Best RavenEye Podcasts (2024)

1
Dairy Dilemma, As Oberweis Files Chapter 11 15:01

7M ago15:01

15:01

Through four generations and nearly 100 years, Oberweis Dairy has been an Illinois giant of industry. From brick-and-mortar ice cream shops to direct-to-consumer milk delivery (which saw record profits during the pandemic), their brand gained enough traction for Jim Oberweis -- grandson of its founder -- to make political headway in the state senat…

1
Holding Your Cards Close to Your Chest? Experts Talk the Reality of Gambling Addiction 26:15

7M ago26:15

26:15

The results are in, and they're staggering: about 4% of Illinois's population is living with a gambling addiction. With a new Casino and the rise in online sports betting, local mental health facilities are seeing a rise in clients seeking help for problem gambling. So how does this fun, recreational activity become an addiction? In today's episode…

1
How Does Vinyl Keep Chicago's Music History Spinning? 40:33

7M ago40:33

40:33

Record Store Day is this coming Saturday, April 20th – a national event intended to celebrate your local neighborhood music merchant. Along with several guests this week, host and producer Jim Hanke examines just some of Chicago's many ties to the record industry, past and present, as well as why physical media like vinyl still matters in 2024. Fol…

1
[ENCORE] With Overdoses on the Rise, Is Free Narcan the Answer? 24:11

7M ago24:11

24:11

This is an encore presentation of a previous episode from 9/13/23. In 2022, Illinois had the third largest rate of non-fatal overdoses in the country, and many are pointing to the distribution of Narcan – a nasal spray that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and save lives – as a major reason. Lighthouse Recovery, a treatment facility in…

1
Ketchup Smackdown -- Will Heinz Campaign Convince Chicago's Hot Dog Lovers To Embrace Change? 17:28

7M ago17:28

17:28

Putting ketchup on a hot dog: In Chicago, it can get you shunned by strangers or disowned by family. But why? And will a gutsy new viral campaign from Heinz -- with interactive displays giving out free ketchup in front of longtime sausage strongholds like the Wiener's Circle -- sway anyone who's still on the fence? This week, host and producer Jim …

1
Roller Derby -- The Sport That (Literally) Slams Gender Roles 21:50

7M ago21:50

21:50

This year marks the 20th anniversary of roller derby returning to where it was born: Chicago. But this fast-paced, gender-inclusive sport has had a long, contentious history -- even in it's hometown. So what is roller derby? And why does it not get the same level of recognition as others? In this episode, host Arielle Raveney sits in on a practice …

1
Bug Appétit -- The Cicadas are Coming... and They're Tasty? 30:05

8M ago30:05

30:05

This spring, countless cicadas will arrive en masse, in a way that we haven't seen in over 200 years, and that we won't see again until 2245. But beyond their buzzing mating call, did you know that they're perfectly edible? Joining host/producer Jim Hanke this week are University of Illinois Extension educator and Good Growing podcast host Ken John…

1
Choose to Eat or to Pay Rent? -- Perfect Storm Hits City's Food Charities 31:10

8M ago31:10

31:10

Relying weekly on one’s local food pantry for groceries, personal items and more can already be a stressful existence. But now, a myriad of factors are contributing to additional pressure being felt from all sides of the city, as unprecedented demand has led to stretched resources and frayed patience. For example, Nourishing Hope (formerly known as…

1
[ENCORE] What's Up With Illinois's Changing Climate? 19:03

8M ago19:03

19:03

After a record breaking hot summer, this winter Illinois and the rest of the Midwest saw warmer days and less snow. Is this our new normal? In today's episode, host Arielle Raveney takes a look at what climate change looks like in Illinois, and how the country's first ever floating eco-park has a nature based solution to reduce it's impact. ------ …

1
The 1890 Chicago Murder That Killed St. Patrick's Day 15:35

8M ago15:35

15:35

Chicago is known for it's many St. Paddy's Day events as the city itself becomes green, so it may not come as a surprise to know that the city has the second highest Irish population in the nation. The tradition of an annual parade in the city began in 1843, with the event getting bigger and bigger -- until 1890. In this episode, host Jim Hanke exp…

