Growing up in Waukegan, Adam dreamed of playing college football until a devastating injury changed the course of his life. That unexpected setback led him to professional wrestling, where perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering belief in himself ultimately brought him to the biggest stage in sports entertainment.

We also dive into his deep Chicago roots—from growing up in Lake County and cheering on the Cubs (while somehow remaining a Packers fan), to why Chicago wrestling fans are unlike any other, his favorite neighborhood, pizza spot, and what it means every time WWE returns to the city he still proudly calls home.

Whether you're a lifelong wrestling fan or have never watched a match, this conversation is about far more than wrestling. It's about chasing your dreams, embracing unexpected paths, and never giving up on what's possible.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How a football injury unexpectedly led Adam to professional wrestling
• Spending nearly two decades on the independent wrestling circuit before joining WWE
• The importance of resilience, patience, and trusting the process
• Behind-the-scenes stories from WWE and working with today's biggest superstars
• Why Chicago remains one of wrestling's greatest cities
• His favorite Chicago neighborhood, pizza spot, and sports memories
• Balancing life on the road with family and fatherhood

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

Gary joins us while back in Chicago, performing in Steppenwolf Theatre Company's production of Catch as Catch Can, marking his long-awaited return to the Steppenwolf stage. As one of the theater's original ensemble members, Gary reflects on Steppenwolf's beginnings in a church basement in Highland Park, the friendships that shaped his career, and why Chicago has always remained home.

We also dive into his legendary career on screen, the differences between theater, film, and voice acting, the surprising legacy of Office Space, and why mentorship remains one of the most meaningful parts of his career.

Whether you've known him as Bill Lumbergh, Alden Parker, Mike Brady, or one of his countless other unforgettable characters, this conversation offers a rare look behind the scenes of an actor whose work has become part of pop culture history.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Gary's childhood growing up in the Chicago suburbs
• The early days of Steppenwolf Theatre and its remarkable evolution
• Returning to the stage for Catch as Catch Can
• Why is this production one of the most challenging of his career
• The differences between theater, television, film, and voice acting
• Behind-the-scenes stories from Office Space and its enduring legacy
• Building a career that spans more than four decades
• The importance of mentorship and supporting the next generation of actors
• What Chicago continues to mean to him after all these years

Tickets and show information for Catch as Catch Can can be found here

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

RJ takes us behind the scenes of the family business that helped shape Chicago into one of the world's greatest food cities. From the opening of R.J. Grunts in 1971 to beloved concepts like Wildfire, RPM, Beatrix, Aba, Sushi-san, Joe's, and dozens more, Lettuce Entertain You has spent more than five decades creating restaurants that have become part of Chicago's culture and traditions.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Richard Melman and Jerry Orzoff built Lettuce Entertain You from a single restaurant into a nationally recognized hospitality group
• The surprising ways new restaurant concepts are created, often beginning with a single dish or culinary idea
• How research trips around the world help inspire new restaurants and menus
• The challenges and rewards of working alongside siblings in a multigenerational family business
• Why company culture and employee experience have remained central to Lettuce's success
• The origins and evolution of the Lettuce Frequent Diner Club and why it has such a loyal following
• How Lettuce approaches community involvement and philanthropy across Chicago and beyond
• The story behind the hidden red shoes found in many Lettuce restaurants
• The debate over Chicago's best chopped salad and RJ's favorite Lettuce dining experiences
• What makes Chicago one of the greatest restaurant cities in America

RJ also shares stories about growing up in the restaurant business, launching his first concepts alongside his siblings, balancing family and leadership, and why Chicago remains the heart of everything Lettuce Entertain You does. Along the way, we discuss loyalty programs, restaurant trends, family traditions, and the impact Lettuce has had on generations of Chicagoans.

Lettuce Entertain You

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

The conversation dives deep into her newest play, Both, a psychological thriller debuting as the first production in Teatro Vista’s new residency at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Paloma opens up about the emotional weight of revisiting themes inspired by the pandemic's isolation and collective trauma, why horror is one of the most powerful tools for exploring human behavior, and how theater can create a uniquely visceral experience that lingers long after audiences leave their seats.

Paloma also reflects on navigating Chicago and Los Angeles as a working actor, appearing on shows like Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, and Empire, the realities of union work in entertainment, and why Chicago remains one of the greatest creative cities in the world. This episode is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about storytelling, identity, artistic risk, and what it means to create work that truly unsettles, challenges, and connects people.

