Justin Kaufmann
218 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 9 ratingsJustin Kaufmann features long-form interviews focusing on a variety of topics, from arts & culture to politics & innovation.
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Episodes
Justin Kaufmann: “It was an honor and a privilege to sit in this seat every night and talk directly to you”
March 19, 2020 04:36Justin says goodbye to the great WGN audience.
What will the government do to protect the restaurant industry?
March 19, 2020 04:25Owner and Executive Chef at Virtue Restaurant & Bar in Chicago, Chef Erick Williams, joins Justin to talk about what the government needs to do to protect restaurant and bar workers that are suffering while being forced out of work due to COVID-19. Sign the petition here.
What does it mean to ‘Shelter in Place?’
March 19, 2020 04:22The always delightful (and longtime Oak Park resident) Charlie Meyerson joins Justin to talk about Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park leaders urging residents to ‘shelter in place’ to slow the spread of COVID-19. Sign up for Charlie’s daily newsletter here. It’s a must-read every single day.
Congressman Bill Foster: “Our job is to minimize the pain and to try to make it so that businesses can have a path to survival”
March 19, 2020 04:20U.S. Representative Bill Foster joins Justin to discuss what the government plans to do to help residents as they deal with the COVID-19 crisis.
Jeanne Ives: “It’s a very difficult time right now in our country where leaders need to be really focused on solving the COVID-19 crisis”
March 18, 2020 04:34Three-term state representative Jeanne Ives joins Justin to talk about her primary election victory, running a campaign during the coronavirus crisis and what she needs to do take back the seat from U.S. Rep. Sean Casten.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot: “The reality is is that the arc of this virus is going to continue to escalate”
March 18, 2020 04:23Mayor Lori Lightfoot joins Justin to talk about the election results, Joe Biden’s victory over Bernie Sanders in the Illinois primary and how prepared the city was for the election under the cloud of COVID-19.
Illinois Retail Merchants Association president Rob Karr: “There is nothing about this virus that requires hoarding”
March 17, 2020 04:35Rob Karr, president & CEO, Illinois Retail Merchants Association, joins Justin to talk about grocery stores, shopping routines and why it is important for everyone to maintain their normal shopping routine to ensure the safety of employees, fellow customers and your neighbors.
Why aren’t we postponing the primary election?
March 17, 2020 04:29Chicago Tribune columnist Eric Zorn joins Justin to talk about tomorrow’s Illinois primary. Why is Illinois still holding a primary when the President said to avoid gatherings over 10 people.
How are local doctors dealing with the overrun of possible COVID-19 cases?
March 17, 2020 04:27Dr. Rahul Khare joins Justin once again to give us an update on what we need to know about the coronavirus. How are local doctors dealing with the virus on the frontlines. Dr. Khare also takes some calls from listeners who have questions about the virus.
How you can convince your parents that coronavirus is more serious than the flu
March 17, 2020 04:24Journalist Mark Konkol joins Justin to talk about his recent column that deals with ways you can talk to your stubborn parents about the seriousness of the coronavirus.
What you need to do to get your house ready for self-isolating
March 17, 2020 04:18The great Lou Manfredini joins Justin to talk about what you can do to get your house ready for a prolonged staycation. Lou takes your calls and answers all of your questions.
Is it safe to go out to eat?
March 14, 2020 04:29Steve Dolinsky, aka The Hungry Hound, joins Justin once again to discuss how restaurants and bars are dealing with people staying home due to concerns about COVID-19. Should people still go out to eat?
What can the government do to help families who are impacted by the coronavirus?
March 14, 2020 04:27Former Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar joins Justin to talk about some of the things he thinks that the government should be doing to combat COVID-19.
What do you do when the event you’ve been preparing for gets postponed because of coronavirus concerns?
March 14, 2020 04:25Mollie Green, avid runner and owner and designer for La Familia Green, joins Justin to talk about the Boston Marathon being postponed until next fall due to coronavirus concerns. She also talks about how great it is to be part of the GlenGlens.
CTU President Jesse Sharkey: “It was time for CPS to close schools”
March 14, 2020 04:21CTU President Jesse Sharkey joins Justin to talk about Governor Pritzker’s announcement that all Illinois schools will be closed due to COVID-19 starting on Tuesday.
How Covid-19 is impacting Chicago’s independent music venues
March 14, 2020 04:19Robert Gomez, owner of Subterranean and Beat Kitchen, joins Justin to talk about how independent music venues are dealing with the loss of business due to COVID-19. We also hear from the great Lawrence Peters who talks about how the beloved Hideout is creating a “virtual tavern” to support its staff while the venue is […]
Feeling sick? When should you go to the doctor?
