City Cast Chicago

Latest Episodes:

During Journey to Mexico, Monarch Butterflies Stop in Pilsen Sep 14, 2022

Show notes

Every fall, monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles south to Mexico, flying from and passing through Chicago. It’s a long journey, but at a sanctuary garden in Pilsen the butterflies can feed and re-fuel. Claudia Galeno-Sanchez started her garden of native plants to help pollinators, but it also reminds her of her own journey from Mexico 20 years ago. Galeno-Sanchez says the garden brings the community together and helps the ecosystem. Host Jacoby Cochran takes a tour.

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Author Explores Grief, Loss, and Chi Politics in ‘Mount Chicago’ Sep 13, 2022

Show notes

The sinkhole that swallows up Millennium Park in “Mount Chicago” only takes up a fraction of the new novel. Among other characters, the story follows Solomon Gladman, a writer and comedian who lost his family in the disaster, and a fictional mayor attempting to create a Daley-like legacy in the sinkhole’s wake. Producer Simone Alicea talks with author Adam Levin about grief, loss, and the role of Chicago in the novel.

A little bit of news: Learn more about running for a seat on newly-created police District Councils.

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Texas is Busing Migrants to Chicago. What Happens Next? Sep 12, 2022

Show notes

On the evening of Aug. 31, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted that a bus of migrants had arrived in Chicago. The asylum-seekers, largely from Venezuela, had been sent to the city with little information, and the organizations and city officials receiving them at Union Station didn’t have many more answers. Since then, two more buses of migrants have arrived. Chicago Tribune’s Laura Rodriguez Presa has been talking with the new arrivals and shares some of their stories.

You can find places to donate or sign up to volunteer to help arriving asylum-seekers through the city.

Some news:

Get your state income and property tax rebates

Chicago Fire Facility Moving to Site of Former ABLA Homes

After School Matters applications open

The Destinos international Latino Theater Festival begins this week

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Bears Move Toward Burbs, But Will Fans Follow? Plus, South Side Celebrations Sep 09, 2022

Show notes

Host Jacoby Cochran, Crain’s reporter Corli Jay, and Block Club Southeast Side reporter Maxwell Evans rewind some stories from the week, including the Bears’ ongoing threat to move to suburban Arlington Heights, new small businesses in Woodlawn, and some good news, including the welcoming community of South Shore and the return of a street fest in Gresham.

Other stories discussed:

Studying climate change in Chicago

26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade

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It May Be Quiet, But Don’t Sleep on the Northwest Side Sep 08, 2022

Show notes

Host Jacoby Cochran meets fellow podcaster Zac Emry at Fort Knox Studios in Portage Park to talk about things to eat, see, and do on the Northwest Side. Emery, who hosts the podcast Album Rebrews, talks about moving to the area to be close to one of the city’s largest music rehearsal spaces and discovering spots in the city and nearby suburbs that align with his eclectic interests.

Spots Zac recommends:

Thrifting books and collectibles at Village Crossing

American Science and Surplus (now in Park Ridge)

Tone Deaf Records

LaBagh Woods

Leaning Tower of Niles

Mom’s Old Recipe Mexican restaurant

Weston’s Coffee and Tap Co.

Elly’s on Milwaukee

Want to know where to see birds in Uptown? Find a Chicago-mix-scented candle in Beverly? Or get a coffee (or two or three) in North Lawndale? Peep our neighborhood guide playlist.

Some good news: The three-day Lincoln Park Gyrofest starts Friday.

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Here’s How the Committee Came Up with Their Recommendations for City Monuments Sep 07, 2022

Show notes

Two years ago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot removed the Christopher Columbus statues in Grant Park and Arrigo Park in Little Italy after protests and police violence as activists called for the monuments to be removed. The mayor then appointed a committee to review the city’s public monuments and determine which ones are problematic and what should be done with them. The Chicago Monuments Project narrowed the list to 41 works and just released their recommendations for those monuments. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to committee co-chair Bonnie McDonald about how the group came to their recommendations.

A little bit of news: Here’s where to find the new bivalent COVID-19 booster.

More residents are now eligible to get lead water lines removed. Here’s where to apply and get a free water test kit.

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From the Barber's Chair to Podcast Mics, '79th and Halas' Brothers Talk Bears Sep 06, 2022

Show notes

Brothers Scott and Joe Lewis grew up talking about their love—and frustration—with the Chicago Bears. They used to listen to the old guys at their barbershop in Englewood do the same thing. The Lewis brothers turned that into the “79th and Halas” podcast, which has been on for eight seasons. Ahead of the Bears’ season opener Sunday, host Jacoby Cochran talks with Scott Lewis about the podcast and the upcoming season.

A little bit of news: While beaches are closed for the season, some indoor pools are reopening this week. Check the Park District for details.

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Street Takeovers Not Stopping, Chicago Welcomes Migrants from Texas, and The Rink is Back! Sep 02, 2022

Show notes

With illegal drag races, donuts in the street, backed up traffic, fireworks and run-ins with police, street takeovers continue to pop up across Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by Chicago Sun-Times’ reporter Manny Ramos and Chicago Tribune reporter Jake Sheridan to talk what, if anything, the city can do to discourage the meet-ups. Our Friday trio also discuss more libraries carrying Narcan (Naloxone), migrants arriving in Chicago from Texas, and the anniversary of Emmett Till’s death. Plus, stick around for our good news we’ve got roller skates and pickleball!

Some Good News:

The Rink re-opening Friday, Sept. 2

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West Side Best Side? Explore North Lawndale to Garfield Park Sep 01, 2022

Show notes

Host Jacoby Cochran and freelance journalist Natalie Frazier stop by Comercio Popular in Lawndale to talk about Natalie’s family’s history on the West Side. From growing up in Austin, visiting granny in Garfield Park, and putting down roots in North Lawndale, Natalie shares with us the pride she feels in her community and her desire to see it thrive. She also shares her favorite things to do, see, and eat in her neighborhoods.

Spots Natalie Recommends:

Azucar Ice Cream & Coffee

Monday Coffee @ Garfield Park Conservatory

Muse Coffee Studio

Firehouse Community Arts Center

Check out our other neighborhood guides for Rogers Park, Uptown, and Edgewater and for Beverly, Morgan Park, and Mount Greenwood.

Want to take us around YOUR neighborhood? Or have recs on where to go? Email us at chicago@citycast.fm.

Call or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Lisa Beasley’s ‘Lory Litefoot’ is a Political Statement Aug 31, 2022

Show notes

Lisa Beasley has toured with Second City, performed on Comedy Central, and stolen scenes on the hit show “South Side.” Her latest show at the Laugh Factory, “Lisa Beasley’s Unpolitical Woman Comedy Show,” may be her funniest creation yet. The show features a cast of Lisa’s friends and impressive characters like “women’s ministry pastor” Kevin Jackson, a reincarnated Margaret Thatcher, and Mayor Lory Litefoot. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to the writer and filmmaker about the show and the many layers of her comedy.

For free tickets to Lisa Beasley’s Unpolitical Woman Comedy, USE PROMO CODE: citycast (there are a limited number of tickets so grab them fast!)

Call or Text Us: (773) 780-0246