Best WGN Plus Podcasts (2025)

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Leslie Uggams receives ICON Award from Porchlight Music Theatre on September 14th at Ritz Carlton

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5h ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2zdni3MZiE?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 legendary Icon Leslie Uggams will be honored with the ICON Award from Porchlight Music Theatre on September 14th at Ritz Carlton. Ms Uggams was most recently seen in Season 3, Ep 7…

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Getting to Yes, And… | Keir Graff – ‘Murder, Music, Magic and More in Chicago’

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Kelly digs in with author Keir Graff, who has written a new book about a legendary building in the Windy City, “Chicago’s Fine Arts Building: Music, Magic and Murder.” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7689385/7689385_2025-09-02-151125.64kmono.mp3 “All passes – Art alone endures.” “You’ll feel as you’ve just stepped out of a time machine.” “Let the …

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Chicago Way w/John Kass: Over 50 shot this weekend, but we don’t need help

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Chicago Way w/John Kass (09/01/25): This week, former Cook County and federal prosecutor Bob Milan joins John Kass & Jeff Carlin to talk about his original plan from 10 years ago to bring in National Guard troops to tamp down the weekly number of shootings in Chicago and how this strategy might work today. Plus, Kasso remembers when he believed Dem…

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‘Elton Jim’ is angered that Chicago’s multi-billion dollar O’Hare renovation will be yet another grossly delayed project

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In this 484th episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano is angered that Chicago’s multi-billion dollar O’Hare renovation will be yet another grossly delayed project. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7685018/Elton_Jim_s_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_484_2025-08-28-210718.64kmono.mp3 More from Elton Jim Elton Jim s Captain Pod-tas…

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Time to take a child hunting plus honoring a hunter education leader

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On this episode of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter takes a moment to acknowledge the importance of taking a child hunting with the start of dove season, as well as honoring a hunter education leader. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7682462/The_Great_Outdoors_8_31_25_2025-08-27-200502.128.mp3 Recent Posts The Great Outdoors with Charlie Potter T…

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Oktoberfest 2025 55:13

5d ago55:13

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It’s the prost wonderful time of the year for beer geeks! The dog days of summer are probably over and it’s time to get your malt on. Specifically, the malty beers of Munich and the surrounding areas. This week we’re trying copper-colored Marzens and their paler but still strong Festbier counterparts. Spaten Oktoberfest Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier Paul…

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Steve, Johnnie and Carl!

6d ago

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Steve King and Johnnie Putman are lucky enough to be graced with the presence of one of Chicago’s living legends! Carl Giammarese, one of the founding members of The Buckinghams, comes by for a special show to debut some music from of his brand new solo album, Let The Music Play. We hear some great stories of his youth on the North side of Chicago,…

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Emmy-nominated Jeff Hiller details his decades long struggle to stardom in new book

6d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJASq_bLeHw?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] From decades of small roles and comedy shows to making it big on HBO’s hit series “Somebody, Somewhere“, Jeff Hiller is now nominated for his first Emmy for his portrayal of Joel in it…

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The Mincing Rascals 8.27.25: National Guard, Chicago finances, Trump distractions

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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 The Last Ward, and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals begin the podcast talking about President Trump possibly sending the National Guard to Chicago to combat crime. Do the Rascals th…

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Meet the newly renovated Fine Arts Building & Studebaker Theatre, A Chicago Crown Jewel

7d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sz7y6YWCWOU?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] Paul goes behind the curtain with the managing artistic director of the Fine Arts Building and Studebaker Theater, Jacob Harvey and Keir Graff, author of the new book, Chicago’s Fine A…

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Lyric Opera of Chicago is so much more than opera!

