Monday, December 28, 2015

2015 Year Review

It was a really busy year for Chicago! Think you remember all the big things that happened? Join us for our annual Year Review as we look back on some of the major moments we've shared as Chicagoans, hear from past guests and celebrate the end of our 4th year bringing you stories from the people who make Chicago go.

See you in 2016!


Monday, December 14, 2015

Your List: Things To Do In The Winter

D'oh! This week's guest was no-show. But lucky for all of you, your favorite hosts (in the podcast/Chicago themed/interview show category) had a list episode ready and it's perfect for the season.

It's the holidays and your friends and family are descending upon you. So what do you do? In this episode, Stefania and Arden talk about things to do, see, eat and drink for those gross, wintery mix days ahead.

Stay warm!

Monday, November 23, 2015

84 - Andina

Meet Arlen Parsa, local documentary film maker.  In this episode, Arlen talks about the magical journey of discovering and then producing his grandfather's long lost opera, discusses the proper  behavior for traveling to and from a Cubs game (hint, don't be a dick bag) and shares a secret park to escape to in the city.




Check out andinalives.com to pre-order the film or the music.

Want to share a Chicago secret? Want to lodge a complaint on Listen Up Chicago? Want to say hi? Write to us at yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com or call 773-234-5LSD.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

83 - The Sedgwick Stop

Meet Hilary Lake, one of the family owners of Sedgwick Stop. In this episode, Hilary plies us with drinks and talks about the adventures of starting a bar in Chicago, complains about ticketing in the city and shares a hidden spot to catch a burlesque show.



Want to share a Chicago secret? Want to lodge a complaint on Listen Up Chicago? Want to say hi? Write to us at yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com or call 773-234-5LSD.



Monday, October 26, 2015

82 - DonerMen Food Truck

Meet Shawn Podgerski, co-owner of DonerMen Food Truck. In this episode, Shawn talks about the adventures of owning a food truck.


Find DonerMen on all sorts of social media at http://www.donermen.com/

Want to share a Chicago secret? Want to lodge a complaint on Listen Up Chicago? Want to say hi? Write to us at yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com or call 773-234-5LSD.


Monday, October 12, 2015

81 - Gene Ha

Meet Gene Ha (that's Golf Echo November Echo Hotel Alpha), four time Eisner award winning comic book artist and author of Mae. In this episode, Gene shares his story of becoming an artist, inspires us to become goo-goos and invites us to check out the Chicago Alternative Comics Expo.


And while Mae isn't available anywhere yet, we've got a signed copy for one very lucky winner. To be entered to win, e-mail yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com with the subject line "Ha!

Want to share a Chicago secret? Want to lodge a complaint on Listen Up Chicago? Want to say hi? Write to us at yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com or call 773-234-5LSD.

Monday, September 28, 2015

80 - Cards Against Humanity

Meet Max Temkin, co-creator of Cards Against Humanity. In this episode, Max gives us inside story of how this popular game for terrible people was born, shares some insight and inspiration into the Chicago political system and provides a rapid fire Chicago Secrets list that you might need to listen to three or four times to get everything.


Want to share a Chicago secret? Want to lodge a complaint on Listen Up Chicago? Want to say hi? Write to us at yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com or call 773-234-5LSD.

Monday, September 14, 2015

79 - LIVE: Mindy Segal at Taste of Chicago

Meet Mindy Segal, owner of Hot Chocolate, James Beard award winner and author of Cookie Love. In this episode, Mindy joins us live at the Food For Thought podcast tent at the Taste of Chicago to talk baking cookies, starting a restaurant and getting the police to actually come help you.

Special thanks to everyone who came to the show!




Want to share a Chicago secret? Want to lodge a complaint on Listen Up Chicago? Want to say hi? Write to us at yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com or call 773-234-5LSD.


Monday, August 24, 2015

78 - Your List: Bucket List

Congratulations! We've all just gotten our dream jobs in Sydney, Australia and we're leaving in a month. So what will you do before you go? In this episode, Stefania, Arden and their official pinch hitter guest, Mike, talk about what they would do in that scenario - from the must-see-one-more-time museums to that last slice of pizza.

What's on your Chicago Bucket List?

Write to us at yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com or call 773-234-5LSD.

Monday, August 10, 2015

77 - Learnapalooza

Meet Maggie Schutz, Executive Director of Learnaplooza, the festival where you get to choose your own adventure. In this episode, Maggie talks about bringing this incredible festival to life, shares a favorite park in the city and takes home a This Day In Chicago win.

There are two festivals right around the corner! Learn more at http://learnapaloozachi.com/

Want to share a Chicago secret? Want to lodge a complaint on Listen Up Chicago? Want to say hi? Write to us at yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com or call 773-234-5LSD.


Monday, July 27, 2015

76 - Plucky Rosenthal

Meet Alisa Rosenthal, also known as Plucky Rosenthal the Jewish star of stage and stage. In this episode, the vivacious Alisa tells the story of her vaudeville variety act, encourages Chicagoans to drive, walk, transit and live with compassion for others and invites us to check out the Picture of Dorian Gray at the Art Institute.


You can find Alisa at http://www.alisarosenthal.com.

Want to share a Chicago secret? Want to lodge a complaint on Listen Up Chicago? Want to say hi? Write to us at yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com or call 773-234-5LSD.

Sunday, July 12, 2015

75 - Two Hour Comedy Hour

Meet Andy Fleming, producer and host of the Two-Hour Comedy Hour. In this bumperiest episode ever, Andy Fleming talks about putting together a comedy showcase, cussing while bussing, taking piss back and Gramma J's diner.



You can find Andy on Twitter and the Two-Hour Comedy Hour also on Twitter.

Want to share a Chicago secret? Want to lodge a complaint on Listen Up Chicago? Want to say hi? Write to us at yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com or call 773-234-5LSD.


Your Chicago at Taste of Chicago!

Meet Arden and Stefania - LIVE at Taste of Chicago! In this episode, Mindy Segal, James Beard Award-winning Chef, owner of Hot Chocolate Chicago and author of COOKIE LOVE, dishes on food, life and Chicago.


DATE: JULY 12
TIME: 5:30p-6:30p
LOCATION: TASTE OF CHICAGO'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT PODCAST AREA

Mindy will be signing copies of her book, COOKIE LOVE after the podcast.

Admission to the festival and show is FREE.



The Taste of Chicago is a five-day culinary extravaganza showcasing the diversity of Chicago’s restaurant scene. With over 200 menu items, celebrity chef demonstrations, unique dining experiences on the lakefront, as well as world renowned music entertainment, “Taste” is the world’s largest food festival and one of the premier summer event in the Midwest.

The 35th Annual Taste of Chicago is July 8-12 in Grant Park. Admission is free and festival hours are 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For complete details visit www.TasteofChicago.us.

Monday, June 22, 2015

Minisode: Taco In A Bag

Your eyes and ears are not deceiving you. It's something new from Your Chicago! We're taking the show on the road and bringing you some 5-10 minute Minisodes around the city. In our first minisode, we check in with Patrick "Deep Dish" Bertoletti, former podcast guest, at his new joint "Taco In A Bag." We find out how things are going and sample some of his delicious cuisine. Yes, this minisode is about 60% chewing and moans of delight.





 

Monday, June 8, 2015

73 - The Cara Program

Meet Maria Kim, President and CEO of The Cara Program. In this episode, prepare to get inspired as Maria tells us about how The Cara Program is transforming the lives of Chicagoans, shares an amazing restaurant on a hidden cobblestone street and helps us invent the Party Bus app (patent pending).

You're going to want to attend Motivations, volunteer and also be Maria's best friend by the end of the show, so you can get that started by checking out The Cara Program on the web or on Twitter and by following Maria on Twitter.



And in other news, BIG NEWS for Your Chicago! We will be doing a live show at the Taste of Chicago on July 12 from 5:30-6:30pm. Details forth coming but we hope you'll put that date in your calendar and plan to come see us!

And as always - want to share a Chicago secret? Want to lodge a complaint on Listen Up Chicago? Want to say hi? Write to us at yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com or call 773-234-5LSD




Special thanks to this week's sponsor, Busy Beaver Buttons!

Monday, May 25, 2015

72 - Robot City Workshop

Meet Nick Taylor, Educational Director for Robot City Workshop (among many other things). In this episode, Nick tells us about how a robot hobby turned into a Robot Workshop that educates and entertains children and adults, berates Chicagoans who choose to wear shorts when it's NOT TIME YET and shares one of his favorite music venues in the city.




You can learn more about Robot City Workshop and book classes online on their website.

You can find Nick just about everywhere. YouTube Instagram Facebook and Twitter and you can find his podcast at AWSM Radio.

Want to share a Chicago secret? Want to lodge a complaint on Listen Up Chicago? Want to say hi? Write to us at yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com or call 773-234-5LSD.



Monday, May 11, 2015

71 - Your List: Why We Stay

Meet Mike, Arden's boyfriend and international man of mystery. In this episode, Mike graciously steps in as a pinch hitter after a last minute guest cancellation and joins the Your Chicago crew as we discuss the reasons we stick out Chicago's brutal winters besides the standard "because the summers are amazing," ponder the recycling situation in the city and learn about some of Chicago's most famous strikes.


