PODCAST · society
The Emerging Menaces Podcast
by The Emerging Menaces Podcast
This Podcast focuses on Illinois, Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Ken and Frank both grew up on the Northwest side of Chicago and share personal stories and life experiences with guests and co-hosts. No topic is off limits. From sports to human interest and everything in between...Facts, fiction, politics, comedy and commentary. It's all about Chicago. Without Ketchup.
Episodes
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Episode#130
Ken & Frank have a lot of fun on this one. They discuss the Chicago fire of 1871 and play Chicago trivia throughout the show. A neighbor's fire in their back yard reminds Ken & Frank of leaf burning? That smell reminded them of the days when you could do that. Then they go on to talk about the…
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Episode#129 All about Aviation.
Retired Captain Tom Peterson joins Ken & Frank to talk about Air Traffic Control and flight safety. November 3rd is the Mid Term voting day and candidates running the Illinois Senato seat are discussed.
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Episode #128 The Dean of City Hall Press
In episode #128 we talk with the Mayor of the City Hall press room Bill Cameron. Bill reported on politics in the city for over 50 years and is an award-winning journalist. We did some reminiscing from the past and discussed current issues in City Hall and politics in Chicago. Next we interview…
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Episode #127 It's our first radio show!
We're a little nervous but we got through it. The Podcasts are now an edited version from our radio show on WCPT 820 AM in Chicago. We interview Roz Varon formerly the traffic and Transportation reporter at ABC7 about the fundraiser she is hosting to raise money for the Scholarships in her...
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Episode#126 Stars for Sara event & What is our Winter going to be like?
Roz Varon (former Traffic & Transportation reporter at ABC7 joins us to talk about her Fundraising event called "Stars for Sara" to raise money for the Scholarships set-up in her late daughter's name. It's a Star-Studded event loaded with local celebrities all for a great cause. Then our very own...
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Episode#126 Stars for Sarah and weatherman Jon joins us.
Former Traffic & Transportation reporter from ABC7 Chicago, Roz Varon is hosting the 2nd Annual Variety Show "Stars for Sarah." It will be held September 23rd from 6pm-9pm at the Des Plaines Theater in honor of her daughter Sarah Janz who passed away suddenly last year. Tons of talent, Music from...
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Episode#125 Coco is in trouble, New Trains & it's Tax Time
The Coco delivery carts are having either a software glitch or they're getting ready to attack. A new train line to O'Hare Airport is announced. Don't go to your mailbox... the 2nd half tax bill might be in there Pritzker makes it official and where oh where is the Pumpkin Lady? Finally, what...
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Episode #124 Remembering Dolly Parton with special guest Terry Stevens
Join us for a special conversation about the incredible life of Dolly Parton! 🎶 We’re thrilled to welcome Terry Stevens, former Vice President of National Promotions with Capitol Records in Nashville, as our special guest. Terry will share stories and insights about the remarkable life and…
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Episode#123 All over the Board
The Podcast started out as a regular one with a follow-up on the Asian Carp they reported on last show. Then all of the sudden Frank and Ken are talking International Politics, Interest rates, housing starts compared to other states, the Trump administration and before you knew it, the podcast…
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Episode #122 "Crow & Water Stories, Carp and Stupid People."
Ken eats some crow because Frank was right. Local history on some suburban towns and how they got their name. Bad, bad weather continues, Portillo's opening in Wrigley? No! We Celebrate a 20-year Dave Matthews memory. Is Carp no longer a threat to the Great Lakes and other rotting fish. We need...
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Episode #121 Lala, Buffalo Grove, Cameras & more
This podcast hits on so many topics, I'll just list them Lallapaloosa, the damage Noise Downtown Motorcycles on the expressways Buffalo Grove named desirable place to live Mayoral Race Boat accident, Chain of Lakes Flock Cameras and more.
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Episode #120 Carina for Senate
Carina Santa Maria is running for the Illinois Democratic Senate Seat in District #27 in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. Ken and Frank sat down with her on this podcast to get her views on Life, Family & Politics. Carina is also the CEO of "Shelter" a non-profit 501-C3 organization that helps...
