Actor Daniel Kyri and writer and director Jeremy McCarter join Rick Kogan to talk about their new adaptation of ‘Hamlet’ , a seven-part podcast from Make-Believe Association. Daniel and Jeremy give their reviews and explain the process of making this adaptation happen. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7531269/Daniel_Kyri_and_Jeremy_McCarter_7-20-25_2025-07-21-002409.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Paul Te...
Jul 21, 2025
Writer Paul Teodo joins Rick Kogan to talk about the upcoming ‘Listen Up!’ storytelling event at Carnivale on Wednesday, July 23rd at 7:30pm. Mike Flannery, Andy Shaw, Fran Spielman, and others will be on stage. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7531263/Paul_Teodo_7-20-25_2025-07-20-231103.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Paul Teodo previews the third edition of ‘Listen Up!’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:eveno...
Jul 21, 2025
Kelly Fahy, Application Screening Manager at Forever Fortunate Felines , joins Rick Kogan to talk about the cat rescue business and the process to adopt a cat. Kelly previews some upcoming events and shares how you can donate to the nonprofit. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7531271/Kelly_Fahy_7-20-25_2025-07-21-001611.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Paul Teodo previews the third edition of ‘Listen Up!’ ...
Jul 21, 2025
John Mark Hansen , political science professor at University of Chicago, joins Rick Kogan to talk about the 100th anniversary of the 1925 John Scopes ‘Monkey Trial’ . John reminds listeners of what took place in the trial and comments on whether John Scopes was a hero. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7519358/John_Mark_Hansen_7-13-25_2025-07-14-005458.64kmono.mp3 From the archives: John Williams attends the 75th Anniversary re-creation of the Scopes ‘Monkey’ Trial Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Ha...
Jul 14, 2025
Singer-songwriter Alyssa Allgood joins Rick Kogan to talk about her music career and when her love for music began. Alyssa touches on her family’s support from the beginning, her career dreams, and more. Alyssa will be at Jazz Showcase from July 17 through July 20th. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7519357/Alyssa_Allgood_7-13-25_2025-07-14-003857.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Paul Teodo previews the th...
Jul 14, 2025
Life coach and founder of Boho Bouquet Bar Amy Lechelt joins Rick Kogan to talk about her floating flower store that is Chicago’s only mobile bouquet bar. Amy details the spots across Chicago where you can find her store and how the flower store operates in the winter. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7519370/Amy_Lechelt_7-13-25_2025-07-14-015610.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Paul Teodo previews the thi...
Jul 14, 2025
Marc Smith , founder of the Uptown Poetry Slam, joins Rick Kogan to talk about the worldwide reach of poetry slams and how they have developed throughout the decades. Marc discusses what drew him to poetry in the first place and where he first read on stage. Marc also talks about his podcast ‘Thru The Mill’ , The Last Word Quintet’s show on July 21st, and his new project, ‘Emergence to Light: Scenes of Chicago’. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7507102/Marc_Smith_7-6-25_2025-07-06-234502.64kmono...
Jul 07, 2025
Gayle Gleespen, Yorktown Center’s Marketing and Business Development Manager, joins Rick Kogan to talk about the state of the Yorktown shopping center and the necessary tasks to keep shopping centers thriving in today’s world. Gayle also discusses Yorktown’s ‘Dog Days of Summer’ promotion and why dog lovers need to take part in it. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7507105/Gayle_Gleespen_7-6-25_2025-07-07-003205.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Ky...
Jul 07, 2025
Maureen Schulman, publicist and co-owner of Eli’s Cheesecake Company, joins Rick Kogan to talk about The Happiness Club and The Happiness Club Benefit taking place July 13th at 6pm at Park West in Chicago. Maureen explains the performing arts education that is provided for the youth in Chicago and she previews this year’s Legacy Award winner. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7507106/Maureen_Schulman_7-6-25_2025-07-07-003206.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicag...
Jul 07, 2025
Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to talk about Fourth of July events taking place in Chicago, such as the NASCAR Chicago Street Race. Candace also discusses her Fourth of July experiences growing up and her upcoming cameo in ‘Titanique’ at Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place on July 2nd. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7497776/Candace_Jordan_6-29-25_2025-06-30-002416.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-...
Jun 30, 2025
Author Lorraine Devon Wilke joins Rick Kogan to talk about her new book, ‘Chick Singer’ . Lorraine and Rick discuss her Chicagoland roots, her love for singing at a young age, and her career writing novels. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7497779/Lorraine_Devon_Wilke_6-29-25_2025-06-30-000119.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Paul Teodo previews the third edition of ‘Listen Up!’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:...
Jun 30, 2025
Author Robert Wolf joins Rick Kogan to talk about his new book, ‘Coyotes and Stars: Stories from the American Southwest’ . Robert also talks about how he met his wife, Bonnie Koloc, and why he started the Free River Press in Nashville. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7497780/Robert_Wolf_6-29-25_2025-06-30-003620.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Paul Teodo previews the third edition of ‘Listen Up!’ .cls-7{...
Jun 30, 2025
Rick Kogan is joined by Julia Bachrach to discuss the beauty and uniqueness of Midwestern architecture and how landscape architects set a standard in Chicago. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7484857/7484857_2025-06-23-000357.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Paul Teodo previews the third edition of ‘Listen Up!’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Adopt a cat at Forever Fortunate Felines .cls-7{fill:#fff;fi...
Jun 23, 2025
Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to talk about her Playboy memorabilia that will be housed at the Chicago History Museum. Candace explains the James Beard Awards and its value on Chicago restaurants. Candace also discusses the Lincoln Park Zoo Ball and some other trending Chicago news. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7472873/Candace_Jordan_6-15-25_2025-06-15-234713.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-7{fill...
Jun 16, 2025
Mark Kogan, a former tour manager for various bands, joins Rick Kogan to talk about the passing of the great Brian Wilson, one of The Beach Boys co-founders. Mark explains what Brian was like offstage and comments on the tributes being played in his honor. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7472890/Mark_Kogan_6-15-25_2025-06-16-012230.64kmono.mp3 Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Mike Love and Elton John react to the death of Brian Wilson Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chic...
Jun 16, 2025
Actress and playwright Atra Asdou joins Rick Kogan to talk about her show, ‘Iraq, But Funny’, which can be seen at the Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago through July 20th. Atra also discusses her early interests in theatre and what to expect at her show. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7472871/Atra_Asdou_6-15-25_2025-06-15-231711.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Paul Teodo previews the third edition of ‘Lis...
Jun 16, 2025
Musician Sam Fazio joins Rick Kogan to discuss his path to music, his long career, and some of the places he has traveled when performing. Sam also talks about the freedom he had in his music early on when not performing for a living. Sam previews what is next for him, and Rick gives listeners a taste of a couple of Sam’s songs. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7459821/Sam_Fazio_6-8-25_2025-06-09-004221.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-...
Jun 09, 2025
Author Rich Cohen joins Rick Kogan to talk about his latest book ‘Murder in the Dollhouse: The Jennifer Dulos Story’ . Rick also discusses Rich’s profound career and his upcoming appearance on Tuesday, June 10th at The Book Stall in Winnetka. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7459822/Rich_Cohen_6-8-25_2025-06-09-004422.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Paul Teodo previews the third edition of ‘Listen Up!’ .c...
Jun 09, 2025
Actor Frank Ferrante joins Rick Kogan to talk about his 40th year playing Groucho Marx on stage and to discuss the Marx brothers’ Chicago history. Groucho’s grandson Andy Marx also chats with Frank and Rick about his grandfather and Frank’s impersonation of Groucho. Frank will appear as Groucho Marx on June 11th at Teatro ZinZanni in Chicago. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7445526/Frank_Ferrante_and_Andy_Marx_6-1-25_2025-06-02-004526.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation ...
Jun 02, 2025
Jeff Lindberg, Musical Director of the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, joins Rick Kogan to talk about summer residency at Jazz Showcase in Chicago. Jazz guitarist Bobby Broom also chats with Jeff and Rick about his upcoming appearances at the Jazz Showcase. Bobby then explains how jazz guitar sounds different from rock and roll and other genres. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7445525/Jeff_Lindberg_and_Bobby_Broom_6-1-25_2025-06-02-002125.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation star...
Jun 02, 2025
Chicago Quarterly Review managing editor Gary Houston and producer Roger Rapoport join Rick Kogan to discuss the film version of Peter Ferry’s novel Old Heart and the process of getting approval from Peter to make the film. A screening of the film can be seen June 4th at the Chopin Theatre in Chicago. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7434063/Gary_Houston_and_Roger_Rapoport_5-25-25_2025-05-26-004403.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-7{fil...
May 26, 2025
Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to discuss the latest news and events in Chicago. Candace talks about Chef Art Smith’s nonprofit ‘Common Threads,’ Steppenwolf Theatre’s 50th anniversary party, Goodman Theatre’s 100th celebration, and more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7434061/Candace_Jordan_5-25-25_2025-05-26-005901.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Paul Teodo previews t...
May 26, 2025
Anthony Mateos, an Evanston Township High School junior, joins Rick Kogan to talk about his book, Who We Are: Stories from the Chicago StreetWise Community . Anthony explains the process of getting the book published and comments on the response the book has received in the local community. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7434060/Anthony_Mateos_5-25-25_2025-05-26-000600.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Pa...
May 26, 2025
Artist and writer Dmitry Samarov joins Rick Kogan to talk about his design for the new edition of “ Moby Dick ” and the meaning behind the illustrations in the book. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7423645/Dmitry_Samarov_5-18-25_2025-05-19-204045.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Paul Teodo previews the third edition of ‘Listen Up!’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Adopt a cat at Forever Fortunate Felin...
May 19, 2025
Rick Kogan talks with Ronnie Marmo about his return to Chicago to perform in “ Bill W. and Dr. Bob ” at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. The play can be seen from May 30th through June 8th. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7423620/Ronnie_Marmo_5-18-25_2025-05-19-195820.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Paul Teodo previews the third edition of ‘Listen Up!’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Adopt...
May 19, 2025
Rick Kogan is joined by Bob Chiarito to discuss his Chicago Magazine story about courtroom artists and the recent death of one of them, Andy Austin. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7410276/7410276_2025-05-12-003616.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Paul Teodo previews the third edition of ‘Listen Up!’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Adopt a cat at Forever Fortunate Felines .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:ev...
May 12, 2025
Rick Kogan is joined in studio by Paul Teodo to talk about the new storytelling event ‘Listen Up!’ at Carnivale on May 21st. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7410274/7410274_2025-05-11-232514.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Paul Teodo previews the third edition of ‘Listen Up!’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Adopt a cat at Forever Fortunate Felines .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} 100th anniversary...
May 11, 2025
Rick Kogan is joined in studio by Kelsey and Andrew McClellan to talk about the art of sign painting which they do through their company, Heart & Bone , and their collaboration with Jim Coudal and Field Notes . https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7410271/7410271_2025-05-11-233111.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Paul Teodo previews the third edition of ‘Listen Up!’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Adop...
May 11, 2025
Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to report on Mother’s Day events and offerings around Chicago. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7397884/7397884_2025-05-05-003224.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Paul Teodo previews the third edition of ‘Listen Up!’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Adopt a cat at Forever Fortunate Felines .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} 100th annivers...
May 05, 2025
Lou Malnati’s owner and chairman Marc Malnati joins Rick Kogan to discuss his new book, Deep Dish , and his desire to tell the story of his family’s rise to pizza fame. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7397881/7397881_2025-05-04-231621.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan New ‘Hamlet’ adaptation stars Chicago’s Daniel Kyri .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Paul Teodo previews the third edition of ‘Listen Up!’ .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Adopt a cat at Forever Fortunate Felines .cls-7{fi...
May 04, 2025
