Mark Kogan, a former tour manager for various bands, joins Rick Kogan to talk about the passing of the great Brian Wilson, one of The Beach Boys co-founders. Mark explains what Brian was like offstage and comments on the tributes being played in his honor.

Actress and playwright Atra Asdou joins Rick Kogan to talk about her show, ‘Iraq, But Funny’, which can be seen at the Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago through July 20th. Atra also discusses her early interests in theatre and what to expect at her show.

Musician Sam Fazio joins Rick Kogan to discuss his path to music, his long career, and some of the places he has traveled when performing. Sam also talks about the freedom he had in his music early on when not performing for a living. Sam previews what is next for him, and Rick gives listeners a taste of a couple of Sam’s songs.

Author Rich Cohen joins Rick Kogan to talk about his latest book ‘Murder in the Dollhouse: The Jennifer Dulos Story’. Rick also discusses Rich’s profound career and his upcoming appearance on Tuesday, June 10th at The Book Stall in Winnetka.

Actor Frank Ferrante joins Rick Kogan to talk about his 40th year playing Groucho Marx on stage and to discuss the Marx brothers’ Chicago history. Groucho’s grandson Andy Marx also chats with Frank and Rick about his grandfather and Frank’s impersonation of Groucho. Frank will appear as Groucho Marx on June 11th at Teatro ZinZanni in Chicago.

Jeff Lindberg, Musical Director of the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, joins Rick Kogan to talk about summer residency at Jazz Showcase in Chicago. Jazz guitarist Bobby Broom also chats with Jeff and Rick about his upcoming appearances at the Jazz Showcase. Bobby then explains how jazz guitar sounds different from rock and roll and other genres.

Chicago Quarterly Review managing editor Gary Houston and producer Roger Rapoport join Rick Kogan to discuss the film version of Peter Ferry’s novel Old Heart and the process of getting approval from Peter to make the film. A screening of the film can be seen June 4th at the Chopin Theatre in Chicago.

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to discuss the latest news and events in Chicago. Candace talks about Chef Art Smith’s nonprofit ‘Common Threads,’ Steppenwolf Theatre’s 50th anniversary party, Goodman Theatre’s 100th celebration, and more.

Anthony Mateos, an Evanston Township High School junior, joins Rick Kogan to talk about his book, Who We Are: Stories from the Chicago StreetWise Community. Anthony explains the process of getting the book published and comments on the response the book has received in the local community.

Artist and writer Dmitry Samarov joins Rick Kogan to talk about his design for the new edition of “Moby Dick” and the meaning behind the illustrations in the book.