Best Worst Of The RIOT Podcasts (2024)

1
School Board Race Begins, Burke Saga Ends, and 'The Bear' Reviews 37:29

2h ago37:29

37:29

In November, Chicagoans will go to the polls to elect members of the Chicago School Board for the first time. Filing week is over, and now we know a total of 47 candidates will be on the ballot across 10 districts. Chalkbeat Chicago’s Becky Vevea and WTTW’s Heather Cherone are in the building with everything we need to know before voting. Plus, we …

1
Binging ‘The Bear,’ Sundance in Chicago, and The Great Indoors 24:36

23h ago24:36

24:36

The third season of the Emmy award-winning show “The Bear” returned this week, and Chicago is ready for it. Host Jacoby Cochran and correspondent Greta Johnsen are breaking down the storylines they’re most excited for this season as the rain and dental work keep them inside this weekend. Plus, we’re talking about interesting Sundance films in Chica…

1
The Sad State of Chicago’s Food Truck Scene 25:34

2d ago25:34

25:34

Chicago’s Food Truck Festival is ongoing all summer at Daley Plaza — you can catch the next one Friday. But despite this annual summer fest, Chicago’s food truck culture is severely lacking. Eater Chicago editor Ashok Selvam tells host Jacoby Cochran about why food trucks are so rare here and which ones you should check out if you can find them. If…

1
The WORST Teams in LCS and LEC / Top 3 teams in the world? 1:42:56

2d ago1:42:56

1:42:56

IWDominate, MonteCristo, and dGon react to the latest LPL matches, debate whether to keep or kick the bottom LCS and LEC teams, put KT and KDF of the LCK on Fraud Alert, name heir top 3 LoL teams in the world, discuss guilty pleasure movies, and more!

1
Burke Gets Prison Time, School Name Changes, and Listener Mailbag 27:55

3d ago27:55

27:55

Former Ald. Ed Burke was sentenced Monday to serve two years in prison and pay a $2 million fine. Burke was convicted on racketeering and bribery charges in December after he used his longtime power in City Council to enrich his business, intimidate his opponents, and uphold Chicago’s infamous political machine. We break down Burke’s sentence and w…

1
How Border Restrictions Will Impact Chicago 19:57

4d ago19:57

19:57

Earlier this month, President Joe Biden signed an executive order severely restricting asylum claims at the U.S.-Mexico border. As Chicago struggles to provide refuge for new arrivals, we ask Block Club Chicago’s Madison Savedra to break down Biden’s latest moves, the impact it could have on Chicago’s over 40,000 asylum seekers, and where the city …

1
Reparations in Chicago, County Jail’s Deadly Year, and Chief Keef Returns 33:59

7d ago33:59

33:59

Earlier this week, Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order establishing a reparations task force to create a Black reparations agenda. The task force will examine Chicago policies that have historically disenfranchised Black Chicagoans and suggest measures to address these systemic inequities. The Triibe’s Tonia Hill spoke with residents ab…

1
Mets Lose for the First Time in the Grimace Era 45:17

10d ago45:17

45:17

Follow along as Kevin Clancy (aka KFC Barstool) and Clem (aka The Clem Report) battle through another season with The New York Mets. Will the Mets finally make history with Uncle Stevie (Steve Cohen) at the helm of the franchise? Or did the Wilpons curse the team and ruin all hope of ever winning a World Series? We can't think that way. Uncle Stevi…

1
Chicago’s Worst Pests, Beating the Heat, and Burden or Delight 26:46

8d ago26:46

26:46

Move over summer fests — we’re talking about summer pests. The longest day of the year is also set to be one of the hottest in Chicago, so host Jacoby Cochran and contributor Greta Johnsen talk about ways to beat the heat this weekend, play a game of “burden or delight,” and give us the definitive ranking of Chicago’s creepiest and crawliest pests …

1
T1 are BAD now... / Frauds in pro LoL 1:33:38

10d ago1:33:38

1:33:38

IWDominate, MonteCristo, and dGon discuss Week 1 of LCS and LCK, NRG on fraud alert, the reason why Dom is actually excited for T1, thoughts on Bo3 in the LCS, co-streaming in the LEC, and more!