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Episode#119 "One Tank Trips" with special guest Roz Varon
You'll really enjoy this episode as Roz talks about some of her favorite "One tank trips" locations she produced while she was the Transportation and Traffic reporter at ABC7 Chicago. She won an Emmy for this feature as she traveled throughout the Midwest in pursuit of the not-so common things to...
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Episode #118 You'll never guess who I met today
A recap of the 4th of July. An Earthquake in Illinois? Yep Plus, Ken bumps into some not so friendly people but also meets a politician at Jewel. It's hot in the office, A firework hits a plane at Midway. Illinois is #1 with bugs, Deep tunnel is in trouble and architecture from Louis Sullivan is...
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Episode #117 Happy 4th of July
Yep, we're early on this one so we could include the 4th of July. Frank and Ken discuss Downtown noise and wreck less driving, New Laws that went into effect July 1st, The Illinois Budget, Taste of Chicago, Illinois politicians' debate over what the official State sandwich should be (Are you...
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Episode #116 Route66 & Dairy Queen, History & More.
This is a loaded Podcast. Frank and Ken cover so much ground you just have to listen and enjoy. Another two locations named for the Bears in Illinois, Route 66 turns 100 and so does Dairy Queen. Some interesting history of Chicago, sinking ships and another iconic Rockstar singer passes.
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Episode#115 "Remembering Dad" & {Other Stuff Too.}
A lot going on here... Ken & Frank talk about their Dads. We never said "I Love You", did you? Sad news for Chicago the Band fans. Montgomery Ward and Chicago Politics. We live in a beautiful city. Filmed in Chicago, some movie history and celebration. Have you seen NEW car prices? How to buy a…
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Episode #114 Norwegian Wood
Once again, bad weather has rolled through the Chicago area again leaving severe damage behind and Ken has to make a decision. The Bad News Bears still playing games, Printer Ink controversy, Ken asks, "When is a Band no longer a Band?" Frank questions all the License Cameras Walgreens closes…
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Episode #113 Some People are just never happy.
What a loaded podcast... A quick recap of where the White Sox are today compared to last year. Then Frank and Ken talk about the Bears and their stadium debacle. People are not happy with the Obama Presidential Library in their neighborhood. Frank talks about investing and explains the risk of...
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Episode #112 "The Flood"
Finally, back after being off for 5 weeks, Ken explains...Gary from Envirosafe stops by to talk about Mosquitos. Is retail coming back to Chicago? Teen take overs getting a push back, Tom Jones is going on tour, the Mayor visits the Pope and we say goodbye to an iconic beer..
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Episode #110 Rick Odell (repeat)
Enjoy this repeat Podcast from August 2025 when Rick Odell former WNUA "Sunday Morning Brunch" host stopped by. His story from the beginning to leaving MeTV FM radio as the Music Programmer. It's well worth hearing again.
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Episode #109** Mother's Day (repeat from 2025)
Since I am still unable to produce new podcasts, I thought it would be nice to rerun a blast from the past with George. Mother's Day is this week, so I chose Episode #68 from 2025 which was our Mother's Day show. George resurrects his old Scooter... we have a new Pope; Ken talks about Mother's…
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Episode #108 The Flood
Have you ever had a flood in your basement? I have and now my daughter just joined the club. With the massive rain we received a week ago her basement flooded and caused a lot of damage. We were told a few episodes ago by our meteorologist Jon Kratenstein that it was going to be a wet Spring.…
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Episode #107 Dis & Dat
Frank makes German Food for my mom, our weatherman, Jon Kratenstein stops by to talk about our Spring weather, tornados and what to expect. You won't believe some goofy Chicago Laws that are still on the books today. Plus, Frank shares his failed grammar school experiment. We also play some…
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Episode #106 Wow! A lot of stuff discussed...
The weather is changing in Chicago; Deep Tunnel is not finished. Southwest says goodbye to O'Hare Airport. We both dislike terminal 5. Why are gas prices so high? Tires are not just tires, Schorsch Village and the Mars factory is up for repurposing, Tipping in Chicago and minimum wage.
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Episode #105 Oil, Gas & Electricity
Since the War in Iran began, Oil and Gas is out of control and Electric cars might be an option. Driverless/Electric cars are now being seen here in Chicago while having accidents and technical issues are happening in Las Vegas. Big Insurance companies are ruling healthcare and Doctors can't be...
