Alyssa tells Vannesa from Reel Relationships about Chicago's crazy and chaotic relationship with Daylight Saving Time. We also dispel a few widely believed myths on the subject. SHOW NOTES: Country Living: The History of Daylight Saving Time—and 11 Weird Facts to Know About It The History Channel: 8 Things You May Not Know About Daylight Saving Time Washington Post: Why people hated permanent daylight saving time when the U.S. last tried it Chicago Tribune: Daylight saving time 2023: Why it bega...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 11
In this episode, Alyssa and Scoot talk about how fascism became a bit of a fad in the 1930's. Show Notes: WTTW: The American Nazi-Sympathizing Group That Drew Tens of Thousands of Members Before World War II WTTW: Fascism in Chicago Chicago Reader: In 1939 Nazis rallied in Chicago to make Germany great again NYU: Home-Grown Nazis- John C. Metcalfe and James J. Metcalfe - Chicago Daily Times Time: CONGRESS: Hitler’s Shadow Chicago Sun-Times: Fighting fascism is in our bones Bund Camp opens Time: ...
Mar 03, 2025•2 hr 45 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Alyssa tells Molly McAleer about the STILL ONGOING Jussie Smollett saga. Show Notes: Northwestern: Breaking Down Kim Foxx’s Win in the 2020 Primary Ballotpedia: Kim Foxx WTTW: Former Top Cop Was Drunk When Officers Allowed Him to Drive Home: Watchdog Chicago Tribune: Ex-FOP leader, suspecting politics at play, gets 3-year suspension from Chicago police union for use of camera in rival’s office WTTW: Federal Judge Refuses to Toss Out Chicago's Lawsuit ... Fox Nation: After the Hoax Axelrod Tweet ...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Season 3Ep. 9
This week Alyssa dropped everything to tell John all about the verdict and the subsequent reactions. It truly is Shakespearean. We also have some hot takes on opportunities for Blago. SHOW NOTE: Chicago Tribune: ‘Wow, we were part of something really big’: Madigan jurors on how they reached their verdict WTTW: Michael Madigan Found Guilty of Bribery Conspiracy, Other Charges as Jury Deadlocked on Racketeering DOJ: Former Illinois Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan Convicted on Federal Consp...
Feb 17, 2025•58 min•Season 3Ep. 8
In this informal episode, Alyssa updates John on the Madigan trial. We also talk about Burke, Blago, and Trump's vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture. SHOW NOTES: Chicago Tribune: A disappearing witness, an odd choice of hold music and the Fighting Irish: 5 strange things you might not know about the Madigan trial Chicago Sun-Times: USA v. Michael Madigan Chicago Tribune: On 8th day of deliberations, Madigan jury gets deep in the legal weeds but returns no verdict ABC 7: Madigan Trial Liv...
Feb 10, 2025•51 min•Season 3Ep. 7
In this episode Alyssa tells Ben Panko about a guy found crucified in Chicago which led her into the crazy story about a guy named Dr. Emil Bronner. It is a wild ride. San Diego Reader: Dr. Bronner invented the peppermint oil soap for soiled diapers Emanuel Bronner Label Dr. Bronner's Magic Soapbox Digital Research Library of Illinois History: The Shocking Story of Chicago's first and only Crucifixion. CaseText: City of Chicago v. Walcher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Alyssa tells Morgan all about the Fred Hampton Trial. Show Notes: History Channel: The 1969 Raid That Killed Black Panther Leader Fred Hampton Biography: Fred Hampton Chicago Tribune: In 1969, charismatic Black Panthers leader Fred Hampton was killed in a hail of gunfire. 50 years later, the fight against police brutality continue Southside Weekly: Fifty Years of Fred Hampton’s Rainbow Coalition Chicago Reader: The Neutralization of Fred Hampton BuzzFeed: You Can't Kill A Revolution: The FBI's A...
Jan 27, 2025•2 hr 39 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Alyssa tell Morgan Stringer about the legal aftermath of the Fred Hampton murder Show Notes: History Channel: The 1969 Raid That Killed Black Panther Leader Fred Hampton Biography: Fred Hampton Chicago Tribune: In 1969, charismatic Black Panthers leader Fred Hampton was killed in a hail of gunfire. 50 years later, the fight against police brutality continue Southside Weekly: Fifty Years of Fred Hampton’s Rainbow Coalition Chicago Reader: The Neutralization of Fred Hampton BuzzFeed: You Can't Kil...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 3Ep. 4
In this episode Alyssa tells Hugh Yemen about Second City and its lasting impact on improv. SHOW NOTES: Chicago Tribune: More improvised exits at Second City in management shake-up Playbill: Hate Speech in the Audience Causes Chicago Cast Member to Call It Quits League of Chicago Theatres U of News: Improv Explained Chicago Tribune: When Abbie Hoffman took the Second City stage during Chicago Seven trial Chicago Tribune: Discontent all around at Second City in ‘The Winner … of Our Discontent’ Ch...
Jan 20, 2025•2 hr 45 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Anyone who watched Law and Order know it isn't a good idea to let a defendant take the stand; yet, that happened last week in the never-ending Mike Madigan corruption trial. Alyssa texted John and told him to ignore all media so they can discuss it. She also explains the history of the recurring character of "The Old Post Office." We learn more about his upbringing and Lisa's dad. Show Notes: Niagara Foundation Chicago Sun-Times: Madigan’s testimony changes ‘rules of the game,’ and jurors may no...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Alyssa is joined by Hugh Yemon to discuss the history of Improv and Theatre Games. SHOW NOTES: NYT: Viola Spolin, 88, a Teacher Who Inspired Improv Theater The Difference between Spolin Games and Popular Improv HuffPost: Why Ayn Rand Does Not Matter (and Viola Spolin Does) NPR Illinois: From Hull House to Second City: How Chicago immigrants helped change theater Kitty Wants a Corner Spolin Games Online Chicago Tribune Archive The Second City: Backstage at the World's Greatest Comedy Theater A Th...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Alyssa and Pat journey to 1908 Chicago passed the first ordinance regarding Pasteurized milk. Then some drama ensued. History rhymes like a Dr. Suess book. SHOW NOTES: PASTEURIZED MILK LAUDED BY EVANS: Health Commissioner Denies It Is Death Dealing, Producing Weak Children. FOWLER MAKES THREAT. Former Alderman Declares He Will Show Up Conspiracy on Part of Big Dairymen. Threat Is Made by Fowler. Dr. Evans Explains Situation. Farmer Is Spared Dilemma. VICTORY SURE FOR PASTEURIZED MILK: Hey Ordina...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Season 2Ep. 59
Alyssa and Captain Scoot from the maritime podcast ShipWrekt go back to the early 1900’s when schooners lined the main branch of the Chicago River selling Christmas trees and boating fatalities were the norm. Show Notes: National Archives: The Christmas Tree Ship ABC 7: US Coast Guard 'Christmas Ship' makes annual tree delivery at Chicago's Navy Pier Block Club Chicago: Chicago’s Christmas Ship Docks At Navy Pier With Over 1,200 Trees For Chicago Families Christmas Tree Ship History Wisconsin Sh...
