WCPT 820 Interview: Ruth Scifo and Mary Mahady

Patti Vasquez is joined in studio by Ruth Scifo, chair of the Democratic Party of McHenry County, and Mary Mahady, president of the McHenry County Democratic Women. Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-h…

WCPT 820 Candidate Interview: Fred Wellman

Patti Vasquez is joined by Fred Wellman, veteran, entrepreneur, and 2026 candidate for Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District. Wellman talked about his campaign and his priorities for addressing health care access, affordability, tariffs, labor protections, infrastructure, and accountability for el…

WCPT 820 Interview: Missouri State Rep. Mark Boyko (D)

Patti Vasquez is joined by Mark Boyko, Democratic representative serving the 90th House District of Missouri and 2026 candidate for re-election. Boyko explained the legal and political dispute over Missouri’s mid-cycle congressional redistricting and amendments on the November ballot. Catch "Drivi…

WCPT 820 Interview: Kirk Bangstad of Minocqua Brewing Company

Patti Vasquez and guest co-host Ken Mejia-Beal are joined in studio by Kirk Bangstad, CEO and founder of Minocqua Brewing Company and the Minocqua Marketplace. 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).…

WCPT 820 Interview: Jax West of Friends Who March

Patti Vasquez and guest co-host Ken Mejia-Beal are joined by Jax West, founder and president of Friends Who March. The discussion focused on organizing a rapid-response protest during Donald Trump's planned visit to DuPage County. Here is a brief summary of the conversation: - West is coordinating…

WCPT 820 Interview: Author Geoff Curtis

Patti Vasquez is joined in studio by Geoff Curtis, Chicago-based author of "Embracing Your Own Purgatory." Curtis discussed how losing a long-held job can destabilize professional identity and how self-reflection can help people navigate career change. Here is a brief summary of the conversation: …

WCPT 820 Interview: Playwright Jessica Huang

Patti Vasquez is joined by Jessica Huang, playwright of “The Birth of the Pill,” having its world premiere at TimeLine Theatre through October 4th. Here is a brief summary of the conversation: - Timeline Theatre commissioned the play after pursuing the project for more than a decade. - Jessica des…

WCPT 820 Candidate Interview: Ernie Marcelain

Patti Vasquez is joined by Ernie Marcelain, 2026 candidate for Illinois Senate District 38. Candidate Background - Ernie grew up in Sandwich, Illinois, experienced financial hardship due to his father’s long-term layoff, and began working immediately after high school to support his family. - His …

WCPT 820 Interview: Joyce Porter of Oak Park Film Festival

Patti Vasquez is joined by Joyce Porter, Oak Park Film Festival founder and board president. The fest, the third annual, takes place September 19 and 20, with opening night happening September 16.  - All films have an Oak Park connection; submissions are accepted through FilmFreeway, with a limit …

WCPT 820 Interview: Erin Bosack of Chicago Area Peace Action

Patti Vasquez is joined by Erin Bosack, president of Chicago Area Peace Action (CAPA). This Sunday, September 6 CAPA presents "An Afternoon with Amy Goodman: Independent Media in a Time of Elections, War, and Rising Authoritarianism" at the University of Illinois Chicago. Catch "Driving It Home wi…