WGN - The Download with Justin Kaufmann Podcast

Brian Noonan (in for Justin Kaufmann) visits with Tim Frank, Tim Koelling and Jess Lyons of Band Called Catch for some live music and conversation. They talk about reconvening for a new record after a five-year hiatus, the challenge of writing and arranging for what is typically an eight-member ensemble, the importance of a good shaker in a song, and more.

Brian Noonan visits with Chicago’s “Royal watcher” Fred Weintraub, who discusses the legacy of Princess Diana as we approach the 20th anniversary of her death.  They talk about Diana’s death as a “where were you when…” moment in history, and the lasting effect she had on the perception of the Royal Family, and Queen Elizabeth’s reign.

It’s Friday Night so that means it’s time for “Reality Check” with the Chicago Tribune‘s Tracy Swartz! Tracy talks about the week in reality television including the “Married at First Sight” couple from Chicago getting a divorce, how the Chicago contestants fared on “Bachelor in Paradise” and the premiere of “Love Blows.” Follow Justin on Twitter and give him a like on Facebook. The Download with Justin Kaufmann airs Monday through Friday from 7 pm. to 11 pm on @WGNRadio

Journalists Niala Boodhoo and Craig Newman join Justin to recap all the stories making news this week including the ongoing battle over Illinois school funding, Governor Rauner firing his communications staff, Mayor Emanuel’s continuing fight with the Department of Justice, President Trump pardoning Sheriff Joe Arpaio, President Trump directing the Pentagon to extend indefinitely a ban on transgender individuals joining the military, Hurricane Harvey bearing down on Texas, President Trump’s plan for Afghanistan and his raucous rally in Arizona, SpaceX offering a […]

We have a fantastic show for you to end the week! On tonight’s episode of The Download, Justin speaks with filmmaker Theodore Witcher about the 20th anniversary of his groundbreaking movie, “Love Jones,” journalists Craig Newman and Niala Boodhoo recap another busy week of news, Tracy Swartz breaks down the week in reality television and we end the show by getting you ready for another year of Preps Plus Chicago with Sam Panayotovich and Kevin Powell! Follow Justin on Twitter and give […]

Writer and director Theodore Witcher joins Justin to discuss the 20th anniversary of his groundbreaking film “Love Jones.” Theodore talks about what it means to him that the film is celebrating its 20th anniversary, what kind of movie he was setting out to make,how they tried to avoid melodramatic tropes, the experience of being a first-time director and working with stars like Nia Long and Larenz Tate, how Chicago is a character in the film, telling a story about the […]

Executive Director Anne Cauley and Managing Director Adrienne Guldin preview the upcoming 8th annual Chicago Fringe Festival. Anne and Adrienne talk about how a fringe festival differs from other theater festivals, they way performers are chosen to participate in the festival, how the festival is targeted for adventurous audiences, the camaraderie of all the people that perform, other theater companies using the festival to test out work and the relationship the festival has with the city of Chicago. Follow Justin on Twitter and give […]

The Carry Out is the nightly segment where Justin reads the news so you don’t have to. Tonight’s top stories include legislative leaders in Springfield reaching an Illinois school funding agreement, Governor Rauner firing four members of his communications staff, gubernatorial candidate Alderman Ameya Pawar saying he would rename Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples Day if elected governor, rapper Joey Bada$$ canceling a concert because he hurt his eyes looking at the eclipse, the Cubs looking to sweep the Reds, […]

Journalist Martha Bayne joins Justin to discuss her new book, “Rust Belt Chicago: An Anthology.” Martha talks about how the anthology pushes back on the narrative of Chicago as the “City of Big Shoulders” or “Hog Butcher for the World,” how she picked the writers that contributed to the anthology, Chicago’s place as part of the Rust Belt, what she has learned about the Rust Belt since working at Belt Magazine, the difference between the cities in the Rust Belt, […]

The Daily Line‘s Mike Fourcher joins Justin for a special Thursday night visit to break down the breaking news that legislative leaders in Springfield appear to have reached a bipartisan agreement on Illinois school funding. Mike talks about Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s reaction, what Governor Rauner has to say and what Chicago and CPS can expect from the agreement. Follow Justin on Twitter and give him a like on Facebook. The Download with Justin Kaufmann airs Monday through Friday from 7 pm. to 11 pm on @WGNRadio