Steve continues his recovery at home as Brendan, Dag and Ed wrap up their 1st week holding down the fort without him. Buzz Kilman joins the guys for a Friday show filled with stories about living on an exotic chicken ranch, the early days of rock radio, some unusual interview techniques and a few must-see dog movies. There’s also a sea turtle being flown from Wales back to the Gulf of Mexico, which somehow leads to the disturbing world of turtle smuggling.

Steve’s recovery at home continues, with Janet discovering that replacing an entire hospital staff isn’t easy, especially when compression socks are involved. Dag recaps a packed and slightly horn-challenged Expo ’76 show at Simon’s, while Brendan discovers the wonders of the Army/Navy Surplus Store and gets some valuable advice for those of us with larger heads. Ed refuses to be talked into doing a grilling show and sets Brendan straight on a classic movie soundtrack as he gets ready for movie night.

Steve continues his recovery at home, where smiley-face balloons are helping keep things positive. Joe Gaspar joins Dag and Brendan to talk about what he’s up to at 2 Bici and his mission to make biking better. Steve Guttenberg reminds everyone that if you have something nice to say to a stranger, just say it. Ed Silha explains the right way to prepare a steak, which somehow leads to the Pope’s grilling technique. Dag has a dream about Steve and his never-ending quest for good audio, there’s a recap of Da Pope Night at Sox Park, and Brendan wonders if it might be time to let dental students work on his mouth after his dentist starts offering Botox. What could possibly go wrong?

Steve is home from the hospital and recovering, with more good news hopefully on the way. Steve’s longtime friend Ron Lewis joins Dag and Brendan to talk White Sox, including nearly making it to Disco Demolition Night and being there when Ozzie Guillén’s #13 was retired. They also get into Ron and Dag’s Expo ’76 connection, Brendan’s questionable past as a corrupt sea captain, his recent triumph on stage, and the realization that becoming an actor apparently means he now needs to own a tuxedo.

With Steve recovering, Dag and Brendan are joined by Tom Thayer and Ed Silha to check in on how Steve is doing and talk about the family support and well wishes surrounding him. There’s also some covert smuggling of Steve’s favorite snacks to improve the hospital fare, which prompts Tom to share his own experience as a hospital treat smuggler. Tom talks about the worst visiting-team locker rooms, some recent meal triumphs, the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, a fried chicken outing with John Henry at Harold’s, and what Dick Stanfel might say to speed Steve’s return to the microphone. Plus, Dag and Ed discover they’re fellow side sleepers, while Brendan apparently spends his nights rolling around lost in a dream.

Steve and Janet talk about their feelings regarding today’s open heart surgery. They also had a little dust-up about a headboard when Steve got home from his “hospital” haircut. Steve says he’s not worried about the procedure, but this show is actually their second attempt at recording it on Thursday night. Actually, the second one turned out better than the first one. Kind of like a batch of cookies. Thanks, again for all of the love and good thoughts, everyone.

Steve’s been tasked with a surprising amount of personal washing and general cleanliness protocol ahead of his operation, as today’s show reveals. Subscribers are also privy to the shaving that will occur before the procedure. Did Brendan really bike to Michigan City, or was it Instagram false advertising? Buzz joins us today, with his thoughts on “Obsession,” outliving Bob Dylan, and some general observations about the pant leg width, suit sizes and miraculous hair styles of the NBC 5 News.

Steve has officially been cleared for surgery, and with his recovery approaching, Ed Silha takes over engineering duties while Steve rides shotgun in preparation for the transition. Brendan summons three Johns in an eerie preview of an upcoming A Christmas Carol remake, the debate over Boomers versus Generation Jones continues, Steve wonders about the significance of the hairnet in gang culture, Joe Gaspar stands by for nursing duty if needed, and a legendary Irish bar gets a birthday shoutout from a Chicago expat.

Steve was an early riser today, as he went in for the final of his pre-surgery tests. Meanwhile Brendan had a dream about the surgery, and it was a success, despite the odd surroundings. Dag got a new song idea started this morning. He wasn’t sure how it happened, but Steve went on a trip to Meijer on Sunday and came home without his lights on. Also, our fine subscribers have nothing but well wishes for Steve on this Talk To Me Tuesday.

Steve encountered some problems getting to sleep last night, and wonders if it’s due to the information he keeps receiving about his upcoming procedure. Janet surprised him with a hug that nearly sent him off his feet. Tom Thayer joins us, with Bears training camp about to heat up. He has no further details on the upcoming Bears-themed Hallmark movie. Brendan witnessed the delightful Savannah Bananas game at Wrigley, while Dag wowed them at the Newport Folk Fest.

Steve enjoyed some of Janet’s homemade nachos, yet the grandkids turned their noses at the delicious meal. He knocked back a couple of Uncrustables for lunch too. Also, for the Dahl household today, it’s out with the old and in with the new; garage refrigerator, that is. Buzz joins us today, to share his unforgettable snooze alarm, tell us of his aggressive cold remedy, and to reveal his heretofore unknown pre-Buzz nickname.

Steve picked up a dead bird on the driveway and discovered a colony of ants. The ants followed him inside the house, apparently. We are joined by Jim Fabbrini, whose first concert was the bespectacled British rock legend, Elton John at Chicago Stadium. The loud sound still sticks with him. Jim’s got an unbelievable rose special that’s just for DahlCast subscribers. A Floridiot behaves badly (imagine that) at Lowe’s.

Last night’s backyard family part was everything Janet and Steve hoped it would be. We’ve got some final World Cup thoughts before we send the event away for four years. Steve tried to summon a ghost but got the IRS instead. The “Jiver” wants to tell you about frozen bananas. Tom Thayer was never late to football practice. He did narc on teammates who tried to sneak into the film room after a session started.

Preparations are underway for tonight’s family party in Steve’s honor. Janet’s got a mouthwatering dessert in the offing and Steve’s hoping for an extra slice or two. Speaking of parties, we learn about the Hinsdale Kitchen Walk from Brendan, via the Wall Street Journal; Steve is well aware of this event and describes the vibe to us. Dag has one problem with the smoke of a distant fire. Also, it’s a Talk To Me Tuesday, where we talk *your* calls!

Steve watched a Noah Kahan documentary and found that he had lots in common with the popular singer. He also shared a playlist from his morning walk with Rosie. Hospital waiting rooms only play HGTV, for everyone’s overall relaxation. Dag is podcasting from the UP. Steve went to the pool at the club against his will, and Mike commented on his parents having a marital spat. Luckily, there is a backyard pool party scheduled for tomorrow.

Biting his tongue about his blocked driveway leads to a good karmic event for Steve. Discussion on the Home Run Derby’s branded magenta ball finds us pondering our favorite sports movies and our deserted island LPs as well. Buzz joins us for some spoilers, as well as his thoughts on the format of the show. Steve had a mind-bending dream that left him relieved to wake up.Buzz was “mesmerized” by Janet’s podcast appearance on last week’s show. Brendan plays matchmaker for Steve’s and Buzz’s robots.

The years roll by — time passages, if you will — and all of a sudden you find yourself enjoying an old song you used to dismiss outright. It happened for Steve on this morning’s walk with Rosie. Noah Kahan is still under review, however. Janet joins us today, to not only look ahead to Steve’s recovery, but also to look behind (spoiler alert!) at an utterly confounding Wordle word from yesterday. Canadian wildfire smoke is very present in Woodstock, but Brendan doesn’t notice it in Chicago.

Today’s show is a veritable full house, as we’re joined by Tom Thayer and Joe Gaspar (and for a spell, the distance voice of Janet). We’ve got thoughts on the All-Star Game, the National Anthem, the naked bike ride, and so much more. Steve fell out of bed, and attempted to blame Janet for it. Matt and his family came over for a hot-dog-fueled pool party. Brendan watched bands at Phyllis’ Musical Inn. Steve is eagerly awaiting the delivery of his small watch band.

Steve is fattening himself up ahead of surgery. Wants to give the Dr. something to lean on. We pause Talk To Me Tuesday to enact a Travel Tip Tuesday. As Dag gets ready for his first ever flight in first class, Steve points out the medical grade air that awaits all travelers. Michigan is battling a diarrhea outbreak that has been linked to produce. Steve hasn’t been to Michigan in awhile so he feels he’s pretty safe. He has other internal things to think about.

Steve got into a game of high-stakes chicken with an opposing driver. Ahead of open-heart surgery, he’s been practicing getting up from his chair in a manner comfortable for his soon to be sawed in half sternum. Brendan witnessed the Nude Bike Ride, and had a goat empanada. Dag and company performed a, freshly written Sunshine Boys song. Someone is getting a Santa’s list worth of wishes for his planned recovery and music rooms.

Steve and Janet, much like Buzz, took great delight in watching Project Hail Mary, a feel good movie about a handsome scientist that befriends a pile of boxes in outer space. Have we all read the classics, or did we just carry them around with us? Most of us know the correct way to put on a t-shirt. And we are all gearing up to watch the 1980 one-star classic, Alligator, which was apparently “shot” in various locations across the country.

Steve flies solo for a good portion at the end of today’s show (It’s a technical workshop!) but not before we get the chance to analyze an eclair bargain that’s being offered by Jewel, and has Brendan seeking advice from his village elders. For some of us, it’s the first time we’re not only hearing of, but actually listening to the immensely popular Noah Kahan, a singer/songwriter that’s burning up the charts in a mellow, thoughtful fashion.

Steve seems to be in an endless loop of doctors and medical info, but he’s handling it all in stride, despite the absence of caffeine in his life. He and Janet binged the first half of Season 5 of The Bear. Steve did reserve doubts about the plumbing situation at the fictional restaurant, however. Joe will be participating in the annual Naked Bike Ride, and he’s willing to pull Steve in a rickshaw. A Floridiot tries (and fails) to get creative with a hiding place.

There are more tests awaiting Steve prior to his procedure at the end of the month. He’s facing them with patience, though he’s eager to get it all done. We break down the legendary face off between talking horse Mr. Ed and LA Dodgers hurler, Sandy Koufax. It’s a Talk To Me Tuesday and our wonderful listeners have lots of good wishes for Steve. And Clarence Carter, the singer, gave us both Patches and Strokin’ — talk about versatility!