Candid Candace Jordan-The Podcast!

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!

Episode #48- Spring in Chicago!

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!

Episode #47- The Best of Chicago!

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!

Episode #46-The Bunny Bounces Back!

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!