Steve Dale's Other World from WGN Plus

Chicago broadcast legend Bill Kurtis joins Steve Dale to discuss his book, Whirlwind: My Life Reporting the News. An argument can easily be made that Kurtis' style has changed Chicago and national broadcast news.

10th Ward Alderman Peter Chico, a former Chicago police officer, joins Steve Dale to express his views on the need for Shot Spotter, or a system like it, which has not been replaced despite the City’s promise to do so. He also talks about a nonprofit supporting first responders, called Light the Line, which Steve was […]

It may be the most important announcement ever in the history of WGN Radio: the Candy Hall of Fame is coming to town and will soon open on Michigan Avenue. Jeff Rubin, a Candy Hall of Fame inductee, joins Steve Dale to explain.

It's as intense as theater gets, and part horror – on stage, Covenant at the Goodman Theatre. Actress Anji White of TV's Fargo plays the mother you might not want to ever have, or maybe you do, and she joins Steve Dale to discuss the production. For tickets, visit the Goodman Theatre.

Leo Roberts is Sir Galahad in Monty Python's Spamalot, opening May 19 at the CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe St.). Roberts joins Steve Dale to talk about members of the Monty Python Troupe he's met in real life. For tickets, visit Broadway in Chicago.

In this recorded Mother's Day interview with Steve Dale, Dionne Warwick talks about her two favorite productions, her sons. She says that as much as she still enjoys performing, her current CD, called DWuets, is her last. She is the queen of duets, having recorded and performed hundreds in her career, and she offers some of her […]

Lucie Arnaz talks with Steve Dale about her kind-of-famous mom (Lucille Ball) and her own children on Mother's Day. She has a new book, Lucy and Desi: The Love Letters. But would Mom have wanted her to reveal these very personal notes? A candid conversation with Lucie can go anywhere, as she certainly speaks her mind.

Actress Ruta Lee, who is about to celebrate her 91st birthday, is one of your favorite guests on Steve Dale's Other World, and she says Chicago is her favorite town. Lee's career includes appearing in films with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Fred Astaire, not to mention literally hundreds of TV guest shots.

Captain Kat Miller of Chicago's First Lady joins Steve Dale to discuss the various excursions they offer, from their famous Chicago Architecture Center-hosted cruises to the canine cruise for dogs, whose highlights will no doubt include the parks with the most squirrels.

Joan Colletta, Founder of The Creative Conservancy, joins Steve Dale to talk about how she spends time with animals in their natural habitats. Joan shares her stories about volunteering for Rhino Conservation in South Africa, being around gorillas, and the importance of spreading education to prevent poaching.

Art Chat Daddy Sims, Community Outreach Manager, and Adam Helman, President and CEO of the nonprofit Guest House Chicago, join Steve Dale to discuss how they provide comfortable, affordable accommodations for patients and their families throughout their treatment. Guest House Chicago offers fully furnished apartments for medical patients and Rush Road Home participants through a […]

Best known for playing George Costanza in Seinfeld, Jason Alexander joins Steve Dale to talk about directing Fault at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Jason shares what steered him toward the directing role, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, and whether there will be a long-rumored Seinfeld reunion. Fault will be at the Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier until May 24th.

Adrian Galante, Arranger and Musical Director of Going Bacharach, joins Steve Dale to discuss how the show is a tribute to the music of Burt Freeman Bacharach, one of the greatest American composers.  The show will be at the Apollo Theater, 2450 N. Lincoln Ave., from April 21st to May 17th.

Friday was International Jane Goodall Day in celebration of all she achieved. Steve Dale interviewed Dr. Goodall several times, including on WGN Radio. Though Dr. Goodall had only just begun to achieve, and left the planet more than a bit concerned, she never lost hope. Steve talks with Anna Rathman, executive director Jane Goodall Institute USA. […]

The last radio interview comedienne Judy Tenuta did was with Steve Dale. Steve talks with award-winning director and producer Brent Mata, about capturing the life of Judy Tenuta, in It Happened: The Judy Tenuta Story, a mini-biopic following the often wacky life and career of the ’80s accordion-playing comedienne. Steve’s Interview with Judy can be found here.

Appropriately, Elizabeth French is in the studio on Easter Sunday. She is the mom of fallen police officer Ella French, who was killed in 2021. She's been active in supporting a non-profit called Light the Line, which provides vital support to officers and their families through resources, programs, and community initiatives that drive meaningful change.

John Williams may have Thomas Jefferson, but Steve Dale has George Washington. A. D. Weaver is the Father of Our Country in the Hamilton Angelica Tour. He also talks with rotating cast member Asisha Sougou. Hamilton is showing at the CIBC Theatre (18 West Monroe St).

Chicago's own Dr. Anne Beall, award-winning multi-book author, joins Steve Dale to talk about her latest book titled The Compassionate Writer: Find Your Voice, Enhance Your Story, and Touch Lives. Listen in while Dr. Beall reminds listeners to write with courage, edit with kindness, and share their stories with the world.

Dr. Alphonsus Obayuwana, author of The Happiness Formula: A Scientific, Groundbreaking Approach to Happiness and Personal Fulfillment, joins WGN Radio’s Steve Dale to share the key to happiness. Listen in while Dr. Obayuwana shares what the Hope Index Scale (HIS) is, the science behind personal satisfaction, and more.

