From JJC to WGN: John Williams on Fairness, Positivity and the Art of Radio Hosting
In this episode of the Roots and Branches JJC Alumni Podcast, host Jen Davis welcomes John Williams, a popular radio host on WGN Radio in Chicago. John shares his journey from Minooka Community High School to Joliet Junior College (JJC) and beyond. He reminisces about his time at JJC, his participation in various sports, writing for the Wordeater, and his father’s role as a counselor at the college. John also discusses his career path, from his early days at WSPY in Plano and WMBD in Peoria to his long-standing presence at WGN Radio. They explore the unique aspects of hosting a talk show, including the preparation involved and the importance of presenting balanced views. John and Jen also reflect on the significance of college experiences and offer advice to prospective JJC students. The episode concludes with a fun segment sharing their 'bright side' moments.
Creators and Guests
Host
Jen Davis
Jen Davis currently serves as the Annual Giving and Alumni Relations Manager at Joliet Junior College. As a former English instructor, she has spent more than two decades in higher education serving students at various points in their educational and professional careers. In her current role, Jen works to foster meaningful relationships with JJC alumni, bridging past experiences with present opportunities. Her outreach efforts include planning small and large-scale events, designing and executing yearly social media, direct mail and e-campaigns, and collaborating with other departments on campus to keep alumni engaged and connected. On occasion, Jen will also expand her role to that of JJC’s mascot, Wiley Wolf, for on-campus events and print media.
Producer
Amanda Quinn
Amanda Quinn currently serves as the Director of Institutional Advancement at Joliet Junior College, where she leads the college's fundraising efforts with a focus on major gifts and corporate support. With over 15 years of experience in fundraising, communications, and marketing, Amanda aligns fundraising strategies with the college’s priorities to ensure growth and success. She has a proven track record of enhancing annual fund programs, organizing key events, and cultivating valuable relationships with donors. Amanda's strategic vision and dedication have significantly contributed to the advancement of Joliet Junior College.
Guest
John Williams
John Williams is currently heard on WGN Radio weekdays from 10am to 2pm, including the Wintrust Business Lunch noon hour. John also hosts the award- winning weekly “The Mincing Rascals” podcast, a roundtable discussion with Chicago journalists about top news stories. He first came to WGN Radio in September 1997 as midday host. Prior to that, he hosted middays on WCCO Radio, Minneapolis, for four years. Prior to that, John spent ten years at WMBD, Peoria. His first radio job out of college was WSPY in Plano, Illinois. John's program is all encompassing. Focusing on current events, he discusses the news of the day, sports, television programs, movies, and books with a thoughtful perspective and quirky sense of humor. John excels at drawing out listener views on all sides of the issues. Inquisitive and curious by nature, he asks what listeners want to know and his guests never get a pass on the tough questions. Over the years, John has received several broadcasting awards, including Personality of the Year, Best Afternoon Show and Best Talent on a News/Talk/Sports Station. John has been voted “Favorite Radio Personality” four years in a row by West Suburban Living Magazine readers. In 2024, John won a Peter Lisagor Award from the Chicago Headline Club for his 2023 interview with the student editor of The Daily Northwestern. He’s been both a finalist and a winner of “Best Radio Personality” Silver Dome Award by the Illinois Broadcasters Association, a category he last won in 2022. John has also been a finalist for a Marconi award from the National Association of Broadcasters. In addition, John's opinion pieces occasionally appear in the Chicago Tribune. His hobbies include hiking (it used to be running), reading, telling people what he's read, and yardwork. He really enjoys yardwork. John is of the opinion the greatest invention ever is either the seedless watermelon or the internet. John and his wife Brenda have two sons, Grant and Griffin, and two granddaughters, Bernadette and Jane.
