Best Al Cooley Podcasts (2024)

1
Special Episode: Mob Lawyer Turned FBI Informant Bob Cooley Wrote a Letter 1:11:17

4h ago1:11:17

1:11:17

Bob Cooley, the central character from Operation Gambit, wrote the judge in Ed Burke's case a twelve page letter. Alyssa reads it to Morgan Stringer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Solid Listen

1
Close Out Your Sessions 13:09

12m ago13:09

13:09

It's very important that you close out your sessions on Ouija Boards and when conducting a Seance to avoid leaving a portal open. If you've had any bad experiences with either, I'd love to hear from you. contact cooley54@gmail.com Subject Seance or Oiuja Board Please leave a 5 star review on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ghosts-in-the…

1
Mike Madigan Part Two: Political Dynasty 1:01:06

3h ago1:01:06

1:01:06

In this episode, Alyssa and John talk about the Blago impeachment and political dynasties in Illinois. Show Notes: Chicago Tribune: Column: Madigan’s name launched her career but possibly contributed to calling it quits Politco: There’s An Irish Wake for Illinois’ Political Machine Forbes: Why Does IL Attorney General Lisa Madigan Refuse To Prosecu…

1
Mike Madigan Part One: The Luck of the Draw 55:43

7d ago55:43

55:43

John Zinn and I are embarking on a journey to look at the career of former Speaker of the Illinois House Mike Madigan. In this episode we talk about the circumstances that facilitated his rise to power, some legislative victories, and a, perhaps, little known fact about his daughter Lisa. SHOW NOTES: Rueters: The man behind the fiscal fiasco in Ill…

1
Author and Paranormal Investigator - Kathleen Rydel Tedsen 45:00

11d ago45:00

45:00

Kathleen Rydel Tedsen is a published author on the paranormal and the unexplained, an investigator, and historical researcher. In 2006 Kat started her journey into the paranormal. History plays a vital role in Kathleen's investigastions. On her website, Kat has a place called "The Secret Room" I encourage you to check out. Please explore the many b…

1
Taste of Chicago: We LOVE America 1:04:11

13d ago1:04:11

1:04:11

In this episode Alyssa is joined by Captain Scoot to discuss the history of Taste of Chicago. Was Chicago Fest the earlier version? Not really. We discuss the highs and lows while dispelling some Chicago lore. Show Notes: DNA Info: The First Taste Of Chicago Was On The Magnificent Mile ... And Packed NBC Chicago: “Boooo! Awwww!” NBC Chicago: City C…

1
Burke Sentencing: I guess. 1:26:17

19d ago1:26:17

1:26:17

In this episode I am joined by legal expert Morgan Stinger and John Zinn to discuss the Ed Burke sentencing. Image from Hare Brained Show Notes: Chicago Sun-Times: How much jail time should Ed Burke get? Depends on which City Council member you ask. Chicago Magazine: Paul Vallas Really Loves His Broom Chicago Sun-Times: Let's all play 'Sit in Judgm…

1
Haley Staack Part 2 - Earth Witch 29:03

26d ago29:03

29:03

Haley Staack is an Earth Witch, Paranormal Investigator, Photographer, and Collector of the haunted. Haley and her partner Megan investigate the unknown looking for answers. This is part 2 of my facinating interview with Haley. Haley's links: Haley Staack website: https://www.haleystaack.com/ Haley Stack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photosb…

1
KKK in Chikago: It's a Okay to Dox a Racist 55:50

27d ago55:50

55:50

In this episode Alyssa is joined by Risen Lady Heathen to talk about the rise and fall of the KKK in Chicago. Show Notes: Chicago Tribune: When Chicago welcomed KKK NPR Illinois: History: The 1920's Saw The KKK's Rise In Illinois Chicago Magazine: The Ku Klux Klan Was Successful in 1920s Chicago (But Mostly as a Con) Chicago Reader: Boys in the Hoo…

1
The Mystery of Al Capone's Vaults: Richard J. Daley Rolled Over in his Grave! 1:15:02

1M ago1:15:02

1:15:02

In this episode, Alyssa is joined by Hugh Yeman to discuss "The Mystery of Al Capone's Vault" an event that catapulted Geraldo into a new direction and impacted the media market to this day. Show Notes: AV Club: When Geraldo Rivera opened Al Capone’s vault, he turned nothing into ratings Mental Flow: Oral History: When Geraldo Rivera Opened Al Capo…

1
Haley Staack - Medium, Investigator, Haunted Collector 30:52

1M ago30:52

30:52

Haley Stack is a Medium, Photographer, Investigator, Haunted Collector plius so much more. This is part one. The rest of my conversation with Haley is will be next episode, 150. Please check out Haley's links below: Facebook Haley Staack https://www.facebook.com/p/Haley-Staack-SRS-100075589641558/?paipv=0&eav=AfZCpkRvySX71PBhvHupyfjH51klvqmko3fxr9H…

1
Queer Pride in Chicago: Every Kick is a Boost 1:02:13

1M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

In this episode Alyssa is joined by David Baxter to discuss the history of Pride in Chicago. Show Notes: Chicago Magazine: A Brief History of Chicago’s Pride Parade WTTW: How Chicago’s Pride Parade Grew from a Small March to a Big Event Out & Proud in Chicago Windy City Times: From a March to a Parade: Chicago's Pride History NPR: Gloria Gaynor: 'I…

1
Wesley Willis: A Punk Icon 1:15:21

2M ago1:15:21

1:15:21

Alyssa is joined by Pat Westmacott of The Grinning Barretts to talk about Chicago's Punk Icon, Wesley Willis with a few fun digressions. Show Notes: Washington Post: Songs in His Head Steve Albini Chicago Reader: The Wesley Willis Fiasco Wesley Willis: Too Much Too Soon? All Music: Feel the Power Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine Wesley Willis Bio …

1
Mandy Cummings From Ghost Sisters Paranormal 49:44

2M ago49:44

49:44

Mandy Metzger Cummings is a Medium and is the lead investigator with The Ghost Sisters Paranormal. Mandy has also appeared on The Discovery Channel and The Travel Channel. Links: Ghost Sisters Paranormal Team https://www.facebook.com/GhostSistersofmarionohio/ tik tok https://www.tiktok.com/@ghost..sistersss Intuitive Medium Mandy https://www.facebo…

1
The Tamale Guy: Underground Superstar 1:09:59

2M ago1:09:59

1:09:59

Alyssa takes a break from crime and corruption to tell Vanessa from Reel Relationships about a living local hero and one of the reasons Chicago is the greatest American city. Show Notes: WTTW: Chicago Portrait: Tamale Guy DNA Info: Is Running Into The Tamale Guy a Religious Experience? Yes, Yelpers Say Thrillist: An Interview With Chicago's Dive Ba…

1
The Dirksenverse: Operation GAMBAT 2:17:00

2M ago2:17:00

2:17:00

With Ed Burke Day mere days away, Alyssa invited Morgan Stringer from Hot Dockets to the Dirksenverse to explore Operation GAMBAT which involved putting away bad people who fixed murders and other stuff. In addition the FBI Op we talk about the following: Ed Burke’s racism Costume critique Return of the FBI Theatre Troop and some bad casting Dersh …

1
Dani Nickolas's Hauntings 57:06

2M ago57:06

57:06

Cousin Dani Nickolas shares her haunted experiences that have followed her since she was 4 years old. Almost every house Dani has moved to has been haunted including the house she lives in now. Do you have a haunted story to share? Contact Al Cooley at cooley54@gmail.com Please go to apple podcast and rate and review Ghosts In The Valley Podcast: h…

1
Grimes Sisters: Chicago's "Most" Famous Cold Case 1:23:23

2M ago1:23:23

1:23:23

In this episode Alyssa is joined by Steven Ray Morris of See Jurassic Right and formerly My Favorite Murder to discuss the 1950's murder of the Grimes Sisters. Show Notes: Chicago Reader: Death and the Maidens Chicago Now: Unsolved Chicago Grimes Sisters’ Murder is 59 Years Old Newcity: A Killer and A Movie: When Two Brutal Murders Brought Fear to …

1
Charlie Trotter: Gordon Ramsay before there was Gordon Ramsay 1:33:45

3M ago1:33:45

1:33:45

Alyssa is joined by Ben Mandelker of Watch What Crappens to discuss the life and times of Chef Charlie Trotter. Some of you might be asking, "Who?" Well, take a listen because aside from being Gordon Ramsay before Gordon Ramsay he profoundly impacted Chicago's dining culture with some influence on Top Chef. Take a moment to subscribe and leave a fi…

1
Soldier Field Update: Flabbergasting 56:36

3M ago56:36

56:36

The Chicago Bears and the City of Chicago held a press conference so stunning Alyssa had to sit down for and tell Scoot and Pat all about it to get their reactions. She also had to explain the parking deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Solid Listen

