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…

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…

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 …

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…

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 …

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 …

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…

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…

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…

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…

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-…

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…

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…

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 …

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…

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…

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…

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 …

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…

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…

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…

In this episode, Alyssa Tells David Baxter about William Hale “Big Bill Thompson” who is considered to be the most corrupt politician in Illinois History. This is a wild story about an Anglophobe prone to crazy rants, name-calling, and PR stunts. SHOW NOTES: Chicago Tribune: 'Big Bill' Thompson: Chicago's unfiltered mayor WTTW: Original Chicago Coc…

In this episode, Alyssa tells Cap’n Scoot about the reversal on the Chicago River. An alternative title could be “A River Runs with It.” An undertaking brought about by necessity is considered to be one of the top structural engineering accomplishments. Take a listen and learn. Digressions include: Taking shots at politicians Jet Skis, boaters, and…

Welcome to Juicyverse! In this episode Alyssa tells Vanessa Murphy from Reel Relationships about the marketing mastermind behind the Gum empire. SHOW NOTES: The Vintage News: The story of William Wrigley Jr.- soap salesman who became the world’s best gum manufacturer NYT : P. K. Wrigley, 82, Owner of Cubs And Chewing Gum Company Head Saturday Eveni…

In this episode Alyssa tells Pat about the 1919 Race Riots which are considered to be, simultaneously, amongst the least known and the bloodiest in US history. I am not going to lie it is unpleasant but important. Also, expletives employed. Alyssa is working on something fun for next week. Show Notes: History Channel: The Red Summer of 1919 NPR: Re…

Ultimately this episode is about Ed Burke's current, and long time coming, legal woes. We also talk about all the things he tried ban as well as his time as Trump's property tax appeals attorney. Down ballot votes and local media matters. Alyssa tries to make "Burke" a verb. You should too. It's the new "dibs." We also talk about dramaturgy. Social…

In this Episode Alyssa tells John about the long and bitter custody battle for "Baby T." The only digression is potty training and writing the script made Alyssa "stabby ragey." SHOW NOTES: CST: Rebuilt life not enough for DCFS CST: DCFS unfit to judge Baby T case CST: Divine secrets and profane lies CST: Baby T's `condition' also known as being a …

In Chicago Politics there are people who benefit from graft and those people who investigate it. These are their stories. This week Alyssa tells John about Alderman Ed Burke’s corruption. They decide in the Dick Wolf Chicago series needs to add “Fraud” to the lineup. John likens it to mobster movies—he isn’t wrong. They share an inside joke where t…

Ever hear about the "Council Wars?" In this episode Alyssa tells John about the Eds' efforts to obstruct Chicago's First Black Mayor. TW: Racism Show Notes: Encyclopedia of Chicago Chicago Tribune: Flashback: Chicago’s Council Wars pitted defiant white aldermen against a reform-minded Harold Washington WTTW: Council Wars NYT: CHICAGO 'COUNCIL WARS'…

This is the beginning of a five-part series where Alyssa tells John Zinn about someone who might be Chicago’s most notorious current politician. Known as Slow Ed to some and Burger King Burke to others we are gong to highlight the fifty-four-year career of former alderman Ed Burke a man described by the Federal Prosecutors as “thoroughly corrupt.” …

You might of heard about the guy who claimed to have had sex with Obama and the resulting conspiracies, including one pushed by Elon, but the actually 2004 Campaign was crazier than anything people could come up with online. Also, learn about the genesis of Birtherism. Show Notes: Chicago Tribune: Obama gets early boost from voters Chicago Tribune:…

As the White Chili simmers in the crockpot, Alyssa tells Risen Lady Heathen about some elephants who consumes alcohol and some of the most corrupt politicians in the history of Illinois Digressions include: Bear drinking WhiteClaw Owen Shroyer/Norn Pattis Lauren Boebert Book Bans Show Notes: These are going to be a little light because more are beh…

After two downer episodes, Alyssa invites Molly McAleer on to discuss many things about Hostess Twinkie. They have been around for a long time, and we couldn’t cover everything. We got labor issues, we got SCOTUS decisions, and we got a poorly run company with a bad product. Enjoy! Digressions include: The Great Recession Judge Judy Barbie St. Patr…

In this episode Alyssa tell David Baxter about a maritime tragedy worse than the Titanic. SHOW NOTES: Coast Guard Smithsonian: The Eastland Disaster Killed More Passengers Than the Titanic and the Lusitania. Why Has It Been Forgotten? Curbed: Demolition of the former Harpo Studios building closes a chapter of Chicago history History.Com: Hundreds D…

Alyssa tortures David Baxter with details about a fire. No, not The Great Chicago Fire. Another important one. Show Notes: Failure Magazine History Channel: Fire Breaks out in Chicago Theatre Chicago Tribune: The Iroquois Theater fire Smithsonian: The Iroquois Theater Disaster Killed Hundreds and Changed Fire Safety Forever Chicago Tribune: The Iro…

In this episode Alyssa tells Vanessa Murray host of Reel Relationships about The Great Chicago Flood, one- hour photo, parking spots and maritime law. Show Notes: Mike Royko: PUTTING IN A PLUG FOR CITY THAT LEAKS Chicago Reader: Flood of Memories Justia: Jerome B. Grubart, Inc. v. Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co., 513 U.S. 527 (1995) Musk Tunnel CBS2 …

After a few weeks of dark content, Alyssa thought we could use some fun so she tells John Zinn about the history of Chicago's most famous foods and beverage. That's right we talk Hot Dogs, Pizza, Italian Beef, and Malort. Have Fun! Also, subscribe, leave a five-star review and tell your friends. Show Notes: Eater: Anthony Bourdain’s Most Memorable …

Chicago will host the 2024 DNC convention but is is worth exploring the most tear-gassed convention in 1968. The parallels are amazing. History rhymes. SHOW NOTES: Bill Kurtis remembers the 1968 Democratic National Convention Part 1: 'The Whole World's Watching: 20 Years Later,' A 1988 CBS 2 Documentar Part 2: 'The Whole World's Watching: 20 Years …

Chicago will host the 2024 DNC convention but is is worth exploring the most tear-gassed convention in 1968. The parallels are amazing. History rhymes. Overview of The Walker Report Boss ABC7: Days of Rage Washington Post: ‘A party that had lost its mind’: In 1968, Democrats held one of history’s most disastrous conventions ProPublilca: Looking at …

Spoiler Alert. Streeter dies. You shouldn't be shocked this started in over a hundred years ago. In this episode things take a sad turn for Streeter but his final fraud is his funeral. SHOW NOTES: In my research, I found many conflicting reports. In some articles people said Streeter had two wives other's said four. Some claimed he was a Civil War …

In this episode, Maria goes to jail. Streeter goes to Prison. SHOW NOTES: In my research, I found many conflicting reports. In some articles people said Streeter had two wives other's said four. Some claimed he was a Civil War veteran, other a deserter. As addressed in this episode everything considered to be true about Streeter is incorrect. Then …