WGN - The Download with Justin Kaufmann Podcast

Author and journalist Ben Austen joins Justin to discuss his new book, “High-Risers.” Ben talks about where the idea for this book comes from, the history of the near north side before Cabrini Green was built, what made the city of Chicago decide to build housing projects, what Cabrini Green was like right after it was built, why the property fell into disrepair, the influence that the ’68 riots had on Cabrini Green, the decision by then Mayor Jane Byrne to […]

The terrific local band Beach Bunny join Justin in Studio 435 to talk about the origin story of the band, what makes Chicago’s music scene attractive, the ambition they share as a band, the challenge of balancing life and the band,  making music in Chicago, the process of writing songs, the difference between playing house shows and venues and Beach Bunny also perform some songs including, “February,” “Sports,” “Six Weeks” and “Boys.” Follow Justin on Twitter and give him a like on Facebook. The Download with […]

We have another incredible show planned for you. On this episode of The Download, we welcome back political analysts Dave Lundy and Chris Robling to debate all the top political stories making news this week, author Ben Austen discusses his new book, “High-Risers,” Chicago Tribune theater critic Chris Jones reflects on the life and legacy of the great John Mahoney, broadcasting legend John Records Landecker chats about his career and book, “Records Truly is My Middle Name” and we end […]

The Carry Out is the nightly segment where Justin reads the news so you don’t have to. Tonight’s top stories include the GOP releasing the Nunes memo, the Dow losing over 600 points, a new attack ad being released by Rep. Jeanne Ives, Scott Drury being kicked off the Attorney General ballot, the Sun-Times announcing that theater critic Hedy Weiss’ position is being eliminated, the Hawks losing to Vancouver, the Northwestern Wildcats beating Wisconsin in NCAA hoops, the Bulls taking on the […]

Kerry Kennedy, author, advocate for women’s rights, human rights and social justice, joins Justin to discuss the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center‘s Midwest debut of “Speak Truth to Power,” a major photographic exhibition based on her book, “Speak Truth to Power: Human Rights Defenders Who Are Changing Our World,” which highlights nearly 50 activists and urges visitors to #TAKEASTAND against current human rights violations. Follow Justin on Twitter and give him a like on Facebook. The Download with Justin Kaufmann airs Monday through Friday from 7 pm. to […]

Journalist Craig Newman and WGN-TV reporter Randi Belisomo join Justin to  break down all the stories that were making news this week including the controversy surrounding the GOP releasing the Nunes memo, the battle between Governor Rauner and Rep. Jeanne Ives in front of the Tribune Editorial Board, State Senator Daniel Biss gaining momentum in the gubernatorial race, President Trump’s State of the Union address, the Sun-Time announcing Hedy Weiss is out and Richard Roeper is back in, Mark Konkol joining The Reader, the upcoming 2018 Olympic […]

We have a tremendous episode of The Download! On tonight’s show, Justin welcomes Senior EPA advisor Cameron Davis and Josh Ellis from the Metropolitan Planning Council to explain how emerging federal policy will impact the Great Lakes, we reload yet another crazy week in news with journalist Craig Newman and WGN-TV reporter Randi Belisomo, human rights advocate Kerry Kennedy tells us about the Midwest debut of “Speak Truth to Power,” a major photographic exhibition based on her book “Speak Truth to Power: […]

Award-winning theater director Steve Scott and extraordinary actress and Jeff Award-winner Linda Reiter join Justin to discuss the production of, “Rose” running through March at the Greenhouse Theater. Steve talks about how he got involved in the production, the importance of casting the right person for the role of Rose and the fascinating relationship Rose had with her daughters. Linda talks about what she knew about Rose Kennedy before she started working on the show, how much research she needed […]

Do we have a treat for you tonight! Justin is joined in Studio 435 by the Lowdown Brass Band! The band talks about their history, the interest in the New Orleans sound, how brass bands are received outside of New Orleans, how their sound has evolved through the years, how they marry hip hop and jazz, the training the individual members received growing up, the process of recording, their latest record, “LowDown Breaks,” an upcoming tour through Colorado and their […]

Gretchen Helfrich joins Justin to discuss her new film series, “Religion in the Frame.” Gretchen talks about where the idea for this film series comes from, how the films were chosen, the difficulty in narrowing the field of movies down to six, the importance of finding films that represent a number of different religions and what she hopes to accomplish with the festival. Follow Justin on Twitter and give him a like on Facebook. The Download with Justin Kaufmann airs Monday through Friday from […]