On today's show
– Dan Hebreard, president of Forest Preserve of DuPage County and 2026 candidate for re-election
– Ray McKenzie of the band Chicago Rock Exchange; they perform at the 2nd Annual Concert for Democracy Sunday, October 11 at Belvedere Events & Catering in Elk Grove Village, Illinois
– Dave Bushaw, independent candidate for Congress in Iowa’s 2nd District
– Ben Gruber, Democratic candidate for Wisconsin State Assembly District 51

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 Hebreard, president of Forest Preserve of DuPage County and 2026 <a href="https://www.danielhebreard.com/">candidate for re-election</a> &ndash; Ray McKenzie of the band <a href="https://www.chicagorockexchange.com/">Chicago Rock Exchange</a>; they perform at the 2nd Annual <a href="https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/1045176/">Concert for Democracy</a> Sunday, October 11 at Belvedere Events &amp; Catering in Elk Grove Village, Illinois &ndash; <a href="https://www.davebushaw.com/">Dave Bushaw</a>, independent candidate for Congress in Iowa&rsquo;s 2nd District &ndash; <a href="https://www.ben-gruber.com/">Ben Gruber</a>, Democratic candidate for Wisconsin State Assembly District 51
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 5, 2026

Patti Vasquez is joined by Patrick Cortesi, chair of the Democratic Party of McLean County.

The discussion highlighted McLean County Democrats’ organizing strategy, local economic concerns, and candidates for upcoming elections. Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- County residents are focused on rising grocery, fuel, fertilizer, insurance, and farming costs.
- Rivian remains strong locally, with continued hiring and an added production shift, but reduced federal EV and solar incentives may limit future growth.
- SNAP cuts and reduced agricultural export markets are expected to increase pressure on food pantries, farmers, and local communities.
- Cortesi described the Democrats’ coalition of organized labor, college students, and women as central to taking control of the McLean County Board.
- The party is supporting candidates including Eric Sorensen and Paul Nolly for Congress, Joshua Crockett for McLean County clerk, and a slate of 10 county board candidates.

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 Patrick Cortesi, chair of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mcleancountydemocrats.org/">Democratic Party of McLean County</a>.
The discussion highlighted McLean County Democrats&rsquo; organizing strategy, local economic concerns, and candidates for upcoming elections. Here are a few key points from the conversation: - County residents are focused on rising grocery, fuel, fertilizer, insurance, and farming costs. - Rivian remains strong locally, with continued hiring and an added production shift, but reduced federal EV and solar incentives may limit future growth. - SNAP cuts and reduced agricultural export markets are expected to increase pressure on food pantries, farmers, and local communities. - Cortesi described the Democrats&rsquo; coalition of organized labor, college students, and women as central to taking control of the McLean County Board. - The party is supporting candidates including Eric Sorensen and Paul Nolly for Congress, Joshua Crockett for McLean County clerk, and a slate of 10 county board candidates.
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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Patrick Cortesi of McLean County Dems: WCPT 820 Interview

Patti Vasquez is joined by Dan VanTilburg, vice chair of the DeKalb County Illinois Democratic Party. Patti will be the keynote speaker at DeKalb Democrats’ Paul Simon Awards Dinner & Fundraiser Sunday, October 4. 

The discussion examined voter concerns and Democratic organizing in DeKalb County. VanTillburg described listening efforts across the county, with gas prices, immigration enforcement, and the Palestinian issue among the concerns raised. Other key points from the conversation:
- Some lifelong Republican voters are reconsidering their support for the party because of ICE enforcement.
- Immigration enforcement near the Sycamore courthouse has made some university-affiliated residents less willing to go out, affecting the local economy.
- Farmers are facing lower soybean prices after losing contracts and trust in foreign markets.
- Tariffs and input costs were identified as additional pressures on generational and newer farms.

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 Dan VanTilburg, vice chair of the&nbsp;<a href="https://dekalbcountydemocrats.org/">DeKalb County Illinois Democratic Party</a>. Patti will be the keynote speaker at <a href="https://dekalbcountydemocrats.org/">DeKalb Democrats&rsquo; Paul Simon Awards Dinner &amp; Fundraiser</a> Sunday, October 4.&nbsp;
The discussion examined voter concerns and Democratic organizing in DeKalb County. VanTillburg described listening efforts across the county, with gas prices, immigration enforcement, and the Palestinian issue among the concerns raised. Other key points from the conversation: - Some lifelong Republican voters are reconsidering their support for the party because of ICE enforcement. - Immigration enforcement near the Sycamore courthouse has made some university-affiliated residents less willing to go out, affecting the local economy. - Farmers are facing lower soybean prices after losing contracts and trust in foreign markets. - Tariffs and input costs were identified as additional pressures on generational and newer farms.
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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Dan VanTilburg of DeKalb County Dems: WCPT 820 Interview

Patti Vasquez is joined by folk music and social justice activist duo Emma’s Revolution (Pat Humphries and Sandy O.), who will perform at the 2nd Annual Concert for Democracy Sunday, October 11 at Belvedere Events & Catering in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. The event benefits Partners for Our Communities, which provides legal help, know-your-rights training, food assistance, and English classes. The concert is intended to energize attendees and encourage civic engagement ahead of the midterms.

The conversation highlighted Emma’s Revolution’s role in using music to build solidarity and support social justice causes. The duo connects issues including immigration, climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and human rights. Pat described Pete Seeger as a mentor whose response to the first song she wrote as an adult, "Keep on Moving Forward," shaped her musical work. Seeger called it "the best song I've heard in 50 years." Their documentary, "Keep on Moving Forward," will chronicle the duo’s first 20 years and is scheduled for a February 2027 release.

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 folk music and social justice activist duo <a href="https://emmasrevolution.com/">Emma&rsquo;s Revolution</a> (Pat Humphries and Sandy O.), who will perform at the 2nd Annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/1045176/">Concert for Democracy</a> Sunday, October 11 at Belvedere Events &amp; Catering in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. The event benefits <a href="https://poc.news/">Partners for Our Communities</a>, which provides legal help, know-your-rights training, food assistance, and English classes. The concert is intended to energize attendees and encourage civic engagement ahead of the midterms.
The conversation highlighted Emma&rsquo;s Revolution&rsquo;s role in using music to build solidarity and support social justice causes. The duo connects issues including immigration, climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, women&rsquo;s rights, and human rights. Pat described Pete Seeger as a mentor whose response to the first song she wrote as an adult, "Keep on Moving Forward," shaped her musical work. Seeger called it "the best song I've heard in 50 years." Their documentary, "<a href="https://emmasrevolution.com/the-film">Keep on Moving Forward</a>," will chronicle the duo&rsquo;s first 20 years and is scheduled for a February 2027 release.
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 | October 5, 2026

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