In this episode Alyssa tells Ben Panko about the 1992 and 2021 versions of the movie Candyman and the urban legends which surround it. Show Notes: Chicago Tribune: Cabrini-Green and a horror film that captured the fears of public housing Vox: How a tragic unsolved murder and a public housing crisis led to Candyman Chicago Reader: How a story about …

Alyssa updates John Zinn about the Madigan trial which organically invokes William Shakespeare, Steven Sondheim, and David Axelrod and others. Stay for the Putin comparison. Show Notes: Chicago Sun-Times: David Axelrod deliberates on the case against Michael Madigan Chicago Sun-Times: The case against Mike Madigan, laid out in explosive court docum…

Alyssa is joined by Molly McAleer from Mother May I Sleep With Podcast and Trend Lightly to discuss "The Steve Bartman Incident" and some parallels to the 1986 Red Sox. In case you don't know, on October 14th, 2003 during the NLCS the Cubs imploded and for years one man was blamed. Show Notes: MLB YouTube: The Steve Bartman Incident Sports Illustra…

In this episode I tell Jeff Tischauser from Southern Poverty Law Center about the time the Chicago Tribune created a LGBTQA Moral Panic in the 1970's and how it is alive and well in 2024. We had some audio issues with this episode and are taking step to insure they never happen again but thought it is too good not to release and recording would not…

In this episode I am joined by Captain Scoot and we discuss Block 37 which was nothing better than a land grab which inspired a book and a BBC Documentary. Show Notes: Chicago Magazine: A Brief History of Block 37 Chicago Tribune: A look at Block 37’s troubled past Chicago Magazine: The Block 37 Superstation: Chicago's Money Pit Chicago Tribune: Bl…

In this episode we discuss Sears, Roebuck and Company. Show Notes: WTTW: The Rise and Fall of the Mail Order Giants (Article) WTTW: The Rise and Fall of the Mail Order Giants (Video) Smithsonian: The Rise and Fall of Sears CNN: Sears’ extraordinary history: A timeline History Channel: Sears Chicago Tribune: Sears timeline: Rise, fall and restructur…

This is not an episode about the history of Mike Royko. Instead, Alyssa is joined by writer and actor Mitchell Bisschop to discuss his one-man show Royko: The Toughest Man in Chicago and the journalist's contribution to the city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesPar Solid Listen

Alyssa is joined by Risen Lady Heathen to discuss innovator Aaron Montgomery Ward and his contribution to retail and the Chicago Lakefront. Other Topics: The Fire American Girl Hobbies and crafts during COVID Timezones Chicago School of Economics Layaway Pots and pans in the dishwasher Film cameras Why I started this podcast Show Notes: Chicago His…

I am joined by Vanessa to talk about Dan Proft. A man who hates Chicago. Digressions include: Veggie Tales Disqualifying resume items for Chicago pols Why is Chicago so Corrupt? What Russel Brand has been up to since he divorced Katy Perry Vanessa Googles Dan Proft’s hair in real time. Show Notes: Chicago Sun-Times: Through Liberty Principles PAC, …

This week Mo Sting from Hot Dockets and I discuss the trial of the Chicago Seven. So much laughter. Show Notes: Conspiracy in the Streets The Extraordinary Trial of the Chicago Seven The Chicago Conspiracy Trial Time: ‘Violence Was Inevitable’: How 7 Key Players Remember the Chaos of 1968’s Democratic National Convention Protests Chicago History Mu…

Chicago will host the 2024 DNC convention but is is worth exploring the most tear-gassed convention in 1968. The parallels are amazing. History rhymes. SHOW NOTES: Bill Kurtis remembers the 1968 Democratic National Convention Part 1: 'The Whole World's Watching: 20 Years Later,' A 1988 CBS 2 Documentar Part 2: 'The Whole World's Watching: 20 Years …

This episode was released last summer but next week Chicago will host the DNC and given how crazy the last month has been it might be good to explore what happen then. This is a two part episode to belly up to bar and get ready. The Whole Word in Watching. Original Summary: Chicago will host the 2024 DNC convention but is is worth exploring the mos…

Twenty-years ago a driver working the the Dave Mathews Band dropped 800lbs of poop which landed on a boat full of people enjoying an architecture tour. Alyssa tells Molly McAleer and Captain Scoot all the details. Show Notes: Chicago Tribune: Band’s driver denies drenching boat Chicago Sun-Times: Tour boat hit with raw sewage // 2 large buses on br…

We finished our Madigan Series. Much like historians trying to write about the period from the June Trump Biden debate until the DNC. Chicago sans assassination attempt this story has so many aspects happening all at once: sexual harassment, bribery, two federal cases on election interference, ballot tampering, calls for resignation and shifting po…

In this episode John and Alyssa talk more about Mike Madigan's career while looking at his impact on patronage jobs, family tree, and rename the Chicago political machine. Show Notes: Chicago Magazine: Michael Madigan Is the King of Illinois Chicago Tribune: How Madigan builds his patronage army Chicago Reader: The Madigan Effect The House that Mad…

Bob Cooley, the central character from Operation Gambit, wrote the judge in Ed Burke's case a twelve page letter. Alyssa reads it to Morgan Stringer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesPar Solid Listen

In this episode, Alyssa and John talk about the Blago impeachment and political dynasties in Illinois. Show Notes: Chicago Tribune: Column: Madigan’s name launched her career but possibly contributed to calling it quits Politco: There’s An Irish Wake for Illinois’ Political Machine Forbes: Why Does IL Attorney General Lisa Madigan Refuse To Prosecu…

John Zinn and I are embarking on a journey to look at the career of former Speaker of the Illinois House Mike Madigan. In this episode we talk about the circumstances that facilitated his rise to power, some legislative victories, and a, perhaps, little known fact about his daughter Lisa. SHOW NOTES: Rueters: The man behind the fiscal fiasco in Ill…

In this episode Alyssa is joined by Captain Scoot to discuss the history of Taste of Chicago. Was Chicago Fest the earlier version? Not really. We discuss the highs and lows while dispelling some Chicago lore. Show Notes: DNA Info: The First Taste Of Chicago Was On The Magnificent Mile ... And Packed NBC Chicago: “Boooo! Awwww!” NBC Chicago: City C…

In this episode I am joined by legal expert Morgan Stinger and John Zinn to discuss the Ed Burke sentencing. Image from Hare Brained Show Notes: Chicago Sun-Times: How much jail time should Ed Burke get? Depends on which City Council member you ask. Chicago Magazine: Paul Vallas Really Loves His Broom Chicago Sun-Times: Let's all play 'Sit in Judgm…

In this episode Alyssa is joined by Risen Lady Heathen to talk about the rise and fall of the KKK in Chicago. Show Notes: Chicago Tribune: When Chicago welcomed KKK NPR Illinois: History: The 1920's Saw The KKK's Rise In Illinois Chicago Magazine: The Ku Klux Klan Was Successful in 1920s Chicago (But Mostly as a Con) Chicago Reader: Boys in the Hoo…

In this episode, Alyssa is joined by Hugh Yeman to discuss "The Mystery of Al Capone's Vault" an event that catapulted Geraldo into a new direction and impacted the media market to this day. Show Notes: AV Club: When Geraldo Rivera opened Al Capone’s vault, he turned nothing into ratings Mental Flow: Oral History: When Geraldo Rivera Opened Al Capo…

In this episode Alyssa is joined by David Baxter to discuss the history of Pride in Chicago. Show Notes: Chicago Magazine: A Brief History of Chicago’s Pride Parade WTTW: How Chicago’s Pride Parade Grew from a Small March to a Big Event Out & Proud in Chicago Windy City Times: From a March to a Parade: Chicago's Pride History NPR: Gloria Gaynor: 'I…

Alyssa is joined by Pat Westmacott of The Grinning Barretts to talk about Chicago's Punk Icon, Wesley Willis with a few fun digressions. Show Notes: Washington Post: Songs in His Head Steve Albini Chicago Reader: The Wesley Willis Fiasco Wesley Willis: Too Much Too Soon? All Music: Feel the Power Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine Wesley Willis Bio …

Alyssa takes a break from crime and corruption to tell Vanessa from Reel Relationships about a living local hero and one of the reasons Chicago is the greatest American city. Show Notes: WTTW: Chicago Portrait: Tamale Guy DNA Info: Is Running Into The Tamale Guy a Religious Experience? Yes, Yelpers Say Thrillist: An Interview With Chicago's Dive Ba…

With Ed Burke Day mere days away, Alyssa invited Morgan Stringer from Hot Dockets to the Dirksenverse to explore Operation GAMBAT which involved putting away bad people who fixed murders and other stuff. In addition the FBI Op we talk about the following: Ed Burke’s racism Costume critique Return of the FBI Theatre Troop and some bad casting Dersh …

In this episode Alyssa is joined by Steven Ray Morris of See Jurassic Right and formerly My Favorite Murder to discuss the 1950's murder of the Grimes Sisters. Show Notes: Chicago Reader: Death and the Maidens Chicago Now: Unsolved Chicago Grimes Sisters’ Murder is 59 Years Old Newcity: A Killer and A Movie: When Two Brutal Murders Brought Fear to …

Alyssa is joined by Ben Mandelker of Watch What Crappens to discuss the life and times of Chef Charlie Trotter. Some of you might be asking, "Who?" Well, take a listen because aside from being Gordon Ramsay before Gordon Ramsay he profoundly impacted Chicago's dining culture with some influence on Top Chef. Take a moment to subscribe and leave a fi…

The Chicago Bears and the City of Chicago held a press conference so stunning Alyssa had to sit down for and tell Scoot and Pat all about it to get their reactions. She also had to explain the parking deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesPar Solid Listen

Alyssa and Scoot talk about Mayor Daley's "Plan for Transformation" and the current state of Cabrini-Green. Show Notes: Block Club Chicago: Cabrini-Green: A History of Broken Promises IMDB: Slick Boys New York Times: Chicago Housing Agency To Be Taken Over by U.S.High-Risers: Cabrini-Green and the Fate of American Public Housing Video: Welcome to C…

In this episode we discuss how Mayor Jane Byrne sorta takes up residence in the projects and throws the most cringe easter celebration while violating constitutional rights. Then it gets bad and constitutional rights are stomped on some more. Good Times. At the end you get Alyssa's Cabrini Green story. Show Notes: Chicago Magazine: Cabrini Green WT…

Alyssa tells Captain Scoot about early years of Cabrini Green which, for rightful reasons, was considered to be the most dangerous place in America for decades. Show Notes: Straight Dope: ‘Good Times’ Racist reboot on Netflix Chicago Magazine: More Reads on Poverty and Segregation AP: 2 Who killed Chicago cops paroled after decades in Prison Chicag…

In this episode we discuss two tragedies that shaped Chicago and made national news. Show Notes: Time Out Chicago: The E2 tragedy nine years later Chicago Tribune: Friday marks 20 years since E2 nightclub’s deadly crowd crush in South Loop, one of the worst in Chicago history CNN: Chicago overwhelmed by nightclub deaths NYT: 21 Die in Stampede of 1…

Alyssa is joined by Pat Westmacott to discuss the history of Soldier Field as well as the Bears history of threatening to leave the city. Show Notes: NYT: Soldier Field: A Football Cathedral Never Really Meant for Football South Side Weekly: Stadium Shenanigans Chicago Tribune: Soldier Field ready for next round Chicago Magazine: Field of Pain NBC-…

Alyssa is joined by Molly McAleer of Trend Lightly and Mother May I Sleep With Podcast to discuss Chicago's Most Famous High-School Soccer Coach. Digressions include: Covid Al Capone's Vault/Geraldo Should Alyssa find a Qanon Co-host? Selling Social Media Accounts Show Notes: Chicago Magazine: Tale of the Tape Chicago Tribune: Reporter’s pool visit…

Alyssa is joined by Ronnie Karem from Watch What Crappens to discuss a Chicagoland Icon Show Notes: ABC 7 Chicago: Betty Loren-Maltese reunites with daughter NYT: Top Official In Cicero, Ill., Gets 8 Years In Fund Theft Chicago Magazine: Trauma Queen WGN: Betty Loren-Maltese to hold Estate Sale to Send Daughter to Beauty School Huff Post: Betty Lor…

Alyssa is joined by Pat Westmacott to talk about the last time the White Sox wanted a new stadium. Chicago has been Chicagoing since the started Chicago. Show Notes: Chicago Tribune: Ex-ISFA director sues Thompson, Reinsdorf Capitol Fax: Reinsdorf: ‘A savvy negotiator creates leverage’ Chicago Magazine: When Michael Madigan and Big Jim Thompson Sto…

In this episode Alyssa is joined by John Zinn to discuss Chicago's beloved weather man but first we have some updates on Oh Malort! characters including Ed Burke and Ray Lopez. We do some follow the money. Digressions include: Chicago Rat Hole, Tamale Guy, Chance the Snappers, and Alyssa's jobs. Chicago Tribune: ‘Doozy’ of a career: After nearly a …

Alyssa is joined by Nikki Patin from R.A.G.E to discuss Oscar DePriest: Chicago's First Black Alderman. Digressions include: Tucker goes grocery shopping for the first time. Canadian family moves to Russia Alyssa is an idiot Indiana's Gonna Indiana Respectability Politics Show Notes: US House Archive White House History: Pathbreakers: Oscar Stanton…

Alyssa is joined by Vanessa from Reel Relationship Podcast to discuss The St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Which has more layers and elements than either expected. Follow: Twitter IG TikTok Email Show Notes: Chicago Magazine: The St. Valentine's Day Massacre and Al Capone—Excerpt from Get Capone WTTW: ST. VALENTINE’S DAY MASSACRE FBI: The Vault PBS: H…

In this episode Alyssa tells Morgan Stringer from Hot Dockets about bat shit crazy corruption happening on Cook County Courts. Alyssa cannot actually put into word the ick she feels about this but they talk it out. Morgan wonders if she is a sucker and loser. Digressions include: Senators grilling social media companies Alex Jones Elon Musk Alina H…

Overall this episode is about transportation. Alyssa tells Cap't Scoot about a 1977 "L" train derailment which leads to the time Rahm wanted to dig a high-speed tunnel to O'Hare. Digressions include: Hot Tub Boats Neo-Nazis do not understand turnstiles. The gals discuss Civil War fashion and Alyssa contemplate a safety plan. Is the Cyber Truck a bo…

Alyssa tells John about Disco Demolition. Show Notes: Do you Think I'm Disco? Countdown with Keith Olberman Steve Dahl's Notorious Disco Demolition Remembering 1979’s ugly Disco Demolition Night MLB: Remember Disco Demolition Disco Demolition revisited with Steve Dahl BBC: The 1979 riot that 'killed' disco Chicago Tribune: Commentary: Disco and the…

Forty-five years ago, between January 12-13 Chicago experienced a snow fall that not only inconvenienced residents but impacted an election. Alyssa tells Risen Lady Heathen of Boomer Rex tonight about the blizzard of 1979. Outside conversations include Ivy League plagiarism. Other thoughts: DeSantis sends migrants. Chicago sent snow. Royko doxed Al…

Alyssa is joined by David Baxter to discuss Mayor Anton Cermak and conspiracy theories surrounding his death. Alyssa missed out on the most obvious musical theatre reference. SHOW NOTES: NYT: High Court Breaks Chicago Tax Strike Chicago Tribune: 90 years ago, the father of Chicago’s political machine died after being struck by an assassin’s bullet …

John Zinn drops in the hear about the verdict and its aftermath. Some of the takes are infuriating. They discuss how this is akin to a Greek Tragedy which allows Alyssa to do a dramaturgy and employs the word Hubris. Alyssa is still trying to make Burke a verb. SHOW NOTES: CST: All Things USA VS. Ed Burke CST: Ed Burke’s conviction ‘sad’ and ‘a tra…

In this Episode Alyssa tells Molly McAleer the history of a Christmas Icon. Digressions include: Malort Pearl Davis Are Vixen and Prancer gay? Tucker The Nutcracker Show Notes: Dartmouth: Rudolph’s Story: Dear to Many, Year After Year WBEZ: What’s That Building? Where Rudolph Got His Red Nose Wards.com The Week: The origin story of Rudolph the Red-…

In this prefect Christmas episode Alyssa is joined by Jeff Barrett from the "It's No Fluke" podcast to discuss the most successful Madams about which you have never heard. In the early 1900's Minna and Ada Everleigh ran the best brothel in the world. Jeff points out why this is a bad idea. Digressions include: Elon Alex Jones George Santos The piss…

Once upon a time, people had to pay to use a public toilet. In this episode we discuss the history, Chicago's role, and the current narratives. Show Notes: DNA Info: How Chicago's Fight To Ban Pay Toilets Relates To Today's City Protests Northwestern: Chicago considers installing public restrooms with revenue from company that manages bus stops WSJ…

Ed Burke's trial as underway and it has been both tedious and wacky. In this episode Alyssa tell John her favorite moments in the trial. From jury selection to sick emotional support dogs this has been a wild ride. This would be too much for a Lifetime Movie. This is separate from the in-depth episode we will do when all is said and done. Show Note…