Episodes

4 days ago
Episode #46-The Bunny Bounces Back!
4 days ago
4 days ago
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!

Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Episode #41-Holiday Extravaganza!
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
“Candid Candace – The Podcast!” Get ready for a jam-packed holiday extravaganza! My co-host/producer John St. Augustine and I are unwrapping all the festive fun coming to the Windy City, along with thrilling recaps of recent standout events. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s under the podcast tree:
✨ Behind the scenes at the PAWS Fur Ball, where one show-stopping auction item fetched a jaw-dropping $67K!
🎬 An exclusive chat with legendary filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, fresh off receiving the Founder’s Legacy Award at the Chicago International Film Festival.
🥊 Tyson fight talk—the hits, the hype, and the heartbreak.
🎡 A preview of the magic coming to Navy Pier with “Light Up the Lake.”
🎆 Insider details on Wintrust’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, the largest evening parade in the country!
💡 A glittering guide to The 900 Shops’ "Illuminate 900" event.
🎄 What’s fresh at the Christkindlmarket and the festive finds at Randolph Street Market’s December edition (Dec. 14/15).
💰 Plus, the scoop on how you could win $250,000 in furniture—yes, really!
And if that’s not enough, John delivers a heartfelt and captivating tale of his travels through Paris, London and Normandy.
This is holiday cheer with a twist, and you won’t find this kind of inside scoop anywhere else. So, grab a cozy spot, press play and let’s dive into the season together!

Friday Oct 18, 2024
Episode #40 Our Kind of Town!
Friday Oct 18, 2024
Friday Oct 18, 2024
A literal potpourri of Chicago’s hottest events right here in “Candid Candace – The Podcast”! Join my producer/co-host John St. Augustine and me as we take a deep dive into all the events, parties and fundraisers with a special emphasis on Chicago Fashion Week! I take you behind the velvet ropes for a peek into some of Fashion Week’s biggest triumphs- including the “Chicago Fashion Showcase” at Union Station; “A Celebration of Chicago Style” at the Cultural Center; the Rising Star Awards in the magnificent Empire Room and so much more! We also chat with the delightful Mary Ann Rose about her upcoming “True Blue” gala benefiting the Chicago Police Foundation and all that entails. Next, I take you to Giordano Dance Chicago’s “Dancing with the Giordano Stars”; Randolph Market’s “Modern Vintage” pop-up; the Service Club of Chicago’s 134th gala; the exciting Chicago International Film Festival (especially on closing night!); two doggie costume contests for Halloween; the Lynn Sage fundraiser at Theater on the Lake and More, More, MORE! Enjoy this glorious fall day and take a listen!

Friday Oct 04, 2024
Episode #39 Brande Roderick!
Friday Oct 04, 2024
Friday Oct 04, 2024
Welcome to “Candid Candace – The Podcast!” the only place where you will find the BEST news from Chicagoland shared most engagingly! In this week’s edition, my co-host/producer, John St. Augustine, and I chat with a much-loved Playboy Playmate/friend, Brande Roderick! Brande, as you may know, was Playboy’s 2001 Playmate of the Year and she’s also an actress, director, and producer. We talk about her recent film, “Wineville,” as well as what it was like to date Hugh Hefner, her advice for younger women, and SO much more! And, as always, I share the latest events and happenings from around town, including the beautiful mass for the late, great legend Tony Durpetti; the heavenly 39th birthday of the adored Chilli Pepper; Sunday’s Chicago Chefs Cook event for hurricane relief; Giordano Dance Chicago’s “Dancing with the Giordano Stars”; Chicago’s Fashion Week; Modern Luxury’s 30th anniversary; Costume Council’s Golden Jubilee; what Tavern on Rush’s opening looked like, and more. So, celebrate this beautiful fall day with a nice steaming pumpkin latte and take a listen.

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