City Cast Chicago

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Chicago’s daily news podcast, fresh every weekday at 6 a.m. Host Jacoby Cochran brings you timely conversations with news and culture makers; activists and artists; bus drivers and students; those who love and hate this place—all in 15 minutes a day. It’s a smart and delightful new way to connect with the city we share. Learn more and subscribe to our morning newsletter at citycast.fm/chicago. 

Recent Episodes
  • Police Reform Stalls, Judge Loses Retention, and Chicago's First Snow
    Nov 22, 2024 – 40:07
  • You Might Also Like: Hysteria
    Nov 22, 2024 –
  • Where to See Comedy in Chicago
    Nov 21, 2024 – 28:01
  • Brutally Honest Chicago Food Takes with Poochie & Pang
    Nov 20, 2024 – 29:44
  • Police Overtime Bills, Ugly Bulls Jersey, and Free Turkeys
    Nov 19, 2024 – 30:05
  • Chicago's Big Grocery Problem
    Nov 18, 2024 – 28:52
  • Pitchfork Leaves Chicago, Property Tax Pushback, and Friendsgiving Favorites
    Nov 15, 2024 – 35:32
  • Your Guide to Lower Wacker, the Pedway, and Chicago’s Underground Network
    Nov 14, 2024 – 21:33
  • Best Chicago Takeout For Your Next Dinner Party
    Nov 13, 2024 – 35:39
  • Red Line Funding, What's Next For School Board, and Restaurant Closings
    Nov 12, 2024 – 24:01
  • Why Chicago Property Taxes Are So High
    Nov 11, 2024 – 28:58
  • Trump’s Impact on Chicago, Alders Reject Tax Hike, and Some Good News
    Nov 8, 2024 – 37:57
  • Chicago's Best Clubs and Parties for a Musical Pick-Me-Up
    Nov 7, 2024 – 31:38
  • How Chicago Voted
    Nov 6, 2024 – 36:07
  • Election Day Tips, Union Sues Pepsi, and Remembering Quincy Jones
    Nov 5, 2024 – 31:02
  • Will North Siders End 120-Year Alcohol Ban?
    Nov 4, 2024 – 20:38
  • The Four Cities That Could Decide the Election
    Nov 3, 2024 – 25:12
  • Property Tax Hike, Transit Board Vote, and Thompson Center Transformation
    Nov 1, 2024 – 40:12
  • Your Guide to November 2024 in Chicago
    Oct 31, 2024 – 32:07
  • The Best South Asian Cuisine On and Off Devon Avenue
    Oct 30, 2024 – 28:59
  • New School Board, Congress Quiz, and Your Essential Chicago Rules
    Oct 29, 2024 – 36:09
  • Will Pensions Break Chicago's Budget?
    Oct 28, 2024 – 21:28
  • City Hall Turnover, CTA Transit Merger, and Stevie Wonder at UC
    Oct 25, 2024 – 40:14
  • 9 Essential Rules To Living in Chicago
    Oct 24, 2024 – 38:21
  • Where To Find Chicago's Best Halloween Candy
    Oct 23, 2024 – 25:29
  • Lowering Speed Limit, Ballot Questions, and Best of Chicago
    Oct 22, 2024 – 36:46
  • Why Chicago's School Board Elections Are the Races to Watch
    Oct 21, 2024 – 31:03
  • City Budget Worries, Bally's Casino Disappoints, and Tote Bag Season
    Oct 18, 2024 – 32:20
  • 7 Architecture Terms You’ll Hear At Open House Chicago
    Oct 17, 2024 – 26:27
  • Restaurant Openings, Updated United Center Menu, and a $13,000 Martini
    Oct 16, 2024 – 26:56
  • The Local Stories About to Be National
    Oct 15, 2024 – 41:55
  • Colleges Crack Down on Protests, Lead Pipe Removal, and Suing Lil Durk
    Oct 11, 2024 – 33:52
  • How to Get the Best Deals at Chicago Flea Markets
    Oct 10, 2024 – 25:18
  • The Chicago Marathon Food Guide for Cardio Lovers and Haters
    Oct 9, 2024 – 24:04
  • Why Did the Whole School Board Quit? Plus, Chicago Fashion Week and Halloween Decorations
    Oct 8, 2024 – 34:54
  • The Rise and Fall of One of History's Most Powerful Politicians
    Oct 7, 2024 – 27:59
  • New Life for Abandoned School, Friendly BBQ Battle, and Grandma Love
    Oct 4, 2024 – 36:23
  • Why is Chicago Obsessed With Al Capone?
    Oct 3, 2024 – 33:07
  • Why You Should Wait An Hour For This Sandwich
    Oct 2, 2024 – 18:10
  • 911 Crisis Response Changes, Sky Fire Coach, and Best of South Side
    Oct 1, 2024 – 25:44
  • Your Guide to October in Chicago
    Sep 30, 2024 – 33:36
  • CPS vs. City Hall, Derrick Rose Retiring, and Bozo the Clown Returning
    Sep 27, 2024 – 33:17
  • Chicago Is Surrounded By Perfect Fall Road Trips
    Sep 26, 2024 – 27:50
  • Best Chi Restaurants for Eating Alone
    Sep 25, 2024 – 25:53
  • ShotSpotter Turns Off, Worst Sox Record, and Last Festival Forecast
    Sep 24, 2024 – 30:39
  • Inside the Chicago Shelter That Accepts ALL Animals
    Sep 23, 2024 – 29:11
  • How Chicago's Mexican Influence Grows. Plus, It's Voter Registration Time
    Sep 20, 2024 – 30:36
  • Could You Make a Flag Better Than Chicago's?
    Sep 19, 2024 – 22:59
  • Will Starbucks Actually Ruin This Chi Neighborhood?
    Sep 18, 2024 – 30:37
  • Shelter Shake-Up, Moon Report, and ‘Most Chicago’ Icon
    Sep 17, 2024 – 30:45
Recent Reviews
  • Waynesworldelection
    Listen
    Always learn something new - love listening!
  • VegetableBlood
    Best Chicago Podcast
    Fantastic podcast
  • Katgeary
    No more chewing
    On this podcast, you have forced us to listen to you guys eat chicken have listened to you guys eat pizza and now listen you guys eat sandwiches it’s enough we don’t need to listen to you eat it’s disgusting. You can just eat and then review the food it’s so gross to have to listen walking around with headphones on to you all chewing I don’t think you understandhow it sounds or maybe I don’t know but in the same way, I wouldn’t turn on WTTW to listen to an interview or chewing gum. I don’t wanna turn on this podcast to listen to you eating food. Please do it in your own time or doing research. It does not need to be videoed. It’s very weird.
  • BAP0628
    DNC Protesters
    I was very disappointed in your episode covering the DNC pro Palestinian protests. Or shall I say pro Hamas protests. It was very one sided, anti police (who have been so restrained despite being provoked and insulted and bullied by the protesters, esp the female officers). Did you consider mentioning or asking the question of who do you think funds these groups? The Islamic Republic of Iran. A terrorist regime with proxies who want to not only wipe Israel (a strategic ally to the US) off the map but the US as well, and is a human rights disaster. While the radical group at the Israeli consulate was screaming and threatening violence via an intifada revolution, and burned the American flag, the pro Israel counter protesters sang songs…..
  • Hhhhhhhhds
    More Simone!
    More Simone!
  • Old Boy Himself
    Insightful — and fun
    Listened to my first Chicago podcast this morning and was delighted by the knowledge — and chemistry — shown by the hosts.
  • EricaTheWonder
    Amazing Way to Connect to The City
    As a sober person, City Cast has been an incredible resource for me to learn about all of the amazing experiences, food, and nature that the city offers that isn’t centered around drinking. Thank you City Cast Team! Your work is so important!!
  • Sir Knee
    Friendly, Fun and Informative
    I love tuning in to city cast Chicago to get the rundown on the big Onion!
  • CobyCochran
    CityCastSuperFan
    Just wanted to clear up an earlier comment. The entire 4 person Chicago team lives and works in Chicago. 3/4 were born and raised in Chicago!
  • MP-chi
    Disappointed
    Love the host and find most of the episodes interesting! Recently found out that not everyone on the production team lives in Chicago, which I found disappointing. We need people who live here to tell our stories!
  • Patrice MP
    Always a great listen!
    Chicago City Podcast has seamlessly become a cherished part of my morning routine, especially during my commute. As I sip my coffee and settle into the journey, the hosts' engaging stories about Chicago create a perfect backdrop. It's like having a friendly conversation about the city's hidden gems and stories while I start my day. This podcast has become my ideal companion, turning my morning commute into a delightful and informative experience. If you're a fellow coffee-sipper on your way to work, I highly recommend giving this podcast a listen to make your commute more enjoyable!
