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Open Road Radio combines entertainment, education, and information into a weekly one-hour show. Guest have included Jay Leno, Keanu Reeves, Peter Fonda, Robbie Knievel, Tom Berenger, Willie G. Davidson, industry leaders, experts, and everyday riders. ORR broadcasts up-to-the-minute race results, road trips, rides & rallies, and motorsports and engages listeners in lively discussions about upcoming legislation and other issues pertaining to motorcycle rights and safety — all things of interest to the “average Joe,” or affluent new age motorcyclist. Live call-ins make the show spontaneous and unpredictable.

ORR has been part of the most significant motorcycling events in America, including live broadcasts from Daytona Bike Week, The LA Love Ride, The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, The Laconia Rally, Race Week, Road America, and the Women in Motorcycling Conference.

“Open Road Radio” airs live on WCGO Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to noon Central. Catch the Facebook Live feed. Find episodes below.

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THE TEAM

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For a decade Gina Woods has served as an ambassador of the extremely charitable motorcycle culture. “Open Road Radio” has enhanced and served that ethic as an active participant in community events. Indeed, ORR has been the recipient of numerous awards from leading charities and other organizations, including Toys for Tots/Marine Corps, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, MDA, March of Dimes, and American Cancer Society. Under Gina’s direction, ORR received the MVP (Most Valuable Program) award in 2000 from the American Motorcyclist Association in recognition of ORR’s valuable contribution to the sport of motorcycling. “It’s a lifestyle not just a weekend thing,” Gina says. Her zest for life and motorcycling has been captured in magazines and photos over the years. This lifestyle is her calling.


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Intern Shannon Bell says this about herself:

I am a wife and mother of two and a motorcycle enthusiast! I grew up with motorcycles and radio. I remember times I would be alone, and the radio was the only thing that would keep me company! My father, being a single parent, would take me on his motorcycle all the time. I always remember it being exciting, fearless and free.  I knew then that some day I would want to ride my own and broadcast live on the radio! Here I am in 2020 making my dreams become reality. In 2016 I got my motorcycle license and that is when my journey began. I have also combined my two passions, motorcycle riding and helping local veterans. Studies show that riding a motorcycle helps relax the mind because you are focused on the riding and being free! I myself struggle with depression and anxiety. So I partnered with Women In The Wind, an all-female motorcycle group; I formed a chapter locally, WITW-Blackhawk Valley.   In 2018, WITW-Blackhawk Valley sponsored the first Annual Ease the Mind benefit ride that drew in 83 participants and raised over $2,000, which was divided between three local VA Clinics to help with transportation/bus tickets for veterans.  It was another success in 2019 with media and radio coverage and over 90 bikes that raised over $5,700 and all funds were given out to local veteran organizations that help with mental health illnesses! I am very proud to be part of this organization and honored to be part of the “Open Road Radio” team! Mental Illness is real and on the rise, especially among our veterans.

WE THANK OUR SPONSORS

EPISODES

JUNE 13, 2020

WCGO Radio · Open Road Radio (6-13-20)

APRIL 11, 2020

Watch the Facebook Live video

FEBRUARY 1, 2020

JANUARY 25, 2020

Watch the Facebook Live video.

JANUARY 18, 2020

This week we’re live from the Denver Motorcycle Show at the Colorado Convention Center!

Also available: the Facebook Live video

JANUARY 11, 2020

On this week's program, Meredith Loza from IMS, Dianne Sawaya from the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, and Mecum Motorcycle Auctions' Greg Arnold.

Also available: the Facebook Live video

JANUARY 4, 2020

DECEMBER 28, 2019

 A Moto-Year in Rear-View w/ Choppertown Motorcycle Media Hosts Jacqui Van Ham, Gina Woods & Dozer, Goodtime Charlie & Chris Callen.

DECEMBER 14, 2019

This week we are STOKED to be featuring Team Chicago Challenge & the Banks Brothers! We also have a special tribute to our dear friend Diamond Jim, narrated by Dan Schmitt.

DECEMBER 7, 2019

This week on “Open Road Radio” we broadcast live from Boomerz Cycle Workz (thanks, Boomer), and have NAMIL present and give away an FXDR live on the air! Thanks to Marc J Shuman & Associates. They are in the house, as well as Doug Jackson from Woodstock Harley Davidson, who will be handing over the keys to this beauty! Woop!

NOVEMBER 30, 2019

NOVEMBER 23, 2019

This week on "Open Road Radio" it's a Moto-Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for this year? Gina Woods, Joel Rabb and social media gal Terrie Church are at the mics, welcoming guests Patrick Jones, president of Chicago ABATE, and Toys For Tots Chicago Motorcycle Parade President Lester Fortier, with the parade's North Side coordinator, the dynamic Geo Webster.

NOVEMBER 9, 2019

This week we have a Veterans Day Salute with special guests Doug Jackson, Wayne Kirkpatrick of Rolling Thunder-IL. Chpt 2, and David Shuman of Marc J. Shuman & Associates.

