WGN - The Download with Justin Kaufmann Podcast

Actor, writer, director and producer Peter Berg joins Justin to discuss his new movie, “Patriots Day,” which opens this weekend. Peter talks about what drew him to this project, his desire to do a film that explores how a city reacts to a terrorist attack, the challenges of telling a story that is so well known, his approach to the craft of filmmaking and what aspect of making a film he enjoys the most. Follow Justin on Twitter and give […]

It’s Wednesday so that means we are treated to another informative visit from The Daily Line‘s Mike Fourcher to discuss all the stories making news in local politics. Tonight, Mike talks about the “60 Minutes” report on Chicago violence, how the piece glossed over former police superintendent Garry McCarthy’s lack of leadership, the upcoming report of police reform from the Department of Justice and what we can expect as we look ahead to the next mayoral and gubernatorial elections. Follow […]

The Download’s resident philosopher(and professor of Business Ethics at Loyola University Chicago) Al Gini joins Justin to talk about New Year’s resolutions, the attempt to make yourself a better person, the battle between virtue and sin, and a deep dive into the seven deadly sins. Follow Justin on Twitter and give him a like on Facebook

“The Swap Meet” is back for 2017! And on a new day! Greg Flamm is here to tell us if your junk is worth anything! It’s a Chicago-centric version of “Antiques Roadshow” meets “Let’s Make a Deal.” Do you have something in your attic that has been gathering dust and you want to get rid of? Well, that piece of junk might be someone else’s treasure and Greg is here to tell you if you hit the jackpot! Or you can […]

We have another stellar show for you this evening! On tonight’s episode of The Download, Justin chats with The Daily Line’s Mike Fourcher about all the local political stories making news this week, our resident philosopher Al Gini makes a return visit to talk about New Year’s resolutions and the seven deadly sins, author Jason Diamond explains why he is searching for John Hughes and (on its new day for 2017) we end the program with another edition of “Swap Meet,” […]

Touché is back! Political analysts Chris Robling and Dave Lundy return for another spirited discussion of all the national political stories that are making news this week.  Tonight, Dave and Chris talk about the GOP pulling their plan to gut the independent ethics committee, Republicans beginning the process of repealing the Affordable Care Act and the appointments being made by President-elect Trump. Follow Justin on Twitter and give him a like on Facebook. The Download with Justin Kaufmann airs Monday through […]

It’s Tuesday night so that means it is time to come together and collectively complain and bemoan about #TheWorst things in society…for pizza! Tonight, Justin is joined by the always hilarious Kristen Toomey and Reena Calm. Do you know what’s the worst? Spider monkeys. 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

Prolific playwright Brett Neveu joins Justin to discuss the world premiere of his play, “Her America,” at the Greenhouse Theater Center. Brett talks about what drew him to write a solo piece rather than something for an ensemble, writing the play specifically for the great Kate Buddeke, where the story comes from, what we can expect from “Her America,” the challenges of writing a play for one character, when he decided to become a playwright, making the transition from acting to […]

Former Chicago Bears great Doug Plank joins Justin to recap the dismal Bears season and to talk about what the team needs to do to be competitive next season. Doug talks about what we can expect from Ryan Pace and John Fox’s end-of-year press conference tomorrow, what the team should do about the QB position, the vaunted Chicago Bears defense not showing up in December, what are the most important needs moving forward and if he thinks the team is […]

Happy New Year from The Download! We are excited to bring you another great year of shows! On tonight’s episode of The Download, we start off 2017 on a high note with a visit from political analysts Dave Lundy and Chris Robling to recap all of the political stories you missed over the holidays, playwright Brett Neveu talks about the world premiere of his show, “Her America” at the Greenhouse Theater Center, Doug Plank tells us if we have anything […]