Listeners can learn more about Paloma’s work and upcoming productions through Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Teatro Vista.

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

Joshua takes us inside the vision behind the highly anticipated Obama Presidential Center opening this June in Jackson Park. More than a presidential library, the 20-acre campus is designed as a living civic hub focused on community, leadership, culture, wellness, and opportunity for Chicagoans and visitors from around the world.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why President and Mrs. Obama chose Chicago’s South Side for the center
• The mission of the Obama Foundation and its global leadership programs
• How the center was shaped by community feedback from all 77 Chicago neighborhoods
• The partnership with the Chicago Public Library and the first-of-its-kind library branch on campus
• Plans for free public programming, including movies, concerts, sports clinics, podcasts, media production, cooking demonstrations, and more
• The inspiration behind “Home Court,” the center’s NBA-sized basketball and wellness facility
• Michelle Obama’s continued advocacy for girls and youth empowerment through the Girls Opportunity Alliance
• Valerie Jarrett’s leadership and influence behind the foundation’s growth
• Joshua’s journey from Houston to New Orleans to Chicago, and his experience working in public service
• The lasting impact President Obama still has on Chicago communities and future generations

Joshua also shares stories about surprise visits from President Obama, the excitement building ahead of the opening, and why the center is intended to be a welcoming space for everyone.

Tickets to the Obama Presidential Center Museum are now available from June 19 through November 30, 2026.

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

The episode dives into Brendan’s lifelong connection to The Beatles, especially “Hey Jude,” and how their music became intertwined with family, grief, and fatherhood. He also opens up about his mother’s alcoholism, therapy, and how The Movement You Need became both a love letter and a way to process complicated memories with humor and honesty.

Mallory and Nick also talk with Brendan about:

• The lasting influence of Chicago’s improv scene and Boom Chicago
• Why Ted Lasso became a source of comfort for so many people
• The cultural rise of women’s sports and what’s ahead in Season 4
• His “Sox fan, Cubs sympathizer” philosophy
• Why Chicago’s wit, humor, and people make it unlike anywhere else

Plus: Paul McCartney stories, Dutch humor, Malört discourse, and one of DIBS's most heartfelt conversations yet.

Tickets to The Movement You Need

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

From launching the Sky as an expansion team to winning the 2021 WNBA Championship, Michael shares the highs, the challenges, and the moments that made it all worth it. We explore the league's evolution, the explosive growth of women’s basketball, and how the Sky became a cultural force in Chicago and beyond.

We also talk about the realities behind the scenes, from building a brand without an NBA counterpart to navigating media narratives to protecting players in the age of social media. And at the core of it all is a bigger mission: creating visibility, opportunity, and inspiration for the next generation of female athletes.

In this episode, we cover:

• The origin story of the Chicago Sky and why Chicago needed a WNBA team
• What it takes to build a franchise from scratch, including branding, hiring, and early challenges
• The 2021 championship run and why it meant more than just a title
• How the WNBA is evolving, from expansion teams to global growth
• The dark side of sports: social media, player safety, and online abuse
• Why women’s sports are finally getting the attention they’ve always deserved

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

Kathryn Erbe is a celebrated stage and screen actor whose career spans Broadway, film, and some of television’s most iconic series. Many audiences know her as Detective Alexandra Eames on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, but her work reaches far beyond that role—from HBO’s groundbreaking drama Oz to beloved films like D2: The Mighty Ducks and What About Bob?

A longtime member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble, Kathryn returns to Chicago to star in The Dance of Death, a riveting and darkly funny psychological thriller adapted by Conor McPherson from August Strindberg’s classic play. Performing at the legendary Steppenwolf Theatre, the production blends biting humor, emotional intensity, and extraordinary physical performances.

In this episode, Kathryn shares:

1. How she landed on Broadway just six weeks after graduating from NYU Tisch
2. The surreal experience of joining Steppenwolf Theatre, a company she once read about as a teenager, dreaming of becoming an actor
3. Behind-the-scenes stories from Oz, one of HBO’s most groundbreaking early dramas
4. What it was really like filming Law & Order: Criminal Intent for ten seasons alongside Vincent D’Onofrio
5. Why theater and the shared experience of live performance feel more important than ever after the pandemic
6. The deeply personal story of how theater helped transform her life after a difficult adolescence

Kathryn also talks about the physical demands of performing The Dance of Death, even revealing she’s currently performing the show while recovering from a broken foot.

