Ask questions, vote and discover answers about Chicago, the region and its people. From WBEZ.
…
continue reading
Each week we choose a theme. Then anything can happen. This American Life is true stories that unfold like little movies for radio. Personal stories with funny moments, big feelings, and surprising plot twists. Newsy stories that try to capture what it’s like to be alive right now. It’s the most popular weekly podcast in the world, and winner of the first ever Pulitzer Prize for a radio show or podcast. Hosted by Ira Glass and produced in collaboration with WBEZ Chicago.
…
continue reading
The latest Chicago Bears news and analysis from the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ. Listen as we evaluate games, make predictions, provide insights and analyze the day’s big stories. Stay informed this football season with Chicago Sun-Times reporters and columnists Patrick Finley, Jason Lieser, Mark Potash, Rick Morrissey and Rick Telander.
…
continue reading
Take two nationally respected rock critics, the latest music news, personal commentary, and exclusive interviews and performances, add a huge pile of records old and new, and the result is Sound Opinions, where people who love music can come together.
…
continue reading
In bite-sized episodes every weekday, we'll keep you informed, tickled, geeked, and pondering on Chicago's news, culture and people. Start and end your day with quick news roundups from the WBEZ newsroom. Plus, in the afternoons, dive deeper into conversations with the artists, journalists, and changemakers that shape the Windy City. The Rundown podcast is a one-stop-shop for all things Chicago.
…
continue reading
Making: Stories Without End takes you on a journey to learn about daytime soap operas and their broad reach on television.
…
continue reading
WBEZ's Reset brings context to the latest Chicago-area news with experts, journalists and newsmakers. Want to be a connected Chicagoan in the know? Subscribe to this podcast! You can email the team behind Reset at [email protected]. Or leave us a voicemail at 888-915-9945.
…
continue reading
Chicago gangs: Real people. Real stories. A way forward. The new season of Motive explores violence on the streets of Chicago and the former gang members working to stop it.
…
continue reading
WBEZ's global affairs program. Featuring in-depth conversations about international issues and their local impact. Also, foreign film reviews and human rights commentaries. Hosted by Jerome McDonnell. This podcast is free, in mp3, and updated weekdays.
…
continue reading
'South Side Stories' is a celebration of the real-life people and places that inspired Comedy Central’s hit new comedy series, 'South Side.' With lots of laughs, love and plenty of real talk, 'South Side Stories' proves that what you see on the news is only a small slice of a big city. btb.
…
continue reading
Dueling theater critics Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel discuss the latest stage productions and dissect the best — and the worst — of Chicago's theater scene.
…
continue reading
Nerdette is a weekly interview show that helps you unwind with fun conversations, inspiring ideas, and delightful recommendations. And join us every month for the Nerdette Book Club!
…
continue reading
'Public Official A' uncovers the rise and fall of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. How he did whatever it took to reach the top. The trail of destruction left in his wake. And how the complexities, charisma, and tragic flaws of this public official resonate today.
…
continue reading
Axios podcast host Niala Boodhoo digs deep with leaders you know — or need to know — in business, politics and culture. Every week, all in under 20 minutes. About Axios: Axios is a digital media company launched in 2017. Axios helps you become smarter, faster with news and information across politics, tech, business, media, science and the world. Subscribe to our newsletters at axios.com/newsletters and download our mobile app at axios.com/app. About Niala Boodhoo: Niala Boodhoo is the host ...
…
continue reading
PleasureTown is a story-based podcast told in serial form that details the history of a little-known, failed Oklahoma utopian society. The town’s history is crowdsourced, piece by piece, by the producers, collaborators and audience members. PleasureTown is created and produced by Keith Ecker and Erin Kahoa, along with the assistance of WBEZ in Chicago.
…
continue reading
Asians have long been ignored, fetishized or made the butt of the joke in America. Shoes Off: A Sexy Asians Podcast wants to put that to rest. Each week, we celebrate badass Asians who are making a mark on pop culture and entertainment. Co-hosts Esther Yoon-Ji Kang and Susie An hang out with trailblazers in comedy, film, music and other fields—inviting them to reflect on their identities and redefine “sexy” on their own terms.
…
continue reading
Excepts from Vocalo's afternoon show hosted by Luis Antonio Perez & Shantell Jamison
…
continue reading
A four minute weekly radio comic strip. ...It's what Steve Inskeep and Renee Montagne might be hotly debating as they walk into the studio -- just before they get on mic. This short radiostrip plays out in the kitchen of 11 Central Ave, the home of an extended family where a hodgepodge of other characters regularly drops in.As they rush around in the morning drinking coffee, reading the paper, looking for their shoes, they're talking about everything from the most compelling topics of our ti ...
…
continue reading

