Courier Pigeon

The latest numbers on jobs, Mexican restaurant chain Chi-Chi's is returning and airlines execs are on the hot seat in Washington.

Through four generations and nearly 100 years, Oberweis Dairy has been an Illinois giant of industry. From brick-and-mortar ice cream shops to direct-to-consumer milk delivery (which saw record profits during the pandemic), their brand gained enough traction for Jim Oberweis -- grandson of its founder -- to make political headway in the state senate. But last week, the company revealed a series of missteps that have led to potential layoffs and a request for bankruptcy protection. On this week's episode, reporter Robert Channick -- who has been covering these developments for the Chicago Tribune -- joins host and producer Jim Hanke to discuss how the Oberweis story turned sour. Follow Jim Hanke on X | Follow Robert Channick on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

The results are in, and they're staggering: about 4% of Illinois's population is living with a gambling addiction. With a new Casino and the rise in online sports betting, local mental health facilities are seeing a rise in clients seeking help for problem gambling. So how does this fun, recreational activity become an addiction?  In today's episode, host Arielle Raveney sits down with a problem gambling counselor to discuss the signs and science behind it, and hears the story of how one man was able to recover.  ----- Problem Gambling Online Resources: NICASA | Are You Really Winning?  Problem Gambling Hotlines: 1-800-GAMBLER | 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) ----- Check us out on TikTok and Instagram!

Record Store Day is this coming Saturday, April 20th – a national event intended to celebrate your local neighborhood music merchant. Along with several guests this week, host and producer Jim Hanke examines just some of Chicago's many ties to the record industry, past and present, as well as why physical media like vinyl still matters in 2024.  Follow Smashed Plastic on Instagram | Follow Evan Weiss on Instagram Follow Steve Krakow on Instagram | Follow Patrick Hicks on TikTok Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

This is an encore presentation of a previous episode from 9/13/23. In 2022, Illinois had the third largest rate of non-fatal overdoses in the country, and many are pointing to the distribution of Narcan – a nasal spray that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and save lives – as a major reason. Lighthouse Recovery, a treatment facility in suburban St. Charles, recently became the first in Kane County to establish a free, unmonitored Narcan vending machine, available 24/7. On today's episode, Lighthouse Clinical Director Nathan Lanthrum joins host Jim Hanke to educate listeners on Narcan and how he's seen drug addiction increase in suburban areas. Plus, WBBM reporter Lisa Fielding provides what she learned about the opioid epidemic from her multi-part series for the station, titled Generation Heroin, which you can listen to here. Follow Lisa Fielding on X | Follow Lighthouse Recovery on Facebook Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

Putting ketchup on a hot dog: In Chicago, it can get you shunned by strangers or disowned by family. But why? And will a gutsy new viral campaign from Heinz -- with interactive displays giving out free ketchup in front of longtime sausage strongholds like the Wiener's Circle -- sway anyone who's still on the fence? This week, host and producer Jim Hanke welcomes food writer David Hammond to discuss the history of the Chicago hot dog, and why ketchup has become such a divisive condiment along the way.  Follow Jim Hanke on X | Follow David Hammond on Muck Rack Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

This year marks the 20th anniversary of roller derby returning to where it was born: Chicago. But this fast-paced, gender-inclusive sport has had a long, contentious history -- even in it's hometown. So what is roller derby? And why does it not get the same level of recognition as others? In this episode, host Arielle Raveney sits in on a practice with the team, Chicago-Style, to learn more about the sport and speaks with Elizabeth Gomez, one of the women responsible for bringing Roller Derby home.   ----- Mentioned in the Episode: Windy City Rollers | Chicago-Style | The WFTDA ----- See videos of Chicago-Style in action on our socials: TikTok | Instagram

This spring, countless cicadas will arrive en masse, in a way that we haven't seen in over 200 years, and that we won't see again until 2245. But beyond their buzzing mating call, did you know that they're perfectly edible? Joining host/producer Jim Hanke this week are University of Illinois Extension educator and Good Growing podcast host Ken Johnson (to discuss the science behind this historic horticultural event) and chef Joseph Yoon of Brooklyn Bugs, who educates listeners on how cicadas can be best collected, prepped, cooked and served.  Follow Good Growing on YouTube | Follow Brooklyn Bugs on Instagram Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