7d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwoipSJsVNk?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] In this interview with John Mangum, the General Director, President & CEO of Lyric Opera of Chicago, we learn that in addition to the fabulous history of operas presented at the Lyric,…

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Getting to Yes, And… | Dr. Adam Dorsay – ‘The Vital Role of Connection’

7d ago

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Kelly talks with psychologist Dr. Adam Dorsay about how connection is our path to a happy and meaningful life. Adam’s latest book is Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the 4 Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7678934/7678934_2025-08-26-144234.64kmono.mp3 “Connection is vital for life.” “Our brains are …

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Chicago Way w/John Kass: When IL Dems play Russian roulette with our children

9d ago

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Chicago Way w/John Kass (08/25/25): Glenview native Joe Abraham joins John Kass & Jeff Carlin to talk about his gut-wrenching experience losing his daughter Katie when she was killed in a hit-and-run crash, allegedly caused by a Guatemalan national who was in the country illegally and is suspected of driving under the influence, Julio Cucul Bol. Jo…

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‘Elton Jim’ finally goes to Williamsport to experience the Little League World Series

8d ago

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In this 483rd episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano finally goes to Williamsport to experience the Little League World Series. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7659169/Elton_Jim_s_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_483_2025-08-21-162309.64kmono.mp3 More from Elton Jim Elton Jim s Captain Pod-tastic ‘Elton Jim’: O’Hare will be ano…

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The power of nature: A collapsing glacier and tidal wave plus a report from the coast of Maine

10d ago

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On this episode of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter discusses the power of nature, including a collapsing glacier and tidal wave, as well as a report from the coast of Maine. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7668604/The_Great_Outdoors_8_24_25_2025-08-23-193104.128.mp3 Recent Posts The Great Outdoors with Charlie Potter Time to take a child huntin…

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Chicago news, law firm data breach, reclassifying marijuana and much more

11d ago

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Chicago 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins comments on the latest buzz in the City of Chicago, including the Air & Water show damage, the Bears stadium, minimum wage, and his potential mayoral run. McDonald Hopkins Partner Spencer Pollock discusses Kelley Drye’s data breach cyberattack, resulting in a class action suit. Law Offices of Bruce Margolin F…

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Trust in Johnnie and Steve

13d ago

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Johnnie Putman and Steve King like to change things up once in a while and along with some regular players, it’s another show full of surprises. WGN-TV’s Meteorologist Mike Janssen managed to step away from the cameras and talk the past weekend’s hectic weather woes. After recently setting up a trust, Steve and Johnnie aim to educate the class on h…

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The Mincing Rascals 8.20.25: Speed cameras, CPS shakedown, Ukraine-Russia peace talks

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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 The Last Ward, and political pundit Marj Halperin! This week the Rascals begin the podcast with a fascinating discussion about the future of journalism and Substack. The Rascals then mince abo…

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Marvel Studios’ ‘Infinity Saga’ Concert Experience at Ravinia, Friday, August 29th

14d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-fwBHDbIOA?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] There is nothing like watching an exciting scene from a Marvel movie and being moved by the powerful score that enhances and gives the film its energy! One of America’s Most Celebrated…

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Getting to Yes, and… | Shannon Watts – ‘Finding Your Fire’

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Kelly welcomes Shannon Watts back to the podcast. The founder of Moms Demand Action has a new book: “Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age.” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7654093/7654093_2025-08-19-024333.64kmono.mp3 “Happiness is a temporary state, not a life goal.” “Women’s desires are hijacked by their obliga…

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‘Angels in America’ at Invictus Theatre extended through September 21st

15d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dShoYBYAgHs?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] There is little doubt that the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best Play-winning work Angels in America by Tony Kushner is one of the most important plays written in decades if not t…

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Chicago Way w/John Kass: The iron triangle of deception

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Chicago Way w/John Kass (08/18/25): New York Post columnist Miranda Devine joins John Kass and Jeff Carlin with a look at how President Barack Obama’s misdeeds compare to Richard Nixon, what candidate for mayor Zohran Mamdani means for NYC, and whether voters will ever get out from the stranglehold of the Iron Triangle deception created by deep sta…

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‘Elton Jim’ finds it odd why there is so much ‘Ozempic shame’ surrounding weight loss injections

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In this 482nd episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano finds it odd why there is so much “Ozempic shame” surrounding weight loss injections. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7646699/Elton_Jim_s_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_482_2025-08-13-212439.64kmono.mp3 More from Elton Jim Elton Jim s Captain Pod-tastic ‘Elton Jim’: O’Hare …