 

UPCOMING PROGRAM NOTES

Details coming soon!
 

WE THANK OUR SPONSORS

On the current episode of "The Elysabeth Alfano Show" (link below), the woman, the myth, the legend: author and “Main Street Vegan” host Victoria Moran joins Elysabeth to get real. Plus, Elysabeth counts down her Top Ten Best Vegan Recipes for Summer! Listen in and subscribe to the podcast on the show page: https://www.smarttalkradionetwork.com/the-elysabeth-alfano-show "The Elysabeth Alfano Show" (Sundays from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central) is the nation’s first plant-based radio show! Engaging, off-the-cuff, entertaining and informational — hold on to your bootstraps because whether you’re veg-curious, flexi-veg, vegetarian, vegan, or just thinking about reducing your meat intake, this show will inspire you to take back your health and the health of the planet! #wcgoradio #wcgo #localradio #chicagoradio #amradio #smarttalk #smarttalkradio #smarttalkchicago #talkradio #radiohost#elysabethalfano #plantbased #vegan #plantpower #conversation #food #recipes #lifestyle #awesomevegans #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #plantbasedlifestyle #veganlifestyle #healthyfood #recipesforsummer #mainstreetvegan #victoriamoran #vegansummer
On the current episode of "Playtime with Bill Turck & Kerri Kendall” (link below), we hear from Worldwide West Side guitar man Johnny Burgin on his latest album, Phillip-Michael Scales on his new hit single, and Baderbrau's Nathan Weber on his futuristic adventure Xenochrist. Plus, Lainie Petersen with the Theater Report, and a special birthday edition of Blame Bill! Listen in from the "Playtime" show page at wcgoradio.com/playtime. And he may not look like it, but Bill was thrilled to wear a dress on Sunday’s show. That’s because it meant that the Chicago Independent Media Alliance met its fundraising goal! Bill and the organization’s founder, Tracy Baim, each promised to wear a dress if the fundraising goal was achieved. Photo by Kerri. #PlaytimeWithBillandKerri #PlaytimeRadioShow #BillTurck #KerriKendall #ChicagoArts #wcgoradio #wcgo #localradio #chicagoradio #amradio #smarttalk #smarttalkradio #smarttalkchicago #talkradio #radiohost #JohnnyBurgin #Phillip-Michael Scales
On the current episode of "Gabby Road with Hannah, Fred & Justin" (link below), we talk with Latreece Sanders from Family Rescue on the challenges that COVID-19 has created with domestic violence. John Russick from the Chicago History Museum shows us the similarities between coverage of the 1918 influenza epidemic and today, and what the museum’s plans are for reopening. WCGO General Manager Chuck Duncan joins us to talk COVID-19 testing, recovering from addiction, and his hobbies. We end the show with Michelle Durpetti from Gene & Georgetti Chicago, who tells us how they have overcome many challenges this year from fire, coronavirus, and looting. Find the episode and subscribe to the podcast from the "Gabby Road" show page: www.smarttalkradionetwork.com/gabby-road "Gabby Road with Hannah, Fred and Justin" ... three generations, smart talk and good discussion on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central. #wcgoradio #wcgo #localradio #chicagoradio #amradio #smarttalk #smarttalkradio #smarttalkchicago #talkradio #radiohost #gabbyroad #gabbyroadradio #entertainmentnews #ChicagoRadio
On the current episode of "The Mike Nowak Show with Peggy Malecki" (link below) we address your tomato issues with a couple of the best in the business. KC Tomato, aka Keith Mueller (second photo), has been a fan of the show for a number of years. He's based in Kansas City, MO, and he's had a tomato breeding website for 26 years. Craig LeHoullier (first photo) is our other guest. His nickname is “NC Tomatoman" (the NC stands for North Carolina). Craig is the author of Epic Tomatoes: How to Select & Grow the Best Varieties of All Time. He also happens to be the person who named the Cherokee Purple tomato. In the show's second hour, we cover a variety of gardening and environmental issues, and meteorologist Rick DiMaio joins us for a look at the coming week’s weather. Listen in (and subscribe to the podcast) from "The Mike Nowak Show with Peggy Malecki" show page: www.smarttalkradionetwork.com/the-mike-nowak-show “The Mike Nowak Show with Peggy Malecki” airs live on WCGO Sunday mornings from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Central. Also catch the Facebook Live feed @ The Mike Nowak Show and WCGOradio.
"Around the House with Eric G" (Saturdays from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. Central on WCGO) is your source for home improvement, interior design and construction answers. On the current episode, we talk about my Top 10 DIY mistakes that cost you the most money. Many of these errors can be attributed to not doing enough research on a project. These are the ones that might cause you to toss all your materials away and have to buy them again. Or even worse: It could cost you days to fix the damage you did before you start over. In the show's second hour we talk about one of our most requested topics for your home: My Top 10 home security fixes that can add that peace of mind and slow down that potential burglar that could invade your home. There are even some inexpensive DIY fixes here that can really change the safety around your home. Plus we tackle a few listener questions as well! Find the episode on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/wcgoradio/around-the-house-6-13-20 And be sure to visit the "Around The House" show page: www.smarttalkradionetwork.com/around-the-house #wcgoradio #wcgo #localradio #chicagoradio #amradio #smarttalk #smarttalkradio #smarttalkchicago #talkradio #radiohost #DIYRadio #Howto #EricG #HomeImprovement #FixIt #Aroundthehouse #Design #InsideOut #Construction #NewHome
On the current episode of "The Elysabeth Alfano Show" (now available from www.smarttalkradionetwork.com/the-elysabeth-alfano-show), activist Gwenna Hunter, founder of VegansOfLA, and filmmaker Jasmine Leyva, creator of the independent documentary The Invisible Vegan, join Elysabeth to discuss social injustice in its many forms. We get into it, from the plate to the streets. Plus, Elysabeth's top ten ways you can make your life an example of social justice, with Gwenna and Jasmine adding their own tips! “The Elysabeth Alfano Show” airs Sundays from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Central on the SmartTalk Radio Network and WCGO Radio and is the nation’s first plant-based radio show! Engaging, off-the-cuff, entertaining and informational — hold on to your bootstraps because no matter if you’re veg-curious, flexi-veg, vegetarian, vegan, or just thinking about reducing your meat intake, this show will inspire you to take back your health and the health of the planet! Find all episodes, subscribe to the podcast, and more at "The Elysabeth Alfano Show" page: www.smarttalkradionetwork.com/the-elysabeth-alfano-show. #wcgoradio #wcgo #localradio #chicagoradio #amradio #smarttalk #smarttalkradio #smarttalkchicago #talkradio #radiohost #elysabethalfano #plantbased #vegan #plantpower #conversation #food #recipes #lifestyle #awesomevegans #healthyliving #healthylifestyle #plantbasedlifestyle #veganlifestyle #healthyfood #blacklivesmatter #socialjustice #vegansofla #theinvisiblevegan #gwennahunter #JasmineLeyva
"Gabby Road with Hannah, Fred and Justin" ... three generations, smart talk and good discussion Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central. The current show (now available at https://www.smarttalkradionetwork.com/gabby-road-6-7-20) is jam-packed from start to finish with incredible guests. First, a world-changing girl, Molly Pinta, who at the age of 13 founded the Buffalo Grove Pride Parade and at 14 was named a Human Rights Campaign Foundation ambassador. Then the Honorable George Van Dusen, mayor of Skokie, Illinois, shares his village's plan to recover from the shutdown and recent protests. You won’t want to miss Dwayne Kennedy, who has his first full-length comedy album out, and some thoughts we can all learn from. And finally, we’ve all wondered what the future of work and social events will look like. Tracey Shappro of Vision Production Group paints the picture of what we can expect to be the same and what will be very, very different. Visit the "Gabby Road" show page athttps://www.smarttalkradionetwork.com/gabby-road. #wcgoradio #wcgo #localradio #chicagoradio #amradio #smarttalk #smarttalkradio #smarttalkchicago #talkradio #radiohost #gabbyroad #gabbyroadradio #entertainmentnews #ChicagoRadio #pride #LGBTQ #skokie #dwaynekennedy
With America in the middle of its latest struggle for social justice, the current episode of “The Mike Nowak Show with Peggy Malecki” (now available at www.smarttalkradionetwork.com/the-mike-nowak-show) looks at the related issue of environmental justice. Often, the people who suffer the most from polluted air, water, and land are people of color. Mike and Peggy are joined by Kim Wasserman, executive director for the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO); Veronica Kyle, state outreach director for Faith in Place; and Mila K. Marshall, Ph.D. candidate at the University of Illinois at Chicago in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (pictured in first photo). They explore how the national convulsion over race is echoed in environmental crises in some of Chicago's neighborhoods. In the show's second hour, we talk with several local farmers for an update on the 2020 season so far and explore ways we can support small, local food producers as we Keep Eating Healthy in this pandemic. We're joined by the folks at Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery in Champaign, IL, as well as Joe's Blueberries in South Haven, MI, plus Marcia Lautanen-Raleigh of Backyard Patch in suburban Elmhurst, IL, and Jody Osmund of Cedar Valley Sustainable Farm CSA, in Ottawa, IL. And meteorologist Rick DiMaio takes a look at how Tropical Storm Cristobal may affect our Midwest weather in the coming week. “The Mike Nowak Show with Peggy Malecki” airs live on WCGO (1590 AM and 95.9 FM in Chicago) Sunday mornings from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Central. Also catch the Facebook Live feed @ WCGORadio and @ TheMikeNowakShow.