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

We talk about Michael’s iconic run with Christopher Guest, including Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, and For Your Consideration, and how that ensemble, improv-driven style didn’t just shape comedy, it helped rewrite the rules of how comedy films get made. Michael shares what it was like returning to Best in Show 25 years later, why it still holds up, and what surprised him most about dog show culture.

Plus, Michael takes us inside two of the biggest streaming hits of the moment: Nobody Wants This and The Lowdown on FX/Hulu, a modern noir with sharp dialogue, an all-star cast, and an awards-season buzz that’s building fast. We also dig into his experience on Glee, from appearing on-screen to writing and producing across multiple seasons—what it’s like creating TV at peak cultural impact, and how music rights actually work when you’re pulling off ambitious episodes with major artists.

In this episode, we discuss:

1. Growing up in the western suburbs and falling in love with Second City and Chicago theater
2. The surprising connection between community theater and landing Waiting for Guffman
3. The Groundlings, character comedy, and the Chicago vs. LA comedy difference
4. The legacy of Best in Show and why it’s still a cult classic (and then some)
5. Behind the scenes of Nobody Wants This, The Lowdown, and Glee

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

Melissa takes us from Glenbrook to U of I, then into the early days of learning the craft the hard way—reel-to-reel, carts, stunts, brutal hours, and the kind of on-the-ground experience today’s broadcasters rarely get. We also talk about how the industry has evolved: how technology changed show prep, how programming and playlists actually work, and why structure doesn’t have to mean losing your voice.

And yes, we go complete Chicago radio nerd. Melissa shouts out the icons who shaped her, shares the artists who gave her true “how is this my life?” moments (Dennis DeYoung included), and explains what she’s learned after decades on-air: at its best, radio isn’t just entertainment, it’s companionship, comfort, and a daily check-in that matters more than people realize.

In this episode, we talk about:

1. Why Chicago is one of the biggest radio markets, and why we’re so loyal to the voices we hear every day
2. How the “Chicago holiday station” tradition became a citywide ritual (and why it starts when it starts)
3. The real reason holiday songs repeat (and what “Top 40 philosophy” has to do with it)
4. Radio then vs. now: carts, reels, stunts, and the end of the farm system
5. Authenticity in Chicago: why this city rejects “national” energy and demands the real thing
6. Community on-air: how Melissa uses her platform to make listeners feel seen, safe, and heard
7. Melissa’s formative influences: Brandmeier, Dahl, Landecker, and more

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

We talk about growing up in the Chicagoland area with food at the center of everything, the moment Jeff realized humor was his superpower, and why he never stopped chasing the dream, even when he was ready to be “good” with a normal life. He also breaks down Chicago sandwich culture (yes, we go there), what people still get wrong about Italian beef, and how food TV is evolving in the age of YouTube, influencers, and short-form clips.

Jeff is also bringing a live, variety-style show to City Winery Chicago on January 22, a night of stories, music, food, and off-the-cuff comedy that feels like the most Jeff Mauro thing possible.

In this episode, we cover:

1. Jeff’s Chicago upbringing and why food was always the epicenter
2. How comedy became his superpower in third grade
3. Moving to LA and finding the Chicago community out west
4. The long road to Food Network Star and what finally made it click
5. Why “being famous” is not a career and what creators miss today
6. Sandwich King's origins and the power of a clear culinary point of view
7. Hot dog as a sandwich debate (with a surprisingly poetic answer)
8. Jeff’s current favorite Chicago sandwich picks
9. Food Network’s shifting landscape and why live performance is the next wave
10. Why Jeff loves Chicago: grit, beauty, authenticity, and zero tolerance for nonsense

Episode Resources:

1. Jeff Mauro live at City Winery Chicago — January 22
2. Mauro Provisions (including Jeff’s Jardiniera, now available at Whole Foods across the Midwest and Walmart)

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

Set against the backdrop of the holidays, when John Candy movies are basically required viewing in Chicago, this conversation dives into grief, legacy, and what it means to share a parent with the world. Chris talks candidly about losing his dad at just eight years old, why the family waited three decades to make a documentary, and how I Like Me became his way of both honoring and finally processing that loss.

If you grew up on John Candy movies, love Chicago holiday classics, or are navigating your own “Dead Dad Club” grief, this one’s going to hit you right in the feelings.

In this episode, we cover:

1. How John Candy: I Like Me came to life, from early ideas to teaming up with Colin Hanks and Ryan Reynolds
2. Why the Candy family saw this as the definitive documentary and decided now was the right time
3. What it was like for Chris to grieve in public and privately at the same time
4. The emotional weight of revisiting his dad’s life through old footage, friends’ stories, and fan memories
5. Macaulay Culkin’s powerful recollection of working with John on Uncle Buck and how John treated kids on set
6. The Chicago DNA running through John’s most iconic roles and why the city still feels like “America in one place”
7. How comedy, kindness, and vulnerability can all coexist in one person
8. What Chris hopes people remember about his dad after watching the film
9. The strange, tender camaraderie of the “dead dads’ club” and why talking about grief matters
10. Why John Candy felt like someone audiences could trust, especially kids watching him on screen

About John Candy: I Like Me

John Candy: I Like Me is an intimate look at the beloved actor’s life, career, and inner world, from his early days on SCTV to Hollywood stardom. Featuring interviews with friends, collaborators, and family, the film explores not just the characters we love but also the man who played them and the son still learning who his father was.

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

Kirsten takes us from growing up in Lake Bluff and discovering theater as a calling, to training in the Midwest, to returning to Chicago in the mid-90s and finding her artistic home at A Red Orchid after seeing a production in 1995 that changed everything. Along the way, she shares the company’s origin story, founded by Guy Van Swearingen, Michael Shannon, and Lawrence Grimm, why the name A Red Orchid carries deeper meaning than most realize, and what it takes to build art that lives right on the edge of something honest.

In this episode, we cover:

• The making of an actor: The first productions that blew Kirsten’s mind, why theater felt like a real calling in high school, and how Midwest training helped shape her craft.
• Returning to Chicago: Coming home after grad school, building a sustainable acting life, and how her day job at Thresholds turned into theater-driven work through games, interviewing skills, and social practice.
• How A Red Orchid started: The founding story, the Old Town space, and how a firefighter's schedule, a DIY mindset, and a rented room turned into a company that’s lasted more than 30 years.
• Why the room matters: What it means to do theater with 60–70 seats, how intimacy changes performance, and why audiences sometimes need time to sit and process before they can even stand up.
• Choosing a season as an ensemble: How the company reads year-round, votes on plays, balances classics with new work, and builds seasons around urgency, relationships, and what’s “eating at” the group.
• What’s coming next: Kirsten’s excitement for Birds of North America (which she’s directing), the themes she’s drawn to this season, and why she wants everyone to “just walk in the door.”

Purchase tickets to Birds of North America here.

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

Jim takes us from San Jose to Soldier Field to Lambeau: how a kid who loved baseball wound up under center for the 1985 Bears, why he saw rebellion as a form of leadership, and what it was really like inside that famously intense Ditka–Buddy Ryan locker room. Along the way, we get the stories behind the headbands, the sunglasses, and the day he wore a Bears jersey to the Packers’ White House visit.

If you grew up hearing the ’85 Bears described like Greek gods, if “Go Bears” has ever been your version of “hello,” or if you’ve ever wondered what happens to a body and brain after football, this one’s for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• Bears–Packers, from both sidelines: How a player who spent seven years as the ultimate Bear ended up in Green Bay and why he wore a Chicago jersey to the Super Bowl ring ceremony at the White House.
• The legend of #9: Jim’s journey from BYU record-breaker to the swaggering, sunglasses-wearing quarterback of the 1985 Bears, and why he saw “us against them” as pure Chicago energy.
• Cannabis over opioids: How he and other former players got off pain pills, what he’s learned about the body’s endocannabinoid system, and why he calls marijuana a medicinal plant, not a drug.
• Troops, USO tours, and perspective: The story of visiting bases in Iraq during wartime, staying in Saddam’s palaces, meeting wounded soldiers in autograph lines, and how that reshaped his sense of service and sacrifice.
• The headband heard ’round the world: From getting fined for an Adidas band to trolling NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle on national TV, then turning the spotlight to charities during the Super Bowl.
• Hockey dads and golf trips: Raising kids in Northbrook youth hockey, early memories of brutal ’70s hockey fights, and dream foursomes that include Michael Jordan and rounds at Augusta, St. Andrews, and Pebble Beach.

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

Marilynn takes us on a journey from freight to festivals: how a municipal pier built in 1916 became a Navy training site, a University of Illinois campus (a.k.a. “Harvard on the Rocks”), and eventually one of the most visited spots in the city — complete with the Centennial Wheel, public art, theater, restaurants, FlyOver Chicago, and more.

