WGN - The Download with Justin Kaufmann Podcast

What an amazing show we have for you this evening! On tonight’s episode of The Download, Madeleine Doubek of Reboot Illinois gets us up to speed on all the action (or inaction) happening down in Springfield, Chicago rap stars G Herbo and Lil Bibby along with Fake Shore Drive’s Andrew Barber chat about their big show tomorrow night at Metro, Jason Erkes discusses the future of the cannabis industry under President Trump, author Edward McCLelland talks about his book, “How […]

Fake Shore Drive’s Andrew Barber and young Chicago hip hop stars G Herbo and Lil Bibby join Justin for a great conversation about a variety of topics including dealing with stereotypes, recognizing how much their fanbase is expanding, how much their music has evolved, how they stay connected to their community, not taking their success for granted, how Chicago has become a leader in the hip hop world, trying to stay outside of the drill scene, the violence that permeates […]

Public Narrative President Susy Schultz and Studs Terkel Award Winner Cate Cahan join Justin to talk about the Studs Terkel Awards, Cate’s experiences working with Studs Terkel, the challenges the media face in the current political climate, trying to get reporters to go deeper on the communities they cover, what stands in the way of a good story, the importance of being transparent, always seeking out the truth and the future of journalism. Follow Justin on Twitter and give him a like on […]

It’s Monday and that means Chris Robling and Dave Lundy are here for Touché! Chris and Dave break down all the political stories that are making news including the GOP’s plan to replace Obamacare, President Trump’s new travel ban and President Trump accusing President Obama of tapping the phones at Trump Tower during the campaign. 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 […]

We have another terrific show for you this evening! On tonight’s episode of The Download, political analysts Chris Robling and Dave Lundy take a deep dive into President Trump’s tweetstorm over the weekend, journalists Susy Schultz and Cate Cahan talk about what makes a great news story and the upcoming Studs Terkel Awards, Justin recaps his great time at Allstate’s WE Day Illinois, the brilliant John Darnielle chats about his new book, “Universal Harvester” and the upcoming album from his […]

The Carry Out is the nightly segment where Justin reads the newspaper so you don’t have to. Tonight’s top stories include Attorney General Jeff Sessions recusing himself from any investigations of the Trump campaign and Russia, President Trump rolling back the Clean Water Rule, Vice-President Mike Pence using a private email server to conduct state business while governor of Indiana, Press Secretary Sean Spicer being found wearing an Easter Bunny costume during the George W. Bush administration’s Easter egg roll, […]

We have another incredible episode of The Download for you! On tonight’s episode, Justin chats with Josh Mogerman of the National Resources Defense Council about the future of our lakes, rivers and streams under the Trump administration, The Hold Steady’s Craig Finn talks about a life in rock-n-roll and a new solo record coming out later this month, Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Mark Kelly tells us about the 50 x 50 Neighborhood Arts Project and we end the show […]

Mark Kelly, Commissioner of the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), joins Justin to discuss the Year of Public Art and the 50 x 50 Neighborhood Arts Project. Commissioner Kelly talks about trying to push public art beyond the downtown area, why public art is important to the department, why arts and culture is often the first thing to be cut from a budget, trying to bring art to areas of the city that usually don’t […]

The Hold Steady‘s frontman Craig Finn joins Justin to talk about his great career, his memories of performing in Chicago, what it is about The Hold Steady’s music that attracts people to it, the way he writes songs and tells stories, the differences between creating a record for The Hold Steady and his solo work, the effort he makes to keep challenging himself, the role intimacy plays in his music, how his vocal style developed, the importance of honoring his […]

Reboot Illinois publisher Madeleine Doubek joins Justin to talk about all the action happening down in Springfield including the Illinois Senate making progress on the “Grand Bargain.”  Is a deal to end the state’s record budget impasse now looking less less likely? 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