We’ve got dibs on Dr. Mary Ellen Caron, CEO of After School Matters, one of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of after-school and summer programming for teenagers.

For more than a decade, Mary Ellen has led After School Matters, helping thousands of Chicago teens develop skills, explore careers, find their people, and discover opportunities they may not have otherwise had. Today, the organization serves more than 11,000 teens through programs in the arts, STEM, sports, leadership, communications, and skilled trades.

But Mary Ellen’s commitment to young people started long before After School Matters. She began her career as a teacher on Chicago’s West Side before becoming the founding principal of the Francis Xavier Ward School and later serving as commissioner of the Chicago Department of Children and Youth Services and the Department of Family and Support Services.

In this episode, we talk about why After School Matters was created, the importance of giving teenagers meaningful opportunities outside of school, and why the organization pays teens to participate in its programs. We also talk about the real-world skills young people develop, from communication and collaboration to resume writing and interviewing.

We dive into some of After School Matters’ partnerships across Chicago, including its work with the Chicago Bulls, local museums, ComEd, and the Obama Presidential Center, and how these experiences give teens a chance to see themselves in careers and spaces they may have never imagined.

And perhaps most importantly, Mary Ellen shares why finding your people can be just as important as finding your career path. Whether it’s theater, jazz, culinary arts, dance, or skilled trades, After School Matters gives Chicago teens a place to explore what they love, build confidence, and figure out what comes next.

We also talk about Mary Ellen’s vision for her legacy, her love of Chicago, and why she believes the city is better because After School Matters exists.

After School Matters Website

Learn more about the After School Matters Gala 2026 on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at the Obama Presidential Center Home Court

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

We sit down with Adam Pearce, WWE's General Manager of Monday Night Raw and a five-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Before becoming one of the most recognizable faces on WWE television, Adam spent decades grinding on the independent wrestling circuit, refusing to give up on the career he believed was possible.

Growing up in Waukegan, Adam dreamed of playing college football until a devastating injury changed the course of his life. That unexpected setback led him to professional wrestling, where perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering belief in himself ultimately brought him to the biggest stage in sports entertainment.

We also dive into his deep Chicago roots—from growing up in Lake County and cheering on the Cubs (while somehow remaining a Packers fan), to why Chicago wrestling fans are unlike any other, his favorite neighborhood, pizza spot, and what it means every time WWE returns to the city he still proudly calls home.

Whether you're a lifelong wrestling fan or have never watched a match, this conversation is about far more than wrestling. It's about chasing your dreams, embracing unexpected paths, and never giving up on what's possible.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How a football injury unexpectedly led Adam to professional wrestling
• Spending nearly two decades on the independent wrestling circuit before joining WWE
• The importance of resilience, patience, and trusting the process
• Behind-the-scenes stories from WWE and working with today's biggest superstars
• Why Chicago remains one of wrestling's greatest cities
• His favorite Chicago neighborhood, pizza spot, and sports memories
• Balancing life on the road with family and fatherhood

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

From Office Space and Talladega Nights to The West Wing, NCIS, and more than 200 film and television credits, Gary Cole has built one of the most recognizable careers in Hollywood. But before the iconic roles, there was Chicago.

Gary joins us while back in Chicago, performing in Steppenwolf Theatre Company's production of Catch as Catch Can, marking his long-awaited return to the Steppenwolf stage. As one of the theater's original ensemble members, Gary reflects on Steppenwolf's beginnings in a church basement in Highland Park, the friendships that shaped his career, and why Chicago has always remained home.

We also dive into his legendary career on screen, the differences between theater, film, and voice acting, the surprising legacy of Office Space, and why mentorship remains one of the most meaningful parts of his career.

Whether you've known him as Bill Lumbergh, Alden Parker, Mike Brady, or one of his countless other unforgettable characters, this conversation offers a rare look behind the scenes of an actor whose work has become part of pop culture history.

• Gary's childhood growing up in the Chicago suburbs
• The early days of Steppenwolf Theatre and its remarkable evolution
• Returning to the stage for Catch as Catch Can
• Why is this production one of the most challenging of his career
• The differences between theater, television, film, and voice acting
• Behind-the-scenes stories from Office Space and its enduring legacy
• Building a career that spans more than four decades
• The importance of mentorship and supporting the next generation of actors
• What Chicago continues to mean to him after all these years

Tickets and show information for Catch as Catch Can can be found here

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

We got dibs on one of Chicago's most iconic restaurant empires with RJ Melman, President of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants.

