Best WGN Plus Podcasts (2025)

1
What's New From the Whiskey Hotline - May 2025 40:42

2d ago40:42

40:42

When the Whiskey Hotline isn’t traveling the world looking for the best spirits at the best prices, they’re joining us on Barrel to Bottle to talk about the best spirits at the best prices. El Tesoro Reposado Single Barrel #B072L342 Binny’s Handpicked Lobos 1707 Reposado Tequila Triple Oak Finish Binny’s Handpicked El Dorado 10-Year-Old Single Barr…

1
Chicago teen takeovers, living legacies, AI courtroom avatars and much more

2d ago

—

Chicago 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins provides insight into the city’s teen takeovers and its solution by implementing citywide curfews. National Material L.P. Associate General Counsel David Susler joins to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the “Inside Out” column in Chicago Lawyer magazine discussing living legacies. Brooklyn Law School Profess…

1
The Mincing Rascals 5.28.25: Chicago crime down, POTUS pardons, Harvard vs. Trump

3d ago

—

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute, and longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys! The Rascals start the podcast this week talking about violence being down over Memorial Day weekend and crime in general being down in Chicago. Are Mayo…

1
Johnnie, Steve and some Empty Pockets!

3d ago

—

Johnnie Putman and Steve King have all of your favorites for this packed show! Racing, routers and a pair of talented musicians are just some of the things crammed in! Our own Dane Neal stopped by before he covered the Indy 500 to share some of the traditions, superstitions and expectations all racing fans should have. The big stars of the show wer…

1
Chicago Way w/John Kass: Eeyore in the city

4d ago

—

Chicago Way w/John Kass (05/27/25): This week, John Kass tries to get to the bottom of Jeff Carlin’s bad mood by sharing stories from his weekend in the city celebrating his wedding 39th wedding anniversary. Plus, Kasso wonders if his love for Chicago can ever be redeemed. Check out more from Kass at JohnKassNews.com or contact me at john@johnkassn…

1
Garcia’s Chicago music venue comes to Chicago PLUS ‘Art’ at Theater Wit through June 1st

4d ago

—

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0tKn3JwbEg?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] There’s a new music venue in town and it stands as a tribute to the life and interests of Grateful Dead Legend, Jerry Garcia. Garcia’s Chicago opened in March and is located at 1001 We…

1
Getting to Yes, And… ‘Christopher DiCarlo – The Ethics of AI’

4d ago

—

Kelly has a fascinating conversation with University of Toronto professor Christopher DiCarlo where they discuss his new book: “Building a God: The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and the Race to Control It.” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7434695/7434695_2025-05-27-021335.64kmono.mp3 “Let me be very clear: the threat from AI of existential ris…

1
‘Elton Jim’ is proud of how his springtime ‘Mr. Fix-it’ projects have worked out

5d ago

—

In this 470th episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano is proud of how his springtime “Mr. Fix-it” projects have worked out. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7433802/Elton_Jim_s_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_470_2025-05-24-233402.64kmono.mp3 More from Elton Jim Elton Jim s Captain Pod-tastic ‘Elton Jim’ is proud of his springti…

1
The Drinks of Summer 1:03:55

9d ago1:03:55

1:03:55

Summertime: when trends are born from the most unexpected places. Every summer, we at Barrel to Bottle are surprised by the hot sellers in beer, wine, spirits, RTDs, hard seltzers, hard teas…the list goes on. This week we're sampling what we think might be hot this summer. Owl’s Brew Hard Teal Seltzer Hopewell Sharp Japanese-Style Dry Lager Off Col…

1
Getting to Yes, And… | Sarah Ruhl – ‘Lessons From My Teachers’

9d ago

—

Kelly welcomes renowned playwright, poet and teacher Sarah Ruhl back to the podcast. Sarah is a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, a Tony Award nominee, and the recipient of the MacArthur Genius Fellowship. She has a new book, it’s called “Lessons from My Teachers.” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7431361/7431361_2025-05-23-032401.64kmono.mp3 “Our …

1
The Mincing Rascals 5.21.25: DOJ investigation, ‘snap curfews,’ Biden cancer

10d ago

—

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Brandon Pope, of WCIU, and longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys! The Rascals start off the podcast talking about the Department of Justice looking into the hiring practices of Mayor Brandon Johnson. What do the Rascals make of the DOJ probe…

