Stay ConnectedChicago’s daily news podcast, fresh every weekday morning. Host Jacoby Cochran brings you timely conversations with news and culture makers; activists and artists; bus drivers and students; those who love and hate this place. City Cast Chicago is a smart and delightful new way to connect with the city we share. Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at chicago.citycast.fm.
Named Best Podcast by Chicago Reader 2022
From birdwatching, to labor protests, to farmers markets — we’ve got your monthly guide to May in Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro discuss their best tips for the month.
If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Chicago community.
For even more tips on how to make the most of May in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month.
City Cast Chicago’s guide to May is made possible by our awesome sponsor, Aura Frames (get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST).
City Cast Chicago is also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Chicago.
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Reach us at chicago@citycast.fm
On this day 99 years ago, Route 66 was assigned its iconic number. The so-called Mother Road takes you all the way to California, but it begins in Chicago. So let’s take a little road trip. Host Jacoby Cochran gets in the car with Dario Durham and Sara Faddah, hosts of 77 Flavors of Chicago, to drive the Chicago leg of old Route 66. Along the way, they point out their favorite attractions, spots to eat, and see the city from a new perspective.
Get more from City Cast Chicago when you become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm.
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You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this April 30 episode:
Aura Frames — Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Last week, Sen. Dick Durbin announced that he will not seek reelection in 2026, after more than four decades in Congress. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss Durbin’s reasons for ending his long political career and which names are likely to emerge as successors. Plus, we break down upcoming changes to Chicago’s library cards and hear from new City Cast Chicago neighbors.
Good News: The Portal in Woodlawn and CatJam in Avondale.
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Anna Lee Ackerman is trying to ride every CTA train line and hit every “L” stop in record time, documenting her journey on TikTok. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with her about how she’s planning her trip, why it’s worth doing, and her definitive (and possibly spicy) ranking of the city’s train lines.
Get more from City Cast Chicago when you become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
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You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this April 28 episode:
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
On the heels of a tough budget season, and with looming federal funding cuts, Mayor Branndon Johnson is hoping to get ahead of what is shaping up to be yet another grueling budget fight. On Monday, he signed an executive order launching a budget working group and a review of city spending. Alex Nitkin from the Illinois Answers Project explains how this could set the stage for difficult budget considerations like staffing and service cuts. Plus, we discuss high “bonuses” for ward aides, the city’s reparations task force, and this weekend’s Cherry Blossom festival.
Good News: Off Beat Tour
Get more from City Cast Chicago when you become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
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You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this April 25 episode:
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
The Kehrein Center for the Arts is hosting a soldout “The Listening Field” this Sunday, dedicated to sound healing, meditation, and rest on Chicago’s West Side. We are joined by event producers Kori Coleman, the founder and executive director of D-Composed, and poet, songwriter, and musician Jamila Woods. We discuss what sound healing looks like for them, ways to get started at home, and how they blend Chicago poetry and classical music for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this April 24 episode:
Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Aura Frames – Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
Moats Entertainment – Save $5 with code CityCast
Paramount Theatre – Save $5 off each ticket with Code CityCast. Offer is good for up to 4 tickets
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Word on social media is Chicago’s funniest food duo is filming a second season of their show. We’re of course talking about “Poochie & Pang (eat Chicago),” starring Poochie from The Wiener’s Circle and longtime food critic Kevin Pang. While we wait to see what they’re eating this season, we’re revisiting a conversation host Jacoby Cochran had with the pair last fall about their Chicago food hot takes and the burgers they ate in season one.
Get more from City Cast Chicago when you become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this April 23 episode:
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
As street festival organizers struggle with rising costs, a coalition is urging Chicagoans to donate at the gate this summer. Host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro discuss the hurdles facing the city’s (mostly) free street fests and the future of summertime Chi. Plus, new restaurant openings and how to get our new City Cast Chicago Neighbors mug.
Good news: The Moth in Chicago: GrandSLAM
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
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You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this April 22 episode:
Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Cozy Earth – Use code COZYCHICAGO for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more.
Aura Frames – Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
Moats Entertainment – Save $5 with code CityCast
Paramount Theatre – Save $5 off each ticket with Code CityCast. Offer is good for up to 4 tickets
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Kat Abughazaleh has garnered national attention for announcing her campaign challenging U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District. But how does a 26-year-old who’s lived in Chicago less than a year win over voters in a district that’s been represented by the same person for nearly three decades? Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with Abughazaleh to learn more about her vision for the district covering Chicago’s Far North Side and north suburbs.
Get more from City Cast Chicago when you become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this April 21 episode:
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
The City Council this week held discussions about the future of hemp regulations, the mayor’s affordable housing plan, updates to the city’s curfew for minors, and whether Jan. 6 insurrectionists should be banned from city work, among other things. We ask The Triibe’s Corli Jay and the Chicago Tribune’s Jake Sheridan what came of these City Council meetings.
Good News: Expo Chicago 2025
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Learn more about the sponsors of this April 18th episode:
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