Rick Kogan

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 Free Chicago 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.