Justin Kaufmann

Steve Lemme and Kevin Heffernan return to WGN to chat with Justin about their new truTV series, “Tacoma FD.” Steve and Kevin talk about why they decided to take on the challenge of making a television show, why they like to be in the underdog position, how much time they spend trying to get projects made, how their writing process has changed for television, the positives and negatives of writing and performing together for 30 years, how their particular brand […]

A full Extension 720 with Justin Kaufmann tonight! What if you could remake your neighborhood before developers decided how it looked and felt? That’s the idea in Woodlawn. Also, mixologists have gathered at Drink Chicago Style. But they aren’t learning the latest liquor trends, instead they are learning how to take care of themselves. And legendary musician Jon Langford is getting out of his comfort zone to create his first ever original musical. He’s teamed up with journalist Mark Guarino […]

“Off the Record” is a series of conversations with prominent Chicagoans in their communities. Tonight on Extension 720, Justin is joined by George Wright, Director, Citi Community Development – Midwest and Dr. Byron Brazier at the newly renovated Daley’s Restaurant at 63rd and Cottage Grove. Mr. Wright and Doctor Brazier talk about what Woodlawn means to them in 2019, what we should know about Woodlawn, how the neighborhood is poised for development, what needs to be done to grow the […]

Liz Weck, Director of Social Services for Howard Brown Health, New York City-based mixologist and Speed Rack co-founder Lynnette Marerro and Lost Lake co-owner Shelby Allison join Justin on Extension 720 to discuss Drink Chicago Style. Liz, Lynnette and Shelby talk about what they aim to do with Drink Chicago Style, the importance of taking care of yourself when working in hospitality, the need for more diversity in the industry, the changing face of the bar, how much the hospitality […]

The tremendous Chicago band Dehd (Jason Balla, Emily Kempf and Eric McGrady) join Justin on Extension 720 to talk about how their new record, “Water” came about, the challenge making music while a romantic relationship was dissolving, their writing process, the role movement plays during a performance, the health of the Chicago music scene and their upcoming record release show at Empty Bottle. Dehd also perform “Lucky” and “Water” from the new record. This is the podcast for Extension 720. […]

Justin Kaufmann checks in with Chicago Tribune Restaurant Critic Phil Vettel, who explains what drew the James Beard Foundation Awards to Chicago, and how he compiled his biannual “Phil’s 50” favorite restaurants. And Justin wants to know your take on Attorney General William Barr’s testimony before Congress today. Then, Justin touches on some of the sexual assault accusations against Mayor Pete Buttigieg today, which appear to be false. Illinois Deputy Governor Sol Flores joins Justin to address some of the […]

Deputy Governor Sol Flores joins Justin Kaufmann to address questions posed last week by John Williams and listeners about the Department of Children and Family Services, following the murder of AJ Freund. Plus, the Deputy Governor explains how the state is investing in the safety of victims of recurring domestic violence. That’s after today’s Chicago Tribune report, which highlights victims suffering recurring attacks.

Chicago Tribune Restaurant Critic Phil Vettel joins Justin Kaufmann to talk about what brought the James Beard Foundation Awards to Chicago, as we approach the May 6th dining awards ceremony. Then, Phil chats up his biannual 50 favorite restaurants, out now in the Tribune.

Chicago Tribune theater critic and author Chris Jones joins Justin on Extension 720 to talk about the latest theater news including today’s Tony nominations and all of the Chicago connections, the Hamilton exhibit in Chicago, the trial of Hamlet as hosted by the MCA and the Chicago Humanities Festival and the shows we should be looking forward to coming up this spring and summer. This is the podcast for Extension 720. The show originates from Chicago on WGN Radio and […]

It’s the “The Download on Chicago Business” sponsored by Signature Bank. Tonight, Justin speaks with Major Behavior advertising agency founder Ken Erke about the future of advertising. Ken talks about why he decided to start his own agency, the importance of staying ahead of advertising trends and hiring the best people, how much the advertising world has changed over the years, the way data is used to target consumers, how brands are rethinking the way they advertise, why mobile is at […]