What’s In A (Chicago) Nickname? Historian Dilla Tells Us
The Second City. Windy City. The City of Big Shoulders. Chicago is known by many names. “We matter so much to the country, people always talking about us,” says Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, aka The TikTok Historian. Dilla talks about the history of some of these nicknames with host Jacoby Cochran, and they discuss what these monikers say about the city. Plus, Dilla just can’t help but drop a few other Chicago history facts.
Nominate City Cast Chicago as “Best Podcast” and “Best Newsletter” in Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago 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
Tips For Second Heat Wave. Also, Can the Onion Make Infowars Funny?
Another heat wave is hitting Chicago. Here's what to expect. Also on today's podcast, we talk to Onion executive editor Jordan LaFleur ab...
City’s Street Vendor Crackdown, Mayoral Quiz, and Belugas at Shedd
Chicago is seeing a rise in enforcement against immigrant street vendors. Over the last few months the Street Vendors Association of Chic...
Is Chicago Still Broke? Plus, ICE Arrests Increasing
What have we learned in the last week about the city’s financial position, and what does that mean for the growing field of mayoral candi...
Mayor’s Transit and Public Health Picks. Plus, ‘Love Island’ Mania and Chicago’s Next Hit Show
Today we’re talking about some new appointments coming out of the Johnson administration, including a new Public Health Commissioner and...
Is Chuy Garcia Controlling Congressional Race? Plus, a Visit to Feld
U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (4th) has been accused of thumbing the political scales in favor of his chosen successor. In November, Garc...
Why Massage Parlors Are Getting Raided in the 12th Ward
Two illicit massage parlors on Archer Avenue were raided within weeks of each other — including one next door to 12th Ward Ald. Julia Ram...
Who Will Replace Retiring Police Chief? Plus, Chicago's New Gayborhood?
The Chicago Police Department will be without a permanent police superintendent starting July 15, as current superintendent Larry Snellin...
'Your City Could Be Better': The Ultimate USA Trivia Battle. How Much Do You Know? — Presented By City Cast Chicago
See if your Chicago knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes...
What Is a Tenant Bill of Rights? Plus, Cold Treats For the Heat
This week, Mayor Brandon Johnson pitched the Protecting Renter’s Ordinance, which the city calls a “comprehensive modernization” of Chica...
Your Guide to July 2026 in Chicago
As summer really takes off, the food fests, fireworks shows, and WNBA All Star Weekend have us really excited for July. Here’s your guide...