Brian Noonan

Brian Noonan welcomes Derrek Hull from the Trotter Project, and Trevor Rose-Hamblin from Old Irving Brewing join the show. The Trotter Project and Old Irving Brewing are working together for a fundraiser for the organization. The Trotter Project is Chef Charlie Trotter’s philosophical legacy. A philosophy which embodies the idea that excellence and purpose are best achieved through service to others. They open doors through education, mentorship, and the pursuit of excellence in the global culinary and hospitality industries.

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Another week and another jam packed show Brian has in store for you!

Coming off a violent weekend across the country, with mass shootings in El Paso Texas, Dayton Ohio and here in Chicago, Brian Noonan takes listener calls to discuss the impact the violence has on the country. Including a surprise caller from here in the city.

Have you ever traveled the country or a different country alone? Chicago Tribune columnist Randi Shaffer joins Brian in studio discuss her latest article. Shaffer recently just returned from Germany, and describes how when she returned she “came back from that trip feeling completely fulfilled.” It’s a great conversation!

“Bow Tie Theatre Reviews” this week has Brian reviewing ‘Come From Away‘. From the music, to the acting, to the sets Brian breaks it all down and gives his verdict!

Later in the program, Brian welcomes Derrek Hull from the Trotter Project, and Trevor Rose-Hamblin from Old Irving Brewing join the show. The Trotter Project and Old Irving Brewing are working together for a fundraiser for the organization.

http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3666611/3666611_2019-08-05-020211.64kmono.mp3

Brian Noonan invites Randi Shaffer who wrote a great article in the Chicago Tribune about traveling alone. Shaffer recently just returned from Germany, and describes how when she returned she “came back from that trip feeling completely fulfilled.” She also gives Brian some great tips on traveling, and what resources you can use to make your experience go smoothly. It’s a great conversation!

Have you ever traveled alone for vacation?

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In this jam-packed episode, Brian talks about unexpected encounters with strangers and some changing trends among high schoolers. He also talks to Emilia Dobek, Illinois’ 3M Young Scientist Challenge State Merit Winner, about the scientific innovations she’s come up with — as a middle schooler!

Brian opens the show by talking about an encounter with a toddler in a craft store, which left him feeling uneasy about how strangers see you. Are you ever surprised by how people perceive you in public? Listeners weigh in with their thoughts and stories.

Then, Brian discusses the new trend of high school students working fewer jobs outside of school. He talks about jobs he had while in school and what students may be missing out on by focusing exclusively on schoolwork and not experience working in a professional environment or participating in extracurricular activities.

Emilia Dobek joins Brian in-studio to discuss the 2019 3M Young Scientist Challenge. She was announced as this year’s 3M Young Scientist Challenge State Merit Winner for Illinois by 3M and Discovery Education, chosen as a result of her passion for science, spirit of innovation, and effective communications skills. She discusses the Auto-Lock Trigger System, her invention to try to help prevent mass shootings, which was her submission for the competition. She also talks about a Lockheed Martin competition she won last year when she designed a system to help astronauts make the journey to Mars.

To wrap up the show, Brian talks about a new sugary breakfast cereal based on Baby Shark.

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Brian presents his “Bow Tie Theatre Review” of Teatro ZinZanni presents Love, Chaos & Dinner, playing at the Spiegeltent ZaZou inside the Cambria Hotel (32 W. Randolph). Tickets are on sale for performances through September 29. Listen and learn why Brian strongly recommends this unique experience!

http://serve.castfire.com/medias/s16/ntw/579/418/4188660-org.mp3

Brian Noonan and Cody Gough present their “Bow Tie Theatre Reviews” of Broadway in Chicago’s productions of Les Misérables and Cats. Les Misérables is playing through July 27, 2019, at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, and Cats is playing through August 4, 2019, at the James M. Nederlander Theatre. Brian raves about Les Misérables and Cody raves about Cats, and they’ll help you understand which show you should see if you had to pick between the two.

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Appraiser Michael Osacky from Baseball in the Attic joins Brian in-studio to talk about sports memorabilia collecting. He discusses some of the factors that give an item value, and appraises items from listeners based on descriptions and photos. You can also meet Michael Osacky at the 40th National Sports Collectors Convention at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, July 31-August 4, 2019.

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Learn about beers with “stuff added to them,” whether that means fruit flavors or anything else, from Revolution Brewing’s John Carruthers and Goose Island Brewery’s Jesse Valenciana. They join Brian in-studio to educate and entertain in this edition of “At the Breweries.”

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In this jam-packed episode, Brian talks about buying mattresses, reviews Les Misérables and Cats, gets some help appraising sports memorabilia with Michael Osacky, and reviews beers with John Carruthers and Jesse Valenciana.

Brian opens the show by talking about buying his first new mattress in more than 15 years. He and his producer Cody Gough talk about ordering mattresses online, testing mattresses in-store, and buying used mattresses.

Then, Brian and Cody present their “Bow Tie Theatre Reviews” of Broadway in Chicago’s productions of Les Misérables and Cats. Les Misérables is playing through July 27, 2019, at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, and Cats is playing through August 4, 2019, at the James M. Nederlander Theatre. Brian raves about Les Misérables and Cody raves about Cats, and they’ll help you understand which show you should see if you had to pick between the two.

Appraiser Michael Osacky from Baseball in the Attic then joins Brian in-studio to talk about sports memorabilia collecting. He discusses some of the factors that give an item value, and appraises items from listeners based on descriptions and photos. You can also meet Michael Osacky at the 40th National Sports Collectors Convention at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, July 31-August 4, 2019.

To wrap up the show, Revolution Brewing’s John Carruthers and Goose Island Brewery’s Jesse Valenciana join Brian in-studio to educate and entertain in this edition of “At the Breweries.” In this edition, they review beers with “stuff added to them,” whether that means fruit flavors, coffee mixes, or any other flavor-inducing methods.

http://serve.castfire.com/medias/s16/ntw/579/417/4176791-org.mp3

Brian welcomes guests to discuss the upcoming Irish American Heritage Festival and Goombay Bash events. Plus: what to do with fireworks in Chicago!

Brian kicks off the show by talking about the beautiful weather in Chicago this weekend and how he’s adjusting to the Chicago bag tax now that he’s a resident of the city proper. His producer Cody also talks about his adventures at the Chicago Michelada Festival in Pilsen over the weekend and recommending that everyone pick up some Big Mich to mix up some delicious micheladas this summer.

Then, Brian issues an edict to listeners: now that Independence Day weekend is over, it’s time to stop shooting off fireworks! He also says that it’s about time Illinois legalizes fireworks so the state can make some money taxing them and hopefully reduce taxes in other places to make up for it.

Kathy O’Neill, Mark Piekarz, and James Conway join Brian in-studio to preview the 34th annual Irish American Heritage Festival, taking place July 12, 13 and 14. Irish Fest showcases the finest in local and international Irish and American music, dance and family activities. The festival is held on the grounds of the Irish American Heritage Center and is the institution’s biggest fundraiser.

The H Foundation President John Rot then joins Brian in-studio along with Jeff Davis, the honorary chair of the 19th annual Goombay Bash fundraising event taking place on July 27 at Navy Pier. They discuss the work the organization does to fund basic science cancer research and highlight the event’s casual Caribbean-style party vibe.

To wrap up the show, Brian talks about a recent incident at a Starbucks in Arizona where a barista asked a number of police officers to leave, and says it might be going a little too far to boycott a multi-billion dollar company for one stupid thing a barista did.