After Hours with Rick Kogan

Kerry Kennedy joins Rick Kogan to discuss her new book about her mother, ‘Ethel Kennedy: The Extraordinary Life and Bold Legacy’. Kerry talks about the book’s rapid success, how her mother’s life story resonates with people today, persevering through tough times, how she wants her mother to be remembered, and what she will be doing […]

Filmmaker John Borowski joins Rick Kogan to discuss his role in the ‘Serial Killer: The Original Exhibition’, which takes place in Chicago, and his love for making horror films. John explains why we are fascinated by serial killers, what visitors can see at the exhibition, and his interest in expanding to creating serial killer feature […]

Mike Saad, Cordis Heard, and Mary Griswold join Rick Kogan to talk about their book, ‘Scream! Bleed! Take Off Your Clothes!: Stuart Gordon and Chicago’s Organic Theater Company’. The group discusses how this book came together, how fun it was to share their stories with others, and which Organic show each of them would go […]

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Rick Kogan to highlight her book, ‘Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy: Defending America’s Most Evil Serial Killer on Death Row’. Karen will have a book signing on October 30th from 3-7 p.m. at Cinespace Studios in Chicago. Karen also talks about ‘Serial Killer: The Original Exhibition’, how she […]

Photographer Barbara Karant joins Rick Kogan to discuss her new book, ‘820 EBONY/JET: Visions of the Johnson Publishing Company, an American Icon’. Barbara talks about her mother’s influence on her career, capturing the final moments of the original Johnson Publishing Company building at 820 S. Michigan Avenue, her photographic process, and more.

Rick Kogan previews Pamela Des Barres’ upcoming return to Chicago. She will appear at Martyrs’ for ‘An Intimate Evening with Pamela Des Barres’ on October 25th at 7:30 p.m. Listen below to hear Rick’s interview with Pamela and Linda Beckstrom ahead of Pamela’s 2025 Chicago show.

Novelist Rebecca Chamian Ribaudo joins Rick Kogan to highlight her first novel, ‘Crossing Division Street’. Rebecca and Rick detail the book’s key themes and settings, the history and nature of Cabrini-Green, when the characters began to take shape, the lengthy writing process, and the upcoming projects she is working on.

Former Chicago Tribune photographer Chuck Cherney and his wife, Danita Cherney, join Rick Kogan to discuss the book, ‘Puzzled Pup’, written by their late son. Danita talks about the story behind the book, the process of getting it published, how their son Jacob became interested in writing, and the legacy he has left behind. Part […]

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to discuss the state of parties, events, and news across Chicago. Candace talks about whether Maria Pappas will run for mayor, the honorary street sign celebration for Chilli Pepper, serving as a judge and emcee at an upcoming Halloween party, the Adler Planetarium’s Celestial Bash, and Chicago being […]

Longtime marathon runners Skinny Sheahan, George Scully, Tommy McShane, and Rick Barrett (not included in interview) join Rick Kogan to preview the Chicago Marathon this Sunday, October 11th. The runners discuss their early days in the sport, how many marathons they’ve participated in, the health benefits of running, the importance of donating to Special Children’s […]

Writer Mark Guarino joins Rick Kogan to highlight the many celebrations and events honoring John Prine, running from October 7th-11th. Mark and Rick also preview their upcoming conversation on October 9th at the Chicago History Museum. Check out Mark’s book, ‘Country & Midwestern: Chicago in the History of Country Music and the Folk Revival’.

Howard Reich, Emmy Award-winning journalist and author, joins Rick Kogan to discuss his new book, ‘The Majesty of Chicago Jazz: Twenty-Five Visionaries Who Define the City’s Sound’. Howard explains how jazz would not be what we know it as without Chicago, the legacy of Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong, and others, the health of jazz […]

Rick Kogan chats with Max Fitzpatrick, son of the late great Tony Fitzpatick, about the short film ‘Driven’, which he co-directed and co-wrote with his sister Gabrielle. Max remembers the life of his father, talks about when he found his passion for movies, the experience collaborating with his sister, and reflects on the important role […]

Father John Cusick joins Rick Kogan to discuss life as a retired priest and the upcoming season of the First Friday Club of Chicago at the Union League Club of Chicago. Fr. Cusick and Rick detail the guests for this season and what people can expect, all of which gets underway on October 2nd.

Actor and former Second City stalwart Jim Carlson joins Rick Kogan to discuss his move to Hollywood and his new movie, ‘Drive Through Fire’, which he wrote, directed, and starred in.

Teacher and writer Mark Eleveld joins Rick Kogan to discuss his new book, ‘Maria the Pappas’. Mark talks about what it was like working with Maria on the memoir, the large number of photos included in the book and how they were chosen, and whether he thinks Maria will run for Chicago mayor.

Author and historian Adam Selzer joins Rick Kogan to talk about his new book, ‘Graceland Cemetery Vol. 2: More Chicago Stories, Symbols, and Secrets’, which explores the people, mysteries, and forgotten stories of Chicago’s past and why Graceland was such a prominent cemetery.

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to discuss the state of parties in Chicago as well as other trending news across the city. Candace also talks about the silver lining of NASCAR leaving Chicago, Chicago’s serial killer museum, the explosion of street naming, and why she believes Maria Pappas should run for mayor. Listen […]

Mike Houlihan and his son Paddy Houlihan join Rick Kogan to discuss the 12th annual ‘Irish American Movie Hooley’ film festival taking place September 25th-27th at The Wilmette Theatre. Mike and Paddy detail the movies being screened throughout the weekend and explain the meaning behind the term ‘hooley’. Check out Mike and Paddy’s podcast, ‘Hibernian […]

Rick Kogan remembers the life and legacy of author and columnist Roger Simon. Rick shares some of Roger’s writings with the listeners, including his ‘Simon Says’ column.

Author and cocktail writer Robert Simonson joins Rick Kogan to discuss the ‘Martini Expo’, a weeklong event taking place September 13th-20th in Chicago that highlights the history, culture, and legacy of the martini. Robert details the schedule, which includes a bus tour to notable cocktail and martini bars, a kick-off dinner at the Duck Inn, […]

Paul Durica, Director of Exhibitions at the Chicago History Museum, and Bill Savage, Professor of Instruction in the Department of English at Northwestern, join Rick Kogan to discuss Nelson Algren’s ‘Chicago: City on the Make’ reading series event, taking place September 18th-20th, at three local taverns in Chicago. The event features literature, history, and live […]

Amy Danzer, Director of Programming for Printers Row Lit Fest, joins Rick Kogan on the inaugural ‘After Hours’ podcast to highlight what listeners can expect on September 12th and 13th on the streets of South Dearborn, from Ida B. Wells Drive to Polk Street, in Chicago. Amy also comments on the current state of the book […]

Tattoo artist Ben Wahhh joins Rick Kogan to discuss his efforts to help domestic violence and human trafficking survivors reclaim their bodies and share their stories through his charity, Ink Relief. Ben also talks about some of the unique tattoos he has done and when he has had to say no to giving tattoos.

Author Della Leavitt joins Rick Kogan to talk about her novel, ‘Vivian’s Decision’. Della shares her journey into writing, her literary influences, and she reads some of her book to listeners.