The ALL NEW Big Wakeup Call with Ryan Gatenby

The ALL NEW Big Wakeup Call with Ryan Gatenby

Ryan Gatenby chats with actors, authors, athletes, comedians, musicians, and experts in their field in each episode featuring selected interviews from the popular "The Big Wakeup Call" radio program.

Episodes

July 8, 2025 9 mins

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The Daily Show with Trevor Noah correspondent Michael Kosta called in to talk about his first one-hour stand-up special on Comedy Central, “Michael Kosta: Detroit. NY. LA.,” which was filmed in each of those three cities in a hilarious and nostalgic reminder of pre-pandemic life.  (From 12-9-20)

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"American Idol" winner Abi Carter called in to talk about her appearance on PBS's "A Capitol Fourth," her new album, and her upcoming appearance in Chicago at the Beat Kitchen on October 23rd.

ABI CARTER

BIO

 After charming judges, audiences, and voters during her journey on Season 22 of American Idol, singer-songwriter Abi Carter went from hopeful auditioner to season winner in a matter of weeks...

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July 1, 2025 10 mins

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Gordon Korman is a household name in the middle grade space. With over 100 titles to his name, he’s written a book for every kind of reader in this age group—from reluctant to voracious and all the shades in between. We discussed his brand-new adventure: SNOOP is the story of a screen-obsessed boy who finds himself trapped at home—and discovers that life gets harder when screens are all you have.

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One of my all-time favorite ballplayers, Dave "Cobra" Parker passed away June 28th at age 74.  Dave's numbers speak for themselves and he should be in the Hall of Fame.  We revisit our conversation from April 12, 2021.

Original episode description: Dave Parker won two batting titles, an MVP award, three silver sluggers, and played in 7 all-star games.  Of his 339 career homers, I bet at least 100 of thos...

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June 26, 2025 8 mins

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New York Times culture reporter, best-selling author, and Twitter superstar Dave Itzkoff dialed into the show to talk about his new book Robin: The Definitive Biography and Untold Story of Robin Williams. We discussed why fans felt such a connection to Robin, how he dealt with a rocket-like ascent to fame from comedy clubs to Mork and Mindy, his struggles with substance abuse, and how the public side of Robin Williams...

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June 24, 2025 6 mins

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Justin “MR. FASCINATE” Shaifer is nationally renowned as one of the top advocates for science education in the nation. He is a LinkedIn Top Voice in Technology, Science Communicator, popular TV host and producer who has starred in shows for ABC News, Hulu, PBS, and Travel Channel.

On June 13th, Shaifer hosted the world’s largest K-12 science competition awards – the annual Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Challenge. This eve...

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June 19, 2025 7 mins

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Chicago Fire star Joe Minoso joined the show to talk about tonight's crossover episodes of Chicago Fire and Chicago PD, beginning tonight at 8 CT on NBC-5 Chicago. Joe and I also discussed the stupidest Chicago winter ever and his roots in the area. (From 2-25-19)

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June 17, 2025 9 mins

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Debi Mazar called it to talk about her new series, “Arde Madrid: Burn Madrid Burn,” which is streaming on the Megahertz choice service. Debi plays Ava Gardner in 1960.  We also discussed meeting Frank Sinatra with Madonna, her battle with COVID-19, and the future of her series "Younger." (From 5-4-20)

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June 12, 2025 9 mins

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Jonathan McHugh is the director of a new documentary, “Long Live Rock: Celebrate the Chaos,”  now available on demand.  (From 3-12-21)

Jonathan McHugh has been producing, directing and music supervising films and TV for decades. He has produced over 35 films and TV shows, music supervised over 75 films and produced many gold, platinum, Emmy and Oscar-nominated film and TV show soundtracks. McHugh has produced quality c...

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June 10, 2025 8 mins

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Chef Marcus Samuelsson called in to give me some tips on putting a new spin on the 5 dishes I can semi-successfully make, including getting out my olive oil rut and exploring avocado oil.  Plus: Marcus talks about his new restaurant and gives a shout out to Chicago. (From 2-20-20)



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June 5, 2025 12 mins

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Best-selling author Joanna Ho makes her 5th appearance on the show and earns the coveted prize as we talk about her fun new book "Becoming Boba."

Joanna Ho is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of many children’s books, including We Who Produce Pearls, Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, and The Silence That Binds Us, her debut young adult novel, which received the Young Adult Honor for the As...

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June 3, 2025 7 mins

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The Award-Winning Story of Illegal Drugs and Famous Baseball Stars On DVD and Digital Platforms on June 4, 2019

"Another masterpiece of wild and woolly Floridiana from Florida's documentarian laureate." - Vincent Mancini, FILMDRUNK

Some of the biggest U.S. sports stars come under harsh scrutiny in the eye-opening - and queasily funny -  SCREWBALL , which reveals the real story behind baseball's notor...

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May 29, 2025 8 mins

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Paul Rees is an award-winning writer who has been covering rock and roll for three decades.  His new book is “The Ox: The Authorized Biography of The Who’s John Entwistle.” (From 4-29-20)

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May 27, 2025 8 mins

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(From 5-17-20) It was nice to welcome Clive Standen back to the show for a chat about his new show "Council of Dads."  Will there be new additions to the circle?  Will Tom Everett Scott return to the show as a ghost? Listen for the spoiler-free details!

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May 22, 2025 7 mins

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May is National Water Safety Month, which makes it the perfect time for parents and caregivers to contact their local Y and sign their children up for a Safety Around Water program or swim lesson. The YMCA’s Safety Around Water program provides children of all ages and backgrounds with the tools they need to be confident in and around water.

Water safety expert Lindsay Mondick of the YMCA joined the show to discus...

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May 20, 2025 9 mins

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Ben Cohen joined us to discuss his new book "The Hot Hand: The Mystery and Science of Streaks."  We talked about the lack of Michael Jordan on NBA Jam for Sega Genesis, the difference between "hot hand" and "dumb luck," how to write songs like John Lennon, and a special "hot hand" Spotify playlist. (From 3-12-20)

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May 15, 2025 10 mins

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Will Vought has joined the cast of the multiple Emmy Award-winning "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel."  We discussed his character (an Army Major who wants to be Bob Hope), the accuracy and detail of their 50s setting and re-creation of the era's comedy scene, and his on-screen relationship with Midge. (From 12-9-19)

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May 13, 2025 9 mins

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Mark L. Walberg is the long-time host of "Antiques Roadshow" on PBS, and is also hosting "Temptation Island," which is headed toward the two-part season 2 finale this Thursday (12/12/19) on USA Network.  We discussed some of the events of this season, how his role as host also incorporates being a counselor, and a spoiler-free hint and teaser what we can expect on the finale. (From 12-11-19)

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May 8, 2025 9 mins

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Kate Black is the co-author, along with June Diane Raphael, of the book "Represent: The Woman's Guide to Running for Office & Changing the World."  We had a lively discussion about her inspiration for the book, her collaboration with June Diane Raphael, how to (and how not to) begin your campaign, and getting a testimonial from Hillary Clinton.  (From 9-17-19)

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May 6, 2025 8 mins

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Pete Correale called in to the show for a chat about his new stand-up album "For Pete's Sake."  We talked about the adventures of being a marathon spectator, listening to classic comedy albums, and juggling a show from city to city.  

(From 10-21-19)

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