About Mike and Fran

This blog came about from the world of zoom we all find ourselves in . As it turns out Peter Gault from 216TheNet was looking for some new ideas for a radio show at one of my regularly scheduled zoom network meetings on Monday mornings at 8:00am, called “ Cup of Joe”. Do I have an idea for a radio show? Are you kidding? I only happened to be the son of none other than Frances Elaine Babb Latone. A women who was born January 26th 1927 in Eugene, Oregon (pronounced or-e-gin) married my southern Italian Father, who Is from New Jersey, and raised five children in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, IL.. and is now 93yrs old. Fran grew up at a time before the Great Depression, remembers Dec 7th 1941 when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and they were instructed to turn off all their household lights in fear of a bombing. My Mom has lived through the good and bad that life has to offer and has a unique style of telling her stories. “Mike and Fran Unrehearsed“ is a weekly thirty minute radio show where we answer the burning questions of our listeners. Questions about, love, life and the pursuit of happiness, not necessarily in that order. 

“Mike & Fran Unrehearsed” is a show about the questions we all have about everyday life .. living in the world today .. and the ups and downs that come with it. A mother and son who see life through different eyes and can discuss their outlook on life as affected by their differences in age, generations and backgrounds. 

During each show Mike & Fran discuss their view of current events, Fran demonstrates her expertise with her “daily crossword puzzle” and Mike shares his experiences as an “Uber driver” here in the Chicago area. Together Mike & Fran eagerly participate in thought provoking conversations. 

Fran - 95yr old, bachelors degree in allied arts & architecture from University Of Oregon. Family grew up in Eugene, Oregon. Grandfather was a pioneer, father played pro baseball in France and became one of the first to join the US Air Force after flying for Canada. Fran used to roller skate professionally and sing and yodel in a country western band, raised five children and was a highly respected grade school teacher for almost 30yrs.

Mike - former engineer turned performing artist and modern day renaissance man with many interests.   Multilisted talent in Chicago. Bookings include: industrials for the onion, Las Vegas trade shows, commercials, short films and independent  films. Long time supporter of community theatre, old time radio shows, film festivals, stand-up comedy and supports the local film community. Experience includes: electrical engineer, actor, model, real estate agent, energy consultant, ESL instructor and health and wellness advisor and Uber Driver. Regular member of the old town school of folk music; sings, plays guitar, violin, harmonica and keyboards.

As a visitor here, you are part of a fantastic community. We are very interested in providing this blog to promote conversations about how our listeners would answer the very same questions we answer on the air. Please submit your questions for Mike or Fran and participate in our posted discussions about each show.
Subjects we do not discuss in detail on the air are Politics & Religion.   

Thank you so much for being part of this community. 

There are plenty of ways that you can become more involved. Please check out our

 TikTok, Facebook and YouTube accounts under “Mike & Fran"

Go to 216TheNet on Monday Mornings from 7:30am - 8:00am for a live broadcast! 

"Mike & Fran Unrehearsed" is also broadcast on

TuneIn Radio and Apple Music in addition to, Radio Garden, Anchor FM, 

Breaker, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, RSS & Spotify.

All EPISIDES are archived here as well.

Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel "Mike & Fran"

https://youtu.be/O-_O-35l2-c