Dec 23, 2024•2 hr 30 min•Season 2Ep. 58
Are we living in the most debaucherous era? To figure it out Alyssa and Risen Lady Heathen travel back to early 1900’s Chicago to discuss a long forgotten degenerate tradition and pollical fundraiser known as the “First Ward Ball” AKA “the orgy.” Think “Eyes Wide Shut” meets “The Purge." Show some love by hitting subscribe and leaving a five-star review like men trying to do a shoesies and tell all your friends like a shocked journalist covering the First Ward Ball. Show Notes: Chicagology: The ...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 2Ep. 57
Alyssa updates John about the insanity that was Danny Solis' testimony. Words cannot express the plot twists. This is a stand alone episode in the saga that is USA V. Michael Madigan. Learn about briefcases of cash in China, prostitutes, pot, and more. Corruption Guest Stars Include: (In no particular order) Operation Greylord, Roberto Caldero, Juan Gaytan, Martin Sandoval, Luis Arroyo, Chicago's Former Main Post Office, Dan Burke, Patty Solis Doyle, Brian Hynes, Ed Burke, Lunch Pale Pete, and H...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 56
In this episode we talk about Fred Hampton who is perhaps the most important Civil Rights Activist you have never learned about in school. Show Notes: History Channel: The 1969 Raid That Killed Black Panther Leader Fred Hampton Biography: Fred Hampton Chicago Tribune: In 1969, charismatic Black Panthers leader Fred Hampton was killed in a hail of gunfire. 50 years later, the fight against police brutality continue Southside Weekly: Fifty Years of Fred Hampton’s Rainbow Coalition Chicago Reader: ...
Dec 02, 2024•2 hr 35 min•Season 2Ep. 55
Two geeky gals discuss an exhibit at the Chicago History Museum with some fun digressions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 25, 2024•2 hr 37 min•Season 2Ep. 49
Alyssa is joined by David Baxter (Thank You Five, Friends of the Countess, The Twelve Months of Christmas) to discuss the history of Grease. NWI Times: Grease has deep, dark Chica routes Telegraph: Grease at 50: ‘The Pink Ladies? They’d kill you if you looked at them wrong’ Chicago Tribune: Bring back our own, original R-rated 'Grease' Yahoo: Everything you didn't know about 'Grease,' from the $171 stage version to the original name of the T-Birds WTTW: Grease Premiere at Kingston Mines Chicago ...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 48
I am joined by The Pat Whelan from BestEveningEver! to discuss Peter Schivarelli best known as the manager for the band Chicago and owner of now defunct hot dog stand Demon Dogs; however there is so much more. His story involves Streets and Sanitation, No-Show jobs, the Blizzard of 1977, dead bodies, and lawsuits. It is so Chicago it hurts! We also have some fun digressions. I laughed until I cried. Show Notes: Chicago Sun-Times: 43rd Ward aide under fire // TV catches sanitation chief doing err...
Nov 11, 2024•2 hr 30 min•Season 2Ep. 47
In this episode, Alyssa gets Morgan Stringer's takes on three upcoming Chicago lawsuits: Thompson V United States, The Hoover Case, and Hubbard Inn. Directly related discussions include: a dead banker found in the master bedroom of a client, Demon Dogs, the band Chicago, Streets and Sanitation, SCOTUS, Real Housewives (SLC and OC), and Coffeezilla. It is a wild ride. SHOW NOTES: Chicago Tribune: 11th Ward hopeful labors to grow the Daley legacy Chicago Sun-Times: At crooked Bridgeport bank, exec...
Nov 04, 2024•2 hr 56 min•Season 2Ep. 46
In this episode Alyssa tells Ben Panko about the 1992 and 2021 versions of the movie Candyman and the urban legends which surround it. Show Notes: Chicago Tribune: Cabrini-Green and a horror film that captured the fears of public housing Vox: How a tragic unsolved murder and a public housing crisis led to Candyman Chicago Reader: How a story about the horrors of housing projects became part of a horror movie Chicago Reader: They Came in Through the Bathroom Mirror Horror News Network: Cabrini-Gr...
Oct 28, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 2Ep. 45
Alyssa updates John Zinn about the Madigan trial which organically invokes William Shakespeare, Steven Sondheim, and David Axelrod and others. Stay for the Putin comparison. Show Notes: Chicago Sun-Times: David Axelrod deliberates on the case against Michael Madigan Chicago Sun-Times: The case against Mike Madigan, laid out in explosive court documents Chicago Sun-Times:Madigan judge has experience with Shakespeare, Michael Jordan — and law used to target ex-House speaker Chicago Sun-Times: Woma...
