Patti Vasquez is joined by Gwen Levey, Nashville recording artist and activist.

Gwen and Patti  discussed sexual violence, survivor advocacy, institutional accountability, and Gwen’s new album, "Wife For Life," released last week and available through streaming services and YouTube; CD and vinyl copies are available for pre-order at www.gwenleveyandthebreakdown.com/merch.

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://www.facebook.com/GwenLeveyandTheBreakdown?mibextid=ZbWKwL">Gwen Levey</a>, Nashville recording artist and activist.
Gwen and Patti&nbsp; discussed sexual violence, survivor advocacy, institutional accountability, and Gwen&rsquo;s new album, "Wife For Life," released last week and available through streaming services and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_khj93uU_l4ur8eLUSPbwJtrICXg5SrCJM">YouTube</a>; CD and vinyl copies are available for pre-order at <a href="https://www.gwenleveyandthebreakdown.com/merch)">www.gwenleveyandthebreakdown.com/merch</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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From Heartland Signal and WCPT AM 820 in Chicago, here are featured interviews from "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 featured interviews from "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 (Featured Interviews)

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

Gwen Levey: WCPT 820 Interview

On today's show Patti broadcasts live from The States Forum Convening in New York City and her guests are
– Graig Meyer, executive director of the North Carolina Justice Center
– Melissa Walker, principal strategist, Giving Circles, at The States Project, and author of 10 published novels for young readers
– Tom Moore, senior fellow for Democracy and Government at the Center for American Progress and former chief of staff to former Federal Election Commission Chair Ellen L. Weintraub
– Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Democratic member of the California State Assembly, District 16
– Ryan Geddie, Texas-based political content creator (find him on YouTube) 
– Matt McNeil, host of “The Matt McNeil Show,” weekdays at 9:00 p.m. on WCPT
– Pennsylvania State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny)


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 broadcasts live from The States Forum Convening in New York City and her guests are &ndash; Graig Meyer, executive director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncjustice.org/">North Carolina Justice Center</a> &ndash; Melissa Walker, principal strategist, Giving Circles, at <a href="https://statesproject.org/">The States Project</a>, and author of 10 published novels for young readers &ndash; <a href="https://www.americanprogress.org/people/tom-moore/">Tom Moore</a>, senior fellow for Democracy and Government at the Center for American Progress and former chief of staff to former Federal Election Commission Chair Ellen L. Weintraub &ndash; <a href="https://bauer-kahan.asmdc.org/">Rebecca Bauer-Kahan</a>, Democratic member of the California State Assembly, District 16 &ndash; <a href="https://ryangeddie.com/">Ryan Geddie</a>, Texas-based political content creator (find him on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPiQWdmfYFGO5QNU6gWSTUg">YouTube</a>)&nbsp; &ndash; Matt McNeil, host of &ldquo;<a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/programs/the-matt-mcneil-show/">The Matt McNeil Show</a>,&rdquo; weekdays at 9:00 p.m. on WCPT &ndash; Pennsylvania State <a href="https://www.palegis.us/senate/members/bio/1900/sen-pisciottano">Sen. Nick Pisciottano</a> (D-Allegheny)
 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 live from New York City | September 29, 2026

Broadcasting live from New York City, Patti is joined in hour one by:
– Gwen Levey, Nashville recording artist and activist

During the second hour of the show we play four interviews Patti recorded at the Labor Day Eddy Fest; the guests are:
– Demi Palecek, community activist and candidate for Illinois House in the 13th District
– Dylan Blaha, state director for Let's Address Illinois, organizer, veteran, and former congressional candidate in Illinois
– Artemiza “Tammy” Chavez, 2027 candidate for Chicago 18th Ward alder
– Ronnie Gonzales, Midwest territory special representative for IAM Union

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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Broadcasting live from New York City, Patti is joined in hour one by: &ndash; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GwenLeveyandTheBreakdown?mibextid=ZbWKwL">Gwen Levey</a>, Nashville recording artist and activist
During the second hour of the show we play four interviews Patti recorded at the Labor Day Eddy Fest; the guests are: &ndash; <a href="https://www.demiforillinois.com/">Demi Palecek</a>, community activist and candidate for Illinois House in the 13th District &ndash; Dylan Blaha, state director for <a href="https://letsaddressillinois.substack.com/">Let's Address Illinois</a>, organizer, veteran, and former congressional candidate in Illinois &ndash; <a href="https://www.instagram.com/artemizatammychavez/">Artemiza &ldquo;Tammy&rdquo; Chavez</a>, 2027 candidate for Chicago 18th Ward alder &ndash; Ronnie Gonzales, Midwest territory special representative for IAM Union
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 | September 28, 2026

Patti Vasquez is joined in studio by comedian and writer Janice Rodriguez, producer of the 5th Annual Latina Comedy Festival, October 1-3 at Chicago's Lincoln Lodge. Patti will perform on opening night. Get your tickets today: https://latinacomedyfestival.com/tickets.

The conversation highlighted Janice's work building an inclusive comedy festival and creating more opportunities for Latina and women comedians. Here are a few key points from the interview:
- Janice founded the Latina Comedy Festival with Las Locas Comedy; it grew from a single 2022 show into its fifth annual festival.
- The festival features comedians from across North America, including English, bilingual, and Spanish-language shows.
- Programming includes themed events such as a moms’ show, an LGBTQ show, and a lotería show.
- Janice emphasized connecting comedians, building supportive touring networks, and giving performers longer sets and access to larger stages.
- The conversation identified ongoing barriers in Chicago comedy, including intense competition and limited booking opportunities for women and Latinas.

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 in studio by comedian and writer <a href="https://janicevrodriguez.com/">Janice Rodriguez</a>, producer of the <a href="https://latinacomedyfestival.com/tickets/">5th Annual Latina Comedy Festival</a>, October 1-3 at Chicago's Lincoln Lodge. Patti will perform on opening night. Get your tickets today: <a href="https://latinacomedyfestival.com/tickets">https://latinacomedyfestival.com/tickets</a>.
The conversation highlighted Janice's work building an inclusive comedy festival and creating more opportunities for Latina and women comedians. Here are a few&nbsp;key points from the interview: - Janice founded the Latina Comedy Festival with Las Locas Comedy; it grew from a single 2022 show into its fifth annual festival. - The festival features comedians from across North America, including English, bilingual, and Spanish-language shows. - Programming includes themed events such as a moms&rsquo; show, an LGBTQ show, and a loter&iacute;a show. - Janice emphasized connecting comedians, building supportive touring networks, and giving performers longer sets and access to larger stages. - The conversation identified ongoing barriers in Chicago comedy, including intense competition and limited booking opportunities for women and Latinas.
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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Gwen Levey: WCPT 820 Interview

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