WGN - The Download with Justin Kaufmann Podcast

We have another spectacular show for you! On tonight’s episode of The Download, political analysts Chris Varones and Dave Lundy are back for another spirited discussion on the top political stories making news this week, WGN’s Sam Panayotovich previews the 2017 National Championship game between Gonzaga and North Carolina, longtime writer and political activist Marilyn Katz chats about her great career in Chicago politics, Wow Bao President Geoff Alexander talks about changing the face of fast food, actor and comedian […]

Geoff Alexander, President of Wow Bao, joins Justin to discuss the beginnings of Wow Bao at Water Tower Place, what they were trying to accomplish with the concept of “steamed buns,” the challenges of getting a food that wasn’t well known into the hands of consumers, the importance of educating people about the brand, applying social media to food, trying to think outside of the box in order to keep growing and what the future holds as the brand continues […]

Chicago White Sox play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti joins Justin to preview the upcoming 2017 season for the South Siders. Jason talks about some of the injuries that have plagued the team early on, the trade rumors swirling around starting pitcher José Quintana, the players on this team that we should be watching, the chemistry of the current clubhouse after losing players like Chris Sale and Adam Eaton, what will happen to the roster if the team gets off to a hot […]

Actors Luciana Bonifazi and Greg Dodds join Justin to discuss “Flanagan’s Wake,” currently playing at Chicago Theater Works. Luciana and Greg talk about what they knew about the production before they joined the cast, what it’s like being part of an interactive show, the teamwork that needs to be executed night after night and the excitement that comes with doing improv. Follow Justin on Twitter and give him a like on Facebook. The Download with Justin Kaufmann airs Monday through Friday from 7 […]

Howard Learner, President and Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center, joins Justin to discuss President Trump rolling back Obama-era fuel efficiency standards, President Trump signing an executive order killing of Obama’s Clean Power Plan and what that means for the economy, technology and climate change. 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      

Actor and Lookingglass Theatre ensemble member David Schwimmer and writer/director Alexander Zeldin join Justin to discuss the play, “Beyond Caring,” currently getting its U.S. premiere at the Lookingglass Theatre. David and Alex talk about the origins of the play, why they wanted to tell the story of the plight of temporary workers in Chicago, the United States and around the world, bringing this play to the Lookingglass Theatre, feeling a responsibility to tackle stories that inspire a dialogue, getting this play prepared […]

The Carry Out is the nightly segment where Justin reads the newspaper so you don’t have to. Tonight’s top stories include the continuing soap opera surrounding the House Intelligence Committee, President Trump signing an executive order rolling back President Obama’s regulations on climate change, Illinois gubernatorial candidate Chris Kennedy saying it’s not that important to get an endorsement from the Democratic Party, Governor Bruce Rauner and Speaker Madigan fighting over the sale of the Thompson Center, Cubs and Sox preparing […]

Journalist Monica Eng joins Justin to talk about the origins and history of the Chicago hot dog. Can you name the seven ingredients on top of a Chicago hot dog? Also, Monica’s daughter Miranda tells us about her new podcasts that tackle issues surrounding homelessness on Michigan Avenue and the political beliefs of some of her classmates. 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 […]

Author, literary critic and Booklist editor Donna Seaman joins Justin to discuss her latest book, “Identity Unknown: Rediscovering Seven American Women Artists.” Donna talks about why she wanted to tackle the subject, why she decided to profile visual artists, what it takes to have a professional career in the visual arts, how she chose the artists represented in the book and how the democratization of visual art is increasing. Follow Justin on Twitter and give him a like on Facebook. The […]

Alden Loury, Director of Research and Evaluation at the Metropolitan Planning Council, joins Justin to discuss the results of their study on the cost of segregation. The results? We are spending a lot of money to be separated. 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