Harry joined WGN Radio’s Steve Dale on the Booth 46 Podcast, LIVE from Petterino’s to talk about how how great ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ is, some of his favorite roles, why he loves doing Shakespeare, how he was influenced by Spencer Tracy, and much more.

As you listen to ‘Booth 46’ live from Petterino’s, and overhear the clanking of glasses, conversations from other booths, forks hitting plates and more, swipe through the photos below from the Episode 20 podcast recording to feel even more like you’re there.

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

David joined WGN Radio’s Steve Dale in Booth 46, LIVE from Petterino’s in The Loop, to talk about why he brought the show to Chicago, how the immersive experience came to be, performing on Broadway vs. a World Tour, riding his bicycle through Chicago (and his Bicycle Diaries), and much more.

As you listen to ‘Booth 46’ live from Petterino’s, and overhear the clanking of glasses, conversations from other booths, forks hitting plates and more, swipe through the photos below from the Episode 19 podcast recording to feel even more like you’re there.

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

Pat Quinn joined Steve Dale on the Booth 46 Podcast, LIVE from Petterino’s in the heart of Chicago, to talk about his legacy as Governor, his activism today, why Illinois and Chicago are one community, and plenty more. Listen below:

As you listen to ‘Booth 46’ live from Petterino’s, and overhear the clanking of glasses, conversations from other booths, forks hitting plates and more, swipe through the photos below from the Episode 18 podcast recording to feel even more like you’re there.

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

As you listen to ‘Booth 46’ live from Petterino’s, and overhear the clanking of glasses, conversations from other booths, forks hitting plates and more, swipe through the photos below from the Episode 17 podcast recording to feel even more like you’re there.

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

From the comforts of Petterino’s in The Loop, Watkins joins host Steve Dale on the Booth 46 podcast to talk about his career, his inspiration, and much more.

As you listen to ‘Booth 46’ live from Petterino’s, and overhear the clanking of glasses, conversations from other booths, forks hitting plates and more, swipe through the photos below from the Episode 16 podcast recording to feel even more like you’re there.

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

From the heart of Chicago at Petterino’s, WGN Radio’s Steve Dale talked to Joffrey Ballet President/CEO Greg Cameron about its history, how it came to Chicago, being a lifelong Chicagoan, how the city has embraced the Joffrey Ballet, and how they are celebrating 70 years of advancing dance through artistic excellence, innovation and arts education.

As you listen to ‘Booth 46’ live from Petterino’s, and overhear the clanking of glasses, conversations from other booths, forks hitting plates and more, swipe through the photos below from the Episode 15 podcast recording to feel even more like you’re there.

Learn more about the Joffrey Ballet and purchase tickets at Joffrey.org. Follow them on both Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

From the actual Booth 46 at Petterino’s, Bernard and Albert talk to host Steve Dale about the world’s 3rd largest Holocaust Museum, its purpose, Bernard’s story, and how Experience360 provides a panoramic view through history and truth, inviting visitors of all backgrounds to witness stories of survival, ask questions, and reflect on the past in ways that inspire empathy, respect, and hope. Listen for that and more below:

As you listen to ‘Booth 46’ live from Petterino’s, and overhear the clanking of glasses, conversations from other booths, forks hitting plates and more, swipe through the photos below from the Episode 14 podcast recording to feel even more like you’re there.

You’ll also see Mr. Friedman appear in our January 2026 Your Hometown video tour of Chicago’s Loop, and can hear his recent visit with John Williams on the Noon Business Lunch.

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

While Chaz is excited about the book’s success so far, she wants people to take those principles to heart and practice them. She joined Steve Dale on the latest episode of Booth 46, recorded live at Petterino’s in the heart of downtown Chicago, to discuss the book, her late husband and legendary film critic Roger Ebert, the movies they loved, and so much more.

As you listen to ‘Booth 46’ live from Petterino’s, and overhear the clanking of glasses, conversations from other booths, forks hitting plates and more, swipe through the photos below from the Episode 13 podcast recording to feel even more like you’re there.

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

As you listen to ‘Booth 46’ live from Petterino’s, and overhear the clanking of glasses, conversations from other booths, forks hitting plates and more, swipe through the photos below from the Episode 12 podcast recording to feel even more like you’re there.

Learn more about Mark and Anne, and listen to their music, at burnellmusic.com. You can follow Mark on Instagram at markburnell88 and Anne at anneburnell.