If you’ve ever flown into Chicago, seen Navy Pier out the window, and thought, “Okay, I’m home,” this one’s for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• A pier with a thousand lives: Marilynn traces Navy Pier’s evolution from shipping hub to Navy training ground, university campus, and finally the civic space we know today.
• Why Navy Pier is “Chicago’s front porch”: How the pier brings people together across neighborhoods, backgrounds, and generations, and why Marilynn sees her role as stewarding a mission-based cultural center, not just a tourist attraction.
• Winter WonderFest is back: The beloved holiday tradition returns after a five-year hiatus, with indoor ice skating, rides, and family-friendly fun for those long Chicago winter days.
• FlyOver Chicago & falling in love with the city (again): Nick shares his unexpectedly emotional experience on FlyOver Chicago, and Marilynn explains why it captures the grit, resilience, and beauty of the city so well.
• Events that shape the city’s cultural life: From EXPO CHICAGO to volleyball tournaments, weddings, fundraisers, and everything in between, how Navy Pier balances public space, local businesses, and significant events.
• Balancing history and what’s next: How Marilynn and her team protect the pier’s legacy while reimagining underused spaces and bringing in new experiences that keep people coming back.

Episode Resources:

Navy Pier

Winter Wonderfest Tickets

Marilynn Gardner LinkedIn

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

In this episode, Nick takes you inside the Music Box on Halloween night, live from the lobby, the balcony, and backstage, to talk with cast president Marnie Thompson, Franks Elise and Amy, historian/DJ/security chief Chris, veteran cast members Bones and Billy, newer faces like Mark, Sarah, and Colby, staging manager Logan, and Music Box special events director Matt Carr. Together, they unpack why Rocky still matters 50 years later, what it means to build a truly welcoming “padded room” for self-expression, and how a volunteer cast keeps this tradition alive month after month.

In this episode, we cover:

• The first time it hits you: cast “Rocky stories” that start with high school theater, late-night TV, strict parents, anime conventions, and end with joining the cast.
• Why it endures: Rocky Horror as queer sanctuary, counterculture church, and a rare third space where you don’t have to drink to belong.
• Halloween vs. every other month: what makes the October run feel like “our Christmas,” how five shows sold out by early October, and why the energy on Halloween is unlike anything else in the city.
• Behind the corsets: staging managers juggling five nights of casting Tetris, months of rehearsals, handmade prop bags, and the nerves that never quite go away.
• Life on stage: playing Frank, Riff Raff, Eddie, Rocky, and more, embodying confidence, messiness, and joy, and what it feels like to have 700 people scream and dance with you at midnight.
• Queer history in real time: Midnight Madness as a 40-year Chicago institution, a place to figure out gender and sexuality long before language caught up, and a space where new generations keep finding themselves.
• The Music Box as home: how a once-run-down neighborhood theater became a thriving, analog, all-year destination, from Rocky at midnight to White Christmas sing-alongs and why people “just keep coming back.”
• If you’ve never been: how to pick your first show (Halloween chaos vs. deep-cut regulars), what to expect from the callbacks and crowd, and why the only real rule is simple: don’t be a dick.

Episode Resources:

The Music Box

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

It’s a straight, honest conversation about belief, impact, and Chicago roots — the kind of talk you only get when it’s one-on-one.

Episode Resources:

Follow Gabe: @gabepolski

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

In this episode, Kevin pulls back the curtain on making the film without easy access to TV archives, centering the players’ voices a decade later, and challenging lazy narratives about the South Side. We talk youth sports as a media product, the whiplash from hero to “cheater,” and the resilience of young men who still love the game despite the spotlight’s burn.

In this episode, we cover:

• The summer that gripped Chicago: Jackie Robinson West’s run, the joy of Williamsport, and kids sneaking in wiffle ball between interviews.
• When the cameras turned: media incentives, racial stereotyping, and how a complex residency rule became a national “gotcha.”
• Centering the players: why Kevin stepped back on premiere night, and what it means to let the team tell their own story now as adults.
• Youth sports on TV: visibility vs. exploitation; why putting 12-year-olds on a national stage can help and harm.
• Chicago myths vs. reality: Morgan Park, community, and the cost of a single-story narrative about the South Side.
• Life after the storm: mental health, rebuilding identity, and the players’ paths—in baseball, music, and beyond.
• What’s next for Kevin: a new project on Oscar Robertson, labor rights, and how the NBA changed forever.

Episode Resources:

Vision Construction & Consulting

One Golden Summer

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

In 1987, during a Sunday night Bears broadcast, WGN’s signal was hijacked by a figure in a rubber Max Headroom mask. Two hours later, it happened again—this time on PBS affiliate WTTW during Doctor Who. What followed was a bizarre, 90-second pirate transmission filled with cryptic phrases, eerie laughter, and a fly swatter.

No one was ever caught.

Joining Nick and Kerry is Professor Paul Booth, DePaul University’s professor of media and pop culture, who helps unravel how this low-tech act of rebellion became one of the most infamous unsolved hacks in television history. Together, they revisit the analog world of 1980s Chicago, decode the cultural impact of Max Headroom, and explore what this moment reveals about media, technology, and the rise of counterculture in America’s third-largest city.

In this episode:

• The night Chicago TV went dark: how two local stations were hijacked in real time.
• Why the Max Headroom Incident still fascinates tech historians and pop-culture fans nearly 40 years later.
• The eerie connection between the hacker’s message, media consolidation, and today’s digital echo chambers.
• What the analog age can still teach us about creativity, rebellion, and control.

Chicago Unsolved is brought to you by Vision Construction and Consulting, Inc. and One Tale at a Time Animal Rescue.

Be sure also to check out our sister show, DIBS, on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow @Chicago_History on Instagram, Facebook, and X for more stories, behind-the-scenes content, and clips from both podcasts. Like, comment, and be a part of @Chicago_History.

Nick's Instagram - @chiniko312

Kerry's Instagram - @Kerryc9

In this episode, Larry pulls back the curtain on how WGN’s morning show actually gets made, why “great storytelling beats podium soundbites,” and how Backstory uses history to decode today’s headlines. We discuss journalism’s evolution (and erosion) in the social era, the difference between accountability and viral noise, and how Chicago maintains its sense of humor both on and off the air during heavy news cycles.

In this episode, we cover:

• The WGN way: chemistry, authenticity, and why “news is a conveyor belt,” not a script.
• Backstory, explained: using history to make sense of now, plus standout episodes (Bozo, antisemitism in Oak Park, lost archives).
• From film to phones: the tech shifts Larry’s life, from tape and bike couriers to real-time feeds and misinformation.
• Politics & sports, Chicago-style: Daley-era obsessions, Obama’s rise, and how the Bears/Bulls/Cubs change the city’s mood.
• Heavy to light (for real): balancing tragedy with levity, why cancel culture misses the point, and Larry’s advice for young storytellers.

Episode Resources:

Vision Construction & Consulting

Purchase Tickets for Mr. Wolf at Steppenwolf Theater

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

Be sure also to check out our sister show, DIBS, on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow @Chicago_History on Instagram, Facebook, and X for more stories, behind-the-scenes content, and clips from both podcasts. Like, comment, and be a part of @Chicago_History.

Nick's Instagram - @chiniko312

Kerry's Instagram - @Kerryc9

In this episode, Audrey and Glenn pull back the curtain on how the ensemble operates, what it means to nurture bold new voices, and how they’re keeping Steppenwolf’s rebellious spirit alive while planning a boundary-pushing season. We talk about their own journeys from actors to artistic leaders, the delicate balance between honoring classics and debuting new work, and what makes Chicago audiences so uniquely special.

In this episode, we cover:

• The origin story: How three young actors built Steppenwolf into a world-class theater company.
• Building an ensemble: Why long-term relationships and artistic trust fuel their success.
• Behind the season: A preview of Mr. Wolf, Feet, Windfall, Catch as Catch Can, and a revival of Amadeus.
• Life onstage: Their advice for aspiring actors, and how they keep the work honest, brave, and alive.

Steppenwolf’s 50th season celebrates its storied past while boldly embracing the future—and Audrey and Glenn are steering the company with passion, humor, and a fierce love for Chicago.

Episode Resources:

Learn more and explore upcoming shows at Steppenwolf.

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

In this episode, we cover:

• Chicago roots to Broadway stages: Summer-camp Wizard of Oz at six, Equity card at nine on the Evita tour, and early gigs at the Goodman, plus the teacher and community directors who opened doors.
• On-screen favorites: How Richard Linklater’s collaborative style made Dazed and Confused a career favorite and a bracing (and unforgettable) Yul Brynner story from The King and I tour.
• The making & meaning of RENT: Honoring Jonathan Larson, processing loss on the cusp of success, and how the show widened empathy, representation, and allyship for a generation.
• Activism as purpose: From early HIV/AIDS advocacy to marriage-equality work and how fatherhood has sharpened his lens on community and belonging.
• Star Trek & storytelling: Building TV’s quietly groundbreaking queer partnership with Wilson Cruz, why sci-fi is the perfect empathy machine, and portraying trauma, love, and repair on screen.

