

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

May 15, 2025 • 32min
The Chicagoan’s Guide to Thrifting and Vintage Shopping
Saturday is Vintage Store Day and Chicago’s got no shortage of options, whether you’re looking for designer steals, great bargains, or selling your clothes. For Hey Chicago Newsletter editor Emmi Mack, this isn’t just a hobby but a way of life, as she grew up hanging out at vintage stores with her friends and working at the old Belmont Army Vintage. She joins host Jacoby Cochran with her guide to vintage shopping in Chicago.
Good News: Slow Jams at Expat
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You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 15 episode:
Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Prolonlife.com/city – Use this link for 15% off
Williamstown Theatre Festival
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

May 14, 2025 • 24min
Your Guide to Buying a Bike in Chicago
The weather is warming up, which means biking is about to feel a lot better in Chicago. Last spring, host Jacoby Cochran talked with Liam Ouweleen from The Recylery, a bike repair co-op in Rogers Park. He brings us tips for bike shopping and bike maintenance for any season.
Spots mentioned:
Working Bikes
West Town Bikes
Broadway Bikes
Blackstone Bicycle Works
The Recyclery
Some Good News: Stevie Wonder birthday tribute events with Untitled Supper Club, MSB Dance, and City Winery.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
If you enjoyed today's interview with Women Employed's CEO, Cherita Ellens, learn more here.
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 14 episode:
Babbel — Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Prolonlife.com/city — Use this link for 15% off
Williamstown Theatre Festival
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

May 13, 2025 • 32min
School Board Pushback, Popemania Continues, and Plover Pair Returns
Dozens of Chicago alderpeople and school board members are pushing the board to uphold a resolution demanding that the next Chicago Public Schools CEO hold a state superintendent’s license, as Mayor Brandon Johnson reportedly points to his chief of staff to become the school district’s interim chief executive. Host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro discuss the internal fight to pick the next leader of Chicago public schools. Plus, we talk about our favorite Popemania memes and check in on Chicago’s piping plover neighbors.
Good News: Crosstown Classic and Sky Season Opener
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 May 13 episode:
Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Prolonlife.com/city – Use this link for 15% off
Williamstown Theatre Festival
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

May 12, 2025 • 26min
How the New Pope Got From Chicago to the Vatican
You’ve heard by now the new pope is from Chicago. But now that we’ve seen all the memes, it’s time to break down who Robert Prevost was before he became Pope Leo XIV, the challenges facing him as the leader of more than 1 billion Catholics, and what his selection says about Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with Sun-Times investigative reporter Lauren FitzPatrick and Loyola University scholar Michael Canaris.
Good News: Open mics! Aawaz: A South Asian Queer Open Mic, Something Real for the People, Workers of the World
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 May 12 episode:
Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Prolonlife.com/city – Use this link for 15% off
Williamstown Theatre Festival
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

May 9, 2025 • 39min
A Pope From Chicago?! Plus, Unconstitutional Police Stops and Rat Birth Control
The new pope has Chicago roots. But that’s just one of the big stories in Chicago this week. Police Supt. Larry Snelling explained earlier this week why he agrees with a decision from the Civilian Office of Police Accountability to suspend a group of officers who violated the constitutional rights of Chicagoans in multiple traffic stops just weeks before this same unit stopped, shot and killed Dexter Reed. WTTW’s Heather Cherone and freelance reporter Adora Namigadde are here to break down the ruling. Plus, we discuss the difficulty in appealing property tax assessments, rat birth control in Lincoln Park, acupuncture, and Mother’s Day weekend!
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 May 9 episode:
Aura Frames – Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
Cozy Earth – Use code COZYCHICAGO for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more.
The North Shore Center For the Performing Arts
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HER

May 8, 2025 • 22min
Do These Chicago Spots Deserve 1-Star Reviews?
Tourism season is about to be in full swing, and we are curious why these popular Chicago attractions got poor reviews. Host Jacoby Cochran plays with Dario Durham and Sara Faddah from 77 Flavors of Chicago to see who can guess the Chicago spot based on its one-star ratings.
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 May 8 episode:
Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
The North Shore Center For the Performing Arts
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

May 7, 2025 • 19min
Why Minocqua Should Be Your Next Getaway {Sponsored}
Ready for a getaway? In this special bonus episode, sponsored by the Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau, City Cast Madison’s Hayley Sperling talks with Krystal Westfahl, CEO and president of the Greater Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau. From water sports and cold plunges to stargazing and silent sports, Krystal shares all the reasons Minocqua is the perfect place to recharge. Plus, a look at the area's rich Native American heritage and the warm, welcoming community that makes it feel like home.
Want to plan a trip to Minocqua? Check out THIS LINK to learn more

May 7, 2025 • 30min
How to Start a Garden in Chicago (Plus Bees!)
With grocery prices being what they are, some of us dream about never needing to shop at Jewel or Mariano’s again. Bonnie McDonald and Michael Johnson have been tending their home garden in Edgewater for about a decade, offering beginner tips. Plus, host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea get to meet their bees.
Good News: Diary of a Black Illusionist
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 May 7 episode:
Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
The North Shore Center For the Performing Arts
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

May 6, 2025 • 29min
Big Changes at O’Hare, Property Tax Imbalance, and Cheap Chicago Cocktails
Chicago might get a new head of aviation amid O’Hare’s expansion project, American Airlines lawsuit, and upcoming bids for restaurants, bars and shops in the airport’s domestic terminals. Executive producer Simone Alicea and producer Michelle Navarro break down the top stories of the week, including the report from the Cook County Treasurer that found an imbalance in our property tax appeals system, disproportionately impacting low-income households. Plus, we talk about an impressive spreadsheet detailing some of Chicago’s cheap cocktail deals.
Good news:
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 May 6 episode:
Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
Cozy Earth - Use code COZYCHICAGO for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more.
The North Shore Center For the Performing Arts
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

May 5, 2025 • 29min
Does Air Quality in Chicago Really Get That Hazardous?!
In April, weather apps across Chicago showed alarming air pollution levels. But as it turns out, the air quality was actually fine. State climatologist and University of Illinois researcher Trent Ford tells executive producer Simone Alicea what happened and explains how air quality monitoring works in Chicago.
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 May 5 episode:
Aura Frames — Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
The North Shore Center For the Performing Arts
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE


