After Hours with Rick Kogan

Paulina Jimenez, director of the Park Art Center in Villa Park, alongside artists Tony Fitzpatrick and Kirk Kerndl join Rick in the studio to talk about their upcoming art show “Local Boys Done Good” at the center. Tony and Kirk talk about why they started making art and how important nature is to their individual processes, and Paulina talks about why she chose to bring both of their art – distinctly different as it is – together in one show. […]

Larry Broutman joined Rick in the studio to talk about his amazing new book, “Chicago Monumental,” and the route he took to make such a book. He talked about his shift from being an engineer to photographic wildlife, landscape and Chicago sights, and then tells Rick how he manages to pull off such breath-taking photos. He also talks about why it’s important and empowering to him to support Chicago Lighthouse and the Lurie Children’s Hospital. Buy your copy of the […]

The wonderful Barbara Gaines joined Rick in the studio to talk about Chicago Shakespeare Theater‘s upcoming production of “The Taming of the Shrew.” They also talked about all the exciting ongoings at the theater, including ‘The Yard.’   http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3397190/3397190_2017-09-11-003830.64kmono.mp3?ad_params=zones%3DPreroll%7Cstation_id%3D3807.mp3

Actor Chris Witaske came home for the George Wendt roast at Second City this weekend, so he dropped by the studio to talk to Rick about the roast, his career & his time at Second City. He also told Rick about his part on Netflix’s Love and his own show at UCB, So You Do Comedy…? where he interviews his comedic heroes.   http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3397182/3397182_2017-09-10-232422.64kmono.mp3?ad_params=zones%3DPreroll%7Cstation_id%3D3807.mp3

Rick starts things out by talking to Joan Golder and Molly D’Esposito about the North Shore Senior Center’s upcoming  September 16th benefit and of the center’s engaging community programs. Then, author Richard Lindberg and Mike Dizon, co-chair of the sesquicentennial committee at Northeastern, joined Rick in-studio talk about the 150th celebration and Richard’s book, “Northeastern Illinois University: the first 150 Years.”   Lastly, producer Lise Graham joins Rick to talk about her podcast, Lise.FM, which will soon be joining the […]

Peter Garino and Gary Houston joined Rick Kogan in the studio talk about Shakespeare Project of Chicago’s U.S. premiere of Rowan Williams’ “Shakeshafte,” Saturday, September 16, 10 a.m. at Newberry Library. Then, Rick reads an essay written by folk musician Jim Post all about Labor Day. Composer Mark Stevens calls in to talk about his newest song, dedicated to the great sport of baseball, called “Strike Three You’re Out.” Lastly, author Patty Farmer tells Rick about her book, “Playboy Laughs.” http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3391868/3391868_2017-08-28-001508.64kmono.mp3?ad_params=zones%3DPreroll%7Cstation_id%3D3807.mp3

Rick talks to the great Patty Farmer about her new book, “Playboy Laughs: The Comedy, Comedians, and Cartoons of Playboy.” The two discuss how underrated the Playboy publications are and how much Playboy and Hugh Hefner did for entertainment. Patty talked about how, from 1960-1980, Playboy provided a stage for countless comedians and entertainers. http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3391866/3391866_2017-08-28-001206.64kmono.mp3?ad_params=zones%3DPreroll%7Cstation_id%3D3807.mp3

Rick Kogan catches up with composer Mark Stevens to talk about his new baseball song, “Strike Three You’re Out” featuring James Armani. The track is available on iTunes and YouTube. Mark also talks about the big band show he does dedicated to the work of Mel Torme. Mark also talks about his dream of having the song picked up by the MLB. http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3391864/3391864_2017-08-28-000604.64kmono.mp3?ad_params=zones%3DPreroll%7Cstation_id%3D3807.mp3

Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange Founder Barbara Koenen joins Rick to explain how her organization sources and donates reusable supplies to Chicago area schools. She describes her realizition of success, via the acquisition of a large number of band uniforms. http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3390395/3390395_2017-08-23-161935.64kmono.mp3?ad_params=zones%3DPreroll%7Cstation_id%3D3782.mp3

Author and Teacher Amy Bizzarri gives a tour of Chicago to Chicagoans themselves, in her book, 111 Places in Chicago That You Must Not Miss. Listen to some of her favorites here as she shares them with Rick, and you may get to see a button from Abraham Lincoln’s presidential campaign, or consume some natural, fresh honey. http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3390397/3390397_2017-08-23-162437.64kmono.mp3?ad_params=zones%3DPreroll%7Cstation_id%3D3782.mp3