Patti and guest co-host Dan Schaefer are joined by Alex Hackworth, regional organizing director for Unite New York. He talks about ranked choice voting and the recent New York City mayoral primary election. 

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).

And find the "Driving It Home (Full Episodes)" podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and Amazon.

Patti and guest co-host Dan Schaefer are joined by Alex Hackworth, regional organizing director for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uniteny.org/">Unite New York</a>. He talks about ranked choice voting and the recent New York City mayoral primary election.&nbsp;
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).
And find the "Driving It Home (Full Episodes)" podcast on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5k1YzewRMAa8KsNekQbCkn">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/driving-it-home-full-episodes/id1772728749">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Driving-It-Home-(Full-Episodes)-p4553842/?topicId=433648635">TuneIn</a>, <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1300-driving-it-home-full-epis-224679504/">iHeartRadio</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLquOHBYhhrLNMRm0gNe5wbwcIuJM4upVS">YouTube</a>, and <a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d8860c92-da64-4745-a369-6c28aacfbd32/driving-it-home-full-episodes">Amazon</a>.

Here are featured interviews from "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on WCPT Chicago), 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.  

Here are featured interviews from "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT Chicago</a>), 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.

Driving It Home (Featured Interviews)

Here are full episodes of "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on WCPT Chicago), 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.  

Here are full episodes of "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT Chicago</a>), 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.

Driving It Home (Full Episodes)

"Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT Chicago) 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.  

"Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" (weeknights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on <a href="https://heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/">WCPT Chicago</a>) 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.

Driving It Home With Patti Vasquez

WCPT 820 Interview: Alex Hackworth

On today's show:

– Rodney Gibbs, Heartland Signal executive director
– Angela Cummings, executive director of American Foundation of Suicide Prevention Illinois Chapter
– Joel Bleifuss, editor and publisher of Barn Raiser, and Justin Perkins, editor and publisher of Barn Raiser
– Cliff Cash, comedian and activist 

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).

On today's show:
&ndash; Rodney Gibbs, Heartland Signal executive director &ndash; Angela Cummings, executive director of&nbsp;<a href="https://afsp.org/chapter/afsp-illinois-chapter-leadership">American Foundation of Suicide Prevention Illinois Chapter</a> &ndash; Joel Bleifuss, editor and publisher of&nbsp;<a href="https://barnraisingmedia.com/">Barn Raiser</a>, and Justin Perkins, editor and publisher of&nbsp;<a href="https://barnraisingmedia.com/">Barn Raiser</a> &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comediancliffcash.com/">Cliff Cash</a>, comedian and activist&nbsp;
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).

Driving it Home with Patti Vasquez January 15 2026

Patti Vasquez is joined by Daniel DePetris, a fellow at Defense Priorities and a syndicated foreign affairs columnist at the Chicago Tribune.

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).

Patti Vasquez is joined by Daniel DePetris, a&nbsp;fellow at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.defensepriorities.org/">Defense Priorities</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/author/daniel-depetris/">syndicated foreign affairs columnist</a> at the Chicago Tribune.
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: Daniel DePetris

Reid McCollum 

Daniel DePetris

Ellie Krug

On today's show:
– Reid McCollum, chair of the Democratic Party of DuPage County
– Daniel DePetris, a fellow at Defense Priorities and a syndicated foreign affairs columnist at the Chicago Tribune
– Ellie Krug, transgender activist, author, lawyer, and host of “The Illegal Trans Woman” on KTNF AM950, the Progressive Voice of Minnesota. Her new book is “Being Ellen: A Second Chance at Life”
– Dan Shafer, creator of The Recombobulation Area and political editor at Civic Media in Wisconsin

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).

On today's show: &ndash; Reid McCollum, chair of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dupagedemocrats.com/">Democratic Party of DuPage County </a>&ndash; Daniel&nbsp;DePetris, a&nbsp;fellow at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.defensepriorities.org/">Defense Priorities</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/author/daniel-depetris/">syndicated foreign affairs columnist</a>&nbsp;at the Chicago Tribune &ndash; Ellie Krug, transgender activist, author, lawyer, and host of &ldquo;<a href="https://www.am950radio.com/events/the-illegal-trans-woman/">The Illegal Trans Woman</a>&rdquo; on<a href="https://www.am950radio.com/">&nbsp;KTNF</a>&nbsp;AM950, the Progressive Voice of Minnesota. Her new book is &ldquo;<a href="https://beingellen.com/">Being Ellen: A Second Chance at Life</a>&rdquo; &ndash; Dan Shafer, creator of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.therecombobulationarea.news/">The Recombobulation Area</a>&nbsp;and political editor at&nbsp;<a href="https://civicmedia.us/">Civic Media</a>&nbsp;in Wisconsin
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: Alex Hackworth

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