1
Chicago Public Media CEO Melissa Bell On Future of Chicago Sun-Times, WBEZ
24:31
24:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:31Producer: Dan Tucker Editor: Dan Tucker Mixer: Ari Mejia
…
continue reading
Portillo’s is entering the breakfast space, rolling out a breakfast menu at five of its locations – and, yes, you can get an Italian beef in the morning now, too. For their breakfast twists on Portillo’s classics, you can try a Polish sausage egg sandwich and a chocolate cake donut. Reset team members try select items. For a full archive of Reset i…
…
continue reading
Alders ban January 6th Capitol riot participants from city jobs. Staff say the Chicago History Museum retaliated against them for unionizing. The University of Illinois sues the Department of Energy over funding cuts. Reset goes behind the headlines of those stories and much more in our Weekly News Recap with Heather Cherone, WTTW Chicago politics …
…
continue reading
A new coalition says neighborhood street festivals in Chicago are struggling to survive. As the Trump administration continues to make changes to the Social Security system – some Illinois residents say they’re worried about accessing their benefits. Plus, Illinois Democratic politicians say the party needs to focus on kitchen table issues in order…
…
continue reading
A report from Northwestern University points to an initiative as part of the reason why shootings are down in Chicago. Questions continue swirling around U.S. Senator Dick Durbin’s plans as other Illinois Democrats consider their own futures. Northwestern students and professors are calling on their leaders to defend the university against Presiden…
…
continue reading

1
The Trump Administration Is Pushing The Legal System To Its Limit
14:08
14:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:08Producer: Andrea Guthmann Editor: Dan Tucker Mixer: Ari Mejia
…
continue reading

1
Reviews of Lucy Dacus, Saba & No I.D., Mekons, etc. Plus RIP Clem Burke & Dave Allen
50:23
50:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:23As spring is springing, the volume of new albums coming out is hard to keep up with. This week hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot dig out from “music mountain” by reviewing new albums from Lucy Dacus, Saba and No ID, Mekons and Perfume Genius. They also pay tribute to Clem Burke of Blondie and Dave Allen of Gang of Four. Join our Facebook Group: http…
…
continue reading
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said a proposal that would give Chicago Police sole discretion to implement immediate curfews for kids needs “deeper vetting.” Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said public safety is under attack under Donald Trump’s administration. Chicago’s Links Hall announced that it will close its doors for good after its current season.…
…
continue reading

1
Mail Art, The Radical Art Form You Didn’t Know About In Chicago
19:06
19:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:06Producer: Ari Mejia Editor: Dan Tucker Mixer: Ari Mejia
…
continue reading
Those who’ve been convicted of a crime for participating in the January 6th insurrection can no longer work for the city of Chicago. A nearly three-year upswing in Chicago robberies has ended. Dozens of Chicago History Museum employees and supporters of the local ASFCME union protested at the museum yesterday.…
…
continue reading

1
Are The Kids Alright? How Chicago’s Youth Are Doing In 2025
18:57
18:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:57Producer: Ellie Gilbert-Bair Editor: Dan Tucker Mixer: Ari Mejia
…
continue reading

1
How sweet the sound: The history of Evanston folk coffeehouse Amazingrace
12:14
12:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:14Folk music surged in popularity across America in the late 1950s through the ‘70s, including here in the Chicago area. Last episode, we looked at how a few area coffeehouses catered to many patrons in their teens and early twenties. These were alcohol-free spaces where people could listen to live music and hangout for hours. Curious City host Erin …
…
continue reading

1
One Of Illinois’ Top Republicans Still Has Nothing But Confidence in Trump’s Policies
18:03
18:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:03Back on Inauguration Day in January, Reset spoke with Kathy Salvi, the chair of the Illinois Republican Party. At the time, she said that concerns that President Trump’s mass deportation policies would overreach and extend to students, legal residents and citizens were unfounded and a result of “fearmongering.” Nearly three months into the Trump ad…
…
continue reading
Illinois educators are unsure of how to protect their students as the Trump administration has cancelled hundreds of student visas. Some Illinois Democrats are growing impatient with Senator Dick Durbin. Plus, the Chicago Blackhawks season is over.
…
continue reading
Former President Joe Biden is using Chicago as a venue to hit his GOP successor, President Donald Trump, on Social Security cutbacks. A Chicago city council member plans to push for a vote today on his stalled ordinance to create an 8 p.m. curfew for kids in the city’s downtown area. Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker says he’s committed to protecting …
…
continue reading

1
‘An underground subculture’: How Chicago coffeehouses shaped the folk revival movement
7:42
7:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:42In the 1960s and 70s, Chicago coffeehouses were popular spots for young people. These were alcohol-free establishments where people in their teens and 20s could listen to live music or just hangout for hours.
…
continue reading

