Best WGN Plus Podcasts (2025)

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The Gin Hotline? 58:01

3h ago58:01

58:01

The weather is warming up, which means the Whiskey Hotline becomes the Gin Hotline. If you aren’t sure about gin, don’t worry because there’s probably something for you. We’ll be sampling new gins, while thinking about which one works best in one of three classic gin cocktails: the Negroni, the Gin & Tonic and the Martini. Tinkerman’s Curiously Bri…

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The Mincing Rascals 5.14.25: Pope Leo XIV, Qatari jet, Biden’s decline

9h ago

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The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, political pundit Marj Halperin, and longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys! This week, the Rascals start the podcast talking about their favorite story, meme, etc. about Pope Leo XIV. Are we pope’d out yet? As usual, plenty of news about the …

1
Mother’s Day magic with Johnnie and Steve

6h ago

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Johnnie Putman and Steve King give you the “mother” of all shows! We have some childhood ‘momisms’, our weekly food jones, weird new tech jargon, and magical music that is both new to us and to the airwaves! We jump right in with Don Drucker and Lisa Berman Drucker, Owners of Superdawg in Norwood Park in celebration of the restaurant’s 77th anniver…

1
Kerry Luft talks about the need for conservation to be nonpartisan and examples of federal wetlands programs that are working for all of us

3d ago

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On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter is joined by the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation’s Kerry Luft as he talks about the need for conservation to be nonpartisan. They also share examples of federal wetlands programs that are working for all of us. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7414231/The_Great_Outdoors_5_11_25_2025-05-13-170431.1…

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Getting to Yes, And… | Zach Mercurio – ‘The Power of Mattering’

4h ago

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Kelly speaks with Zach Mercurio, a positive leadership and organizations researcher and Honorary Fellow of Psychology in the Center for Meaning and Purpose at Colorado State University. He has a new book: The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7412622/7412622_2025-05-12-203922.64km…

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Getting to Yes, And… | Melody Wilding – ‘Managing Up’

19h ago

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Kelly speaks to Melody Wilding, an executive and leadership coach, licensed social worker and a former researcher at Rutgers University. She is a professor of Human Behavior at Hunter College and is a contributor to Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Business Insider. She has a new book, “Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in C…

1
Titanique sails with hilarity through July 13th at Broadway Playhouse

22h ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ify2mX6n6-g?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] You will want to get on board this hot musical comedy and set sail for 100 minutes of non-stop laughter, music and one heck of a good time! This hit is playing in a variety of countrie…

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Chicago Way w/John Kass: Alder pulls back the curtain on Mayor Johnson’s patronage scheme

3d ago

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Chicago Way w/John Kass (05/12/25): This week, Ald. Ray Lopez (15th) joins John Kass & Jeff Carlin to look at why he thinks Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson perpetuating a patronage scheme by steering ‘PlayStreets’ contracts away from Latino wards and into wards where Mayor Johnson is trying to curry favor. Also, Ald. Lopez also hints at what it would…

1
‘Elton Jim’ relates to the fun and pitfalls of friendship explored in Netflix’s new ‘The Four Seasons’

1d ago

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In this 468th episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano relates to the fun and pitfalls of friendship explored in Netflix’s new “The Four Seasons.” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7406495/Elton_Jims_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_468_2025-05-09-003035.64kmono.mp3 More from Elton Jim Elton Jim s Captain Pod-tastic ‘Elton Jim’ on …

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Tab Bamford: Connor Bedard elevates his teammates’ game

7d ago

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Tab Bamford, lead Chicago Blackhawks writer at Bleacher Nation, joins Steve Dale to discuss his book, The Future: Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks New Era. Tab and Steve chat about the impact Connor Bedard has made in his first two seasons and what he will bring to the table going forward with a young Blackhawks team. Tab and Steve also tal…

1
Star-studded lineup at Ravinia 2025

7d ago

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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 Cynthia Erivo from Wicked. Erik and Steve also detail the history of Ravinia, some of the famous musicians who have appeared on stage, and Metra’s role in getting guests to the festi…

1
A Mother’s Day Malort toast

7d ago

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Steve Dale chats with author Josh Noel about his book, Malort: The Redemption of a Revered & Reviled Spirit, and how Malort has become a cultural symbol of Chicago. Josh explains the history of Malort and shares a toast to all the mothers on Mother’s Day. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7410236/Josh_Noel_5-11-25_2025-05-11-204436.64kmono.mp3 Recen…