Erik Soderstrom, Senior Director of Programming at Ravinia, joins WGN's Steve Dale to highlight this year's major lineup of performances at Ravinia Festival, including Snoop Dogg, Paul Simon, Rod Stewart and many more. Erik and Steve also detail the history of Ravinia, some of the famous musicians who have appeared on stage, and Metra's role […]

D. Jerome, the actor playing the Tin Man in The Wiz’s national tour, joins Steve Dale to talk about The Wiz’s 50th Anniversary Tour coming to The James M. Nederlander Theatre from March 31st – April 5, 2026. Listen in while D. Jerome shares what it’s like playing this iconic role and what it’s like […]

WGN Radio’s Steve Dale is joined by Jaitee Thomas who stars as the legendary R&B singer in the Black Ensemble Theater’s 2026 production of The Jackie Wilson Story as they kick off their 50th Anniversary season. Listen in while Jaitee shares what makes Jackie one of the most influential performers of all time, Jackie’s relationship with […]

Chicago-native actor Lenin Izquierdo, who stars as Oscar in The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao at the Goodman Theatre, joins Steve Dale to talk about the show and his Chicago roots. For more information on the show, visit the Goodman Theatre.

Former governor Pat Quinn joins Steve Dale to talk about the Bear Down for Illinois campaign and the push to keep the Bears in Illinois. For more information, visit Bear Down for Illinois.

Singer Toni Tennille joins Steve Dale to talk about the making of the hit song, “Love Will Keep Us Together,” written by the late Neil Sedaka. She shared stories about their performances together and revisit classics.

Dr. Jordan Metzl, nationally recognized sports medicine physician, best selling author, and fitness instructor, joins Steve Dale to discuss incorporating exercise into your diet and his book Push: Unlock the Science of Fitness Motivation to Embrace Health and Longevity. For more information, visit Dr. Jordan Metzl.

Ryan Wagner, National Ambassador for the Guinness Open Gate Brewery and Head of Beer Quality joins Steve Dale to talk about the upcoming St. Patrick's Day festivities, why everything is green on St. Patty's day and how to best enjoy a perfect Guinness.

Steve Dale catches up with the iconic Alison Arngrim, forever known to millions as the “girl you love to hate,” Nellie Oleson from Little House on the Prairie. Alison pulls back the curtain on her storied career and her New York Times best-selling memoir, Confessions of a Prairie B*tch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and […]

Steve Dale is joined by legendary Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike “Doc” Emrick to celebrate a historic moment for American hockey. Doc and Steve break down the incredible “double gold” sweep—the first time in Olympic history both U.S. Men’s & Women’s teams have stood atop the podium in the same Games. They discuss the U.S. […]

Dr. Samantha Canning, an internal medicine specialist at Northwestern Medicine, joins Steve Dale to talk about everyone’s least favorite winter activity, getting sick. It's unlikely you live anywhere near Chicago and haven't either known someone or yourself who has experienced one of the really nasty upper respiratory viruses going around. What can you do to […]

Steve Dale is joined by veteran Chicago journalist and author Mary Wisniewski to discuss her latest literary endeavor about Nelson Algren, “Algren: A Life.” Known for her deep roots in Chicago's history and culture, Mary shares the inspiration behind her new book and the stories that define the city's unique character. Whether you're a history […]

Steve Dale shares the heartbreaking news of the passing of a true broadcasting legend and dear friend, Betty Sanders (of the iconic “Bob and Betty” team). Steve reminisces about the early days of his career producing the legendary pair at WCFL, the invaluable lessons they taught him about class and connection, and why they were […]

Jurgen Hooper from the Timeline Theatre joins Steve Dale to discuss Eureka Day, a thoughtful and entertaining show about parenting and also vaccine hesitancy at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place through February 12. For more information, visit Timeline Theatre.

Little Shop of Horrors is now showing at the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre through March 15. Jackson Evans, who plays Seymour in the show will reveal where he thinks this carnivorous plant comes from, and about why he hopes to feed WGN-TV's Paul Lisnek to the plant.

Albert Friedman returns to the Booth 46 Podcast, after being a guest on our debut episode, and brought with him Bernard Cherkasov from the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center. While the museum in Skokie is closed for renovations, the Holocaust Museum presents ‘Experience360’, which is now open at 360 N. State Street. From the […]

Forgiveness. Empathy. Compassion. Kindness. That’s what F.E.C.K. stands for in the title of Chaz Ebert’s new book, ‘It’s Time To Give A FECK.‘ (available to order on Amazon). While Chaz is excited about the book’s success so far, she wants people to take those principles to heart and practice them. She joined Steve Dale on […]

Chicago’s 43rd Ward Alderman Tim Knudsen joins WGN Radio’s Steve Dale to discuss current issues in his ward and across the city. Alderman Knudsen talks about the city’s budget, curfew, homelessness, and CTA safety.

Steve Crano, Manager of Corporate Communications at Choose Chicago, joins WGN’s Steve Dale to preview Chicago Restaurant Week which takes place January 23rd through February 8th. They discuss prices, notable restaurants to check out, and the new Choose Chicago podcast.

Singer and actress Melba Moore joins WGN Radio’s Steve Dale to highlight her new memoir, ‘This is It: Marvelous and Getting Better’. Melba discusses personal struggles over the years and how she overcame them, her five octave vocal range, current performances, and what she does to stay on top of her game.

Relationship expert Love McPherson joins WGN’s Steve Dale to discuss all things love. Love talks about building relationships, maintaining healthy marriages, the ability to compromise, and being open to change.

Bela Gandhi, dating coach and founder of Smart Dating Academy joins Steve Dale to discuss the best practices for finding dating success in 2026. They go into dating apps, approaches when on a date, and take listener questions!

Dr. Sindhu Aderson, Medical Director Immediate Care Physician Northwestern Medicine with a special interest in obesity, joins Steve Dale to answer all questions about GLP-1s including who should be taking them, how safe they are, and updates on their cost.