WGN - The Download with Justin Kaufmann Podcast

It’s Tuesday night so that means it is time to come together and collectively complain and bemoan about #TheWorst things in society…for prizes! Tonight, Justin is joined by the always hilarious Merrit Landsteiner. Do you know what’s the worst? When your parents name you Herman. 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

Former Chicago Bulls great Craig Hodges joins Justin and The Download’s sports historian Jack Silverstein to discuss his new memoir, “Long Shot: The Triumphs and Struggles of an NBA Freedom Fighter.” Craig talks about growing up in the Chicago area, when he knew that he could play basketball, the impact that Tex Winter had on his career, what he learned from being a part of other organizations, playing for the Bulls and winning championships, what brought those championship teams together, […]

We are starting off the week with another incredible show! On tonight’s episode of The Download, political analysts Chris Robling and Dave Lundy debate President Trump’s immigration ban, former Chicago Bulls great Craig Hodges chats about his new memoir, “Long Shot: The Triumphs and Struggles of an NBA Freedom Fighter,” The Second City’s Shantira Jackson and Sayjal Joshi talk about performing comedy in the current political climate and we end the show in Studio 435 with some exemplary music from […]

The Carry Out is the nightly segment where Justin reads the newspaper so you don’t have to. Tonight’s top stories include Lisa Madigan seeking to stop state workers’ pay until a budget is passed, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto and President Donald Trump speaking by phone to de-escelate tensions between the two allies, President Donald Trump signing an executive order that limits refugees into the United States, Vice President Mike Pence speaking at The March for Life, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie […]

Writer and editor Jonathan Messinger joins Justin to discuss his new kids podcast, “The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian.” Jonathan talks about how he came up with the idea for the podcast, the challenges of writing for kids, how kids interact with the podcast, the process of conceptualizing and writing episodes and what we can expect from the upcoming second season of the podcast. Follow Justin on Twitter and give him a like on Facebook. The Download with Justin Kaufmann airs Monday […]

Can you believe it?! It’s here! The triumphant return of Steve Gadlin and The Frying Pan! In case you are listening for the first time, local genius, innovator, entrepreneur and Shark Tank winner Steve Gadlin presents and idea to the WGN listeners and they get to decide if it is good enough to present to his principal investor Mark Cuban. Steve’s idea this evening is Car-tris, which is basically the video game Tetris that you are able to play while […]

We have a terrific show for you to end the week! On tonight’s episode of The Download, Justin chats with comedian Louie Anderson about career, family and “Baskets,” we recap the week in news with the great Charlie Meyerson and Niala Boodhoo from The 21st Show, Jonathan Messinger tells us about his new podcast for kids “The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian” and we end the show with the triumphant return of entrepreneur Steve Gadlin and The Frying Pan! Follow […]

Tonight on The Download, musicians Jim and Justin play hits from a myriad of decades for the crowd at Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen, Allstate Agent Linda Wagner joins Justin to drop some Winter pearls of wisdom, McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks tells us how President Trump will affect his work, Justin’s former classmate Stuart McVicar shares what makes him the “ultimate Cubs fan” and weekly guest Greg Flamm prompts a bragging line for the audience.

The Carry Out is the nightly segment where Justin reads the newspaper so you don’t have to. Tonight’s top stories include Donald Trump signing executive orders on his first “official day” in office, the Trump administration questioning the attendance numbers at the inauguration, an environmental activist who was raising awareness for climate change by walking barefoot across the country being hit by an SUV, the Packers getting thumped by the Falcons, the Patriots dismembering the Steelers, Bears lineman Josh Sitton […]

The terrific Chicago trio The Purcells join Justin to talk about making music, the bands that have influenced their sound, what attracts them to the type of music they play, the process of making a record, enjoying the craft of making together, their debut record, “Words Can’t Say” and their upcoming show at Schubas.They also play a few songs including “After School Special,” “Bleed Into Blue” and “Things Fall Apart.” Follow Justin on Twitter and give him a like on […]