1
Stadium Switch -- Will the Bears' $2 Billion Keep Them in Chicago? 26:54

8M ago26:54

26:54

Earlier this week, a sudden development came in the ongoing stadium saga of the Chicago Bears: Instead of making use of the Arlington Heights land they acquired last year, it seems now the focus is on a new project south of their current Soldier Field domain -- on the city's lakefront -- with $2 billion of their own money. This week, host and produ…

1
Stanley Cup Champ Shoots for "Magic Mushroom" Concussion Cure 26:07

8M ago26:07

26:07

During his decade of pro hockey, former Chicago Blackhawk Daniel Carcillo (nicknamed "Car Bomb" for his aggressive approach on the ice) racked up two Stanley Cup Championships and over 150 fights. But the stat most pressing to Carcillo since his retirement has been the seven diagnosed concussions he sustained as a player, and the hundreds he says t…

1
A Pigeon and Falcon Fly Into a Bar -- A Conversation About Bird Conservation 22:43

8M ago22:43

22:43

Chicagoland is one of the most biodiverse regions in the country. Every year, we witness the migration of hundreds of different varieties of birds soar through our sky. Yet there’s one fowl you won’t fail to see year round: Pigeons. In this episode, host Arielle Raveney has a conversation about conservation with bird experts, explores the danger of…

1
Tom Skilling Retires, and Shares His Chicago Weather Memories (Part 2) 33:42

9M ago33:42

33:42

This is the second of a two-part episode. For part one, scroll back in your podcast feed. This week, WBBM morning news anchor Cisco Cotto sits down with WGN Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling, who will retire today -- Feb. 28th -- after over four decades with the station, and almost sixty years in broadcasting. During this discussion, Tom recalls som…

1
Tom Skilling Reflects on 40+ Years of Forecasting (Part 1) 24:43

9M ago24:43

24:43

This week, WBBM morning news anchor Cisco Cotto sits down with WGN Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling, who will retire later this month after over four decades with the station, and almost sixty years in broadcasting. This is the first of a two-part episode, the latter of which will air Wednesday, February 28th to coincide with Tom's final weather re…

1
“A Neighborhood Without Neighbors is the Hood” – A Conversation About Murals 20:23

9M ago20:23

20:23

All around Chicago, you can find intricate murals that tell a story or brighten up a neighborhood. With all this art, it's not surprising to discover that spray paint was invented here in the 1940's -- only to be outlawed in the 1990's. So how do new murals emerge, and what is their significance to the city? In this episode, host Arielle Raveney si…

1
Has Tavern-Style Pizza Finally Toppled Deep Dish? 33:17

9M ago33:17

33:17

This week, host and producer Jim Hanke examines the national interest in Chicago tavern-style pizza -- razor thin, cut to squares and for some, putting traditional deep dish to shame. Author, media personality and pizza expert Steve Dolinsky provides some history on this Windy City mainstay, and Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu discusses thre…

1
From EV to AI, What's Driving the Chicago Auto Show? 37:53

9M ago37:53

37:53

On this week's episode, host and producer Jim Hanke previews this weekend's Chicago Auto Show with car enthusiast and WBBM editor Geoff Buchholz and CBS Radio's Jennifer Keiper. Follow Geoff Buchholz on Instagram | Follow Jim Hanke on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | XBy Audacy

1
[ENCORE] How Do Restaurants Earn Michelin Stars? 29:12

9M ago29:12

29:12

This is an encore presentation of a previous episode from 7/24/23. With “The Bear” creating hype and conversation around Michelin Stars and the food world, we dig in to discover the process behind how a restaurant receives one. We speak with Master Chef Graham Elliot about his experience as a chef and restaurant owner. As well as food journalists S…

1
Will The White Sox Score The 78? 32:16

10M ago32:16

32:16

On top of the return of the fan-fueled Sox Fest in 2025, and the team's new history-making TV announcer John Schriffen this season, the South Side has been buzzing as of late with talk of a new potential home for the White Sox. Located where Roosevelt Road meets the Chicago River, The 78 is an as-yet-undeveloped site of a former rail and lumber yar…

1
"Parents Have a Voice" -- CPS Watchdog on Missing Tech and Embezzlement Findings 24:07

