

City Cast Chicago
City Cast
Chicago’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
Named Best Podcast by Chicago Reader 2022
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 18, 2024 • 30min
City Budget Worries, Bally's Casino Disappoints, and Tote Bag Season
We are weeks away from Mayor Brandon Johnson’s second budget address. And with a nearly $1 billion budget gap looming, department heads are being asked to locate potential cuts wherever they can while advocates push the mayor to double down on key investments. The Triibe’s Tonia Hill and Block Club Chicago’s Melody Mercado are here with what we need to know ahead of Johnson’s proposal. Plus, we discuss Bally’s performance at Medinah Temple, a Logan Square standoff, and Ravyn Lenae’s Chicago tour stop. Good News: 80 Minutes Around The World and Lo-Fi FestivalWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 18 episode:
Lincoln Park Zoo
Mubi
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Oct 17, 2024 • 25min
7 Architecture Terms You’ll Hear At Open House Chicago
This weekend the Chicago Architecture Center is hosting Open House Chicago, a free two-day festival celebrating nearly 200 of Chicago’s most culturally and historically significant museums, churches, theaters, skyscrapers, and more. All you need is an itinerary. Of course learning a few of Chicago’s most common architecture terms couldn’t hurt either. So we’re revisiting our conversation from earlier this year with Sun-Times architecture critic Lee Bey to help us speak the language of Chicago's steel, brick, and limestone.Good News: Nominate City Cast Chicago for Best Podcast and Hey Chicago for Best Email NewsletterWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 17 episode:
Lincoln Park Zoo
Mubi
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Oct 16, 2024 • 26min
Restaurant Openings, Updated United Center Menu, and a $13,000 Martini
Chicago is now home to the most expensive martini in the country. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea talk about the $13,000 cocktail, recent restaurant openings in the city, updates to the menu at the United Center, and other food headlines. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 16 episode:
Lincoln Park Zoo
Mubi
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Oct 15, 2024 • 42min
The Local Stories About to Be National
Back by popular demand, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from across the country to talk about what stories they're watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Hear from Chicago's own Jacoby Cochran along with hosts from our daily local shows in Austin, Boise, D.C., Pittsburgh, and Salt Lake.City Cast is now in 13 cities across the country! Joining our member community is the best way to support what we do. Get all the details and sign up here.Looking to advertise on City Cast? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 11, 2024 • 32min
Colleges Crack Down on Protests, Lead Pipe Removal, and Suing Lil Durk
It has been an interesting week after the entire school board decided to resign last Friday and the mayor announced six new members on Monday. Mayor Brandon Johnson is pushing back against critics, CPS CEO Pedro Martinez has gone on the defense, and the City Council doesn’t get a special school board sitdown. Joining us to break it all down are Chalkbeat Chicago’s Reema Amin and WBEZ’s Patrick Smith. Plus, we discuss new student protest restrictions on college campuses, updates on Chicago’s lead pipe removal timeline, and FBG Duck’s mother’s lawsuit against Lil Durk and others. Check out this episode on why Chicago has so many lead pipes.Good News: Destinos Latino Theater Festival, Chicago Filipino American Theatre Festival, Chicago International Film FestivalWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 11 episode:
Steppenwolf Theatre
Lincoln Park Zoo
Orthodontic Experts
Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
BetterHelp – Get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Oct 10, 2024 • 23min
How to Get the Best Deals at Chicago Flea Markets
The historic Maxwell Street Market returned to its original location this year, and the final one of the season is October 27. As one of Chicago’s oldest street markets, it paved the way for modern-day swap meets and flea markets. Producer Michelle Navarro grew up going with her family to the Swap-O-Rama in Back of the Yards, one of Chicago’s most popular flea markets. She recently stopped by to get some tips on how to find the best stuff and other markets to check out in the Chicagoland area.Markets to check out
Buyers Flea Market
Randolph Street Market
Wolff’s Flea Market
5 Start Swap Mart
7 Mile Fair
Good news: Fall Fest in Roseland and Jefferson Park, Harvest Festival in PilsenWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 10 episode:
Steppenwolf Theatre
Lincoln Park Zoo
Orthodontic Experts
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Oct 9, 2024 • 22min
The Chicago Marathon Food Guide for Cardio Lovers and Haters
Thousands of runners will converge on the city this weekend for the Chicago Marathon on Sunday. As many long distance runners will tell you, carbs are an essential part of pre- and post-run routines. And they’re tasty for those of us who prefer just to watch. So we brought in Allison Yates, founder of Read & Run Chicago to learn her favorite places for pasta, pastries, and all the delicious carbs in between!Whether you’re a runner, a supporter, or just passing by, here are some of the best carbs in Chicago — on and off the marathon route.
Old Fashioned Donuts
Lost Larson
Swadesi Cafe
Fry the Coop
Ina Mae
Ramen Wasabi
Cafe Tola
5411 Empanadas
BienMeSabe
Smoke Daddy
Chia Chai
Xoco
Steingold's
Cozy Noodles & Rice
Happy Lamb
Ann Sather
Bombay Eats
Pompei
Los Comales
La Luna
5 Rabanitos
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 9 episode:
Steppenwolf Theatre
Lincoln Park Zoo
Orthodontic Experts
Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
BetterHelp – Get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Oct 8, 2024 • 33min
Why Did the Whole School Board Quit? Plus, Chicago Fashion Week and Halloween Decorations
On Monday, Mayor Brandon Johnson named six nominees to fill the vacancies left when the entire Chicago School Board announced they would resign later this month. When pushed at the press conference to explain this sudden transition, the mayor would not confirm if recent tensions over the future of CPS CEO Pedro Martinez and ongoing budget concerns were to blame. The City Cast Chicago team breaks down the latest developments. Plus, we’re excited for Chicago Fashion Week and want to see your favorite Halloween decorations. Good News: WNDR Museum Karaoke StorytellersWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 8 episode:
Steppenwolf Theatre
Lincoln Park Zoo
Orthodontic Experts
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Oct 7, 2024 • 26min
The Rise and Fall of One of History's Most Powerful Politicians
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was the state’s most powerful politician for decades. Tomorrow, he stands trial on bribery, racketeering, fraud, and conspiracy charges. WTTW’s Amanda Vinicky breaks down the case against Madigan, what’s happened in the three years since he was indicted, and if this corruption trial (or the many before it) will change anything.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 7 episode:
Steppenwolf Theatre
Orthodontic Experts
Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
BetterHelp – get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Oct 4, 2024 • 34min
New Life for Abandoned School, Friendly BBQ Battle, and Grandma Love
After 50 schools were closed in Chicago a decade ago, the former Earle Elementary School in Englewood is finally getting a new purpose. The Triibe’s Corli Jay and Tribune sportswriter Shakeia Taylor catch us up on the latest developments. Plus, we discuss the Sky’s head-scratching moves, a new BBQ joint on 75th Street, and the Bears’ 2-2 start to the season. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 4 episode:Steppenwolf TheatreBecome a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE