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Technology and ethics compromising the spirit of fair chase

16d ago

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On this episode of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter shares his concerns about how technology and ethics are compromising the spirit of fair chase as well as the impact of mining in the Boundary Waters. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7648274/The_Great_Outdoors_8_17_25_2025-08-14-170414.128.mp3 Recent Posts The Great Outdoors with Charlie Potter …

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Booth 46: Episode 1 with Albert Friedman and Lou Raizin

19d ago

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From the heart of Chicago, Albert Friedman and Lou Raizin help Steve Dale kickoff a new WGN Radio podcast called ‘Booth 46’, which will be live from Petterino’s Restaurant twice monthly. Mr. Friedman, chairman and CEO of Friedman Properties (and the unofficial Mayor of River North), and Mr. Raizin, CEO of Broadway in Chicago, are two of the most in…

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The Mincing Rascals 8.13.25: Dexter Reed decision, redistricting debate, Smithsonian review

20d ago

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The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys, and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals begin the podcast talking about the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office declining to file charges against the Chicago police officers who fired dozens o…

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Murder, Mayhem…and Cocktails?? Hilarious Hitch*Cocktails improv show at Annoyance Theatre on the weekend!

20d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xstq_3Hv354?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] Hitch*Cocktails is a fully improvised comedic thriller which invites the audience to laugh and enjoy while partaking (if they wish) in a drinking game, while the cast creates it all on…

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Rock and roll with Steve and Johnnie

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Steve King and Johnnie Putman may not have music in this show, but that won’t stop them from talking about it! Our first guest Ron Romero is the CEO and Founder of the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66. He joins Steve and Johnnie to talk about the Hall of Fame induction ceremony where they will be the presenters of the Founder’s Choice Award …

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MJ The Musical Plays August 12-24th only at the Nederlander!

21d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqUCt506kjA?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] He is still known and remembered as the King of Pop! Michael Jackson’s story is told in MJ the Musical which focuses around the “Dangerous Tour” of 1992. Through flashbacks and events …

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Getting to Yes, And… | Gary Noesner – ‘Lessons From an FBI Hostage Negotiator’

21d ago

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Kelly talks to Gary Noesner, a legendary agent who changed the way hostage negotiation was taught and implemented at the FBI. His book is “Stalling for Time: My Life as an FBI Hostage Negotiator” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7642858/7642858_2025-08-12-022458.64kmono.mp3 “Before we can influence others we must first listen and understand.” “List…

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Chicago Way w/John Kass: Obama, Pritzker, and the stories they tell

23d ago

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Chicago Way w/John Kass (08/11/25): This week, John Kass & Jeff Carlin tackle JB Pritzker’s hypocrisy when it comes gerrymandering, evidence that President Barack Obama was trying to convince people Russia got Trump elected in 2016 -even though we know they didn’t, and look at why dreams of living on the Moon or Mars are really just dreams. Plus, K…

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‘Elton Jim’ wonders when the ‘F-word’ stopped being vulgar and started being hip and acceptable

23d ago

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In this 481st episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano wonders when the “F-word” stopped being vulgar and started being hip and acceptable. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7629340/Elton_Jim_s_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_481_2025-08-08-014240.64kmono.mp3 More from Elton Jim Elton Jim s Captain Pod-tastic ‘Elton Jim’: O’Hare w…

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Alaska in all its splendor

23d ago

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On this episode of The Great Outdoors, Charlie Potter returns to share Alaska in all its splendor – fish, bears, whales, and a few tales. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7638317/The_Great_Outdoors_8_10_25_2025-08-08-171517.128.mp3 Recent Posts The Great Outdoors with Charlie Potter Time to take a child hunting .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} T…

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Bardstown Bourbon Company's Steve Nally 57:13

26d ago57:13

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Steve Nally is the master distiller at Bardstown Bourbon Company. His “schooling” came during 17 years at Maker’s Mark before becoming master distiller. At Bardstown Bourbon Company, he made dozens of recipes per year contract distilling, while also creating collaborative blends and the company’s own line of bourbons. Bardstown Bourbon Company Disc…

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Super on third-country deportation, Wallach on Bianca Rudolph’s murder, Martini and Susler on ‘Change Yourself,’ and much more

26d ago

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Georgetown Law Carmack Waterhouse Professor of Law and Economics David Super joins Rich and Tina to discuss the latest on third-country deportations. Wallach Legal Founder Ian Wallach discusses Bianca Rudolph’s murder while on safari with her husband. Legal Face-Off Co-Host and McDermott Will & Schulte Partner Christina Martini and National Materia…

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The Mincing Rascals 8.6.25: Texas redistricting, Chicago pension boost, DuSable Lake Shore Drive future

27d ago

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The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys, and Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute. Our small, but mighty podcast crew start the episode talking about Texas lawmakers coming to Illinois to avoid voting on a new legislative map that would favor the GOP. Governor P…

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Steve and Johnnie-palooza!

28d ago

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While most of Chicago was enjoying Lollapalooza, Johnnie Putman and Steve King had a big turn out of their own! After a brief hiccup, Him n’ Her are back and ready to grace your ears with their auditory presence. Ron Onesti, CEO of Onesti Entertainment is our first guest on the show and we learn of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian Amer…

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Getting to Yes, And… | James Cordova – ‘The Mindful Path to Intimacy’

28d ago

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Kelly connects with James Cordova, a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Clark University. His new book is “The Mindful Path to Intimacy: Cultivating a Deeper Connection with Your Partner.” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7560511/7560511_2025-08-05-152611.64kmono.mp3 “Attention is the most basic form of love.” “Vulnerability is not for the fa…

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The classic musical ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ presented by Music Theater Works August 7-17th ONLY

30d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGD5Srnd2x4?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] Fiddler on the Roof is one of the great classic musicals of all time. The story of Tevye the milkman, his family and his community is a tale of traditions that define his faith and con…

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‘Parade’ is a powerful revival at CIBC from August 5th – 17th

30d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK0hNd3OBbw?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] “Parade“, a musical, is based on a true story centered around the 1913 story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager who is wrongfully accused of the rape and murder of Mary Phagan. The…

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Chicago Way w/John Kass: Ald. Reilly leading the way for ‘closet moderates’ against Preckwinkle

29d ago

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Chicago Way w/John Kass (08/04/25): Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly (42nd) joins John Kass & Jeff Carlin to announce that his circulating petitions and seriously considering running against Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Ald. Reilly talks about wanting to course correct years of democratic socialist policies that have left the county…

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WGN Radio has a new podcast: Booth 46

29d ago

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Albert Friedman and Lou Raizin help Steve Dale make an exciting announcement about a new WGN Radio podcast coming soon called Booth 46 that’ll be live from Petterino’s Restaurant. Mr. Friedman, chairman and CEO of Friedman Properties, and Raizin, CEO of Broadway in Chicago, are two of the most influential architects of City planning behind the scen…

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‘Elton Jim’ reminds how Ryne Sandberg helped create a new Cubs culture and ‘Wrigleyville’ vibe

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In this 480th episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano reminds us how Ryne Sandberg helped create a new Cubs culture and ‘Wrigleyville’ vibe. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7552900/Elton_Jim_s_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_480_2025-07-31-200100.64kmono.mp3By WGN Plus

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From the archives: Steve Dale talks with Loni Anderson

30d ago

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From June 2021, Steve Dale talks with Loni Anderson of WKRP in Cincinnati, who reminisces about her four seasons on the show. She elaborates on the groundbreaking role that was Jennifer Marlowe as not being “eye-candy” but an intelligent person as well, which was rare at the time. Anderson also looks back to her 12-year relationship with the late B…

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Author Todd Purdom discusses his new book ‘Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television’

30d ago

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Todd Purdom, author of Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television, joins Steve Dale to talk about the book and how Desi Arnaz impacted media. Todd talks about Desi’s life, his television career, and more! https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7556177/7556177_2025-08-03-204917.64kmono.mp3 You can purchase the book here: Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented …