Wgn - The Brian Noonan Podcast

Promoting inclusion is more important than ever and having The Chicago Lighthouse to support events and individuals has been a beaming light for the city.  Vice Chair Julie Stark joins host Brian Noonan to discuss their upcoming Center Stage Event happening at Navy Pier on Saturday, Sept. 14th boasting incredible Chicago acts and their headliner […]

Brian gives a “Bow Tie Theatre Review” of Broadway in Chicago’s production of The Band’s Visit, then discusses the Cooking Up a Cure fundraiser for the Scleroderma Foundation of Greater Chicago. Brian opens the show with a story about the phrase “when you see something, say something,” and how it impacted him in the parking garage on the way to the WGN Radio studios to do the show. He compares his tale to the experience of visiting Batman’s Batcave, which […]

Brian Noonan in for Nick Digilio. On the show this morning: Movie critic Blake Stubbs joins Brian in-studio at 1:15 am to discuss all of the summer movie selections.  We also get his trusted recommendations on movies across that board. Hour number two has the History of United States podcast host, Kevin Kaufmann in-studio to chat about the history of labor day.  Dr. Kaufmann goes in-depth in history-defining moments and shares his expertise in the US. We then bring back […]

Learn about brown ale, ESB (extra special bitter), and Märzen beers from Revolution Brewing’s John Carruthers, Goose Island Brewery’s Jesse Valenciana, and special guest Michelle Foik from ERIS Brewery. About At the Breweries: Every month, J&J (and sometimes, special guests) join Brian to explore craft beers of a certain variety or theme from a variety of breweries — not just the ones they work for! Hilarious banter ensues when two guys who are passionate about beer join Brian Noonan for […]

Brian talks summer in Chicago and when slang gets to be too much to handle. Plus: learn about the Green Tie Ball and join beer experts who educate and entertain in another edition of “At the Breweries.” Brian opens the show by talking about summer in Chicago and some of the best ways to spend time outside when the weather is nice. He and his producer, Cody Gough, discuss the arboretums they visited over the weekend, and tried to figure […]

Plant-based reporter & host of “Awesome Vegans with Elysabeth Alfano Podcast” Elysabeth Alfano joins Brian Noonan (in for the Roe Conn Show w/Anna Davlantes) to talk about the James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lewis Hamilton, and Jackie Chan produced documentary “The Game Changers” and the exponential growth of the plant-based diet movement.

Brian and the crew talk about Gen Con and strategy board games, small theatre productions, and the Ravinia Festival. Plus: learn how to join one of Chicago’s Underground Donut Tours, and  where you can see a free concert from Broadway in Chicago at Millennium Park! Brian opens the show by welcoming his producer Cody Gough back from Gen Con. Cody talks about downtown Indianapolis, a few of his favorite strategy board games, and some of the other highlights of the […]

Brian Noonan recently saw the theatrical performance of ‘Come From Away’. From the music, to the acting, to the sets Brian breaks it all down and gives his verdict! The show is at the Cadillac Palace Theatre now through August 18, 2019.

Brian Noonan welcomes Derrek Hull from the Trotter Project, and Trevor Rose-Hamblin from Old Irving Brewing join the show. The Trotter Project and Old Irving Brewing are working together for a fundraiser for the organization. The Trotter Project is Chef Charlie Trotter’s philosophical legacy. A philosophy which embodies the idea that excellence and purpose are best achieved through service to others. They open doors through education, mentorship, and the pursuit of excellence in the global culinary and hospitality industries.

Another week and another jam packed show Brian has in store for you! Coming off a violent weekend across the country, with mass shootings in El Paso Texas, Dayton Ohio and here in Chicago, Brian Noonan takes listener calls to discuss the impact the violence has on the country. Including a surprise caller from here in the city. Have you ever traveled the country or a different country alone? Chicago Tribune columnist Randi Shaffer joins Brian in studio discuss her […]

Brian Noonan invites Randi Shaffer who wrote a great article in the Chicago Tribune about traveling alone. Shaffer recently just returned from Germany, and describes how when she returned she “came back from that trip feeling completely fulfilled.” She also gives Brian some great tips on traveling, and what resources you can use to make your experience go smoothly. It’s a great conversation! Have you ever traveled alone for vacation?

In this jam-packed episode, Brian talks about unexpected encounters with strangers and some changing trends among high schoolers. He also talks to Emilia Dobek, Illinois’ 3M Young Scientist Challenge State Merit Winner, about the scientific innovations she’s come up with — as a middle schooler! Brian opens the show by talking about an encounter with a toddler in a craft store, which left him feeling uneasy about how strangers see you. Are you ever surprised by how people perceive you […]

Brian presents his “Bow Tie Theatre Review” of Teatro ZinZanni presents Love, Chaos & Dinner, playing at the Spiegeltent ZaZou inside the Cambria Hotel (32 W. Randolph). Tickets are on sale for performances through September 29. Listen and learn why Brian strongly recommends this unique experience!

Brian Noonan and Cody Gough present their “Bow Tie Theatre Reviews” of Broadway in Chicago’s productions of Les Misérables and Cats. Les Misérables is playing through July 27, 2019, at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, and Cats is playing through August 4, 2019, at the James M. Nederlander Theatre. Brian raves about Les Misérables and Cody raves about Cats, and they’ll help you understand which show you should see if you had to pick between the two.

Appraiser Michael Osacky from Baseball in the Attic joins Brian in-studio to talk about sports memorabilia collecting. He discusses some of the factors that give an item value, and appraises items from listeners based on descriptions and photos. You can also meet Michael Osacky at the 40th National Sports Collectors Convention at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, July 31-August 4, 2019.

Learn about beers with “stuff added to them,” whether that means fruit flavors or anything else, 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.” Beers featured in their discussion: Pineapple Bling Belgian style golden brewed with pineapple juice, orange zest, and lime; Jungle Boogie pale wheat ale with rooibos tea; Cup O’ Beer ramen noodle flavor beer; Summerly wheat ale with raspberries […]

In this jam-packed episode, Brian talks about buying mattresses, reviews Les Misérables and Cats, gets some help appraising sports memorabilia with Michael Osacky, and reviews beers with John Carruthers and Jesse Valenciana. Brian opens the show by talking about buying his first new mattress in more than 15 years. He and his producer Cody Gough talk about ordering mattresses online, testing mattresses in-store, and buying used mattresses. Then, Brian and Cody present their “Bow Tie Theatre Reviews” of Broadway in […]

Brian welcomes guests to discuss the upcoming Irish American Heritage Festival and Goombay Bash events. Plus: what to do with fireworks in Chicago! Brian kicks off the show by talking about the beautiful weather in Chicago this weekend and how he’s adjusting to the Chicago bag tax now that he’s a resident of the city proper. His producer Cody also talks about his adventures at the Chicago Michelada Festival in Pilsen over the weekend and recommending that everyone pick up […]

Tonight with Brian Noonan: Host Brian Noonan kicks off the show after a White Sox victory with President of the Irish American Heritage Center of the in preparation for the Irish Fest and all the fun details. For more information on the Irish Fest visit irish-american.org. What are your thoughts on the recent scooter pilot program in Chicago? Brian discusses the details of the program and what to expect. Plus, Irish band St. Stephan’s Green who will perform during Irish […]

Brian describes his experience seeing the Rolling Stones at Soldier Field over the weekend, then presents another edition of the monthly beer segment “At the Breweries” with friends from Goose Island Brewery and Revolution Brewing. Brian kicks off the show with a story about his seemingly never-ending move into a new house, as well as his review of the Rolling Stones at Soldier Field. He also has his producer, Cody Gough, explain why he turned down a ticket to see […]