Christopher Pazdernik

Ben Cominos

On today's show
– Christopher Pazdernik, member of the Artistic Council for the Sarah Siddons Society, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to theater students at five Chicago-area universities and professional development grants to early-career artists; Patti is the emcee for their 2026 Sarah Siddons Society Award Benefit Honoring Victoria Clark, Monday, November 9
– Ben Cominos, host of "Outside The Box with Ben Cominos" on Substack

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 &ndash; Christopher Pazdernik, member of the Artistic Council for the&nbsp;<a href="https://sarahsiddonssociety.org/">Sarah Siddons Society</a>, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to theater students at five Chicago-area universities and professional development grants to early-career artists; Patti is the emcee for their <a href="https://sarahsiddonssociety.org/events-list/2026/sarah-sss-award-benefit">2026 Sarah Siddons Society Award Benefit Honoring&nbsp;Victoria Clark</a>, Monday, November 9 &ndash; Ben Cominos, host of "<a href="https://minocquabrewingcompanytimes.substack.com/p/outside-the-box-with-ben-cominos-da8">Outside The Box with Ben Cominos</a>" on Substack
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 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 | November 5, 2026

Nathan Shrader

Mike Mercado

On today's show Paul Chivari fills in for Patti Vasquez and his guests are
– Dr. Nathan Shrader, associate professor of politics at New England College and co-director of the New England College Center for Civic Engagement
– Mike Mercado, co-host of “The Sports Cubicle” on WCPT (Sundays at 9:00 p.m. Central), and “The Bear Era Podcast”
– Christopher Armitage, author, veteran, former law enforcement officer, activist, policy adviser, owner and editor-in-chief of Gavel Grab and publisher of The Existentialist Republic on Substack; he'll talk about his recent piece "How Texas Can Put Elon Musk in Prison"

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;Paul Chivari fills in for Patti Vasquez and his guests are &ndash; Dr. Nathan Shrader, associate professor of politics at <a href="https://www.nec.edu/">New England College</a> and co-director of the <a href="https://www.nec.edu/engage">New England College Center for Civic Engagement</a> &ndash; Mike Mercado, co-host of &ldquo;<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/programs/the-sports-cubicle/">The Sports Cubicle</a>&rdquo; on WCPT (Sundays at 9:00 p.m. Central), and &ldquo;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@BearEraPodcast">The Bear Era Podcast</a>&rdquo; &ndash; Christopher Armitage, author, veteran, former law enforcement officer, activist, policy adviser, owner and editor-in-chief of&nbsp;<a href="https://gavelgrab.org/">Gavel Grab </a>and publisher of <a href="https://cmarmitage.substack.com/">The Existentialist Republic</a> on Substack; he'll talk about his recent piece "<a href="https://cmarmitage.substack.com/p/texas-can-prosecute-elon-musk">How Texas Can Put Elon Musk in Prison</a>"
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 with guest host Paul Chivari | November 13, 2026 

Patti Vasquez is joined by Maura White, senior attorney with Romanucci & Blandin; she has years of experience as a federal prosecutor of sex crimes. 

The interview examined challenges in investigating sexual assault and ways institutions can better support survivors and prevent abuse. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- White, a former state and federal prosecutor, said campus sexual assault is underreported and investigations can be weakened by assumptions, inadequate training, and limited resources.
- She emphasized trauma-informed investigations and noted that social media can intensify the burden on survivors.
- She supports age-appropriate education about consent and boundaries, community bystander intervention, and evaluating safety measures such as cameras in common areas, while balancing privacy.

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 Maura White, senior attorney with <a href="https://www.rblaw.net/">Romanucci &amp; Blandin</a>; she has years of experience as a federal prosecutor of sex crimes.&nbsp;
The interview examined challenges in investigating sexual assault and ways institutions can better support survivors and prevent abuse. Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - White, a former state and federal prosecutor, said campus sexual assault is underreported and investigations can be weakened by assumptions, inadequate training, and limited resources. - She emphasized trauma-informed investigations and noted that social media can intensify the burden on survivors. - She supports age-appropriate education about consent and boundaries, community bystander intervention, and evaluating safety measures such as cameras in common areas, while balancing privacy.
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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Attorney Maura White: WCPT 820 Interview

Chris Jones

 Heather and Leila Staton 

Maura White

Soli and Evie

On today's show
– Musician Chris Jones
– Heather and Leila Staton of Insufferable Wenches, an Indivisible group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
– Maura White, senior attorney with Romanucci & Blandin; she has years of experience as a federal prosecutor of sex crimes
– Soli Santos and Evie Cato, hosts and producers of “¿Que? The No Sabo Comedy Experience,” happening November 19 at the Comedy Plex in Oak Park, 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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On today's show &ndash; Musician <a href="https://chrisjonesgrass.com/">Chris Jones</a> &ndash; Heather and Leila Staton of <a href="https://insufferablewenches.org/">Insufferable Wenches</a>, an Indivisible group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa &ndash; Maura White, senior attorney with Romanucci &amp; Blandin; she has years of experience as a federal prosecutor of sex crimes &ndash; Soli Santos and Evie Cato, hosts and producers of &ldquo;<a href="https://www.comedyplex.com/event/que-the-no-sabo-comedy-experience-1004/register">&iquest;Que? The No Sabo Comedy Experience</a>,&rdquo; happening November 19 at the Comedy Plex in Oak Park, 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>).
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Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez | November 5, 2026

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