  • Chi Bae 95
    The only Chicago podcast you need
    From the thoughtful daily topics, expert local guests, paired with the dynamic and incomparable host, Jacoby Cochran — City Cast Chicago checks all the boxes. It’s the thing I turn every morning to laugh, to learn and to get a pulse on my city. Not to mention that it’s the only daily Chicago news podcast with an actual Chicago born and bred host at the helm. Love it!
  • Professional friend
    Start my mornings right
    City Cast Chicago scratches the itch I have for the morning radio show without the mindless drivel. It’s a great show! I learn so much about my city every day.
  • sdimaria
    Morning Routine Staple
    Always start my morning listening to Jacoby & the team! This podcast keeps me up to date on all the city news & happenings is a great companion to their daily newsletter. The show outro's keep me laughing on the daily!
  • VIGuy67
    A taste of home
    I just wanted to give a shout-out to Jacoby on this podcast! As a born & raised South Sider now living in the Caribbean, I’m glad to have stumbled onto this show. I’m enjoying the mix of issues and 🎼Good News🎵! All the best!
  • hobbieunicorn
    Best Chicago Daily Podcast. Period.
    CityCast Chicago delivers the news Chicagoans need to know with a love & respect for the Soul of Chicago in a way that no other podcast comes close.
  • XarifaBedford
    Informative, Fresh, Inspiring
    Great little daily slice of information with enjoyable conversations and no nonsense. So great to be able to dive into deep issues or lighthearted fare with the clarity and warm enthusiasm of the hosts. Love Jacoby’s voice! Keep it up!!!
  • Crprtr
    Bummer
    I can’t continue to be a fan of this somehow if you don’t take crime seriously . Denying it needs serious addressing is his bullshyt. Makes me question all of the other reporting. Lost my dad to this violence. Get it together
  • Works Great in Chicago!
    My favorite local news pod
    Love this daily show. Whether it’s diving deep into a story, spreading some publicity on the arts, or sharing some good news - it’s a must listen!
  • JohnG4
    Jacoby is bae
    One of my favorite Citycasts, I think Jacoby’s “good newwwwws” could be enough on its own to solve Chicago’s emigration crisis. I’ve never lived in the Midwest, but I’m learning Chicago is a vibrant enough city that I am seriously considering moving there. That, and it would be fun to have a Citycast I could engage with. I’ve listened to nearly every episode, even the back catalogue, and I seem to recall somewhere in there that someone on the production team read every review, so I’ll use this back door to advocate for my series ideas: one of the things most appealing to me about Chicago is its impressive network of state-supported Amtrak regional rail, not just to big cities like Detroit, St. Louis, and Milwaukee, but also to small ones like Quincy, Carbondale, and Grand Rapids (in addition to commuter routes of similar scope but shorter distance, like Metra or the South Shore Line). I know for certain that, if I lived there, I’d be taking day- or weekend-trips to every city on every line, just to see what’s out there and learn more about a region I know astonishingly little about. So, here’s my idea: maybe not every week, but every so often, why not come up with a weekend rail getaway. Figure out which routes, schedules, and destinations allow for a same-day or single-overnight round trip, send someone on it, and report on the things to do like tiny museums, Gastropubs, state parks, long-distance bike-camping trails, etc. Chicago’s impressive regional rail infrastructure is one of the best built-out in the entire nation, yet it’s something rarely mentioned on the podcast. Furthermore, the recent infrastructure bill is infusing these routes with new locomotives, passenger cars, and, hopefully, routes and frequencies, so reporting on such is timely, too. Finally, it’s an interesting concept that I and hopefully other listeners would love to hear about. Anyway, absolutely love the podcast, and, who knows, maybe I’ll be showing up at a live event sometime in the coming years!
  • Good newsssss
    Good newssss
    As a former Chicagoan I love this podcast. Favorite part is Jacoby’s good newsss. God knows we need all the good newsss we can get nowadays!!!
  • MidwestGoodbye
    Stop with the singing, please
    I love this podcast and in the beginning when Jacobi sang Good News a little it was fun, but it’s too much at this point. Please stop. I’ll keep listening though. When I share it with people I have to warn them about it.
  • YannisD
    Awesome for a newbie to Chicago like me
    Amazing host in Jacoby who can switch from light funny humorous to excellent journalism asking incisive questions, teaching us about the city. Neighborhood tours is superb, as for the recent nightlife episode 10 stars for the humor and insights (:
  • trace2622
    Love This Podcast!!
    Very helpful podcast! Keep me up date on info about the city.
  • Tmd3453
    Good news to get you through
    Really good and maybe only local podcast for news and cultural items. Love the neighborhood focused shows. Citycast Chicago always gets the first spot in my podcasts everyday because it’s the most relevant, fun and well produced. Thanks All.
