After Hours with Rick Kogan

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, seminars, and much more.

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 music.

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 industry and discusses the other projects she works on outside of the Printers Row Lit Fest.

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 Saturday at 8:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Chicago.

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 work as a motivational speaker, and much more.

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 holds.