Dean Richards

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, Penny Pollack, the Dining Editor of Chicago Magazine, stopped by the studio to preview some of the best Mother’s Day spots in the city. Are the hotel brunch spots worth the price? What special promotions will restaurants have for the family holiday? Dean and Penny break it all down for you.    

Founded in 1872, Chicago’s oldest musical organization, The Apollo Chorus, performed LIVE for Dean in the Allstate Showcase Studio. Twenty of members of the musical group previewed some of their songs for their upcoming Apollo on Broadway performance such as “One Short Day” from Wicked, and “Oklahoma” from Oklahoma.    

The Maxwell Street Market is one of the most iconic locations in Chicago. Whether you’re down there to conduct business, or take in the sights, there are few places that compare. Mary Slowik is the Program Director of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and joined Dean to talk about the perfect time to take advantage of one of the city’s most historic markets. Dean also chatted with some listeners about their favorite memories of their shopping experiences.    

On Dean Richards’ Sunday Morning, “Elton Jim” Turano joined Dean for the first hour and brought the laughter with him. The old friends caught up, chatted about Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and “Elton Jim” previewed the season premiere of the highly anticipated Game of Thrones on HBO.  

Dean talked with Christopher Hine, a Tribune writer for the Blackhawks, recapping last night’s Game 6, previewing Game 7 tomorrow in St. Louis, and the heartfelt apology Andrew Shaw extended Chris’s way after his recent suspension.  

From the red carpet to Sunday morning phone calls, Doris Roberts became close friends with Dean Richards. After the unfortunate passing of the star from the long time TV show, “Everybody Loves Raymond”, Dean shared with listeners his archived conversations throughout the years.  

In the car on his way to O’Hare Airport, John Weideman called in to talk with Dean to talk about all the excitement that this series has provided, and what he sees for the highly anticipated Game 7 in St. Louis (Monday 4/25, 7:30pm CDT).  

With so many food events to talk about Dean doubled down this week. Pat Berger, the owner of Paddy Long’s, stopped by to talk about his favorite recipes that he will bring to this year’s BaconFest in Chicago including their famous, “Bacon Grenade”. Dean also talked with Mitchell Davis, the Senior VP of the James Beard Foundation to preview the prestigious James Beard Eats Week.  

Kendall College Vice President Chef Koetke cheers you up after you’ve realized it’s now time to get healthy again, with some balanced recipes. Mexican Black Beans Beans are ultimately a very simple dish, but when made correctly, can be extraordinary.  Such was the case on a recent trip to Mexico where I was invited to a friend’s mother’s home.  There, she served these beans as a side dish.  They were wonderful and as they start with dried beans can be […]

Chicago Sun-Times Entertainment Critic Hedy Weiss tells us what she thought of Chicago’s theater offerings in 2015, like “Gotta Dance,” “Lion King” and “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” Then, Hedy takes you through what to expect in 2016, including the much-anticipated “Hamilton.”

From nutcrackers and crab legs, to hamburgers and beer, Chicago Magazine Dining Editor Penny Pollack gives us her food picks, along with where restaurant owners went wrong in Chicago this past year.

In honor of the upcoming reruns of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Celebrity Biographer Bill Zehme joins Dean. Bill is the last person to have interviewed the late night legend. Dean and Bill discuss why Carson owned late night, and Bill’s upcoming book Carson, The Magnificent. Catch the “Tonight Show” Special at 12:30 New Years Day on WGN-TV, and “Tonight Show” reruns nightly at 10 p.m. starting that day.

Andre De Shields shares with Dean how a stage actor knows he or she is doing the right thing, and why a show can change every time it’s produced. Andre explains what Gotta Dance means to him, including the need to continue making the most of life past major life milestones. [audio http://serve.castfire.com/audio/2647348/2647348_2015-12-27-151648.64kmono.mp3?ad_params=zones%3DPreroll%7Cstation_id%3DXXXX.mp3

This year, Chicago will shine for New Years Eve. Arena Partners President John Murray explains what inspired the idea of the annual rising star, and why he wants to bring the city together  in one of our most scenic outdoor locations to see it this year. Chi-Town Rising will air on NBC-5 following the New York City ball drop.

Famous for his role on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” Trumpet Player Doc Severinsen shares experiences from his 25 years working with Johnny. Severinsen shares his favorite moment out of the thousands of shows in which he led the show’s band. Catch Johnny Carson reruns on WGN’s sister station Antenna TV soon!