Wgn - The Brian Noonan Podcast

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 father Roger Badesch. Mental health professional […]

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 Garcia from Big Mich join Brian in-studio to discuss Chicago […]

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 milestones a little too seriously. Cody Gough, his producer, explains why […]

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’s make it […]

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 by the urban hustle and corn-fed integrity of our sweet home, Chicago. From hand-carved wooden tap handles […]

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 Playhouse as they will be playing up […]

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.  

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 craft beers of a certain variety or theme from a variety of […]

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 Gough, Brian’s producer, debates the issue, and plenty […]

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 Cadillac Palace Theatre. He gives it three out of four bow ties! […]

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, better known as the Queen of Tape, joins Brian in-studio […]

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, […]

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

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 last night during the Irish American Hall of Fame Black Tie Gala. He discusses highlight moments […]

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 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 age at which children could be left home without […]

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 is impacted by social norms.

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.

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 variety or theme from a variety of breweries — not just the ones they […]

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 watching the team play in the meantime. Then, Brian turns his […]