Who am I?

Jim Laczkowski is a Chicago-based librarian, writer, musician and podcaster. He is the founder of the Now Playing Network and programs music and film-related events for the Chicago Public Library. He is a writer and member of The Chicago Film Critics Association and helps maintain the Chicago Critics Film Festival website. Since he was a teenager, he has also recorded and produced a number of records of his own, in addition to teaching music in a variety of settings.

He has appeared on several AM talk radio shows such as WGN, has been a guest on many pop culture podcasts as well as contributor to several blogs and publications discussing a love of film and music. Jim is also currently in production on a mental health documentary about how the arts prevented him from taking his own life in addition to detailing being near-death.

One of the more successful endeavors happens to be this here Substack which currently has over 250 paid readers and over 500 subscribers that engage with his work on a regular basis. In addition, there are over 25,000 subscribers to the podcast of the same name, available through all streaming platforms. You can also view his short films over on Vimeo as well as his personal website.

Hi, I’m Jim!

Since 2011, I've hosted a monthly podcast called Director's Club, focusing on film, filmmakers, music and pop culture obsession in general. In lieu of an official website, this is now the home base for all-things Director's Club and Jim-related - writing, podcasts, music, reviews, interviews! Everything in one place finally.

Why subscribe?

Subscribe to get access to the newsletter and website. You’ll support the Now Playing Network, Director’s Club Podcast and with your subscription, I’ll stay motivated to be a pop culture writer and filmmaker that I dreamed of becoming.

Follow me elsewhere

You can always find me elsewhere here. I try not to do too much social media outside of Instagram, Letterboxd and Bluesky: https://linktr.ee/jimlaczkowski