After Hours with Rick Kogan

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.

Frank Maugeri, Artistic Director of Cabinet of Curiosity, Sonja Henderson, founder of Mother’s Healing Circle, and Samarem, a graduate of the School of Celebration, join Rick Kogan to talk about ‘Honor Thy Mother’, an event recognizing and celebrating women in the community who have made sacrifices for the benefit of others. The event gets underway […]

Climber Dan Goodwin, the famous ‘Spider Dan’, joins Rick Kogan to reminisce about climbing the Hancock and Sears Towers back in 1981 and being fined $35 for it. Dan also discusses his new autobiography, ‘Untethered’, what he wants people to take away from it, witnessing the burning of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, his […]

Food and drink writer Maggie Hennessey joins Rick Kogan to talk about her new book, ‘The Burger Bible: Everything you need to know about the humble hamburger’. Maggie also discusses her journalistic path, who she admires in the food writing landscape, and the future of hamburgers.

Alyssa Gross, founder of The Mahjong Society, joins Rick Kogan to talk about the rising popularity of Mahjong and her book, ‘Play Mahjong: An All-Levels Guide to American Mahjong’. Alyssa comments on the various versions of Mahjong across the world, how the game has become more female-oriented, her Mahjong skill level, and what the future […]

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan with trending news of parties, events, and celebrations. Candace talks about a gala she attended where she met David Schwimmer, candidates for the Chicago mayoral race, Yasmin Levy’s successful tour in the United States, the topping off ceremony at Bally’s Chicago, the Chicago Children’s Adv...

Historian Liz Garibay joins Rick Kogan to talk about an event called ‘Brewing the Revolution: Enslaved Labor and Early American Beer’, taking place Friday, May 8th at Newberry Library in Chicago as part of the Beer Culture Summit. Liz also touches on the Beer Culture Center, a non-profit that shares stories of how beer has […]

Photographer Larry Tuckman joins Rick Kogan to talk about his career and his book, ‘Chicago’s Uptown Portraits 1982-1986’. Larry discusses his photo-taking process, why he put the book together, how he has adapted to technological changes in photography, and what he shoots today.

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 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.