Episodes

Friday Jun 26, 2026
Episode #70-The Summer Buzz!
Friday Jun 26, 2026
Friday Jun 26, 2026
On this week's Candid Candace – The Podcast, join me, Candace Jordan, and my co-host/producer John St. Augustine, as we spill the tea from one of the busiest and buzziest weeks of the summer!
We'll take you inside the historic opening of the Obama Presidential Center, mingle with Chicago's heavy hitters at the Gibsons Power Players Dinner and the equally star-powered dinner at Adalina Prime hosted by Marc Brooks and Marty Nesbitt, celebrate Penn's 25th anniversary, and share our encounter with Bret Baier at Luxbar, where he was promoting his new bestseller, The Case for America. We'll also shine a spotlight on the heartwarming Gilda's Club Chicago Awards Dinner honoring Grant DePorter and Bonnie Hunt.
And because the fun is just getting started, we'll give you the inside track on the season's hottest invitations - from the Taste of Chicago Preview and Navy Pier's Fourth of July celebration to the Gary Sinise concert, PAWS Beach Party, Lincoln Park Zoo Ball, Chicago International Film Festival Gala, The Happiness Club Benefit honoring George Daniels, and the always fabulous Day on the Terrace.
Think of us as your all-access pass to Chicago's who, what, where and WOW! So, pour yourself a Pinot Grigio, turn up the volume and join us for another fast-paced, laugh-filled edition of Candid Candace – The Podcast - where if it's happening in Chicago, we’ll be talking about it!

Thursday Jun 11, 2026
Episode #69-Follow the Yellow Brick Road!
Thursday Jun 11, 2026
Thursday Jun 11, 2026
“We’re not in Kansas anymore!”
Welcome to the 69th episode of “Candid Candace – The Podcast” with my co-host and producer, John St. Augustine, and moi! We’ve packed this episode with everything from stormy Chicago skies to the city’s hottest new destinations.
Join us as we take you inside the awe-inspiring Obama Presidential Center, preview NAIA following its grand opening, celebrate Rainbow Cone’s 100th anniversary and share the buzz about Motel Bar, Chicago’s newest supper club sensation. We’ll also spotlight Tony Award winners with Chicago connections, the return of Randolph Street Market and major fundraising successes for The Joffrey Ballet and The Chicago Lighthouse. Plus, we dive into a Michael Jackson movie marathon that kept us talking long after the credits rolled.
And fashion fans won’t want to miss our updates on two beloved Chicago events returning in style: The Service Club of Chicago’s “Day on the Terrace” and The Chicago Lighthouse’s “FLAIR” fashion show.
Listen in for a fast-paced convo filled with Chicago’s biggest headlines, can’t-miss events, cultural highlights and a few sweet surprises along the way. Stay safe out there!

Thursday May 28, 2026
Episode #68- Welcome Back!
Thursday May 28, 2026
Thursday May 28, 2026
On this episode of Candid Candace – The Podcast, co-host/producer John St. Augustine and I catch up on Chicago’s hottest happenings, from the buzz surrounding NAIA, the massive new Mediterranean hotspot coming to the Riverwalk, to Steppenwolf’s star-studded 50th celebration, Lookingglass Theatre’s imaginative gala with David Schwimmer, the upcoming Joffrey Celebration gala, and the opening night of Eugene Onegin coming to the Lyric Opera. Plus, John shares details about his new podcast with Garry Meier, Saints & Sinners, while I dish on the Obama Presidential Center opening festivities, the return of Randolph Street Market and a few timely gardening tips, all served with the charm, laughs and insider scoop we know listeners love. Thanks for tuning in!

Friday Apr 24, 2026
Episode #67-Tuxedo Man!
Friday Apr 24, 2026
Friday Apr 24, 2026
Welcome to the latest episode of Candid Candace – The Podcast with host and producer John St. Augustine! First up, we interview charming author Patti Guzak and learn of her fateful “Rowling-like” journey to publication of Tuxedo-Man. We follow up with a tasty deep dive into the relaunch of Mariano’s Tastemaker Kitchen benefiting Common Threads, where culinary stars like Bill Kim, Tony Priolo, Dominique Leach, Brian Jupiter, Lamar Moore and Sarah Stegner are taking center stage. The episode also covers the Bally’s Corporation topping-off ceremony buzz, commentary on billionaire Ken Griffin, highlights from the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center event that featured powerful remarks from Epstein survivor/thriver Jess Michaels while honoring John Robak and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, plus a preview of Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry and SO much more -- a fast, fun roundup of the city’s tastiest and most talked-about moments.

Friday Apr 17, 2026
Episode #66-Windy City Wrap Up!
Friday Apr 17, 2026
Friday Apr 17, 2026
The latest episode of Candid Candace – The Podcast just dropped, and I’m thrilled to be joined, as always, by my fabulous co-host/producer John St. Augustine for a whirlwind tour of Chicago’s buzz-iest events. We preview Yasmin Levy live at the Studebaker Theater, dish on ArtEdge at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago featuring Macy Gray and drummer Matt Sorum, celebrate Michael Kutza and run through a packed spring calendar with highlights from the Chicago History Museum, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Joffrey Ballet, Service Club of Chicago, the Driehaus Museum fashion show, Lookingglass Theatre Company, The Chicago Lighthouse , Misericordia, Randolph Street Market and Amdur Productions. It’s your fast, fun insider guide to what’s happening around town that’s not to be missed!

Friday Mar 27, 2026
Episode #65-Linda Yu!
Friday Mar 27, 2026
Friday Mar 27, 2026
Big names, bold stories, and a little cosmic sparkle! This episode of Candid Candace – The Podcast has it all. Co-hosted with producer John St. Augustine, we sit down with the iconic Linda Yu, Chicago’s first Asian American broadcast journalist and a beloved anchor for over 30 years. She shares unforgettable newsroom stories, hard-earned wisdom, and yes… life as a brand-new grandma to twins. Plus, we’re buzzing about meteor sightings, celebrating Michael Kutza, diving into plans for a Cultural Stadium and a new AI school in Chicago and spotlighting must-attend events like PAWS Chicago’s Animal Magnetism and Giordano Dance Chicago’s return to the Harris Theater. Fast, fun and very Candid Candace. Take a listen!

Friday Mar 13, 2026
Episode #64 Going Green!
Friday Mar 13, 2026
Friday Mar 13, 2026
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!

Friday Feb 13, 2026
Episode #63 Happy Valentine's Day!
Friday Feb 13, 2026
Friday Feb 13, 2026
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!

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