Author John Binder joined Rick in the studio to discuss his new book, “Al Capone’s Beer Wars: The Complete History of Organized Crime in Chicago During Prohibition.” They talk about some of the fascinating bootlegging history & John tells Rick about his ‘Gangster Tours’ of Oak Park and River Forest. http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3359097/3359097_2017-05-29-000637.64kmono.mp3?ad_params=zones%3DPreroll%7Cstation_id%3D3807.mp3

To begin, publishers Richard Cahan and Michael Williams joined Rick in studio to talk about their new book, “Chicago: Classic Photographs.” They told Rick about how they managed to put together such a beautifully diverse collection of photographs and mentioned a couple of the photographers included in the book by name, including Stanley Kubrik and Mildred Mead. http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3356611/3356611_2017-05-22-010211.64kmono.mp3?ad_params=zones%3DPreroll%7Cstation_id%3D3807.mp3

Tonight on the program, Rick Kogan delved into the worlds of music, photography, clocks and history. To begin, publishers Richard Cahan and Michael Williams joined Rick in studio to talk about their new book, “Chicago: Classic Photographs.” Then, Ben Montalbano from local band Matthäus joined Rick and producer Lise to debut his band’s brand new song, “To the Years,” and talk about his upcoming EP. Jason Matthiesen from the Chicago Clock Company called in to talk about the business’ 100th […]

Singer Sam Fazio joined Rick Kogan in the studio to talk about his upcoming performance with Kimberly Gordon, “Legends of the Empire Room.” They talked about Sam’s childhood, why he came back to Chicago later in life and how he decided to pursue his musical dreams. Then, Kimberly joined the conversation to talk about working with Sam and the group commented on the importance of celebrating these classic, nostalgic songs and how magical and intimate live music can be. Find out […]

Rick gets to know his new producer, Lise Graham. They talk about how she got started in radio, her roots at WGN and how she wants to be involved with the show. He welcomes her to the Sunday night family.

Ten years ago, Mike Lowecki’s life changed when he was sent to prison for bribing Shirley McMayon to secure Chicago Park District work for his Mundelein-based business, James Michael Inc. He reflects on the experience in his chilling new memoir “Pay to Play: My Odyssey from Multimillionaire to Prisoner #18099-424.” Rick asks him about his writing process and Mike reveals how life after prison has been. http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3345979/3345979_2017-05-01-030219.64kmono.mp3?ad_params=zones%3DPreroll%7Cstation_id%3D3807.mp3

The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is a natural national treasure tucked away just outside of Chicagoland – and most residents don’t know about it! Midewin Public Affairs Officer Veronica Hinke and Prairie Supervisor Wade Spang joined Rick Kogan on the air to tell him about what the prairie has to offer, why it is so important to preserve such an ecosystem and to promote their upcoming event this Saturday.

Thomas Allen Pauly joined Rick Kogan in the studio to talk about his journey from being a telephone repairman to a world-renown horse racing artist. With him was Brand Ambassador Johnny Costello from the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, Woodford Reserve. Johnny made a couple of mean mint juleps and told Rick about his love for racing, which began as a teenager, ditching school to sneak into the Arlington Racetrack. Then, the group talked Thomas’ special edition Woodford Reserve Kentucky […]

Rick Kogan talks with author David Hamlin about his book Winter in Chicago: Drugs, Death and Rock n’ Roll on Chicago’s AM Radio Dial, the story of a young reporter at a Chicago radio station who attempts to uncover the story of a friend’s mysterious death amid a web of drugs, corruption, sexism and abuse of power.  Hamlin also talks about his previous career as the head of the Illinois chapter of the ACLU, his time in Chicago that saw […]

Move aside, Hamilton! There’s a new rap musical in town. Rick spoke with the cast and crew of the Stage 773 production of “Dundee: A Hip-Hopera.” He heard from the show’s writer Gabe Caruso, musical director Brad Kemp, director Molly Bierman, and actors Andrea Lattanzio, Ross Comptton and Surena Pridgen, who told him about the writing process, the concept of a “rap-play” and the creative challenges that it provides. They all agree with Rick that collaboration is the height of creativity. […]