The Emerging Menace Podcast

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.

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 Day while George gives us some history on the day, Airbnb nightmare and the Pope is signing what??? Finally, George's wife, Mary is getting ready for and art show.

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. Then Frank sent an article to me about Pilots deliberately making "Hard' landings on purpose. So, we tapped into our Aviation expert Tom Peterson to get his view on this. Finally, "Pet Peeves." We all have them...

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 classic & funny audio clips of Mayor Richard J. Daley from the 70's.

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.

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 Doctors. Obama care was a good start, but insurance is denying more and more claims. Really? We can't have an opinion about our favorite pizza? Ann Sathers and German restaurants are closing. A lot going on in this episode.

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 you'll join us.

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 discuss Chicago getting its first self-cleaning public toilet. What was your "best and worst" concert and finally what song brings you back to a memory. We all have them.

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 neighborhoods in and around the city. Bike lane issues.

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 going on here. Then, a study shows that Blacks & Hispanics account for more traffic tickets in Chicago than Whites. Frank & Ken share a few personal Police stories and then Frank answers some lightning round questions for the first time.

Podcast #100 is select cuts from the first 95 shows. A little bit of everything reflecting on some of our best shows with George.

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.

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.

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 relative or family member. It's straight-up, informative and transparent conversation on a topic no one wants to talk about.

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.

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 dollar win in Las Vegas and a conspiracy right out of the headlines' concerning Michael Jordan. Finally, we wrap things up talking about Veteran's Day.

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, (literally). and finally, Air Traffic Controllers are not showing up to work due to the Government shutdown and George has a E-Bike legislation update.

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 of this Episode is talking with George's 6-year-old Granddaughter. It's a good one so settle in and enjoy.

"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 severe it will be. George reports on the #2 Pencil and Ken shares his appreciation for Moms.

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 him how they could avoid the recall by doing it the old-fashioned way.

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 leaves, Chicago construction, Stupid criminal stories and a tribute to Jane Goodall round pout this podcast. Enjoy!

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 a "Big Boy." Fast Food prices are just ridiculous, E-Bike rider killed... we need legislatio

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.

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.

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 great episode (as always)

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 annual Air & Water show. What is up with "Cracker Barrel restaurants?" Finally, concern over AI producers could harm Lake Michigan if not careful and other fun stuff.

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 Chicago radio history called the "Sunday Lite Brunch" that featured contemporary jazz artists when he worked at WCLR. It was the pre-cursor to a format we all came to love called "Smooth Jazz." After a format change at WCLR Rick was out, but would eventually find a home at WNUA 95.5 which became the full-time smooth jazz outlet in Chicago. We talk to him about his journey from WPGU in Champaign, Illinois while attending the University of Illinois to working at several radio stations in Chicago land. When the smooth jazz era ended once again Rick was looking for work and found himself programing MeTV -FM 87.7 where he wrapped up his career. It's an interesting story. Plus, a lot of nonsense as expected from Ken & George throughout the podcast.

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

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.

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, Homeless people everywhere and Chinese factories taking their time to ship orders. Illinois budget shortfall and "E" Bikes are becoming a danger, and one community is looking to sponsor legislation. A memorial salute to Lonnie Anderson and George is frustrated with toilet paper in Public Restrooms.

Well, it just seems to continue... Ken's riding mower is now broke along with the dryer and they're both going to be expensive repairs. Ken threw a surprise party for his wife and George talks about his new glasses. The CTA reopens some Redline stations after updates to the facilities and it's Corn Season so, where did Mi-Rhye Corn go? George was a guest on another podcast. What? And a couple of Chicago Cub players make a kids dream come true at their lemonade stand in Lakeview.

With the passing of Chicago Cubs great second baseman, Ryne Sandberg, Ken & George felt compelled to put together a special Podcast. They're joined by Chicago's first Female reporter to be allowed in a Men's Locker room. Cheryl Raye-Stout. Then Mike Esposito from 670 The Score joins in to talk about his memories of Ryne. Finally, George's son, drops in and shares his memories that you will not believe. Enjoy!

It's over 90 again and we're getting a little tired of it. Do you remember the Generic food packaging? in grocery stores? Ken & George talk about that, Beef prices are high, rescued animals from the Texas floods then a memorial to musicians, Ozzy Osbourne, Georg Kooyman, Chuck Mangione, Connie Francis and Wrestling icon, Hulk Hogan.

Ken & George are both back from vacation and talk about their experiences. George went through customs in seconds. Do you love Golf? Ken explains his round of mishaps not only on the golf course but on his daughter's car plus, he has a broken clothes dryer. Ken finds a convenient store that serves warm beverages on a hot day... they are not refreshing. Chicago schools lay off more workers.

Ken paints his lawn; Chicago Public Schools are a mess. Recently, to save money they cut 161 employees of which 87 were Crossing Guards. Pope Leo's house is still in the news. No one seems to know what to do with it. Illinois had new laws go into affect July 1st and we pay tribute to Lalo Shiffrin (you'll know who he is) and George wraps things up with July Highlights.

George is in the UK visiting relatives. He managed to break away for a few minutes and talk with Ken. He is with our #1 Fan "Duncan." from South Hampton.

Ken's back is out; his lawn is in trouble and new tires again. Plus, a towing rip-off and we're seeing a lot of fireflies this year. The Pope has a beef sandwich named after him. Really? What's going on with this BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL? Finally, Ken & George talk a little Cubs baseball.

What was your first concert? Who did you see? Do you even remember it? Well, Ken & George asked a few listeners. Then, former WMAQ Disc Jockey, Terry Stevens who had a top-rated mid-day show along with a feature called "The Afternoon Affair" left and eventually became the Vice President of Promotions with Capitol Records in Nashville, Terry joins Ken & George and go behind the music scene. The stories Terry shares will amaze you. It's a great show with fascinating information and conversation that will have you laughing and shaking your head.

There's a "RANT" early on in this podcast so, get ready... It's been a while, but Ken was ramped up. Dean from the band "Infinity" drops by to talk about his sandwich experience at a recent Festival after Ken talked about his disgusting sandwich experience. It comes in three's, another artist passes, and George is questioning why we never see any follow-up from committee meetings in Washington

A/C Wars has begun in Ken's home. We lost Brian Wilson and "Sly." Shame on Uber L.A. and Chicago are tolerating "No Kings Day protests against I.C.E. Plus the Pope celebrates a Mass in Chicago with the Cardinal.

There is nothing that's more fascinating than the weather. Everyone talks about it. It affects all of us and is ever changing. George and Ken talk with Meteorologist, Jon Kratenstein to find out why our weather systems are so extreme now. Is this the future?

This episode is ALL ABOUT BASEBALL. It's our Bi-Annual visit with Mike Esposito from Chicago's 670 "The Score" The Cubs are fun to watch this season ... doing quite well and seem to be on their way to a playoff contention. Meanwhile, the White Sox continue to struggle. We talk both Northside & Southside baseball. ESPN is stepping away from Baseball after a 34-year history of Sunday night "Baseball in America." Plus, MLB is getting behind Pro Women's Softball.

It's a busy show. George talks about a weekend wedding, Mary gets a turtle, Ken finishes up the yard and golf season is open. George shares some history about Memorial (Decoration Day) Bennie gets a haircut; UnitedAirline flight attendants settle? Rising electric rates, Midway Airport reconfigures runways, a tribute to Cheers star George Wendt passes and old T.V. themes. A lot to listen to... Enjoy:)

The weather in the Midwest is changing. From Tornados to Earthquakes. George reports on what's going on in Illinois. Gary from Envirosafe stops by to give us some tips on Pest Control and an URGENT message about ticks this year. Be aware of the crime happening on Cruise ships plus you can now cruise the Great Lakes. Some talk about Sammy Sosa, and this week in Chicago History.

George resurrects his old Scooter... we have a new Pope; Ken talks about Mother's Day while George gives us some history on the day, Airbnb nightmare and the Pope is signing what??? Finally, George's wife, Mary is getting ready for and art show

George is frustrated with the weather while Ken is upset about construction season. A Neighbor update, a fallen firefighter, more tactics from Mayor Johnson. George discovered a new ice cube and a popular Chicago neighborhood is concerned about how construction in their area is going to hurt business.

Ken & George start the show off by revealing they are both wearing shorts on a warm Spring evening. Yardwork begins for both and Ken has a run-in with squirrels. while George runs into bats! Ken talks about Benson eating, sleeping and pooping. The measle outbreak, Film is alive in Illinois, and the Pope has died. Plus, a little more.

George is back from his trip to Copenhagen and shares his vacation experience which included castle tours, bicycles, hotdogs, herring and a visit to the world's oldest amusement park. Chicago's teen assemblies downtown continue and is getting more violent and Mayor Johnson is clueless on how to end it. George has a run-in with Joe Walsh on social media. Ken went to see Daryl Hall and wished he didn't plus, stupid criminals.

Our resident Suisse Chef, Bill Gunther stops by to talk about your Easter Ham, Oops! A Pilot forgets his passport and Old T.V. plus much more.

Ken & George talk with the new parents Kate & JP about "Benson" the newborn baby and grandchild of Ken. They talk about the birth, choosing a name, and other fun facts. Then Jordan Flowers joins the podcast from Wealth Financial Services and Tax Advisory. We talk about the wild ride the stock market has been on and what to do and not do. It all great conversation. Enjoy!