Episode Resources:

• City Winery Chicago Presents Anthony Rapp of the original Broadway cast of RENT live on Sunday, September 21st at 7:00 PM!

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

In this episode, we cover:

• The museum’s origins at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and how it evolved into today’s Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
• What’s hidden behind the walls: 35,000+ artifacts, with only a fraction on public display.
• Stories behind iconic exhibits like the U-505 submarine, Apollo 8 command module, the coal mine, the Boeing 727, and the five-story tornado in Science Storms.
• How exhibits like The Great Train Story sneak in Easter eggs (yes, those superhero figurines are intentional).
• Annual traditions, including Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light, and the museum’s deep partnerships with Chicago’s neighborhoods.
• Preparing for new neighbors like the Obama Presidential Center and collaborating with institutions like the University of Chicago.
• The museum’s future: digitizing its collections, expanding access through VR/AR, and inspiring the next generation of scientists and dreamers.

Episode Resources:

• Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
• U-505 Submarine Exhibit Tickets

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

In this conversation, we discuss:

• The history of the Field Museum, from its roots at the 1893 World’s Fair to its current status as a global leader in science and storytelling.
• How the museum is tackling modern challenges, from cultural sensitivity and collaboration with Native communities to the rise of short-form video and interactive tech.
• Behind-the-scenes insights into building exhibits, what it takes to plan for years, balancing in-house creativity with traveling shows, and keeping fragile treasures preserved for future generations.
• Iconic memories like the unveiling of Sue the T. rex, “Dozin’ with the Dinos,” and how exhibits like Native Truths are transforming museum experiences.
• Supporting local museums matters, whether it’s buying a ticket, becoming a member, or simply bringing your kids to experience the wonder.

We also get a preview of the upcoming After the Age of Dinosaurs exhibition (opening August 28, 2025), plus fun stories from Jaap’s 25 years shaping one of Chicago’s greatest institutions.

Chicago is fortunate to have the Field Museum, and this episode serves as a poignant reminder of why it remains a cultural anchor for the city and beyond.

Episode Resources:

• Field Museum
• After The Age of Dinosaurs Tickets

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

RIOPOP, the ultimate summer refreshment, sponsors this episode. Non-alcoholic, low carbonation, and infused with electrolytes, perfect for a day at the museum or soaking up the Chicago sun.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

In this episode, we cover:

• The very Chicago origin story of Cameo (yes, it involves O’Hare traffic).
• How the company soared during the pandemic—and rebuilt after layoffs.
• Why Steven kept Cameo headquartered in Chicago instead of moving to the coasts.
• The bold decision to bring employees back to the office—with perks like $10k raises and daily lunches.
• Chicago’s role in shaping tech, talent, and grit.

Cameo isn’t just a startup—it’s a Chicago story through and through.

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

RIOPOP, the ultimate summer refreshment, sponsors this episode. Non-alcoholic, low carbonation, and infused with electrolytes, perfect for a day at the museum or soaking up the Chicago sun.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

In this episode, we cover:

• The origin story of Boka Restaurant Group and its “chef partner” model
• Why hospitality and mental health matter just as much as food
• How the pandemic reshaped his leadership and inspired his upcoming book, "The Bottomless Cup", out in Fall 2025
• His personal transformation—including going alcohol-free, therapy, and building Beyond, a holistic wellness club in Chicago
• And yes, we talk pizza (and his new spot, Zarella, opening soon in Chicago!)

We also catch up with friend of the show Steve Dolinsky, Chicago’s pizza authority and former NBC/ABC7 food reporter, to talk about his new gig at Levy and the return of Pizza City Fest Chicago. From the $26 GA ticket to the $125 VIP experience, Steve walks us through everything you need to know about the ultimate pizza weekend happening August 22–24, including fresh pies made onsite, a pizza box folding competition, and a killer music lineup (Hello, Trippin’ Billies and Sixteen Candles!). Additionally, we learn about the fest’s charitable partner, Donate Pizza, and why Chicago's diverse pizza styles—tavern, deep dish, stuffed, and pan—deserve more recognition on the national stage.

