WGN - The After Hours with Rick Kogan Podcast

Frank Maugeri, Artistic Director of Cabinet of Curiosity, Sonja Henderson, founder of Mother's Healing Circle, and Samarem, a graduate of the School of Celebration, join Rick Kogan to talk about ‘Honor Thy Mother’, an event recognizing and celebrating women in the community who have made sacrifices for the benefit of others. The event gets underway […]

Climber Dan Goodwin, the famous ‘Spider Dan’, joins Rick Kogan to reminisce about climbing the Hancock and Sears Towers back in 1981 and being fined $35 for it. Dan also discusses his new autobiography, ‘Untethered’, what he wants people to take away from it, witnessing the burning of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, his […]

Food and drink writer Maggie Hennessey joins Rick Kogan to talk about her new book, ‘The Burger Bible: Everything you need to know about the humble hamburger’. Maggie also discusses her journalistic path, who she admires in the food writing landscape, and the future of hamburgers.

Alyssa Gross, founder of The Mahjong Society, joins Rick Kogan to talk about the rising popularity of Mahjong and her book, ‘Play Mahjong: An All-Levels Guide to American Mahjong’. Alyssa comments on the various versions of Mahjong across the world, how the game has become more female-oriented, her Mahjong skill level, and what the future […]

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan with trending news of parties, events, and celebrations. Candace talks about a gala she attended where she met David Schwimmer, candidates for the Chicago mayoral race, Yasmin Levy’s successful tour in the United States, the topping off ceremony at Bally’s Chicago, the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center’s Luminary Award Dinner, and more.

Historian Liz Garibay joins Rick Kogan to talk about an event called ‘Brewing the Revolution: Enslaved Labor and Early American Beer’, taking place Friday, May 8th at Newberry Library in Chicago as part of the Beer Culture Summit. Liz also touches on the Beer Culture Center, a non-profit that shares stories of how beer has […]

Photographer Larry Tuckman joins Rick Kogan to talk about his career and his book, ‘Chicago's Uptown Portraits 1982-1986’. Larry discusses his photo-taking process, why he put the book together, how he has adapted to technological changes in photography, and what he shoots today.

Actor Phil Donlon joins Rick Kogan to talk about Prime Video’s ‘Killing Grounds: The Gilgo Beach Murders’, a four-part documentary series that he is executive producing. Phil discusses the documentary’s heavy focus on the victims, his reaction to Rex Heuermann pleading guilty to the murders, and why there is such a large draw for true-crime […]

Jim Fitzpatrick, brother of the late Chicago artist Tony Fitzpatrick, joins Rick Kogan to talk about his book, ‘The Intersection of Faith and School Leadership: Memoirs of a School Administrator’. Jim discusses the importance of faith and family and some of the life lessons featured in the book. A book signing and talk with Jim […]

Authors Neal Samors and Eric Bronsky join Rick Kogan to talk about their book, ‘Corned Beef on Rye: Remembering Chicago's Jewish Delicatessens’. Neal and Eric reveal what they think is the most famous delicatessen in Chicago history, what makes a great deli, and what makes Chicago’s delis unique.

Paula Froehle, co-founder of the Chicago Media Project along with Steve Cohen, joins Rick Kogan to highlight the 11th annual Doc10 film festival which runs through May 3rd at the Davis Theater and Siskel Film Center. Paula talks about some of the noteworthy documentaries being screened and how the event has grown over the last […]

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to highlight singer Yasmin Levy’s appearance this Saturday, April 18th, at Studebaker Theatre in Chicago. Candace also discusses what she believes is the resurgence of the Mag Mile.

Singer Libby York joins Rick Kogan to talk about a birthday tribute for Ella Fitzgerald at Winter’s Jazz Club on April 23rd at 6:30 and 8:30 pm. Libby previews who she will be performing with, highlights the legacy of jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald and discusses Louis Armstrong’s duets with Ella.

Novelist Leah Eskin joins Rick Kogan to discuss her book ‘Like Wafers in Honey’. Leah talks about Italian-Jewish cuisine, the cultural identity of Italian Jews, the World War II time period, her enjoyment writing the book, and more.

Producer Mary Bonnett and Director Richard Shavin join Rick Kogan to talk about a play called ‘The Official Biography‘ which will be performed through next weekend at the Den Theatre Mainstage in Chicago. The play features Chicago’s own Gary Houston and Shelby Marie Edwards as conflicting journalists.

Sportswriter Gene Wojciechowski joins Rick Kogan to talk about his new book, ‘All Carry’. Gene discusses what led to him write the novel, the Masters Tournament this upcoming weekend, the magic of Augusta National Golf Club, the earnings of caddies, and more.

Award-winning journalist David Murray joins Rick Kogan to talk about his new book, ‘Soccer Dad’. David discusses his career in speech writing, AI’s impact in the field, the youth sports experience, his daughter playing Division 1 soccer, and more.

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan with trending news of parties, events, and celebrations. Candace talks about guest speaking at the World Class Female Leaders event, being featured in an upcoming book, her advice column, empty storefronts on Michigan Avenue, Yasmin Levy’s upcoming performance at Studebaker Theatre, and more.

Musicians John Ballantyne and Gus Noble of Crazy Heart join Rick Kogan to talk about their celebration of John Prine with ‘Chicago 1971’ on March 15th at the Old Town School of Folk Music. John and Gus discuss their early interests in John Prine, the crowd’s response to their performances, and their love of sharing music […]

Blues harmonica player Billy Branch joins Rick Kogan to talk about his career and latest album, ‘The Blues is My Biography’. Billy discusses the state of the blues today, how he first started playing the harmonica, and the spread of the blues from the South Side to the North Side of Chicago.