Want to share a Chicago secret? Want to lodge a complaint on Listen Up Chicago? Want to say hi? Write to us at yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com or call 773-234-5LSD

Monday, April 27, 2015

70 - Metropolis Coffee Company

Meet Tony Dreyfuss, co-founder of Metropolis Coffee Company. In this episode, Tony talks about the cup of coffee that changed his life and how coffee can change the lives of others, teaches us about the coffee roasting process, tells us about the best place in the city to swim in the lake and bravely tries out a new segment with us.



You can find Metropolis Coffee Company on the normal internet, the Facebook internet, the Twitter internet.

We've got a giveaway too! If you would like your very own Metropolis Coffee Company t-shirt, e-mail yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com with the subject line "I <3 Metropolis" by May 11.



Monday, April 13, 2015

69 - Peterson Garden Project

Meet LaManda Joy, Founder and President of the Peterson Garden Project. In this episode, LaManda tells us about turning lot lust into a organization that empowers people to build Pop Up Victory Gardens all over the city, directs us to check out the Broadway Armory and gives us the most positive Listen Up Chicago this show has ever seen.



You can find the Peterson Garden Project on the web, on Facebook, on Twitter and on Instagram. If you want to know more about LaManda's books, you can find it at LaMandaJoy.com

Enter to win your very own copy of LaManda's books Fearless Food Gardening and Start a Community Food Garden: The Essential Handbook. Just e-mail yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com with the subject line "Garden" by April 27.

Want to share a Chicago secret? Want to lodge a complaint on Listen Up Chicago? Want to say hi? Write to us at yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com or call 773-234-5LSD


Monday, March 23, 2015

68 - Patrick "Deep Dish" Bertoletti

Meet Patrick "Deep Dish" Bertoletti, Chicago's very own world record setting competitive eater. In this episode, Patrick dishes on the world of competitive eating, talks about starting his own restaurant and educates us on the history of the Pullman neighborhood.


You can find Patrick on the Twitters, the Facebooks, the YouTubes and the Internets. Plus, don't forget that Taco in a Bag is opening up early April in Lincoln Park.

Want to share a Chicago secret? Want to lodge a complaint on Listen Up Chicago? Want to say hi? Write to us at yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com or call 773-876-7650


Monday, March 9, 2015

67 - Interview Squared

Meet Steve Labedz, producer of Interview Squared, Chicago's original improvised interview show. In this episode, Steve talks about creating and organizing a bi-weekly live show, plans out a perfect date night and sings the newest Your Chicago bumper.




Interview Squared is on Twitter and on Facebook. The next Interview Squared is March 11th. They're interviewing Zoog Von Rock and you should go.

You can find Steve on Twitter

Want to share a Chicago secret? Want to lodge a complaint on Listen Up Chicago? Want to say hi? Write to us at yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com or call 773-234-5LSD


Monday, February 23, 2015

66 - Water We Thinking

Meet Colette Gabriel, co-creator of Water We Thinking a blog about living life aboard a boat in Chicago. In this episode Colette talks about the adventures of making a home on the water with her husband, chastises Chicago for the state of our public transit and shares some new ways to explore and enjoy the Chicago river.





And here are some photos from Robot Date Night




Want to share a Chicago secret? Want to lodge a complaint on Listen Up Chicago? Want to say hi? Write to us at yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com or call 773-234-5LSD.





Monday, February 9, 2015

65 - Barley's Angels Chicago

Meet Kylie Bunting, co-organizer for Barley's Angels Chicago. In this episode, Kylie talks about creating a safe space for women to discover and enjoy beer, gives the low down on snow etiquette and shares three (and a half!) secrets, including a way to see the city from a whole new angle.


You can find Barley's Angels Chicago online, on Facebook and on Twitter. They've got some great events coming up, including a Girl Scout Cookie/Beer pairing event, so be sure to sign up!

Want to share a Chicago secret? Want to lodge a complaint on Listen Up Chicago? Write to us at yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com or call 773-234-5LSD


Monday, January 26, 2015

64 - Mac & Cheese Productions

Meet Saya Hillman, owner of Mac & Cheese Productions, a business that helps people grow community and grow themselves in unique and fun ways. In this episode, Saya talks about how unemployment led to a life of yes, addresses the serious issue of man-spreading and gives an incredible list of Chicago Secrets (seriously, get a pen and paper out).


Want to share a Chicago secret? Want to lodge a complaint on Listen Up Chicago? Write to us at yourchicagopodcast@gmail.com or call 773-234-5LSD

Monday, January 12, 2015

In Memory of Jason Chin

Last week, our friend and past guest Jason Chin passed away. He was the guest on our very first episode of 2014 and we will begin 2015 by replaying his episode from last year, to honor and remember an amazing man and pillar of the Chicago comedy community. You will be missed, Jason.