Podcasts about chicago podcasts

Mike Stephen discusses the future of Chicago's lakefront with Emily Reusswig, VP of Conservation at Openlands, talks about the importance of inclusion in media with Anthony Williams, the founder of Second Glance Productions, and gets the lowdown on new music from Chicago-based bluesman Rob Moore.

Have you ever felt pressure to look or act a certain way because of beauty standards on social media? We're discussing the pressures of beauty standards online and offline.  We talk about the unrealistic expetations highlighted on social media and how they can affect mental health, especially for young girls and teens. From diet culture to damaging trends, both men and women are affected by the things we see in our feeds. Our advice: embrace your authentic self, focus on health over appearance, have fun with self-care, and stay from harmful beauty trends This episode features Maya, Lily, Samantha, and Malik. Editing by Youssef. Cover art design by Simone. Enjoy the show! Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode. http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast *** Power Your Story is produced by students in the Podcast Tech & Production programs of After School Matters in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcast media. Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and discussions about the topics that matter most to us. Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.    

Mike Stephen sits down with Kevin M. Schultz, chair of the history department at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the author of a new book called Why Everyone Hates White Liberals (Including White Liberals), and then discovers the Secret History of 1970s and 80s rockers Hot Mama Silver.

In Episode 135 hosts, Alyce and Laura catch up* on Star Wars Celebration news and dive into Andor S2 and how we're feeling about it after being underwhelmed by S1.Dark Matter filmed front of Laura's apartment and it was the coolest thing that's ever happened to her… man, that's sadAlyce girlbossed too hard, so you know what that means: chaos cubesSpotify poll! Tell us how your bougie a-- serves bubbly in your houseIt turns out Andor didn't rework its S2 release schedule to qualify for the Emmys… so it for real is starting to feel like an attackStar Wars Celebration Japan highlights! The Mando movie will have walkers and troopers and Zeb, oh my!Star Wars animation is back, baby! Maul: Shadow Lord was announced at SWCJ as the next animated series, along with more Star Wars Visions and The Ninth Jedi (Visions S1) gets a full series.The High Republic Phase III will wrap up with a comic that has an ominous descriptionGang's all here! It's The High Republic's Luminous Nine in full temple armor for your viewing pleasure. Also, Ember lives!Google's AI killed at least 5 trees trying to do an image search of Jordanna SparkburnRecap on Tap: More non-spoilery thoughts on The High Republic: Into the Light, plus Laura and Alyce may finally be coming around on Andor? Maybe?In Toast To, Alyce finally returns to her D&D game and Laura finds out exactly how the Empire STRIPPED Back at Star Wars burlesque.Helpful links referenced in this episode:Kevin, John and Laura discussed the first 3 episodes of Andor season 2 on The Jedi Way, and there is some disagreement in the room, to say the least!Twitter: @forcetoastpod | @sLeiaAllDay | @ShutUp_LauraInstagram: @forcetoastpodBluesky: forcetoastpod.bsky.socialEmail: forcetoastpod@gmail.comWebsite: forcetoastpod.com*This podcast contains a sh!t ton of profanity and boozin. You can find a bleeped version of this podcast absolutely nowhere. Cheers!

Mike Stephen discusses the origins of gun violence in Chicago with Jens Ludwig, author of the new book called Unforgiving Places: The Unexpected Origins of American Gun Violence, and then sits down with local musician Andy Madden about his new music and upcoming record release performance.

Welcome to The Chicagoland Guide! I'm your host, Aaron Masliansky.This podcast is for anyone who wants to explore what makes Chicagoland one of the most vibrant, diverse, and fascinating regions in the country.In this kickoff episode, I share what to expect in Season 2—from local business spotlights to neighborhood tours, cultural insights, interviews with community leaders, and real estate updates.This show is an evolution of Inside the Skev, and I'm excited to expand the conversation to include more of what makes our region a great place to live, work, and explore.

Mike Stephen talks to Illinois Answers Project investigative reporter Alex Nitkin about how Chicago City Council staffers are getting more and more bonuses, learns about the impact of Chicago's Greenlight Family Services with CEO Dr. Maria Nanos, and discovers the Secret History of the Chicago-based soul band The Notations.

In Episode 134, hosts Alyce and Laura are back* with more absurd segues to discuss all the ongoings in the world of Star Wars!Is it still fancy if the debutante ball is BYOB?Pedophile is out, Meemaw is in. This is about eyewear. More tales to come! Tales of the Underworld means more Asajj Ventress and more Asajj Ventress means more happy fans (it's us, we're the happy fans).Rogue One was almost ten years ago. That sentence sucks, right? Time is crazy. Credit where credit is due: we have a lot of Star Wars content - including Andor - because of The Mandalorian (via Empire Magazine)Disney went full HBO-mode with the episode lengths for Andor season 2 (via Bespin Bulletin) Sorry, Matt Damon is not going to be in Star Wars. But Not-Matt-Damon is maybe going to be in Star Wars? Publishing is out here giving away their pie with breakfast (is that SNL reference too old?) (via starwars.com)Star Wars is just messing with us now with all these Vader stories. It's starting to feel like a personal attack. Something, something Plagueis theoryDon't you love it when we talk about an event that is happening soon but forget to say WHEN and WHERE during our discussion? We never claimed to be pros at this. Fortunately, Gizmodo has the details about the original Star Wars screening. Recap on Tap: Alyce shares a brief, spoiler-free review of Reign of the Empire: The Mask of Fear, then Alyce and Laura share some initial thoughts on The High Republic: Into the Light and its… uh… let's say, interesting early tone shift. Star Wars has a weird obsession with giving women metal mid-sections, and for that we ask… why? Interpol may have an APB out on Laura. So if you see her, no you didn't. Twitter: @forcetoastpod | @sLeiaAllDay | @ShutUp_LauraInstagram: @forcetoastpodBluesky: forcetoastpod.bsky.socialEmail: forcetoastpod@gmail.comWebsite: forcetoastpod.com*This podcast contains a sh!t ton of profanity and boozin. You can find a bleeped version of this podcast absolutely nowhere. Cheers!

