As I Was Saying with Big John Howell

As I Was Saying with Big John Howell

John Howell brings you expert insights and interviews breaking down today's biggest news and events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

Velvet Hammered: Ray Long on the Rise and Fall of Michael Madigan

June 18, 2025 • 34 mins
Veteran Chicago Tribune reporter Ray Long joins John Howell to discuss The House That Madigan Built and the astonishing political career of Illinois’ longest-serving Speaker. From midnight legislative miracles to federal indictments, Long offers a front-row view of Madigan’s unmatched influence—and his dramatic downfall. Plus, the wild true story of how Madigan and Gov. Jim Thompson literally stopped time to keep the White Sox in C...

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Golf Talk, Grit, and $4.3 Million Putts with John Dempsey

June 16, 2025 • 26 mins
JJ Spaun shocks the field at Oakmont with a dramatic U.S. Open win, and John Howell and John Dempsey are here to break it all down. From bunker strategy and rough etiquette to Rory’s meltdown and Wyndham’s locker-kicking, it’s a lively post-tournament debrief with plenty of laughs (and one unexpected hole-in-one story).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Unsolicited Life Advice with Keith Conrad

June 10, 2025 • 29 mins
Every so often, we break format on As I Was Saying—no pundits, no headlines, no breaking news—just Big John Howell dispensing the kind of no-nonsense life advice you didn’t know you needed. In this special episode, John serves real-life advice on everything from relationship turmoil involving suspicious texts and overzealous raccoons, to drunken lawn ornament theft and feline codependency,

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Buddy Rich, Chuck Berry, and the Tightest Jeans in the Business: A Conversation with Mike Arturi

June 6, 2025 • 39 mins
In this episode of As I Was Saying, Big John Howell sits down with longtime friend and drummer Mike Arturi for a wide-ranging conversation about life on the road, playing with legends like Chuck Berry and Badfinger, and keeping The Lovin’ Spoonful alive. The two reminisce about their own band days, swap hilarious war stories from gigs gone sideways, and reflect on the enduring power of music. It’s a heartfelt, behind-the-scenes loo...

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Waylon, Lujack: Birthday Surprises from Legends

June 3, 2025 • 21 mins
John Howell opens the DAT vault to share a once-in-a-career morning from 1998, when Waylon Jennings and Larry Lujack both surprised him with birthday phone calls live on-air. Originally recorded during his time at US99, these conversations capture two legends at their candid best—and a young host caught completely off guard. It's a must-listen for fans of classic country, iconic radio, and unforgettable on-air moments.

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How Many Is Too Many? Phil Cafaro Makes the Progressive Case for Reducing Immigration

May 27, 2025 • 26 mins

Perhaps our biggest, current national political debate is…


How many immigrants should we allow into the USA annually, and who should be allowed to come? Big question…lots of opinions…Complex answers…


Phil Cafaro is a philosopher and writer. His work centers on environmental ethics, population policy and the preservation of wild nature. He's the author of How Many Is Too Many? The Progressive Argument for Reducing Im...

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Colby Hall on Jake Tapper's book "Original Sin" and the State of Cable News

May 22, 2025 • 24 mins

Colby Hall is the Founding Editor of Mediaite.com. He is also a Peabody Award-winning television producer as well as a terrific dancer and preparer of grilled meats.


BJH and Colby discuss the different reactions (and non-reactions) of various cable news networks. Also, recalling the classic film Network and how it was WAY ahead of its time...  

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Teeing Off on PGA Drama, LIV Tour Woes, and Golf’s Growing Coarseness with John Dempsey

May 20, 2025 • 30 mins
John Howell reconnects with longtime friend and former WLS newsman John Dempsey to break down the 2025 PGA Championship and the rise of golf phenom Scottie Scheffler. The two discuss LIV Golf’s impact on players like Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson, the state of sports broadcasting, and the decline of decorum at professional tournaments. Along the way, they veer into memories of Chicago radio, shared rounds of golf, and whether Jim Nan...

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Breaking Down the Fantasy Behind "Liberation Day" and Trump’s Tariff Promises

May 13, 2025 • 13 mins
John Howell breaks down Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” promise to replace income taxes with tariffs—and shows why the math just doesn’t work. Howell explains how even best-case scenarios leave the U.S. deep in deficit territory.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Chicago's Own Becomes First American Pope: Jennifer Stephens Reflects on Historic Moment and Hope for the Future

May 8, 2025 • 40 mins
Jennifer Stephens joins John Howell to reflect on the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope and a native of Chicago’s South Side. The two discuss the significance of his background, his connection to Pope Francis’s legacy, and what his papacy could mean for the Catholic Church and America’s standing in the world. Stephens shares personal stories, deep emotion, and a rare moment of optimism in a divided time.