Relying weekly on one's local food pantry for groceries, personal items and more can already be a stressful existence. But now, a myriad of factors are contributing to additional pressure being felt from all sides of the city, as unprecedented demand has led to stretched resources and frayed patience. For example, Nourishing Hope (formerly known as Lakeview Pantry) saw an increase of over 20k first-time clients last year alone, and inflation, an unexpected population increase and a reduction to federal stimulus packages post-lockdown may push that number even higher moving forward. This week, Chicago Tribune reporter Kate Armanini and Nourishing Hope CEO Kellie O'Connell join host/producer Jim Hanke to unpack this growing issue, and how pantries are trying to go beyond food, to feed the soul. Follow Kate Armanini on X | Follow Nourishing Hope on Instagram Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

After a record breaking hot summer, this winter Illinois and the rest of the Midwest saw warmer days and less snow. Is this our new normal? In today's episode, host Arielle Raveney takes a look at what climate change looks like in Illinois, and how the country's first ever floating eco-park has a nature based solution to reduce it's impact. ------ Mentioned in the Episode: Wild Mile ------ Follow WBBM News Radio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

Chicago is known for it's many St. Paddy's Day events as the city itself becomes green, so it may not come as a surprise to know that the city has the second highest Irish population in the nation. The tradition of an annual parade in the city began in 1843, with the event getting bigger and bigger -- until 1890.  In this episode, host Jim Hanke explores what early celebrations looked like in the city, and how the annual tradition came to be canceled in 1890 with Dr. Gillian O'Brien, author of the book “Blood Runs Green: The Murder That Transfixed Gilded Age Chicago.”  ----- Mentioned in the Episode: Dr. Gillian O'Brien | “Blood Runs Green: The Murder That Transfixed Gilded Age Chicago” ----- Check out our Socials on TikTok or Instagram 

Earlier this week, a sudden development came in the ongoing stadium saga of the Chicago Bears: Instead of making use of the Arlington Heights land they acquired last year, it seems now the focus is on a new project south of their current Soldier Field domain -- on the city's lakefront -- with $2 billion of their own money. This week, host and producer Jim Hanke welcomes stadium finance expert Robert Boland, an assistant professor of sports law at Seton Hall Law School, to get his take on this potential new deal, and how other major sports cities have handled their own stadium debates on public vs. private funding. Follow Jim Hanke on X | Follow Robert Boland on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

During his decade of pro hockey, former Chicago Blackhawk Daniel Carcillo (nicknamed "Car Bomb" for his aggressive approach on the ice) racked up two Stanley Cup Championships and over 150 fights. But the stat most pressing to Carcillo since his retirement has been the seven diagnosed concussions he sustained as a player, and the hundreds he says that went undiagnosed through his career. Now, Carcillo has made it his mission to push state and federal agencies for funding as well as public access to psilocybin -- generally referred to as "magic mushrooms" -- a natural treatment for the traumatic brain injuries that he says saved his life. This week, during Brain Injury Awareness Month, we hear audio from WBBM reporter Jim Gudas' recent interview with Carcillo, as well as State Senator Rachel Ventura discussing Illinois' approach to this potential treatment with host and producer Jim Hanke. Follow Daniel Carcillo on Instagram | Follow Sen. Ventura on Instagram Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

Chicagoland is one of the most biodiverse regions in the country. Every year, we witness the migration of hundreds of different varieties of birds soar through our sky. Yet there's one fowl you won't fail to see year round: Pigeons. In this episode, host Arielle Raveney has a conversation about conservation with bird experts, explores the danger of migration season, and how it all begins, and ends, with pigeons.  ----- Mentioned in This Episode: The Brookfield Zoo | Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary | The Chicago Ornithological Society  ----- See Photos of Birds-Around-Chicago on our TikTok or Instagram 

This is the second of a two-part episode. For part one, scroll back in your podcast feed. This week, WBBM morning news anchor Cisco Cotto sits down with WGN Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling, who will retire today -- Feb. 28th -- after over four decades with the station, and almost sixty years in broadcasting. During this discussion, Tom recalls some of the biggest weather moments in his career, and how the birth of social media allowed viewers to become weather warriors themselves. Follow Cisco Cotto and Tom Skilling on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

This week, WBBM morning news anchor Cisco Cotto sits down with WGN Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling, who will retire later this month after over four decades with the station, and almost sixty years in broadcasting. This is the first of a two-part episode, the latter of which will air Wednesday, February 28th to coincide with Tom's final weather report. Follow Cisco Cotto and Tom Skilling on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

All around Chicago, you can find intricate murals that tell a story or brighten up a neighborhood. With all this art, it's not surprising to discover that spray paint was invented here in the 1940's -- only to be outlawed in the 1990's. So how do new murals emerge, and what is their significance to the city?  In this episode, host Arielle Raveney sits down with local organization, the Chicago Public Arts Group, and street artists Chris Devins and Mario Mena, to answer these questions. ----- Mentioned in the Episode: Chicago Public Arts Group | Chris Devins | Mario Mena | Yollo Calli Youth Outreach  ----- Check Out Our Socials! On TikTok & Instagram 

This week, host and producer Jim Hanke examines the national interest in Chicago tavern-style pizza -- razor thin, cut to squares and for some, putting traditional deep dish to shame. Author, media personality and pizza expert Steve Dolinsky provides some history on this Windy City mainstay, and Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu discusses three particular spots adding unique spins to tavern-style, and taking that crispy, savory circle to a whole new level. Follow Steve Dolinsky on Instagram | Follow Louisa Chu and Jim Hanke on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X  

On this week's episode, host and producer Jim Hanke previews this weekend's Chicago Auto Show with car enthusiast and WBBM editor Geoff Buchholz and CBS Radio's Jennifer Keiper.  Follow Geoff Buchholz on Instagram | Follow Jim Hanke on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

This is an encore presentation of a previous episode from 7/24/23. With “The Bear” creating hype and conversation around Michelin Stars and the food world, we dig in to discover the process behind how a restaurant receives one. We speak with Master Chef Graham Elliot about his experience as a chef and restaurant owner. As well as food journalists Samantha Nelson and Mike Gebert about their opinions on the dining scene in Chicago. --------- Follow WBBM Newsradio: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Graham Elliot: site | Instagram Samantha Nelson: Linkedin Mike Gebert: Fooditor Michelin Star Places in Chicago  

On top of the return of the fan-fueled Sox Fest in 2025, and the team's new history-making TV announcer John Schriffen this season, the South Side has been buzzing as of late with talk of a new potential home for the White Sox. Located where Roosevelt Road meets the Chicago River, The 78 is an as-yet-undeveloped site of a former rail and lumber yard, and would bring the team closer to downtown if they allowed their lease to run out at Guaranteed Rate Field in 2029. This week, host and producer Jim Hanke hears from WBBM sports reporter Rick Gregg, Chicago Magazine contributor Bob Reed, and Sox journalist Scott Merkin about the steady stream of excitement that's been building this month for the White Sox faithful. Follow Rick Gregg on X | Follow Scott Merkin on X | Follow Bob Reed on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

This year's annual report on Chicago Public Schools from the Office of Inspector General provided several headline-making findings, including financial woes from missing technology and potential embezzlement. This week, CPS IG Will Fletcher joins host Jim Hanke for a one-on-one discussion about the report, and what can be done in the future to combat and prevent similar issues. Follow CPS OIG on X | Follow Jim Hanke on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

According to the National Health Institute, 1 in 5 people below the age of 65 report rationing insulin due to cost. This year Illinois's new law, the Generic Drug Pricing Fairness Act, is in effect that restricts manufacturers and wholesale distributors from price gouging essential medicine.  In this episode, host Arielle Raveney unpacks what this law means, and how it reflects the current state of healthcare for millions of Illinois residents. ----- Mentioned in This Episode: Citizen Action  ----- Check us out on your socials! TikTok | Instagram | Facebook 

Multiple suburbs of Chicago have now begun to pass ordinances responding to large numbers of migrants being bussed in from out-of-state. This week, Looped In: Chicago host and producer Jim Hanke speaks with WBBM reporter Carolina Garibay on what she saw and heard at the city's south loop landing zone. There, recently-arriving migrants were sleeping on buses, but spoke with Carolina about their hope for a brighter future here in the United States. This feed is delivering a truncated version, with the full episode and additional interviews available here.

WBBM sports reporters Rick Gregg and Josh Liss join host Jim Hanke this week to recap the Chicago Bears' below-average 7-10 season, while tackling questions on Justin Fields' future as the team's quarterback, where the new stadium will end up and what glimmers of hope are there for 2024. Plus, you'll hear audio from throughout the 2023 season from coaches, players and staff, direct from Halas Hall. Follow Rick Gregg on X | Follow Josh Liss on X | Follow Jim Hanke on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

As multiple suburbs of Chicago have now begun to pass ordinances responding to large numbers of migrants being bussed in from out-of-state, host and producer Jim Hanke speaks with several guests this week about the latest update on this multi-layered and ongoing issue: WBBM's Carolina Garibay reports on what she saw at the city's south loop landing zone, where recently-arriving migrants were sleeping on buses, but spoke with her about their hope for a brighter future here in the United States. Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain describes the scene when an unannounced bus from Texas arrived last month in rural Elburn, and how his team has adapted to assist with future drop-offs in the area. Immigration advocate Lee Goodman voices his opposition to suburban communities passing migrant buses on to Chicago, arguing that most of these townships have enough available resources to handle the influx on their own. Follow Carolina Garibay on X | Follow Kane County Sheriff's Office on Facebook | Follow Witness at the Border on Facebook | Follow Jim Hanke on X Follow WBBM Newsradio: TikTok | Facebook | Instagram | X

Illinois is the first state to tackle the issue on many social media-user's minds: what about the children? Starting in July of this year, kids involved in their family's lucrative vlog content are now required financial compensation for their time on the screen.   In this episode, host Arielle Raveney unpacks the specifics of this bill and how growing up behind a screen could effect these kids in the long run.  ----- Mentioned in the Episode: Quit Clicking Kids | State Senator Koehler | IFC Counseling Chicago ----- Follow us on TikTok @WBBMnewsradio105.9

This is an encore presentation of a previous episode from 7/31/23. Small, indie hot sauce brands are like the new homemade craft beer brewers of recent years. In the last quarter century, the hot sauce market has almost doubled annually, leading to a value of $3 billion in 2022. So why has this obsession with heat gathered so much steam? This week, host Jim Hanke speaks with hot sauce influencer Brian Ambs about current hot sauce culture, as well as High Desert Sauce Company founder Zac Perkins, whose trajectory took him from living on the streets to the biggest stage in sauce: the viral online series Hot Ones. Follow Brian Ambs on YouTube | Follow High Desert Sauce Co. on Instagram  Follow WBBM Newsradio: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

As we approach a new year, host Jim Hanke welcomes several friends and previous guests of Looped In: Chicago to discuss what to expect in all things Cubs, White Sox, finance and auto news next year. Tune in to hear visits from Danny Parkins of 670 The Score, Jeff Gilbert of Detroit's WWJ, and WBBM's Rob Hart and Andy Giersher as they pontificate about their particular topics of focus. Follow Danny Parkins, Rob Hart, Jeff Gilbert and Andy Giersher on X

Chicago-area photographer Lenny Gilmore has shot portraits of some of the city's most recognizable personalities, from Chief Keef and Chance the Rapper to actor Michael Shannon and hockey's Marian Hossa. But in 2015, while documenting a local roller derby team, a fire was lit within Gilmore to pursue roller skating himself. And last year, the love affair became a commitment to roller skating every single day, with Gilmore often documenting his adventures on social media -- blazing through sleepy neighborhoods, busy intersections and even late-night skates inside O'Hare. Now having clocked 500 continuous days of skating (and counting), Gilmore discusses today how he turned his perpetual passion into a new children's book, as well as how the Batavia native views his skills as passports to exploring the world. In tandem with this episode, keep an eye on our social media for video of Gilmore roller skating through our WBBM offices and newsroom, to celebrate his 500th skate day! Follow Lenny Gilmore on TikTok | Purchase "If You Roller Skated the World" Follow WBBM Newsradio / WBBM Podcasts

