Reports emerged over the weekend that the Trump administration’s plan to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history could begin as soon as Tuesday in Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea talk about how the news is playing out in the city. Plus, we’re unpacking the hemp debate in Illinois and taking a cold weather quiz!

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Introducing 4 immunity tips for healthy ageing | Dr. Jenna Macciochi from ZOE Science & Nutrition.

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Over the last two years, there’s been a rise in “immune-boosting” foods, supplements and trends. Today's guest, immunologist Dr. Jenna Macciochi, believes the immune system doesn’t need boosting. Instead, it should be balanced.

In this episode, Jenna - a Senior Lecturer in Immunology at the University of Sussex - reveals how your immune system is your body’s housekeeper. Jenna highlights the case for the ‘good bugs’ in our gut microbiome, the role of micronutrients and how our immune system isn’t born, but made.

We'll also tackle the age-old question: do we really need Vitamin C supplements?

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*Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system

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Timecodes:

01:21 Quickfire questions

04:51 What is the immune system?

06:49 How your immune system works

09:35 What are natural killer cells?

14:18 Is your immune system inherited?

16:42 The impact of sleep and stress 

19:53 Cancer and immunotherapy

28:23 This can trigger inflammation

30:25 Are vitamin C supplements worth it?

31:30 Foods to empower your immune system

40:10 How inflammation affects your brain

44:10 New science of the impact of stress

48:52 Immunity and your body clock

📚 Get Jenna's book Your Blueprint for Strong Immunity

📚 Books by our ZOE Scientists:

The Food For Life Cookbook

Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati

Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector

Mentioned in today’s episode:

“Immune Boosting” in the time of COVID: selling immunity on Instagram (2020), published in Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology

Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold (2013), published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Effects of stress on immune function: the good, the bad, and the beautiful (2014), published in Journal of Immunology Research

Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.

Episode transcripts are available here.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

City Council voted Wednesday not to alter Chicago’s sanctuary city ordinance to allow Chicago police to work with federal immigration officials. We break down what happened with Block Club Chicago’s Francia Garcia Hernandez and Michael Liptrot. Plus, we discuss what’s next for CTA after Dorval Carter’s exit, the future of Acero schools, and three very different animal stories in Chicago this week!

Good News: McCormick Place Are Saving Bird Lives, Cops Rescue Coyote From Humboldt Park Aldi, Brookfield Zoo expecting Dolphin Calf

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Introducing Why DEI Scares Trump and Project 2025 and Why It Should from Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams.

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Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is being weaponized by Donald Trump and Project 2025 and right-wing activists. That's because DEI has been around since the start of the country, opening doors of opportunity for millions of Americans, correcting past wrongs, and, crucially, benefiting everyone. In this episode, Stacey Abrams speaks with Kenji Yoshino, director of NYU’s Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging and a constitutional law professor, about why we should clearly define, defend, and expand DEI. They explain who is covered, counter the misinformation about how DEI works, and advocate for DEI as a necessary tool for the future for the country.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.

We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.

Learn & Do More:

• Sign up for updates from American Pride Rises at aprnetwork.org
• Find risk assessment resources from the Meltzer Center at advancingdei.meltzercenter.org
• Check out Nicholas Confessore’s thorough reporting on DEI opposition for The New York Times

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

When most of us picture Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we imagine him on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial or leading the march across Edmund Pettus bridge. But King’s impact was felt in Chicago too. He moved to North Lawndale with his family in 1966 (the area has since become the Dr. King Legacy Apartments), and he worked with the Chicago Freedom Movement, raising awareness of dangerous living conditions, housing segregation and discrimination faced by Black Chicagoans. Historian Tammy Gibson spoke with executive producer Simone Alicea last year about King’s Chicago legacy. 

Tell us something you LOVE about Chicago.

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Introducing Finding Holiday Happiness from How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality.

Follow the show: How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality

The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy. But all too often, the darker, colder days of winter, and even the stress of preparing for the holidays themselves, can lead people to feel something else: rushed, stressed, lonely, or even hopeless. How can you make sure this year is bright? Science shows that there's a wisdom to parts of traditional winter celebrations – a wisdom that's been honed over centuries to help us all find light, joy, and connection during the darkest and coldest time of the year. 

Join Dave as he chats with Laurie Santos about how to unpack the psychological secrets of celebrations from Christmas, to Hanukkah, to Yule, and more. They’ll also discuss how we can put that wisdom into practice, whatever our beliefs, to make this season a happier and healthier one for all.

Laurie Santos hosts the podcast The Happiness Lab and is a Professor of Psychology at Yale, where she teaches the most popular class in the university’s history. Learn more about her work at her website. 

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Reservations are already going fast for Chicago Restaurant Week Jan. 24-Feb. 9. Nearly 500 of the city’s restaurants are offering $30 brunch and lunch specials and $45 or $60 dinner specials. It can be a great deal, but how do you know if you’re getting your money’s worth? Chicago social media creator Paige Serena did the math in a series on TikTok. She tells host Jacoby Cochran which deals to check out and where you might be better off ordering from the regular menu.

Good News: Grown Folks Stories

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Introducing Ozempic & Weight Loss Drugs: How They Work in Your Brain | The Oprah Podcast from The Oprah Podcast.

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In this episode of The Oprah Podcast, Oprah sits down with Dr. Ania Jastreboff, an endocrinologist and associate professor at the Yale School of Medicine, to talk about the new GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound. Dr. Ania, who has been on the forefront of GLP-1 medication research for the past 20 years, will talk through why it is biologically difficult for some people to lose weight, maintain weight loss and why obesity is a disease. She explains how the new GLP-1 medications work, how they can facilitate weight loss, and if they are safe. Dr. Ania answers questions from people around the country who are taking the GLP-medications and have lost a significant amount of weight. We will also share an update from Amy Kane who told her story of losing 160 pounds on weight loss medications last year on Oprah’s ABC Special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution.

Also referenced in this episode: "The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About" by Mel Robbins, published by Hay House LLC is available wherever books and audio books are sold.

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DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

CTA President Dorval Carter announced Monday he will retire at the end of the month and take a job leading a West Side hospital. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down Carter’s tumultuous last few years and what it means for the city to be without permanent leaders in transit, public housing, and schools. Plus, City Council debates speed limit changes, and how would you spend $500,000 in your ward?

Good News: Jazz x Gumbo at Dorian’s

Click here and follow the steps on the Instagram post to enter to win a Year’s Worth of City Cast Chicago’s Favorite Restaurants.

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Introducing Simple ways to improve gut health | Dr. Karan Rajan from ZOE Science & Nutrition.

Follow the show: ZOE Science & Nutrition

Your body has two brains. And your second brain is your gut. Many think the “gut” is only the stomach - but it’s a network of organs, working together to regulate many different areas of health. When almost half of us suffer with gastrointestinal issues, learning how these organs interact is vital to improving symptoms.

On this episode, we’re joined by Dr Karan Rajan. When Karan’s not teaching his 10 million social media followers about common medical myths, he’s an NHS surgeon, operating on people’s bowels. Karan will reveal how our GI issues impact way more than just our poo.

Today, we explore how the gut and brain are connected, the lifestyle factors causing gut health issues and why it’s so hard for doctors to understand IBS.

🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST

🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+

*Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system

Follow ZOE on Instagram.

Timecodes:

00:00 Your second brain is in your gut

01:39 Quickfire questions

03:50 Why your gut is more than your stomach

05:41 Why is digestion so important?

08:23 How your nervous system impacts gut health

12:17 Common ways we irritate our gut microbiome

17:11 Antibiotics and gut health

23:30 Why gut health starts at birth

27:25 The mystery of IBS

30:19 IBS vs IBD

35:07 Why is bowel cancer on the rise?

37:19 How to keep your gut happy

41:32 Do probiotic supplements work?

45:48 Why fermented foods are so powerful

48:01 Can good gut health improve mental health?

49:30 How often should you go to the toilet?

54:50 Should we hold in farts?

Get Karan's book 'This Book Could Save Your Life' here

Mentioned in this episode:

Other ZOE Science & Nutrition episodes you might like:

Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.

Episode transcripts are available here.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].