Peter McDowell joins Rick Kogan to talk about his film, ‘Jimmy in Saigon’. Peter dives in on the true meaning of the film and his family’s reaction to the idea of making a film about his late brother. Screening for the film is Friday, August 22nd at 7pm and Sunday, August 24th at 6pm at Chicago Filmmakers.

Singers Ellen Winters Reynolds and Denise Tomasello join Rick Kogan to discuss the 4th Annual Emerging Artist Showcase and the new talent in the Chicago Cabaret. Ellen and Denise also share their thoughts on the state of cabaret today. The showcase takes place Thursday, August 14th at 7:30pm at Epiphany Center for the Arts.

Musician and poet J.J. Tindall joins Rick Kogan to talk about his newest poetry and Zazzle store. J.J. and Rick also talk about their memories of listening to the late musician Tom Lehrer and J.J.’s time as a tour guide.

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to recap the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race and talk about the possibility of its return to the streets of Chicago in 2027. Candace also previews the Illinois State Fair starting August 7th.

Ray Long, former Chicago Tribune investigative reporter, joins Rick Kogan to talk about his retirement from the Tribune and what drew him to journalism in the first place. Ray discusses his early years in journalism and also comments on what he thinks will happen with the Mike Madigan case.

Actor Daniel Kyri and writer and director Jeremy McCarter join Rick Kogan to talk about their new adaptation of ‘Hamlet’, a seven-part podcast from Make-Believe Association. Daniel and Jeremy give their reviews and explain the process of making this adaptation happen.

Writer Paul Teodo joins Rick Kogan to talk about the upcoming ‘Listen Up!’ storytelling event at Carnivale on Wednesday, July 23rd at 7:30pm. Mike Flannery, Andy Shaw, Fran Spielman, and others will be on stage.

Kelly Fahy, Application Screening Manager at Forever Fortunate Felines, joins Rick Kogan to talk about the cat rescue business and the process to adopt a cat. Kelly previews some upcoming events and shares how you can donate to the nonprofit.

John Mark Hansen, political science professor at University of Chicago, joins Rick Kogan to talk about the 100th anniversary of the 1925 John Scopes ‘Monkey Trial’. John reminds listeners of what took place in the trial and comments on whether John Scopes was a hero.

Singer-songwriter Alyssa Allgood joins Rick Kogan to talk about her music career and when her love for music began. Alyssa touches on her family’s support from the beginning, her career dreams, and more. Alyssa will be at Jazz Showcase from July 17 through July 20th.