Advertise on podcast: Rick Kogan

Actor Gary Houston and writer June Sawyers join Rick Kogan to discuss ‘Talking to Harry Smith at the Chelsea Hotel (A Musical…of Sorts)’, which stars Gary and was written by June. The play will be performed on November 14th at 2:30 p.m. at Grace Place at Grace Episcopal Church and November 15th-22nd at The Galway […]

Rick Kaempfer, co-founder and publisher of Eckhartz Press, joins Rick Kogan to discuss the success of Eckhartz Press, how the company was founded, books they have published for Chicago media personalities, how many submissions they receive each month, the state of the publishing business, and working with Tony Fitzpatrick on his book and getting it […]

Freelance writer and novelist Robert Chiarito joins Rick Kogan to talk about his upcoming novel that is being drafted, what compelled him to write fiction, his writing routines while balancing a staggered freelance schedule, and how he met the late great Tony Fitzpatrick.

John Soss and Jon Langford join Rick Kogan to discuss ‘SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL: Words, Songs & Poems of TONY FITZPATRICK’, a show the three are collaborating on to honor the late great Tony Fitzpatrick. The show takes place November 18th and 19th at 8:00 PM at Constellation Chicago.

Rick Pearson, Chief Political Reporter for the Chicago Tribune, joins Rick Kogan to talk politics ahead of the 2026 Midterm Elections on Tuesday, November 5th. Pearson explains why this election is unique, how polls have changed over the decades, whether people still care about what the newspapers say about politics, what it will take for […]

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to discuss the state of parties, events, and news across Chicago. Candace talks about Maria Pappas throwing her hat in the ring for Chicago mayor, why she thinks people don’t vote in every election, Chicago’s West Loop, The ExPIERience Gala honoring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, a Gary Sinise […]

Kerry Kennedy joins Rick Kogan to discuss her new book about her mother, ‘Ethel Kennedy: The Extraordinary Life and Bold Legacy’. Kerry talks about the book’s rapid success, how her mother’s life story resonates with people today, persevering through tough times, how she wants her mother to be remembered, and what she will be doing […]

Filmmaker John Borowski joins Rick Kogan to discuss his role in the ‘Serial Killer: The Original Exhibition’, which takes place in Chicago, and his love for making horror films. John explains why we are fascinated by serial killers, what visitors can see at the exhibition, and his interest in expanding to creating serial killer feature […]

Mike Saad, Cordis Heard, and Mary Griswold join Rick Kogan to talk about their book, ‘Scream! Bleed! Take Off Your Clothes!: Stuart Gordon and Chicago’s Organic Theater Company’. The group discusses how this book came together, how fun it was to share their stories with others, and which Organic show each of them would go […]

Karen Conti, Chicago trial attorney, joins Rick Kogan to highlight her book, ‘Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy: Defending America’s Most Evil Serial Killer on Death Row’. Karen will have a book signing on October 30th from 3-7 p.m. at Cinespace Studios in Chicago. Karen also talks about ‘Serial Killer: The Original Exhibition’, how she […]

Photographer Barbara Karant joins Rick Kogan to discuss her new book, ‘820 EBONY/JET: Visions of the Johnson Publishing Company, an American Icon’. Barbara talks about her mother’s influence on her career, capturing the final moments of the original Johnson Publishing Company building at 820 S. Michigan Avenue, her photographic process, and more.

Rick Kogan previews Pamela Des Barres’ upcoming return to Chicago. She will appear at Martyrs’ for ‘An Intimate Evening with Pamela Des Barres’ on October 25th at 7:30 p.m. Listen below to hear Rick’s interview with Pamela and Linda Beckstrom ahead of Pamela’s 2025 Chicago show.

Novelist Rebecca Chamian Ribaudo joins Rick Kogan to highlight her first novel, ‘Crossing Division Street’. Rebecca and Rick detail the book’s key themes and settings, the history and nature of Cabrini-Green, when the characters began to take shape, the lengthy writing process, and the upcoming projects she is working on.

Former Chicago Tribune photographer Chuck Cherney and his wife, Danita Cherney, join Rick Kogan to discuss the book, ‘Puzzled Pup’, written by their late son. Danita talks about the story behind the book, the process of getting it published, how their son Jacob became interested in writing, and the legacy he has left behind. Part […]

Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to discuss the state of parties, events, and news across Chicago. Candace talks about whether Maria Pappas will run for mayor, the honorary street sign celebration for Chilli Pepper, serving as a judge and emcee at an upcoming Halloween party, the Adler Planetarium’s Celestial Bash, and Chicago being […]