Episodes

7 days ago
Episode #49- Happy Easter!
7 days ago
7 days ago
Easter weekend is upon us, and Candid Candace – The Podcast is here to hop right into the celebration with you! With my ever-charming co-host and producer, John St. Augustine, we’re chatting about the Who, What, Where and WOW of the Windy City — from the spellbinding new Harry Potter store (wands at the ready!) to why you can’t miss The Joffrey Ballet’s glamorous “Celebration” Gala to the secret ingredient in Portillo’s chocolate cake (we think!) and so much more! We’ve got the scoop on past and upcoming events and our thoughts on the “Ladies in Space.” So, whether you’re dying eggs, brunching in bunny ears or just enjoying a little spring sunshine, we hope you have an egg-stra special weekend — and we’re so glad you’re spending part of it with us!

Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Episode #48- Spring in Chicago!
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Sunday Mar 30, 2025
Spring has sprung, and we’re back with another exciting and informative episode of Candid Candace – The Podcast! Join me and my producer/co-host, John St. Augustine, as we dive into Chicago’s must-see events, past and present. We’re breaking down the best art fairs and vintage festivals, dishing out the latest celebrity buzz, and revealing the heartwarming reason why you can’t miss Giordano Dance Chicago’s upcoming Soaring concerts. Plus, find out how Music of the Baroque will move your soul on April 6/7 and how to snuggle up with a robot at Griffin MSI. And we take a look back at some unforgettable memories that have lasted a lifetime and the real reason John is totally off the grid this weekend. Buckle up for a thrilling ride down podcast lane!

Friday Feb 28, 2025
Episode #47- The Best of Chicago!
Friday Feb 28, 2025
Friday Feb 28, 2025
Get ready for an all-access pass to the best of Chicago on this week’s “Candid Candace – The Podcast”! My co-host/producer John St. Augustine and I are bringing you inside the city’s most buzz-worthy events—from Chef Tony Priolo’s star-studded fundraiser for World Central Kitchen to the breathtaking magic of The Joffrey Ballet’s Golden Hour. But that’s just the beginning! We dish on some favorite restaurant gems, a Blue Origin rocket launch that’s close to home and a mischievous pup with a sock obsession. Plus, we’re celebrating 30 years of Girls in the Game, Jahmal Cole’s epic Hoodie Ball, Make-A-Wish’s unforgettable soirée, PAWS Chicago’s Animal Magnetism and an electrifying and inspiring Giordano Dance Chicago performance coming up at the Harris Theater. And just wait until you hear about one surreal Saturday night. So, buckle up—it’s going to be a wild, fun-filled ride through the Windy City!

Friday Feb 14, 2025
Episode #46-The Bunny Bounces Back!
Friday Feb 14, 2025
Friday Feb 14, 2025
After five long years, Playboy Magazine is back in print—and I’m holding history in my hands! The moment that glossy, iconic cover arrived; I knew this wasn’t just a magazine, it was a moment. No one thought Playboy would return to the newsstands—least of all me—but here we are! My producer and co-host, John St. Augustine, and I crack open the first issue of this long-awaited revival, dissecting what makes it so irresistible (besides the obvious allure).
But that’s not the only exclusive scoop I’m serving up—I’ll also take you inside a lavish dinner party where nine of Chicago’s top chefs came together to support LA wildfire victims.
And before we go, a little love note to you—wishing you a Valentine’s Day filled with passion, sweetness and maybe even a little Playboy magic!

Friday Jan 24, 2025
Episode #45-Frigid Friday!
Friday Jan 24, 2025
Friday Jan 24, 2025
“Candid Candace – The Podcast!” We’re BAACKKK! My co-host/producer John St. Augustine and I are so excited to share the who, what, where, and WOW from the Windy City. January has been a little slow after the holidays, but the city is picking up steam and we have so much fun news to share with you. Hear from the Mayor and Rich Gamble, Interim President/CEO of Choose Chicago, about the largest First Bites event EVER and what the coming Chicago Restaurant Week looks like. I share event news from Lookingglass Theatre Company, Service Club of Chicago, World Central Kitchen, Harry Caray’s Groundhog Day celebration, Giordano Dance Chicago’s Studio 62, Tickled Pink, Israel Idonije’s new hotspot, Fashion Group International’s brand-new fundraiser, a great (men’s only) place to relax, and SOOO much more! So, sit back, stoke the fire, mix up a nice Manhattan and take a listen.

Friday Jan 10, 2025
Episode #44 Snow Day!
Friday Jan 10, 2025
Friday Jan 10, 2025
“Candid Candace – The Podcast”: Is the perfect way to spend a snowy day! My co-host/producer John St. Augustine and I go down more than a few rabbit holes talking about the horrific fires, a corny, must-see musical, what the heck happened at the Golden Globes, a phone call to the wrong Art and the lowdown on ALL the upcoming events you won’t want to miss! Tune in, nog up and take a listen!

Friday Dec 20, 2024
Episode #43 - Wrapping up the year with cheer!
Friday Dec 20, 2024
Friday Dec 20, 2024
In our final podcast of the year, my producer and co-host, John St. Augustine, and I dive into the spirit of Christmas with some fantastic “gifts that give back” ideas—perfect for spreading joy while making a difference. We’re excited to chat with Will Harris, president of Darvin Furniture and Mattress. From his roots in a 4th-generation furniture business in New Hampshire to leading Chicagoland’s largest—and the nation’s top-performing single location furniture and mattress store —his journey is nothing short of inspiring. We also share highlights of upcoming events to kick off the new year, including First Bites Bash, Chicago Restaurant Week, Giordano Dance Chicago’s “Studio 62” gala, the CYSO Gala, and more. And don’t miss our intriguing (scary?) update on drones and a fascinating report on rare toys that might just be hiding in your attic. Food lovers, take note: the best fried shrimp in the land has arrived and, as we wrap up the year, Conde Nast has bestowed another exciting title on Chicago. On a personal note, John and I want to thank you for listening and supporting us throughout the year. We look forward to bringing you more news from the city we love with exciting content that you will only find on this podcast going into 2025. Have a great holiday and we look forward to seeing you next year! XXOX, Us

Friday Dec 13, 2024
Episode #42 The Magic of Chicago
Friday Dec 13, 2024
Friday Dec 13, 2024
In this latest “Candid Candace - The Podcast!,” my co-host/producer, John St. Augustine, and I unwrap the magic of Chicago during the most wonderful time of the year. We’ll share why, in my opinion, Chicago is hands-down the country’s ultimate Christmas city. We also go behind the scenes at some of the city’s top nonprofit events. But that’s just the start. We’ll also dive into an award-winning screenplay with Judy Faulkner that tackles a tough but vital topic—one that will, hopefully, spark a lot of important conversations and maybe even hit the big screen soon. Plus, we’ve got a wild and wacky drone drama to dissect and some jaw-dropping movie memorabilia sales—let’s just say Dorothy’s slippers aren’t the only items fetching big bucks! So, grab a cozy mug of eggnog, a slice of fruitcake and join us for a festive mix of wonder, conversation and holiday cheer!

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