City Cast Chicago

Pizza Hut recently launched a square-cut, thin-crust pizza that it’s marketing as “Chicago’s best kept secret.” And since the chain’s take on tavern-style pizza has been panned in local reviews, we’re telling you about our favorite spots to find this Chicago classic. Host Jacoby Cochran, producer Michelle Navarro, and City Cast marketing director Caroline Patton give their picks and engage in the eternal debate about which pizza style is the true Chicago style.Some good news: Bronzeville Art District Trolley TourWant 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 July 17 episode: Ravinia Incogni — Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan. Wastenot — use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Lincoln Park Zoo Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The Republican National Convention is underway in Milwaukee, just a few days after a suspected assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss how this is playing out in Illinois and Chicago. Plus, they’re catching you up on the weekend’s summer storms, the indictment of a former Loretto Hospital executive, and what to see at Pitchfork this weekend.Some Good News: Pitchfork After ShowsWant 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 July 16 episode: Ravinia Incogni — Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan. Wastenot — Use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Lincoln Park Zoo Revolution Brewing Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

It’s prime moving season, and Chicago’s rental market remains competitive with median rent hovering around $2,000. Earlier this spring, we talked with local real estate broker Andy Svalesen to get some apartment hunting tips.Some good news: Karaoke Storytellers on Shoreline SightseeingIf you enjoyed today's interview with Revolution Brewing's Founder, Josh Deth, learn more here.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 July 15 episode: Ravinia Incogni — Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan. Wastenot — use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Lincoln Park Zoo Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

As Chicago mourns following Fourth of July weekend shootings, WTTW’s Joanna Hernandez and Block Club’s Maxwell Evans tell us about the latest. We also discuss two major festivals leaving the South Side, a housing ordinance asking developers to invest in more affordable housing, and what happened at the Community Benefits Agreement summit in Hyde Park. Plus, fun things to look forward to like kayaking with the Shedd, Pitchfork, and Latin Jazz Fest.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 July 12 episode: Paramount Theatre Babbel Chicago Association of Realtors Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

We often have people in our inbox who want to get involved in the city’s vibrant arts scene. They’ve got this creative urge, but they just don’t know where to start. Our host Jacoby Cochran will be the first to tell you that Chicago’s open mic scene can be a great jumping off point. Whether you’re interested in sharing your poetry, original stories, music, or comedy there is definitely an open mic for you. Musician Sam Thousand co-founded Chibrations, an app that helps Chicagoans find open mics, live jam sessions, and performance opportunities. He gives us the best spots to check out and advice for budding performers and artists.Open mics mentioned The Ox Jam  The Corner Series Lyrical Libations Respect the Mic  Ka’Lab Speaks Stomping Grounds Open Stage Grown Folks Stories Karaoke Storytellers The Moth Big Kid Show Open Beats Luya Poetry YCA's Wordplay Overflow Coffee 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 July 11 episode: Paramount Theatre Babbel Chicago Association of Realtors Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

The Vienna Beef warehouse made a cameo in “The Bear,” next Wednesday is National Hot Dog Day, and we are entering peak cookout season. So we guess it’s time to finally talk about the Chicago-style hot dog. The City Cast Chicago team breaks down the Chicago dog’s origins, their favorite places to grab one, and if it deserves all the hype.Spots mentioned: Jim’s Original The Wieners Circle Maxwell Street Grill Dan’s Hot Dogs Petey’s Gyros XMarket The Duck Inn Fixin Franks at Home Depot Vienna Beef Hall of Fame Good News: The North Center Summer Music Series, Hyde Park’s Harper Court Music Series, and Deeply Rooted Summer Dance Intensive in WoodlawnWant 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 July 10 episode: Paramount Theatre Babbel Chicago Association of Realtors Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

NASCAR’s street race was held over the weekend in Grant Park. Between small music crowds, Sunday rain delays, and road reopenings, was this a successful NASCAR weekend? Plus, executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran talk about festivals this weekend and events for Chicago singles to find love — or at least one date — this summer. Events mentioned: Love Isn’t Blind Speed Dating at Recess (32 to 44 year olds)  Hot Potato Hearts Queer Speed Dating Singles Scavenger Hunt Date My Friend Senior Singles Mixer at Logan Square Farmers Market 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 July 9 episode: Paramount Theatre Babbel Chicago Association of Realtors Revolution Brewing Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Mayor Brandon Johnson recently expanded financial assistance for families impacted by gun violence, including for funeral expenses. Meanwhile, a state program that aims to help families pay for burial costs when a child is killed by gun violence is off to a slow start, helping only two families in its first year. We talk with The Trace reporter Rita Oceguera who explains what families go through when a loved one is killed by a gun, why this money is needed, and how families can apply.Some good news: Chicago Public LibraryIf you enjoyed today's interview with Ravinia Festival artistic producer Erik Soderstrom, learn more here.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 July 8 episode: Paramount Theatre Babbel Chicago Association of Realtors Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from all 13 City Cast daily local podcast hubs to talk about what stories they’re watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Listen in for how Jacoby Cochran's story stacks up against the rest.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 July 5th episode:Ravinia FestivalBecome a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chicago might be the snack capital from big brands like Nabisco and Kellogg to local ones like Garrett Popcorn and Jays Chips. But which Chi snacks are worth packing for your July 4th road trip or cookout? We’re bringing back a conversation from the winter between host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro, where they break down the best snacks the city has to offer and the snacks unworthy of your hard-earned money. 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 July 3rd episode: Ravinia Festival Babbel Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE