Dean Richards

Author of “Weber’s New American Barbecue: A Modern Spin on the Classics”, Jaime Purviance chatted with Dean about his new mouth watering recipes. The two talked about the PB&J Ribs, Bacon Fatty, and much more.  

It feels more and more like summer and you know what that means…burgers. Dean  was joined by Nichole Aksamit, Senior Editor for Allrecipes Magazine to talk about National Burger Month. When do I know when my burger is done? What’s the worst thing to do while cooking a burger? Nicole and Dean cover it all.  

Dean shared one of his favorite conversations with Mel Brooks from 2001 about the award-winning Broadway hit, The Producers.  

Keith Kimbell from Metacritic.com joined Dean to give us an update about any and everything DVD, Blue ray, and On Demand related. They chatted about what extra fun is on Deadpool’s DVD and Blue ray release, the upcoming release of Theeve, and much more.  

After waking up to a horrific Facebook post, Dean talked to one of the producers of the Roe Conn Show, Brian Althimer, about the terrible experience that happened to him this weekend. Brian’s story has shed more light on the subject of gun violence, but the question still stands: what should we do to combat this insidious problem?    

Dean’s going through some of his favorite A-List interviews! In 2002, he had the chance to speak with Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, on the red carpet of an independent film Rita had executive produced, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” He also plays part of a visit from Tom to WGN TV studios.

Dean’s going through some of his favorite A-List interviews! He’s been a frequent visitor to Dean on radio and TV. In 2011, they spoke just after Philbin announced his retirement from “Live with Regis and Kelly.” They discussed his success, the importance of humility, his Chicago connection, and more.

Dean’s going through some of his favorite A-List interviews! In 2009, he was joined in studio by the fantastic Betty White. She took calls from listeners and discussed her  life and career (while making everyone in the studio and the city of Chicago laugh.)  

Vic Rallo, restaurateur and host of “Eat! Drink! Italy!” on PBS, joins Dean Richards just in time for grilling season. He gives some of his favorite recipes for the grill,  talks about smoking versus grilling, and debates sweet versus savory grilling. For more, visit eatdrinkitaly.org or victorrallo.com.

Vicki Quade, creator of the hit sensation “Late Night Catechism” joins Dean Richards in studio. The show is celebrating it’s 23rd Anniversary this year. Quade discusses her inspirations for creating a show about the habit, the changes they make to the show through the decades, and the theology behind the show. Then, another special guest joins Dean in studio. For more on the Anniversary show, visit nuns4fun.com!

The Academy Awards of the culinary world happened this past week, The James Beard Awards, at the Lyric Opera House and Dean was on the red carpet. Rachel Ray, Rick Bayless, Art Smith, and more!   Did you know Mayor Rham Emanuel enjoys washing the dishes after he eats?  

Dean shares the family holiday with WGN listeners by reminiscing about old and new TV and movie mothers. Dean talks about Jane Frances Kaczmarek as “Lois” from Malcolm In The Middle, Debra Jo Rupp as “Kitty” from That ’70s Show, and much more.  

The success is just setting in for Aldis Hodge as he continues on with the WGN America hit drama, “Underground”. Also starring  in”Straight Outta Compton” as MC Ren, and TBS’s “Leverage”, Aldis took to time to sit down with Dean and chat about his work.  

Time Out Chicago Senior Editor, Kris Vire stopped by the studio to give WGN listeners an update during a busy busy time in and around the city with plenty of new shows to go see… King and I Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf: A Parody Adding Machine (Musical) The Producers The Red Line Runs Through It Mary Page Marlow Sender Prowess Hamilton  

Not many people have had more impact on the history of television than Carol Burnett. Winning a plethora of TV awards for The Carol Burnett Show, Carol took some time to catch up with Dean and talk about her new memoir, and upcoming show at The Chicago Theater from May 17th-20th.