Justin Kaufmann

Barbara Gaines, founder and artistic director of the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, joins Justin on Extension 720 to discuss the current production of Shakespeare’s enduring masterpiece “Hamlet.” Barbara talks about why she decided to bring “Hamlet” back, the difficulty in finding something new in a play that everyone knows, the 20th anniversary of the theater being at Navy Pier, how this production is different than the previous production, the importance of having limitations as an artist, how she deals with performance […]

Sultan A. Salahuddin II, star of the new Comedy Central series, “South Side,” joins Justin on Extension 720 to talk about how this project has been a labor of love, the many ways the show is relatable, why they had to make this in Chicago, the long legacy of television shows set in Chicago, co-creating the non-profit, Lane 44, which will give young people on the South Side the opportunity to learn about film production and work alongside department heads, […]

Another packed Extension 720 tonight. The theme: Performance anxiety. We take you to the Park West where The Fear Experiment encourages you to push past your anxieties and comfort zone.  Actor  A. Salahuddin II chats about his performance in the upcoming Comedy Central series, “South Side.” Former NFL player Kelvin Hayden tells us what it’s like to play on the biggest stage in the world…Super Bowl Sunday. The great Barbara Gaines has spent her life in theater and chats about […]

Former NFL player Kelvin Hayden and Brad Ehrlich, Chief Operating Officer, Orangetheory Fitness, Illinois,  join Justin on Extension 720 to talk about this weekend’s Worlds Largest HIIT Class at Wrigley Field. Brad discusses why they want to break the world’s largest workout record, how Orangetheory is all about activating the body and the effort to raise awareness for ALS. Kelvin talks about why he became interested in this event, why he believes in the importance of fitness, the evolution of […]

New Extension 720 tonight: The new film “Booksmart” looks to become the high school party film for a new generation. Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever are in studio to talk about their roles. Also, Printers Row Lit Fest is going back to its roots. For the 35th year, Bette Cerf Hill is back at the helm. We talk about one of the best Summer festivals Chicago has to offer. And what’s the most important philosophy book of all-time? Professor Al […]

He’s back! And better than ever! One of our favorite guests returns to the show tonight! Al Gini, The Download’s (and now Extension 720’s) resident philosopher, joins Justin to make the argument that “Man’s Search for Meaning” is the most important philosophy book of all-time.  Al talks about what philosophy means to him, why he believes “Man’s Search for Meaning” is so important, his experience meeting the author of the book Viktor E. Frankl, what he learned from “Man’s Search for […]

Bette Cerf Hill joins Justin on Extension 720 to discuss the 2019 Printers Row Lit Fest. Bette talks about getting back with the Lit Fest, what she was trying to accomplish when the Lit Fest started, when she recognized that the Lit Fest was going to be a success, how the festival has grown throughout the years, the challenge of putting on such a big festival, the changing face of the book publishing industry, the health of Chicago as a […]

“Off the Record” is a series of conversations with prominent Chicagoans in their communities. Tonight on Extension 720, Justin is joined by journalist and public affairs professional Mike Fourcher at Baker Miller in Lincoln Square. Mike talks about what Lincoln Square means to him, why the neighborhood is called “Mayberry in the city,” the importance of the Brown Line to Lincoln Square, the walkability of the neighborhood, how the neighborhood has changed through the years, the issues that are most […]

The tremendous actresses Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein join Justin on Extension 720 to discuss their new film, “Booksmart.” Kaitlyn and Beanie talk about how they got involved with this movie, how the story is ultimately about a beautiful friendship, the way they were able to capture the emotion in the film, if they knew about the tradition of the high school party movie, the possibility that the movie could become a generational anthem, the amazing ensemble involved in the […]

Three Chicago greats right here. Mark Guarino, Jon Langford and Anderson Lawfer join Justin on Extension 720 to discuss the world premiere musical “Take Me,” currently playing at Strawdog Theatre. Mark, Jon and Anderson talk about where the idea for the musical comes from, how they came together to take on this project, why Jon’s music works so well with the production, the importance of familiarity and collaboration when making the musical and the similarities between journalism and theater. Jon […]