Podcast Episodes

How Does Chicago Track Its Coyotes?

Chicago is home to an estimated 2,000 coyotes. To learn how they survive, Curious City joined researchers as they tracked down pups.

8 years ago

Doors Closing! Life As A CTA Rail Operator

Long hours, fatigue, and boredom can be hazards of the job. But former rail operators say there’s a lot to love about driving an 'L' train.

8 years ago

How Pollution Seeped Into The Lives Of East Chicago Residents

When pollution invaded Ezell Foster’s East Chicago neighborhood, he found himself stuck between industry and a bureaucracy.

8 years ago

WPLN’s 'The Promise': A Beautiful Day In The Projects

We curate an episode from WPLN’s podcast, ‘The Promise,’ a series about life in the James Cayce Homes, a public housing complex in Nashville.

8 years ago

Nerdette: Comedian John Hodgman Really Loves Malört

We curate an episode of the WBEZ podcast, Nerdette, featuring an interview with comedian John Hodgman and the very Chicago story of Malört.

8 years ago

Special Training For School Police: How Do Young People Feel About It?

As lawmakers move to require additional training for police in Illinois schools, five young people weigh in on whether it will make a difference.

8 years, 1 month ago

Seeing Blue: Will Chicago's New LED Streetlights Do More Harm Than Good?

Do LED lights cause cancer? Can they really reduce crime? One kid is so concerned about LED streetlights that he called Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

8 years, 1 month ago

Sweet Success: How Chicago's Mexican Bakeries Stay Competitive

Lots of Mexican bakeries can be found near one another in neighborhoods like Pilsen. So how do they stay in business?

8 years, 1 month ago

What A Murder In My Family Reveals About Chicago’s Chinese Gangs

Editor’s Note: This story was first published in 2018.

On a warm September night, a gunman walked into a West Side restaurant, greeted the manager, a…

8 years, 1 month ago

What Are Chicago’s Oldest Laws?

Looking around Chicago today, you won’t find many stink balls or cannons—but did you know the city has ordinances regulating both? When these laws we…

8 years, 2 months ago