After Hours with Rick Kogan

Peter McDowell joins Rick Kogan to talk about his film, ‘Jimmy in Saigon’. Peter dives in on the true meaning of the film and his family’s reaction to the idea of making a film about his late brother. Screening for the film is Friday, August 22nd at 7pm and Sunday, August 24th at 6pm at […]

Singers Ellen Winters Reynolds and Denise Tomasello join Rick Kogan to discuss the 4th Annual Emerging Artist Showcase and the new talent in the Chicago Cabaret. Ellen and Denise also share their thoughts on the state of cabaret today. The showcase takes place Thursday, August 14th at 7:30pm at Epiphany Center for the Arts.

Musician and poet J.J. Tindall joins Rick Kogan to talk about his newest poetry and Zazzle store. J.J. and Rick also talk about their memories of listening to the late musician Tom Lehrer and J.J.’s time as a tour guide.

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to recap the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race and talk about the possibility of its return to the streets of Chicago in 2027. Candace also previews the Illinois State Fair starting August 7th.

Ray Long, former Chicago Tribune investigative reporter, joins Rick Kogan to talk about his retirement from the Tribune and what drew him to journalism in the first place. Ray discusses his early years in journalism and also comments on what he thinks will happen with the Mike Madigan case.

Actor Daniel Kyri and writer and director Jeremy McCarter join Rick Kogan to talk about their new adaptation of ‘Hamlet’, a seven-part podcast from Make-Believe Association. Daniel and Jeremy give their reviews and explain the process of making this adaptation happen.

Writer Paul Teodo joins Rick Kogan to talk about the upcoming ‘Listen Up!’ storytelling event at Carnivale on Wednesday, July 23rd at 7:30pm. Mike Flannery, Andy Shaw, Fran Spielman, and others will be on stage.

Kelly Fahy, Application Screening Manager at Forever Fortunate Felines, joins Rick Kogan to talk about the cat rescue business and the process to adopt a cat. Kelly previews some upcoming events and shares how you can donate to the nonprofit.

John Mark Hansen, political science professor at University of Chicago, joins Rick Kogan to talk about the 100th anniversary of the 1925 John Scopes ‘Monkey Trial’. John reminds listeners of what took place in the trial and comments on whether John Scopes was a hero.

Singer-songwriter Alyssa Allgood joins Rick Kogan to talk about her music career and when her love for music began. Alyssa touches on her family’s support from the beginning, her career dreams, and more. Alyssa will be at Jazz Showcase from July 17 through July 20th.

Life coach and founder of Boho Bouquet Bar Amy Lechelt joins Rick Kogan to talk about her floating flower store that is Chicago’s only mobile bouquet bar. Amy details the spots across Chicago where you can find her store and how the flower store operates in the winter.

Marc Smith, founder of the Uptown Poetry Slam, joins Rick Kogan to talk about the worldwide reach of poetry slams and how they have developed throughout the decades. Marc discusses what drew him to poetry in the first place and where he first read on stage. Marc also talks about his podcast ‘Thru The Mill’, […]

Gayle Gleespen, Yorktown Center’s Marketing and Business Development Manager, joins Rick Kogan to talk about the state of the Yorktown shopping center and the necessary tasks to keep shopping centers thriving in today’s world. Gayle also discusses Yorktown’s ‘Dog Days of Summer’ promotion and why dog lovers need to take part in it.

Maureen Schulman, publicist and co-owner of Eli’s Cheesecake Company, joins Rick Kogan to talk about The Happiness Club and The Happiness Club Benefit taking place July 13th at 6pm at Park West in Chicago. Maureen explains the performing arts education that is provided for the youth in Chicago and she previews this year’s Legacy Award […]

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to talk about Fourth of July events taking place in Chicago, such as the NASCAR Chicago Street Race. Candace also discusses her Fourth of July experiences growing up and her upcoming cameo in ‘Titanique’ at Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place on July 2nd.

Author Lorraine Devon Wilke joins Rick Kogan to talk about her new book, ‘Chick Singer’. Lorraine and Rick discuss her Chicagoland roots, her love for singing at a young age, and her career writing novels.

Author Robert Wolf joins Rick Kogan to talk about his new book, ‘Coyotes and Stars: Stories from the American Southwest’. Robert also talks about how he met his wife, Bonnie Koloc, and why he started the Free River Press in Nashville.

Rick Kogan is joined by Julia Bachrach to discuss the beauty and uniqueness of Midwestern architecture and how landscape architects set a standard in Chicago.

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to talk about her Playboy memorabilia that will be housed at the Chicago History Museum. Candace explains the James Beard Awards and its value on Chicago restaurants. Candace also discusses the Lincoln Park Zoo Ball and some other trending Chicago news.

Mark Kogan, a former tour manager for various bands, joins Rick Kogan to talk about the passing of the great Brian Wilson, one of The Beach Boys co-founders. Mark explains what Brian was like offstage and comments on the tributes being played in his honor.

Actress and playwright Atra Asdou joins Rick Kogan to talk about her show, ‘Iraq, But Funny’, which can be seen at the Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago through July 20th. Atra also discusses her early interests in theatre and what to expect at her show.

Musician Sam Fazio joins Rick Kogan to discuss his path to music, his long career, and some of the places he has traveled when performing. Sam also talks about the freedom he had in his music early on when not performing for a living. Sam previews what is next for him, and Rick gives listeners […]

Author Rich Cohen joins Rick Kogan to talk about his latest book ‘Murder in the Dollhouse: The Jennifer Dulos Story’. Rick also discusses Rich’s profound career and his upcoming appearance on Tuesday, June 10th at The Book Stall in Winnetka.

Actor Frank Ferrante joins Rick Kogan to talk about his 40th year playing Groucho Marx on stage and to discuss the Marx brothers’ Chicago history. Groucho’s grandson Andy Marx also chats with Frank and Rick about his grandfather and Frank’s impersonation of Groucho. Frank will appear as Groucho Marx on June 11th at Teatro ZinZanni […]

Jeff Lindberg, Musical Director of the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, joins Rick Kogan to talk about summer residency at Jazz Showcase in Chicago. Jazz guitarist Bobby Broom also chats with Jeff and Rick about his upcoming appearances at the Jazz Showcase. Bobby then explains how jazz guitar sounds different from rock and roll and other genres.