1
Steve and Johnnie’s Musical MAYhem continues!

11d ago

—

Steve King and Johnnie Putman bring some more musical mayhem, along with the usual tales from back in the day, car stuff and tasty treats! Suzy Bogguss is the first guest and she is quite the busy bee with lots to talk about! She is one of the inductees at the Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum on Route 66 this September, she has a fantasti…

1
Getting to Yes, And… | Rosalind Chow – ‘The Doors You Can Open’

11d ago

—

Kelly opens the door for Rosalind Chow, an associate professor of organizational behavior and theory at Carnegie Mellon University. Her new book is called “The Doors You Can Open: A New Way to Network, Build Trust, and Use Your Influence to Create a More Inclusive Workplace.” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7424276/7424276_2025-05-20-032116.64kmon…

1
Cast off with ‘Titanic’ playing at the Marriott Theatre in Linconshire through June 1st

12d ago

—

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBYJoFqZI-c?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Joining the conversation are: David Girolmo (who plays Captain E.J. Smith), Heidi Kettenring (playing Ida Strauss), Mark David Kaplan (playing Isador Strauss), James Earl Jones, II (Pl…

1
Chicago Way w/John Kass: The cover-up of Biden’s health is a scandal that can’t be ignored

12d ago

—

Chicago Way w/John Kass (05/19/25): RealClear Politics’ Tom Bevan is here to discuss James Comey selling seashells by the seashore and what could be considered one of the greatest scandals in presidential history, the cover-up of Joe Biden’s health problems. John Kass & Jeff Carlin also ask Tom about Rahm Emanuel facing off against JB Pritzker in a…

1
‘Elton Jim’ examines the cultural biases surrounding Bill Belichick’s age-gap relationship

12d ago

—

In this 469th episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano examines the cultural biases surrounding Bill Belichick’s age-gap relationship. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7423140/Elton_Jims_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_469_2025-05-19-162540.64kmono.mp3 More from Elton Jim Elton Jim s Captain Pod-tastic ‘Elton Jim’ is proud of his…

1
How to fix your marriage without counseling

13d ago

—

Who needs professional marriage counseling? Former marriage counselor and author Ziba Graham Jr, joins Steve Dale on the show to share some of the marriage tips and tricks you can find in his book Fix Your Marriage Without Counseling. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7422242/7422242_2025-05-18-205842.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Steve Dale’s Other Worl…

1
David Foster and Katherine McPhee are coming to Ravinia June 20th

13d ago

—

16-time Grammy Award winning composer David Foster alongside his wife, the amazing singer, songwriter and actress Katherine McPhee, join Steve to discuss what makes them a power couple and what listeners can expect when they come out to their show coming to Ravinia on June 20. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7422209/7422209_2025-05-18-175209.64kmo…

1
Alison Arngrim aka Nellie Oleson from Little House on the Prairie talks Confessions of A Prairie Bitch

13d ago

—

Alison Arngrim aka Nellie Oleson from Little House on the Prairie joins Steve Dale to talk about her one woman show and her latest book Confessions of A Prairie Bitch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7422226/7422226_2025-05-18-191626.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Steve Dale’s Other World How…

1
GORGEOUS is at Raven Theatre May 1 – June 7

13d ago

—

Actor, director, producer and founding member and artistic director of Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Tara Mallen joins Steve Dale to share details about Raven Theatre’s Production of GORGEOUS, about a professional dog handler who must deal with life when it suddenly changes. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7422221/7422221_2025-05-18-183821.64kmono.m…

1
Party like it’s 1999 with the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus

13d ago

—

Kevin Corbett, Managing Director Gay Men’s Chorus joins Steve Dale on the show to share details on their upcoming show, called the “Gay 90’s.” The show will feature over 200 voices and everything that makes the 1990s unforgettable. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7422219/7422219_2025-05-18-183419.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Steve Dale’s Other World H…

1
The Gin Hotline? 58:01

16d ago58:01

58:01

The weather is warming up, which means the Whiskey Hotline becomes the Gin Hotline. If you aren’t sure about gin, don’t worry because there’s probably something for you. We’ll be sampling new gins, while thinking about which one works best in one of three classic gin cocktails: the Negroni, the Gin & Tonic and the Martini. Tinkerman’s Curiously Bri…

1
The Mincing Rascals 5.14.25: Pope Leo XIV, Qatari jet, Biden’s decline

17d ago

—

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, political pundit Marj Halperin, and longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys! This week, the Rascals start the podcast talking about their favorite story, meme, etc. about Pope Leo XIV. Are we pope’d out yet? As usual, plenty of news about the …