1
Remick on Diddy jury selection, Medwed on Read retrial, Kravit on Milwaukee judge arrest, Ziegler on fetal personhood, and much more

8d ago

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Magna Legal Services Director and Senior Litigation Consultant Hiliary Remick joins Legal Face-Off to discuss jury selection in Diddy’s trial. Northeastern University School of Law distinguished Professor of Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Daniel Medwed discusses the latest in the retrial of Karen Read. Kravit Hovel & Krawczyk Founding Partner St…

1
Future lessons learned from Charlottesville and January 6th in new book: Harbingers

5d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eokLA_PcI5I?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] The events in Charlottesville in 2017 and on January 6th, 2021 may appear unconnected. But there are connections that underlie both of these events that carry a message for the future.…

1
Steve, Johnnie and Wayne!

7d ago

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Steve King and Johnnie Putman are back for tons of music, Malort and motor related goodness! Our first guest is Monica Eng, Author and Axios reporter with some real reporting on the Real ID, Chicago’s impending curfew law after an influx of late night “teen takeovers” and the obligatory food jones, if you consider Malort candy food. Our big star of…

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The Mincing Rascals 5.7.25: Senate race, George Ryan legacy, Alcatraz, movie tariffs

7d ago

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The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute, and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals begin the podcast discussing U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL 8) announcing that he’ll be running for the senate seat being vacated by Dick Durb…

1
‘Hadestown’ plays the CIBC Theatre May 6-18th and ‘Prayer for the French Republic’ through May 25th in Skokie

8d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EdgCPqtBRk?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] The recipient of 14 Tony nominations and 8 wins at the 73rd Tony Awards, including best Musical and best Original Score, Hadestown returns to Chicago on its national tour. The story is…

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Chicago Way w/John Kass: When the oligarchs run the show, the people lose

9d ago

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Chicago Way w/John Kass (05/05/25): This week, former CEO of the Chicago Public Schools (1995-2001) & candidate for mayor, Paul Vallas joins John Kass & Jeff Carlin with a look at how Governor JB ‘Master Oligarch of Illinois’ Pritzker is doing running the state and shares a stories about being brought before the him to answer for his criticisms of …

1
‘Elton Jim’ wonders if people still wash their cars by hand

8d ago

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In this 467th episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano wonders if people still wash their cars by hand. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7393739/Elton_Jims_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_467_2025-05-01-171439.64kmono.mp3 More from Elton Jim Elton Jim s Captain Pod-tastic ‘Elton Jim’ on Netflix’s new ‘The Four Seasons’ .cls-7{fil…

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Ald. Brian Hopkins on ‘snap curfews’

14d ago

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Alderman Brian Hopkins (2nd ward) crafted the measure of ‘snap curfews’, but Mayor Brandon Johnson is hesitant to implement this, with some implying that it may not be constitutional. Hopkins offers a response to this and explains why he believes it is necessary. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7397836/7397836_2025-05-04-203736.64kmono.mp3 Recent …

1
Frank Ferrante is back as Groucho Marx

14d ago

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Frank Ferrante will be Groucho Marx, appearing in his acclaimed one-man show on June 11th at Teatro Zinzanni (32 W. Randolph St.). What was one of the funniest men in history really like? Ferrante knows first-hand, and he knew Groucho’s children very well. Any retrospective on Groucho now includes Ferrante, one of the busiest working actors in show…

1
Dreama Perry Denver on her new book ‘Island to Icon: the Many Lives of Bob Denver’

14d ago

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Dreama Perry Denver, wife Bob Denver, the actor best known as Gilligan, joins Steve Dale to discuss her book Island to Icon: the Many Lives of Bob Denver, which offers lots of surprising Gilligan’s Island behind-the-scenes stories. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7397818/7397818_2025-05-04-194418.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Steve Dale’s Other World T…

1
What is the meaning of Cinco de Mayo?

14d ago

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Steve Dale is joined by Mario Hernandez, Gallery Education Coordinator at the National Museum of Mexican Art to discuss the true meaning of Cinco de Mayo and how different areas of the world celebrate. Additionally, Mario highlights the museum and its mission. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7397810/7397810_2025-05-04-184810.64kmono.mp3 Recent Pos…

