-podcast/">Consumer Guide Car Stuff podcast</a>, along with WCPT engineer Jim Addie &ndash; In hour two, Patti joins the Up North Podcast with the Minocqua Brewing Company and contributors Kirk Bangstad, Ben Cominos, Amy Thomas and more
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).

Here are full episodes of "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on WCPT Chicago), 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.  

Here are full episodes of "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT Chicago</a>), 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.

Driving It Home (Full Episodes)

"Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT Chicago) 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.  

"Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT Chicago</a>) 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.

Driving It Home With Patti Vasquez

Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez | January 28, 2026

Patti Vasquez is joined by Mike Bedenbaugh, Navy Veteran, historic preservationist, and author of “Reviving Our Republic.”

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).

Patti Vasquez is joined by Mike Bedenbaugh, Navy Veteran, historic preservationist, and author of &ldquo;<a href="https://revivingourrepublic.com/">Reviving Our Republic</a>.&rdquo;
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).

WCPT 820 Interview: Mike Bedenbaugh

Patti Vasquez and guest co-hosts Joe Kilgallon and Soli Santos are joined by Mike Thurow, independent candidate for Congress in Wisconsin’s 6th District. 

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).

Patti Vasquez and guest co-hosts Joe Kilgallon and Soli Santos are joined by <a href="https://www.thurowforcongress.com/">Mike Thurow</a>, independent candidate for Congress in Wisconsin&rsquo;s 6th District.&nbsp;
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).

WCPT 820 Candidate Interview: Mike Thurow

Mike Thurow

Mike Bedenbaugh

 Antonio Ciaccia

On today's show Patti is joined by guest co-host Joe Kilgallon and their guests are
– Mike Thurow, independent candidate for Congress in Wisconsin’s 6th District
– Mike Bedenbaugh, Navy Veteran, historic preservationist, and author of “Reviving Our Republic”
– Antonio Ciaccia, expert in drug pricing and president of 46brooklyn, an Ohio-based nonprofit whose purpose is to improve the accessibility and usability of U.S. drug pricing data

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 Joe Kilgallon and their guests are &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thurowforcongress.com/">Mike Thurow</a>, independent candidate for Congress in Wisconsin&rsquo;s 6th District &ndash;&nbsp;Mike Bedenbaugh, Navy Veteran, historic preservationist, and author of &ldquo;<a href="https://revivingourrepublic.com/">Reviving Our Republic</a>&rdquo; &ndash;&nbsp;Antonio Ciaccia, expert in drug pricing and president of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.46brooklyn.com/">46brooklyn</a>, an Ohio-based nonprofit whose purpose is to improve the accessibility and usability of U.S. drug pricing data
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).

Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez | January 28, 2026

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