Tony Docimo, the Engineering Manager of the Ford assembly plant in Chicago, joins the Ray Stevens Show to discuss a unique project: a Ford Explorer specially designed for Pope Leo. Docimo shares his excitement and pride in the project, noting the connection some plant workers have to the Pope through St. Rita of Cascia High School, where the Pope formerly taught.

The special "Papal" Explorer features unique modifications, including. A 3.3-liter V6 hybrid powertrain, usually only found in Chicago-built police interceptors. Custom interior details, such as Chicago flag seat tags, Chicago skyline stitching on the armrest, and metal scuff plates with a Chicago-to-Vatican design. Personal touches from the Chicago team, including a group photo, handwritten letters, a celebration coin, and vanity license plates. The inclusion of Aurelio's pizza boxes, a nod to the Pope's favorite hometown pizza.

Docimo also briefly touches upon other products built at the Chicago plant, such as the Lincoln Aviator and the recently launched Explorer Tremor, while maintaining a focus on quality improvement. The interview concludes with a lighthearted discussion about potential "Chicago-specific" features for future vehicles and the possibility of bulletproof glass for the Papal Explorer.

Tony Docimo, the Engineering Manager of the Ford assembly plant in Chicago, joins the Ray Stevens Show to discuss a unique project: a Ford Explorer specially designed for Pope Leo. Docimo shares his excitement and pride in the project, noting the connection some plant workers have to the Pope through St. Rita of Cascia High School, where the Pope formerly taught.
The special "Papal" Explorer features unique modifications, including. A 3.3-liter V6 hybrid powertrain, usually only found in Chicago-built police interceptors. Custom interior details, such as Chicago flag seat tags, Chicago skyline stitching on the armrest, and metal scuff plates with a Chicago-to-Vatican design. Personal touches from the Chicago team, including a group photo, handwritten letters, a celebration coin, and vanity license plates. The inclusion of Aurelio's pizza boxes, a nod to the Pope's favorite hometown pizza.
Docimo also briefly touches upon other products built at the Chicago plant, such as the Lincoln Aviator and the recently launched Explorer Tremor, while maintaining a focus on quality improvement. The interview concludes with a lighthearted discussion about potential "Chicago-specific" features for future vehicles and the possibility of bulletproof glass for the Papal Explorer.

Ray Stevens brings the RIGHT side of the conversation to mornings on 890 WLS-AM live from 6am-9am. If you missed the show, come here to catch up on the right side of Chicago talk.

Ray Stevens brings the RIGHT side of the conversation to mornings on 890 WLS-AM live from 6am-9am. If you missed the show, come here to catch up on the right side of Chicago talk.

The Ray Stevens Show

Ray Stevens brings the RIGHT side of the conversation to mornings on 890 WLS-AM live from 6am-9am. If you missed the show, come here to catch up on the right side of Chicago talk. 

Ray Stevens brings the RIGHT side of the conversation to mornings on 890 WLS-AM live from 6am-9am. If you missed the show, come here to catch up on the right side of Chicago talk.&nbsp;

The "Pope-mobile" Explorer: A Chicago-Built Gift for the Vatican

Jonathan Hoenig of Capitalist Pig, joins The Ray Stevens Show to discuss current market trends, economic challenges, and technological advancements. Jonathan highlights the significant fluctuations in oil prices, noting a recent peak near $98 a barrel before settling around $93. He links these shifts to broader market instability and the ongoing impact of global conflicts. Major tech stocks, referred to as the "Mag 7" (including Nvidia, Apple, and Tesla), are nearing a technical correction, defined as a 10% decline from recent peaks.

January’s core inflation rate of 3.1% significantly exceeds the Fed's 2% goal, leading to expectations that interest rates will remain on hold. Despite economic concerns, Jonathan expresses optimism about American innovation, specifically citing the FAA's selection of eight new proposals for air taxi pilot programs in cities like Dallas, Austin, and New York.

A reported 42% of recent college graduates are underemployed, working in roles that do not fully utilize their degrees. This has sparked a discussion on the rising value of trade skills and the shifting requirements of major tech companies that no longer strictly demand four-year degrees.