10M ago24:07

24:07

This year's annual report on Chicago Public Schools from the Office of Inspector General provided several headline-making findings, including financial woes from missing technology and potential embezzlement. This week, CPS IG Will Fletcher joins host Jim Hanke for a one-on-one discussion about the report, and what can be done in the future to comb…

1
Can’t Afford Your Prescription? Illinois is Looking to Change That 15:53

10M ago15:53

15:53

According to the National Health Institute, 1 in 5 people below the age of 65 report rationing insulin due to cost. This year Illinois’s new law, the Generic Drug Pricing Fairness Act, is in effect that restricts manufacturers and wholesale distributors from price gouging essential medicine. In this episode, host Arielle Raveney unpacks what this l…

1
Looped In Shortcuts -- What Chicago's Migrant Landing Zone Crisis Really Looks Like 14:16

10M ago14:16

14:16

Multiple suburbs of Chicago have now begun to pass ordinances responding to large numbers of migrants being bussed in from out-of-state. This week, Looped In: Chicago host and producer Jim Hanke speaks with WBBM reporter Carolina Garibay on what she saw and heard at the city's south loop landing zone. There, recently-arriving migrants were sleeping…

1
Bears Season Recap -- What's Justin Fields' Future? 29:58

10M ago29:58

29:58

WBBM sports reporters Rick Gregg and Josh Liss join host Jim Hanke this week to recap the Chicago Bears' below-average 7-10 season, while tackling questions on Justin Fields' future as the team's quarterback, where the new stadium will end up and what glimmers of hope are there for 2024. Plus, you'll hear audio from throughout the 2023 season from …

1
What's Happening at Chicago's Migrant Landing Zone? 31:42

10M ago31:42

31:42

As multiple suburbs of Chicago have now begun to pass ordinances responding to large numbers of migrants being bussed in from out-of-state, host and producer Jim Hanke speaks with several guests this week about the latest update on this multi-layered and ongoing issue: WBBM's Carolina Garibay reports on what she saw at the city's south loop landing…

1
Is Your Kid on TikTok? They Could Be Owed Money 21:06

10M ago21:06

21:06

Illinois is the first state to tackle the issue on many social media-user's minds: what about the children? Starting in July of this year, kids involved in their family's lucrative vlog content are now required financial compensation for their time on the screen. In this episode, host Arielle Raveney unpacks the specifics of this bill and how growi…

1
[ENCORE] How Hot Sauce Communicates with Our Brain and Body 21:36

10M ago21:36

21:36

This is an encore presentation of a previous episode from 7/31/23. Small, indie hot sauce brands are like the new homemade craft beer brewers of recent years. In the last quarter century, the hot sauce market has almost doubled annually, leading to a value of $3 billion in 2022. So why has this obsession with heat gathered so much steam? This week,…

1
2024 Predictions in Baseball, Business and More 26:32

11M ago26:32

26:32

As we approach a new year, host Jim Hanke welcomes several friends and previous guests of Looped In: Chicago to discuss what to expect in all things Cubs, White Sox, finance and auto news next year. Tune in to hear visits from Danny Parkins of 670 The Score, Jeff Gilbert of Detroit’s WWJ, and WBBM’s Rob Hart and Andy Giersher as they pontificate ab…

1
"A Pure Act of Joy" -- 500 Straight Days of Roller Skating 27:00

11M ago27:00

27:00

Chicago-area photographer Lenny Gilmore has shot portraits of some of the city's most recognizable personalities, from Chief Keef and Chance the Rapper to actor Michael Shannon and hockey's Marian Hossa. But in 2015, while documenting a local roller derby team, a fire was lit within Gilmore to pursue roller skating himself. And last year, the love …

1
2023 Rewind -- Extended Interviews From Popular Episodes 27:59

11M ago27:59

27:59

2023 has come and gone. This year was big for the Looped In team - we rebranded from Courier Pigeon, and we had the privilege to cover so many stories and communities. In this episode, we are showcasing two extended interviews from episodes you as our listeners liked the most: Turtel Onli from "The Fight for Truth and Justice in Comic Books," and D…

1
Why isn't bowling an Olympic sport? Chicago bowler, the best in the world, weighs in 29:37

11M ago29:37

29:37

Though bowling has yet to reach official Olympic-level competition, Chicago's connection to the sport is long-held. And last month, a competitor from our area even become the best bowler in the world, as AJ Johnson -- who essentially grew up at Parkside Lanes in Aurora -- took home the gold medal in singles bowling at the Pan Am Games in Santiago, …

1
"If I Were Hollywood, I'd Be Nervous" -- How Beyoncé and Taylor Have Slayed the Film Industry 21:04

11M ago21:04

21:04

Aside from full, edge-of-your-seat concert experiences, what set Beyoncé and Taylor Swift's concert films apart from the pack at the box office this year? Turns out they bypassed the studio system entirely, and brought both of their movies to audiences more directly. So what does this landmark move mean for the film industry going forward? On today…

1
What Christmas Icons Were Made in Chicago? 25:53

11M ago25:53

25:53

Christmas is almost here! As you brave the weather for holiday shopping, followed by a night of family TV viewing of yuletide favorites, do you know which famous Christmas icons have Chicago roots? On today's episode, we explore the true stories behind Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer as well as the famous window displays of Marshall Field's, and how…

1
George Ofman's Best Stories of Pat Hughes, Wayne Messmer, Peggy Kusinski 26:55

12M ago26:55

26:55

Longtime Chicago sports media personality George Ofman, host of his own podcast -- Tell Me A Story I Don't Know -- has recently turned some of his best interviews over the years with fellow broadcasters, reporters, pro coaches and more into an intriguing new book of the same name. During this second of two episodes this week with Ofman, you'll hear…

1
George Ofman's Must-Hear Audio with Jason Benetti, Bob Costas, Dave Wannstedt 25:05

12M ago25:05

25:05

If you’re a lifelong listener to Chicago radio, you know George Ofman well. His nearly 50 years in sports journalism have brought him to WBBM, The Score and WGN, among other outlets. Now the host of his own podcast -- Tell Me A Story I Don't Know -- Ofman has turned some of his best interviews with sports broadcasters, reporters, coaches and more i…

1
Downtown Crime: "Non-Issue" When Attracting New Business 19:18

12M ago19:18

19:18

According to stats from the National Retail Federation, crime along Chicago's Magnificent Mile is down since 2020, despite viral videos of break-ins, crash-and-grabs and more seemingly painting a different story. So how are business development organizations and shop owners building consumer confidence, attempting to reverse stigmas, and working to…

1
"Our People are Made to Thrive" -- Chicago's Urban Native Community 19:03

12M ago19:03

19:03

Nearly 75% of America's Native population currently reside in urban settings. In a move to recognize and push the advancement of that demographic, Illinois passed three separate bills this year to protect Native history and culture. But, how do these laws reflect the reality of Chicago's Native population, the third-largest out of all major US citi…

1
Vallas & Romeo -- "Mansion Tax" Talk Hits Fever Pitch 33:37

12M ago33:37

33:37

This coming March, the ballot box will see a vote on Bring Chicago Home, an ordinance to determine if taxes should be increased on the sale of high-end properties -- ranging from residences to office buildings, valued at $1 million or more -- in order to fund programs to battle the city's homelessness crisis. Today, host Jim Hanke speaks with guest…

1
Veterans Day Special -- Chicago Vet Says, "God Let Us Come Back" 26:28

1y ago26:28

26:28

This is an encore presentation of a previous Looped In: Chicago episode from July 2023, in honor Veterans Day. Since 2008 the Chicago hub for Honor Flight -- a nationwide non-profit -- has flown more than 10,000 US veterans to Washington, DC at no cost, in order to pay respect to their bravery and sacrifice. And in recent years, Vietnam veterans (w…

1
“Life Inspires Music, and Music Inspires Life” – Terri Hemmert (Part 2) 29:50

1y ago29:50

29:50

On this second half of a two-part episode, longtime WXRT disc jockey Terri Hemmert chats with WBBM anchor and resident radio-history buff Rob Hart about her 50 years on-air in Chicago, and educating students at Columbia College about how music and civil rights intersect. Be sure to tune into our first episode with Terri, awaiting you in your podcas…

