Podcasts by Paul Lisnek Behind the Curtain
Paul Lisnek Behind the Curtain on WGN Plus from WGN Radio in Chicago
Further podcasts by WGN Plus
Podcast on the topic Darstellende Kunst
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Steve Pieters: From the fight of a Lifetime to TV with Tammy Faye Messner from 2022-06-02T18:57:16
In this podcast interview, Paul goes Behind the Curtain with Rev. Steve Pieters. You may know him from the scene featuring him in the Oscar Award winning Movie “The Eyes of Tammy Faye.” Steve contr...
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When There are Nine at Pride Arts; and Blues of the Night at Porchlight ‘wows’ Chicago audiences from 2022-02-24T15:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with the creative team and lead actor in the world premiere of “When there are Nine,” currently playing at Pride Arts until March 13th. Joining in the conver...
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‘Come From Away’ returns to Chicago; Classic TV stars Renee Taylor (The Nanny), Robert Wuhl (Arli$$), and producer David Levin present: ‘Laughter During Lockdown’ from 2022-02-17T15:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with James Earl Jones, II, star of “Come from Away” which returns to Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre from February 22nd – March 6th. The show is ...
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‘The Strategy of Denial’ by author/former Assistant secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby from 2022-02-10T15:57:46
This week Paul goes behind the curtain with author and former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Strategy and Force Development from 2017-2018 (under the Trump administration) Elbridge Colby. They disc...
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‘Days of Our Lives’ long-time stars Bill Hayes and Susan Seaforth Hayes share the secrets of a successful marriage from 2022-02-03T15:00
This week Paul goes behind the curtain with the long time stars of “Days of Our Lives,” Bill Hayes and his real life (and reel-life) wife and co-star Susan Seaforth Hayes. Having played the c...
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‘Free the Press’ – The intersection of journalism and politics from 2022-01-27T15:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with author and journalist Brian Karem author of “Free the Press.” This veteran reporter talks about the sad state journalism finds itself in today, why and ...
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Hairspray, Oklahoma and Simon&Garfunkel Story take to Chicago stages! from 2022-01-20T23:05:15
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with the casts of three great shows playing as part of Broadway in Chicago’s current season. First up: Hairspray and its great character “Corny Collins” play...
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Second City are Together At Last on stage; Blue Man Group is back! from 2021-12-30T15:00
This week Paul goes behind the curtain with cast members and the director of Second City’s current Mainstage review: “Together at Last.” Cast members Adam Schreck and Sarah Dell’Amico talk about th...
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Disney’s Frozen Warms up Chicago; ‘I’m Not A Comedian, I’m Lenny Bruce’ Playwright/Actor Ronnie Marmo from 2021-12-23T15:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with Elsa of Disney’s Frozen. Actor Caroline Bowman is blowing the roof off of the Cadillac Palace Theatre with each performance in this iconic role. She dis...
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Music Theater Works Announces 2022 Season of Great Musicals and Buying Someone Special a Broadway Song Written and Recorded Just for Them! from 2021-12-16T15:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with the staff of Music Theater Works. Producing Artistic Director Kyle Dougan and Director of Marketing and PR, Aaron Ozee provide a look ahead to a fantast...
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‘Here, Right Matters’ – Lt Col. (ret) Alexander Vindman speaks out about his new book and experience in the Trump administration from 2021-12-09T15:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with now-famous Lt. Col (ret) Alexander Vindman who stunned the nation when he testified about what he heard in Former President Trump’s infamous telephone c...
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BONUS PODCAST: Christopher ‘Peter Brady’ Knight talks about a new Lifetime Brady Christmas movie, ‘Blended Christmas,’ premiering on Dec 12th from 2021-12-03T14:00
On this bonus episode, Paul Goes Behind the Curtain with Christopher Knight, who played Peter on the classic and iconic TV series, “The Brady Bunch.” A new Lifetime movie called “Blended Christmas”...
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New Yorker’s Evan Osnos discusses his new book, ‘Wildland: The Making of America’s Fury’ from 2021-12-02T15:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with author and staff writer at the New Yorker, Evan Osnos to discuss his new best-selling book, “Wildland: The Making of America’s Fury” (winner of the Nati...
