WGN - The After Hours with Rick Kogan Podcast

John Mark Hansen, political science professor at University of Chicago, joins Rick Kogan to talk about the 100th anniversary of the 1925 John Scopes ‘Monkey Trial’. John reminds listeners of what took place in the trial and comments on whether John Scopes was a hero.

Singer-songwriter Alyssa Allgood joins Rick Kogan to talk about her music career and when her love for music began. Alyssa touches on her family’s support from the beginning, her career dreams, and more. Alyssa will be at Jazz Showcase from July 17 through July 20th.

Life coach and founder of Boho Bouquet Bar Amy Lechelt joins Rick Kogan to talk about her floating flower store that is Chicago’s only mobile bouquet bar. Amy details the spots across Chicago where you can find her store and how the flower store operates in the winter.

Marc Smith, founder of the Uptown Poetry Slam, joins Rick Kogan to talk about the worldwide reach of poetry slams and how they have developed throughout the decades. Marc discusses what drew him to poetry in the first place and where he first read on stage. Marc also talks about his podcast ‘Thru The Mill’, […]

Gayle Gleespen, Yorktown Center's Marketing and Business Development Manager, joins Rick Kogan to talk about the state of the Yorktown shopping center and the necessary tasks to keep shopping centers thriving in today’s world. Gayle also discusses Yorktown’s ‘Dog Days of Summer’ promotion and why dog lovers need to take part in it.

Maureen Schulman, publicist and co-owner of Eli’s Cheesecake Company, joins Rick Kogan to talk about The Happiness Club and The Happiness Club Benefit taking place July 13th at 6pm at Park West in Chicago. Maureen explains the performing arts education that is provided for the youth in Chicago and she previews this year’s Legacy Award […]

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to talk about Fourth of July events taking place in Chicago, such as the NASCAR Chicago Street Race. Candace also discusses her Fourth of July experiences growing up and her upcoming cameo in ‘Titanique’ at Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place on July 2nd.

Author Lorraine Devon Wilke joins Rick Kogan to talk about her new book, ‘Chick Singer’. Lorraine and Rick discuss her Chicagoland roots, her love for singing at a young age, and her career writing novels.

Author Robert Wolf joins Rick Kogan to talk about his new book, ‘Coyotes and Stars: Stories from the American Southwest’. Robert also talks about how he met his wife, Bonnie Koloc, and why he started the Free River Press in Nashville.

Rick Kogan is joined by Julia Bachrach to discuss the beauty and uniqueness of Midwestern architecture and how landscape architects set a standard in Chicago.

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to talk about her Playboy memorabilia that will be housed at the Chicago History Museum. Candace explains the James Beard Awards and its value on Chicago restaurants. Candace also discusses the Lincoln Park Zoo Ball and some other trending Chicago news.

Mark Kogan, a former tour manager for various bands, joins Rick Kogan to talk about the passing of the great Brian Wilson, one of The Beach Boys co-founders. Mark explains what Brian was like offstage and comments on the tributes being played in his honor.

Actress and playwright Atra Asdou joins Rick Kogan to talk about her show, ‘Iraq, But Funny’, which can be seen at the Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago through July 20th. Atra also discusses her early interests in theatre and what to expect at her show.

Musician Sam Fazio joins Rick Kogan to discuss his path to music, his long career, and some of the places he has traveled when performing. Sam also talks about the freedom he had in his music early on when not performing for a living. Sam previews what is next for him, and Rick gives listeners […]

Author Rich Cohen joins Rick Kogan to talk about his latest book ‘Murder in the Dollhouse: The Jennifer Dulos Story’. Rick also discusses Rich’s profound career and his upcoming appearance on Tuesday, June 10th at The Book Stall in Winnetka.

Actor Frank Ferrante joins Rick Kogan to talk about his 40th year playing Groucho Marx on stage and to discuss the Marx brothers’ Chicago history. Groucho’s grandson Andy Marx also chats with Frank and Rick about his grandfather and Frank’s impersonation of Groucho. Frank will appear as Groucho Marx on June 11th at Teatro ZinZanni […]

Jeff Lindberg, Musical Director of the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, joins Rick Kogan to talk about summer residency at Jazz Showcase in Chicago. Jazz guitarist Bobby Broom also chats with Jeff and Rick about his upcoming appearances at the Jazz Showcase. Bobby then explains how jazz guitar sounds different from rock and roll and other genres.

Chicago Quarterly Review managing editor Gary Houston and producer Roger Rapoport join Rick Kogan to discuss the film version of Peter Ferry’s novel Old Heart and the process of getting approval from Peter to make the film. A screening of the film can be seen June 4th at the Chopin Theatre in Chicago.