Mike Stephen discusses the potential impact of federal funding cuts for Illinois Humanities with executive director Gabrielle Lyon and Macomb-based singer-songwriter Chris Vallillo and then chats about the future of journalism with Prospect High School multimedia teacher Jason Block and seniors Claire Wynkoop and Kenny Munao while attending this year's Northern Illinois Scholastic Press Association conference.

Mike Stephen talks to Injustice Watch reporter Kelly Garcia about how Chicago's immigration court works, learns about I Am Flytism, an organization on the South Side of Chicago that helps those impacted by autism, from founder Stephanie Butts, and discovers the Secret History of 20th century local bluesman Jim Brewer.

In Episode 133, hosts Alyce and Laura indulge* in some Millennial Core (in addition to all the normal Star Wars stuff)!This is random, but Yellowjackets comes up a lot in this episode, so there are spoilers in this episode for Yellowjackets in general (except episode 3x8)An update on Luke's Medal of Yavin, just cuz. Plus, everything you could ever want to know about how to make an offer on a $300,000 movie propSome thoughts on the Andor season 2 trailer Like a zombie cockroach that won't die, someone brought up Star Wars: Underworld so now everyone is talking about it again (via Variety)Catching up with Alyce on where she's at with Reign of the Empire: The Mask of Fear (no spoilers)Highlights from the Star Wars Celebration Japan panel schedule + some general Star Wars Celebration tips and tricks (Hot Tip: don't skip the Doug Chiang panel)It's not Caravan of Corrections, it's the… Yacht of Yellowjackets? lol that's dumb, anyway, spoiler warning for Seasons 1, 2 + episodes 1-7 of season 3 (Not your thing? Skip 45:00-56:34)Recap on Tap: Marvel's The High Republic: Fear of the Jedi issue #2 with spoilers, in which we give a voice to Kelnacca and for some reason he has a Minnesota accent (If you're not caught up, skip 57:00-1:09:15)Stay tuned for our special Tax Day episode of Force Toast on April 15 (jk it won't be about taxes, that would be so boring)Helpful links referenced in this episode:John Rocha and Laura discuss the new Andor S2 trailer and the possibility of The Acolyte season 2 on the March 30th episode of The Jedi Way! Twitter: @forcetoastpod | @sLeiaAllDay | @ShutUp_LauraInstagram: @forcetoastpodBluesky: forcetoastpod.bsky.socialEmail: forcetoastpod@gmail.comWebsite: forcetoastpod.com*This podcast contains a sh!t ton of profanity and boozin. You can find a bleeped version of this podcast absolutely nowhere. Cheers!

Mike Stephen talks to Conspire Creative founder Sharon Woodhouse about her new book The Profitable Author: 1,001 Ways to Build a Business You Love Around Your Books, previews the Surabhi Ensemble's live performance with guitarist Carlo Basile, and gets the lowdown on the upcoming West Side Book Fair from Bridgett McGill.

Mike Stephen talks to Sandra Diaz, co-founder of the Center for Immigrant Progress, about the efforts to help Chicagoland immigrants in the wake of a hostile federal government, learns about the new album from local jazz guitarist Steve Knight, and discovers the Secret History of Chicago soul singer Bobby McClure.

Puccini's popular opera La Bohème at Lyric Opera of Chicago is a story of youth, passion, love and loss where idealism comes face-to-face with life's realities such as poverty, illness and death. Yes, this is the opera where the young lady with the bad cough dies at the end.  Listen to our synopsis and podcast review.

Mike Stephen talks to Pulitzer Prize-winning local journalists Sarah Conway of City Bureau and Trina Reynolds-Tyler of the Invisible Institute about the importance of the Freedom of Information Act and then gets an update on a proposed bill to regulate homeschooling in Illinois from Capitol News reporters Beth Hundsdorfer and Molly Parker.

In Episode 132, hosts Alyce and Laura are* being personally victimized by different major corporationsSome highlights from the Andor season 2 trailer The Andor season 2 release schedule feels like an attack on podcasters/reviewers. Like, it feels personal and violent.Casual reminder that Andor is **cinema**The Revenge of the Sith strikes back! That is, it's coming back to theaters for one week only!This listicle uses the word “cancelled” to describe these 20 Star Wars projects that never made it to screen, but we're pretty sure at least 3 of these are made up. Sorry for using the word “listicle” unironically.Highlights from Deadline's really long interview with Kathleen Kennedy about her retirement, fan scrutiny of Lucasfilm, her succession plan and more.We've said it before and we'll say it again, we really have enough Darth Vader stories. Like, we have so far more than anyone asked for.What happens in Vegas may have already happened across the U.S., but that's not going to stop sultry stormtroopers from shaking what their mama gave themAlyce is in her Naming Things era! Help her come up with names for her high elf (high as in highborn, not stoned) and her new robot vacuumHelpful links referenced in this episode:John Rocha and Laura discuss the Kathleen Kennedy retirement rumors and the Andor season 2 trailer on the most recent episode of The Jedi Way Twitter: @forcetoastpod | @sLeiaAllDay | @ShutUp_LauraInstagram: @forcetoastpodBluesky: forcetoastpod.bsky.socialEmail: forcetoastpod@gmail.comWebsite: forcetoastpod.com*This podcast contains a sh!t ton of profanity and boozin. You can find a bleeped version of this podcast absolutely nowhere. Cheers!

Mike Stephen discusses the controversial push to increase nuclear power production in Illinois with David Kraft, director of the Nuclear Energy Information Service, previews the return of the Flamenco Quartet Project with Wendy Clinard, founder of Clinard Dance, and discovers the Secret History of local avant-garde bassist Donald Rafael Garrett.

Mike Stephen learns about efforts to bridge the wealth gap and to provide worker dignity at the local level from Julian Posada, President & CEO of LiftUp Chicago, and then discusses supporting the important work of local nonprofits with Jessica Nepomiachi, Director of Special Projects for the Real Estate Solutions Team at IFF.

In Episode 131, hosts Alyce and Laura do* bad impressions and ponder important Star Wars questions like, did someone cut up a backpack to make Han and Luke's medals in the throne room scene?What is buying a new house, if not an opportunity to DIY a padded room for the clinically insane?Oh yeah. Planet X is gonna get weird.A long time ago, in a galaxy no so far away, in an EA forum, before Order 66, there was Order 65More old [presumably crusty], very expensive Star Wars props for sale, in the off-chance you have a spare $400,000 laying aroundMarvel's What If but make it Mace Windu (via Gamerant)Screenrant is speculating about the next Star Wars animated series and we're all in Recap on Tap is all about The High Republic Phase III comics! Spoiler warnings all around: Marvel's The High Republic (2025) Issue #1 has spoilers for the Tempest Breaker audio drama. If you want to avoid this conversation, skip 31:20-43:20. We're also discussing The High Republic Adventures: Dispatches From the Occlusion Zone 4-issue miniseries WITH SPOILERS. We'll note that we don't know who any of these characters are, so we're definitely missing some context, but what you need to know is 1) there is an escaped gorilla on the loose and 2) all roads lead to Dalna. If you don't want to listen to our horrendous attempt at making sense of this miniseries, skip 43:25-1:00:50. Helpful links referenced in this episode:That Star Wars RPG podcast Laura couldn't remember the name of in the last episode was The Campaign Twitter: @forcetoastpod | @sLeiaAllDay | @ShutUp_LauraInstagram: @forcetoastpodBluesky: forcetoastpod.bsky.socialEmail: forcetoastpod@gmail.comWebsite: forcetoastpod.com*This podcast contains a sh!t ton of profanity and boozin. You can find a bleeped version of this podcast absolutely nowhere. Cheers!

Mike Stephen discusses ongoing efforts to fight homelessness in Chicago despite the chaos in the federal government with Carolyn Ross, president and CEO of All Chicago: Making Homelessness History, learns the Secret History of 1980s rockers called Ruffian, and then chats about a new local festival highlighting marginalized voices with festival founder Jaqueline Wade.

Mike Stephen sits down with Jess King and Will Duncan, the owners of Fitzgerald's in Berwyn, to learn about the venue's history and impact on Chicago and then gets the lowdown on new music from the local band Falling Stars with guitarist and vocalist Mark Sheehy.

Mike Stephen talks to Amber Nettles the publisher of the Chicago Reader and Salem Collo-Julin, the paper's editor in chief, about the dire financial situation of the publication and its future and then discovers the Secret History of the local 1960s garage rock band The Monteras.

Get ready for an inside look at the adult film industry as we chat with Vic Lagina, a veteran producer who's been a key player for two decades. From his Philly roots to his Vegas evolution, Vic shares his wild entry into the porn business, sparked by an ad on adultstaffing.com, and his mission to bring professionalism to a chaotic industry. We promise you'll gain a new perspective on how digital platforms like OnlyFans are revolutionizing the game, empowering performers, and flipping traditional power dynamics on their head.We also tackle the gritty side of the industry, exposing the unethical practices that plague major players like MindGeek. With candid discussions on controversial topics such as non-consensual content and the fallout from the "Takedown" book, this episode doesn't shy away from the tough conversations. Dive into the complexities of personal relationships within the industry, as we debate if working in porn can desensitize one to sex and explore the boundary-pushing world of porn addiction and its effects on a healthy relationship.There's more to this episode than just serious industry talk. We lighten things up with a playful game matching drugs to party types and share humorous tales from the AVN Awards. Celebrate hip-hop culture with us, as DJ Shells drops beats that pay homage to legends like Eazy-E and Dre. To wrap things up, discover the importance of building a dedicated fanbase and get a sneak peek into Vic's book, "Filthy: The Rise and Pending Death of Vic Lagina." Whether you're here for the laughs, the insights, or the music, this episode is packed with something for everyone.Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: The SHITTS Podcast. Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart Radio. Subscribe and comment.