March 13, 2020 04:33Dr. Rahul Khare joins Justin to talk about coronavirus and what we need to know about the virus. Dr. Khare tells us when we should go to the doctor, the limited amount of COVID-19 testing available and what makes coronavirus different from other viruses.
What do we need to know about working from home and how will coronavirus impact how we work in the future
March 13, 2020 04:30Ramona Schindelheim of WorkingNation, a news operation that tells stories about the future of work, joins Justin once again to discuss how we are changing the way we work amid coronavirus concerns. Will COVID-19 eventually change the way we work in the future?
Is the city of Chicago doing enough to contain the coronavirus?
March 13, 2020 04:27Heather Cherone, Chicago City Hall reporter and Managing Editor of The Daily Line, joins Justin to talk about what Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot are doing to contain the coronavirus. Are the city and state doing enough?
Why are Chicago Public Schools staying open amid coronavirus concerns?
March 13, 2020 04:22Chalkbeat‘s Cassie Walker Burke joins Justin to talk about Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s coronavirus update this evening and the decision to not close CPS. Why are Chicago schools staying open?
How are bars and restaurants bracing for a coronavirus fallout?
March 13, 2020 04:17Author and Chicago Tribune food and beer writer Josh Noel joins Justin to talk about how coronavirus is impacting bars and restaurants. With the cancellation of the NCAA Tournament and St. Patrick’s Day festivities, how will bars and restaurants be able to survive the loss of revenue?
Journalist Carol Felsenthal: "I think Biden is a disaster. The man is senile and he shows it everyday"
March 11, 2020 04:36Journalist Carol Felsenthal joins Justin to break down the results of the Super Tuesday 2 primary elections. Carol talks about Joe Biden running away with the night and why she believes he will be a terrible nominee to run against President Trump. This is the podcast for The Justin Kaufmann Show. The show originates from […]
Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa: "We will lose to Donald Trump if Joe Biden is our nominee"
March 11, 2020 04:3235th Ward Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa joins Justin to talk about the results of Super Tuesday 2 and what it means that Joe Biden looks to have a commanding lead over Senator Bernie Sanders. This is the podcast for The Justin Kaufmann Show. The show originates from Chicago on WGN Radio and features newsmakers, tastemakers and […]
Justin Kaufmann Show 3-10-20: Super Tuesday Part 2 and coronavirus cases rising in Illinois
March 11, 2020 04:26It’s Super Tuesday, Part 2 as voters from Idaho, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota and Washington head to the polls. Justin welcomes a diverse group of reporters, politicians and analysts including WGN’s Ryan Burrow, Marj Halperin, Kitty Kurth, Carol Felsenthal, Loreen Targos, Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa and our great old friends Chris Robling and Dave Lundy […]
Will coronavirus fears hurt local theater?
March 10, 2020 04:20The great Chicago Tribune theater critic and author Chris Jones joins Justin to discuss a number of topics including the impact that coronavirus is having on local theater and the arts in general, ‘Some Like it Hot’ getting a pre-Broadway tryout in Chicago, the shows that might be able to replace the success of ‘Hamilton’ and some other shows […]
Historian John R. Schmidt explores hidden Chicago landmarks: The history behind Peter Hand Brewery, the Leaning Tower of Niles and crime boss Sam Giancana's Oak Park home
March 10, 2020 04:18In this Justin Kaufmann Show series, Chicago historian John R. Schmidt takes us on a tour of Chicago’s “Hidden Chicago Landmarks.” Tonight, John talks about the history behind the Leaning Tower of Niles, crime boss Sam Giancana’s house in Oak Park and the city’s last “macro-brewery” Peter Hand Brewery This is the podcast for Extension 720. The show originates […]
How coronavirus is impacting the airline industry
March 10, 2020 04:16NPR Transportation Correspondent David Schaper joins Justin to discuss how the coronavirus is impacting air travel. David talks about how the administration is dealing with the coronavirus, how much the airlines are hurting right now and what the airlines are doing to stimulate activity. This is the podcast for The Justin Kaufmann Show. The show originates […]
'Rod Blagojevich Superstar!' is returning to the stage for one night only!
March 03, 2020 05:28The amazingly talented and hilarious T.J. Shanoff and Ed Furman join Justin to talk about the return of their smash production, “Rod Blagojevich Superstar!” T.J. and Ed talk about why they are bringing this show back, the premise of the original production, the challenges involved with creating the updated show, how satirist Andy Borowitz will […]
Justin Kaufmann Show 3-2-20: Psychology of the coronavirus, Chicago by 'L' and a Pulaski Day 'Chicago Accent Challenge'
March 03, 2020 05:26The Justin Kaufmann Show for Monday, 3.2.20: The Housewares association canceled the annual March trade show at Chicago’s McCormick Place amid the coronavirus outbreak. Justin talks about an article he read in ‘Psychology Today’ about how How COVID-19 is infecting our minds, not our lungs. The always delightful Geoffrey Baer returns to the show to […]
Justin Kaufmann Show 2-28-20: CPD shooting on the CTA Red Line, new coronavirus cases in the U.S. and C2E2 weekend
February 29, 2020 05:22The Justin Kaufmann Show for Friday, 2.28.20: Chicago police shot a man at the CTA’s Grand Red Line station this afternoon and video of the incident has gone viral online. Were the police justified in shooting the man? Vincent Zurzolo, COO of Metropolis Collectibles, tells us about how he turned collecting comic books into a […]
Actor and comedian Michael Rapaport: "With any art form, the most important thing is to make it personal"
February 29, 2020 02:00Actor, comedian and podcast host Michael Rapaport joins Justin to talk about his career, how he started out as a stand-up comic, how he has evolved as an artist, the vulnerability of performing stand-up, the importance of remaining authentic, how much growing up and living in New York influences his work, his interest in hip […]
CPS ends Columbus Day in favor of Indigenous Peoples Day. What do you think?
February 28, 2020 05:26Columbus Day will no longer be observed in Chicago Public Schools. The Chicago Board of Education voted Wednesday to drop Columbus’ name from the October school holiday in favor of an observance of Indigenous Peoples Day. What do you think of the decision? Justin takes your calls and texts. This is the podcast for The […]
The last 'Swap Meet': Thanks for four years of telling us about your junk!
February 27, 2020 05:23It’s Wednesday night so that means it’s time for The Swap Meet with Greg Flamm aka The DuPage Picker! And unfortunately, this will be the last Swap Meet for a while as Greg is moving out of state at the beginning of March. So, let’s take this segment out in style! Tell us about your memorabilia, your […]
Justin Kaufmann Show 2-26-20: President Trump on the coronavirus threat, Mayor Lightfoot's lack of an endorsement of a presidential primary candidate and Drag Them to the Polls
February 27, 2020 05:22The Justin Kaufmann Show for Wednesday, 2.26.20: President Trump spoke about the coronavirus threat this evening and put Vice President Pence in charge of the response. Are you starting to get worried about the virus? The Daily Line‘s Heather Cherone recaps the week in local politics including the plan to preserve affordable housing near the […]
Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education Diane Ravitch: "What you are basically measuring with standardized tests is family income and family education"
February 27, 2020 03:00Historian of education, educational policy analyst, research professor, author and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education Diane Ravitch joins Justin to discuss her book, “Slaying Goliath: The Passionate Resistance to Privatization and the Fight to Save America’s Public Schools.” Diane talks about how public education began, the controversy surrounding the creation of public high schools, […]
In your best Chicago accent: How do you pronounce Paczki?
February 25, 2020 05:26Season 2 of “The Chicago Accent Challenge” is back! Do you think you have the best Chicago accent? Well, now it’s time to put your money where your accent is. “How to Speak Midwestern” author and resident linguist Edward McClelland is here to help Justin judge your Chicago accent. And we have a special Fat […]
Justin Kaufmann Show 2-24-20: Conductors back on the CTA, how to pronounce Paczki and the future of GarPax
February 25, 2020 05:22The Justin Kaufmann Show for Monday, 2.24.20: Streetsblog Chicago editor and Chicago Reader columnist John Greenfield talks about ways the CTA is working on reducing crime on busses and trains, the CTA taking a step to modernizing buses and the future of transportation. Kevin Green, Vice President at Rare and head of the Center for Behavior & […]
Justin Kaufmann Show 2-20-20: Outlawing street harassment, Governor Pritzker offering 2 budgets and the state of journalism in 2020
February 21, 2020 05:22The Justin Kaufmann Show for Thursday, 2.20.20: A Chicago alderman is proposing an ordinance that will outlaw ‘street harassment’ in the city. What do you think? Should there be fines for verbal street harassment? Chalkbeat‘s Cassie Walker Burke talks about Governor Pritzker threatening to hold back education funding unless he gets his progressive income tax. What […]
Former White Sox manager Ozzie Guillén on 'weak' Chicago media, the possibility of managing again and the MLB cheating scandal
