WGN - The Download with Justin Kaufmann Podcast

It’s Tuesday so that means another jam-packed episode of The Download! On tonight’s show, Justin chats with Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer about the effort to bring jobs to young people in the city and county, Daniel Ash, Chief Marketing Officer for the Chicago Community Trust discusses the fourth annual “On the Table” forum that took place all around the region today, we are treated to the mellifluous sounds of the terrific Chicago band Big Sadie, we learn about “Public School,” […]

Allison Peters Quinn, Rachel Harper and Ada Grey join Justin to discuss the “Public School” exhibition running through June 25th at the Hyde Park Art Center. Rachel, Allison and Ada talk about how the installation explores the modern public school space, how education can be found in places other than the classroom, the role that kids play at the Hyde Park Art Center and the importance of art and its relationship to popular culture and current events. 12-year-old Ada also […]

The Carry Out is the nightly segment where Justin reads the news so you don’t have to. Tonight’s top stories include President Trump allegedly leaking classified information to Russian officials, tronc seeking to buy the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Cubs losing 2 of 3 to the Cardinals, the White Sox taking 2 of 3 from the Padres, the Stanley Cup and NBA playoffs continuing and someone stealing a bunch of valuable pens from a car that was parked by the […]

Political scientists and authors Dr. Brian F. Harrison and Dr. Melissa R. Michelson join Justin to discuss their book, “Listen, We Need to Talk: How to Change Attitudes about LGBT Rights.” Dr. Harrison and Dr. Michelson talk about where the idea for the book comes from, the methods used to get people to change their minds about LGBT issues and why this issue has shown a pattern of improvement over the last 20 years. Follow Justin on Twitter and give […]

RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard joins Justin to discuss the future of public transportation in Illinois, how quality mass transportation increases property values and spurs economic development, the chances we see more privatization of public transit and the state’s plan for improving infrastructure moving forward. 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

Amanda Lenhart, Senior Research Scientist, the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, joins Justin to discuss the findings of a new study that explores the social media habits of teenagers. Amanda talks about the surprising results of the study, some of the common misconceptions regarding the use of social media by teens, the relationship between parents and teens and why it is important to study how teenagers are using technology. Follow Justin on Twitter and give him a like on […]

We have an incredible show for you. On tonight’s episode of The Download, research scientist Amanda Lenhart joins Justin to discuss the results of a new study on the social media habits of teenagers, director and screenwriter Azazel Jacobs tells us about his new movie, “The Lovers” which opens in Chicago this weekend, Booklist editor Donna Seaman chats about the opening of The American Writers Museum, actor Chris Witaske talks about his Chicago roots and starring on the Netflix series, […]

Director and screenwriter Azazel Jacobs joins Justin to discuss his new movie, “The Lovers,” which opens in Chicago this weekend. Azazel talks about his intention to steer away from the typical romantic comedy, his interest in exploring relationships, how he enjoys writing about strangers, working with Debra Winger and Tracy Letts, wanting the film to feel theatrical, having a great studio behind the production, the emotions of putting his art out in the world, how the value of art was […]

The Carry Out is the nightly segment where Justin reads the news so you don’t have to. Tonight’s top stories include the continuing speculation about why FBI Director James Comey was fired, the AP reporting that an FBI Director from the Chicago office is being interviewed to replace Comey, the Illinois Senate passing an abortion measure, the CPS budget hole being much larger than expected, Facebook is rooting out junky websites, Dwayne “The Rock’ Johnson reportedly considering a run for […]

Author Edward McClleland joins Justin to explain why he believes that the city of Chicago should annex its adjoining suburbs. Edward talks about Chicago’s long history with annexation, how Illinois has more municipalities than any other state, how annexation would mean less government and lower taxes, the challenges Chicago would face if annexation were to happen and what it is going to take to make this idea come to fruition. Follow Justin on Twitter and give him a like on […]