On today's show Paul Chivari fills in for Patti and his guests are
– Dmitri Mehlhorn, an attorney and former Democratic strategist who has spent years working on election strategy and questions around the rule of law 
– Jonny Diamond, editor of the new book “American Occupation: Dispatches from Minnesota’s Resistance to ICE,” along with Gabriela Spears-Rico, one of the contributors to the book

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 Paul Chivari fills in for Patti and his guests are &ndash; Dmitri Mehlhorn, an attorney and former Democratic strategist who has spent years working on election strategy and questions around the rule of law&nbsp; &ndash; Jonny Diamond, editor of the new book &ldquo;<a href="https://www.upress.umn.edu/9781517923310/american-occupation/">American Occupation: Dispatches from Minnesota&rsquo;s Resistance to ICE</a>,&rdquo; along with Gabriela Spears-Rico, one of the contributors to the book
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 with guest host Paul Chivari | November 9, 2026

Patti Vasquez is joined by Jordan Zaslow, founder/executive director at Her Bold Move. The interview focused on the strong midterm election results for women supported by Her Bold Move and the organization’s plans to translate those election wins into policy wins.

Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- The organization supported 137 candidates across 33 states; 85 percent won. All supported candidates in Arkansas, Alabama, Indiana, Missouri, and South Carolina won.
- She said the organization prioritizes abortion-ban states, where candidates connect with voters on how state policy affects their lives.
- The organization is compiling policies from across the country to help newly elected legislators identify and advance policies that improve women’s lives.
- Zaslow emphasized that having more women in legislatures can help surface the effects of legislation and address blind spots.
- Her Bold Move supports women running for a second or third time and encourages first-time candidates, including in states that are not swing states.
- The organization plans to focus on Mississippi and invites interested people to learn about volunteering or running through its website.

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).

 

Follow us:

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Patti Vasquez is joined by Jordan Zaslow, founder/executive director at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herboldmove.org/about-us">Her Bold Move</a>.&nbsp;The interview focused on the strong midterm election results for women supported by Her Bold Move and the organization&rsquo;s plans to translate those election wins into policy wins.
Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - The organization supported 137 candidates across 33 states; 85 percent won. All supported candidates in Arkansas, Alabama, Indiana, Missouri, and South Carolina won. - She said the organization prioritizes abortion-ban states, where candidates connect with voters on how state policy affects their lives. - The organization is compiling policies from across the country to help newly elected legislators identify and advance policies that improve women&rsquo;s lives. - Zaslow emphasized that having more women in legislatures can help surface the effects of legislation and address blind spots. - Her Bold Move supports women running for a second or third time and encourages first-time candidates, including in states that are not swing states. - The organization plans to focus on Mississippi and invites interested people to learn about volunteering or running through its <a href="https://www.herboldmove.org">website</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>).
&nbsp;
Follow us:
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Jordan Zaslow of Her Bold Move: WCPT 820 Interview

Patti Vasquez is joined by Shasti Conrad, chair of the Washington State Democratic Party and vice chair of the Democratic National Committee. 

The interview examined Democratic election gains, the party’s strategy, and the work needed to sustain public trust. Here are a few highlights from the conversation: 
- Conrad credited investment in state-level infrastructure, including voter registration, poll observer training, and legal support, with helping the party compete beyond traditional battlegrounds.
- She described the results as reflecting concerns about affordability and Republican overreach, alongside outreach to diverse communities.
- She said voter-protection efforts should remain active through election certification, while noting that anticipated intimidation at polling places did not materialize.
- She emphasized that winning depends on delivering results and maintaining public engagement and accountability.

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 Shasti Conrad, chair of the&nbsp;<a href="https://wadems.org/">Washington State Democratic Party </a>and vice chair of the Democratic National Committee.&nbsp;
The interview examined Democratic election gains, the party&rsquo;s strategy, and the work needed to sustain public trust. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:&nbsp; - Conrad credited investment in state-level infrastructure, including voter registration, poll observer training, and legal support, with helping the party compete beyond traditional battlegrounds. - She described the results as reflecting concerns about affordability and Republican overreach, alongside outreach to diverse communities. - She said voter-protection efforts should remain active through election certification, while noting that anticipated intimidation at polling places did not materialize. - She emphasized that winning depends on delivering results and maintaining public engagement and accountability.
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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Shasti Conrad: WCPT 820 Interview

Marker 01

Patti Vasquez is joined by Megan Hershey, professor of political science at Whitworth University and author of "How to Protest: Lessons on Nonviolent Action" (2026).  Hershey discussed practical approaches to nonviolent protest and why they can help movements build support and pursue change. 

Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Protest can be loud, disruptive, silent, or symbolic; effective tactics connect clearly to a specific issue and communicate a compelling message.
- Public demonstrations can build community, affirm that participants are not alone, and help people learn about other ways to engage in a democracy.
- Protesters should anticipate misinformation and prepare to communicate their aims clearly.
- Hershey advised planning for potential risks, sharing whereabouts and return plans with someone, memorizing emergency contacts, and considering digital surveillance.
- She argued nonviolent action can carry moral and strategic advantages, and cited historical evidence that it can be more effective than violence.

Photo credit: Zachary Rodriguez

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 Megan Hershey, professor of political science at Whitworth University and author of "<a href="https://uwpress.wisc.edu/Books/H/How-to-Protest2">How to Protest: Lessons on Nonviolent Action</a>" (2026).&nbsp; Hershey discussed practical approaches to nonviolent protest and why they can help movements build support and pursue change.&nbsp;
Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - Protest can be loud, disruptive, silent, or symbolic; effective tactics connect clearly to a specific issue and communicate a compelling message. - Public demonstrations can build community, affirm that participants are not alone, and help people learn about other ways to engage in a democracy. - Protesters should anticipate misinformation and prepare to communicate their aims clearly. - Hershey advised planning for potential risks, sharing whereabouts and return plans with someone, memorizing emergency contacts, and considering digital surveillance. - She argued nonviolent action can carry moral and strategic advantages, and cited historical evidence that it can be more effective than violence.
Photo credit: Zachary Rodriguez
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 with guest host Paul Chivari | November 9, 2026

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