Rick Kogan
472 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 6 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 11 ratingsThe After Hours with Chicago Tribune columnist Rick Kogan Podcast from 720 WGN
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Episodes
Dr. Michael Lewis: Inspiring stories from an inspiring traveler
April 11, 2023 19:49Dr. Michael Lewis joins Rick Kogan in studio to talk about his latest book, Getting Wiser: 101 Essential Life Lessons and Inspiring Stories. Dr. Lewis, the former doctor for the Chicago Bulls, is also a photographer, writer and traveler and he talks about many of the interesting people he has met in his travels. Listen […]
Barbara Gaines: A life leading up to ‘The Comedy of Errors’
February 27, 2023 01:07Theater Director Barbara Gaines joins Rick Kogan in studio to talk about the final show she will be directing, The Comedy of Errors, at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. She also highlights her life and experiences leading up to this event.
Frank Sennett and John Soss talk ‘Shadow State’ and ‘Pick Up the Pieces’
February 27, 2023 00:17Author Frank Sennett joins Rick Kogan in studio to talk about his novel Shadow State and his party Monday at 5:30 p.m. at Club Lago. Rick Kogan also speaks with photographer John Soss about his new show, Pick Up the Pieces, at Tony Fitzpatrick’s Dime Gallery starting on March 3rd through April.
Discussing the life and words of Nelson Algren
February 13, 2023 01:29Author Richard Bales joins After Hours with Rick Kogan to talk about his latest book, The Short Writings of Nelson Algren. They delve into the life and history of Nelson Algren as they discuss this well-researched book.
What to look for while ‘Escaping the O-Zone’
February 13, 2023 01:29Author Doug Cummings joins Rick Kogan to talk about his personal safety book, Escaping the O-Zone. Doug later addresses that the “O” in “O-Zone” stands for oblivious and explains what being in the oblivious zone means exactly.
Gabe Fajuri: The magic behind Potter & Potter Auctions
February 13, 2023 01:29Gabe Fajuri of Potter & Potter Auctions joins After Hours with Rick Kogan to talk about his business and its history. Throughout the interview, Gabe explains the significance his father and magic had on his life.
Exploring the stories behind novel, ‘The Great Gatsby’
January 30, 2023 01:06Author William Hazelgrove joins Rick Kogan on After Hours to talk about his most recent book, Writing Gatsby: The Real Story of the Writing of the Greatest American Novel.
Joseph Sikora and Deon Taylor: The making of ‘Fear’
January 30, 2023 01:05Actor Joseph Sikora and director Deon Taylor join Rick Kogan on After Hours to talk about their new film, Fear. They elaborate on the process of filming this horror movie as well as how the story and filming mirrored the events and actions people took during the height of the pandemic.
Patrick Reardon: Delving into ‘A Memoir in Prose Poems’
January 29, 2023 03:50Poet and essayist Patrick Reardon joins Rick Kogan for a shortened After Hours to talk about his newest book, Puddin’: The Autobiography of a Baby—A Memoir in Prose Poems.
Exploring Chicago culture through taxicab portraits
January 16, 2023 01:23Photographer Allan Lee Koss and real estate mogul and art collector Perry Casalino join Rick Kogan to discuss Allan’s book, Fares: Chicago Taxicab Portraits.
Hannah Chavez and Tony Fitzpatrick remain ‘On Standby’ with Rick Kogan
January 16, 2023 01:23Artist Hannah Chavez and gallery owner Tony Fitzpatrick join Rick Kogan to talk about her new show, “On Standby.” The art show is located at The Dime Chicago at 1513 N. Western Avenue.
Petra Van Nuis and Andy Brown: The making of ‘Lonely Girl’
January 16, 2023 01:23Jazz couple Petra Van Nuis and Andy Brown join Rick Kogan in studio to talk about their careers and their new album, Lonely Girl. Later, Rick reacts to a few of their songs off the album.
Getting ‘Dozed and Confused’ with author Carl Kozlowski
January 12, 2023 20:08Author and former local reporter Carl Kozlowski joins Rick Kogan to talk about his new book, Dozed and Confused: Tales From a Nutty, Narcoleptic Life.
Delving into the history of the Practical Theater Company
December 24, 2022 12:00Paul Barrosse, Victoria Zielinski, and Dana Olsen join Rick Kogan to talk about the history of the Practical Theater Company. Later they highlight their upcoming sketch comedy shows, “Vic & Paul & Dana’s Post-Pandemic Revue,” located at Steve Rashid’s Studio5 in Evanston. The shows will be held at 8:00 p.m. December 29th, 30th, 31st and […]
Chicago Star Media is going digital next year
December 05, 2022 00:11Candace Jordan of Chicago Star Media joins Rick Kogan to talk about how the company will be going digital in 2023. Later, Candace expresses her excitement for the holidays as she talks about Christmas and holiday events.
Batman: Investigating the impact of the cape and cowl
November 20, 2022 23:34Artist Tony Fitzpatrick joins Rick Kogan to discuss his love of the superhero Batman. Later they address the impact comics have on not only children but society and global events.
Joseph Peterson talks ‘Memorandum From the Iowa Cloud Appreciation Society’
November 14, 2022 01:06Author Joseph Peterson joins Rick Kogan in studio to discuss his 9th book, “Memorandum From the Iowa Cloud Appreciation Society.” Joseph shares his experience of owning a zine, which authors influenced him, and more!
Diving into the life and career of Tony Ocean
November 14, 2022 01:05Musician Tony Ocean joins Rick Kogan in studio to discuss his life and career. Later, Tony talks about his music as well as sharing the story of how his impersonation of Dean Martin changed the course of his career.
Prepping for the upcoming Christkindlmarket
November 10, 2022 03:41Candace Jordan of Chicago Star and Leila Schmidt of the German-American Chamber of Commerce join Rick Kogan in studio to talk about the upcoming holiday season and their sponsorship of this year’s Christkindlmarket. The annual holiday-themed market opens on Friday, November 18th and runs until Christmas Eve.
Navigating ‘The Mad, Mad Murders of Marigold Way’
November 10, 2022 03:28Author Raymond Benson joins Rick Kogan in studio to talk about his latest novel, “The Mad, Mad Murders of Marigold Way.” Raymond later discusses his origins in theater, his evolution from a stage director to a writer, and the stories behind the transformation.
Chef Andy Murray talks ‘Eat, Drink, and Be Murray’
November 07, 2022 01:56Chef Andy Murray joins Rick Kogan in studio to talk about his book, “Eat, Drink, and Be Murray” and its foreword written by brother Bill Murray. Throughout the discussion, Andy shares stories of dive into the culinary world as well as stories of the Murray family.
Taking a journey towards sobriety in Don McLeese’s new book
October 24, 2022 00:09Author Don McLeese joins Rick Kogan to talk about his book, “Slippery Steps: Rolling and Tumbling Toward Sobriety.” Later, he discusses his appearance and talk at the Hideout on Wednesday.
A closer look into Barbara Monier’s ‘The Reading’
October 24, 2022 00:08Author Barbara Monier joins Rick Kogan over the phone to talk about her new novel, “The Reading.” Later in their talk, Barbara discusses her Hideout appearance with Rick happening Tuesday night.
Melissa Isaacson: 50 years of Title IX
October 23, 2022 23:13Author Melissa Isaacson joins Rick Kogan to talk about the “Title IX at 50: Past. Present. Future” conference happening at Northwestern University this Thursday through Saturday. She elaborates on the importance of Title IX and its continued fight against sex-based discrimination in the 50 years since its implementation.
Delving into the maritime history of Chicago
October 23, 2022 23:12Musician Tom Kastle and author Patrick McBriarty join Rick Kogan in studio to talk about their CMMFestival 2022 fundraising event this Thursday evening at the Chicago Maritime Museum. The fundraiser, located at 1200 West 35th Street, serves to offer guests an opportunity to delve into the infrastructural and interpersonal connections granted by Chicago’s waterways.
Delving into ‘Beacons in the Darkness’ and ‘Natkin’ with Dave Hoekstra and Paul Natkin
October 10, 2022 00:06Authors Dave Hoekstra and Paul Natkin join Rick Kogan to talk about their recent books, Beacons in the Darkness: Hope and Transformation Among America’s Community Newspapers and Natkin: The Moment of Truth, respectively. Later, Dave and Paul both share anecdotes from their careers, music, and their lives.
Remembering the life and music of Jim Post
October 10, 2022 00:06Producer Richard Friedman joins Rick to talk about the life of the late folk singer Jim Post and his upcoming memorials. They share stories ranging from his resemblance to Mark Twain to a situation with Jimmy Fallon, and more!
Media Burn is celebrating their 20th anniversary!
October 07, 2022 01:36Tom Weinberg of Media Burn joins Rick Kogan, filling in for John Williams, to talk about what Media Burn is and their 20th Anniversary ball this Sunday the 9th. For more information click here.
Wintrust Business Lunch 10/06/22: The history of Eli’s Cheesecake, and what is Chicago Star Media?
October 07, 2022 01:32Rick Kogan, filling in for John Williams, is joined by Candace Jordan of Chicago Star Media and Maureen Schulman of Eli`s Cheesecake for the full hour. Candace shares how Chicago Star Media was started during the pandemic and what kind of news they report on. Maureen shares about the storied history of Eli’s and she […]
Josh Gorman: ‘Death Before Life’
October 02, 2022 23:52Former Tribune Reporter John Gorman joins Rick Kogan to discuss his first novel, “Death Before Life.” In addition to talking about the novel, John shares important moments in his life that lead to him writing his first book.
John Gorman: ‘Death Before Life’
October 02, 2022 23:52Former Tribune Reporter John Gorman joins Rick Kogan to discuss his first novel, “Death Before Life.” In addition to talking about the novel, John shares important moments in his life that lead to him writing his first book.
‘Book of Knives’: The making of a new, original ghost story
October 02, 2022 23:19Writer Lise Haines joins Rick Kogan to talk about her latest novel, “Book of Knives.” The novel depicts a woman named Nora as she delves into the mystery behind her new in-laws and their prized knives. Being that this is her 5th novel, she later elaborates on how she has grown as a novelist over […]
Dissecting the ‘Mississippi River Suite’
October 02, 2022 15:42Musicians Michael Miles and Zahra Glenda Baker join Rick Kogan in studio to talk about their Mississippi River Suite & Song of Protest” at Old Town School. Later, they discuss how they initially put “Mississippi River Suite” together, how they differentiate poems and songs, and more!
Delving into ‘A Dangerous Freedom’
October 02, 2022 15:42Author John Ruane joins Rick Kogan in studio to talk about his latest book, “A Dangerous Freedom.” The book details the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. Later, John addresses how he and Rick first met, his time in the newspaper business, and his journey exploring different creative outlets.
Exploring ‘Three Decades of Etching’
September 18, 2022 23:55Artists Tony Fitzpatrick and Danny Torres join Rick Kogan to discuss Tony’s career and new show, “The Years: Three Decades of Etching,” at the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative. Later, Tony talks about some of the more notable and impactful moments in his life.
Come join the 8th Annual Irish-American Movie Hooley
September 11, 2022 23:54Actor and Chairman of Hibernian Media, Mike “Houli” Houlihan, joins Rick Kogan in studio to talk about the 8th Annual Irish American Movie Hooley. The event will take place at participating theaters in Oak Park and Wilmette.
Come help feed homeless and unemployed Chicagoans
September 11, 2022 23:52Founder and President of the Chicago Help Initiative, Jacqueline C. Hayes, joins Rick Kogan to talk about the organization and its Feeding Hope benefit happening on Thursday, September 15th at the Sports Museum in Water Tower Place from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The mission of the Chicago Help Initiative is to provide meals and social services […]
Chris Greene Quartet at the City Winery
September 11, 2022 22:54Musician Chris Greene joins Rick Kogan in studio to talk about his music and his upcoming shows. Later, Chris addresses how his philosophy changed over the course of the lockdown and how it has allowed him to grow as a musician and as a person.
How one man transformed Chicago into Hollywood
September 10, 2022 18:42Author Michael Kutza joins Rick Kogan in studio to talk about his life as captured in his new book, “Starstruck: How I Magically Transformed Chicago into Hollywood for More Than 50 Years.” Later, Michael highlights his upcoming book, “The Crazies” and other future projects.
Discovering where the snows are
September 10, 2022 18:38Poet Kathleen Rooney joins Rick Kogan in studio to talk about her new poetry collection, “Where the Snows Are.” She elaborated on the inspirations of her poems, how she balances her life as a writer and a teacher, and more!
Libby York: Wednesdays at Andy’s Jazz Club
September 05, 2022 00:14Singer Libby York joins Rick Kogan to talk about her music, Wednesdays at Andy’s starting this week, and a birthday bash at Winters on September 15th. Libby discussed how she coped with the live performance hiatus during the pandemic, traveling, a performers relationship with their audience, and more!
Scars From Another Life author Michael McDermott on his new release
August 29, 2022 00:07Michael McDermott joins Rick Kogan to talk about his upbringing along with his new book, “Scars From Another Life.” There will be a release party with a concert Friday night at 8 pm at the Venue in Aurora. For more information on Michael, visit here.
Live at Mister Kelly’s producer David Marienthal talks upcoming screening
August 28, 2022 23:33David Marienthal, executive producer at Mister Kelly’s Chicago, joins Rick Kogan to talk about the screening of the documentary “Live at Mister Kelly’s,” at the Cultural Center at 6:30 Tuesday evening. It is part of the Jazz Fest activities and events. For more information on the screening, click here.
Haiku Milieu with Robin & Jenny Bienemann at Fitzgerald’s
August 28, 2022 23:33Robin and Jenny Bienemann join Rick Kogan to talk about their upcoming performance of “Haiku Milieu After Dark” at Fitzgerald’s nightclub on Friday at 9 pm. Jenny emphasizes the importance of the haiku to her and how it influences her artwork. To book your spot at Fitzgerald’s, visit here.
Karim Nagi: Musician turned culture bearer
August 28, 2022 23:03Egyptian musician, composer, and dancer Karim Nagi joins Rick Kogan to talk about the release of his latest album, Huzam and his concerts. They address his life moving from Kuwait to Egypt to Boston and finally to Chicago, the evolution and diffusion of music, his take on his position of “culture bearer,” and more!
Strapping yourself in for this ‘lunar odyssey’
August 17, 2022 21:40Author Gerald Brennan joins WGN Radio’s Rick Kogan to talk about his new book, Alone on the Moon: A Soviet Lunar Odyssey, and his Tortoise Books. Alone on the Moon is a story of a two-man Soviet lunar mission and how the two cosmonauts have to worry about not only the merciless vacuum of space […]
Two for the Road: Mark and Anne Burnell on their new album
August 15, 2022 00:15Music duo Mark and Anne Burnell join Rick Kogan to talk about their new album, Two for the Road, coming out tomorrow. To celebrate the release of the album, they are holding a CD release concert at the Epiphany Center for the Arts this Wednesday at 7:30 pm. For information on the concert, visit here […]
Chicago Stories: Authors Paul Teodo and Tom Myers on their newest publication
August 14, 2022 23:28Authors Paul Teodo and Tom Myers join Rick Kogan to discuss their latest, South of Cermak: Chicago Stories, along with an appearance at Centuries and Sleuths next Sunday. South of Cermak officially releases on Sunday and can be found in several bookstores including Centuries and Sleuths. For more information, click here.
Centuries & Sleuths owner Augie Aleksy
August 14, 2022 23:27Augie Aleksy, the owner of the Centuries & Sleuths bookstore in Forest Park, joins Rick Kogan to talk about his store and his growth over the last 32 years. They break down Aleksy’s love of various authors and how his store has impacted literary minds in the Chicago area for over a generation. For more […]
Exploring the symbolism of Graceland Cemetery
August 06, 2022 02:15Author Adam Selzer joins WGN Radio’s Rick Kogan to discuss his career and his new book, “Graceland Cemetery.” The book details the famous cemetery and the stories that have passed through it. In the same that these stories have influenced the growth and symbolism of Graceland Cemetery, Adam shared stories of his own that influenced […]