Backstory with Larry Potash

Latest Episodes:

The Rise, Fall, and Reinvention of the American Mall Oct 07, 2024

Show notes

Malls started out as a sort of town center 2.0, eventually becoming staples of suburban life. But with the rise of online shopping, what does the future hold for these icons of American consumerism. In this Backstory piece, Larry potash looks at the rise, fall, and reinvention of the American mall.

Backstory with Larry Potash airs Sunday nights at 11 on WGN-TV and on smart TVs on the free WGN+ app. For more, download the Backstory podcast wherever you get your podcasts, go to WGNtv.com/backstory, or follow Larry Potash on your favorite social media.

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The Powerful Allure of Nostalgia Oct 07, 2024

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Nostalgia is a powerful force that permeates every class and demographic. What exactly is its allure? And what is its danger? In this Backstory piece, Larry Potash delves into how nostalgia has infused our present-day lives, and what it means for the larger cultural picture.

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Scots in America Apr 22, 2024

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America's founding fathers go beyond the English. About half of the signers of the Declaration of Independence have Scottish roots. And they remained an influence on America from that moment forward.

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The Backstory of Whiskey Apr 22, 2024

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There are more than 750 whiskey and bourbon distillery businesses in the United States. They are growing at a pace of about 15% every year. Dark spirits have made a comeback, in no small part, because of its backstory.

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The Evolution of Maps Apr 15, 2024

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For centuries, maps have shown us how to get from point A to point B. But they’re much more than that. They’re a record of what people care about. How do you preserve these stories when maps are no longer on paper? In this Backstory piece, Larry Potash introduces us to a Chicago family who have been in the map business for 5 generations. Backstory with Larry Potash airs Sunday nights at 6:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. on WGN, or stream it anytime on the WGN+ app on your smart TV with Amazon Fire, Roku, and Apple TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vintage Baseball Apr 15, 2024

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Baseball pre-dates the other main sports in America. And while it’s often referred to as the American Pastime, its origins are steeped in myth. In this Backstory piece, Larry Potash introduces us to a group of people playing the game as it once was.

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From Reefer Madness to Big Business, Cannabis’ Comeback St Apr 08, 2024

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For thousands of years, the cannabis plant was a crucial crop in helping civilizations evolve, used for products from clothing to medicine. But then in the early 20th century, the American government demonized it. Is weed a wonder drug or dangerous habit? In this piece, Larry Potash explores the backstory of cannabis’ comeback.

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Mr. Sound Effects Apr 08, 2024

Show notes

Martin Scorsese. Leonardo DiCaprio. Nick White. You have probably heard of the first two, but the third has a fascinating story to tell. In this Backstory piece, Larry Potash introduces us to a man who creates vintage sound effects, and does it so well he talked his way into a major Hollywood film.

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The Hidden Meanings Embedded all over ‘It’s a Wonderful Life' Oct 23, 2023

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It's a Wonderful Life isn't a hit at the box office in 1946. But decades later it becomes a Christmas classic. In this segment for Backstory, Larry Potash unearths the hidden meanings contained in the sets, props, and more. You may never see it the same way again. Backstory airs Sunday nights at 6:30 & 11 on WGN, or stream it anytime on the WGN+ app on your smart TV with Amazon Fire, Roku, and Apple TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Deadliest Maritime Disaster in U.S. History Oct 23, 2023

Show notes

It was the deadliest maritime disaster in the history of the United States, the sinking of the S.S. Sultana right after the end of the Civil War. And yet, no one was ever convicted of a crime, despite evidence of gross negligence. Larry Potash profiles a man with a personal connection to the tragedy, and a remarkable discovery he's made about his ancestor. Backstory airs Sunday nights at 6:30 & 11 on WGN, or stream it anytime on the WGN+ app on your smart TV with Amazon Fire, Roku, and Apple TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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