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Episode#104 "Flying the Friendly Skies"
This episode is all about aviation. Our special guest is retired United Airlines 787 Captain Tom Peterson. We only scratch the surface with this interview talking about safety, pilot shortages, equipment, procedures plus general aviation information. It's a fascinating discussion and I hope…
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Episode #103 "Baseball is in the Air"
Are you a Cubs Fan, White Sox Fan? Spring training is in full swing along with the World Baseball Classic. Both North and South siders are hopeful that their team will have a great season. Mike Esposito from 104.3 "The Score" stops by again to talk White Sox & Cubs 2026 baseball seasons. Then we...
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Episode #102 It's Official & a lot of other stuff...
Frank is officially welcomed as my NEW co-host. More local Tap house breweries are closing. Frank discovers a new band and actually likes them. Is the "Bird Flu" an issue again? Many dead birds found in Chicago & suburbs. Jesse Jackson tribute, good cop, bad cop. The Best suburbs and…
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Episode #101 The City Stinks!
From the Wisconsin border down to Indiana, people were complaining about different smells all over the city triggering Fire Departments all over investigating. Amazon is going to build two brick & mortar stores in the Chicagoland area. Really? The King of online E-tail is going old school. What's...
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Episode #100 "The Best." A Recap of the first 95 shows.
Podcast #100 is select cuts from the first 95 shows. A little bit of everything reflecting on some of our best shows with George.
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Episode#99 Real Estate Outlook
We talk with our Real Estate experts Carol Lynn Seifert and her daughter Krystal King about home sales and interest rates in the Chicago area market for 2026 plus, Frank shares some data about cannabis sales and finally, drinking is down.
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Episode#98 Meet the Neighbor
Neighbor, Friend & Wealth Management Advisor, Frank Schultz stops by to co-host this episode. We learn about Frank, his background and growing up with fast cars. Also, should we fund a Bears Stadium? Should the White Sox move? Great information and a lot of fun stuff too from a real Chicagoan.
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Episode #97 Grief. Coping with the loss of a child and a loved one.
Former ABC7 Chicago Transportation Anchor Roz Varon lost her daughter Sarah a year ago unexpectantly. Mary Howe the wife of my podcast partner lost her husband George recently. Both agreed to discuss the topic of coping with Grief. Most people don't know how to react to someone who's lost a close...
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Episode#96 "The First, Without You"
This is my first solo podcast since George's passing. I called on a few fan favorites. Gary Pietrucha from Envirosafe Pest Management and a great friend to the show, Duncan Harris from the UK. Gary and Duncan contribute their thoughts about George and a few funny moments.
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#95 "The Gambler"
The Bears won and we just had to talk about it. It's our first BIG Snowfall heading our way. (we'll see, the weather forecasters seem to be wrong most of the time) Then we're joined by Kevin, a "World of Poker "tournament player to talk about cards, gambling and Governor Pritzker's $1.4 million...
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#94 (2.0) Halloween recap, I can't hear you & pushing back the clock
George recaps his Halloween; Ken's ear gets blocked and why do we push back the clock? Plus, a man lives for free on Lake Michigan, and the Museum of Broadcast Communications is back open. Ken has a headphone update and June Lockhart passes away. A Tesla driver has a run-in with the law,...
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#93 - A lot of ground to cover
This episode covers a lot of ground. The Uptown Theatre has been closed for 44 years; it's tuned 100 and is still waiting for repairs. Letters/comments, Daylight Savings time, Ken & George call the White House, Ken does a rant about Rude People, Sports betting is out of control, and the Highlight...
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#92 Pumpkins, Winter Weather & More
"The Pumpkin Lady," Theresa Miller visits with Ken & George to wrap up this growing season and find out what place she took in Illinois and some other fun things. Then they turn their attention to the upcoming Winter season and talk with Meteorologist, Jon Kratenstein to get his thoughts on how...
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All about Chicago
This episode is a walk down memory lane. From the Great Chicago Fire to Vanished businesses no longer around, this one was a real treat for George & Ken. Pete Kastanes joins them to talk about his Facebook page "Vanished Chicago" then George ends the show with a recall from Toyota, but Ken tells...