In Episode 130, hosts Alyce and Laura celebrate* SIX YEARS of hosting and toasting and just doing the most…ing! Want to help us celebrate our anniversary? Buy us a drink and let's raise a toast!Alyce is D&D/RPG girlie now! Or at least, she's a sit-around-a-table-with-a-die-and-make-sht-up girlie! All aboard the Caravan of Corrections! We've got a packed segment this time aroundGone are the old days, we're putting famous-as-f@ck people in Star Wars movies now (via The Hollywood Reporter)Lucasfilm! Quick, for a dollar: name a woman writer! Any woman writer. There has to be one with more than 8 film writing credits. No? Anyway, the Rey film has a new writer.Ahsoka Season 2 Rumor RoundupThe Acolyte got good numbers, but there's more to this storySpeaking of stuff that got cancelled, The Wrap has an update on the Galactic StarcruiserThere's a story about Watto in… Forbes? lol what a weird sentence The High Republic: Trials of the Jedi cover art revealed! Hints of what's to come in The High Republic Phase 3 comics this year Helpful links referenced in this episode:Support Force Toast on Ko-Fi!Rocha, Smets and Laura do a Star Wars news roundup on the February 2nd episode of The Jedi Way! Ryan Gosling, Rey movie, a Smets Rant, streaming service series performances Twitter: @forcetoastpod | @sLeiaAllDay | @ShutUp_LauraInstagram: @forcetoastpodBluesky: forcetoastpod.bsky.socialEmail: forcetoastpod@gmail.comWebsite: forcetoastpod.com*This podcast contains a sh!t ton of profanity and boozin. You can find a bleeped version of this podcast absolutely nowhere. Cheers!

Mike Stephen explores the potential impact of the Trump administration's position on environmental funding with Brian Urbaszewski, director of environmental health programs at the Respiratory Health Association, and learns about the impact of restorative justice practices in the North Lawndale neighborhood from Cliff Nellis, president and CEO of the Lawndale Christian Legal Center.

The life of scientist Sandra Waters changed forever the night her husband and research partner Richard was murdered. In a parallel dimension, Richard Waters' life changed forever when his wife and research partner was murdered. When two brilliant scientist, driven by grief, create a device to communicate across space and time, they find a way to solve the murders that have haunted them for years. Scripts start at 56:50StarringLaura PetroHobert ThompsonAnd Nick Olson

Lazzey B Flow, the dynamic artist, producer, and event curator from Chicago, takes us on his musical journey filled with creativity, resilience, and authentic experiences. From the early days at Habit Studio to leading successful events with Tomorrow Dynasty, Lazzey B Flow shares how serendipitous moments and influential figures like Ozlin Antonio have shaped his career. He emphasizes the significance of collaboration and community, drawing inspiration from Chicago's vibrant music scene to bring unforgettable shows to places like Naperville and Wicker Park. Lazzey also opens up about his creative process, detailing how he integrates new music into social media to expand his reach and connect with fans.Balancing multiple roles in the industry, Lazzey B Flow gives us a peek into the life of a producer and emcee, highlighting the joys and challenges unique to each role. As a producer, he stresses the importance of music theory and the intricacies of crafting beats, while as an emcee, he revels in the singular focus of performing. Lazzey also discusses the art of event curation, sharing his passion for creating memorable experiences that turn strangers into friends and adversaries into allies. His insights into the logistics of event planning, from managing open mic lists to maintaining performance standards, offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes workings of successful events.The conversation doesn't shy away from the raw energy and authentic vibes of the nightlife, where Lazzey thrives in the hip-hop scene. From the importance of DJs in energizing events and promoting new talent to the camaraderie and unspoken bonds in the club scene, Lazzey captures the essence of what makes music culture so powerful. Lazzey showcases how music and friendship create a tapestry of support and creativity. Join us as we explore the night out with fresh kicks, a crisp white tee, and the passion that fuels the spirit of the streets.Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: The SHITTS Podcast. Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart Radio. Subscribe and comment.

Open Mic episodes are where we pick a topic and share whatever's on our mind that day about it. Money is always a hot topic and this round table does not disappoint! What do YOU think? Will money ever buy you happiness? This episode features Adrian, Aden, Jessica, Moriah, Maya, Ciara, Briana & Ms. Klunder. Enjoy the show! Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode. http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast *** Power Your Story is produced by students in the Podcast Tech & Production programs of After School Matters in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcast media. Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and discussions about the topics that matter most to us. Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.  

Mike Stephen learns about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative renewal in Congress from Don Jodrey, director of federal relations at the Alliance for the Great Lakes, and then discovers the Secret History of the 1970s counterculture band Yama & The Karma Dusters.

Episode Summary:Join us for an inspiring and heartfelt episode as we sit down with the incredibly talented actor, Matt Drago, to discuss his upcoming film "Somewhere in Montana" and his personal experiences during the recent Los Angeles wildfires. Matt shares his challenges of pre-evacuating with his wife and dog due to the fire, highlighting the resilience and strength of the LA community. We delve into the transformative power of storytelling in both sports and the arts, exploring Matt's passion for acting and the joy and sense of community he found in supporting his beloved Rams. Throughout the episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at the indie film world and the camaraderie and collaboration that emerged during the making of "Somewhere in Montana." Join us for a conversation that celebrates the spirit of storytelling, community, and connection.Episode Highlights:- Discover the impact of the Los Angeles wildfires on the community as actor Matt Drago shares his personal experience of pre-evacuating with his loved ones.- Explore the power of storytelling in both sports and the arts, as Matt reflects on his passion for acting and the joy he found in supporting the Rams.- Gain insights into the collaborative journey behind the making of "Somewhere in Montana," as we delve into the challenges of shooting in unpredictable weather and the lasting connections formed among the cast and crew.- Reflect on the transformative influences of childhood imagination, favorite films and actors, and the importance of strong writing in storytelling.- Uncover the personal stories and anecdotes that underscore the dedication and adaptability required in the indie film world.- Celebrate the sense of community and solidarity that emerges during difficult times, highlighting the true spirit of Los Angeles as a city of dreamers and fighters.Tune in for an episode filled with inspiration, connection, and celebration of the power of storytelling in the face of adversity.Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: The SHITTS Podcast. Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart Radio. Subscribe and comment.

