Candid Candace Jordan-The Podcast!

Farewell 2023

In our “Almost New Year’s Eve” podcast, my co-host/producer John St. Augustine and I share some of our favorite NYE memories including my last NYE party at the Playboy Mansion where there were celebs galore and one very erotic and surprising moment for Hef. I also chatted with the fabulous Priscilla Presley about her new movie by Sophia Coppola that was based on her book “Elvis & Me.” When I asked her what her favorite part of the film was – it involved a very private moment with Elvis.  I share some Chicago notables’ hopes for the coming year (which will soon be a feature article), what the Chicago History Museum would like from me, and some surprising finds in my storage locker. John and I also chat about our hopes and dreams for the coming year. So, grab your noisemaker, pop some champagne, and enjoy our last podcast of 2024! Cheers!

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

In our first Christmas podcast, my co-host John St. Augustine and I chat about all the joys of the holiday season! We speak to Tommy the Real Elf about his many adventures as Head of PR for the North Pole’s Midwest Division of Holiday Cheer. His “random acts of Christmas” include one very surprising experience! We share holiday memories and traditions and get a little teary-eyed and reminisce (and listen to) some of our favorite Christmas songs. And, as always, I take you inside some recent nonprofit fundraisers and share some wonderful events coming up that you won’t want to miss. So, find a comfy spot next to the fireplace, grab an eggnog and don’t forget the milk and cookies for Santa. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Episode #19-The Gifts of Grief

In this episode of "Candid Candace-The Podcast!", we cover a lot of ground starting with a topic we can all relate to, handling grief during the holidays. Psychic/medium April Natale’s book "Inside Your Heaven" begins with a sad tale of abuse but, from the ashes, she finds the light and her "sixth sense" that has enabled her to help people find their way to a sense of inner peace after loss. It’s a fascinating read from beginning to end as April reminds us that there are gifts buried in our grief if we pay attention. We also chat about all the fabulous events in and around the Windy City including the surprise windfall for the Service Club of Chicago, PAWS Chicago’s blockbuster Fur Ball, Music of the Baroque’s St. Michael’s concert, the Astor Club’s private anniversary celebration of Maxim’s, Judge Joy Cunningham (someone you should know), “Cilla’s” return, World of Chocolate for AIDS Foundation of Chicago, a Thai party at the Golden Triangle,  a party with a trumpet, the CSO’s fun holiday offering and so much more! So grab a hot chocolate and sit for a spell. Thanks for listening!

Episode #18-’Tis The Season

Welcome to “Candid Candace – The Podcast!” In this episode, my producer /co-host John St. Augustine, and I delve into all the things that make Chicago so special during the holidays. We share our favorite spots to take the family as well as the most festive places around town for Christmas cheer. We also chat about our favorite Thanksgiving traditions and what made them so special this year.  Some of my favorite spots in 2023 are Christkkindlmarket (that attracted a special visitor on opening night), Trump Hotel’s Christmas event for St. Jude, Harry Caray’s new Lodge experience, Randolph Street Market’s Holiday Market, Illuminate 900 benefiting Make-a-Wish Illinois, and Felix Magazine’s upcoming charity dinner series with Chef Paul Virant. We also give you details on THE perfect holiday gift for the Chicago Cubs fan on your list! There’s so much to be grateful for. For John and me, it’s having you as listeners and supporters. Here’s to another year of sharing positive news you can use! Thank YOU!

Episode #17-Tom Skilling

In this latest edition of “Candid Candace – The Podcast!” my co-host/producer/friend John St. Augustine and I have the privilege of chatting with the world’s most beloved meteorologist, Tom Skilling. He shares fascinating insights on climate change, what it’s like to ride through the eye of a hurricane, UFOs, and what made him cry on live television. I think of him as the "Mr. Rogers of Meteorologists." We will be sad when he retires on Feb. 28, 2024, but he also gives us hope with a peek into some thoughts for future projects. And, as always, I take you behind the velvet ropes at some of the best events that have happened and are happening around town, including Illuminate 900, PAWS Chicago Fur Ball, Service Club Gala, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ Christmas Party, Christkindlmarket, Priscilla Presley’s return, and the last Randolph Street Market of the season. So, sit back, relax, grab a glühwein, and enjoy the show!

Episode #16 Haunted Chicago

Welcome to "Candid Candace-The Podcast!" themed “Haunted Chicago,” as we take a completely different turn with Halloween fast approaching. We chat with Ursula Bielski, author of 12 books (and counting) on the supernatural and paranormal. My host/producer John St. Augustine surprises us with an actual recording of an experience he had that will have your hair standing on end. And, per usual, I share all you need to know about upcoming events (including Illuminate 900, PAWS Fur Ball, Service Club Gala, True Blue Event, The Happiness Club homage to Hip Hop, Christkindlmarket, the Halloween Pet Contest at Harry Caray’s Tavern, and so much more) as well as some great behind-the-scenes fun about Eversight 25^th Celebration Gala, Giordano Dance Chicago’s “Dancing with the Giordano Stars” party, and Audra McDonald’s amazing Symphony Ball performance. I also share my favorite Halloween pop-up experience. So, grab a witch’s brew and take a listen (preferably with lights out and a candle burning). BOO!  

Episode #15-Israel Idonije

Welcome to “Candid Candace – The Podcast!” #15! In this episode, my co-host/producer John St. Augustine and I had the honor of chatting with star football player/star philanthropist, Israel “Izzy” Idonije. With a life that reads like a modern-day fairytale, Izzy shares his Ted Talk tips on how to succeed, what he thinks the Bears need to do, and a surprising venture that will make you smile from ear to ear. Izzy is one of Chicago’s brightest and best ambassadors and, in this podcast, you’ll find out why. I also take you behind the scenes to the After School Matters Gala, FLAIR fashion show, Symphony Ball, Chicago Gourmet, and more. Also, don’t forget to have your calendars on hand for upcoming, not-to-be-missed events! Cheers to a great weekend, let’s get this FriYAY party started!

Episode #14-Amanda Puck

In this "Candid Candace - The Podcast!" I had the thrill of chatting with longtime friend and beloved Chicagoan, Amanda Puck. As a known foodie (her nickname is "Foodarazzi") and Director of Strategic Brand Development for Mariano's, she has a unique view of the city's chef and restaurant communities. Here, she shares some of her favorites; a go-to recipe from a supermodel; some not-to-be-missed new spots; and where she thinks our restaurant scene is headed. John St. Augustine, co-host/producer, shares his amazing experience inside the Rickett's suite during a very special game at Wrigley. And, as always, I share some event news: the Adler Planetarium's out-of-this-world "Celestial Bash"; the amazing keynote speaker at the Navy Seal Foundation's "Midwest Evening of Tribute"; and the unbelievable drone show at Navy Pier's "ExPIERience" gala! So, grab your calendars (for upcoming event listings), and a nice, chilled glass of Mezzacorona pinot grigio and enjoy the show!