The Block Club Chicago Podcast
The important, emotional, inspiring stories affecting Chicagoans.
- Update frequency
- every 3 days
- Average duration
- 19 minutes
- Episodes
- 321
- Years Active
- 2021 - 2025
Just Who Is Ronnie Woo Woo, The Cubs Most Famous Fan?
Reporter - Mack Liederman
Yes, Cubs fans, the spirit and sound of Wrigley Field — otherwise known as Ronnie Woo Woo — is alive and well as the streaking Cubs make a push for the penna…
This Man Visited Every Country On Earth And Yes He Stopped In Chicago
Host - Jon Hansen
Guest - Thor Pedersen, Once Upon a Saga
Thor Pedersen is thought to be the first person to visit every single country on earth, in one continuous journey, without ever traveling by pl…
Covering Chicago's Arts & Culture Beat
Block Club's new(ish) Arts and Culture Editor Gwen Ihnat discusses the beat, best things to do this weekend, and her favorite Chicago music venue.
Coverage on:
How Chicago Started House Music
Four-on-the-floor, 120 beats per minute. Today's artist are getting on the house music trend, which started in Chicago. Brandon Pope explores why we can claim own…
The Owners Of A 99-Year-Old Hardware Store Are Selling It To Their Employees
The Entrepreneur Promoting Queer Artists And Sharing LGBTQ+ Stories
Award-winning media personality Anna DeShawn has been sharing queer news and stories through radio and podcasts for nearly 15 years. This summer, she's going on a nationwide tour to amplify queer, Bl…
Book Bans Be Damned: Chicago’s Queer-Owned Bookstores Won't Stop Fighting For LGBTQ+ Community
Independent Bookstores Unabridged and Women & Children First have been there for the LGBTQ+ Community For Decades. They remain relevant today by keeping their focus on helping the communities they se…
Exploring Chicago's LGBTQ History Through Tours
Mike McMains, founder of Tours With Mike and creator of the Ugly Buildings tours, has three tours focusing on LGBTQ+ history on the North Side, South Side and Downtown.
Check out Tour…
Drag Artists Finding Sanctuary In Some Chicago Churches
More Proud City Coverage HERE
Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE
Who we are
Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization de…
Proud City - Highlighting LGBTQ+ Chosen Families
Four Chicago transplants have formed a deep bond known as chosen family, a term for people who choose to embrace, support and love each other like relatives, regardless of blood or marriage.
The 2023 Summer Bucket List!
From street festivals, to concerts, to bike rides and picnics -- Block Club Chicago staffers share what's on their summer bucket list!
Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE
Who we are
B…
Why Chonk The Snapper's Fame Is A Sign The Chicago River Is Getting Cleaner
Guest - Chris Anchor, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Forest Preserve District of Cook County
A chunky, scaly bad boy is stealing the city’s heart. Chonk the snapping turtle may also be a …
Chicago-Fried Comic Maggie Winters Credits Beverly Roots For Stage Success
A Chat With Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson
On The Block Host Brandon Pope interviews Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson.
You can catch 'On The Block' Thursdays at 7p on The U, Saturdays at 10a and Sundays at 6:30p on CW26. Here's a station guide!
Wa…
Meet The Man Who Makes Pizza In His Alley For A Good Cause
John Carruthers is the communications manager for Revolution Brewing and a contributor to The Takeout. He also makes and sells pizzas out of an alley to raise …
Meet The Whitney Young 'Breakfast Club' That Can't Stop Winning Championships
Competing in 10 academic subjects, the decathlon is a rigorous and fun competition students said has given them much-needed social bonding in high school during the pandemic -- and W…
The Wrestler Who Isn't Giving Up His Dream - Despite Being Shot 4 Times
From a childhood dream to a WWE tryout, Jason Harrison's pursuit of wrestling professionally has eluded him for years. But he refuses to give up.
Want to donate to our non-profit ne…
The Ballot - How Brandon Johnson Won (We Think)
Guests - Brandon Pope, Mick Dumke
A bonus episode, featuring our other podcast, The Ballot, with our analysis about how Brandon Johnson won the race to be Chicago's next mayor.
Want …
Chicago's Famed Framers Giving Back And Need Your Business
Guests - Helendora Samuels Picture Framing
Wicker Park has few Black-owned businesses. With neighbors' support, framing experts Sylvester "Tommy" and Helendora Samuels hope to stay.
W…
How A Boxing Gym Is Giving West Side Kids A Fighting Chance
Guest - David Ortiz Jr. - The Barracks
The Barracks boxing gym helps Chicago youth avoid violence, but many participants don't have adequate transportation to go …