If you've seen this movie before, it's probably stuck with you for quite some time. Our guest this week, Alyssa Dyksterhouse of the Chicago history podcast "Oh, Malort!". The movie tracks the events that led up to the eventual murder of teenager Laurie Show that happened at the hands of a pretty twisted couple who she met after moving to Lancaster,…

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…

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…

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…

Lots of LOLs and callbacks this week with returning guest Lauré! This movie was a special request from the guest after catching it at home one evening. Listen in to our conversation about the twisty turny 2021 Lifetime Movie, "Death Saved My Life" starring Meagan Good. From IMDb: On the surface it seems Jade has it all, including a successful marke…

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…

The wildest, hottest, most Cluster B chick ever plays the villain in this classic episode of SVU that Molly recaps with her buddy and the STAR of 2007's remake of the John Waters classic, Hairspray! Kritty Uranowski is a musician and voice teacher based in Toronto, Canada with a speaking voice Molly could listen to for days and she's pretty funny o…

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…

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 …

"This whole movie is full of Italian white guys with dark hair." “Are we supposed to know that slang? That getting mobbed meant getting killed?” This episode originally aired as a 2-parter, but we decided to put it all in one ep for the REWIND of it all. Enjoy! Molly welcomes back Desi Jedeikin to discuss Wisegal, the mobster drama (inspired by a t…

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…

"I wanted to emotionally eat the entire time." Molls and guest Rachel Fisher (co-host of Hollywood Crime Scene) take a lovely deep dive (pun intended) into Fatal Honeymoon. Join the ladies as they dissect this dark story, which was based on actual events, for your entertainment. Subscribe now & if you're digging us, leave a 5-star rating and review…

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 …

"No matter how bad things got, she had to wear a crop top." Molls and Daniel Van Kirk dive into the made-for-tv movie, Twisted Desire, starring the v. famous 90s queen Melissa Joan Hart. Tune into to listen to the stereotypes surrounding 90s fashion, who they believe is the real victim of the film (and who gives a real Lala from Vanderpump Rules vi…

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 …

Tim Barnes from the wonderful podcast "You Are The Genre" joins Molly to recap the absolutely hilarious 1999 Robert Townsend directed Lifetime flick, "Jackie's Back!" From IMDb: "Mockumentary" on '60s diva Jackie Washington (Jenifer Lewis), whose ancestors were George Washington's slaves. Lewis is our leading lady with an incredible singing voice. …

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…

Diablo Cody joins the show to talk about The Perfect Nanny, bringing us that much closer to our EGOT of guests (we still have to get our Grammy winner). This movie is absolutely bonkers in the best way possible and the crazy starts right out the gate! From IMDb: After she is released from a mental hospital, a woman obsessed with romance novels take…

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

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…

Ben Mandelker from Watch What Crappens joins Molly to talk about this twisty-turny episode of SVU with guest star Brenda Blethyn! Honestly, this is an episode Molly really didn't want to end! From IMDb: While trying to stop a case of domestic abuse, Benson crosses paths with a woman who has been a fugitive for over 30 years and claims that she was …

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…

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…

“One person’s treasure is another person’s whatever.” Molls and guest Jennifer Nies enjoy a nice, long chat about Killer Assistant, a breezy watch brought to you by the folks at Lifetime. They discuss everything from the budget for production and what PDF stands for to statement necklaces and so much more. Hang around to have some good LOLs and hea…

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…

Here's part two of Gone Mom: The Disappearance of Jennifer Dulos with guests Jack Gill and Becky Hill of Hardly Focused! From IMDb: Jennifer Dulos, the wealthy, Connecticut mother-of-five who mysteriously vanished. Head over to the Hardly Focused website to check out their show. For ad-free episodes and bonus content, support us on Patreon! Check o…

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-…

We're kicking off a two-parter today with part one of Gone Mom: The Disappearance of Jennifer Dulos with guests Jack Gill and Becky Hill of Hardly Focused! From IMDb: Jennifer Dulos, the wealthy, Connecticut mother-of-five who mysteriously vanished. Head over to the Hardly Focused website to check out their show. For ad-free episodes and bonus cont…

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…

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…

Get ad-free episodes before everyone else and get access to our sister show Life Behind The 'Times VERY PREGNANT WOMAN SHUTS DOWN MISOGYNIST LIFETIME ORIGINAL MOVIE CHARACTER (EXTREME REACTION) That's what a YouTube video could be click baited as if it was this podcast but the channel was run by some kind of sensationalist freak. Anyway, Molly's jo…

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…

"This is a movie of yesteryear." Trigger Warning: This movie contains a heavy amount of violence, specifically in Washington, D.C. Watch and listen at your own discretion. Molls and returning guest Ted Travelstead watch The Devil's Teardrop, a film that features a lot (but not enough) of handwriting analysis. The LOLs are plenty despite this being …

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 …

When the story of the "Long Island Lolita" (ew) broke, America was instantly obsessed with the story of a teenage girl falling so hard for mechanic Joey Buttafuoco that she shot his wife Mary Jo in the face. So much so, that three TV movies were produced in rapid succession! This week we're covering the version with Drew Barrymore, who gives an EXC…

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…

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…

THEE Maggie Mason of MightyGirl fame joins Molly to discuss Lifetime's 2023 film "Gwen Shamblin: Starving for Salvation." Description from IMDb: Gwen Shamblin, a charismatic with a curated image, became known with her Christian diet program "Weigh Down Workshop", and was accused of exploitation and emotional, psychological, and physical abuse by th…

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…

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…

Kelli Martin stars in 2006's Live Once, Die Twice. Friend of the pod, Kyle Rupert, joins Molly once again to discuss this twisty thriller that's definitely worth an IRL watch. From IMDb: After an accident claims the life of her husband, a woman slowly begins to suspect he may not be dead after all. Support the show and get early episodes Check out …

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…

Rob Shulte from the Vanderpump Robs podcast joins us to discuss 2023's "Buying Back My Daughter." This features a gripping performance from Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix, who was fresh off the heels of Scandoval during filming. Description from IMDb: It tells the story of a mother who fights back after finding out that her missing teenage daug…

We're back strong in 2024 with a classic episode of Law & Order: SVU and a classic guest, Krista Xavier! This episode is truly one of the most heart wrenching episodes of SVU that we can think of off of the top of our heads and we wanna give you a fair warning on that before you dig in. Here's the IMDB page if you want to give it a browse. Get epis…

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…

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 …

Our sexy, fun LA Tumblr friend Nicky joins the show to discuss Sinister Minister. A single mom moves her rebellious teenage daughter to a quiet town in hopes of giving her a second chance at childhood but everything goes awry once they meet a sexy local minister who wants a lot more than just some office help down at the church. Get our entire cata…

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…

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-…

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…