We could use a laugh with the news cycle being what it is. Luckily, Chicago is the comedy capital of the world. Host Jacoby Cochran is talking with local comedian Sonal Aggarwal about her guide to Chicago’s comedy scene: spots to check out, hidden gems, and what to do when your friend inevitably invites you to their improv show.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 21 episode:

• The Second City
• Orthodontic Experts
• Court Theatre

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Is Chicago really a hot dog city? What’s the most overrated Chicago food? Which Harold’s is the best? Longtime food writer Kevin Pang is here with Poochie from The Wiener’s Circle to offer their Chicago food hot takes. Plus, they tell host Jacoby Cochran all about their new show “Poochie & Pang (eat Chicago)” on NBC Chicago and the burgers they try in season one.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 20 episode:

• Mubi
• The Second City
• Orthodontic Experts
• Court Theatre

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An investigation from Block Club and CBS Chicago reveals the city of Chicago is owed millions of dollars from street fest and event organizers for police overtime bills. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss what this means for the city budget and Chicago’s busy summer event schedule. Plus, we are ranking the Bulls most recent NBA city edition jerseys and listing some turkey giveaways across the city.

How would you rank these jersey designs?

• 2024-2025
• 2023-2024
• 2022-2023
• 2021-2022
• 2020-2021
• 2019-2020

Good News: Wednesday is Trans Day of Remembrance: Memorial Mural and Observance in Andersonville, TaskForce Prevention and Community Services’ “Say Their Name” in Austin, La Cueva Nightclub’ Transgiving 2024 in Little Village 

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 19 episode:

• Mubi
• The Second City
• Orthodontic Experts
• Court Theatre

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Aldi abruptly closed its West Pullman store last week, leaving yet another Chicago neighborhood without easy access to fresh food. The move leaves us wondering (once again) if big grocery chains are Chicago’s only option. So we’re revisiting a conversation from the spring with Matthew Ruffi, board president of Chicago Market and senior program director for Link Up Illinois. He tells host Jacoby Cochran about some grocery alternatives and why food access is a growing concern in Chicago.

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If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Program Director Event Productions, Neal Heitz, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 18 episode:

• Mubi
• The Second City
• Orthodontic Experts
• Court Theatre

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After nearly 20 years in Chicago, Pitchfork Music Festival announced it’s leaving the city citing rising costs and growing festival competition. Many longtime fans were shocked, as the alder in the area says he hopes the company behind the festival will reverse course. Freelance journalist Britt Julious and Injustice Watch senior reporter Maya Dukmasova are here to discuss the latest. Plus, we break down ongoing budget debates in city council, an update in Cook County’s housing courts, and our favorite Friendsgiving dishes!

Good News: The Christmas Cache Newsletter, The Light of Truth: Richard Hunt’s Monument to Ida B. Wells, Sip & Thrift at Simone's, National Take A Hike Day

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 15 episode:

• Mubi
• The Second City

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After getting lost on a recent trip to the (lower) Lower Wacker auto pound, host Jacoby Cochran needed some info on why Chicago has such a vast and confusing underground network. So he called up tour guide Mike McMains to ask about how the city’s lower streets, Pedway, and abandoned freight tunnels came to be such an integral part of the city. Mike is running an Underground Chicago (Plus Rats!) tour Nov. 23.

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• Mubi
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Whether it’s for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, or any other get-together, Chicago restaurants have plenty of options for the potluck. Last year, executive producer Simone Alicea, producer Michelle Navarro, newsletter editor Sidney Madden, and host Jacoby Cochran designed their best potluck menus. Each person picked an appetizer, entree, side, and dessert from all sides of the city. Who do YOU think had the best menu? You can text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246

Jacoby

• Black-eyed pea fritters from Majani
• Jerk chicken and shrimp from Caribbean Jerk Palace
• Gouda mac and cheese and candied yams from Lexington Betty Smokehouse
• Baklava from Cedars Mediterranean Kitchen

Simone

• Bavarian Pretzels from Paulina Market
• Duck from Sun Wah
• Maduros and mofongo from Borinquen
• Cupcakes from Jennivee’s Bakery

Michelle

• Spring/Egg Rolls from Lotus Banh Mi
• Shawarma from KoKo’s Mediterranean Grille
• Rice and beans, maduros, and tostones from Jibaritos y Mas
• Variety from Panaderia Nuevo Leon

Sidney

• Charcuterie from Eataly
• Shawarma, kebob, falafel, and hummus from Oasis Cafe
• Tiramisu from D’Amato’s Bakery
• Custard tarts from MingHin Cuisine
• Donuts from Doughnut Vault

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 13 episode:

• Mubi
• The Second City

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With election results finalizing, Chicago’s first-ever hybrid school board is taking shape. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss Mayor Brandon Johnson’s deadline to round out the board and lingering questions about the current board. Plus, CTA is urgently working to secure federal funds for the Red Line extension, state lawmakers are headed back to Springfield, and we are bummed about recent restaurant closures.

Good News: 2024 Chicago Japan Film Collective

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 12 episode:

• Mubi
• The Second City

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When Mayor Brandon Johnson announced his proposal for a $300 million property tax hike, you could almost hear the entire city collectively groan. In fact, some alders are pushing to reject the move in a special meeting this week. But why is Chicago always complaining about property taxes? The Tribune’s A.D. Quig and the Illinois Answers Project’s Alex Nitkin are here with some property tax basics.

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Mubi

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From the race for president to the first-ever school board election, how could this week’s election results impact Chicago? We’re discussing what lies ahead with The Triibe’s editor in chief Tiffany Walden and Axios Chicago reporter Carrie Shepherd. Plus, alders sound off on the proposed property tax hike, the Johnson administration pushes back, and we’re disconnecting from doom scrolling for a moment.

Good News: City Civics Day , Taking a Seat: Resistance and Agency in Public Spaces, Ink + Impact: The Power of Journalism

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• Mubi
• The Second City

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After a week like this, we’re ready to go out with friends, have a drink, and listen to some good music. That’s why host Jacoby Cochran is talking to CaSera Heining, aka DJ Ca$h Era. As one of the busiest DJs in Chicago, Ca$h Era gives us the scoop on some of the best parties and spots, tips for building a set list, and when it’s okay to request a song from the booth.

Spots mentioned:

• D.S. Tequila Co.
• Chop Shop
• Everyday People
• Salt Shed
• Le Nocturne
• Scarlet
• Cerise
• Broken Shaker
• Promontory
• Ramova Beer Garden
• Tao
• Dorian’s

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 7 episode:

• Mubi
• The Second City

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