1
A Song that Stalked Jim Through the Algorithm
8:47
8:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:47In this bonus episode, Jim attempts to redeem a song from German singer Nina Hagen's 1982 album NunSexMonkRock, which Rolling Stone famously dubbed the "most unlistenable" album ever made. Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a dona…
…
continue reading
Former President Joe Biden is in Chicago. Governor Pritzker’s office is shelling out millions of taxpayer dollars to Illinois’ film and TV industry. Plus, Portillo’s launched its breakfast menu today.
…
continue reading

1
Challenge Yourself To Buy ‘No New Things’
16:11
16:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:11Producer: Micah Yason Editor: Dan Tucker Mixer: Micah Yason
…
continue reading
Some parents are breathing a sign of relief now that the teachers union has approved a new contract with the Chicago Public Schools. WBEZ has tips for how to best protect your financial investments during uncertain economic times. A dark humorist from Madison delivers a new play that blends stand-up comedy and drama.…
…
continue reading

1
From Retirement To A Potential ‘Trumpcession,’ Let’s Talk Finances
20:06
20:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:06Producer: Micah Yason Editor: Dan Tucker Mixer: Ari Mejia
…
continue reading

1
In the world of soaps, women’s issues take front-burner status
34:19
34:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:19Irna Phillips created the cliff-hanger in broadcast storytelling and perfected the serial drama, first in radio, then on television. She mentored the creators of All My Children, One Life to Live, The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful. The latter two remain on television today. Phillips also created the television vixen, an arch…
…
continue reading

1
US International Students At Risk Of Deportation
16:28
16:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:28Producer: Alyssa Manthi Editor: Dan Tucker Mixer: Ari Mejia
…
continue reading
The Chicago Teachers Union contract has been ratified with nearly unanimous support. Registration for Chicago Park District summer camps has begun. Piping plovers have returned to Montrose Beach.
…
continue reading
Some crime survivors held a healing vigil on Chicago’s West Side this weekend. Tariff uncertainty is impacting Illinois farmers ahead of a new planting season. The Chicago Comics and Entertainment Expo filled McCormick Place over the weekend.
…
continue reading

1
The Marketbox Project: Neighbors Who Eat And Dream Together
18:00
18:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:00Producer: Lynnea Domienik Editor: Meha Ahmad Mixer: Lynnea Domienik
…
continue reading

1
858: How to Tell a Dumb American Story
1:06:58
1:06:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:58A couple devises a strategy to get their daughter's killer prosecuted and to get attention for other Native families. Visit thisamericanlife.org/lifepartners to sign up for our premium subscription. Prologue: Mika Westwolf was killed in a hit-and-run on a Montana highway. Her parents thought the driver might get away with it. The driver was white. …
…
continue reading
Introducing WBEZ's latest podcast series, Making: Stories Without End. Host Natalie Moore takes you on a journey to learn about daytime soap operas and their broad reach on television. From the early radio days in the 1930s through the invention of TV to streaming, this way of telling immersive stories has endured. There are intergenerational famil…
…
continue reading
Introducing WBEZ's latest podcast series, Making: Stories Without End. Host Natalie Moore takes you on a journey to learn about daytime soap operas and their broad reach on television. From the early radio days in the 1930s through the invention of TV to streaming, this way of telling immersive stories has endured. There are intergenerational famil…
…
continue reading
Introducing WBEZ's latest podcast series, Making: Stories Without End. Host Natalie Moore takes you on a journey to learn about daytime soap operas and their broad reach on television. From the early radio days in the 1930s through the invention of TV to streaming, this way of telling immersive stories has endured. There are intergenerational famil…
…
continue reading

1
Behind The Charm Of Chicago’s Indie Band starcharm
20:00
20:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:00Producer: Micah Yason Editor: Meha Ahmad Mixer: Ethan Schwabe
…
continue reading
Producer: Andrea Guthmann Editor: Meha Ahmad Mixer: Ari Mejia
…
continue reading
A Chicago City Council committee voted to reject a 1.25 million dollar settlement for the family of Dexter Reed, who was shot dead by police officers last year. Cook County Health is trying to increase awareness of H-I-V prevention, testing, and services. Plus, tomorrow is national record store day.
…
continue reading
Members of Chicago’s arts community are calling on Mayor Brandon Johnson to address issues within the city’s cultural affairs department. Public health officials are closely watching measles outbreaks locally as the highly contagious virus circulates in the U.S. New research from Northwestern University explains why some people’s brains become deep…
…
continue reading
Producer: Daniel Tucker Editor: Daniel Tucker Mixer: Ariel Mejia
…
continue reading

1
25th Anniversary of Common's Like Water for Chocolate
50:31
50:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:31This year marks the 25th anniversary of socially conscious rapper Common's pivotal album Like Water for Chocolate. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot revisit their classic album dissection of Like Water for Chocolate including an interview with Common from the year 2000. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: http…
…
continue reading