As I Was Saying with Big John Howell

Dave Norman on Jerry Hey and the L.A. Studio Sound

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 17:48:44 GMT

John Howell sits down with trumpeter and educator Dave C. Norman for an inside look at the life and legacy of legendary L.A. studio player and arranger Jerry Hey. From Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall to Earth, Wind & Fire and Quincy Jones, Hey’s horn section defined a generation of pop and R&B. It’s a deep dive into the artistry, discipline, and unmistakable sound of the players who made brass shine like lasers.

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Dave Norman on Chops, Sound, and the Art of Making Music

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 20:56:35 GMT

John Howell sits down with trumpet virtuoso and educator Dave C. Norman to unpack chops vs. musicianship, studio politics, and the “Quiet Trumpet” philosophy. They dig into range the right way (resistance, slotting, breath attacks), why soft, lyrical control beats higher-faster-louder, and how classical fundamentals pay off everywhere. Plus: mic technique from the Jerry Hey school, lessons from Doc and Maynard, and Dave’s upcoming book and 700+ tutorials.

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Colby Hall Unpacks Trump’s Alaska Fumble—and the MAGA Media Meltdown

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 18:18:54 GMT

Mediaite’s Colby Hall joins John Howell to unpack the optics, fallout, and media spin from Donald Trump’s bizarre Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin. From red carpet applause to a rambling press conference, Hall explains how Trump’s attempt at statesmanship backfired—and why even some MAGA loyalists are starting to balk. It’s a sharp, funny, and sobering look at foreign policy as performance.

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Panic on the Airwaves: Orson Welles, War of the Worlds, and America’s First Viral Hoax

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 00:48:04 GMT

Bestselling author William Elliott Hazelgrove joins Big John Howell to revisit the night in 1938 when Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds broadcast sent America into a panic. They explore how Welles crafted the fake “breaking news” format, why so many believed it, and the chaos that followed. Hazelgrove also draws parallels between the media climate then and now, and what the stunt still teaches us about fear and misinformation.

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Redistricting, Reform, and the Return of Rick Pearson

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 22:49:50 GMT

Big John Howell sits down with Chicago Tribune political reporter Rick Pearson to unpack Illinois' latest push for redistricting reform. They explore why past efforts failed, what’s different this time, and how partisan maps fuel political extremism. Plus, reflections on Mike Madigan, J.B. Pritzker, and a few thoughts on the Bears’ upcoming season.

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Inflation, Interest Rates, and Intellectual Dishonesty with David Hochberg

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 01:14:10 GMT

Mortgage expert David Hochberg joins John Howell to break down Trump’s clash with Fed Chair Jerome Powell, the dangers of politicizing interest rates, and why economic truth is getting buried under partisan talking points. Plus, tariffs, housing trends, and a tribute to Chuck Mangione.

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Scotty Scheffler, Golf Greatness, and the Apple TV Series “Stick” with John Dempsey

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 01:28:52 GMT

John Howell and longtime radio partner John Dempsey reconnect for an old-school conversation about golf, greatness, and the curious calm of PGA star Scotty Scheffler. From Scheffler’s understated dominance to the rules controversy surrounding Shane Lowry, they dive deep into what makes a golfer—and a game—compelling. They also riff on the new Apple TV golf dramedy Stick, revisit the glory of Happy Gilmore, and plan their next round (pressed shorts required).

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Colby Hall: Epstein, MAGA Media, and the Monster They Made

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:18:17 GMT

Mediaite’s Colby Hall joins John Howell to break down the unraveling of a long-running MAGA conspiracy theory: the mythical Jeffrey Epstein “client list.” With Trump allies like Pam Bondi and Dan Bongino suddenly changing their tune, Hall explains how MAGA media figures are now facing blowback from the very audience they helped radicalize. It’s a sharp look at what happens when you lose control of the monster you created.

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Wayne Naus: A Trumpet, A Tour, and a Touch of the Spirit

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 02:06:18 GMT

Trumpeter and jazz educator Wayne Naus joins John Howell for a rare reunion after more than 40 years. They swap stories from life on the road with Buddy Rich and Maynard Ferguson, break down legendary recordings, and reflect on the highs (and double high C’s) of big band life. From the infamous Buddy Rich “bus tapes” to Wayne’s second act at the piano, it’s a deep dive into music, memory, and the creative life.

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

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 20:55:52 GMT

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 Chicago.

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

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 17:59:56 GMT

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).

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Unsolicited Life Advice with Keith Conrad

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 20:09:36 GMT

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

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 21:47:09 GMT

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 look at a life lived in rhythm.

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Waylon, Lujack: Birthday Surprises from Legends

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 02:13:08 GMT

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

Tue, 27 May 2025 05:01:00 GMT

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 Immigration into the United States. (University of Chicago Press/2015)

Phil is a board member of NumbersUSA,

NumbersUSA describes itself as a “non-partisan, public policy organization that favors an environmentally sustainable and economically just America” or, more succinctly, an “immigration-reduction organization."

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

Thu, 22 May 2025 05:01:00 GMT

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

Tue, 20 May 2025 05:01:00 GMT

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 Nantz’s whispering has gone from poetic to predictable.

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

Tue, 13 May 2025 05:01:00 GMT

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.

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

Thu, 08 May 2025 21:16:11 GMT

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'

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:55:21 GMT

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

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 05:01:00 GMT

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

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:12:20 GMT

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.

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Tariffs, Chaos, and Consequences: America Takes the Ride

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 20:11:31 GMT

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 legislative power, and brace for what comes next.

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

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 05:01:00 GMT

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

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 05:01:00 GMT

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.

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

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 05:01:00 GMT

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 of executive power, the military's influence on political stability, and the public's understanding of rights versus privileges.

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Neil Steinberg on Writing, Regret, and Refusing to Capitulate

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 05:01:00 GMT

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 journalism, emphasizing the need for truth and integrity in reporting. Neil dives into the complexities of writing and journalism, discussing the responsibilities that come with it, the impact of modern media, and personal reflections on their writing journeys. They explore themes of legacy, the challenges of maintaining integrity in editorial processes, and the realities of navigating bigotry and truth in today's world. The discussion also touches on personal health challenges and the joy of writing, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and historical context in storytelling. In this conversation, the speakers delve into various aspects of managing diabetes, the significance of personal narratives in health, the intricacies of obituary writing, and reflections on sobriety and addiction.

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The Changing Landscape of Talk Radio with John Dempsey

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 05:01:00 GMT

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 the future of podcasting.

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Politics, Media, and Misinformation with Joe Walsh

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:01:00 GMT

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.

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The Future of Media and Politics with Charlie Sykes

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 19:10:24 GMT

John Howell is joined by Charlie Sykes, former Milwaukee radio host and current host of a new podcast called “To The Contrary,” available on Substack. Howell and Sykes touched on everything from the state of conservative media to the erosion of truth in American politics

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