1
Mother’s Day magic with Johnnie and Steve

18d ago

—

Johnnie Putman and Steve King give you the “mother” of all shows! We have some childhood ‘momisms’, our weekly food jones, weird new tech jargon, and magical music that is both new to us and to the airwaves! We jump right in with Don Drucker and Lisa Berman Drucker, Owners of Superdawg in Norwood Park in celebration of the restaurant’s 77th anniver…

1
Getting to Yes, And… | Zach Mercurio – ‘The Power of Mattering’

18d ago

—

Kelly speaks with Zach Mercurio, a positive leadership and organizations researcher and Honorary Fellow of Psychology in the Center for Meaning and Purpose at Colorado State University. He has a new book: The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7412622/7412622_2025-05-12-203922.64km…

1
Getting to Yes, And… | Melody Wilding – ‘Managing Up’

19d ago

—

Kelly speaks to Melody Wilding, an executive and leadership coach, licensed social worker and a former researcher at Rutgers University. She is a professor of Human Behavior at Hunter College and is a contributor to Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Business Insider. She has a new book, “Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in C…

1
Titanique sails with hilarity through July 13th at Broadway Playhouse

19d ago

—

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ify2mX6n6-g?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] You will want to get on board this hot musical comedy and set sail for 100 minutes of non-stop laughter, music and one heck of a good time! This hit is playing in a variety of countrie…

1
Chicago Way w/John Kass: Alder pulls back the curtain on Mayor Johnson’s patronage scheme

19d ago

—

Chicago Way w/John Kass (05/12/25): This week, Ald. Ray Lopez (15th) joins John Kass & Jeff Carlin to look at why he thinks Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson perpetuating a patronage scheme by steering ‘PlayStreets’ contracts away from Latino wards and into wards where Mayor Johnson is trying to curry favor. Also, Ald. Lopez also hints at what it would…

1
‘Elton Jim’ relates to the fun and pitfalls of friendship explored in Netflix’s new ‘The Four Seasons’

19d ago

—

In this 468th episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano relates to the fun and pitfalls of friendship explored in Netflix’s new “The Four Seasons.” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7406495/Elton_Jims_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_468_2025-05-09-003035.64kmono.mp3 More from Elton Jim Elton Jim s Captain Pod-tastic ‘Elton Jim’ is …

1
Tab Bamford: Connor Bedard elevates his teammates’ game

20d ago

—

Tab Bamford, lead Chicago Blackhawks writer at Bleacher Nation, joins Steve Dale to discuss his book, The Future: Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks New Era. Tab and Steve chat about the impact Connor Bedard has made in his first two seasons and what he will bring to the table going forward with a young Blackhawks team. Tab and Steve also tal…

1
Star-studded lineup at Ravinia 2025

20d ago

—

Erik Soderstrom, Senior Director of Programming at Ravinia, joins WGN’s Steve Dale to highlight this year’s major lineup of performances at Ravinia Festival, including Cynthia Erivo from Wicked. Erik and Steve also detail the history of Ravinia, some of the famous musicians who have appeared on stage, and Metra’s role in getting guests to the festi…

1
A Mother’s Day Malort toast

20d ago

—

Steve Dale chats with author Josh Noel about his book, Malort: The Redemption of a Revered & Reviled Spirit, and how Malort has become a cultural symbol of Chicago. Josh explains the history of Malort and shares a toast to all the mothers on Mother’s Day. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7410236/Josh_Noel_5-11-25_2025-05-11-204436.64kmono.mp3 Recen…

1
Remick on Diddy jury selection, Medwed on Read retrial, Kravit on Milwaukee judge arrest, Ziegler on fetal personhood, and much more

22d ago

—

Magna Legal Services Director and Senior Litigation Consultant Hiliary Remick joins Legal Face-Off to discuss jury selection in Diddy’s trial. Northeastern University School of Law distinguished Professor of Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Daniel Medwed discusses the latest in the retrial of Karen Read. Kravit Hovel & Krawczyk Founding Partner St…

1
Future lessons learned from Charlottesville and January 6th in new book: Harbingers

23d ago

—

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eokLA_PcI5I?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] The events in Charlottesville in 2017 and on January 6th, 2021 may appear unconnected. But there are connections that underlie both of these events that carry a message for the future.…

1
Steve, Johnnie and Wayne!

24d ago

—

Steve King and Johnnie Putman are back for tons of music, Malort and motor related goodness! Our first guest is Monica Eng, Author and Axios reporter with some real reporting on the Real ID, Chicago’s impending curfew law after an influx of late night “teen takeovers” and the obligatory food jones, if you consider Malort candy food. Our big star of…