1
One-on-One with Terri Hemmert, Celebrating 50 Years at 93XRT (Part 1) 25:59

1y ago25:59

25:59

For five decades, Terri Hemmert has been a voice that Chicagoans rely on not just for new music or Beatles factoids, but for being an advocate of the arts. Inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2010, she first joined the on-air staff of WXRT in 1973, becoming the first female drive-time host on a Chicago rock radio station. Still, she humbly admi…

1
Just Add Magic: Does Wonder Still Exist? 19:15

1y ago19:15

19:15

The last 7 days of October marked National Magic Week, to honor the infamous Houdini. But in a world of technology and CGI, where does magic fit in? In this week's episode of Looped In: Chicago, host Arielle Raveney visits a local, popular magic venue to see if wonder still exists in the modern world. ----- Mentioned in the Episode: The Chicago Mag…

1
"We're All Victims" -- Retail's Crash-and-Grab Crisis 19:22

1y ago19:22

19:22

From clothing stores to pharmacies, retail accounts for about one-fifth of Illinois' workforce and is the second-largest revenue generator in the state. So as crash-and-grab robberies (those that use the force of a large vehicle to break the entrance of a store) continue to rise, how does this affect our safety and our economy? This week, host Jim …

1
Looped In Goes Ghost Hunting 22:41

1y ago22:41

22:41

Chicagoland's rich architectural history means that some of its most well-known buildings are approaching 200 years of existence. So with Halloween approaching, we were curious: Do the spirits of people who lived or worked there still inhabit them? On this week's episode, you'll hear theories around the science behind ghosts and the paranormal, as …

1
The Story of Chicago's History-Making, 104-Year-Old Skydiver 23:33

1y ago23:33

23:33

Just before passing away earlier this month, 104-year-old Dorothy Hoffner of Chicago completed a record-setting tandem skydive, potentially becoming the oldest person to ever do so. On this week's episode, host Jim Hanke showcases audio from WBBM reporter Nancy Harty -- highlighting interviews with both Dorothy herself and close friend Joe Conant -…

1
How Will $150 Million Affect the Migrant Crisis? 21:31

1y ago21:31

21:31

Chicago's sanctuary city status has been put to the test as 18,000 Asylum Seekers have been bussed and flown here since August of last year. As busses continue to arrive by the dozen a day, how is the city grappling with this humanitarian crisis? In this weeks episode of Looped In: Chicago, host Arielle Raveney speaks with WBBM reporters about comm…

1
"The Kids Are Not to Blame" -- A Look Into Youth Sports 23:37

1y ago23:37

23:37

As fall rolls in, the time of school sports is upon us. But what exactly does this look like for the kids and teens who play? In this week's episode, we take a look at some of the barriers, benefits and psychological effects that youth sports have on young folks with WBBM Sport Reporters Rick Gregg and Josh Liss. ------ Mentioned in the Episode: Th…

1
"Now, I'm Sure They're Out There" -- A Convo About UFOs 18:18

1y ago18:18

18:18

This summer marked a bombshell conversation with Congress when a former Air Force Intelligence Officer testified to congress that the government is aware of non-human UFO technology and biologics. What does that mean for us on Earth? In this episode, host Arielle Raveney speaks with organizations on this planet whose goal is to bring awareness to U…

1
How Chicago's Fastest Man Preps for The Marathon 34:15

1y ago34:15

34:15

More than 45,000 people will descend upon the city this weekend to compete in Sunday's Bank of America Chicago Marathon, but what's it like to convey all that action over the air? Longtime WBBM sports reporter Josh Liss joins host Jim Hanke this week to provide expertise on his two-plus decades covering the event, and the backstories of particular …

1
Now or Never? -- UAW’s “Unprecedented” Strike Hits Chicago 20:13

1y ago20:13

20:13

Some have called 2023 a “summer of strikes,” with almost 300% more total union-related walks off the job than last year. And while WGA and UPS have reached agreement terms, SAG-AFTRA and the United Auto Workers remain on the picket line, asking for better compensation in comparison to company leadership. On today’s episode, Detroit-based auto repor…

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