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Episode #90 Beware of Bigfoot! (revised edit 2.1)
Our special guest is BIGFOOT Race participant Tina Plueger. Tina shares with us her preparation, determination and commitment to finishing this grueling 4-day, 200-mile trek through the Cascade Mountains in Washington. Why Bad Bunny is a bad choice for the Superbowl Half-Time show. Burning…
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Episode # 89 Fall Fest and an American Hero
Gary drops by from Envirosafe to talk about getting your home ready for the Fall/Winter keeping pests and bugs out. He then tells an amazing story about his father (Ed Pietrucha) while serving in the Army Air Corp. during WWII. Sister Jean at Loyola University finally retires at 103. George finds…
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Episode #88 A Win! The river, stupid hotels & bad golf
The Bears finally get a win; they actually swam in the Chicago River over the weekend, Ken had a stupid experience checking in to a hotel, more famous deaths including remembering Robert Redford and George handles a "Lightening round pretty well.
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Episode #87 Trouble in the Pumpkin Patch
There's trouble in the pumpkin patch and Theresa joins us for a special update. Anthony Rizzo retires. The Bears are starting out UGLY, more famous deaths to report including Ken's favorite T.V. Judge Frank Caprio. Finally, George has a crush on the Sound of Music.
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Episode#86 2025 Chicago Bears Preview with Hub Arkush
Hub Arkush from Pro Football Weekly joins Ken & George to talk about the upcoming Bears season. After last season's debacle, the Bears under new Head Coach Ben Johnson looks to turn things around. It's great conversation. Then the show wraps up with Ken & George disagreeing a little bit. It's a...
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Episode# 85 Labor Day & Other Stuff
Besides being Labor Day, Ken & George hit a lot of topics on this one. From Ken noticing the Northwest side of Chicago is looking trashy to Mayor Johnson is up to it again. Then, the U.S. Airforce Thunderbirds are being told that they cracked windows during their practice runs preparing for the...
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Episode #84 A conversation with Rick Odell
Rick Odell's story is pretty similar to most people who are trying to get ahead in the radio industry. It's filled with ups and downs and a few funny mishaps along the way. Anybody who has worked in radio will certainly understand. He found himself hosting one of the hottest weekly shows in…
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Rick Odell joins Ken & George
He was synonymous with Sunday Brunch hosting WNUA's Sunday Brunch in Chicago and then continued his success by programming MeTV 87.9 FM Join us as we talk with Rick Odell on Podcast #84
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Episode#83 Unbelievable!
Stupid traffic, the Cubs are in a major slide, Toilet paper responses, good news for Birds at McCormick Place, A legend passes a way, Jim Lovell. Pritzker does something good and unfortunate Lake Michigan drownings.
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Episode #82 "What Podcast is this?"
Ken starts out a little foggy on this one, but George corrects him quickly only to find out George was right all along. Another Las Vegas trip is complete with follies, mishaps and a creepy encounter with some women of the night. Plus Ken becomes a body shop mechanic. No Gas receipts at the pump,...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This Podcast focuses on Illinois, Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Ken and Frank both grew up on the Northwest side of Chicago and share personal stories and life experiences with guests and co-hosts. No topic is off limits. From sports to human interest and everything in between...Facts, fiction, politics, comedy and commentary. It's all about Chicago. Without Ketchup.
HOSTED BY
The Emerging Menaces Podcast
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Emerging Menaces Podcast have?
The Emerging Menaces Podcast currently has 135 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Emerging Menaces Podcast about?
This Podcast focuses on Illinois, Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Ken and Frank both grew up on the Northwest side of Chicago and share personal stories and life experiences with guests and co-hosts. No topic is off limits. From sports to human interest and everything in between...Facts,...
How often does The Emerging Menaces Podcast release new episodes?
The Emerging Menaces Podcast publishes regularly with 135 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Emerging Menaces Podcast?
You can listen to The Emerging Menaces Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Emerging Menaces Podcast?
The Emerging Menaces Podcast is created and hosted by The Emerging Menaces Podcast.
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