Candid Candace Jordan-The Podcast!

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!

Episode #53-Holy Guacamole!

Hey! Chicago, time to buckle up! John St. Augustine and I are bringing you the city’s most thrilling headlines in one exciting episode! First, get ready for EXP Rosemont, opening September 25 in the Pearl District with two immersive VR wonders, Horizon of Khufu and Life Chronicles. Meanwhile, the Joffrey Ballet ignites its 70th season with the U.S. premiere of Liam Scarlett’s Carmen at the Lyric. And mark your calendars for a historic plunge: on September 21, the Chicago River Swim makes its long-awaited comeback, the first river swim in 98 years for ALS research and youth swim education. And I recap my favorite events- PAWS Beach Party, Women Who Rock, The Great Guac Challenge, Amdur’s Printer’s Row Art Fest, Men’s Fashion Awards, and so much more. AND wait till you hear who is nominated for Best Screenplay AND who got tossed at Fenway!  

 

Episode #52 Summer in the City!

Welcome to Candid Candace – The Podcast! First off, John St. Augustine and I rev up with NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race (yes or no, discuss!). Last year’s Street Race generated a staggering $128 million in local economic impact, drew over 53,000 fans from around the globe and turned Grant Park into a live broadcast “love letter” to our city. Then we pivot to our city’s culinary and charity highlights: Lem’s Bar‑B‑Q earning the James Beard “America’s Classics” nod;  Chef Art Smith raising more than $200K at Common Threads’ 20th‑anniversary party and the Lincoln Park Zoo’s “Serpentine Soirée” bringing conservation into the spotlight—all sprinkled with details on the PAWS Chicago Beach Party, Columbus Day Queen pageant prep and upcoming fundraisers like the Service Club of Chicago (it’s sold-out but the live auction prize slays - a villa in Tuscany for a week for 10!) and the Chicago Lighthouse FLAIR fashion show. Plus, Amdur’s always exciting art festivals and Randolph Street Market’s pop-up in Three Oaks!

From engines to epicure, from celebration to community—this episode has all the flavor of Chicago in one ride!

Episode #51 D-Day Remembered

On this episode of Candid Candace – The Podcast, my co-host/producer John St. Augustine and I reflect on the 81st anniversary of D-Day with a powerful tribute and John’s memories from his visit to Omaha Beach. Then we dive headfirst into a whirlwind of Chicago’s hottest happenings—from the Joffrey’s $3 million Mad Hatter–style gala and the dazzling debut of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, to the Goodman Theatre’s 100th with Leslie Odom Jr., and an opinion piece on the future of the White Sox. We’ve got some historic news on “Candid” Candace’s inclusion (!!) in the Chicago History Museum; fashion going furry at the River North Pet Gala;  summer’s biggest festivals; the James Beard Awards; PAWS upcoming Beach Party, why you won’t want to miss the Pope’s celebration in Rate Field and so much MORE!—This is one episode you don’t want to miss. Have a great weekend! (Patriotic artwork by Rosemary Fanti)

THE BIG 5-0!

Welcome to the milestone 50th episode of “Candid Candace – The Podcast”! I'm your host, Candace Jordan, joined by my dynamic co-host and producer, John St. Augustine. This week, we're taking you on a whirlwind tour through Chicago's most dazzling events and an exclusive conversation you won't want to miss.

First, we step behind the scenes at Steppenwolf Theatre's 50th Anniversary Gala, don our finest attire for Brookfield Zoo's 44th annual Whirl Gala and share insights about the Service Club of Chicago's fabulous Spring Hat Luncheon at the Ritz, where philanthropy met fashion in a vibrant display of community spirit.

Looking ahead, we're excited about the Joffrey Ballet's upcoming "Celebration" gala on May 31 at Cinespace, promising an evening of daring opulence inspired by the company’s production of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (June 5-22).

But the highlight of this episode is our exclusive interview with Chicago White Sox legend Ron Kittle! Ron shares candid insights into his career, thoughts on Jerry Reinsdorf and the current Sox team and even a surprising story involving a certain magazine appearance. His passion for the game and community shines through, making this a conversation you won't want to miss.

So, grab your favorite beverage—be it a cold one or a smooth bourbon like Ron and John prefer—and join us for a celebration of Chicago's vibrant culture and the people who make it extraordinary!

Episode #49- Happy Easter!

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!