  • chireader1234
    Great Chicago podcast
    Thank you for helping the rest of us stay on top of what’s going on in Chicago. I appreciate the mix of cultural and political topics — and love the format.
  • Chitownsuperfan
    Appreciatchas!
    Great work, y’all! Keep it up!
  • Whyitsali
    Grateful
    Nobody I’d rather start my day with than Jacoby and crew
  • (insert sad emoji)
    That jingles episode is genius!
    I had to leave a review after listening to the Chicago jingles episode. Such a throwback and it was so much fun listening to Jacoby reminisce. Keep up the great show ideas!
  • sid_mad
    Great range
    Whether it’s sports, stepping, or the SAFE-T Act, Jacoby is a gifted storyteller and interviewer who you learn w & from. Feel lucky to hear from him everyday
  • WriteOftenLiveFully
    Fun
    Jacoby is such an amazing host! He’s got an infectious laugh and I love his “good news” at the end of every episode. The story selection and guest booking on this show is also amazing. Kudos to the producers!
  • LAlonM
    Super informative pod
    Great content! I learn so much listening to this pod.
  • megdalts
    Informative and fun!
    I love listening to City Cast Chicago! It does such a great job at capturing what’s happening in the city and beyond. A must-listen for all Chi residents!
  • Peymargar
    Longtime listener
    Longtime listener, first time reviewer! City Cast Chicago has brought so much knowledge and joy to my days! I feel like I really know Jacoby and the rest of the team. It really is like coffee every morning with a super in-the-know friend. Thank you!
  • SDSU V
    Enjoyable and Informative!
    Love how this show leans into the complexity of Chi-town & it’s clear how much the host loves this city!
  • King Queen Fire
    Great show!
    Great content and great guests
  • AK ALMoumen
    A Delightful Listen
    I love this podcast and its incredible view of such an institonal city as Chicago. The layers in this show are deep and I can’t get enough
  • justanothermanicmolly
    I learn so much
    Love taking this ride around the city each morning 🚉 And you gotta hear Jacoby sing the good news, you just have to 🎶
  • Djm2516
    2022 Primary
    Thank you for covering the Primary!
  • JMS32205
    Fantastic show
    One of the essential daily listens. Excellent host.
  • i@mrit
    Good Vibes for Chicago
    Jacoby serves the vibes our city needs — digging into what’s really going on with our politics, lifting up positive stories in our neighborhoods, and bringing pride and joy to our city. All in 15 mins. What more can a Chicagoan ask for?
  • Spencenatorm
    Great Chicago news podcast with perspective
    They report on stories that matter to people who actually live in Chicago. Unlike many other local news outlets they don’t bother too much with national or international stories, and focus instead on what’s going on here (which may include how world events affect us). It’s also funny and fun, even while discussing hard topics. They always end with some good news to get you through!
  • FridaK55
    Good, BUT
    Enjoy your show, but the Oprah episode was disappointing. Very bias, because Oprah also helped promote and elevate people who have impacted our society in incredibly negative ways (e.g., Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil, John of God). So, please be objective when discussing all people.
  • lukemute
    Best Chicago news. Period.
    So great to have real info news and reporting about Chicago. I wish there was more of this! Ps heard about this podcast on MKBHDs podcast.
  • Thats DuSable
    Great Podcast
    Jacoby has a really great speaking voice. What a great podcast
  • Emily221b
    Chicago stories you won’t hear elsewhere
    This podcast makes me proud to be a Chicagoan. Host Jacoby Cochran and guests have such an infectious love for Chicago, and they bring stories from all over the city that aren’t always covered in other local news outlets.
  • Sonja135
    The perfect Chicago podcast
    I love this show: its thoughtful conversions, moments of joy and laughter, and gutting questions. Jacoby is an amazing host - it feels like he’s really talking to us. Thanks for making this show every day!
  • Jake Hougaboom
    Start every morning with this podcast, Chicago!
    It’s been a year and I’ve never loved Chicago as much as I do noooooow!
  • Drew20kid
    The Perfect Morning Podcast
    Short episodes with efficient news updates and insightful interviews with Jacoby Cochran. I don’t think there is another podcast out there quite like this. I learn something every day and usually laugh once or twice too. Great format and vibes overall. Jacoby is easily one of the best hosts and interviewers out there. Even if you don’t live in Chicago this podcast should be a part of your daily routine!
  • angie applesauce
    A must listen
    Learn about our city in delicious small bites.
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