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The Everglades are being starved of water – Governor DeSantis is leading the way to save ‘America’s Marsh’

13d ago

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On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter talks about how Governor Ron DeSantis is leading the way to save “America’s Marsh” as the Everglades are starved of water. Plus, he shares his concerns on how off-road vehicles are trashing the American West. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7397615/The_Great_Outdoors_5_4_25_2025-05-03-194715.128…

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Cristom's Daniel Estrin 41:03

12d ago41:03

41:03

Daniel Estrin is an Oregonian who makes Oregon wines. As winemaker and vineyard manager for Cristom, Daniel has put his stamp on this iconic brand that’s a favorite of Binny’s wine buyers and customers. Cristom Pinot Noir Mt. Jefferson Cuvée 2022 Cristom Pinot Noir Jessie Vineyard 2021 Cristom Pinot Noir Louise Vineyard 2021 Cristom Pinot Noir Eile…

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The Mincing Rascals 4.30.25: Durbin’s successor, Trump 100 days, Amazon tariffs, plastic ban

14d ago

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The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute (sign up for his new Substack!), longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys, and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals begin the podcast discussing the odds that Governor Pritzker becomes preside…

1
B2B Quick Sips: Paloma 10:39

13d ago10:39

10:39

The Paloma is a great warm-weather cocktail; zippy and refreshing and easy to drink. But do you prefer the simple preparation or the complicated one? If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at [email protected], or reach out to us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $…

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Chicago Way w/John Kass: Sounds like JB Pritzker is ready for a donnybrook

18d ago

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Chicago Way w/John Kass (04/29/25): On this edition, veteran political advisor at Serafin & Associates and co-host of The Crisis Cast, Thom Serafin joins John Kass & Jeff Carlin with an analysis of how Sen. Dick Durbin announcing he won’t run for reelection will shuffle the deck in Illinois politics and what Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s latest “…

1
Cabaret/Broadway star Karen Mason releases new CD: ‘And All that Jazz’ PLUS Mamet’s ‘Henry Johnson’ at Victory Gardens through May 11th

19d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr2NRQaYMb0?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] This week’s show features two exciting Chicago shows. First up, Broadway and Cabaret star Karen Mason discusses her new CD available on Amazon starting May 9th! The music of Kander and…

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Getting To Yes, And… | Sandra Matz – Mindmasters – Big Data and Behavior Change

14d ago

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Kelly connects with Columbia Business School professor Sandra Matz to discuss her new book “Mindmasters: The Data-Driven Science of Predicting and Changing Human Behavior.” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7389448/7389448_2025-04-29-140448.64kmono.mp3 “We are fighting for attention. We want to be seen.” “Behavioral residues are the by-product of ou…

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Celebrating the life, legacy and licks of Duane Eddy

16d ago

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Johnnie Putman and Steve King have another cavalcade of characters on this super stuffed show! Throughout the show, we’re paying tribute to the late legend Duane Eddy on, what would have been, his 87th birthday. Plus, we have the obligatory food jones. Our first featured friend is Steve Bernas, President & Chief Executive Officer of BBB of Chicago …

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‘Elton Jim’ proclaims ‘Sede Vacante,’ so, ‘Hey everybody, let’s conclave!’

15d ago

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In this 466th episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano proclaims ‘Sede Vacante,” so, “Hey everybody, let’s conclave!” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7383804/Elton_Jims_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_466_2025-04-24-162404.64kmono.mp3 More from Elton Jim Elton Jim s Captain Pod-tastic ‘Elton Jim’ on Netflix’s new ‘The Four Seaso…

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Saving the Everglades and the population growth of Florida

20d ago

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On this airing of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter discusses the need to save the Everglades wetlands ecosystem, along with the population growth in Florida, and elimination of environmental regulations. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7386750/The_Great_Outdoors_4_27_25_2025-04-26-162150.128.mp3 Recent Posts The Great Outdoors with Charlie Potte…

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Author and journalist Juan Williams tackles the second Civil Rights Movement in a new book

18d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3QIevjQ-gg?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] On this new podcast, author and Fox News analyst Juan Williams is out with a new book, “New Prize for These Eyes: The Rise of America’s Second Civil Rights Movement” which looks at wha…

