Candid Candace Jordan-The Podcast!

Episode #64 Going Green!

Hi everybody, and welcome back to Candid Candace – The Podcast! I’m here with my terrific producer and co-host, John St. Augustine, and Chicago’s social scene has been buzzing like a murder hornet. From a delicious new restaurant discovery to glamorous galas, inspiring events, and a St. Patrick’s celebration or two, we’ve got plenty to dish about—plus a look at some of the city’s most exciting upcoming happenings. So, hang onto your shamrock and join us for a little taste of the fun, food, fashion, and philanthropy that make Chicago the greatest city in the world!

Episode #63 Happy Valentine's Day!

Welcome to Candid Candace – The Podcast! I’m Candace Jordan, here with my co-host and producer, John St. Augustine, and we’ve got an action-packed show for you! From the Service Club’s Valentine’s Day party co-chaired by Maria Vathis, Cheryl Coleman and Donna Flynn (with The Bear’s Chris Witaske in the mix!) to celebrating Neal’s exclusive 60th at the casino, honoring Harold Ramis Day and the Chicago Auto Show with a thousand cars, local charities, puppy adoptions, craft beer and more — this week has been a whirlwind. We’ll talk about the record-breaking First Bites Bash that kicked off the largest Chicago Restaurant Week ever, spotlight Richard Boykin at punch 39 on March 17, and share thoughts about Nancy Guthrie. Plus, we’ll preview Giordano Dance Chicago’s Studio 63 gala, Tickled Pink and the exciting news that Navy Pier is now the official starting point of Route 66. So, buckle up, let’s dive into all the buzz around town!

 

Episode #62-Frozen Friday & First Bites!

Candid Candace – The Podcast! delivers a lively, insider look at Chicago’s food, culture, sports, and social scene. In this episode, producer/co-host John St. Augustine and Candace Jordan recap the buzz from the 14th annual First Bites Bash at the Field Museum, where 1,800 guests and 70 restaurants kicked off a record-setting Chicago Restaurant Week in support of No Kid Hungry and the James Beard Foundation, with perspective from Choose Chicago President and CEO Kristen Reynolds. The conversation jumps from Bears pride and a Caleb Williams highlight to Chicago’s standout showing among the 2026 James Beard Foundation semifinalists, among many other exciting topics and insights, offering a fast, fun snapshot of what’s happening across the city right now. Stay warm and thanks for listening!

Episode #61- Politics, Holiday Pop Quizzes & More

Welcome to Candid Candace – The Podcast! with me, Candace Jordan, and my fabulous co-host/producer, John St. Augustine.

It’s the holiday season in Chicago, and we’ve got a packed episode: from attorney Richard Boykin’s run for Congress (he’s my pick!) to the festive sounds of Music of the Baroque and from Chance the Rapper’s bike giveaway to celebrating Darvin’s support of Lurie Children’s.

We’ll reflect on Millie Hefner’s remarkable life and share joy with John’s brand-new grandbaby. Plus, plenty of holiday sparkle from the Service Club’s luncheon and Sherry Holson’s Christmas party, with a touch of reflection on the Reiner family tragedy, too.

And just when you think you know what’s coming… stay tuned for a pop holiday quiz you won’t see coming!

So, grab your cocoa, get cozy and join us for Chicago stories, holiday spirit and a whole lot of heart, right here on Candid Candace – The Podcast.

Episode #60-Windy City Wonderland: The Holiday Scoop

“Welcome to Candid Candace – The Podcast” with your hosts Candace Jordan and John St. Augustine, where we serve up the hottest happenings in Chicago with a side of sass! This week, the city is pure holiday magic: the Harry Potter Shop in Chicago has transformed into a festive wonderland, Navy Pier is introducing Local Soul makers, Santa is trading his sleigh for a speedboat, and Santa’s Secret Chicago experience is checking IDs for its adults-only show!  From sold-out galas and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” hitting our time zone, to the Randolph Street Holiday Market this weekend, Lightscape at the Botanic Garden, and The Joffrey Ballet’s “Nutcracker” dazzling audiences, we’ve got all your seasonal must-dos. Plus, don’t miss out on Armando’s turkey giveaway, text him to get your hands on one of 100 tasty birds (listen to the podcast for details - wink, wink!) Now, grab your cocoa, pull up a comfy chair, and join us for the ultimate Chicago holiday roundup, naughty, nice, and everything in between!”

 

Episode #59-Pier parties, balloon art and Tim King: Chicago in focus

This week on “Candid Candace – The Podcast! “ with your hosts Candace Jordan and John St. Augustine, we’re turning up the volume on all things Chicago fabulous! From the glitz of Navy Pier’s 30th anniversary (of its redevelopment) bash, where Mayor Richard M. Daley’s name literally lit up the sky, to the sweet treats and high-flying acrobats of an unforgettable night, this episode is pure Chi-town magic. We take you inside the Balloon Museum’s wondrous new installation, preview the sparkle of Illuminate 900 with Giuliana and Bill Rancic, and unwrap what’s new at Christkindlmarket and Randolph Street Market. Plus, find out why Frommer’s finally joined Condé Nast and Time Out in crowning Chicago one of the best cities on the planet. We celebrate record-breaking galas, jaw-dropping slides (we’re looking at you, Griffin MSI!), and, yes, a bit of drama with a righteous ending that has us all saying: bring Tim King back to Urban Prep! It’s a whirlwind of food, fun, art, and local pride—only on “Candid Candace – The Podcast!”

 

Episode #58-Bill Kurtis!

Welcome to another exciting edition of Candid Candace – The Podcast, with your host, Candace Jordan, and co-host/producer John St. Augustine! This week, we're joined by a true legend of American journalism and a friend of the show, Bill Kurtis. From his early days covering the largest tornado in Kansas history to anchoring CBS News to narrating Cold Case Files, to announcing Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me! Bill has been a steadfast presence in broadcast journalism for over six decades. Today, we're diving into a new chapter of his life, his new memoir, Whirlwind: My Life Reporting the News that offers a candid look at his remarkable career and the stories that shaped his journey. The book includes his thoughts at being front and center at some of the most dangerous trials of the century- Charles Manson, Richard Speck, Chicago 7 and more. He also shares tips for budding journalists and wanna-be reporters, who his greatest influence was and his top achievement.

You won’t want to miss this in-depth conversation with a living legend.

Episode #57-Gala Go-Round: Chicago Nights

Welcome to another lively edition of “Candid Candace – The Podcast” with your hosts Candace Jordan and John St. Augustine! This week’s show is packed tighter than a Chicago social calendar in September! From the star-studded Common Ground Gala with Common and J-Hud to memories and life lessons from the beloved late Sister Jean, Candace and John have all the inside scoop. They dish on Chicago Gourmet’s opening night festivities, break down Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ surprising poll about the mayor’s race and share highlights from the dazzling Chicago State University Foundation Gala and its outgoing Board Chair John Robak. Plus, there’s the down-home charm of the Farm Fresh Gala with David Spade, the magic of Joffrey’s “Nutcracker,” the excitement of the Chicago International Film Festival and the jaw-dropping success of “Dancing with the Giordano Stars.” Tune in for all this and a whole lot more, because when it comes to what’s hot, happening and heartfelt in Chicago, Candid Candace has you covered!