WGN - The Brian Noonan Podcast

The Black Friday release of Goose Island’s Bourbon County Stout is one of the most highly anticipated beer events of the year, and 2020 may see the best lineup in recent years. To discuss their brewing process and preview this year’s varieties, Brian Noonan and Cody Gough are joined by Mike Smith, Sr. Brand Manager at […]

Hour 1: + At the Breweries Hour 2: + Ryan Oestreich, Music Box Theatre Hour 3: + Bad Theater Manners + What will you miss this Summer? Hour 4: + Overnight Arcade Hour 5: + You Big Dummy + Straight Outta Context + Tiger King update + Cicadas return!

While the city slowly opens restaurants, barbers and more, movie theaters are left in the dark. With current restrictions, theater owners are searching for a middle ground to reach profitability. Ryan Oestreich, general manager of Chicago’s legendary Music Box Theatre joins Brian Noonan to lay out the state of the movie theater business and what […]

Comedian Lenny Schmidt knows a thing or two about life and comedy on the high seas. He joins Brian Noonan to talk about his experiences as a cruise comic, how to handle pandemic comedy and his upcoming comedy album.

Hour 1: + Kevin O’Hare, The Bad Apple Bar + Are you ready to return to restaurants? Hour 2: + Marnie Shure, The Takeout Hour 3: + Comedian Lenny Schmidt Hour 4: + Dog tips for Tom + Calls from around the world! Hour 5: +Should we be worried about asteroids?

World-renowned pet expert and WGN host Steve Dale joins Brian Noonan to explore how stressful times can affect our pets and answer listeners’ questions about our furry friends.

Hour 1: + Mark Reddig, Land Line Now Hour 2: + Steve Dale, Pet Expert Hour 3: + Michael Osacky, Baseball in the Attic Hour 4: + Worst Father’s Day Gifts + Grilling Tips

In the wake of destructive riots, Central Camera was left in ruins at its longtime location on Wabash Ave. But third generation owner Don Flesch doesn’t plan on shuttering his beloved photography store. Flesch joins host Brian Noonan to dive into the deep history of Central Camera and the family legacy the store represents for […]

Ian Beacraft and Julia Momose are with Cocktails For Hope, the organization that helped push the bill that will allow the takeout and delivery option for premixed cocktails in Illinois. The two spoke with Brian Noonan about the soon-to-be new cocktail takeout ruling. Beacaft and Momose also talk about the precautions in place from the […]

With Illinois reopening and the summer travel season starting, some people are expressing anxiety about staying in hotels. Michael Jacobson is president and CEO of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association and joins Brian Noonan to discuss the impact the pandemic has had on hotels. Jacobson talks about the measures hotels in Illinois are taking […]

Doctor Stewart Shankman is the Chief of Psychology at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Shankman says that the biggest problem is the uncertainty. He says that it’s normal to have some anxiety as things begin to reopen because there is a level of trust that must take place between people when in public. […]

Brian Noonan talks with Colleen Callahan, the Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources about the reopening of Illinois State Parks on May 29th. Callahan says that Illinois residents have become a “model” for other states and their parks as Illinois opened a few sites early. Callahan also breaks down the new guidelines in […]

Katherine Valleau is the owner of Exit Strategy Brewing and talks to Brian Noonan about how the recent news of all Illinois restaurants, bars to close for inside dining for 2 weeks to limit COVID-19 spread

Doctor Stewart Shankman, Chief of Psychology at Northwestern Medicine, joins Brian Noonan.

Florence Ann Romano, The Windy City Nanny, is an author, philanthropist and web series star/host. She joins Brian Noonan to talk about how to describe the Coronavirus to your kids or grandkids.

It’s Groundhog Day and Brian Noonan fills-in for Rick Pearson with a very eventful show! Brian, accompanied by Roger Badesch in the Newsroom and Producer CaSera (aka Cash), talks Groundhog Day results; follows up on New Year’s resolutions and how people are keeping up with them; and the various effects of the “Superbowl Syndrome”. We […]

Mentalist Jonathan Pritchard joins Brian Noonan and Cody Gough on the Matt Bubala Show this weekend. Pritchard says his skill set started at an early age and we get some first hand knowledge as he joins us in-studio. Tune in to learn more about how you can book him for corporate events, catch upcoming shows. […]

Brian Noonan and Cody Gough are back and braved the winter storm weather as Matt takes a trip to Florida this weekend. As expected, we talk about winter driving. Mentalist Jonathan Pritchard joins the show live in-studio at 1:15 a.m. At 2 a.m., Brian plays Overnight Arcade with some listeners. Later on, we discuss how […]