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When Harry Met Rehab: Frasier’s Dan ‘Bulldog’ Butler and Little House on the Prairie’s Melissa Gilbert come to town! from 2021-11-25T15:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with the beloved stars of a new World Premiere: When Harry Met Rehab. Written by Chicago’s Very Own Harry Teinowitz and Spike Manton, a comedy based loosely ...
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The power of social media from those who live as social influencers from 2021-11-18T15:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain for a really interesting and insightful conversation about social media and social influence. How did this area develop, what do those who do it right to gai...
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Legendary actress Ruta Lee spills it all on Classic Hollywood in a new autobiography tell-all! from 2021-11-11T15:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with legendary actress Ruta Lee. Starring in the classic movies “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” and “Witness for the Prosecution,” appearing in countless ...
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Meet the stars of Paradise Square playing at the Nederlander Theater until December 5th from 2021-11-04T14:00
Paul goes behind the curtain with the cast of the pre-Broadway production of “Paradise Square,” currently playing at the Nederlander Theater through December 5th. The time is 1863, the location is ...
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Broadway in Chicago returns with a new exciting season! from 2021-10-21T14:00
In this week’s podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with Eileen LaCario, VP of Broadway in Chicago with a look at the new upcoming season then producer Garth Drabinsky joins the conversation...
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Immersive play ‘Recipe for Disaster!’ unites award winning Chef Rick Bayless with creative team at Windy City Playhouse for a glorious evening of dinner and fun! from 2021-10-14T14:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with James Beard-winning Chef Rick Bayless who is also a playwright for the immersive production “A Recipe for Disaster.” Windy City Playhouse is known for i...
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‘Kinky Boots’ wows audiences as the Paramount Theatre in Aurora returns to live performances from 2021-10-07T14:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with the cast and creative team for “Kinky Boots,” now playing at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora. With COVID precautions in place, (vaccination required and...
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‘The Triumph of Nancy Reagan,’ a new biography by Washington Post’s Karen Tumulty from 2021-09-30T14:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with the author of a new in depth biography of First Lady Nancy Reagan, Washington Post Deputy Editorial Page Editor and political columnist Karen Tumulty. T...
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‘Our Highly Irregular Language’: A new book discussed by its author Arika Okrent from 2021-09-23T14:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with linguist and author Arika Okrent to discuss her new book: “Highly Irregular: Why Tough, Through, and Dough Don’t Rhyme – and Other Oddities of the Engli...
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Theater returns to Chicago with the dramatic ‘Thirteen Days’ at City Lit and ‘Matilda The Musical’ by Highland Park Players from 2021-09-09T14:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with two new theatrical productions about to open in the area. First, the world premiere adaptation drama “Thirteen Days,” based on the book by Robert F. Ken...
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Lucie Arnaz on her mom, Lucille Ball’s, ‘Let’s Talk to Lucy,’ a new podcast plus other upcoming Lucy and Desi projects from 2021-09-02T14:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with Lucie Arnaz the actress/singer/dancer daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Who knew that Lucille Ball hosted a radio interview show back in 1964 – 6...
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Actor Anthony Michael Hall films ‘The Class’ in Chicago and reminisces about his long career from 2021-08-26T14:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with Anthony Michael Hall (Sixteen Candles, Breakfast Club, Weird Science and now, The Class) to talk about his new film just filmed in the Chicago area call...
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New movie Notorious Nick stars a beloved classic television actor: My Three Sons’ Barry Livingston (Ernie) and brother Stan (Chip) joins in! from 2021-08-19T14:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with former child actor Barry Livingston to talk about his new film (now in theaters and available for streaming rental) called Notorious Nick. Based on the ...
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Theo Ubique Theater gets ready to return with live theater! from 2021-08-12T14:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with Theo Ubique Theater’s artistic director Fred Anzevino and new managing director Christopher Pazdernik. It’s been a long road and they weren’t sure Theo ...
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Dennis Watkins’ The Magic Parlour returns to the historic Palmer House from 2021-08-05T14:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with one of the city’s best magicians and mentalists, Dennis Watkins who announces the return of the wonderful “The Magic Parlour” presented in an intimate s...
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Former Hardball host Chris Matthews on current political issues and his new autobiography ‘This Country’ – Part TWO from 2021-07-29T14:00
This week, it is Part TWO of Paul’s visit behind the curtain with former MSNBC/NBC News Political Anchor Chris Matthews, former host of “Hardball” which had a 20 year run on the network. In t...
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Former Hardball host Chris Matthews on current political issues and his new autobiography ‘This Country’ – Part ONE from 2021-07-22T14:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with former MSNBC/NBC News Political Anchor Chris Matthews, former host of “Hardball” which had a 20 year run on the network. In Part One of the discussion (...
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Gilligan’s Dreams: A New Book by Bob ‘Gilligan’ Denver’s wife Dreama details life with ‘The Little Buddy’ from 2021-07-15T14:00
This week Paul goes behind the curtain with the widow of Bob Denver, forever remembered as Gilligan from Gilligan’s Island and Maynard G. Krebs from “The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.” Dreama Denver ...
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Chicago Magic Lounge returns to amaze us! from 2021-07-08T14:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with the owner of Chicago Magic Lounge, Joey Cranford, and master magician Luis Carreon to talk about the re-opening of Chicago Magic Lounge after a 16 month...
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Broadway in Chicago’s Teatro Zinzanni Returns to Chicago on July 8th! from 2021-07-01T14:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with three of the stars of Broadway in Chicago’s production of “Teatro Zinzanni.” Playing to sold out houses and a show that had become a staple in Chicago, ...
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….and Jerry Mathers as….The Beaver!! from 2021-06-24T14:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with The Beaver himself, Jerry Mathers! Jerry talks about his acting work before Leave it to Beaver…..yep, he worked with Bob Hope and Alfred Hitchcock. Then...
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WGN Radio’s Steve Dale on recent legislation and local programs for cats from 2021-06-17T14:00
Yes, finally, Paul goes behind the curtain with his oldest (in every sense of the word) friend and everybody’s favorite pet expert, Steve Dale to talk about the recent legislation passed in Springf...
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Hollywood Museum Squares Benefit with Bruce Vilanch, Loni Anderson and John Davidson from 2021-06-10T14:00
It’s an incredible Behind The Curtain as Paul visits with the stars of the benefit, “Hollywood Museum Squares,” a virtual series of programs created to benefit the Hollywood Museum, and available u...
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Victory Gardens Theater welcomes new artistic director Ken-Matt Martin from 2021-06-03T14:00
After much turmoil which led to a change in artistic leadership, new artistic director Ken-Matt Martin shares his vision for what the future of Victory Gardens Theater performances will look like. ...
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Growing up Hope: Reflections of Linda Hope, the daughter of legendary comedian Bob Hope from 2021-05-27T17:06:54
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with the daughter of the legendary comedian Bob Hope. The co-author of the book “Dear Bob…Bob Hope’s Wartime Correspondence with The G.I.s of World War II,” ...
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The Performer’s School Presents: Les Mis and Beauty and the Beast from 2021-05-20T14:00
This week Paul goes behind the curtain with co-owners/directors Liz Fauntleroy and Stacey Flaster of The Performer’s School, a musical theater training program 4th thru 8th graders who take o...
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Elizabeth Taylor brought to stage and Belting for Life Fundraiser for Howard Brown from 2021-05-13T14:00
This week, Paul goes Behind the Curtain with playwright/actor Kayla Boye to discuss her hit show “Call Me Elizabeth.” Set in 1961, this is an intimate (though virtual) look at the life of the incre...
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‘Prison Clown,’ new book explores Richard Keith’s time in prison, and the unfair prosecution process that sent him there from 2021-05-06T14:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with author Richard Keith to discuss his new book “Prison Clown,” exploring the years he spent in federal prison for what most would consider to be no crime ...
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Mercury Theater Chicago/Venus Cabaret is coming BACK! Meet the team from 2021-04-29T14:00
This week, Paul goes behind the current with the new creative/management team running Mercury Theater Chicago. This is the FIRST interview with ALL three key players at the same time! Hear how the ...
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‘Dear Bob…’ – A new book sharing letters to and from the troops of World War II and legendary comedian Bob Hope from 2021-04-22T14:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with the co-author of a new book “Dear Bob….Bob Hope’s Wartime Correspondence with the G.I.s of World War II,” Martha Bolton. Martha was the first woman staf...
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Actors Training Center virtual fundraiser; Writer’s Theatre upcoming/virtual ‘The Last Match’ from 2021-04-15T14:00
This week Paul goes behind the curtain to talk about the Actors Training Center. Founder Carole Dibo and actress / writer Mary Hollis Inboden (“Marriage Story” and the upcoming AMC comedy Kevin Can...
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Chicago’s 1893 Columbian Exposition comes alive in a new book, documentary with more to come from media producer Michael Finney from 2021-04-08T14:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with full spectrum content producer Michael Finney who explores music, audio, video, photography and writing over his career and is recently integrated in a ...
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Immersive Van Gogh exhibition at Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago plays thru Labor Day from 2021-04-01T14:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with a look at the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibition playing at Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago on Germania Place. Chicago has fallen in love with this show which is...
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West Side Story’s ‘Bernardo’ George Chakiris on his new autobiography, ‘My West Side Story: A Memoir’ from 2021-03-25T14:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with Academy Award Winner George Chakiris to discuss his new autobiography “My West Side Story: A Memoir.” This is a must listen podcast for West Side Story ...
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Porchlight celebrates ‘Chicago Sings Rock&Roll Broadway’ and presents Felicia Fields with the Guy Adkins Award from 2021-03-18T14:00
This week Paul goes behind the curtain with Porchlight Music Theatre Artistic Director Michael Weber and show co-director Jermaine Hill to talk about the upcoming Fundraiser “Chicago Sings Rock �...
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The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame Museum visits Paul Behind the Curtain from 2021-03-11T16:00
This week, Paul goes behind the Curtain with Phil Sklar, the Co-Founder and CEO of the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame. Located in Milwaukee, Phil talks about how he realized the need for a museum...
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A visit from Johnny Cash tribute artist and Chicago’s very own Doug Allen Nash from 2021-03-04T18:30:03
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with Chicago’s very own songwriter, singer, producer Doug Allen Nash. Doug grew up near Galena, Illinois on a farm and channeled his close ties to his family...
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A visit from broadway, film and musical legends! from 2021-02-25T17:56
This week, Paul Lisnek goes behind the curtain with an eclectic blend of talent folks. First, Paul is joined by actress, singer, songwriter, broadway star, television star and so much more, Ro...
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Executive Director of CHANGE Illinois talks about the issue of redistricting and what NEEDS to be done from 2021-02-18T15:00
This week, Paul Lisnek goes behind the curtain with the Executive Director of CHANGE Illinois Madeleine Doubek. Listen in as Paul and Madeleine talk about the issue of redistricting and how it shou...
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‘City So Real’ documentary series offers a fascinating look at Chicago thru the eyes of Chicagoan filmmaker Steve James from 2021-02-11T15:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with Chicago-based filmmaker and two time Academy Award nominee Steve James. Known for his classic “Hoop Dreams,” and his look at education in Ame...
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Fashion, travel, mental health…what else has COVID not affected? from 2021-02-04T15:00
This week, Paul Lisnek goes behind the curtain with an eclectic blend of professionals to talk about the various components that have been affected by the COVID pandemic. To kick off the conversati...
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Let’s talk law! from 2021-01-28T16:00
This week, Paul Lisnek goes behind the curtain with Chicago criminal defense lawyer Gal Pissetzky with Pissetzky Law LLC. Listen in as Paul and attorney Gal Pissetzky kick off the conversation by d...
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The Black Ensemble Theatre and The Highland Park Players are finding new ways to bring entertainment to your homes in 2021! from 2021-01-21T15:00
This week, Paul Lisnek goes behind the curtain with two great theater companies trying to keep their own during this very tough time. First, Paul is joined by the Black Ensemble Theatre‘...
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TOPIC: Terry Savage wants to make sure you get ALL of your stimulus money, an internationally recognized philanthropist encourages you to give back in 2021 and some Zoom call etiquette from 2021-01-14T16:00
This week, Paul Lisnek goes behind the curtain talking about three different topics. To kick off the conversation, Paul is joined by financial expert Terry Savage who discusses the newest $600 stim...
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TOPIC: Joe Biden’s presidency, news of 2020 and what’s to come in 2021 from 2021-01-07T21:48:05
This week, Paul Lisnek goes behind the curtain with U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-6) and WTTW’s Paris Schutz. Listen in as Paul and Representative Casten talk about Joe Biden’s new presidency...
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TOPIC: Chicago politics from different perspectives – Senator Kim Lightford, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Journalist Clarence Page, Cook County Board Commissioner Bridget Gainer,&Representative Marie Newman from 2021-01-05T21:29:26
This week, Paul Lisnek goes behind the curtain with an eclectic blend of professionals to talk about Chicago politics from 2020. To kick off the conversation, Paul is joined by Illinois State Senat...
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The Congressman Conversation: Taking a look at Washington and all that has been going on in this country in 2020 from 2020-12-31T19:53:37
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with several of Illinois Congressman. To kick off the conversation, Paul is joined with Congressman Mike Quigley of Illinois’s 5th congressional distri...
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TOPIC: Actors and the Arts take a tough hit in the pandemic and bond together to do something about it, led by Chicago native Matthew-Lee Erlbach from 2020-12-23T21:38:28
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with actor/writer Matthew-Lee Erlbach. Known for his great writing on Netflix’s “We are the Champions,” and Masters of Sex as well as the playwright of The D...
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TOPIC: A jewel of Chicago’s theater crown: Steppenwolf Theatre and the nationally respected Broadway in Chicago discuss theater in a pandemic; and fighting the battle against Alzheimer’s Disease from 2020-12-09T15:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with an inside look at the Steppenwolf Theatre. They refuse to be stopped by this horrendous pandemic so you will learn about the upcoming virtual season you...
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TOPIC: Helping animals of the world and seeing them up close from 2020-11-25T16:00
This week, Paul goes Behind the curtain with a look at the research and work done by Morris Animal Foundation. The organization funds research into a variety of illnesses and conditions related to ...
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TOPIC: Mayor Pete’s husband Chasten Buttigieg speaks out on his life from 2020-11-20T17:30:15
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with Chasten Buttigieg, husband of “Mayor Pete” Buttigieg, former mayor of South Bend Indiana who took the national scene by storm in the 2020 Presidential e...
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Topic: The election is behind us, so where do we go from here? from 2020-11-06T16:26:18
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain to take a strategic look at the election and its impact. What does government look like under a President Biden? What can we expect from President Trump befo...
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TOPIC: President Jimmy Carter: A full life you may not know much about – An interview with author Jonathan Alter from 2020-10-27T20:00
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with award winning author, columnist, filmmaker and biographer, Jonathan Alter to discuss his latest book: “His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, A Life.” The de...
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TOPIC: Living through the AIDS crisis with physician Dr. Ross Slotten from 2020-10-21T15:53:14
This week, Paul goes behind the Curtain with a look back at the HIV/AIDS crisis through the eyes of a physician who was there at the outset and continues to be there for patients today. “Plague Yea...
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TOPIC: Former Governor George Ryan on Illinois’ death penalty and his own time in prison from 2020-10-07T21:07:34
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with former Illinois Governor George Ryan to discuss his new book: “Until I Could be Sure: How I stopped the death penalty in Illinois.” The former governor ...
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TOPIC: Attorney and Legal Commentator Jill Wine-Banks Discusses her new book “The Watergate Girl: My Flight for Truth and Justice Against a Criminal President” from 2020-09-29T15:00
Paul goes behind the curtain with attorney and well-known legal analyst and commentator (for MSNBC) Jill Wine-Banks to discuss her autobiographical and historical reflections on Watergate and Presi...
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TOPIC: “FOSTER BOY’ a new film uncovers the problems deep within the foster system stars a legendary cast from 2020-09-23T19:37:09
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with the cast and screenwriter of “Foster Boy.” The story of a young man, Jamal Randolph (played by Shane Paul McGhie) who is moved within a privately run fo...
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TOPIC: The power of “Fake News” and “Hoax” in today’s Political Environment: CNN’s Media expert Brian Stelter on his new book and the powerful relationship between Trump and Fox from 2020-09-10T17:05:21
This week, Paul’s podcast returns after a long Covid-19 hiatus and it’s good to be back! Paul goes behind the curtain with CNN host of Reliable Sources, Brian Stelter, author of the book “Hoax: Don...
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TOPIC: Coronavirus, Veep Pick and a Look ahead to November with Political Strategist Richard Gordon from 2020-03-20T01:25:02
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with attorney and political strategist Richard Gordon for an in-depth look at the impact on the Coronavirus on the election season and our lifestyle, as well...
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TOPIC: Coronavirus, Veep Pick and a Look ahead to November with Political Strategist Richard Gordon from 2020-03-20T01:25:02
This week, Paul goes behind the curtain with attorney and political strategist Richard Gordon for an in-depth look at the impact on the Coronavirus on the election season and our lifestyle, as well...
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