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Drew Mayville 49:08

19d ago49:08

49:08

From his days with Seagram’s to his current role as Master Blender for Sazerac, Drew Mayville has worn a lot of hats in the spirits industry. He witnessed the rise (ryes) of the Buffalo Trace brand and continues to oversee Sazerac’s new and existing projects. Benchmark Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Benchmark Bonded Kentucky Straight Bourb…

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Menendez re-hearing, DePaul lawsuit, abortion abolitionist movement and much more

23d ago

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Taylor & Ring Trial Attorney Dave Ring discusses the resentencing hearing for the Menendez brothers. The Lawfare Project Senior Counsel Gerard Filitti provides insight into their lawsuit alleging that DePaul University was negligent in failing to stop an anti-semitic attack. Temple University Beasley School of Law Dean Rachel Rebouché explains the …

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The Mincing Rascals 4.23.25: Durbin retiring, Pritzker’s political future, economic turmoil

23d ago

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The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Brandon Pope, of WCIU, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute (sign up for his new Substack!), and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals start today’s podcast discussing Senator Dick Durbin announcing that he won’t seek another t…

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Celebrating a two for one holiday with Steve and Johnnie!

22d ago

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Kick back, relax and crack open a window for this full show with Steve King and Johnnie Putman! After weeks of rescheduling, we finally get to add another hat to the many Jessica Radloff has! In addition to being the Senior West Coast Editor of GLAMOUR Magazine and the author of “The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive Inside Story”, we are excited to …

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Getting To Yes, And… | Scott Barry Kaufman – ‘Rise Above and the Victim Mindset’

21d ago

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Kelly welcomes Scott Barry Kaufman back to the podcast to talk about his new book “Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential.” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7379620/7379620_2025-04-22-125820.64kmono.mp3 “We’re living in a time when we identify so strongly with our victimhood that our potential has t…

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Second City celebrates 65 years making Chicago laugh!

23d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH8XniVsBZw?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Second City began training and entertaining back in 1959 and has not stopped since. Producing talents including Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Dan Aykroyd, Tiny Fey, Amy Poehler, Bill …

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‘Elton Jim’ says this year’s Masters Tournament proves golf is exciting to watch on TV

22d ago

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In this 465th episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano says this year’s Masters Tournament proves golf is exciting to watch on TV. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7377215/Elton_Jim_s_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_465_2025-04-19-162915.64kmono.mp3By WGN Plus

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Chicago Way w/John Kass: A time for family

27d ago

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Chicago Way w/John Kass (04/20/25): John Kass takes time to talk about the meaning of Easter (it’s not really about chocolate bunnies and jelly beans) and what it means to his family. From John Kass & Jeff Carlin, Happy Easter, blessings of love. Christos Anesti! Check out more from Kass at JohnKassNews.com or contact me at [email protected], o…

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Haim Watch Company: The watch for both the seasoned collector or newcomer

28d ago

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Zakir Miah, CEO and founder of Haim Watch Co., joins Steve Dale on the show to talk about the Chicago based watch company which was founded on 2020. Listen in while Zakir shares Haim’s mission, their love for horology and what makes Haim Watch Co. so unique. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7377535/7377535_2025-04-20-200235.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts…

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The Stylistics are back with a brand-new album!

28d ago

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Airrion Love, singer and co-founder of the Stylistics, joins Steve Dale on the show to talk about the group’s latest album, ‘Falling in Love With My Girl.’ Listen in while Airrion and Steve take a walk down memory lane and talk about the Stylistics’ humble beginnings, the group’s new album, and more! https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7377494/7377494…

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Hollywood biographer dives into the careers of Ethel Merman and Lucille Ball

28d ago

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Geoffrey Mark, A.K.A. Mr. Showbiz, Hollywood biographer and author of The Lucy Book, Ethel Merman: The Biggest Star on Broadway and Ella: A Biography of Legendary Ella Fitzgerald, joins Steve Dale on the show to share stories of his time with these legends in show business. Listen in while Geoffrey dives deep into the careers and lives of these leg…

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The new mystery thriller ‘Da Vinci Code’ is at Drury Lane Theatre through June 1st

28d ago

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Jeff Parker, actor recently seen on stage in Chicago alongside Helen Hunt in the Goodman Theatre’s production of Betrayal, joins Steve Dale on the show to discuss his new project, Da Vinci Code now showing at Drury Lane Theatre through June 1st. Listen in while Jeff gives listeners an inside look into the regional premiere of the new mystery thrill…

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Podcasts Worth a Listen