Advertise on podcast: The Ray Stevens Show

First Responder Fridays is brought to you by Jeff Buys Your House. Sell your house to the trusted source at JeffBuysYourHouse.com After dedicating a career to helping others, Jennifer Karaboyas, a Chicago firefighter and paramedic, now faces the fight of her life. Karaboyas joins Ray Stevens to share her journey following a Stage IV cancer diagnosis and discuss the overwhelming support she's receiving from fellow first responders, family, friends and the community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jennifer Karaboyas, a Chicago firefighter and paramedic, joins Ray Stevens to share her story and discuss the support she's seeking following a Stage IV cancer diagnosis. Her appearance shines a spotlight on the strength of Chicago's first responder community and the efforts underway to help her through this challenging journey. Rick Heidner of Heidner Properties discusses the annual tree lighting celebration at the South Barrington Arboretum. Listeners also hear the latest from Mark Lukas of PAWS Chicago, get market insights from Jonathan Hoenig of The Capitalist Pig, and wrap up the morning with local events and entertainment from Tom on the Town See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benjamin Patton, filmmaker and founder of the Patton Veterans Project, joins Ray Stevens to discuss a special film screening at the College of DuPage. Patton explains how the organization empowers veterans to tell their stories through filmmaking, creating meaningful connections and helping veterans process and share their experiences with broader audiences. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Monosso of Fox News Radio joins Ray Stevens to discuss how ranchers are responding to proposed changes to ranching regulations and what those changes could mean for farmers, producers and consumers. Later, David Hochberg shares insights on the latest developments in housing and mortgage lending, while Steve Moore, co-founder of Unleash Prosperity, offers his perspective on the economic issues shaping the national conversation. Benjamin Patton, filmmaker and founder of the Patton Veterans Project, joins Ray Stevens to discuss a special film screening at the College of DuPage and how filmmaking helps veterans share their experiences, connect with others and preserve their stories for future generations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Democrats in control, what comes next for America’s southern border? Former Yuma Border Patrol Chief Chris Clem joins Ray to examine the challenges ahead for border security. Chris Plante, host of The Chris Plante Show, discusses the legality of animal sacrifice in Michigan. Maggie Corbett of TPUSA Lake Forest discusses a new student-led organization, Students for Illinois, and its mission to get young people more involved in civics. Plus, Steve Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois, sounds the alarm on holiday shopping scams that are already making the rounds. Key Segments Chris Plante: The legality of animal sacrifice in Michigan. Chris Clem: What happens to border security with Democrats in control? Maggie Corbett: Students for Illinois aims to get young people involved in civics. Steve Bernas: Holiday shopping scams are already afoot. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Captain Toby Lindo, representing the Chicago Maritime Bicentennial, joins Ray Stevens to discuss a new initiative that introduces young people to the lake and river that helped build Chicago. Lindo explains how the program connects students with the city's maritime history while fostering a deeper appreciation for the waterways that continue to shape the region today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could Chicago be getting a new destination for festivals and concerts? Dylan Sharkey of Illinois Policy joins Ray to discuss growing support for a new entertainment venue in the city. Shannon Adcock of Awake Illinois examines the Illinois Supreme Court’s appointment of Terra Costa Howard as a DuPage County circuit judge and why she believes the decision puts educational freedom in jeopardy. Key Segments Dylan Sharkey: Chicagoans favor a new venue for festivals and concerts. Shannon Adcock: The appointment of Terra Costa Howard as a DuPage County circuit judge and its implications for educational freedom. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Ullyot, former deputy assistant to President Trump, joins Ray Stevens to discuss what President Trump needs to do to advance his agenda over the next two years. Later, Mary Ann Ahern, political reporter for NBC 5 Chicago, breaks down the fallout from the midterms and explains why attention is already shifting to Chicago's next mayoral race. Phil Flynn, analyst at Price Futures Group, discusses the sharp decline in gas prices following the midterm elections and the factors driving the market. During Military Monday, Kevin Burke of Illinois Joining Forces highlights programs that connect veterans with housing, employment and other critical resources. Jeff Monosso rounds out the show with a look at what a Democratic-controlled Congress could mean for President Trump's electric vehicle policies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Military Monday, Kevin Burke, education, outreach and community engagement manager for Illinois Joining Forces, joins Ray Stevens to discuss efforts to connect veterans and military families with housing assistance, employment opportunities and essential support services. Burke explains how Illinois Joining Forces helps veterans navigate available resources and build successful lives after military service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The midterms may be over, but Chicago politics is already entering a new chapter. Mary Ann Ahern, political reporter for NBC 5 Chicago, joins Ray Stevens to discuss how the election results could shape the race for mayor and the political battles that lie ahead. Ahern examines potential candidates, emerging issues and the challenges facing whoever hopes to lead City Hall next. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Ullyot, former deputy assistant to President Trump, joins Ray Stevens to discuss the administration's priorities following the midterm elections. Ullyot outlines the opportunities and obstacles facing the president and shares his perspective on what the White House needs to do to build momentum over the next two years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ted Dabrowski of Fight for Illinois joins Ray to examine the role of what he describes as “white guilt” in Illinois education. How is this dynamic affecting schools and students across the state? Dabrowski discusses the issue and its implications for the future of Illinois education. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sponsored by Jeff Buys Your House. Could ShotSpotter-style technology make a comeback in Chicago? Former Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy joins Ray for First Responder Friday to discuss the possibility of bringing this technology back and its role in Chicago public safety. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The midterm elections are over, but plenty of races are still too close to call. Fox News Radio’s Jessica Rosenthal joins Ray with the latest on the outstanding contests. Ted Dabrowski of Fight for Illinois takes aim at what he calls “white guilt” in Illinois education and its impact on students across the state. Could ShotSpotter-style technology make a comeback in Chicago? Former Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy weighs in on the debate over technology and public safety. Plus, Mark Lukas of PAWS Chicago, Jonathan Hoenig "The Capitalist Pig" brings his perspective on the markets, and Tom takes us out on the town. Key Segments Jessica Rosenthal: The midterm races still waiting to be called. Ted Dabrowski: Is “white guilt” hurting Illinois education? Garry McCarthy: Could ShotSpotter-style technology return to Chicago? Mark Lukas: The latest from PAWS Chicago. Jonathan Hoenig: Markets and investing with The Capitalist Pig. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eben Brown of Fox News Radio joins Ray to discuss the power of the veto and how it could shape the next two years. Charles Lipson, professor emeritus at the University of Chicago, examines what comes next for the Republican Party after the “Blue Tsunami.” David Hochberg of Team Hochberg at Atlantic Coast Mortgage joins Ray for the latest home and mortgage discussion. Flavia Pallozzi of Timeless Toys shares a screen-free holiday toy guide, offering ideas for gifts that encourage kids to unplug and play. Key Segments Eben Brown: The power of the veto and its impact over the next two years. Charles Lipson: What happens to the GOP after the “Blue Tsunami”? David Hochberg: Home and mortgage discussion. Flavia Pallozzi: A screen-free holiday toy guide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.