On today's show Patti is joined by guest co-host Ken Mejia-Beal and their guests are
– Scott Houldieson, Democratic candidate for Indiana State Senate District 1 
– Chicago Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth of the 48th Ward
– Car Guy Tom Appel, host of the Consumer Guide Car Stuff podcast

Patti also talks to Jodi Emerson, Democratic candidate for Wisconsin’s 91st Assembly 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).

 

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On today's show Patti is joined by guest co-host Ken Mejia-Beal and their guests are &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scott4senate.com/">Scott Houldieson</a>, Democratic candidate for Indiana State Senate District 1&nbsp; &ndash; Chicago&nbsp;<a href="https://the48thward.org/about-leni">Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth</a> of the 48th Ward &ndash; Car Guy Tom Appel, host of the <a href="https://consumerguide.com/car-stuff-podcast/">Consumer Guide Car Stuff podcast</a> Patti also talks to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.emersonforassembly.com/">Jodi Emerson</a>, Democratic candidate for Wisconsin&rsquo;s 91st Assembly District.
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 | October 28, 2026

On today's show Patti is joined by guest co-host Adam Selzer and their guests are
– Dee Darling, candidate for McHenry County Board District 1
– Ed Bannon, 2026 candidate for Chicago School Board 1A
– Tracy Rangel, chair of Boone County Dems
– Amy Johnson, Democrat running to be Kane County (Illinois) sheriff

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;Patti is joined by guest co-host Adam Selzer and their guests are &ndash; <a href="https://vote4darling.com/">Dee Darling</a>, candidate for McHenry County Board District 1 &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://edbannon.com/">Ed Bannon</a>, 2026 candidate for Chicago School Board 1A &ndash; Tracy Rangel, chair of <a href="https://boonecountydems.com/index.html">Boone County Dems</a> &ndash; <a href="https://www.amyjohnsonforsheriff.com/">Amy Johnson</a>, Democrat running to be Kane County (Illinois) sheriff
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 29, 2026

On today's show Patti is joined by guest co-host Dan Schaefer and their guests are
– Mary Jo Wenmouth, chair of Kendall County Democrats
– Anita Loch, chair of the Democratic Party of Walworth County Wisconsin
– Maria Peterson, Democratic candidate for Illinois House of Representatives District 52

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;Patti is joined by guest co-host Dan Schaefer and their guests are &ndash; Mary Jo Wenmouth, chair of <a href="https://www.kendalldems.net/">Kendall County Democrats</a> &ndash; Anita Loch, chair of the <a href="https://www.walworthdems.org/">Democratic Party of Walworth County Wisconsin</a> &ndash; <a href="https://www.mariafor52.com/">Maria Peterson</a>, Democratic candidate for Illinois House of Representatives District 52
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 27, 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>).
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Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez | October 28, 2026

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