Musicians John Ballantyne and Gus Noble of Crazy Heart join Rick Kogan to talk about their celebration of John Prine with ‘Chicago 1971’ on March 15th at the Old Town School of Folk Music. John and Gus discuss their early interests in John Prine, the crowd’s response to their performances, and their love of sharing music with others.

Blues harmonica player Billy Branch joins Rick Kogan to talk about his career and latest album, ‘The Blues is My Biography’. Billy discusses the state of the blues today, how he first started playing the harmonica, and the spread of the blues from the South Side to the North Side of Chicago.

Actor Phil Donlon joins Rick Kogan to talk about his career, Chicago roots, and involvement with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Phil will be at two St. Baldrick’s fundraisers, on March 7th at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park and March 13th at Joe’s Live in Rosemont with the Chicago Fire Department.

Author and former Chicago Tribune editor Mark Jacob joins Rick Kogan to discuss his book ‘Free Chicago: 50 Years of the Reader’. Mark and Rick also talk about the history of the newspaper and its influence on journalism and the city of Chicago.

Sean Benjamin, Steve Mosqueda and Carolyn Benjamin join Rick Kogan to talk about the new Drinking & Writing Theater production, ‘Miersten Wolf’, which opens February 19th at The Neo-Futurist Theater in Chicago. They discuss their original songs, ambitions for the musical, and give a preview of their characters.

Writer Paul Teodo joins Rick Kogan to talk about the next ‘Listen Up!’ event at Carnivale on February 19th at 6:30pm. Paul also discusses his storytelling origins, the types of stories to expect at the event, and some notable people who will be in attendance.

Performer Nancy Hays joins Rick Kogan to talk about her novel and stage play, ‘Riding for America’, which shares the story of American jockey Isaac Burns Murphy. Nancy also discusses her entertainment roots, her first professional role, and the upcoming live performance of ‘Riding for America’ at Wayfarer Theaters in Highland Park on February 15th at 4 pm.

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to discuss the many events taking place in Chicago this February. Candace talks about restaurateur Grant DePorter’s third annual Harold Ramis Day celebration, the 2026 Chicago Auto Show, and what she is looking forward to in the entertainment scene.

John Holden, President of the Edgewater Historical Society, joins Rick Kogan to talk about a new exhibit on the history of theatre in Edgewater, the influence of the Edgewater Beach Hotel on the neighborhood, and what the museum has to offer.

Television producer John Davies joins Rick Kogan to talk about the screening of ‘Phunny Business: A Black Comedy’ at the Chicago History Museum. John and Rick discuss the black comedy scene on Chicago’s South Side and the significance of the All Jokes Aside comedy club. The screening of the documentary takes place February 21st at 12:30 pm.