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Matt Lewis: Trump's Tariffs Could Be His 'Afghanistan Moment'

April 22, 2025 • 29 mins
Political commentator Matt Lewis joined John Howell to break down what he sees as a turning point in Donald Trump’s post-presidency: the new wave of tariffs that Lewis believes may be the former president’s political undoing. Comparing Trump’s abrupt tariff rollout to President Biden’s infamous withdrawal from Afghanistan, Lewis argued the move was a self-inflicted economic blunder that Trump “owns” completely.

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Trump’s Tariff Gambit Sends Markets Reeling and Mortgage Rates Soaring

April 17, 2025 • 41 mins
John Howell sits down with financial expert David Hochberg to dissect the fallout from President Trump’s newly imposed tariffs. Hochberg explains how the abrupt trade shift has rattled bond markets, driven up mortgage rates, and undermined confidence in the U.S. economy. Together, they explore the broader implications for American consumers, investors, and businesses navigating the chaos of "Liberation Day."

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Rory’s Redemption: A Masters for the Ages

April 15, 2025 • 32 mins
John Howell is joined by golf enthusiast and former WLS News Director John Dempsey to relive Rory McIlroy’s dramatic victory at the 2025 Masters. The two discuss McIlroy’s emotional journey, his long-awaited Grand Slam, and the tournament’s unforgettable moments. They also weigh in on the state of professional golf, the culture at Augusta, and the future of the game.

Hosted on Acast. See...

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Tariffs, Chaos, and Consequences: America Takes the Ride

April 11, 2025 • 13 mins
In this episode of As I Was Saying, John Howell delivers a scathing breakdown of President Trump’s erratic tariff policy and its far-reaching economic fallout. From spiking food prices to market instability and rising mortgage rates, Howell explains how this self-inflicted economic wound threatens to spiral into a full-blown crisis. With sharp wit and historical context, he calls on Americans to recognize the damage, reclaim legisl...

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Trump’s Tariff Plan Might Be A Major Self-Inflicted Wound

April 8, 2025 • 22 mins
John Howell takes a look at President Trump’s sweeping new tariff policy, which he calls the largest tax increase in American history. Howell unpacks the economic and political consequences of the plan, highlighting its likely impact on prices, supply chains, and America’s global standing. With wit and urgency, he warns that this self-inflicted wound may usher in recession—not resurgence.

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Colby Hall Talks Trump, Canada, and Media Distraction

April 1, 2025 • 19 mins
John Howell welcomed Colby Hall, founding editor of Mediaite.com and Peabody Award-winning TV producer, for a discussion that spanned Trump’s curious obsession with Canada and Greenland, media manipulation, and the Democratic Party’s struggles to define itself.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Constitutional Law Expert Eric Segall on the State of the Supreme Court

March 25, 2025 • 29 mins
Law Professor Eric Siegel with Georgia State University College of Law discusses various aspects of constitutional law, focusing on the Supreme Court's role, the concept of birthright citizenship, the importance of judicial precedent, and the implications of life tenure for justices. He critiques the current political alignment of the Supreme Court and emphasizes the need for term limits. The discussion also touches on the balance ...

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Neil Steinberg on Writing, Regret, and Refusing to Capitulate

March 21, 2025 • 67 mins
Neil Steinberg, a long-time columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, discusses the current state of journalism, the importance of accountability in writing, and the challenges faced by columnists in today's political climate. He reflects on his career, the significance of addressing controversial topics, and the role of columnists in society. Steinberg also shares insights on dealing with criticism and the impact of politics on journal...

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The Changing Landscape of Talk Radio with John Dempsey

March 20, 2025 • 35 mins
John Howell reconnects with his old friend and former colleague, John Dempsey, reflecting on their broadcasting careers, the evolution of talk radio, and the impact of COVID on their professional lives. Dempsey shares insights into his decision to retire, his thoughts on the current media landscape, and his plans to launch a new podcast titled 'What Does It Mean?' The discussion also touches on personal reflections, regrets, and th...

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Politics, Media, and Misinformation with Joe Walsh

March 18, 2025 • 28 mins
Joe Walsh is a former congressman, 2020 Republican presidential candidate, and outspoken critic of Donald Trump. Howell and Walsh tackled the ethical dilemmas of talk radio. Walsh, who admits he once played into divisive rhetoric, now regrets the role he and others had in shaping the modern conservative media landscape.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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