In this episode we discuss Sears, Roebuck and Company. Show Notes: WTTW: The Rise and Fall of the Mail Order Giants (Article) WTTW:... more

This is not an episode about the history of Mike Royko. Instead, Alyssa is joined by writer and actor Mitchell... more

Alyssa is joined by Risen Lady Heathen to discuss innovator Aaron Montgomery Ward and his contribution to retail and the... more

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... more

This week Mo Sting from Hot Dockets and I discuss the trial of the Chicago Seven. So much laughter. Show Notes: Conspiracy... more

Chicago will host the 2024 DNC convention but is is worth exploring the most tear-gassed convention in 1968. The parallels are... more

This episode was released last summer but next week Chicago will host the DNC and given how crazy the last... more

Twenty-years ago a driver working the the Dave Mathews Band dropped 800lbs of poop which landed on a boat full... more

We finished our Madigan Series.   Much like historians trying to write about the period from the June Trump Biden debate until the... more

In this episode John and Alyssa talk more about Mike Madigan's career while looking at his impact on patronage jobs,... more

Bob Cooley, the central character from Operation Gambit, wrote the judge in Ed Burke's case a twelve page letter. Alyssa... more

In this episode, Alyssa and John talk about the Blago impeachment and political dynasties in Illinois. Show Notes: Chicago Tribune: Column: Madigan’s... more

John Zinn and I are embarking on a journey to look at the career of former Speaker of the Illinois... more

In this episode Alyssa is joined by Captain Scoot to discuss the history of Taste of Chicago. Was Chicago Fest... more

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... more

In this episode Alyssa is joined by Risen Lady Heathen to talk about the rise and fall of the KKK... more

In this episode, Alyssa is joined by Hugh Yeman to discuss "The Mystery of Al Capone's Vault" an event that... more

In this episode Alyssa is joined by David Baxter to discuss the history of Pride in Chicago.   Show Notes: Chicago Magazine: A Brief History... more

Alyssa is joined by Pat Westmacott of The Grinning Barretts to talk about Chicago's Punk Icon, Wesley Willis with a... more

Alyssa takes a break from crime and corruption to tell Vanessa from Reel Relationships about a living local hero and one... more

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... more

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... more

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,... more

The Chicago Bears and the City of Chicago held a press conference so stunning Alyssa had to sit down for... more

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:... more

In this episode we discuss how Mayor Jane Byrne sorta takes up residence in the projects and throws the most... more

Alyssa tells Captain Scoot about early years of Cabrini Green which, for rightful reasons, was considered to be the most... more

In this episode we discuss two tragedies that shaped Chicago and made national news. Show Notes: Time Out Chicago: The E2 tragedy... more

Alyssa is joined by Pat Westmacott to discuss the history of Soldier Field as well as the Bears history of... more

Alyssa is joined by Molly McAleer of Trend Lightly and Mother May I Sleep With Podcast to discuss Chicago's Most... more

Alyssa is joined by Ronnie Karem from Watch What Crappens to discuss a Chicagoland Icon Show Notes: ABC 7 Chicago: Betty Loren-Maltese... more

Alyssa is joined by Pat Westmacott to talk about the last time the White Sox wanted a new stadium. Chicago has... more

In this episode Alyssa is joined by John Zinn to discuss Chicago's beloved weather man but first we have some... more

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... more

Alyssa is joined by Vanessa from Reel Relationship Podcast to discuss The St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Which has more layers... more

In this episode Alyssa tells Morgan Stringer from Hot Dockets about bat shit crazy corruption happening on Cook County Courts. Alyssa... more

Overall this episode is about transportation. Alyssa tells Cap't Scoot about a 1977 "L" train derailment which leads to the time... more

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... more

Forty-five years ago, between January 12-13 Chicago experienced a snow fall that not only inconvenienced residents but impacted an election.  Alyssa... more

Alyssa is joined by David Baxter to discuss Mayor Anton Cermak and conspiracy theories surrounding his death. Alyssa missed out on... more