Brian Noonan

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Brian welcomes a special guest to discuss millennial attitudes about Chicago and what they mean, just as Lori Lightfoot prepares to take office. He also talks Avengers: Endgame and presents another edition of the monthly beer segment “At the Breweries.”

Brian kicks off the show by talking about Avengers: Endgame. He just saw the film and wonders if 3 weeks is long enough to discuss the film without revealing any spoilers. Cody Gough, Brian’s producer, debates the issue, and plenty of listeners chime in with their opinions as well.

Then, Brian is joined in-studio by Margaret T. Brower, a PhD student in the Department of Political Science at the University of Chicago, where she is also an Urban Fellow. On the day before Chicago’s Mayor-Elect Lori Lightfoot takes office, Brower discusses the takeaways from a city-based report by GenForward, a nationally representative survey panel of young millennials. The report revealed that one third of Chicago’s young millennials, especially African-American young adults, hope to leave the city one day. You can read the complete report here after hearing a great conversation on what’s in store for Chicago as the city welcomes a new administration.

Brian then returns to his Avengers: Endgame story and explains why the film was so emotionally powerful, all while avoiding spoilers.

To wrap up the show, Revolution Brewing’s John Carruthers and Goose Island Brewery’s Jesse Valenciana join Brian in-studio for another edition of “At the Breweries.” Hazy IPA, helles lager, and pastry stout beers surprise and delight in-studio as the crew educates and entertains in their monthly craft beer conversation.

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In a theatre-themed show, Brian gives a “Bow Tie Theatre Review” of Broadway in Chicago’s production of Chicago, talks to the Chicago Fringe Opera about their upcoming performances, and even dives into Shakespeare and K-Pop.

Brian opens the show with a quick Mother’s Day greeting for listeners, then gives his “Bow Tie Theatre Review” of Broadway in Chicago’s production of Chicago, playing through May 12, 2019, at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. He gives it three out of four bow ties!

Then, Chicago Fringe Opera Music Director Catherine O’Shaughnessy and Latitude 49’s award-winning pianist Jani Parsons join Brian in-studio to discuss the CFO and how they’re presenting innovative vocal works with an emphasis on new and contemporary styles, engaging with the Chicago community through intimate and immersive performance experiences, and fostering and empowering local artists.

You can catch the CFO’s upcoming production of Love Wounds through May 25 at Stage 773. This evening of immersive theater will feature Chicago Fringe Opera, Chicago’s premiere “alt-opera” company, in collaboration with the powerhouse mixed-ensemble Latitude 49. Universal stories of love, loss and our sense of self will be explored by all performers in this production of multiple works that span the ancient to the millennial experience.

Brian’s producer Cody then urges listeners to go see Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of Hamlet, running through June 9, 2019. Sticking with an artistic theme for the show, Brian gives an update on K-Pop sensation BTS performing in Chicago over the weekend. He wraps up the show by playing some traditional Mother’s Day Danzig and talking to Karen Conti about what’s happening in the legal world these days.

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Brian discusses a new art installation with the “Queen of Tape” Anna Dominguez, then talks to Mikah Meyer about how he accomplished his goal of visiting more than 400 National Park Service sites. Plus: the crew celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week!

Brian opens the show by talking about the amusing homily at his niece’s First Holy Communion and how he was body shamed by a 5-year-old.

Then, Chicago native Anna Dominguez, better known as the Queen of Tape, joins Brian in-studio to share her work-in-progress art piece commissioned by the historic St. Jane Hotel. Rejecting standard mediums like paint, pencil, or clay, Anna crafts her intricate, impactful artwork using thousands of pieces of duct tape. St. Jane has collaborated with several other Chicago-based artists to curate a truly authentic local art collection, putting an emphasis on creating a platform for female artists. Other female artists the hotel has worked with include conceptual painter Candida Alvarez, fine art photographer Alicia Savage, and contemporary painter, René Romero-Schuler.

Mikah Meyer then calls Brian to discuss his quest to visit all 400+ National Park Service sites in the United States over the next 3 years. Meyer first appeared on Brian’s show in-studio in 2016, and now, he gives an update on the journey he concluded just a week ago. He discusses his experience, what he learned, and a touching story about an animal that followed him for part of his journey. You can see pictures and learn more about his journey on his website, MikahMeyer.com.

Brian and his producer Cody then discuss the bizarre coincidence that they both drank their first ever Michelada over the weekend (in completely unrelated events that actually had nothing to do with Cinco de Mayo). Roger joins the conversation and the crew wraps up the show by discussing their favorite teachers in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, which takes place May 5-11, 2019.

Illinois Craft Beer Week begins May 10! Owner/Head Brewer of Mikerphone Brewing Mike Pallen and Executive Director of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild Danielle D’Alessandrio joins Brian Noonan in the studio to talk about some of the events and the economic impact of craft beer.

If you haven’t already bought your tickets, then you are out of luck because this year’s 10th Annual Beer Under Glass fundraiser is SOLD OUT. The fundraiser will be held at the Garfield Conservatory Friday, May 10.  This year’s event is brought to you by Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance (GPCA) in partnership with the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild.

Want a full list of events for Illinois Craft Beer Week? Visit Illinoisbeer.org for more information.

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Brian Noonan chats with Founding CEO of Purple Asparagus Melissa Graham about the organization and its mission. Purple Asparagus is a non-profit dedicated to educating children, families, and the community on eating what’s good for both our bodies and the environment.

Want to know more about Purple Asparagus? Visit them at PurpleAsparagus.com or comment with them on Twitter! @purpleaspchi

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Brian Noonan chats with Founding CEO of Purple Asparagus Melissa Graham about the organization and its mission. Purple Asparagus is a non-profit dedicated to educating children, families, and the community on eating what’s good for both our bodies and the environment.

Want to know more about Purple Asparagus? Visit them at PurpleAsparagus.com or comment with them on Twitter! @PurpleAsparagus

Brian was dressed to impress last night during the Irish American Hall of Fame Black Tie Gala. He discusses highlight moments of the gala and the new inductees honored.

Illinois Craft Beer Week begins May 10! Owner/Head Brewer of Mikerphone Brewing Mike Pallen and Executive Director of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild Danielle D’Alessandrio joins Brian in the studio to talk about some of the events and the economic impact of craft beer.

If you haven’t already bought your tickets, then you are out of luck because this year’s 10th Annual Beer Under Glass fundraiser is SOLD OUT. The fundraiser will be held at the Garfield Conservatory Friday, May 10.  This year’s event is brought to you by Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance (GPCA) in partnership with the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild.

Want a full list of events for Illinois Craft Beer Week? Visit Illinoisbeer.org for more information.

Keep the conversation going with on Twitter! @briannoonanshow

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Brian questions whether or not we are ruining our kids. Then, he interviews Tregg Duersen, COO at Rebuild Foundation about exhibited collections at the Stoney Island Arts Bank. Later on, Brian is joined by actor Andrew Tebo to talk about his role in “Rock of Ages.”

Brian opens the show by talking about his favorite Easter candy, then questions if our reactions are ruining our kids instead of learning lessons the hard way.

Then, Brian talks to Tregg Duerson, COO of Rebuild Foundation on the remarkable collections on display at the Stoney Island Arts Bank. The collections include the Obama Paintings, The Edward J. Williams collection including 4,000 objects of “negrobilia,” and the “Godfather of House Music” Frankie Knuckles’ vinyl collection.

WGN Radio’s Roger Badesch jumps into the studio to discuss the observation of Passover and the intricacies included with the celebration of the Jewish holiday.

Brian shares his latest Bow-Tie Theater Review of the non-stop show TAP DOGS, that combines a blend of live music and tap dance. The show performed at The Nederlander Theatre April 16-21.

Later on, Brian is joined on the phone by Actor Andrew Tebo from ROCK OF AGES, the phenomenal show highlighting the iconic era of rock in the 80s. Andrew shares the details on the epic 10th Anniversary tour as it heads towards Chicago to melt faces April 23-28 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre. Get your tickets here.

To wrap up the show, Brian shares a collection of rock and roll’s most politically incorrect songs and shares his saddest Easter story with listeners.

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Brian discusses changes to the new ‘Home Alone’  law in Illinois, then interviews Harvard Professor Cass Sunstein about his new book about how social change happens. Plus: The Cantina Cast crew takes a break from Star Wars Celebration Chicago to join Brian in-studio to discuss the Episode IX trailer and recap the festivities from the local fan gathering.

Brian opens the show by talking about Illinois House’s decision to lower the age at which children could be left home without supervision (the “Home Alone” law). He asks: is a 12-year-old too young to stay alone at home? Then, he and the crew express disbelief that Charlize Theron is “shockingly” available to date.

Then, Brian talks to Cass Sunstein, the founder and director of the Program on Behavioral Economics and Public Policy at Harvard Law School. Sunstein also served in the Obama administration as the Administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs from 2009 to 2012. In his conversation with Brian, he discusses his new book, “How Change Happens,” which answers the question of how social change happens and how change is impacted by social norms.

To wrap up the show, Brian is joined in-studio by Albert Padilla, Chris “Jonesy” Jones, and Mike Rondeau of The Cantina Cast, who talk about Star Wars fandom and the Star Wars Celebration currently taking place at McCormick Place. The Cantina Cast is hosted by Albert Padilla and Chris “Jonesy” Jones, two dyed-in-the-wool fans with a penchant for serving up theories and speculation. You can follow The Cantina Cast on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

http://serve.castfire.com/medias/s16/ntw/579/412/4126616-org.mp3

Brian talks to Cass Sunstein, the founder and director of the Program on Behavioral Economics and Public Policy at Harvard Law School. Sunstein served in the Obama administration as the Administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs from 2009 to 2012. In his conversation with Brian, he discusses his new book, “How Change Happens,” which answers the question of how social change happens and how change is impacted by social norms.

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Brian gives a “Bow Tie Theatre Review” of Broadway in Chicago’s production of Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical, playing at the  Broadway Playhouse through April 14, 2019. But first: a quick recap of the previous week’s birthday celebrations for both Brian and his producer Cody, whose birthdays are just 1 day apart.