Candid Candace Jordan-The Podcast!

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!

Episode # 56-The Heart of Chicago

Welcome to Candid Candace – The Podcast, where John St. Augustine and I whisk you into the heart of Chicago with our signature mix of sparkle, sass, and stories. Today, we’re serving up a smorgasbord of the city’s most unforgettable moments: from the elegant Navy Pier’s “ExPIERience” gala honoring former Mayor Rich Daley to the whimsical enchantment of the Harry Potter pop-up “The Forbidden Forest”; from a new gala stepping up for veterans facing food shortages, to the glitz and glamour of Cesar Rolon’s “World Fashion Fest”; and yes, even a peek at the unusual Adler’s “Celestial Bash” highlight that had the skies talking. They also get inspired at the “Women Who Rock” panel, marvel at what’s new and adorable at this year’s Christkindlmarket; share the inside scoop from the packed fundraiser for Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas; recall what Dr. Jane Goodall had to say at the “Women Supporting Wildlife” luncheon and so much more! So, pull up a recliner, pour something warm and join them for a joyful ride through the events, people and passions that give our city its heart.

Episode #55: From the Vatican to Wrigley: Riveting Chicago tales

Welcome to the award-winning Candid Candace – The Podcast, where my co-host/producer John St. Augustine and I make Chicago’s most captivating moments come alive. Our show has become a trusted voice for the city’s heart and pulse, shining a light on everything that makes it soar, from festivals to fashion, food to philanthropy. In this episode, I’m starting with a story so unexpected it’ll have you leaning in—Chef Art in cahoots with the Pope? Seriously. And then, before you know it, you’re swept into the energy of Dancing with the Giordano Stars. Taste of Chicago will mark its 45th year tomorrow, and Eli’s Cheesecake will be there with a variety of celebs to celebrate and CAKE! And let me tell you about last night’s Cubs Charities’ Bricks & Ivy Gala, a sports and party lover’s dream featuring A-list baseball players, a stirring tribute to Ryno, a VIP bash on the warning track, and so much more. Then, I take you under the stars for Saturday’s Adler’s Celestial Bash, where the universe will unfold around us in the most magical way. And let’s not forget the fabulous fête in honor of Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, and yes, you’re absolutely invited. Add in the unveiling of Eye Wigs, an eyewear brand that’s redefining cool, and the globe-spanning energy of World Fashion Fest, and you’ve got a lineup that’s as stylish as it is eclectic. By the end, you’ll understand why Candid Candace isn’t just about events, it’s about the feelings it creates, the stories it sparks and the city it defines and supports.

Episode #54: Where the Wooftop meets the Wizarding World!

For its 54th episode, “Candid Candace – The Podcast” is turning up the volume on Chicago’s hottest summer and early fall happenings! Candace and producer/co-host John St. Augustine dish on everything from the sizzling debut of Pizza City Fest to the magical Midnight Circus in the Parks, and that’s just the beginning. They dive into Chef Curtis Duffy’s brand-new book, raise a toast to Rosemont’s first-ever Rosetoberfest, and give you the inside scoop on Amdur Productions’ Port Clinton Art Fair and the always-unmissable Randolph Street Market. Sail along with Music of the Baroque’s legendary river cruise, feast at the new AMBAR restaurant, wag your tail at the Wooftop Pawty at LondonHouse, and soak in the spectacle of Chicago Live! at Navy Pier. Potterheads will be spellbound by the brand-new Harry Potter experience, while sweet tooths won’t want to miss Eli’s Cheesecake’s 45th anniversary cake-cutting at Taste of Chicago. From iconic festivals to hidden gems, this episode is your ultimate guide to living your best Chicago life. So, fire up the grill, pop a cold one, and join Candace and John for the most fun, fabulous and flavorful podcast in the Windy City!