On today's show
– Dan Didech, chair of the Lake County Democratic Party and state representative for Illinois District 59
– Dr. Jason Bussell, director of Chicago Community Acupuncture
– Jim Haadsma, candidate for Michigan House of Representatives District 44

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; Dan Didech, chair of the <a href="https://lakedems.org/">Lake County Democratic Party</a> and <a href="https://www.repdidech.com/">state representative for Illinois District 59</a> &ndash; Dr. Jason Bussell, director of <a href="https://chicomacu.com/">Chicago Community Acupuncture</a> &ndash; <a href="https://haadsmaformichigan.com/">Jim Haadsma</a>, candidate for Michigan House of Representatives District 44
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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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 | October 26, 2026

Patti Vasquez is joined by Jim Haadsma, candidate for Michigan House of Representatives District 44. Haadsma faces incumbent Republican Rep. Steve Frisbie in the November 3 election. In 2024 Frisbie took the seat from Haadsma (then a three-term incumbent) in a contest decided by a margin of 79 votes. That year Republicans regained the majority in Michigan's House; Democrats are trying to win it back in 2026. 

Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Haadsma argued that affordability concerns could benefit Democrats in highly contested Michigan races. 
- He highlighted the prior Democratic trifecta’s work on senior pension taxes, the earned income tax credit, free school meals, labor protections, renewable energy, and civil rights.
- He criticized Republican proposals affecting public school funding and discussed increasing challenges for people seeking or maintaining disability benefits.
- Haadsma said a Democratic majority could pursue affordable housing and renter protections, health care cost relief, rural hospital support, family assistance, and stronger education and workforce programs.

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://haadsmaformichigan.com/">Jim Haadsma</a>, candidate for Michigan House of Representatives District 44. Haadsma faces incumbent Republican Rep. Steve Frisbie in the November 3 election. In 2024 Frisbie took the seat from Haadsma (then a three-term incumbent) in a contest decided by a margin of 79 votes. That year Republicans regained the majority in Michigan's House; Democrats are trying to win it back in 2026.&nbsp;
Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - Haadsma argued that affordability concerns could benefit Democrats in highly contested Michigan races.&nbsp; - He highlighted the prior Democratic trifecta&rsquo;s work on senior pension taxes, the earned income tax credit, free school meals, labor protections, renewable energy, and civil rights. - He criticized Republican proposals affecting public school funding and discussed increasing challenges for people seeking or maintaining disability benefits. - Haadsma said a Democratic majority could pursue affordable housing and renter protections, health care cost relief, rural hospital support, family assistance, and stronger education and workforce programs.
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:
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Jim Haadsma: WCPT 820 Candidate Interview

Mike Cobbs

Max Winkels

On today's show Patti is joined by guest co-hosts Natalie Ziemba and Austin May, and their guests are
– Mike Cobbs, chair of the Kankakee County Illinois Democratic Party
– Max Winkels, chair of the Democratic Party of Kenosha

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 Patti is joined by guest co-hosts Natalie Ziemba and Austin May, and their guests are &ndash; Mike Cobbs, chair of the <a href="https://kankakeecountydemocrats.com/">Kankakee County Illinois Democratic Party</a> &ndash; Max Winkels, chair of the <a href="https://kenoshacountydems.org/">Democratic Party of Kenosha</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>).
 Follow us:
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Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez | October 23, 2026

On today's show
– Ruth Scifo, chair of the Democratic Party of McHenry County
– Suzan Erem, elections editor of Barn Raiser and a farmer in eastern Iowa; she is also a former labor organizer in Chicago
– Film reviewer Mike Crowley of You'll Probably Agree Reviews
– John Kroll, Democratic candidate for Wisconsin Assembly District 85

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; Ruth Scifo, chair of the <a href="https://www.mchenrydems.org/">Democratic Party of McHenry County</a> &ndash;&nbsp;Suzan Erem, elections editor of <a href="https://barnraisingmedia.com/">Barn Raiser</a> and a farmer in eastern Iowa; she is also a former labor organizer in Chicago &ndash; Film reviewer Mike Crowley of <a href="https://www.ypareviews.com/">You'll Probably Agree Reviews</a> &ndash; <a href="https://www.krollforwi.com/">John Kroll</a>, Democratic candidate for Wisconsin Assembly District 85
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 26, 2026

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