Patti Vasquez is joined by Amy Bizzarri, Chicago-based writer who has written four books focused on Chicago history, including "The Best Hits on Route 66: 100 Essential Stops on the Mother Road" (2018) and "Route 66 Recipes: A Culinary Cruise Along the Mother Road" (2026). Route 66 was established on November 11, 2026. 

Bizzarri is also a teacher, tour guide and certified wine expert.

Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- The 2,448-mile highway was established 100 years ago; its original Chicago starting point is Adams Street and Michigan Avenue, while Navy Pier was designated as a new starting point.
- Amy highlighted the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, and recommended driving the route in segments or allowing about three weeks for the full trip.
- Springfield, Illinois, offers Route 66 attractions, including the Cozy Dog Drive In, which serves up corn dogs; Springfield is also the birthplace of the horseshoe sandwich. 

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 Amy Bizzarri, Chicago-based writer who has written four books focused on Chicago history, including "The Best Hits on Route 66: 100 Essential Stops on the Mother Road" (2018) and "Route 66 Recipes: A Culinary Cruise Along the Mother Road" (2026). Route 66 was established on November 11, 2026.&nbsp;
Bizzarri is also a teacher, tour guide and certified wine expert.
Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - The 2,448-mile highway was established 100 years ago; its original Chicago starting point is Adams Street and Michigan Avenue, while Navy Pier was designated as a new starting point. - Amy highlighted the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, and recommended driving the route in segments or allowing about three weeks for the full trip. - Springfield, Illinois, offers Route 66 attractions, including the Cozy Dog Drive In, which serves up corn dogs; Springfield is also the birthplace of the horseshoe sandwich.&nbsp;
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

Historian and author Amy Bizzarri: WCPT 820 Interview  

Patti Vasquez is joined by Maura White, senior attorney with Romanucci & Blandin; she has years of experience as a federal prosecutor of sex crimes. 

The interview examined challenges in investigating sexual assault and ways institutions can better support survivors and prevent abuse. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- White, a former state and federal prosecutor, said campus sexual assault is underreported and investigations can be weakened by assumptions, inadequate training, and limited resources.
- She emphasized trauma-informed investigations and noted that social media can intensify the burden on survivors.
- She supports age-appropriate education about consent and boundaries, community bystander intervention, and evaluating safety measures such as cameras in common areas, while balancing privacy.

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:

Website: https://heartlandsignal.com

WCPT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPT820

Heartland Signal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartlandSignal

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Patti Vasquez is joined by Maura White, senior attorney with <a href="https://www.rblaw.net/">Romanucci &amp; Blandin</a>; she has years of experience as a federal prosecutor of sex crimes.&nbsp;
The interview examined challenges in investigating sexual assault and ways institutions can better support survivors and prevent abuse. Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - White, a former state and federal prosecutor, said campus sexual assault is underreported and investigations can be weakened by assumptions, inadequate training, and limited resources. - She emphasized trauma-informed investigations and noted that social media can intensify the burden on survivors. - She supports age-appropriate education about consent and boundaries, community bystander intervention, and evaluating safety measures such as cameras in common areas, while balancing privacy.
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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Attorney Maura White: WCPT 820 Interview

Chris Jones

 Heather and Leila Staton 

Maura White

Soli and Evie

On today's show
– Musician Chris Jones
– Heather and Leila Staton of Insufferable Wenches, an Indivisible group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
– Maura White, senior attorney with Romanucci & Blandin; she has years of experience as a federal prosecutor of sex crimes
– Soli Santos and Evie Cato, hosts and producers of “¿Que? The No Sabo Comedy Experience,” happening November 19 at the Comedy Plex in Oak Park, Illinois

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; Musician <a href="https://chrisjonesgrass.com/">Chris Jones</a> &ndash; Heather and Leila Staton of <a href="https://insufferablewenches.org/">Insufferable Wenches</a>, an Indivisible group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa &ndash; Maura White, senior attorney with Romanucci &amp; Blandin; she has years of experience as a federal prosecutor of sex crimes &ndash; Soli Santos and Evie Cato, hosts and producers of &ldquo;<a href="https://www.comedyplex.com/event/que-the-no-sabo-comedy-experience-1004/register">&iquest;Que? The No Sabo Comedy Experience</a>,&rdquo; happening November 19 at the Comedy Plex in Oak Park, Illinois
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 | November 12, 2026

Patti Vasquez talks to Daniel Squadron, co-founder of The States Forum and The States Project, and author of "The Fourth Branch: How State Government Can Save Our Union."

Squadron and Vasquez discussed the impact of recent state legislative shifts and how states can deliver visible results for voters. Here are a few highlights from the conversation:
- Squadron said new majorities and broken supermajorities create opportunities to advance policies such as paid family leave, higher minimum wages, and Medicaid expansion.
- In states with divided government he argued that governors and legislatures should seek common ground on affordability, health care, wages, housing, and child care.
- He urged new majorities to address affordability and corruption, including entrenched practices and special-interest influence.
- He said voters should judge whether elected officials deliver results, rather than accept explanations that divided government prevented action. 
- Squadron advocated for states to assess budgets over 10 years, arguing that this can reveal the long-term public and fiscal benefits of effective programs, including maternal home visiting and early intervention. He recently published a piece on Substack, "Democracy’s Burning. Time For An Esoteric, Technical Change To Expand Opportunity."

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 talks to Daniel Squadron, co-founder of <a href="https://www.statesforum.org/">The States Forum</a> and <a href="https://statesproject.org/">The States Project</a>, and author of "<a href="https://statesproject.org/fourthbranch/">The Fourth Branch: How State Government Can Save Our Union</a>."
Squadron and Vasquez discussed the impact of recent state legislative shifts and how states can deliver visible results for voters. Here are a few highlights from the conversation: - Squadron said new majorities and broken supermajorities create opportunities to advance policies such as paid family leave, higher minimum wages, and Medicaid expansion. - In states with divided government he argued that governors and legislatures should seek common ground on affordability, health care, wages, housing, and child care. - He urged new majorities to address affordability and corruption, including entrenched practices and special-interest influence. - He said voters should judge whether elected officials deliver results, rather than accept explanations that divided government prevented action.&nbsp; - Squadron advocated for states to assess budgets over 10 years, arguing that this can reveal the long-term public and fiscal benefits of effective programs, including maternal home visiting and early intervention. He recently published a piece on Substack, "<a href="https://statesforum.substack.com/p/democracys-burning-time-for-an-esoteric?utm_source=post-email-title&amp;amp;publication_id=5441009&amp;amp;post_id=222570563&amp;amp;utm_campaign=email-post-title&amp;amp;isFreemail=true&amp;amp;r=63txqi&amp;amp;triedRedirect=true&amp;amp;utm_medium=email">Democracy&rsquo;s Burning. Time For An Esoteric, Technical Change To Expand Opportunity</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;
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Historian and author Amy Bizzarri: WCPT 820 Interview

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