1
The Canyon Diablo Shootout 12:27

3M ago12:27

12:27

Canyon Diablo is said to have been one of the most feared western towns in the United States. To this day the most haunted town in Arizona. This is a true chilling story of an outlaw, John Shaw, shot, killed, and buried in Canyon Diablo. Within 24 hours his body was dug up, propped up against a fence and given his last shot of Rot Gut whiskey that …

1
Cabrini Part Three: The Architecture is Not the Problem 1:26:01

3M ago1:26:01

1:26:01

Alyssa and Scoot talk about Mayor Daley's "Plan for Transformation" and the current state of Cabrini-Green. Show Notes: Block Club Chicago: Cabrini-Green: A History of Broken Promises IMDB: Slick Boys New York Times: Chicago Housing Agency To Be Taken Over by U.S.High-Risers: Cabrini-Green and the Fate of American Public Housing Video: Welcome to C…

1
Cabrini Green Episode Two: Nothing says Easter like a Carnival. 1:23:13

3M ago1:23:13

1:23:13

In this episode we discuss how Mayor Jane Byrne sorta takes up residence in the projects and throws the most cringe easter celebration while violating constitutional rights. Then it gets bad and constitutional rights are stomped on some more. Good Times. At the end you get Alyssa's Cabrini Green story. Show Notes: Chicago Magazine: Cabrini Green WT…

1
Toni Shapiro - My Paranormal Encounter 1:00:39

3M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

Toni Shapiro survived a horrific paranormal encounter at the tender age of four. Toni wrote a blog that was featured in The American Paranormal Press Magazine titled, "My Paranormal Encounter." This wasn't her only encounter she's faced in her lifetime. Toni says that every house she's lived in has been haunted. I look forward having Toni Shapiro b…

1
Cabrini Green Episode One: Not Good Times 1:03:42

3M ago1:03:42

1:03:42

Alyssa tells Captain Scoot about early years of Cabrini Green which, for rightful reasons, was considered to be the most dangerous place in America for decades. Show Notes: Straight Dope: ‘Good Times’ Racist reboot on Netflix Chicago Magazine: More Reads on Poverty and Segregation AP: 2 Who killed Chicago cops paroled after decades in Prison Chicag…

1
2003 Tragedies: E2 and the Porch Collapse 58:40

4M ago58:40

58:40

In this episode we discuss two tragedies that shaped Chicago and made national news. Show Notes: Time Out Chicago: The E2 tragedy nine years later Chicago Tribune: Friday marks 20 years since E2 nightclub’s deadly crowd crush in South Loop, one of the worst in Chicago history CNN: Chicago overwhelmed by nightclub deaths NYT: 21 Die in Stampede of 1…

1
Beca Lewis & Del - Shift Perception 15:46

4M ago15:46

15:46

Welcome to the show Beca and Del. Beca Lewis is a returning guest. I recorded this episode at Stone Bridge Grill and Tavern in Niles Ohio. I will be stepping outside the studio a few times this year for face to face meetings and different vibe. Beca Lewis is an astablished Author, Speaker, Teacher, Dance Instructor, Financial Advisor with many othe…

1
Soldier Field: More StadiumGate 1:05:12

4M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

Alyssa is joined by Pat Westmacott to discuss the history of Soldier Field as well as the Bears history of threatening to leave the city. Show Notes: NYT: Soldier Field: A Football Cathedral Never Really Meant for Football South Side Weekly: Stadium Shenanigans Chicago Tribune: Soldier Field ready for next round Chicago Magazine: Field of Pain NBC-…

1
Chicago's Minor League Megyn Kelly: Seduction Investigations 2:11:13

4M ago2:11:13

2:11:13

Alyssa is joined by Molly McAleer of Trend Lightly and Mother May I Sleep With Podcast to discuss Chicago's Most Famous High-School Soccer Coach. Digressions include: Covid Al Capone's Vault/Geraldo Should Alyssa find a Qanon Co-host? Selling Social Media Accounts Show Notes: Chicago Magazine: Tale of the Tape Chicago Tribune: Reporter’s pool visit…

1
Nathaniel Elwell, Paranormal Investigator and Researcher 47:43

4M ago47:43

47:43

Nathaniel Elwell is a Paranormal Investigator and Researcher. Nathaniel has been on numerous podcasts and appeared at many Paracons. Nate started out investigating with The South Eastern Ghost Research Association out of Alabama and currently the founder member of The Newport Paranormal Society in New Hampshire. Nathaniel Elwell's links: https://ww…

1
Betty Loren-Maltese: An Icon 1:48:19

4M ago1:48:19

1:48:19

Alyssa is joined by Ronnie Karem from Watch What Crappens to discuss a Chicagoland Icon Show Notes: ABC 7 Chicago: Betty Loren-Maltese reunites with daughter NYT: Top Official In Cicero, Ill., Gets 8 Years In Fund Theft Chicago Magazine: Trauma Queen WGN: Betty Loren-Maltese to hold Estate Sale to Send Daughter to Beauty School Huff Post: Betty Lor…

1
Sox Park: Sell the Team Jerry. 1:20:58

5M ago1:20:58

1:20:58

Alyssa is joined by Pat Westmacott to talk about the last time the White Sox wanted a new stadium. Chicago has been Chicagoing since the started Chicago. Show Notes: Chicago Tribune: Ex-ISFA director sues Thompson, Reinsdorf Capitol Fax: Reinsdorf: ‘A savvy negotiator creates leverage’ Chicago Magazine: When Michael Madigan and Big Jim Thompson Sto…

1
Nomar Slevik, Paranormal Author and Podcast Host 58:05

5M ago58:05

58:05

Nomar Slevik is the author of UFOs Over Maine, Granite Skies and We Only Come Out At Night. Nomar is also the host of I Want To Believe Podcast. Nomar Slevik's Links: If you would like to donate to Nomar's !0th anniversary edition of "UFOs Over Maine" at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/c9wjnv-ufos-over-maine-10th-anniversary-book-fundraiser Links To No…

1
Tom Freaking Skilling: The Star in the "Broadway of Weather." 52:09

5M ago52:09

52:09

In this episode Alyssa is joined by John Zinn to discuss Chicago's beloved weather man but first we have some updates on Oh Malort! characters including Ed Burke and Ray Lopez. We do some follow the money. Digressions include: Chicago Rat Hole, Tamale Guy, Chance the Snappers, and Alyssa's jobs. Chicago Tribune: ‘Doozy’ of a career: After nearly a …

1
Cheryl Heath - Researcher and Artist 17:35

5M ago17:35

17:35

Cheryl Heath did the artwork for my documentary I released in 1998 titled, "Ghosts In The Valley." I used the same artwork for my podcast of the same name. Cheryl has also sent me numerous sketches for ideas for my book cover. Not once wouldCheryl accept any money from me for her work. Cheryl has also sent me numerous stories on the paranormal. She…

1
Oscar DePriest: Chicago's First Black Alderman 1:17:07

5M ago1:17:07

1:17:07

Alyssa is joined by Nikki Patin from R.A.G.E to discuss Oscar DePriest: Chicago's First Black Alderman. Digressions include: Tucker goes grocery shopping for the first time. Canadian family moves to Russia Alyssa is an idiot Indiana's Gonna Indiana Respectability Politics Show Notes: US House Archive White House History: Pathbreakers: Oscar Stanton…

1
Red Road Paranormal 58:47

5M ago58:47

58:47

Bobbie Rezneck Calkins (Rez) and Kristina Bloom are the co-hosts of Red Road Paranormal Podcast available on You Tube. Rez is with CAPS Cryptids, Anomalies, and the Paranormal Society. Kristina Bloom is the author of: Intuitive You: https://www.amazon.com/Intuitive-You-Psychic-Personal-Development/dp/173427980X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3G3UFBNY48DFV&keyword…

1
St. Valentine's Massacre: Get Capone 1:09:28

5M ago1:09:28

1:09:28

Alyssa is joined by Vanessa from Reel Relationship Podcast to discuss The St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Which has more layers and elements than either expected. Follow: Twitter IG TikTok Email Show Notes: Chicago Magazine: The St. Valentine's Day Massacre and Al Capone—Excerpt from Get Capone WTTW: ST. VALENTINE’S DAY MASSACRE FBI: The Vault PBS: H…

1
The Dirksenverse: Operation Greylord: Suckers and Losers 1:33:44

6M ago1:33:44

1:33:44

In this episode Alyssa tells Morgan Stringer from Hot Dockets about bat shit crazy corruption happening on Cook County Courts. Alyssa cannot actually put into word the ick she feels about this but they talk it out. Morgan wonders if she is a sucker and loser. Digressions include: Senators grilling social media companies Alex Jones Elon Musk Alina H…

1
Eric Benedict 27:27

6M ago27:27

27:27

Eric Benedict shares a couple stories that haunts him to this day and he way of overcoming that fear. Thank you Sherri Granato for referring Eric to me. If you have a paranormal story you would like to share or know someone: cooley54@gmail.com www.cooley54.wixsite.com/ghostsinthevalley Executive Producer, Editer, and Creator: Al Cooley Music By: En…

