Talking Travel with Dan McNeil

I am about the same age as Chicago-area broadcaster Dan McNeil. I have listened to him for most of his radio career, which started with the Chicago Bears fantastic 1985 season.

When I met McNeil at Moretti's for his book signing, I planned on asking him for an interview for my Talking Travel series on Global Traveler. As we talked, McNeil started mentioning cities he visited while covering sports. Now that is the perfect intro to my question! I took that opening and asked. He said he'd get back to me and he did within a couple days.

McNeil could be called a polarizing figure. He has gotten his share of criticism and some of it was earned. McNeil is human. McNeil also has grown a lot, admitted his mistakes and has been open about a lot of his life. While that was not part of our interview, I wanted to explain my respect for McNeil.

In our interview, McNeil discussed his career and his travels. It was an easy, flowing interview. That's not a surprise, considering McNeil has been behind a mic for 40+ years. I really enjoyed this interview and I hope you do. I also hope you see McNeil in the same light as I do.

Watch the video at Talking Travel with Dan McNeil. Also, subscribe to the GT YouTube channel.

Dan McNeil (aka Danny Mac, Dangerous Dan, Dah Mahna)

Dan McNeil was one of 'the Originals' at the Score (WSCR), a sports radio station in Chicago. Danny Mac had a nine year run there and then spent time on WMVP (ESPN's local radio affiliate in Chicago). McNeil returned to the Score in June of 2009.
I admit (and I told McNeil this, too) that I wasn't a huge fan of his during his time on WMVP (although I had liked his work previously on the Score). It wasn't a dislike, but more of an apathetic feeling. I was apprehensive about his return to the Score. I am happy to admit that I have totally enjoyed McNeil (and Matt Spiegel) since his return. I told this to McNeil as well.
McNeil and Ed Sherman co-wrote The Great Book of Chicago Sports Lists. I attended a book discussion featuring the duo at the Book Stall in Winnetka (IL). They talked about parts of the book and fielded questions from the crowd.
After the discussion, McNeil spent time with everyone who approached him. He didn't just give a quick signature. I especially was impressed with how he talked to a teenage journalist-hopeful.
As for the book, it is funny and thought-provoking (or debate-inducing). It's the kind of stuff that sports fans can discuss forever. The book and its' authors are real winners.

Dan McNeil and me in Winnetka, IL-November 2009.