Patti Vasquez is joined in studio by Joel Ostrow, professor of political science at Benedictine University, and Rima Ziuraitas, sergeant and combat medic in the Foreign Legion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

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 <a href="https://ben.edu/faculty/joel-ostrow/">Joel Ostrow</a>, professor of political science at Benedictine University, and Rima Ziuraitas, sergeant and combat medic in the Foreign Legion of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
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

WCPT 820 Interview: Joel Ostrow and Rima Ziuraitas

Patti Vasquez is joined by Dr. Chris DeRienzo, senior vice president and chief physician executive at the American Hospital Association, to talk about National Hospital Week (May 10-16). 

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.aha.org/people/chris-derienzo">Dr. Chris DeRienzo</a>, senior vice president and chief physician executive at the <a href="https://www.aha.org/people/chris-derienzo">American Hospital Association</a>, to talk about <a href="https://www.aha.org/ahia/get-involved/national-hospital-week">National Hospital Week</a> (May 10-16).&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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WCPT 820 Interview: Dr. Chris DeRienzo of American Hospital Association

Joyce Mahoney

Dr. Chris DeRienzo

On today's show Patti is joined by guest co-host Kevin Ryan, the New Deal Democrat who recently ran for U.S. Senate in Illinois, and their guests are 
– Joyce Mahoney, regional vice president of memory care at Belmont Village Senior Living
– Dr. Chris DeRienzo, senior vice president and chief physician executive at the American Hospital Association

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&nbsp;Patti is joined by guest co-host Kevin Ryan, the New Deal Democrat who recently ran for U.S. Senate in Illinois, and their guests are&nbsp; &ndash; Joyce Mahoney, regional vice president of memory care at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.belmontvillage.com/">Belmont Village Senior Living</a> &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aha.org/people/chris-derienzo">Dr. Chris DeRienzo</a>, senior vice president and chief physician executive at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aha.org/people/chris-derienzo">American Hospital Association</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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Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez | May 11, 2026

Patti Vasquez talks to Illinois State Sen. Cristina Castro (D), sponsor of the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act (IFPA), legislation that seeks to prevent financial institutions from charging interchange fees (swipe fees) on the sales tax and tip portions of transactions, allowing retailers to avoid fees on money they do not keep.

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 Illinois State <a href="https://www.senatorcristinacastro.com/">Sen. Cristina Castro</a> (D), sponsor of the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Interchange+Fee+Prohibition+Act&amp;rlz=1C1GCGA_enUS1062US1062&amp;oq=who+sponsored+the+state+law+to+have+credit+card+companies+in+illinois+not+charge+a+fee+on+tips+and+sales+tax&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRiPAjIHCAIQIRiPAtIBCTQzNTgzajBqN6gCALACAA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;mstk=AUtExfCGcSKT0jY25ADIsx7KvT2oFQei6rhsO8lI5w54gRucq3YyVI5ABuj1-B6kjQxP285ZHYkRd_1vzPCSyeF2Ko7fa0Mcelq3FRKlOKgLURYAAhZQh4g-f23SYldc4WtEVUM&amp;csui=3&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiF4tyWxNmTAxWr4MkDHaiPON0QgK4QegQIAxAB" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/search?q%3DInterchange%2BFee%2BProhibition%2BAct%26rlz%3D1C1GCGA_enUS1062US1062%26oq%3Dwho%2Bsponsored%2Bthe%2Bstate%2Blaw%2Bto%2Bhave%2Bcredit%2Bcard%2Bcompanies%2Bin%2Billinois%2Bnot%2Bcharge%2Ba%2Bfee%2Bon%2Btips%2Band%2Bsales%2Btax%26gs_lcrp%3DEgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRiPAjIHCAIQIRiPAtIBCTQzNTgzajBqN6gCALACAA%26sourceid%3Dchrome%26ie%3DUTF-8%26mstk%3DAUtExfCGcSKT0jY25ADIsx7KvT2oFQei6rhsO8lI5w54gRucq3YyVI5ABuj1-B6kjQxP285ZHYkRd_1vzPCSyeF2Ko7fa0Mcelq3FRKlOKgLURYAAhZQh4g-f23SYldc4WtEVUM%26csui%3D3%26ved%3D2ahUKEwiF4tyWxNmTAxWr4MkDHaiPON0QgK4QegQIAxAB&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1778435252756000&amp;usg=AOvVaw13AEYyw9iE3mgwSOzjWE1F">Interchange Fee Prohibition Act</a> (IFPA), legislation that seeks to prevent financial institutions from charging interchange fees (swipe fees) on the sales tax and tip portions of transactions, allowing retailers to avoid fees on money they do not keep.
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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WCPT 820 Interview: Joel Ostrow and Rima Ziuraitas

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