Brian Noonan is in for Roe Conn on day two of the new year bringing you all of the laughs and news you need this afternoon! To kick off the show, Brian welcomes back Lauren Lapka and Kevin Powell back from their time off for the holidays. Brian then talks to WGN-TV Ben Bradley about […]

Brian Noonan begins his New Years Day show by discussing what the ramifications of legal marijuana will have on the state. He has WGN Reporter Ryan Burrow come on to discuss what his findings were outside the marijuana dispensaries this morning. Then Brian brings on Midway Dispensary General Manager, Leo Barajas, to ask how his […]

Brian presents his classic recordings of “Yes, Virginia” and “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

Brian Noonan is in for John Williams on this foggy Christmas Eve bringing you all of the laughs you need this morning! To kick off the show, Brian covers some stories such as Lincoln’s alleged hat, a school distrcit accused of plagiarism and two friends who have sent Christmas cards to each other for decades […]

Wine superstar, James Beard Award winner and show favorite Belinda Chang joins Brian Noonan and brings in some holiday treats on this fine Christmas Eve morning. Listen in as Belinda shares her knowledge on wine and champagne and some tips on how to pair those beverages well with certain holiday treats.

Brian Noonan is in for your Friday night and has an action packed show planned for you! What is so special about cupcakes? Dori Isufi from Molly’s Cupcake joins Brian to share how you can celebrate National Cupcake Day and what their big special is! Next, former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks joins Brian Noonan. Jenks […]

In a brand-new edition of At the Breweries, Revolution Brewing’s John Carruthers and Goose Island Brewery’s Jesse Valenciana chat with Cody Gough and Brian Noonan about some of the latest in news and events in the craft beer world.

What is so special about cupcakes? Dori Isufi from Molly’s Cupcake joins Brian to share how you can celebrate National Cupcake Day and what their big special is!

Former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks joins Brian Noonan. Jenks recently wrote an article for The Players Tribune, about his recent struggles with addiction to painkillers and why he is now sharing his story.

Brian Noonan kick starts our Thanksgiving morning as he fills in for Nick Digilio! At 1:15, Steve Dale joins the conversation to talk all things pets. He discusses dogs getting table food, his new show time and the anti-cruelty law. Throughout the show, we play a few rounds of Overnight Arcade with listeners about Thanksgiving […]

Brian presents two brand-new editions of the “Bow Tie Theatre Review,” reviewing The Simon & Garfunkel Story and Beauty and the Beast. You can catch Broadway in Chicago’s production of The Simon & Garfunkel Story, playing through December 8, at the Broadway Playhouse in downtown Chicago (175 East Chestnut).  Beauty and the Beast is playing […]

Brian gives a “Bow Tie Theatre Review” of “Latin History for Morons”, then discusses the Thanksgiving treats, Real ID’s and Popeyes Chicken’s new chicken sandwich. Brian opens the show by talking with the Executive Chef of Catering over at Goddess and Grocer, Jill Dedinsky. Listen as Jill gives tips for getting everything done/ready at the same […]

Brian Noonan is back in the overnight slot for Dave Plier. Tonight Brian brings back a fan favorite game of “Arcade” getting your calls and guesses. How did you do on the game? Later Jose Lopez joins Brian in Studio to discuss his brewery Casa Humilde Cervecería Artesanal. What are the plans down the room? […]

Jose Lopez joins Brian in Studio to discuss his brewery Casa Humilde Cervecería Artesanal. What are the plans down the room? How did they get inspired to make beer? Jose gives insight into his brewery, which he runs with his brother Javier, and describes what makes their brewery stand out from the rest in the […]

WGN’s Nightside is brought to you by the one and only Brian Noonan!  Tonight we speak to Navy Pier Spokeswoman Payal Patel about the upcoming Navy Pier extravaganza Navy Pier Pumpkin Lights!  Then, Brian Noonan welcomes in Thelma Uranga from The National Museum of Mexican Art to speak on the popular Mexican holiday ‘Dia De Los Muertos’ […]

Brian Noonan speaks with actor and storyteller, David Payne about journeying into the incredible life of C.S. Lewis as he portrays the man himself in AN EVENING WITH C.S. LEWIS at the Broadway In Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut) for a limited two-week engagement October 22 – November 3, 2019. […]

WGN Host Brian Noonan welcomes in Thelma Uranga from The National Museum of Mexican Art to speak on the popular Mexican holiday ‘Dia De Los Muertos’ which will be highlighted this year in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood.  Thelma speaks on the importance of the national holiday and what it means not only for the Mexican culture […]

Eeek! It’s that time of the year where candy REALLY matters…Halloween!  WGN Radio host Brian Noonan and executive producer Michael Heidemann discuss the best and the worst when it comes to Halloween candy…Listen in! What’s your favorite??

