Podcast Episodes
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“Living In Gotham City.” How Some Musicians Survived A Shuttered Industry
As Illinois reopens, Chicago area artists Lori Lippitz of the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, Lynne Jordan of Lynne Jordan and the Shivers, Juan Dies of…
5 years ago
What’s The History Of Chicago-Style Giardiniera?
Curious City’s Monica Eng investigates the origins of Chicago’s favorite spicy condiment: giardiniera. This humble jar of veggies packed in oil has …
5 years ago
Why Chicago Suburb Names Lie About Their Elevation
In the notoriously flat Chicago region, what gives with names like Chicago Heights, Mount Prospect and Park Ridge?
5 years, 1 month ago
Safe At Work: The Life Of Alice Hamilton
Scientist Alice Hamilton’s investigations into toxins in Chicago’s factories led to some of the first workplace safety laws in the country. She was k…
5 years, 1 month ago
WBEZ’s Beginnings With The Board Of Education
WBEZ, where Curious City gets produced, actually began as a radio station that broadcast educational programs for kids. In this week’s episode Monica…
5 years, 1 month ago
Can Anyone Propose Legislation To City Council?
Little-known fact: in Chicago, you don’t need to be an elected official to propose legislation to City Council. But does this process really work? Ha…
5 years, 1 month ago
Who Tolls The Bells In Chicago?
If you hear church bells ring in the Chicago-area, it’s likely they’re automated. Some bell systems are pneumatic or electronic. Others pipe digital …
5 years, 2 months ago
Art, Protest And The Trial Of The Chicago 8
In 1969, Chicago was home to one of history’s most high-profile trials. Known as the Trial of the Chicago 8 — and sometimes the Trial of the Chicago …
5 years, 2 months ago
Chicago's Hillbilly Heaven
Why tens of thousands of Southern migrants made the Uptown neighborhood home, only to leave a short time later. And WBEZ's Natalie Moore tells us abo…
5 years, 2 months ago
How Bagels Got To Chicago And Where To Eat Them
Curious City reporter Monica Eng and editor Alexandra Salomon try to help one listener who claims NY has better bagels find some good ones in Chicago…
5 years, 2 months ago