1
City Council Says What?! Plus, Heat Tips and Animal Stories 24:49

10d ago24:49

24:49

Chicago is likely to see temperatures in the 90s all week as a heat dome settles over the midwest. We’ve got the resources you need to stay cool. Plus, executive producer Simone Alicea gives producer Michelle Navarro a City Council quote quiz, and we discuss Chicago’s latest cute animal stories. Stories mentioned: “Resolution calling for Carter’s o…

1
Why is Chicago's Pride Parade Shrinking? 19:28

12d ago19:28

19:28

We are less than two weeks away from Chicago’s largest LGBTQ+ pride celebration when nearly one million people will make their way to the Northalsted neighborhood for the 53rd annual Pride Parade. However, with a shorter route and fewer participants, we’ve got everything you need to know before the parade kicks off. We are joined by Windy City Time…

1
Riot Fest Moving, Foxtrot Returning, and Summer Fest Trivia 35:00

15d ago35:00

35:00

Riot Fest announced Wednesday that it is leaving Douglass Park for SeatGeek Stadium in suburban Bridgeview, blaming the Chicago Park District for the decision. The move comes after years of pushback from the community in North Lawndale despite support from the local alderperson. Riot Fest is Sept. 20-22, which also presents a challenge for the Chic…

1
Mets Make it Back from London to Fight with the Fish 41:39

17d ago41:39

41:39

Follow along as Kevin Clancy (aka KFC Barstool) and Clem (aka The Clem Report) battle through another season with The New York Mets. Will the Mets finally make history with Uncle Stevie (Steve Cohen) at the helm of the franchise? Or did the Wilpons curse the team and ruin all hope of ever winning a World Series? We can't think that way. Uncle Stevi…

1
What’s the Best Day of Lolla and Pitchfork? 29:37

16d ago29:37

29:37

Thanks to the beer-loving folks over at Revolution Brewing we have been talking about neighborhood summer festivals all week long. But Chicago is also home to two of the biggest music festivals in the country: Pitchfork and Lollapalooza with 20,000 and 115,000 daily attendees respectively. With over 200 music acts between the two, we are trying to …

1
What to Eat at Chicago’s Summer Festivals 24:38

18d ago24:38

24:38

It wouldn't be summer fest season if we didn't talk about some of Chicago's amazing food festivals. Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by Dario Durham, the co-host of 77 Flavors of Chicago, a podcast that takes you to the city’s neighborhoods to try the best food and drinks they’ve got. They discuss their perfect food fest lineup and favorite festival b…

1
Can the LCS be SAVED? / New Fearless Draft is AMAZING 1:26:11

17d ago1:26:11

1:26:11

IWDominate, MonteCristo, and dGon discuss big changes coming to the LCS, LEC results, Karmine Corp vs MAD Lions KOI, SK and BDS going 3-0 in the opening week, Fearless Draft in LPL and other leagues, and more!

1
Why Chicago is the Summer Festival Capital 28:12

19d ago28:12

28:12

While Chicagoans enjoy thousands of summer options every year, have you ever stopped and wondered just how much goes into making these block, neighborhood, and citywide festivals work? City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran sits down with Neal Heitz, director of event production for the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, to g…

1
The Ultimate Summertime Chi Fest Guide 30:33

20d ago30:33

30:33

Summer festival season is here! That’s why we’re bringing you a guide to the neighborhood fests you have to check out and how to make the most of them. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro pick their can’t-miss fests, talk summer planning, and give you tips to stay comfortable during long summer days.…

1
Policing the DNC, Sky's Unfair Coverage, and Free Metra Rides 35:31

23d ago35:31

35:31

Earlier this week law enforcement officials including Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling assured Chicagoans that CPD is prepared for the DNC. However, Inspector General Deborah Witzburg pushed back, explaining, “persistent concerns remain about whether Chicago police officers are prepared to lawfully police the massive protests…

1
Should the Washington Sweep Give Us Wild Card Hope? - We Gotta Believe Mets Podcast 46:49

24d ago46:49

46:49

Follow along as Kevin Clancy (aka KFC Barstool) and Clem (aka The Clem Report) battle through another season with The New York Mets. Will the Mets finally make history with Uncle Stevie (Steve Cohen) at the helm of the franchise? Or did the Wilpons curse the team and ruin all hope of ever winning a World Series? We can't think that way. Uncle Stevi…

1
Gays in Gospel, Godzilla's Birthday, and Summer Beach Reads 20:34

24d ago20:34

20:34

Summertime Chi is always busy. So we want to make sure we’re keeping you up to date on the best things to do during these summer weekends. That’s why we’ve enlisted City Cast Chicago contributor Greta Johnsen to put us on the events to check out, talk about parks versus beaches, and get our summer reading list on lock. Events mentioned: Shout OUT: …

1
Chicago’s Best Rooftops, Patios, and Alfresco Dining 23:56

25d ago23:56

23:56

‘Tis the season for patios, rooftops, and other outdoor dining opportunities in Chicago. The Infatuation’s Adrian Kane and John Ringor give host Jacoby a rundown of the city’s best alfresco dining spots from romantic patios to rooftops where you can actually avoid getting sunburned. Spots mentioned: Mott St Enoteca Roma Hopleaf Bar Soul and Smoke (…

1
Reopening Mental Health Clinics, Reader's Weekly Return, and Remote Work...Downtown? 26:27

26d ago26:27

26:27

Last Thursday, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that the Roseland Mental Health Clinic will reopen after 35 years. The city will also add mental health services to a Chicago Department of Public Health clinic in Pilsen in August and inside the Legler Regional Library in West Garfield Park. The City Cast Chicago team breaks down how this announcement…

1
Why Extreme Heat is Worse in Some Neighborhoods 18:17

27d ago18:17

18:17

As Summertime Chi heats up, some neighborhoods will be hotter than others. And with those higher temps come bigger risks from extreme heat. Last year we talked with Tribune reporter Sarah Macaraeg, who investigated and mapped these disparities. She told us what she found and explained what the city could do to protect all Chi neighborhoods. Good Ne…

1
School Budget Cuts, Rebuilding Prisons, and Cicada Malört 30:08

1M ago30:08

30:08

Chicago Public Schools’ new funding formula moves away from enrollment-based funding to a needs-based approach that they say prioritizes the most vulnerable schools and students. But Chicago Sun-Times education reporter Nader Issa tells host Jacoby Cochran how individual school budgets are a mixed bag, with hundreds of schools expected to see staff…

1
Jorge López Throws Glove into Crowd After Being Ejected; Calls Mets "Worst team in the whole MLB" 51:55

1M ago51:55

51:55

Follow along as Kevin Clancy (aka KFC Barstool) and Clem (aka The Clem Report) battle through another season with The New York Mets. Will the Mets finally make history with Uncle Stevie (Steve Cohen) at the helm of the franchise? Or did the Wilpons curse the team and ruin all hope of ever winning a World Series? We can't think that way. Uncle Stevi…

1
Your Guide to June in Chicago 28:39

1M ago28:39

28:39

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Chicago community. Can you believe we’re almost halfway through the year? Since time seems to fly even faster in the summer, we’re here with tips to make the most of June in Chicago. We’re making our summer bucket lists…

1
How Many Chickens Can You Keep in Chicago? 21:53

1M ago21:53

21:53

Sick of expensive grocery store eggs and dreaming of ways to avoid them? Living in a big city, you might think there are a lot of rules about keeping chickens and other farm animals in your yard. But Chicago actually has some of the most permissive urban livestock laws on the books. Viviana Okakpu from Advocates for Urban Agriculture tells host Jac…

1
Will Chicago Housing Authority Ever Deliver on Promises? 25:48

1M ago25:48

25:48

We at City Cast Chicago have spent a lot of time covering public housing, from the legacy of demolition, to private development on public housing land, to the Chicago Housing Authority’s decades-long waitlists. Now the head of CHA is under fire following investigations from Block Club Chicago into the agency’s scattered-site program. Host Jacoby Co…

1
ShotSpotter's Uncertain Future, Fish Rebrand Failing, and West Side Gardeners 32:02

1M ago32:02

32:02

Earlier this week, City Council voted 34-14 on an ordinance aimed at keeping ShotSpotter, an attempt to reverse Mayor Brandon Johnson’s decision to end the city’s use of the highly controversial gunshot detection system in November. WTTW’s Brandis Friedman and freelance writer Reema Saleh tell Jacoby Cochran about the latest news, including why Ill…

1
Edwin Diaz' Role as Closer in Question - Mets Podcast 47:59

1M ago47:59

47:59

Follow along as Kevin Clancy (aka KFC Barstool) and Clem (aka The Clem Report) battle through another season with The New York Mets. Will the Mets finally make history with Uncle Stevie (Steve Cohen) at the helm of the franchise? Or did the Wilpons curse the team and ruin all hope of ever winning a World Series? We can't think that way. Uncle Stevi…

1
How Sound Can Make You Feel Better 20:49

1M ago20:49

20:49

While National Mental Health Awareness Month is coming to an end, the Chicago Department of Public Health will be continuing its Healing Arts programming, which combines art and wellness. One program is the Audio Pharmacology Sound Spa, and it happens Mondays at the Englewood Mental Health Clinic. Creator Shannon Harris talks with host Jacoby Cochr…

1
LCS Roster Drama / Why Riot actually did a good job at MSI 1:19:45

1M ago1:19:45

1:19:45

IWDominate, MonteCristo, and dGon discuss LCS roster drama at Dignitas with exYu and Spica, FlyQuest's decision to bench Jensen for Quad, strong performers at MSI, TES on fraud alert, the best events in League of Legends history, the backstory on Last Free Nation's live event at Worlds 2022, and more!…

