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Award winning journalist and media maven Candace Jordan has her pulse on all the happenings in The Windy City!
Episodes

4 hours ago
4 hours ago
27 min
In this week’s “Candid Candace- The Podcast,” co-ost/producer John St. Augustine and I share the best of the best in the Windy City. We’re talking about the silver lining in NASCAR’s decision to leave Grant Park, why the Taylor Street Little Italy Festival was such a big deal, and which Chicago festivals should still be on your radar. We’re also answering the very important question: What exactly is an F1 Arcade?
Then we’re taking you inside the spectacular Tuskegee NEXT Red Tail Ball, getting a sneak peek at what’s coming to the Serial Killer Museum, celebrating Chilli Pepper with a street naming, going inside the birthday party of the year, dancing our way into Dance for Life and talking about Music of the Baroque’s “Water Music” floating on the river. And that’s just for starters.
So, lean in and listen up because John and I are serving up the people, places, parties and stories making Chicago buzz!

Jul 24, 2026
Jul 24, 2026
32 min
On this week’s “Candid Candace – The Podcast,” John St. Augustine and I are catching up on all the Chicago buzz, from record-breaking celebrations to heartwarming causes and some seriously fun finds. We revisit the incredible Gary Sinise Rockin’ For Our Vets America 250 concert that shattered records with more than 7,000 fans at Cantigny Park, celebrate what’s next for PAWS Chicago’s exciting new Rescue Ranch, and talk about Ravinia’s spectacular Women’s Board Gala and its $1.5 million impact.
We also chat about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Chicagoland “Out of the Darkness Walk,” dish on delicious new treats from Schweet Foods, the hilarious and uber-talented Doorstep Divas, Christmas in July at the Griffin MSI, upcoming philanthropic fashion events, the WNBA All-Star takeover in Chicago, and even a tiny Seattle raccoon named Jimothy who has become a worldwide sensation and stolen our hearts. It’s a jam-packed episode filled with philanthropy, community, entertainment, and plenty of Chicago-style surprises!

Jun 26, 2026
Jun 26, 2026
37 min
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!

Jun 11, 2026
Jun 11, 2026
40 min
“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!

May 28, 2026
May 28, 2026
31 min
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!

Apr 24, 2026
Apr 24, 2026
41 min
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.

Apr 17, 2026
Apr 17, 2026
38 min
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!

Mar 27, 2026
Mar 27, 2026
52 min
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!

Welcome to the Candid Candace Podcast!
www.candidcandace.com