2023 has come and gone. This year was big for the Looped In team - we rebranded from Courier Pigeon, and we had the privilege to cover so many stories and communities. In this episode, we are showcasing two extended interviews from episodes you as our listeners liked the most: Turtel Onli from "The Fight for Truth and Justice in Comic Books," and Dr. Denise Sandoval from "History on Wheels: Cruising Through Lowrider Culture."  These individuals showcase the power of community. Turtel is an independent publisher of comics with his company, Onli Studios. He brings afro-centric characters to life and even hosts an annual comic book convention titled "The Black Age of Comics." Dr. Denise Sandoval has spent 25 years documenting Lowrider culture and their history. She currently has an exhibit in the Smithsonian titled:  Corazón y Vida: Lowrider Culture in the United States.  ----- Mentioned in the Episode: Onli Studios | Corazón y Vida ----- Listen Here: "The Fight for Truth and Justice in Comic Books" | "History on Wheels: Cruising Through Lowrider Culture"  ----- Follow us on all socials @WBBMnewsradio & @WBBMpodcasts

Though bowling has yet to reach official Olympic-level competition, Chicago's connection to the sport is long-held. And last month, a competitor from our area even become the best bowler in the world, as AJ Johnson -- who essentially grew up at Parkside Lanes in Aurora -- took home the gold medal in singles bowling at the Pan Am Games in Santiago, Chile. On today's episode, WBBM sports reporter Rick Gregg sits down with Johnson at Parkside Lanes to discuss his incredible journey from Oswego to the Andes mountains, and why he feels bowling has yet to become an Olympic sport, despite its cultural popularity over the generations. Follow AJ Johnson on Instagram | Follow Rick Gregg on X Follow WBBM Newsradio / WBBM Podcasts  

Aside from full, edge-of-your-seat concert experiences, what set Beyoncé and Taylor Swift's concert films apart from the pack at the box office this year? Turns out they bypassed the studio system entirely, and brought both of their movies to audiences more directly. So what does this landmark move mean for the film industry going forward? On today's episode, host/producer Jim Hanke speaks with Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips about that topic, this summer's 'Barbenheimer' phenomenon, and more regarding the year in movies. Follow Michael Phillips on X | Follow WBBM Newsradio / WBBM Podcasts

Christmas is almost here! As you brave the weather for holiday shopping, followed by a night of family TV viewing of yuletide favorites, do you know which famous Christmas icons have Chicago roots? On today's episode, we explore the true stories behind Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer as well as the famous window displays of Marshall Field's, and how their original, winged character and creativity inspired Christmas traditions throughout the years.  ----- Mentioned in the Episode: Chicago Film Archives  ----- See Photos of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Marshall Field's Window Displays Here

Longtime Chicago sports media personality George Ofman, host of his own podcast -- Tell Me A Story I Don't Know -- has recently turned some of his best interviews over the years with fellow broadcasters, reporters, pro coaches and more into an intriguing new book of the same name. During this second of two episodes this week with Ofman, you'll hear audio from Tell Me A Story featuring conversations with celebrated Cubs play-by-play man Pat Hughes, Blackhawks National Anthem singer Wayne Messmer and sportscaster Peggy Kusinski. Follow George Ofman on X Follow WBBM Podcasts: Twitter | InstagramFollow WBBM Newsradio: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

If you're a lifelong listener to Chicago radio, you know George Ofman well. His nearly 50 years in sports journalism have brought him to WBBM, The Score and WGN, among other outlets. Now the host of his own podcast -- Tell Me A Story I Don't Know -- Ofman has turned some of his best interviews with sports broadcasters, reporters, coaches and more into an intriguing new book of the same name. During this first of two episodes this week with Ofman, you'll hear audio from Tell Me A Story featuring conversations with national sports icon Bob Costas, former White Sox play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti and previous Bears HC Dave Wannstedt.  Follow George Ofman on X Follow WBBM Podcasts: Twitter | InstagramFollow WBBM Newsradio: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

According to stats from the National Retail Federation, crime along Chicago's Magnificent Mile is down since 2020, despite viral videos of break-ins, crash-and-grabs and more seemingly painting a different story. So how are business development organizations and shop owners building consumer confidence, attempting to reverse stigmas, and working to attract more locals and tourists to Chicago's downtown? This week, WBBM reporter Brandon Ison provides compelling audio recorded in the Loop and Mag Mile on all of the above. You can also hear more on this subject on our recent nationwide broadcast "Audacy Conversations: The State of Downtown" moderated by WBBM's Cisco Cotto. Follow Magnificent Mile Association on Instagram | Follow Chicago Loop Alliance on Instagram Follow Brandon Ison on Twitter | Follow WBBM Podcasts: Twitter | InstagramFollow WBBM Newsradio: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Nearly 75% of America's Native population currently reside in urban settings. In a move to recognize and push the advancement of that demographic, Illinois passed three separate bills this year to protect Native history and culture. But, how do these laws reflect the reality of Chicago's Native population, the third-largest out of all major US cities? During Native American Heritage Month, Looped In: Chicago host Arielle Raveney explores this question through dance by the Black Hawk Performance Company, and a conversation with Marne Smiley from the Chicago American Indian Community Collaborative (CAICC).  ----- Mentioned in the Episode: CAICC | American Indian Center | Chicago Public Library  Singing and drumming heard throughout the episode is by the Little Priest Singers.  ----- See Photos of the Dancers Here ----- Follow us on all Socials @WBBMPodcasts and @WBBMnewsradio   

This coming March, the ballot box will see a vote on Bring Chicago Home, an ordinance to determine if taxes should be increased on the sale of high-end properties -- ranging from residences to office buildings, valued at $1 million or more -- in order to fund programs to battle the city's homelessness crisis. Today, host Jim Hanke speaks with guests on both sides of the issue: Former mayoral candidate Paul Vallas, currently an adviser with the Illinois Policy Institute, says that this tax would fall directly on commercial real estate owners who are already seeing declines in value, while Dixon Romeo (executive director of Not Me We, a grassroots community group in South Shore) advocates that the increase in taxes is minimal, and that this move could raise a projected $100 million annually to fund permanent supportive housing. Visit Illinois Policy Institute | Visit Bring Chicago Home Follow WBBM Podcasts: Twitter | InstagramFollow WBBM Newsradio: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

This is an encore presentation of a previous Looped In: Chicago episode from July 2023, in honor Veterans Day. Since 2008 the Chicago hub for Honor Flight -- a nationwide non-profit -- has flown more than 10,000 US veterans to Washington, DC at no cost, in order to pay respect to their bravery and sacrifice. And in recent years, Vietnam veterans (who have notably struggled with various aspects of PTSD) have become Honor Flight's main beneficiaries. On today's episode, we follow a veteran from Oak Lawn and his daughter on their journey with Honor Flight, and learn how the organization is benefitting these military heroes almost 50 years since their service. ______ Follow Honor Flight Chicago on Instagram Follow WBBM Podcasts: Twitter | InstagramFollow WBBM Newsradio: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

On this second half of a two-part episode, longtime WXRT disc jockey Terri Hemmert chats with WBBM anchor and resident radio-history buff Rob Hart about her 50 years on-air in Chicago, and educating students at Columbia College about how music and civil rights intersect. Be sure to tune into our first episode with Terri, awaiting you in your podcast feed. Follow Terri Hemmert on Facebook | Follow Rob Hart on Twitter Follow WBBM Podcasts: Twitter | InstagramFollow WBBM Newsradio: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

For five decades, Terri Hemmert has been a voice that Chicagoans rely on not just for new music or Beatles factoids, but for being an advocate of the arts. Inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2010, she first joined the on-air staff of WXRT in 1973, becoming the first female drive-time host on a Chicago rock radio station. Still, she humbly admits that her giddiness to play records and connect with her audience pushed her career more so than blazing trails. Whether as a disc jockey or as an instructor at Columbia College, the city's appreciation for Hemmert as an educator is limitless, as shown last week, when 93XRT celebrated Hemmert's 50th anniversary with the station. In this first of a two-part episode, WBBM anchor and resident radio-history buff Rob Hart sits down with Hemmert to discuss her journey from small-town Ohio to the airwaves of Chicago.  Follow Terri Hemmert on Facebook | Follow Rob Hart on Twitter Follow WBBM Podcasts: Twitter | InstagramFollow WBBM Newsradio: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook