The Chicago Way

John Kass, Jeff Carlin
dmarzullo@wgnradio.com

Booking Overview

A Chicago-focused weekly news and politics show where John Kass and Jeff Carlin “talk the week” through a local lens—sometimes with guests, sometimes as commentary. It’s a good platform for public figures and civic leaders who want to reach a Chicago-heavy, politics-aware audience.

Metrics

Episodes: 99

Frequency: Weekly

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Estimated listeners: 10k-100k

Gender skew: Male

Location: USA

YouTube: 11.9k subscribers

Instagram: 16.0k followers

30s Ad: 486 - 553, 60s Ad: 575 - 641

Contact Information

dmarzullo@wgnradio.com

Host

John Kass - Mild-mannered Chicago Tribune columnist known for candid, politically engaged local reporting and commentary on Chicago’s news and culture.

Jeff Carlin - WGN Radio personality and co-host who joins John Kass to break down the week in Chicago news and politics with a sharp, conversational style.

Booking Intelligence

Booking Requirements

medium
Typical Credentials:  
High-profile local civic and public-facing figures (elected officials/candidates, senior education leaders, and prominent Chicago business operators like restaurateurs).
Required Achievements:  
Led major school systems or influential education initiatives, Ran for or held major elected office or major political roles, Own/operate a well-known local institution/business

Recent Guest Discussions

Paul Vallas - Chicago Mayoral Politics Context; Attacks Against Him; Who He Suspects May Be Behind It; Education/political Stakes.

Jimmy Banakis - Restaurant Industry And Tipping Culture; Mother’s Day Dining Experience.

Recent Topics

Chicago, Politics, Education, Public Schools, Local Government, Public Policy, Crime, Business, Culture, Media

Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on
The Chicago Way
:

Chicago Way w/John Kass: Summer is for the brave

May 26, 2026

Chicago Way w/John Kass (05/26/26): John Kass & Jeff Carlin celebrate the bravery it takes to face violent warm summer nights in Chicago in the face of gang wars and ‘teen takeovers.’ Plus, Kasso has a ‘Happy’ pet peeve. Follow Everything John Kass – JohnKassNews.com Follow @John_Kass Follow @JPCarlin Download this episode here by using […]

Chicago Way w/John Kass: Don’t (bleep) with a pit bull’s reputation

May 18, 2026

Chicago Way w/John Kass (05/18/26): John Kass & Jeff Carlin are joined by former (possibly, future?) candidate for Mayor of Chicago, head of the public school systems in Chicago, Philadelphia and the Louisiana Recovery School District, Paul Vallas to talk about recent attacks on him, who he thinks might be behind it, and what he […]

Chicago Way w/John Kass: Hopium and the well-dressed chili powder thief

May 11, 2026

Chicago Way w/John Kass (05/11/26): John Kass & Jeff Carlin remember his late mother, Betty Kass, and as she would have wanted, move on to the ugly Obama Presidential Center building, Chicago alders wanting Walgreens to be criminally charged for closing stores, and Stephen Colbert smirking his way through a farce of an interview with […]

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