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to discuss the latest news and events in Chicago. Candace talks about Chef Art Smith’s nonprofit ‘Common Threads,’ Steppenwolf Theatre’s 50th anniversary party, Goodman Theatre’s 100th celebration, and more.

Anthony Mateos, an Evanston Township High School junior, joins Rick Kogan to talk about his book, Who We Are: Stories from the Chicago StreetWise Community. Anthony explains the process of getting the book published and comments on the response the book has received in the local community.

Artist and writer Dmitry Samarov joins Rick Kogan to talk about his design for the new edition of “Moby Dick” and the meaning behind the illustrations in the book.

Rick Kogan talks with Ronnie Marmo about his return to Chicago to perform in “Bill W. and Dr. Bob” at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. The play can be seen from May 30th through June 8th.

Rick Kogan is joined by Bob Chiarito to discuss his Chicago Magazine story about courtroom artists and the recent death of one of them, Andy Austin.

Rick Kogan is joined in studio by Paul Teodo to talk about the new storytelling event ‘Listen Up!’ at Carnivale on May 21st.

Rick Kogan is joined in studio by Kelsey and Andrew McClellan to talk about the art of sign painting which they do through their company, Heart & Bone, and their collaboration with Jim Coudal and Field Notes.

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to report on Mother’s Day events and offerings around Chicago.

Lou Malnati's owner and chairman Marc Malnati joins Rick Kogan to discuss his new book, Deep Dish, and his desire to tell the story of his family’s rise to pizza fame.

Jim Coudal, President of Coudal Partners, discusses the newest edition of Field Notes, a collaboration with Andrew and Kelsey McClellan of Heart & Bone, sign painters. For more information, go to fieldnotesbrand.com and  chicagosignpainters.com.

Singer Elaine Dame joins Rick Kogan to discuss her third album, ‘Reminiscing,’ and her upcoming performance at the Winter’s Jazz Club on May 16th.

WGN Radio’s Rick Kogan is joined by Libby York, who is performing ‘Songs That Turn Up the Heat’ at Winter's Jazz Club on Thursday, May 1st. Libby talks about her adventures in music and the changing audience.

WGN Radio’s Rick Kogan is joined by author, writer, and professor Michelle Weldon to discuss how she got her start in writing, and her many books, the latest being, “The Time We Have: Essays on Pandemic Living.”

WGN Radio’s Rick Kogan is joined in-studio by Walter Podrazik who, with Harry Castleman, wrote “Watching TV: American Television Season by Season,” now in its new fourth edition at 644 pages. The two discuss Walter’s adventures in journalism, the overall history of television, and where we go from here.

Linda Beckstrom and Pamela Des Barres join Rick Kogan to talk about their books and young life experiences. Rick talks about Linda’s book with Angalia Bianca, “In Deep: How I Survived Gangs, Heroin, and Prison to Become a Chicago Violence Interrupter.” Also, Pamela and Rick discuss her book, “I’m with the Band,” and her Chicago […]

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to recap the past holiday season and share the status of events in Chicago. Rick also talks with Candace about her recent work and other trending media stories.

Rick Kogan talks with Ellen Hanson, owner of Sandmeyer’s Bookstore, about the Chicagoland Bookstore Crawl on April 26th that Sandmeyer’s Bookstore is participating in. Rick and Ellen also detail some of the key information to know if you are attending.

Rick Kogan talks with Mark Wukas about his career as a teacher and his novel “The Kiss of Night.” Mark also explains how he became interested in writing.

Rick Kogan is joined in studio by actor Phil Donlon to discuss his career, such as appearing in ‘Chicago Fire,’ the film ‘Hotshot’ and other adventures in the movie business.

Linda Beckstrom, co-author (with Angalia Bianca) of ‘In Deep: How I Survived Gangs, Heroin, and Prison to Become a Chicago Violence Interrupter‘ joins Rick Kogan to highlight the book and discuss her relationship with Angalia, including what it was like to work together.

Don Evans, President of the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, and Randy Albers join Rick Kogan to talk about the Literary Hall of Fame and its annual Randy Albers Award.

Reporter Bob Chiarito joins Rick Kogan to share about life as a freelance reporter and his career.

Dan Halperin joins Rick Kogan to talk about the film he is making about the life of his father, Robert “Buck” Halperin.

Taylor Evans joins Rick Kogan to talk about the documentary “The Wild Mile: A River Reborn,” the city’s, and world’s, first floating eco-park.