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

In this episode, Bob shares the fascinating history of how John G. Shedd envisioned a world-class aquarium for Chicago, the extraordinary design details hidden in plain sight, and how the facility has evolved over the decades through cutting-edge sustainability practices, architectural innovation, and a deep commitment to animal welfare.

From beluga whales and anacondas to penguin field trips during the pandemic, Bob takes us behind the scenes to explore the work that keeps the Shedd a world leader in aquatic care, conservation, and climate education. He also shares exciting updates on Shedd’s Centennial Commitment, including new exhibits, environmental outreach along the South Branch of the Chicago River, and a renewed focus on inspiring the next generation through immersive, tech-forward experiences.

Whether you’ve visited the Shedd a dozen times or have yet to go, this episode will leave you with a renewed appreciation for what it means to look nature in the eye.

In this episode, we cover:

• The surprising origin story of the Shedd Aquarium
• Hidden design gems in the original 1930 Beaux-Arts building
• How Shedd’s sustainability efforts reduced water usage by 50% and waste by 80%
• Why beluga whales are so special to Bob—and to Shedd visitors
• How animal rescue, veterinary science, and climate research come together at Shedd
• The viral story of Wellington the penguin during the pandemic
• What’s coming this summer: Jazzin’ at the Shedd, new exhibits, and a beautiful new entrance

Resources & Links:

• Plan your visit: www.sheddaquarium.org
• Follow the Shedd on Instagram: @shedd_aquarium

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

Born and raised in the South Suburbs, Ben has spent more than two decades reporting on the stories that shape Chicago—from local corruption to headline-grabbing political scandals. In this episode, we dive deep into his groundbreaking work on the Dalton investigation and what it takes to break a story in the age of “fake news,” outrage culture, and 10-second attention spans.

In this episode, we cover:

• The real process behind investigative journalism
• Why local news matters more than ever
• How social media and partisanship have changed news consumption
• Chicago’s history of political scandal and why it keeps repeating
• What keeps Ben inspired to report the truth in his own hometown

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

In this episode, we cover:

• How Chicago’s streets and sneaker culture inspired Steven’s iconic designs
• His journey from a fresh art school graduate to a global design legend
• The story behind creating game-changing sneakers like the New Balance 574, 996, and Yeezy 700
• His partnership with Kanye West at Yeezy and the innovative process behind the Wave Runner
• Why he chose to take his talents to Crocs and what’s next for his design evolution
• Steven also shares his favorite spots in Chicago, his love for Piece Pizza in Wicker Park, and why he believes Chicago is the perfect blend of grit and grace.

Connect with Steven Smith:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

Adam shares how it still gives him goosebumps to hear “Sirius” echo through the United Center, the dreamlike experience of calling buzzer-beaters next to Stacey King, and the honor of following in the footsteps of Chicago sports legends. We talk about the adrenaline of live sports broadcasting, what it was like calling games during COVID, and how he balances objectivity with hometown pride across the NBA, NFL, and MLB.

Plus, Adam opens up about his creative outlet, DJing, and how house music is just as much a part of Chicago’s soul as sports. From his love for tavern-style pizza to his family’s immigrant story and connection to the city, Adam’s story is full of heart, humor, and hometown love.

Whether you're a die-hard Bulls fan, a sports media junkie, or love a great Chicago story—this episode is a slam dunk.

This episode is sponsored by Riotpop.

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

For sponsorship opportunities or joint marketing partnerships, email us at dibschpodcast@gmail.com.

Steve is a 13-time James Beard Award winner and an accomplished author, best known for Pizza City, U.S.A.: 101 Reasons Why Chicago is America’s Greatest Pizza Town. That book came after he visited 185 pizzerias in just six months—yes, really. The research led to the launch of Pizza City U.S.A. Tours in 2018 and Pizza City Fest, an annual celebration of top pizza makers nationwide.

He also co-hosted The Feed Podcast with Chef Rick Bayless from 2014 to 2019, which won the James Beard Award for Best Podcast in 2015.

We couldn’t imagine a better guest to help us dig into what makes Chicago’s food culture so special. Welcome to DIBS, Steve!

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

For sponsorship opportunities or joint marketing partnerships, email us at dibschpodcast@gmail.com.

Download this episode of DIBS wherever you listen to podcasts!

Stay connected by following us on Instagram @chicago_history.

For sponsorship opportunities or joint marketing partnerships, email us at dibschpodcast@gmail.com.