ICYMI: Stephen Colbert’s Chicago Roots
Before he became the host of The Late Show and The Colbert Report, and was a correspondent on The Daily Show, Stephen Colbert got his start like so many other comedians, writers, and performers—at The Second City. Colbert went from Northwestern University’s theater department to The Second City, where he now serves on the board of directors. He tells host Jacoby Cochran about his early days with the historic theater, his lasting impressions of the city, and how he went from being afraid of going shirtless on stage to performing a duet with his pants.
**A version of this interview was first published on City Cast Chicago on June 30, 2021**
Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago
Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Will Local Grocers Survive SNAP Cuts? Does Chicago Have A City Council Problem?
Today we’re talking about the impact SNAP cuts are having on grocers across Chicago, the relationship between the mayor and alders headin...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Naked Neighbors, Unwelcome Pets, and Other City Life Dilemmas — Presented By City Cast Chicago
As much as you love Chicago, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y’all certainly have compl...
Why Are More Young People Moving to Chicago? Plus, How To Recycle Your Electronics
While cleanup at Grant Park is ongoing following a massive, rain-soaked Lollapalooza, Mayor Johnson called this year’s festival “the prel...
Cook County Ups Healthcare Relief. Plus, Ariana Grande Supports ALMA Chicago
Over 200,000 Cook County residents are at risk of losing their healthcare coverage by 2028. In response, Cook County is planning to spend...
Why It’s Totally Worth Visiting Every Chicago Neighborhood
Today we’re talking with Chicagoans who have made it their mini-mission to visit every community area. And they have all taken very diffe...
School Board Passes Amended Budget. Plus, Vote on Park Improvements
Last week, Chicago’s school board voted 11-7 to pass an amended $10 billion budget. To avoid hundreds of layoffs, the board budgeted for...
New Mayoral Candidates, More Grocery Closures, and Chicago’s Rainy Summer
On Tuesday, candidates hoping to get on February’s ballot were able to start gathering nominating petitions. That includes folks who want...
Your Guide to August 2026 in Chicago
August in Chicago is packed with reasons to visit all corners of the city, including the Bud Billiken Parade, Northalsted Market Days, th...
CPS Budget Woes, Chi's Best Chicken Wings, and the Esteem Awards
The Board of Education is scheduled to vote tomorrow on a Chicago Public Schools budget plan that would lay off 760 teachers and 801 teac...
Chicago Renter Protections, Edgewater Restricts E-Scooters, and Lollapalooza Weekend
Right now, Chicago’s City Council is weighing exactly how to update the city’s 40-year-old Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance. The...