February 20, 2020 00:02World Series Champion manager Ozzie Guillén and his son Ozzie Guillén Jr. join Justin to talk about a wide variety of topics including the opportunities for Latinos to hold top baseball positions, how La Vida Baseball celebrates Latino culture, the use of analytics in baseball, the challenge of managing players from different backgrounds, the chances […]
How Cards Against Humanity co-creator Max Temkin is taking board games and escape rooms to a higher level
February 18, 2020 05:24Cards Against Humanity co-creator Max Temkin joins Justin to tell us about the new Chicago Board Game Cafe. Max talks about where the idea for this venture comes from, the amount of research that went into starting this business, how they were able to take that research and implement it, the type of board games […]
Justin Kaufmann Show 2-17-20: Presidential trivia, NBA All-Star weekend and Cubs games coming to Hulu
February 18, 2020 05:22The Justin Kaufmann Show for Monday, 2.17.20: Over the weekend a gunman shot and killed a man and wounded two other people in a pedestrian tunnel that connects the Red and Blue line Jackson stops. Is the recent crime on the CTA forcing you to change the way you commute? Chicago was front and center […]
Justin Kaufmann Show 2-14-20: NBA All-Star weekend, Rage Against the Machine Reunion and the worst Valentine's Day love songs
February 15, 2020 05:19The Justin Kaufmann Show for Friday, 2.14.20: It was announced that the Trump administration will deploy elite border patrol agents to sanctuary cities, including Chicago and New York. What do you think? Is that a good idea or bad idea? It’s NBA All-Star weekend and Bulls Outsider John Sabine is back to give us a […]
How Snap36 is revolutionizing the way we look at content
February 15, 2020 04:00It’s “The Download on Chicago Business” sponsored by Signature Bank. Tonight, Justin speaks with Jeff Hunt, CEO and Founder of Snap36. Jeff talks about what Snap36 does, how Snap36 is able to showcase products in a better way online, the importance of showing people 360° photography while they are shopping for products, how major retailers like […]
Justin Kaufmann Show 2-13-20: Arctic blast, to recline or not to recline and teacher burnout
February 14, 2020 05:33The Justin Kaufmann Show for Thursday, 2.13.20: Chicago is bracing for a deep-freeze as temperatures will drop into the single digits overnight. What are you doing to prepare yourself for the arctic blast? A viral video of an airplane passenger caught on video shaking a woman’s reclined seat is burning up the internet. So who […]
How agent Todd Ramasar is applying cutting edge sports science to get the best performance out of his clients
February 14, 2020 05:29It’s the NBA All-Star weekend in Chicago and it’s great to get an in-studio visit from sports agent Todd Ramasar. Todd talks about the business of the NCAA, the NBA and how he’s taking sports science to a whole new level. This is the podcast for The Justin Kaufmann Show. The show originates from Chicago […]
The Swap Meet: "Where is the Luc Longley memorabilia? He never gets enough love"
February 14, 2020 05:27It’s Thursday night so that means it’s time for a special edition of The Swap Meet! It’s time to brag about your old stuff with Greg Flamm aka The DuPage Picker! It’s NBA All-Star weekend so let’s evaluate some classic Bulls memorabilia! Do you have a ’96 Bulls caricature T-shirt? The classic Michael Jordan “Wings Door” poster? […]
Justin Kaufmann Show 2-12-20: Jussie Smollett indictment, Peapod halting Midwest delivery and bracing for the cold
February 13, 2020 03:16The Justin Kaufmann Show for Wednesday, 2.12.20: Streetsblog Chicago editor and Chicago Reader columnist John Greenfield tells us why the Jane Byrne Interchange spaghetti bowl expansion keeps getting worse. The Daily Line’s Heather Cherone recaps another busy week in politics including the latest on the Jussie Smollett indictment. Peapod announced it will be shutting down […]
Will the Jussie Smollett indictment impact the Illinois primary election?
February 13, 2020 03:13Heather Cherone, Chicago City Hall reporter and Managing Editor of The Daily Line, joins Justin to recap the busy week in Illinois politics including the latest on the Jussie Smollett indictment, how the indictment will impact the upcoming Illinois primary, Chicago’s record-setting violence and a new controversy surrounding the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund. This is the podcast for The Justin Kaufmann […]
Justin Kaufmann Show 2-10-20: Coronavirus outbreak, Gas Station Attendant Act and Valentine's Day spending
February 11, 2020 05:22The Justin Kaufmann Show for Monday, 2.10.20: The Coronavirus killed 97 people in one day. Are you concerned about the numbers coming out of China? A newly proposed bill would ban drivers from being able to pump their own gas in Illinois. Do we need this bill to become law? It’s Black History Month and […]
Historian John R. Schmidt explores hidden Chicago landmarks for Black History Month: Visit the homes of Chicago's first black banker Jesse Binga, legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson and heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis
February 11, 2020 05:19In this Justin Kaufmann Show series, Chicago historian John R. Schmidt takes us on a tour of Chicago’s “Hidden Chicago Landmarks.” Tonight, in honor of Black History Month, John and Justin discuss some of the hidden history behind some great black Chicagoans. John tells us some amazing stories about Chicago entrepreneur Jesse Binga, legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson […]