http://serve.castfire.com/medias/s16/ntw/579/416/4163593-org.mp3 In this jam-packed Father’s Day episode, Brian’s daughter joins him in-studio along with several special guests. Learn about how to protect your mental health from social media and how you can get involved with a new campaign to help dogs in need. Then: hear live Irish music in-studio! Brian opens the show with a fun Father’s Day conversation with his daughter Molly, who is visiting the studio from out of town, and with fellow fath...
Jun 17, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/medias/s16/ntw/579/415/4159843-org.mp3 Summer is finally here, and that means festivals! Brian welcomes guests in-studio to discuss Chicago Michelada Fest 2019, then welcomes even more guests to talk Ribfest! Plus: how to get rid of mosquitoes with Skrillex (yes, you read that right). Brian opens the show by explaining how Skrillex can help you get rid of mosquitoes. Seriously — it’s science! Then, Grass Root Events Director of Operations Fernando Nieto and Javier Garci...
Jun 10, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/medias/s16/ntw/579/415/4156311-org.mp3 Brian discusses and debates graduation or “promotion” ceremonies in grade school and in middle school and the power of the OK hand sign. Rep. Ann Williams also checks in with an update on the latest in Illinois politics, and Chicago Tribune editorial cartoonist Scott Stantis about Hamilton: The Exhibition. Brian opens the show by discussing 5th and 8th grade “promotions,” or graduations, and why some people are taking these milesto...
Jun 03, 2019
Executive Director of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, Danielle D’Alessandro joins Brian Noonan to discuss the 3rd annual Chicago Friday Night Flights . The 2019 kick-off event happens this Friday at Gallagher Way, featuring 32 of Chicago finest breweries. D’Alessandro recounts the time on WGN radio how she ran into former mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel at lunch. Danielle mentioned to Emanuel how she understood he wanted to celebrate all the amazing breweries in Chicago, D’Alessandro said: ” Let...
May 28, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3642910/3642910_2019-05-26-202110.64kmono.mp3 American renditions of traditional beer styles, putting its definitive stamp on each beer through effective use of complementary adjunct flavors (Wheat Ale with Fresh Lemonthyme, Brown Ale with Salted Caramel, etc.) is what Aleman Brewing Company stands by. Joining Brian is Owner of Aleman Brewing Brad Zeller. The company is a living, breathing Voltron of strengths, opinions, and experiences. Aleman Brewing is governed...
May 27, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3642912/3642912_2019-05-26-202212.64kmono.mp3 Joining us from Four Chords and a Gun and the man that plays Dee Dee Ramone is musician-actor Paolo Santalucia. Their musical band is an excellent black comedy about the infamous punk band the Ramones. The plays reveal the drama-filled 1979 recording session that led to The Ramones album, End of the Century, produced by the eccentric gun wielding Phil Spector. You can catch the Four Chords and a Gun at the Broadway Pla...
May 27, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3642911/3642911_2019-05-26-202111.64kmono.mp3 Brian kicks off the show this evening by talking to Perfect Home Service owner Justin Carroll to discuss college vs trade school opportunities. It’s graduation season and students are faced with a future decision of choosing between college and the trades. Justin gives up a play by play how recent grads can decide whether a college degree or a trades degree with their specific skill set would fit best for them....
May 27, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/medias/s16/ntw/579/414/4149367-org.mp3 Hazy IPA, helles lager, and pastry stout beers surprise and delight in-studio with Revolution Brewing’s John Carruthers and Goose Island Brewery’s Jesse Valenciana . Brian learns about the beers as the experts educate and entertain in this edition of “At the Breweries.” You can catch the final portion of this extended segment by watching this video on Facebook . About At the Breweries: Every month, J&J join Brian to explore cra...
May 20, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/medias/s16/ntw/579/414/4149365-org.mp3 Brian welcomes a special guest to discuss millennial attitudes about Chicago and what they mean, just as Lori Lightfoot prepares to take office. He also talks Avengers: Endgame and presents another edition of the monthly beer segment “At the Breweries.” Brian kicks off the show by talking about Avengers: Endgame. He just saw the film and wonders if 3 weeks is long enough to discuss the film without revealing any spoilers. Cody Goug...
May 20, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3638951/3638951_2019-05-13-002551.64kmono.mp3 In a theatre-themed show, Brian gives a “Bow Tie Theatre Review” of Broadway in Chicago’s production of Chicago, talks to the Chicago Fringe Opera about their upcoming performances, and even dives into Shakespeare and K-Pop. Brian opens the show with a quick Mother’s Day greeting for listeners, then gives his “Bow Tie Theatre Review” of Broadway in Chicago’s production of Chicago , playing through May 12, 2019, at the ...
May 13, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3636867/3636867_2019-05-06-000307.64kmono.mp3 Brian discusses a new art installation with the “Queen of Tape” Anna Dominguez, then talks to Mikah Meyer about how he accomplished his goal of visiting more than 400 National Park Service sites. Plus: the crew celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week! Brian opens the show by talking about the amusing homily at his niece’s First Holy Communion and how he was body shamed by a 5-year-old. Then, Chicago native Anna Dominguez,...
May 06, 2019
Illinois Craft Beer Week begins May 10! Owner/Head Brewer of Mikerphone Brewing Mike Pallen and Executive Director of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild Danielle D’Alessandrio joins Brian Noonan in the studio to talk about some of the events and the economic impact of craft beer. If you haven’t already bought your tickets, then you are out of luck because this year’s 10th Annual Beer Under Glass fundraiser is SOLD OUT. The fundraiser will be held at the Garfield Conservatory Friday, May 10. This y...
Apr 29, 2019
Brian Noonan chats with Founding CEO of Purple Asparagus Melissa Graham about the organization and its mission. Purple Asparagus is a non-profit dedicated to educating children, families, and the community on eating what’s good for both our bodies and the environment. Want to know more about Purple Asparagus? Visit them at PurpleAsparagus.com or comment with them on Twitter! @purpleaspchi http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3634818/3634818_2019-04-28-204118.128.mp3...
Apr 29, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3634815/3634815_2019-04-28-203415.128.mp3 Brian Noonan chats with Founding CEO of Purple Asparagus Melissa Graham about the organization and its mission. Purple Asparagus is a non-profit dedicated to educating children, families, and the community on eating what’s good for both our bodies and the environment. Want to know more about Purple Asparagus? Visit them at PurpleAsparagus.com or comment with them on Twitter! @PurpleAsparagus Brian was dressed to impress la...
Apr 29, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3632742/3632742_2019-04-21-213942.64kmono.mp3 Brian questions whether or not we are ruining our kids. Then, he interviews Tregg Duersen, COO at Rebuild Foundation about exhibited collections at the Stoney Island Arts Bank. Later on, Brian is joined by actor Andrew Tebo to talk about his role in “Rock of Ages.” Brian opens the show by talking about his favorite Easter candy, then questions if our reactions are ruining our kids instead of learning lessons the hard w...
Apr 22, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/medias/s16/ntw/579/412/4126615-org.mp3 Brian discusses changes to the new ‘Home Alone’ law in Illinois, then interviews Harvard Professor Cass Sunstein about his new book about how social change happens. Plus: The Cantina Cast crew takes a break from Star Wars Celebration Chicago to join Brian in-studio to discuss the Episode IX trailer and recap the festivities from the local fan gathering. Brian opens the show by talking about Illinois House’s decision to lower the ag...
Apr 15, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/medias/s16/ntw/579/412/4126616-org.mp3 Brian talks to Cass Sunstein , the founder and director of the Program on Behavioral Economics and Public Policy at Harvard Law School. Sunstein served in the Obama administration as the Administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs from 2009 to 2012. In his conversation with Brian, he discusses his new book, “How Change Happens,” which answers the question of how social change happens and how change...
Apr 15, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3625647/3625647_2019-04-13-181147.64kmono.mp3 Brian gives a “Bow Tie Theatre Review” of Broadway in Chicago’s production of Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical , playing at the Broadway Playhouse through April 14, 2019. But first: a quick recap of the previous week’s birthday celebrations for both Brian and his producer Cody, whose birthdays are just 1 day apart....
Apr 08, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3625648/3625648_2019-04-13-181648.64kmono.mp3 Learn about hefeweizen, cream ale, and lambic beers from Revolution Brewing’s John Carruthers and Goose Island Brewery’s Jesse Valenciana . They join Brian in-studio to educate and entertain in this edition of “At the Breweries.” You can catch the final portion of this extended segment by watching this video on Facebook . About At the Breweries: Every month, J&J join Brian to explore craft beers of a certain variet...
Apr 08, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3614455/3614455_2019-03-31-204655.64kmono.mp3 Brian talks about the White Sox’s journey towards a winning season, the Chicago mayoral runoff election, birthday celebrations, and social media use. He also gives a “Bow Tie Theatre Review” of Broadway in Chicago’s production of Anastasia. Brian opens the show by talking about the White Sox’s journey towards a winning season, and asks what fans want to see during the rebuilding process so they can continue to enjoy wa...
Apr 01, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3606204/3606204_2019-03-17-201904.64kmono.mp3 Brian and the crew banter about their St. Patrick’s Day antics, Brian gives a “Bow Tie Theatre Review” of Broadway in Chicago’s production of A Bronx Tale, and newsman Roger Badesch does another edition of Old Man Music History. Brian kicks off the show by discussing his adventures wearing the color green and having a green beard for St. Patrick’s Day weekend, including a few hilarious encounters with very curious peop...
Mar 18, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3606196/3606196_2019-03-17-184036.64kmono.mp3 Brian Noonan, Cody Gough, and Roger Badesch reunite with their former overnight colleague, award-winning newscaster Christopher Michael. To kick off this web-exclusive podcast, Roger and Christopher reminisce about how they first met around 40 years ago. They talk about their past roles, including their interactions with Brian, and discuss what it was like working on different teams and in different time slots. The cre...
Mar 17, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3603919/3603919_2019-03-10-210519.64kmono.mp3 Brian and Cody cover recent news stories, from the Jussie Smollett indictment to white privilege in the Paul Manafort case. Plus: Brian recaps his recent relaxing trips to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and Tampa, Florida, to get some sun. To kick off this web-exclusive podcast, Cody explains why Brian keeps opening shows by talking about scheduling, giving a behind-the-scenes look at the weird world of baseball programmin...
Mar 11, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3603914/3603914_2019-03-10-205114.64kmono.mp3 Brian welcomes musical guests from the Irish American Heritage Center, who perform live in-studio and discuss upcoming St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Kathy O’Neill stops by from the Irish American Heritage Center with musicians Jack Sundstrom and Nora, Kate, and Ella Chambers from the Academy of Irish Music . The musicians discuss their training and how to learn to perform Irish music, and O’Neill discusses the upcomin...
Mar 11, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3603913/3603913_2019-03-10-204413.64kmono.mp3 Brian talks about his return to stand-up comedy. Then, Brian talks to his producer Cody and his wife about Verdi’s La Traviata and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Brian opens the show with a hilarious back and forth with “the team” about the opera and his experience watching the 1979 film The Warriors in theaters. Then, he talks about how he returned to the stand-up comedy stage for the first time in years, and explains ho...
Feb 25, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3596986/3596986_2019-02-17-210026.64kmono.mp3 Learn about Mexican-style lager, saison, and porter beers from Revolution Brewing’s John Carruthers and Goose Island Brewery’s Jesse Valenciana . They join Brian in-studio to educate and entertain in this edition of “At the Breweries.” They discuss the latest news from their breweries and others around Chicagoland, then dig into some specific styles of beer. Some of the beers featured in their discussion: Mexican-style...
Feb 18, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3596985/3596985_2019-02-17-205725.64kmono.mp3 Brian talks to Norwegian explorer Erling Kagge about finding true silence and sports memorabilia appraise Michael Osacky talks sports memorabilia. Plus: a Bow Tie Theatre Review of Dear Evan Hansen, and beer reviews on “At the Breweries.” Brian kicks off the show by talking to Cody Gough, his producer, about a recent science conference he attended, and why it’s hard to talk about science with the public. The crew also ...
Feb 18, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3592448/3592448_2019-02-03-202848.64kmono.mp3 Brian talks to Chicago Bears superfan Don “Bearman” Wachter about getting into the inaugural Hall of Fans and writer Josh Noel talks store-brand beers. Plus: Tyler Jorstad from The Trotter Project stops by with Chef Ian Voakes to discuss an upcoming night of food and drink for a cause. Bears superfan Don “Bearman” Wachter calls Brian to talk about his inclusion as one of the first inductees into the Ford Hall of Fans m...
Feb 04, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3592443/3592443_2019-02-03-194443.64kmono.mp3 Chicago mayoral candidate Gery Chico joins Brian in-studio to talk about one of the most pressing issues facing Chicagoans: dibs! He also talks about what he’d like to accomplish if elected mayor of Chicago, and discusses other more serious policy issues.
Feb 04, 2019
http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3590078/3590078_2019-01-27-205218.64kmono.mp3 Brian talks about the severe winter weather in Chicago, from how to protect your home from the icy cold to why people choose to stay in a cold climate instead of move to warmer places. Plus: author Bryan Robinson discusses how to find a better work-life balance. To kick off the show, Brian talks about the severe winter weather and why some very bad luck on the road kept him home on Saturday. Kevin Powell then calls in ...
Jan 28, 2019