Is it okay to watch sad movies? How do you get through world tragedies? What if you don't have supportive family members? We talked with Ms. Shelby Grace, a school social worker, about these questions and more. She even taught us a cool breathing technique to use when we feel stressed! This episode was produced by ChuYing, Christian, Aliz, José, Toni, Carlos, Uriel, and Jonas. Enjoy the show! Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode. http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast *** Power Your Story is produced by students in the Podcast Tech & Production programs of After School Matters in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcast media. Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and discussions about the topics that matter most to us. Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.  

In Episode 129, hosts Alyce and Laura had* to Frankenstein this episode together from three separate corpses, I mean, recordings, so please enjoy this very neatly stitched together monster of a podcast episode on this #ForceToastTuesday!Reminder that Force Toast is on Bluesky now! Follow us!It's that time of year again where our podcast hosting provider & website bill us for renewals, so if you have the means and want to help us offset those costs, find us on Ko-Fi!Laura has meaty calves, according to women's clothing standardsJames Mangold doesn't like handcuffs… at least that's what we took away from this news (via MovieWeb)Alyce continues her campaign to Put Taylor Swift in Star WarsMando Movie rumor roundup, courtesy of StarWarsLeaks via Mandoverse Updates on twitterSkeleton Crew actress Kyriana Kratter's interview with The Hollywood Reporter is so cute, plus it hints at a pinch of darkness in the S1 finaleRecap on Tap is STACKED with nothing but Skeleton Crew! Bryce Dallas Howard is back to direct Episode 6, Zero Friends Again, Lee Isaac Chung starts unraveling the mysteries of At Attin in Episode 7 and Jon Watts closes out the season in the finale.Jod and Cobb / sittin' in a tree / K-I-S-S-I-N-maybe?Helpful links referenced in this episode:On the January 9th episode of The Jedi Way, Smets, Rocha and Laura discuss Skeleton Crew episodes 6 and 7 and James Mangold's recent comments about his upcoming Star Wars filmThe Jedi Way crew reviews Skeleton Crew's season 1 finale (ep 8) hereForce Toast Ko-fi Twitter: @forcetoastpod | @sLeiaAllDay | @ShutUp_LauraInstagram: @forcetoastpodEmail: forcetoastpod@gmail.comWebsite: forcetoastpod.com*This podcast contains a sh!t ton of profanity and boozin. You can find a bleeped version of this podcast absolutely nowhere. Cheers!

What role does the divine feminine play in songwriting, and how does it impact the emotional depth of today's music? Join us in an intimate conversation with talented vocalists Jenee Jones and Tandaleria as they share their personal and artistic journeys. We promise you'll walk away with insights on authenticity, resilience, and how setting boundaries can fuel creative growth. Listen as they recount their friendship's evolution into a creative partnership and how those experiences have shaped their careers. Jenee and Tandaleria also provide a candid look at the music industry, sharing tales like Jenee's challenging yet transformative first studio session.Our discussion takes an emotional turn as we explore the dynamics of relationships and songwriting. Jenee and Tandaleria offer their perspectives on how the lack of emotional depth in today's music is linked to the underrepresentation of women in the studio, touching on the importance of vulnerability and its portrayal in songs, especially from a male perspective. We delve into past relationship fears and lessons, emphasizing the joy and growth that can arise from embracing vulnerability. The conversation tackles recognizing when to move on from unfulfilling connections, an essential skill in both personal and professional realms.Prepare for laughter as we venture into hilarious speed dating stories and the creative process behind crafting a Speed Dating series. From fashion faux pas to dating app escapades, these anecdotes highlight the need for emotional intelligence and communication in relationships. We round things off with jovial moments discussing personal aspirations, musical influences, and a lively "4 for 4" game that challenges our quick thinking. Stay connected with us on our social media channels for upcoming projects and releases, and gain a fresh perspective on the value of time and personal growth.Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: The SHITTS Podcast. Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart Radio. Subscribe and comment.

We got to speak with Dr. Ava Thompson Greenwell back in 2021 about her documentary Mandela in Chicago, which we also got to screen in our podcasting program. The film tells the story of Nelson Mandela's historic visit to Chicago in 1993, three years after he was released from prison and one year before he became South Africa's first Black president.  But Dr. Ava Thompson is not just a filmmaker. She's an Author, Podcast Host, Certified Coach, Speaker, and Award Winning Journalism Professor! Her book, Ladies Leading: The Black Women Who Control Television News, is about the toll racism and gender bias have taken on their professional and personal lives how they have overcome challenges while demanding that their voices and lived experiences be more fairly represented in news coverage. You can watch Mandela in Chicago here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkPL8up7r5w Here new documentary is Hearing Silences: 50 years of Black Women Faculty at Northwestern. It is being screened at the McCormick Foundation Center in Evanston, IL February 25, 2025. Details here: https://planitpurple.northwestern.edu/event/624479 Congratulations, Dr. Greenwell!  This episode features Angel, Adrian, Dolores, Jonathan, Leo, Frederick & David. Enjoy! Click here to let us know what you liked about the episode. http://www.PowerYourStoryPodcast.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poweryourstorypodcast Instagram: @PowerYourStoryPodcast YouTube: After School Matters - Power Your Story Podcast *** Power Your Story is produced by students in the Podcast Tech & Production programs of After School Matters in Chicago. We represent diverse voices, telling our real life stories through the power of podcast media. Each season features a new group of student producers under the mentorship of producer, Andrea Klunder of The Creative Impostor Studios, creating personal journals, interviews, and discussions about the topics that matter most to us. Our theme music is by DJ Sparkz.    

Mike Stephen talks to Aadam Jacobs, a Chicagoan who has recorded thousands of local live music performances, about why he's making his collection public and then discusses the ongoing civil rights work of The Surge Institute with executive director Ulric Shannon.

Mike Stephen explores the impending "TIF Cliff" and its ramifications for Chicago with civic educator Tom Tresser, discusses the state of local civic life, and gets the lowdown on the expansion of HelloBaby on the South Side of the city with founder Debbie Frisch and Leva Family Foundation president Craig Leva.

He's the one who had us standing in hot parking lots, waiting for the inflatable schedule to tell us what act is playing first. We chat with Kevin Lyman about the return of Warped Tour, what to expect from the festival and more.Hey all! If you listen to our intro and have seen our other socials, you may know that we are going to be shifting our content-all around. Which means, this is our last stand-alone interview (for a while). Make sure you subscribe to us, though! We will be back with a new podcast format, along with an adjusted video format, too.______INTERVIEWS ALL IN ONE PLACEWe created a fresh Interview Only YouTube channel. Make sure to go and give that a follow so you don't miss any of our upcoming interview videos!______Make Me A Fan Spotify PlaylistCheck out our Spotify playlist for all of our upcoming episodes, so you can see if you'll become a fan yourself (if you aren't already) of these artists we're going through.______EMO SOCIAL PATREONIf you're looking for more content from us, subscribe to our Patreon FOR FREE or, if you want a lil' more access, it's only $1/month as we restart it! This includes content left on the cutting room floor, full interviews and more.______AFFILIATE LINKSTubebuddy has helped us reach a larger audience, streamline our videos, and perfect the way we use the algorithm. Try Tubebuddy today and support our channel.----Like the music on the channel? Need copyright-free music for your streams and YouTube videos? Check out Epidemic Sound!Use our link for a free, one-month trial. ______Join the club!Twitch: https://emosocialclub.tvDiscord: https://emosocial.club/discordTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@xemosocialclubxTwitter: https://emosocial.club/twitterInstagram: https://emosocial.club/instagramYoutube: https://emosocial.club/youtubeFacebook: https://emosocial.club/facebook  Follow us!Brian: @spookypants1Lizzie: @bordenbathory

As we wind down the year and prep for an even bigger new year for ESC, we're reviewing Linkin Park's, Hybrid Theory.______BEATBOX BRINGS THE PARTYThanks so much to our friends at BeatBox for sponsoring this episode! Check out their new flavors, orange blast and cherry limeade this holiday season. To find out where to scoop a bevvy, visit their socials @beatboxbeverages. Must be 21+ to purchase and enjoy; please drink & party responsibly.______INTERVIEWS ALL IN ONE PLACEWe created a fresh Interview Only YouTube channel. Make sure to go and give that a follow so you don't miss any of our upcoming interview videos!______Make Me A Fan Spotify PlaylistCheck out our Spotify playlist for all of our upcoming episodes, so you can see if you'll become a fan yourself (if you aren't already) of these artists we're going through.______EMO SOCIAL PATREONIf you're looking for more content from us, subscribe to our Patreon FOR FREE or, if you want a lil' more access, it's only $1/month as we restart it! This includes content left on the cutting room floor, full interviews and more.______AFFILIATE LINKSTubebuddy has helped us reach a larger audience, streamline our videos, and perfect the way we use the algorithm. Try Tubebuddy today and support our channel.----Like the music on the channel? Need copyright-free music for your streams and YouTube videos? Check out Epidemic Sound!Use our link for a free, one-month trial. ______Join the club!Twitch: https://emosocialclub.tvDiscord: https://emosocial.club/discordTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@xemosocialclubxTwitter: https://emosocial.club/twitterInstagram: https://emosocial.club/instagramYoutube: https://emosocial.club/youtubeFacebook: https://emosocial.club/facebook  Follow us!Brian: @spookypants1Lizzie: @bordenbathory

Mike Stephen talks to Neighbors for Environmental Justice board president Anthony Moser about how local politics and a lack of enforcement are impacting Chicago's environmental policies and then discovers the Secret History of 1970s Chicago country rockers JD, Foster, and Eastman.

In Episode 127, hosts Alyce and Laura don't know* what their friends, family or each other do in their corporate jobs. Nor should they. It's none of their business. The Bear's Jeremy Allen White is allegedly joining the Star Wars universe (Variety via The Kristian Harloff Show)Go, Skelly Crew, go! Critics and audiences are really enjoying the new Star Wars series (via Forbes) Collectors, rejoice! There are new toys, I mean, collectible action figures, coming soon! (via SWNN)We feel you, Gizmodo, we're also obsessed with Neel and his Millennial Side Part™Fans are having mixed reaction to the news that Dave Filoni will be the sole writer of Ahsoka season 2 (Comicbook.com via this YouTube interview)A tangent on The Penguin and Southern Louisiana tchotchkes (ever seen that word spelled out before?)With the cold weather and holidays comes more expensive Star Wars apparel for your bougie Vader-loving ass A dramatic reading of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew opening crawlIn Recap on Tap, it's all about the Skelly Crü, skeletonization and Space Grass! Alyce and Laura discuss highlights from episodes 1 and 2 and get into a more thorough recap/review of episode 3 #LetSM33wearapiratehatAre we the only freaks that actually enjoy Order 66 content? Helpful links referenced in this episode:Alyce and Laura joined Sal Perales on the Rogue Rebels podcast for a Spoiler Review and recap of The High Republic: Tears of the Nameless. Find it wherever you get podcasts now (Apple, Spotify)! Speaking of The High Republic, check out Laura's spoiler-free review of the new audio drama, Tempest Breaker on the Force Toast website Kevin Smets, John Rocha and Laura Kelly are reviewing Star Wars: Skeleton Crew on The Jedi Way! Find reviews of Eps 1 and 2 here and the Episode 3 review here!  Twitter: @forcetoastpod | @sLeiaAllDay | @ShutUp_LauraInstagram: @forcetoastpodEmail: forcetoastpod@gmail.comWebsite: forcetoastpod.com*This podcast contains a sh!t ton of profanity and boozin. You can find a bleeped version of this podcast absolutely nowhere. Cheers!

As we wind down the year and prep for an even bigger new year for ESC, we're reviewing Joyce Manor's 'Never Hungover Again.'______BEATBOX BRINGS THE PARTYThanks so much to our friends at BeatBox for sponsoring this episode! Check out their new flavors, orange blast and cherry limeade this holiday season. To find out where to scoop a bevvy, visit their socials @beatboxbeverages. Must be 21+ to purchase and enjoy; please drink & party responsibly.______INTERVIEWS ALL IN ONE PLACEWe created a fresh Interview Only YouTube channel. Make sure to go and give that a follow so you don't miss any of our upcoming interview videos!______Make Me A Fan Spotify PlaylistCheck out our Spotify playlist for all of our upcoming episodes, so you can see if you'll become a fan yourself (if you aren't already) of these artists we're going through.______EMO SOCIAL PATREONIf you're looking for more content from us, subscribe to our Patreon FOR FREE or, if you want a lil' more access, it's only $1/month as we restart it! This includes content left on the cutting room floor, full interviews and more.______AFFILIATE LINKSTubebuddy has helped us reach a larger audience, streamline our videos, and perfect the way we use the algorithm. Try Tubebuddy today and support our channel.----Like the music on the channel? Need copyright-free music for your streams and YouTube videos? Check out Epidemic Sound!Use our link for a free, one-month trial. ______Join the club!Twitch: https://emosocialclub.tvDiscord: https://emosocial.club/discordTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@xemosocialclubxTwitter: https://emosocial.club/twitterInstagram: https://emosocial.club/instagramYoutube: https://emosocial.club/youtubeFacebook: https://emosocial.club/facebook  Follow us!Brian: @spookypants1Lizzie: @bordenbathory

Mike Stephen gets an update on the effort to re-map Chicago community areas from Emily Talen, director of The Urbanism Lab at the University of Chicago, discusses the state of local food journalism Mike Gebert, editor of Fooditor, and reflects on the good work of the soon-to-be-sold Quimby's bookstore in Wicker Park.

Mike Stephen discusses proposed housing measures for Chicago in the new year from Alejandra Cancino, investigative reporter at Injustice Watch, learns about a new documentary that focuses on gun violence victims' families and loved ones called What's Left Behind from director Dr. Janice Collins, and discovers the Secret History of 1960s soul and doo wop singer Dee Clark.

We're continuing our album reviews for...forever?? Who knows! This week, we talk about one of the best bands to ever be started, and their debut LP, Riot, by Paramore.______INTERVIEWS ALL IN ONE PLACEWe created a fresh Interview Only YouTube channel. Make sure to go and give that a follow so you don't miss any of our upcoming interview videos!______Make Me A Fan Spotify PlaylistCheck out our Spotify playlist for all of our upcoming episodes, so you can see if you'll become a fan yourself (if you aren't already) of these artists we're going through.______EMO SOCIAL PATREONIf you're looking for more content from us, subscribe to our Patreon FOR FREE or, if you want a lil' more access, it's only $1/month as we restart it! This includes content left on the cutting room floor, full interviews and more.______AFFILIATE LINKSTubebuddy has helped us reach a larger audience, streamline our videos, and perfect the way we use the algorithm. Try Tubebuddy today and support our channel.----Like the music on the channel? Need copyright-free music for your streams and YouTube videos? Check out Epidemic Sound!Use our link for a free, one-month trial. ______Join the club!Twitch: https://emosocialclub.tvDiscord: https://emosocial.club/discordTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@xemosocialclubxTwitter: https://emosocial.club/twitterInstagram: https://emosocial.club/instagramYoutube: https://emosocial.club/youtubeFacebook: https://emosocial.club/facebook  Follow us!Brian: @spookypants1Lizzie: @bordenbathory

Mike Stephen discusses the potential impact of the proposed Chicago liquor tax increase with Mr. Chicago Bars and then talks to Ericka Watson, principal and CEO of Data Strategy Advisors, about privacy issues stemming from private companies mapping our DNA.

In Episode 126, hosts Alyce and Laura discuss* dress shopping with their predominantly-male audience, among other topics: - This is Mardi Gras, there are RULES- Caravan of Corrections aka “Alyce needs to stop bringing up pop culture references”- Laura just wants to enjoy her fava beans and chianti in peace - Andor S2 gets a release date and a new clip at D23- There are so many TV spots circulating from Star Wars: Skelly Crü that we can't keep up! But this one where Jude Law is being sketchy may be of interest. WHAT ARE YOU, JUDE LAW?- Skeleton Crew directors revealed (via SWNN)- The Rey movie is getting replaced with WHAT on the Disney slate?!- Coming Soon to a Disney+ subscription near you: Star Wars Visions, Volume 3!- Did you buy a Star Wars Christmas ornament this year? There's a recall, so… do with that information what you will- Star Wars was such a scrappy little production back in the late 70s, they'd never get away with this sh-t now- In today's Silly Story from an Unreliable Source segment, if this pop star appears in a Star Wars film, we'll eat our hats- Recap on Tap: Laura's spoiler-free review of the upcoming High Republic audio drama, Star Wars: Tempest Breaker  Helpful links referenced in this episode:- Keep an eye on the Rogue Rebels podcast feed! We joined Sal for a SPOILER discussion of The High Republic: Tears of the Nameless, which will be out soon!- Laura, Smets and Rocha discuss recent Star Wars film shake-ups and Andor Season 3 news the on the most recent episode of The Jedi Way Twitter: @forcetoastpod | @sLeiaAllDay | @ShutUp_LauraInstagram: @forcetoastpodEmail: forcetoastpod@gmail.comWebsite: forcetoastpod.com*This podcast contains a sh!t ton of profanity and boozin. You can find a bleeped version of this podcast absolutely nowhere. Cheers!

We're continuing our album reviews for...forever?? Who knows! This week we talk about the highly requested Under Soil and Dirt by The Story So Far.______INTERVIEWS ALL IN ONE PLACEWe created a fresh Interview Only YouTube channel. Make sure to go and give that a follow so you don't miss any of our upcoming interview videos!______Make Me A Fan Spotify PlaylistCheck out our Spotify playlist for all of our upcoming episodes, so you can see if you'll become a fan yourself (if you aren't already) of these artists we're going through.______EMO SOCIAL PATREONIf you're looking for more content from us, subscribe to our Patreon FOR FREE or, if you want a lil' more access, it's only $1/month as we restart it! This includes content left on the cutting room floor, full interviews and more.______AFFILIATE LINKSTubebuddy has helped us reach a larger audience, streamline our videos, and perfect the way we use the algorithm. Try Tubebuddy today and support our channel.----Like the music on the channel? Need copyright-free music for your streams and YouTube videos? Check out Epidemic Sound!Use our link for a free, one-month trial. ______Join the club!Twitch: https://emosocialclub.tvDiscord: https://emosocial.club/discordTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@xemosocialclubxTwitter: https://emosocial.club/twitterInstagram: https://emosocial.club/instagramYoutube: https://emosocial.club/youtubeFacebook: https://emosocial.club/facebook  Follow us!Brian: @spookypants1Lizzie: @bordenbathory

In Episode 125, hosts Alyce and Laura are* old and amazing and celebrating everything Star Wars, which is also old and amazing! - We shall henceforth tackle all arguments and confrontations with the energy and attitude of a toddler- Star Wars movie drama continues with the most recent writer's exit (Variety via Puck News)- There's a new trailer for Skeleton Crew aka Skelly Crü, with an accompanying article on starwars.com- New images from Skeleton Crew from Empire Magazine (via Reddit)- Will Skelly Crü have ties to the 2019 novel, Star Wars: Force Collector? Alyce has a theory- December 3, 2024 is going to be a big day for Star Wars fans, as it marks the premiere of Skeleton Crew and the debut of The High Republic audio original, Tempest Breaker- Imagine Rancho Obi-Wan, but four times bigger? A new Star Wars memorabilia museum may be in the works- Star Wars is putting the “Knight” in Jedi Knight in a very literal way and it is amazing. Check out the new THR concept art and all the other publishing reveals from NYCC!- As it turns out, The Book of Boba Fett really did take inspiration from Parks & Rec- Recap on Tap is a non-spoiler review of The High Republic YA novel, Tears of the Nameless! We discuss some general plot points, characters and share our thoughts on the novel and Phase III so far. No spoilers, but if you want to avoid this discussion, skip 55:00 - 01:08:20.Helpful links referenced in this episode:- On the Oct 25 episode of The Jedi Way, Laura and Rocha talked about Rey movie writing shakeups, publishing reveals out of NYCC reveals and why Laura believes Gray Jedi is a stupid conceptTwitter: @forcetoastpod | @sLeiaAllDay | @ShutUp_LauraInstagram: @forcetoastpodEmail: forcetoastpod@gmail.comWebsite: forcetoastpod.com*This podcast contains a sh!t ton of profanity and boozin. You can find a bleeped version of this podcast absolutely nowhere. Cheers!

From 10/24 Hour 4: The Sports Junkies react to Chicago fans saying they want the Bears to injure Jayden Daniels.