1
1977 "l" Derailment: Red Historically Means Stop! 47:01

6M ago47:01

47:01

Overall this episode is about transportation. Alyssa tells Cap't Scoot about a 1977 "L" train derailment which leads to the time Rahm wanted to dig a high-speed tunnel to O'Hare. Digressions include: Hot Tub Boats Neo-Nazis do not understand turnstiles. The gals discuss Civil War fashion and Alyssa contemplate a safety plan. Is the Cyber Truck a bo…

1
Disco Demolition: Holy Cow! or Burn Baby Burn. 51:53

6M ago51:53

51:53

Alyssa tells John about Disco Demolition. Show Notes: Do you Think I'm Disco? Countdown with Keith Olberman Steve Dahl's Notorious Disco Demolition Remembering 1979’s ugly Disco Demolition Night MLB: Remember Disco Demolition Disco Demolition revisited with Steve Dahl BBC: The 1979 riot that 'killed' disco Chicago Tribune: Commentary: Disco and the…

1
Demonologist Bishop James Long Replay 48:10

6M ago48:10

48:10

Bishop James Long is a Demonologist that shares his experience in Demonology. This is a replay of his 2022 interview Ihad with him. If you would like to visit any of Bishop Long's prayer groups or donate to his causes, plaease go to: https://bishopjameslong.com/ If you have a paranormal story to share, know someone who does, or would like to appear…

1
Blizzard of 1979: Rage Against the Machine 58:56

6M ago58:56

58:56

Forty-five years ago, between January 12-13 Chicago experienced a snow fall that not only inconvenienced residents but impacted an election. Alyssa tells Risen Lady Heathen of Boomer Rex tonight about the blizzard of 1979. Outside conversations include Ivy League plagiarism. Other thoughts: DeSantis sends migrants. Chicago sent snow. Royko doxed Al…

1
Anton Cermak: Hope you can Stomach it. 42:54

7M ago42:54

42:54

Alyssa is joined by David Baxter to discuss Mayor Anton Cermak and conspiracy theories surrounding his death. Alyssa missed out on the most obvious musical theatre reference. SHOW NOTES: NYT: High Court Breaks Chicago Tax Strike Chicago Tribune: 90 years ago, the father of Chicago’s political machine died after being struck by an assassin’s bullet …

1
Ed Burke: A Chicago Tragedy 1:01:27

7M ago1:01:27

1:01:27

John Zinn drops in the hear about the verdict and its aftermath. Some of the takes are infuriating. They discuss how this is akin to a Greek Tragedy which allows Alyssa to do a dramaturgy and employs the word Hubris. Alyssa is still trying to make Burke a verb. SHOW NOTES: CST: All Things USA VS. Ed Burke CST: Ed Burke’s conviction ‘sad’ and ‘a tra…

1
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: A Chicago Creation 1:16:03

7M ago1:16:03

1:16:03

In this Episode Alyssa tells Molly McAleer the history of a Christmas Icon. Digressions include: Malort Pearl Davis Are Vixen and Prancer gay? Tucker The Nutcracker Show Notes: Dartmouth: Rudolph’s Story: Dear to Many, Year After Year WBEZ: What’s That Building? Where Rudolph Got His Red Nose Wards.com The Week: The origin story of Rudolph the Red-…

1
The Everleigh Sisters: Best Lil Whorehouse in the World. 1:27:18

7M ago1:27:18

1:27:18

In this prefect Christmas episode Alyssa is joined by Jeff Barrett from the "It's No Fluke" podcast to discuss the most successful Madams about which you have never heard. In the early 1900's Minna and Ada Everleigh ran the best brothel in the world. Jeff points out why this is a bad idea. Digressions include: Elon Alex Jones George Santos The piss…

1
Pay Bathrooms: It Only Cost a Dime 1:01:15

7M ago1:01:15

1:01:15

Once upon a time, people had to pay to use a public toilet. In this episode we discuss the history, Chicago's role, and the current narratives. Show Notes: DNA Info: How Chicago's Fight To Ban Pay Toilets Relates To Today's City Protests Northwestern: Chicago considers installing public restrooms with revenue from company that manages bus stops WSJ…

1
Ed Burke: Trial Takes 57:06

8M ago57:06

57:06

Ed Burke's trial as underway and it has been both tedious and wacky. In this episode Alyssa tell John her favorite moments in the trial. From jury selection to sick emotional support dogs this has been a wild ride. This would be too much for a Lifetime Movie. This is separate from the in-depth episode we will do when all is said and done. Show Note…

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