Actor Phil Donlon joins Rick Kogan to talk about his career, Chicago roots, and involvement with the St. Baldrick's Foundation. Phil will be at two St. Baldrick’s fundraisers, on March 7th at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park and March 13th at Joe's Live in Rosemont with the Chicago Fire Department.

Author and former Chicago Tribune editor Mark Jacob joins Rick Kogan to discuss his book ‘Free Chicago: 50 Years of the Reader’. Mark and Rick also talk about the history of the newspaper and its influence on journalism and the city of Chicago.

Sean Benjamin, Steve Mosqueda and Carolyn Benjamin join Rick Kogan to talk about the new Drinking & Writing Theater production, ‘Miersten Wolf’, which opens February 19th at The Neo-Futurist Theater in Chicago. They discuss their original songs, ambitions for the musical, and give a preview of their characters.

Writer Paul Teodo joins Rick Kogan to talk about the next ‘Listen Up!’ event at Carnivale on February 19th at 6:30pm. Paul also discusses his storytelling origins, the types of stories to expect at the event, and some notable people who will be in attendance.

Performer Nancy Hays joins Rick Kogan to talk about her novel and stage play, ‘Riding for America’, which shares the story of American jockey Isaac Burns Murphy. Nancy also discusses her entertainment roots, her first professional role, and the upcoming live performance of ‘Riding for America’ at Wayfarer Theaters in Highland Park on February 15th […]

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to discuss the many events taking place in Chicago this February. Candace talks about restaurateur Grant DePorter’s third annual Harold Ramis Day celebration, the 2026 Chicago Auto Show, and what she is looking forward to in the entertainment scene.

John Holden, President of the Edgewater Historical Society, joins Rick Kogan to talk about a new exhibit on the history of theatre in Edgewater, the influence of the Edgewater Beach Hotel on the neighborhood, and what the museum has to offer.

Television producer John Davies joins Rick Kogan to talk about the screening of ‘Phunny Business: A Black Comedy’ at the Chicago History Museum. John and Rick discuss the black comedy scene on Chicago’s South Side and the significance of the All Jokes Aside comedy club. The screening of the documentary takes place February 21st at […]

Photographer and writer Vincent Johnson joins Rick Kogan to talk about his book, ‘Illustrious: The Best High School Basketball Gyms in Illinois’. Vincent highlights the uniqueness of certain gyms, how they relate to everyday life, and what makes a gym one of the best.

Author and firefighter Chris Serb joins Rick Kogan to talk about his book, ‘ECKIE: Walter Eckersall and the Rise of Chicago Sports’. Chris dives in on Walter’s role as both an athlete and sports journalist and how it led to the growth of Chicago sports.

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to talk about Chicago’s Christkindlmarket, the Marshall Field’s Walnut Room, Santa’s Secret Chicago, and more holiday events.

Author Barry Pearce joins Rick Kogan to discuss his new book, ‘The Plan of Chicago’. Barry shares his path to a career in journalism, his literary mentors, and how each short story was chosen for the book. The book release party with Barry is Saturday, November 15th, at Martyrs’ in Chicago.

Sportswriter Herb Gould joins Rick Kogan to talk about his book, ‘Lambeau: The Epic Life of Earl Louis ‘Curly’ Lambeau, the Man Who Invented the Green Bay Packers’. Herb discusses the influence that both Lambeau and Chicago Bears founder George Halas had on the growth and rising popularity of the NFL.

Mike Houlihan and Paddy Houlihan join Rick Kogan to talk about the 11th annual ‘Irish American Movie Hooley’. Mike and Paddy discuss the films being shown and the filmmakers that will be present. The event takes place Friday, September 26th, through Sunday, September 28th, at The Wilmette Theatre.

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to talk about the biggest happenings in Chicago news and entertainment. Candace discusses chefs Art Smith and Phil Stefani’s connection to the Vatican, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ recent fundraiser, the Farm Fresh Hope Gala, and more.

Amy Danzer, Director of Programming for Printer’s Row Lit Fest, joins Rick Kogan to preview the Printer's Row Lit Fest on September 6th and 7th in the streets of downtown Chicago. Amy names some presenters that she would like to see, and Rick shares whom he will be talking to at the fest.

Singer Libby York joins Rick Kogan to talk about her quartet’s upcoming performance at the Winter’s Jazz Club on September 7th, featuring special guest Eric Schneider. Libby also shares what she looks for in musicians when putting together a group.

Author James Tehrani joins Rick Kogan to talk about his book ‘Alfalfa: The Rascal You Knew, the Character You Never Knew’. James discusses the life of Carl Switzer, who played Alfalfa, and whether it was difficult to get a book published on a childhood actor.

Film producer and businessman Steve Sarowitz joins Rick Kogan to talk about the September screenings at Wayfarer Theaters in Highland Park. Steve previews the films being shown exclusively at Wayfarer Theatres and some of the famous actors that are being featured in the upcoming films.

Robert Loerzel and James ‘Andy’ Pierce join Rick Kogan to talk about their book, ‘The Uptown: Chicago’s Endangered Movie Palace’. Robert and Andy discuss the importance of getting this book out to the public and share people’s stories about The Uptown throughout different periods of its prominence.

Author Abbott Kahler, formerly known as Karen Abbott, joins Rick Kogan to talk about her book, ‘Eden Undone: A True Story of Sex, Murder, and Utopia at the Dawn of World War II’. Abbott also comments on Ron Howard’s upcoming movie, ‘Eden’, which is based on her book. She will make an appearance at Printers […]

Author Kevin McGuire joins Rick Kogan to discuss his novel ‘Take the Long Way Home’ and how he put the story together. Kevin also talks about his early interests in writing and reads listeners an excerpt from his novel that stands out to him.