1
Where To Find Chicago’s Best Frozen Desserts 26:06

1M ago26:06

26:06

The days are getting warmer, making this the perfect time to get yourself something sweet and cold. Host Jacoby Cochran and the City Cast Chicago team pull up to Mario’s Italian Lemonade in Little Italy to try the iconic frozen dessert. From ice cream to snow cones, they discuss the best (and most overrated) frozen treats in Chicago. Spots mentione…

1
Lawmakers' Spring Sprint, News Quiz, and Cicada Watch 27:37

1M ago27:37

27:37

It’s the last week of the spring session for Illinois lawmakers. Hundreds of bills have already passed but there are some big things still on the agenda including the state budget, CPS funding, and a potential transit merger. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran break down the critical bills making their way through Springfield.…

1
How Illinois Got a Reservation After Nearly 200 Years 17:45

1M ago17:45

17:45

For the first time in nearly two centuries, Illinois is home to federally recognized tribal land. The Prairie Band Potawatomi signed paperwork in April allowing the Department of Interior to place 130 acres in west suburban DeKalb County into a trust, giving the tribe sovereignty over the land. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with Prairie Band Chairperso…

1
More Money for Chicago Schools, Police Oversight Tension, and Environmental Restoration 41:52

1M ago41:52

41:52

Earlier this week representatives from the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools were together in Springfield to lobby the state for increased education funding. CPS schools are currently missing out on over $1 billion based on the state’s evidence-based funding formula. WTTW’s City Hall reporter Heather Cherone and author Arionne Nettl…

1
Steve Cohen Deleted Tweet Hints at Mets Fire Sale 58:00

1M ago58:00

58:00

Follow along as Kevin Clancy (aka KFC Barstool) and Clem (aka The Clem Report) battle through another season with The New York Mets. Will the Mets finally make history with Uncle Stevie (Steve Cohen) at the helm of the franchise? Or did the Wilpons curse the team and ruin all hope of ever winning a World Series? We can't think that way. Uncle Stevi…

1
How To Find Chicago’s Best Music Venues 16:45

2M ago16:45

16:45

Janet Jackson, The Rolling Stones, Pink, Pearl Jam, and other icons will play Chicago’s biggest arenas and stadiums at hefty prices this summer. But luckily for Chicagoans, we’ve got artists playing every day at some of the coolest venues all around the city that won’t break the bank. City Cast’s Caroline Patton runs Chicago Show Calendar which she…

1
How to Eat Cicadas. Yes, We're Serious 22:46

2M ago22:46

22:46

For the first time in over 200 years, two broods of cicadas are emerging simultaneously. While we have answered what cicadas are, where they’ll emerge, and if they bite, author and Newcity dining and drinking editor David Hammond is more concerned with how they taste. The author shares with host Jacoby Cochran some of his favorite cicada recipes. W…

1
Trump Tower Tax Trouble, Mayor’s Grades, and a Cicada Costume 33:45

2M ago33:45

33:45

A former Loretto Hospital executive has been charged with helping to embezzle money from the West Side hospital during the COVID crisis. And a new report from ProPublica and the New York Times sheds light on an IRS audit of Donald Trump and his eponymous Chicago tower that could cost the former president $100 million. Host Jacoby Cochran and execut…

1
Why Mayor Brandon Johnson Won't Grade His First Year 36:17

2M ago36:17

36:17

It has been one year since Brandon Johnson was inaugurated as Chicago’s 57th Mayor. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with the mayor to reflect on his first year in office and his plans for CTA, affordable housing, the Bears, and much more. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @cityc…

1
The fall of Fnatic / Is this the end of Faker? 1:49:05

2M ago1:49:05

1:49:05

IWDominate, MonteCristo, and dGon discuss live reactions to MSI results, the T1 vs BLG match, G2 vs PSG match, Fnatic's poor performance at MSI & defense from some fans and analysts, hopium angles for Team Liquid, more silly takes from Doublelift, predictions for the final week of MSI, and more!

1
From City Cast Denver: Introducing ‘Lauren Boebert Can’t Lose’ 2:16

2M ago2:16

2:16

Hey there! We are excited to share the trailer for a new special limited series from our friends and colleagues at City Cast Denver. If you’re a fan of what we do at City Cast, you’ll want to check it out: You’ve probably heard a story about Congresswoman Lauren Boebert. Like, how she got kicked out of a production of “Beetlejuice” for vaping and g…

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