Oct 21, 2024•44 min•Season 2Ep. 44
Alyssa is joined by Molly McAleer from Mother May I Sleep With Podcast and Trend Lightly to discuss "The Steve Bartman Incident" and some parallels to the 1986 Red Sox. In case you don't know, on October 14th, 2003 during the NLCS the Cubs imploded and for years one man was blamed. Show Notes: MLB YouTube: The Steve Bartman Incident Sports Illustrated: What happened to Steve Bartman? NYT: Steve Bartman Remains Invisible, 10 Years Later NPR: Cubs Fans Try To Make Up For Sending Another Cubs Fan D...
Oct 14, 2024•2 hr 42 min•Season 2Ep. 43
In this episode I tell Jeff Tischauser from Southern Poverty Law Center about the time the Chicago Tribune created a LGBTQA Moral Panic in the 1970's and how it is alive and well in 2024. We had some audio issues with this episode and are taking step to insure they never happen again but thought it is too good not to release and recording would not have had the same impact. Show Notes: Senate Hearing NYT: Chicago Jury to Probe Pornography and Prostitution Involving Boys Chicago Sun-Times: A Gay ...
Oct 07, 2024•2 hr 39 min•Season 2Ep. 42
In this episode I am joined by Captain Scoot and we discuss Block 37 which was nothing better than a land grab which inspired a book and a BBC Documentary. Show Notes: Chicago Magazine: A Brief History of Block 37 Chicago Tribune: A look at Block 37’s troubled past Chicago Magazine: The Block 37 Superstation: Chicago's Money Pit Chicago Tribune: Block 37 represents a painful missed opportunity Reddit Chicago Tribune: Block 37 developer sentenced to 3 years in federal prison for fraud NBC Chicago...
Sep 30, 2024•2 hr 30 min•Season 2Ep. 41
In this episode we discuss Sears, Roebuck and Company. Show Notes: WTTW: The Rise and Fall of the Mail Order Giants (Article) WTTW: The Rise and Fall of the Mail Order Giants (Video) Smithsonian: The Rise and Fall of Sears CNN: Sears’ extraordinary history: A timeline History Channel: Sears Chicago Tribune: Sears timeline: Rise, fall and restructuring of a Chicago icon over 130 years Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 23, 2024•2 hr 42 min•Season 2Ep. 40
This is not an episode about the history of Mike Royko. Instead, Alyssa is joined by writer and actor Mitchell Bisschop to discuss his one-man show Royko: The Toughest Man in Chicago and the journalist's contribution to the city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Season 2Ep. 39
Alyssa is joined by Risen Lady Heathen to discuss innovator Aaron Montgomery Ward and his contribution to retail and the Chicago Lakefront. Other Topics: The Fire American Girl Hobbies and crafts during COVID Timezones Chicago School of Economics Layaway Pots and pans in the dishwasher Film cameras Why I started this podcast Show Notes: Chicago History Museum: Montgomery Ward’s First Catalog WTTW: Sites Where Wards and Sears Became Giants WTTW: The Rise and Fall of the Mail Order Giants (Article...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Season 2Ep. 38
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 Chicago so Corrupt? What Russel Brand has been up to since he divorced Katy Perry Vanessa Googles Dan Proft’s hair in real time. Show Notes: Chicago Sun-Times: Through Liberty Principles PAC, Dan Proft spreads millions to GOP Chicago Magazine: Would Dan Proft Really Run for Governor Again? The Daily Harold: GOP gets WIND of Dan Proft’s new ...
Sep 02, 2024•2 hr 41 min•Season 2Ep. 37
This week Mo Sting from Hot Dockets and I discuss the trial of the Chicago Seven. So much laughter. Show Notes: Conspiracy in the Streets The Extraordinary Trial of the Chicago Seven The Chicago Conspiracy Trial Time: ‘Violence Was Inevitable’: How 7 Key Players Remember the Chaos of 1968’s Democratic National Convention Protests Chicago History Museum:The Chicago 7 Trial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 26, 2024•2 hr 27 min•Season 2Ep. 36
