Lloyd Sachs met Rick Kogan in studio to talk about the fascinating life and “non-career” of producer & artist T Bone Burnett, which he documents in his new book. They discussed his wide range of projects and collaborations, as well has his own songwriting and performances. Lloyd emphasized Burnett’s ability to not compromise his art for popularity and commitment to the greater art. http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3371806/3371806_2017-07-03-001706.64kmono.mp3?ad_params=zones%3DPreroll%7Cstation_id%3D3807.mp3

Rick got his summer reading list going on tonight’s show as he talked to three very different, but equally wonderful authors. First, Steve Bellinger talked about his Chicago-centric sci-fi book, “The Chronocar.” Greg Borzo joined Rick to talk about “Chicago’s Fabulous Fountains.” Then, Lloyd Sachs dropped by the studio to talk about his latest book, “T Bone Burnett: A Life in Pursuit.”

Singer and composer Laury Shelley joined Rick in the studio to preview her upcoming Jazz Showcase. She also talked about her musical influences and told Rick when and why she started to write her own music. http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3369314/3369314_2017-06-25-233214.64kmono.mp3?ad_params=zones%3DPreroll%7Cstation_id%3D3807.mp3

In Jeremy McCarter’s book, Young Radicals: In the War for American Ideals, he delves into the dramatic era of the early 1900’s to focus on five ahead-of-their-time radicals: Max Eastman, Walter Lippmann, Alice Paul, John Reed & Randolph Bourne. Jeremy joined Rick in the studio to talk about his 6 year winding path to finishing the book & to explain why he chose to rewrite its epilogue after the election and the Women’s March. They also talked about Hamilton: The Revolution, which he […]

Since her first visit to the Lurie Garden in Millennium Park, Laura Ekasetya has had a passion for the place’s mix of perennials, native plants and the intricate ecosystem thereof. Now, she is the garden’s director. She joined Rick in-studio to talk about the garden, its many secrets and nuances & upcoming programs. http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3369309/3369309_2017-06-25-225009.64kmono.mp3?ad_params=zones%3DPreroll%7Cstation_id%3D3807.mp3

Tonight on the program, Rick talked to Laura Ekasetya from the Lurie Garden at Millennium Park about its magic plants and wonderful programs. Then, singer Laury Shelley shared some of her music and talked about her influences and upcoming showcase. Lastly, writer/critic Jeremy McCarty joined Rick in-studio to talk about his amazing books “Young Radicals: In the War for American Ideals” and “Hamilton: The Revolution.” http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3369322/3369322_2017-06-26-002322.64kmono.mp3?ad_params=zones%3DPreroll%7Cstation_id%3D3807.mp3

Steve Darnall is a true lover of nostalgia: he’s always been curious about old time radio & culture, largely thanks to his Dad. He joined Rick to tell his story on how he became publisher of the Nostalgia Digest, why they decided to start having a swimsuit edition & what is so special about his Saturday radio show, “Those were the Days” on WDCB 90.9 FM.  Then, Steve defines the Golden Age of Radio and comments on the state of […]

In honor of Father’s Day, Rick shared a story from Geneva-based folk musician Jim Post, who wrote about his much loved “Daddy” and how the man brought him up. http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3366652/3366652_2017-06-18-232852.64kmono.mp3?ad_params=zones%3DPreroll%7Cstation_id%3D3807.mp3

Rick talked to Steve Darnall, publisher of Nostalgia Digest and host of “Those Were the Days” on WDCB 90.9 FM about the magazine’s latest swimsuit edition and the golden age of radio. Then, Rick read a story written by Jim Post about growing up with his Daddy. Then, Producer Lise interviewed her dad about his musical influences. Roger Badesch joined in to share part 3 of his life story. Last, but certainly not least, director Steve James told Rick about […]

Storytelling nights are starting to become dime a dozen in Chicago proper, but Maureen Muldoon moved from LA to the western suburbs, she felt a severe lacking in nearby storytelling outlets. So, when she saw Cathy Richardson play, she knew that together they could create a suburban sanctuary for storytellers at the picturesque & soulful Fitzgerald’s in Berwyn. They both joined Rick and Lise After Hours to talk about their journey, the structure of the special monthly night that marries […]