1
The Mincing Rascals 5.7.25: Senate race, George Ryan legacy, Alcatraz, movie tariffs

24d ago

—

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute, and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals begin the podcast discussing U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL 8) announcing that he’ll be running for the senate seat being vacated by Dick Durb…

1
‘Hadestown’ plays the CIBC Theatre May 6-18th and ‘Prayer for the French Republic’ through May 25th in Skokie

26d ago

—

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EdgCPqtBRk?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] The recipient of 14 Tony nominations and 8 wins at the 73rd Tony Awards, including best Musical and best Original Score, Hadestown returns to Chicago on its national tour. The story is…

1
Chicago Way w/John Kass: When the oligarchs run the show, the people lose

26d ago

—

Chicago Way w/John Kass (05/05/25): This week, former CEO of the Chicago Public Schools (1995-2001) & candidate for mayor, Paul Vallas joins John Kass & Jeff Carlin with a look at how Governor JB ‘Master Oligarch of Illinois’ Pritzker is doing running the state and shares a stories about being brought before the him to answer for his criticisms of …

1
‘Elton Jim’ wonders if people still wash their cars by hand

26d ago

—

In this 467th episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano wonders if people still wash their cars by hand. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7393739/Elton_Jims_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_467_2025-05-01-171439.64kmono.mp3 More from Elton Jim Elton Jim s Captain Pod-tastic ‘Elton Jim’ is proud of his springtime ‘Mr. Fix-it’ projec…

1
Ald. Brian Hopkins on ‘snap curfews’

27d ago

—

Alderman Brian Hopkins (2nd ward) crafted the measure of ‘snap curfews’, but Mayor Brandon Johnson is hesitant to implement this, with some implying that it may not be constitutional. Hopkins offers a response to this and explains why he believes it is necessary. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7397836/7397836_2025-05-04-203736.64kmono.mp3 Recent …

1
Frank Ferrante is back as Groucho Marx

27d ago

—

Frank Ferrante will be Groucho Marx, appearing in his acclaimed one-man show on June 11th at Teatro Zinzanni (32 W. Randolph St.). What was one of the funniest men in history really like? Ferrante knows first-hand, and he knew Groucho’s children very well. Any retrospective on Groucho now includes Ferrante, one of the busiest working actors in show…

1
Dreama Perry Denver on her new book ‘Island to Icon: the Many Lives of Bob Denver’

27d ago

—

Dreama Perry Denver, wife Bob Denver, the actor best known as Gilligan, joins Steve Dale to discuss her book Island to Icon: the Many Lives of Bob Denver, which offers lots of surprising Gilligan’s Island behind-the-scenes stories. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7397818/7397818_2025-05-04-194418.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Steve Dale’s Other World H…

1
What is the meaning of Cinco de Mayo?

27d ago

—

Steve Dale is joined by Mario Hernandez, Gallery Education Coordinator at the National Museum of Mexican Art to discuss the true meaning of Cinco de Mayo and how different areas of the world celebrate. Additionally, Mario highlights the museum and its mission. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7397810/7397810_2025-05-04-184810.64kmono.mp3 Recent Pos…

1
Cristom's Daniel Estrin 41:03

30d ago41:03

41:03

Daniel Estrin is an Oregonian who makes Oregon wines. As winemaker and vineyard manager for Cristom, Daniel has put his stamp on this iconic brand that’s a favorite of Binny’s wine buyers and customers. Cristom Pinot Noir Mt. Jefferson Cuvée 2022 Cristom Pinot Noir Jessie Vineyard 2021 Cristom Pinot Noir Louise Vineyard 2021 Cristom Pinot Noir Eile…

1
The Mincing Rascals 4.30.25: Durbin’s successor, Trump 100 days, Amazon tariffs, plastic ban

1M ago

—

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg of the Illinois Policy Institute (sign up for his new Substack!), longtime Chicago journalist Cate Plys, and political pundit Marj Halperin! The Rascals begin the podcast discussing the odds that Governor Pritzker becomes preside…

1
B2B Quick Sips: Paloma 10:39

1M ago10:39

10:39

The Paloma is a great warm-weather cocktail; zippy and refreshing and easy to drink. But do you prefer the simple preparation or the complicated one? If you have a question for the Barrel to Bottle Crew, email us at [email protected], or reach out to us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. If we answer your question during a podcast, you’ll get a $…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

WGN Plus Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide