City Cast Chicago

Host Jacoby Cochran meets fellow podcaster Zac Emry at Fort Knox Studios in Portage Park to talk about things to eat, see, and do on the Northwest Side. Emery, who hosts the podcast Album Rebrews, talks about moving to the area to be close to one of the city’s largest music rehearsal spaces and discovering spots in the city and nearby suburbs that align with his eclectic interests.Spots Zac recommends:Thrifting books and collectibles at Village CrossingAmerican Science and Surplus (now in Park Ridge)Tone Deaf RecordsLaBagh WoodsLeaning Tower of NilesMom’s Old Recipe Mexican restaurantWeston’s Coffee and Tap Co.Elly’s on MilwaukeeWant to know where to see birds in Uptown? Find a Chicago-mix-scented candle in Beverly? Or get a coffee (or two or three) in North Lawndale? Peep our neighborhood guide playlist.Some good news: The three-day Lincoln Park Gyrofest starts Friday.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Two years ago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot removed the Christopher Columbus statues in Grant Park and Arrigo Park in Little Italy after protests and police violence as activists called for the monuments to be removed. The mayor then appointed a committee to review the city’s public monuments and determine which ones are problematic and what should be done with them. The Chicago Monuments Project narrowed the list to 41 works and just released their recommendations for those monuments. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to committee co-chair Bonnie McDonald about how the group came to their recommendations. A little bit of news: Here’s where to find the new bivalent COVID-19 booster.More residents are now eligible to get lead water lines removed. Here’s where to apply and get a free water test kit.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Brothers Scott and Joe Lewis grew up talking about their love—and frustration—with the Chicago Bears. They used to listen to the old guys at their barbershop in Englewood do the same thing. The Lewis brothers turned that into the “79th and Halas” podcast, which has been on for eight seasons. Ahead of the Bears’ season opener Sunday, host Jacoby Cochran talks with Scott Lewis about the podcast and the upcoming season.A little bit of news: While beaches are closed for the season, some indoor pools are reopening this week. Check the Park District for details.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

With illegal drag races, donuts in the street, backed up traffic, fireworks and run-ins with police, street takeovers continue to pop up across Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by Chicago Sun-Times’ reporter Manny Ramos and Chicago Tribune reporter Jake Sheridan to talk what, if anything, the city can do to discourage the meet-ups. Our Friday trio also discuss more libraries carrying Narcan (Naloxone), migrants arriving in Chicago from Texas, and the anniversary of Emmett Till’s death. Plus, stick around for our good news we’ve got roller skates and pickleball!Some Good News:The Rink re-opening Friday, Sept. 2Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Host Jacoby Cochran and freelance journalist Natalie Frazier stop by Comercio Popular in Lawndale to talk about Natalie’s family’s history on the West Side. From growing up in Austin, visiting granny in Garfield Park, and putting down roots in North Lawndale, Natalie shares with us the pride she feels in her community and her desire to see it thrive. She also shares her favorite things to do, see, and eat in her neighborhoods. Spots Natalie Recommends:Azucar Ice Cream & CoffeePrinciple BarbersGreen Tomato CafeBeelove CafeScatchell’s BeefMonday Coffee @ Garfield Park ConservatoryMuse Coffee StudioFirehouse Community Arts CenterCheck out our other neighborhood guides for Rogers Park, Uptown, and Edgewater and for Beverly, Morgan Park, and Mount Greenwood. Want to take us around YOUR neighborhood? Or have recs on where to go? Email us at chicago@citycast.fm.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Lisa Beasley has toured with Second City, performed on Comedy Central, and stolen scenes on the hit show “South Side.” Her latest show at the Laugh Factory, “Lisa Beasley’s Unpolitical Woman Comedy Show,” may be her funniest creation yet. The show features a cast of Lisa’s friends and impressive characters like “women’s ministry pastor” Kevin Jackson, a reincarnated Margaret Thatcher, and Mayor Lory Litefoot. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to the writer and filmmaker about the show and the many layers of her comedy.For free tickets to Lisa Beasley’s Unpolitical Woman Comedy, USE PROMO CODE: citycast (there are a limited number of tickets so grab them fast!)Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Just in the past couple weeks, one person was found dead and at least three others have been seriously injured at the “Playpen” in Lake Michigan — a popular boating spot east of Oak Street beach. As boaters, kayakers, swimmers, and casual Chicagoans make their way out to the water for the last few weeks of summer, host Jacoby Cochran talks to Mike McElroy, vice president of the Chicago Harbor Safety Committee, about the safety rules in the water, and why August is traditionally difficult for boaters. Some good news: Nominations are open for Chicago magazine’s Chicagoans of the year.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Tonight is the season finale for "American Ninja Warrior" — the show with all the running, jumping, and swinging through crazy obstacles. But you can learn to be a ninja year round from a coach who’s been on the show. Mike “The Stallion” Silenzi has been on nine times (including this season), and he runs Ultimate Ninjas in northwest suburban Libertyville. It’s a gym dedicated to training for obstacles similar to what you see on the show. Producer Simone Alicea visited Mike at the gym to see what it takes to train like a ninja warrior.A little bit of news: On Tuesday, the city is hosting a public meeting about pedestrian and traffic safety on Garfield Boulevard in Washington Park.Some good news: We are extending the deadline of our Summertime Chi Bucket List challenge. You now have until Sept. 22 to do as many things as possible. Do the most, and you could win some swag!Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

It is the first week of school for Chicago Public School students, but unfortunately for thousands of students and parents who rely on the district's school buses service, many are still without routes. WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp breaks down that story, and Injustice Watch editor Jonah Newman discusses a report that recommends closing the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, and how the chief judge sat on the report for months. Plus, moments of joy, including celebrating Loyola’s Sister Jean's 103rd birthday, and the Purple Block Party!Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Host Jacoby Cochran and librarian Ashley Rayner head to Ridge Park in Beverly to talk about Ashley’s history growing up in the neighborhood to now raising her own children blocks away from her childhood home. She also shares her favorite things to do, see, and eat in her neighborhood. They also talk spots in Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood.Spots Ashley Recommends:Afro Joe'sAin't She Sweet CafeBeverly Dry GoodsBeverly Phono MartBig and Little ShoesBlue Island Beer CompanyFlippin FlavorsKimmy KakesMilano'sChi TungMajor Taylor TrailNicky'sThe Original Rainbow ConeOhanaRock Island Public HouseRidge ParkTurkeyCheck out all great suggestions from listeners and readers on Twitter.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246