Jorge Perez, Ensemble Español’s Executive Director, and the tremendous guitarist Paco Fonta join Justin on Extension 720 to preview the upcoming Flamenco Passion performances at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. Jorge and Paco talk about the origins of flamenco and what it is, the way in which music and dance are tied together, the influence of Dame Libby Komaiko on bringing flamenco to Chicago, the challenge the ensemble faced after Dame Libby’s death and    on We […]

Film director Joe Talbot and lead actor Jimmie Fails join Justin on Extension 720 to discuss their new film, “The Last Black Man in San Francisco.” Joe and Jimmie talk about where the idea for this film comes from, how making the movie was a family affair, how they worked through a lot of feelings about San Francisco while writing the film, the changing faces of American cities, how so many other places can identify with this story, the personal […]

The hilarious actor and comedian Kel Mitchell joins Justin on Extension 720 to talk about growing up in Chicago, when he realized he wanted to be in show business, the cultural significance of “All That,” how the show is relevant to several generations, the new reboot of “All That,” why he continues to come back to family entertainment, his brother-like relationship with Kenan Thompson, the evolution of his career and his appearance this weekend at Nickelodeon’s Slimefest. You can also […]

DePaul University student Brittany Schmitt and Chicago writer, editor and DePaul University associate professor Miles Harvey join Justin on Extension 720 to discuss the incredible story of a literary revival. Miles and Brittany talk about, “The Garcia Boy,” a memoir left by essayist Rafael Torch, who died of a rare form of cancer in 2011. Thanks to the work of students in the creative-writing program at DePaul University, Torch’s memoir is now published for the first time. Miles talks about […]

Anupy Singla, author and co-founder and CEO of Indian as Apple Pie, joins Justin on Extension 720 to discuss why she made the transition from journalism to becoming one of the country’s foremost authorities on Indian food and cooking, the current trends in Indian food, her goal of creating a better understanding of Indian food, how much she needed to learn about cooking, the discipline needed to achieve her goals, the amount of competition in the industry, if Chicago is […]

Chicago-based award-winning author and illustrator DJ Corchin joins Justin on Extension 720 to discuss his latest book, “Star.” DJ talks about how he approaches writing children’s books, the way in which he creates a story, the biggest challenge of writing for children, how writing for children has made him a better writer, what drew him to writing, the authors and illustrators who inspired him, the “I Feel…” book series, and his appearance this weekend at the Printers Row Lit Fest. […]

Guild Literary Complex President Andrea Change and former Executive Director Julie Parson Nesbitt join Justin on Extension 720 to talk about the anniversary of “Power Lines,” an anthology featuring writers whose contributions to the Guild’s innovative programming helped to make The Guild a grassroots cultural institution in its first decade.  Andrea and Julie discuss the mission of the Guild, how the Guild begat Young Chicago Authors, the incredible poets that came through the Guild Literary Complex, how the poems in […]

It’s the “The Download on Chicago Business” sponsored by Signature Bank. Tonight, Justin speaks with Nina Barrett, owner of the great Evanston bookstore Bookends & Beginnings.  Nina talks about her latest book, “The Leopold and Loeb Files: An Intimate Look at One of America’s Most Infamous Crimes,” the early days of the Printers Row Lit Fest, the vibrant community of Chicago booksellers, the health of independent bookstores in Chicago, what an independent bookstore can offer that a big chain cannot, competition […]

Tonight on Extension 720: It’s our annual celebration of the Printers Row Lit Fest! This year featuring: Nina Barrett, Miles Harvey, Anupy Singla, DJ Corchin, Julie Parson Nesbitt, Andrea Change and more! Lots to read, lots to talk about. It’s Ext720 with Justin Kaufmann. Lit Fest? Nah, I’ll always call it the book fair. This is the podcast for Extension 720. The show originates from Chicago on WGN Radio and features newsmakers, tastemakers and trailblazers.  Hosted by award-winning broadcaster Justin […]

Wow! What an incredible treat for you! The incomparable Mary Lane and the No Static Blues Band are here for a live performance! Chicago blues legend Mary Lane talks about why she sings the blues, what makes the Chicago style of blues so unique, when she knew that she felt the blues, how she became involved in the Chicago blues community, her new record, “Travelin’ Woman,” the documentary film, “I Can Only Be Mary Lane,” and her upcoming appearance at […]