Jonathan Hoenig of Capitalist Pig, joins The Ray Stevens Show to discuss current market trends, economic challenges, and technological advancements. Jonathan highlights the significant fluctuations in oil prices, noting a recent peak near $98 a barrel before settling around $93. He links these shifts to broader market instability and the ongoing impact of global conflicts. Major tech stocks, referred to as the "Mag 7" (including Nvidia, Apple, and Tesla), are nearing a technical correction, defined as a 10% decline from recent peaks.
January&rsquo;s core inflation rate of 3.1% significantly exceeds the Fed's 2% goal, leading to expectations that interest rates will remain on hold. Despite economic concerns, Jonathan expresses optimism about American innovation, specifically citing the FAA's selection of eight new proposals for air taxi pilot programs in cities like Dallas, Austin, and New York.
A reported 42% of recent college graduates are underemployed, working in roles that do not fully utilize their degrees. This has sparked a discussion on the rising value of trade skills and the shifting requirements of major tech companies that no longer strictly demand four-year degrees.

Market Volatility and Future Innovations

Mark Lukas from PAWS Chicago Joins The Ray Stevens Show. To discuss raining is essential for building a strong bond between a pet and its owner. Volunteers at PAWS work with shelter animals to establish a baseline of good behavior before they are adopted. When someone adopts from PAWS Chicago, their first training class is included in the adoption fee. Classes can be taken at their training center or online. Beyond basic obedience, PAWS offers fun activities like pet tricks, agility, and "nose work" (where dogs are trained to find specific scents, similar to search-and-rescue or bomb-sniffing dogs). ark highlights an upcoming major adoption event called "Rescue Together," a partnership with Chicago Animal Care and Control aimed at finding homes for as many animals as possible.

Mark Lukas from PAWS Chicago Joins The Ray Stevens Show. To discuss raining is essential for building a strong bond between a pet and its owner. Volunteers at PAWS work with shelter animals to establish a baseline of good behavior before they are adopted. When someone adopts from PAWS Chicago, their first training class is included in the adoption fee. Classes can be taken at their training center or online. Beyond basic obedience, PAWS offers fun activities like pet tricks, agility, and "nose work" (where dogs are trained to find specific scents, similar to search-and-rescue or bomb-sniffing dogs). ark highlights an upcoming major adoption event called "Rescue Together," a partnership with Chicago Animal Care and Control aimed at finding homes for as many animals as possible.

Paws Chicago: Training for Success and Upcoming Adoption Events

Travel expert Natalie Compton, joins The Ray Stevens Show to discuss the logistics and trends for Spring Break 2026. Natalie highlights that despite social media reports of long lines, travel is leveling out. However, she warns of potential delays at major hubs like Chicago O’Hare. She recommends the "TSA PreCheck Touchless ID" for faster processing, noting it's available for several major airlines at O'Hare including Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, and United. For families seeking warmer weather, Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean remain the dominant choices for the season.

 

Plan for wait times at least 20 minutes longer than usual at major airports. Natalie suggests bringing your own snacks to avoid high airport prices, like a "$40 mozzarella stick". Ensure you have your airline’s app downloaded and opt-in for touchless ID before checking in for your flight.

Travel expert Natalie Compton, joins The Ray Stevens Show to discuss the logistics and trends for Spring Break 2026. Natalie highlights that despite social media reports of long lines, travel is leveling out. However, she warns of potential delays at major hubs like Chicago O&rsquo;Hare. She recommends the "TSA PreCheck Touchless ID" for faster processing, noting it's available for several major airlines at O'Hare including Alaska, American, Delta, Southwest, and United. For families seeking warmer weather, Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean remain the dominant choices for the season.
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Plan for wait times at least 20 minutes longer than usual at major airports. Natalie suggests bringing your own snacks to avoid high airport prices, like a "$40 mozzarella stick". Ensure you have your airline&rsquo;s app downloaded and opt-in for touchless ID before checking in for your flight.

The "Pope-mobile" Explorer: A Chicago-Built Gift for the Vatican

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