Brian discusses the Chicago teacher’s strike, Passion House Coffee’s partnership with Chance the Rapper’s charity SocialWorks and My State of Mind, Chicago decriminalizing mushrooms, the 17th Annual Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer (FoBAB), Rockin’ for a Cure, and more! Brian opens the show by discussing the Chicago teacher’s strike and taking calls from listeners […]

Tonight on WGN’s Nightside Brian Noonan takes the mic as we bring you a look at everything from the reasons behind roosters to the most hydrating drink ever! David Hochberg joins us to discuss ways to svae money and to help you organize your mortage to stay out of debt.  Then, Nick Bowling (Director) and […]

Nick Bowling (Director) and Jed Feder (actor) join host Brian Noonan to discuss the hit show Oslo which is coming to Chicago for a limited run at Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse (175 E. Chestnut) from Sept 10 – Oct 20th 2019.  The remarkable story weaves through the conversations that led to the Israeli prime minister and […]

Brian Noonan takes the reigns for tonight’s Nightside!  We take a look at the historic day of 9/11 and reflect with listeners about the day that continues to live in infamy. Then, we turn the page to some lighter topics with our guests from Begyle and Dovetail Brewing.  

Dovetail Brewery and Begyle Brewing are celebrating their Fourth Annual Oktoberfestiversary on Oct 12 & 13! Join them as they celebrate the season, the neighborhood, and of course… BEER.  

Promoting inclusion is more important than ever and having The Chicago Lighthouse to support events and individuals has been a beaming light for the city.  Vice Chair Julie Stark joins host Brian Noonan to discuss their upcoming Center Stage Event happening at Navy Pier on Saturday, Sept. 14th boasting incredible Chicago acts and their headliner […]

Brian gives a “Bow Tie Theatre Review” of Broadway in Chicago’s production of The Band’s Visit, then discusses the Cooking Up a Cure fundraiser for the Scleroderma Foundation of Greater Chicago. Brian opens the show with a story about the phrase “when you see something, say something,” and how it impacted him in the parking […]

Brian Noonan in for Nick Digilio. On the show this morning: Movie critic Blake Stubbs joins Brian in-studio at 1:15 am to discuss all of the summer movie selections.  We also get his trusted recommendations on movies across that board. Hour number two has the History of United States podcast host, Kevin Kaufmann in-studio to […]

Learn about brown ale, ESB (extra special bitter), and Märzen beers from Revolution Brewing’s John Carruthers, Goose Island Brewery’s Jesse Valenciana, and special guest Michelle Foik from ERIS Brewery. About At the Breweries: Every month, J&J (and sometimes, special guests) join Brian to explore craft beers of a certain variety or theme from a variety […]

Brian talks summer in Chicago and when slang gets to be too much to handle. Plus: learn about the Green Tie Ball and join beer experts who educate and entertain in another edition of “At the Breweries.” Brian opens the show by talking about summer in Chicago and some of the best ways to spend […]

Plant-based reporter & host of “Awesome Vegans with Elysabeth Alfano Podcast” Elysabeth Alfano joins Brian Noonan (in for the Roe Conn Show w/Anna Davlantes) to talk about the James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lewis Hamilton, and Jackie Chan produced documentary “The Game Changers” and the exponential growth of the plant-based diet movement.

Brian and the crew talk about Gen Con and strategy board games, small theatre productions, and the Ravinia Festival. Plus: learn how to join one of Chicago’s Underground Donut Tours, and  where you can see a free concert from Broadway in Chicago at Millennium Park! Brian opens the show by welcoming his producer Cody Gough […]

Brian Noonan recently saw the theatrical performance of ‘Come From Away’. From the music, to the acting, to the sets Brian breaks it all down and gives his verdict! The show is at the Cadillac Palace Theatre now through August 18, 2019.

Brian Noonan welcomes Derrek Hull from the Trotter Project, and Trevor Rose-Hamblin from Old Irving Brewing join the show. The Trotter Project and Old Irving Brewing are working together for a fundraiser for the organization. The Trotter Project is Chef Charlie Trotter’s philosophical legacy. A philosophy which embodies the idea that excellence and purpose are […]

Another week and another jam packed show Brian has in store for you! Coming off a violent weekend across the country, with mass shootings in El Paso Texas, Dayton Ohio and here in Chicago, Brian Noonan takes listener calls to discuss the impact the violence has on the country. Including a surprise caller from here […]