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

From Petterino’s in Chicago, Steve Dale is joined by actors Mo Reilly and Benjamin Jenkins on the Booth 46 Podcast to talk about ‘Drunk Shakespeare’. They talk about how the show is performed (from their own memory), their improv and Shakespearean backgrounds, the Chicago audience, making Shakespeare relevant to today and accessible to all, and much more.

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

From the heart of Chicago at Petterino’s, Steve Dale is joined by World Business Chicago President/CEO Philip B. Clement and Choose Chicago President/CEO Kristen Reynolds on the Booth 46 Podcast. While both organizations are different and serve separate purposes, they both represent Chicago and show those outside the city, state and country what makes it one of the greatest places in the world. Listen to the podcast to learn more about World Business Chicago and Choose Chicago, what Philip and Kristen love about the city they promote, and much more!

As you listen to ‘Booth 46’ live from Petterino’s, and overhear the clanking of glasses, conversations from other booths, forks hitting plates and more, swipe through the photos below from the Episode 10 podcast recording to feel even more like you’re there.

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

These are actual questions that are asked and answered on the latest episode of The Booth 46 Podcast, as Steve Dale is visited (and joined) by actor Chiké Johnson and theatre writer/reviewer Alan Bresloff for a fun conversation at Petterino’s. Chiké plays Ebenezer Scrooge, not just on this podcast but also at The Goodman Theatre in this year’s production of A Christmas Carol. And on his best behavior, Al is dressed as Santa Claus, but you can also read his work on AroundTheTownChicago.com.

As you listen to ‘Booth 46’ live from Petterino’s, and overhear the clanking of glasses, conversations from other booths, forks hitting plates and more, swipe through the photos below from the Episode 9 podcast recording to feel even more like you’re there.

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

WGN Radio’s David Plier isn’t just a host at our station but also the President and CEO of the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago. David joined Steve Dale on the Booth 46 Podcast, from the heart of Chicago at Petterino’s, to talk about the re-opening of the museum, which is featuring the history of late night television and an incredible Johnny Carson exhibit.

Steve and David are also joined in the booth by award-winning TV and stage actor, Francis “Fran” Guinan. Fran recently starred in the Goodman Theatre‘s production of ‘Ashland Avenue’ with Jenna Fischer. Listen to the full episode below:

As you listen to ‘Booth 46’ live from Petterino’s, and overhear the clanking of glasses, conversations from other booths, forks hitting plates and more, swipe through the photos below from the Episode 8 podcast recording to feel even more like you’re there.

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

In collaboration with Petterino’s, Steve Dale is joined by CIFF Programmer Sam Flancher and directors Sven Bresser (REEDLAND) and James Choi (Before the Call) on the Booth 46 Podcast to talk about the acclaimed festival, which will feature movies of all from around the world. They also talk about the films that influence their work, the state of the industry, big budget studio films vs. independent films, and much more!

The festival goes until Sunday, October 26th. While you listen to the episode, go to ChicagoFilmFestival.com to see what’s screening and where!

As you listen to ‘Booth 46’ live from Petterino’s, and overhear the clanking of glasses, conversations from other booths, forks hitting plates and more, swipe through the photos below from the Episode 7 podcast recording to feel even more like you’re there.

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

Falisa’s son, Aaron, is the inspiration of her book, Raising Simba, and she talks to Steve about their journey from the Chicago projects to his landing of the lead role in Broadway’s version of The Lion King (now playing in Chicago at The Cadillac Palace Theater). Liv has worked with stars like Prince and Ann Wilson from Heart, and has made numerous national TV appearances, including Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Late Show with David Letterman. You can see her perform at Teatro ZinZanni at the Cambria Hotel.

Listen to more of Falisa and Liv’s stories in Episode 6 of The Booth 46 Podcast.

As you listen to ‘Booth 46’ live from Petterino’s, and overhear the clanking of glasses, conversations from other booths, forks hitting plates and more, swipe through the photos below from the Episode 6 podcast recording to feel even more like you’re there.

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

In collaboration with Petterino’s, WGN’s Steve Dale is joined by Executive Director John Collins and Artistic Director Susan Booth on the Booth 46 Podcast to talk about one of the most noted theater institutions in America. The Goodman received the Regional Theatre Tony Award in 1992, recognizing its national artistic excellence, dozens of Jefferson Awards and many other honors – and for good reason. Even today with the current production, Ashland Avenue, the Goodman reaches for breaking new ground and defining excellence in storytelling.

Listen to the full episode below as Steve, John and Susan talk about the history of The Goodman, some of its famous playwrights (like David Mamet, Arthur Miller and Studs Terkel), how essential their work is today, and much more!

As you listen to ‘Booth 46’ live from Petterino’s, and overhear the clanking of glasses, conversations from other booths, forks hitting plates and more, swipe through the photos below from the Episode 5 podcast recording to feel even more like you’re there.

Follow the Goodman Theatre on Facebook and Instagram. And see what else is coming to Broadway In Chicago at broadwayinchicago.com.

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

Steve Dale talks to T.J. and Shanice about their stories as accomplished recording artists, their music, what it’s like to play the Obamas (who also have caricatures on the wall behind them in the booth), and much more. ’44’ is at The Studebaker Theater until September 21st and it’s a show for everyone, regardless of your politics. Listen below for more!

As you listen to ‘Booth 46’ live from Petterino’s, and overhear the clanking of glasses, conversations from other booths, forks hitting plates and more, swipe through the photos below from the Episode 4 podcast recording to feel even more like you’re there.

Follow Shanice on Instagram at @shaniceonline. Follow T.J. Wilkins on Instagram at @iamtjwilkins. And see what else is coming to Broadway In Chicago at broadwayinchicago.com.

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

It’s not often that Mayor Johnson gets to do fun interviews, but this is definitely one of them. Mayor Johnson talks about what it’s like being the mayor and representing all 77 of Chicago’s neighborhoods, what sets Chicago apart from everywhere else and why he loves it, how its downtown rivals New York’s and other major cities, how he’s refueled by the people, and much more. Mayor Johnson also has great recommendations for families and people coming to visit. It’s a good opportunity to get to know Chicago’s mayor better so take a listen below:

As you listen to ‘Booth 46’ live from Petterino’s, and overhear the clanking of glasses, conversations from other booths, forks hitting plates and more, swipe through the photos below from the Episode 3 podcast recording to feel even more like you’re there.

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

Steve is joined by Chicago’s own Brandon Lee Harris, who steps into the moonwalking shoes of Michael Jackson, and Devin Bowles, who plays Joseph — Michael’s complicated and not-so-likable father. Together, they dig into what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what surprises even the most devoted fans of the King of Pop’s life.

How did Harris, the friendly Chicago kid, land a leading role in a Broadway in Chicago show? And how did Bowles go from sports superfan to showbiz mentor — with a knack for belting the National Anthem at a moment’s notice? In fact, when Steve “dropped the hat” during their chat at Petterino’s and Bowles rose to the challenge right on cue. MJ is at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, August 12–24, 2025. Listen to the full episode below:

As you listen to ‘Booth 46’ live from Petterino’s, and overhear the clanking of glasses, conversations from other booths, forks hitting plates and more, swipe through the photos below from the Episode 2 podcast recording to feel even more like you’re there.

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

Mr. Friedman, chairman and CEO of Friedman Properties (and the unofficial Mayor of River North), and Mr. Raizin, CEO of Broadway in Chicago, are two of the most influential, behind-the-scenes architects of city planning.  You’ll hear a rare peek behind-the-briefcase, and you’ll be among the first to hear about plans for the downtown Cultural Stadium, which includes how soon you may soon be slammed by poetry in a downtown alley, or how a colossal “Quack-Zilla” may be coming to town. Listen to the full episode below:

As you listen to ‘Booth 46’ live from Petterino’s, and overhear the clanking of glasses, conversations from other booths, forks hitting plates and more, swipe through the photos below from the Episode 1 podcast recording to feel even more like you’re there.

Subscribe to Booth 46 on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts so that you don’t miss an episode. If you love what you’re hearing and feel compelled to post about it on social media, please use the hashtag #Booth46. You can also follow Petterino’s on Facebook and Instagram for more from the actual Booth 46.

Your host: Steve Dale

Steve Dale joined WGN radio in 1997 as host of the multi award-winning Steve Dale’s Pet World.  Steve also served as a host on Sunday afternoons on WGN radio.  His Guests  included a variety of show biz and political luminaries. He’s made national news with guests including Dr. Anthony Fauci, to Dionne Warwick to former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

A one-time entertainment reporter for People magazine and USA Today, and authored a column called “Celebrity Watch” for the Chicago Tribune and he regularly interviewed celebrities coming to Chicago. He was once also a restaurant and feature writer for Crain’s Chicago Business as well as for the Tribune.

A native Chicagoan, Steve’s been civically involved in the City, testifying at City Hall many times on behalf of Companion Animals as the co-Chair of the Committee on Companion Animals and Public Safety (2000-2010), using his WGN Radio platform to advance animal welfare.