RJ takes us behind the scenes of the family business that helped shape Chicago into one of the world's greatest food cities. From the opening of R.J. Grunts in 1971 to beloved concepts like Wildfire, RPM, Beatrix, Aba, Sushi-san, Joe's, and dozens more, Lettuce Entertain You has spent more than five decades creating restaurants that have become part of Chicago's culture and traditions.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Richard Melman and Jerry Orzoff built Lettuce Entertain You from a single restaurant into a nationally recognized hospitality group
• The surprising ways new restaurant concepts are created, often beginning with a single dish or culinary idea
• How research trips around the world help inspire new restaurants and menus
• The challenges and rewards of working alongside siblings in a multigenerational family business
• Why company culture and employee experience have remained central to Lettuce's success
• The origins and evolution of the Lettuce Frequent Diner Club and why it has such a loyal following
• How Lettuce approaches community involvement and philanthropy across Chicago and beyond
• The story behind the hidden red shoes found in many Lettuce restaurants
• The debate over Chicago's best chopped salad and RJ's favorite Lettuce dining experiences
• What makes Chicago one of the greatest restaurant cities in America

RJ also shares stories about growing up in the restaurant business, launching his first concepts alongside his siblings, balancing family and leadership, and why Chicago remains the heart of everything Lettuce Entertain You does. Along the way, we discuss loyalty programs, restaurant trends, family traditions, and the impact Lettuce has had on generations of Chicagoans.

Lettuce Entertain You

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Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

Paloma Nozicka is an acclaimed Chicago-based playwright, actor, filmmaker, and storyteller whose work explores identity, ambition, fear, and the complexities of human connection. In this episode, Paloma shares an honest conversation about creativity, artistic risk, and what it means to build a life and career rooted in the spirit of Chicago. From growing up between Glenview and the South Side to performing on the stages of Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Goodman Theatre, Paloma shares how journalism, improv, and horror storytelling shaped her voice as a writer and performer.

The conversation dives deep into her newest play, Both, a psychological thriller debuting as the first production in Teatro Vista’s new residency at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Paloma opens up about the emotional weight of revisiting themes inspired by the pandemic's isolation and collective trauma, why horror is one of the most powerful tools for exploring human behavior, and how theater can create a uniquely visceral experience that lingers long after audiences leave their seats.

Paloma also reflects on navigating Chicago and Los Angeles as a working actor, appearing on shows like Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, and Empire, the realities of union work in entertainment, and why Chicago remains one of the greatest creative cities in the world. This episode is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about storytelling, identity, artistic risk, and what it means to create work that truly unsettles, challenges, and connects people.

Listeners can learn more about Paloma’s work and upcoming productions through Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Teatro Vista.

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

We got dibs on the future of Chicago’s cultural landscape with Joshua Harris, Vice President of Public Engagement at the Obama Foundation.

Joshua takes us inside the vision behind the highly anticipated Obama Presidential Center opening this June in Jackson Park. More than a presidential library, the 20-acre campus is designed as a living civic hub focused on community, leadership, culture, wellness, and opportunity for Chicagoans and visitors from around the world.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why President and Mrs. Obama chose Chicago’s South Side for the center
• The mission of the Obama Foundation and its global leadership programs
• How the center was shaped by community feedback from all 77 Chicago neighborhoods
• The partnership with the Chicago Public Library and the first-of-its-kind library branch on campus
• Plans for free public programming, including movies, concerts, sports clinics, podcasts, media production, cooking demonstrations, and more
• The inspiration behind “Home Court,” the center’s NBA-sized basketball and wellness facility
• Michelle Obama’s continued advocacy for girls and youth empowerment through the Girls Opportunity Alliance
• Valerie Jarrett’s leadership and influence behind the foundation’s growth
• Joshua’s journey from Houston to New Orleans to Chicago, and his experience working in public service
• The lasting impact President Obama still has on Chicago communities and future generations

Joshua also shares stories about surprise visits from President Obama, the excitement building ahead of the opening, and why the center is intended to be a welcoming space for everyone.

Tickets to the Obama Presidential Center Museum are now available from June 19 through November 30, 2026.

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

Brendan Hunt joins DIBS for a wide-ranging conversation about growing up in Chicago, the emotional impact of Ted Lasso, and returning home for his deeply personal one-man show, The Movement You Need at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. From Boom Chicago in Amsterdam to the global phenomenon of Ted Lasso, Brendan reflects on the moments, music, and relationships that shaped him.

The episode dives into Brendan’s lifelong connection to The Beatles, especially “Hey Jude,” and how their music became intertwined with family, grief, and fatherhood. He also opens up about his mother’s alcoholism, therapy, and how The Movement You Need became both a love letter and a way to process complicated memories with humor and honesty.

Mallory and Nick also talk with Brendan about:

• The lasting influence of Chicago’s improv scene and Boom Chicago
• Why Ted Lasso became a source of comfort for so many people
• The cultural rise of women’s sports and what’s ahead in Season 4
• His “Sox fan, Cubs sympathizer” philosophy
• Why Chicago’s wit, humor, and people make it unlike anywhere else

Plus: Paul McCartney stories, Dutch humor, Malört discourse, and one of DIBS's most heartfelt conversations yet.

Tickets to The Movement You Need

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

This week, we sit down with Michael Alter, principal owner of the Chicago Sky, to talk about what it really takes to build a professional sports franchise from the ground up, and why investing in women’s sports is about so much more than the game.

From launching the Sky as an expansion team to winning the 2021 WNBA Championship, Michael shares the highs, the challenges, and the moments that made it all worth it. We explore the league's evolution, the explosive growth of women’s basketball, and how the Sky became a cultural force in Chicago and beyond.

We also talk about the realities behind the scenes, from building a brand without an NBA counterpart to navigating media narratives to protecting players in the age of social media. And at the core of it all is a bigger mission: creating visibility, opportunity, and inspiration for the next generation of female athletes.

In this episode, we cover:

• The origin story of the Chicago Sky and why Chicago needed a WNBA team
• What it takes to build a franchise from scratch, including branding, hiring, and early challenges
• The 2021 championship run and why it meant more than just a title
• How the WNBA is evolving, from expansion teams to global growth
• The dark side of sports: social media, player safety, and online abuse
• Why women’s sports are finally getting the attention they’ve always deserved

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

This week, we’ve got DIBS on Kathryn Erbe.

Kathryn Erbe is a celebrated stage and screen actor whose career spans Broadway, film, and some of television’s most iconic series. Many audiences know her as Detective Alexandra Eames on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, but her work reaches far beyond that role—from HBO’s groundbreaking drama Oz to beloved films like D2: The Mighty Ducks and What About Bob?

A longtime member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble, Kathryn returns to Chicago to star in The Dance of Death, a riveting and darkly funny psychological thriller adapted by Conor McPherson from August Strindberg’s classic play. Performing at the legendary Steppenwolf Theatre, the production blends biting humor, emotional intensity, and extraordinary physical performances.

In this episode, Kathryn shares:

1. How she landed on Broadway just six weeks after graduating from NYU Tisch
2. The surreal experience of joining Steppenwolf Theatre, a company she once read about as a teenager, dreaming of becoming an actor
3. Behind-the-scenes stories from Oz, one of HBO’s most groundbreaking early dramas
4. What it was really like filming Law & Order: Criminal Intent for ten seasons alongside Vincent D’Onofrio
5. Why theater and the shared experience of live performance feel more important than ever after the pandemic
6. The deeply personal story of how theater helped transform her life after a difficult adolescence

Kathryn also talks about the physical demands of performing The Dance of Death, even revealing she’s currently performing the show while recovering from a broken foot.

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

We’re joined by Michael Hitchcock—Northwestern alum, Western Springs native, and a quietly legendary force behind some of the most influential comedies of the last 25+ years. From interning at WBEZ, CBS 2, WGN, and learning Chicago media from the inside, to finding his creative home at The Groundlings in Los Angeles, Michael’s career is a masterclass in craft, longevity, and being “in everything you love” (often before you even realize it).

We talk about Michael’s iconic run with Christopher Guest, including Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, and For Your Consideration, and how that ensemble, improv-driven style didn’t just shape comedy, it helped rewrite the rules of how comedy films get made. Michael shares what it was like returning to Best in Show 25 years later, why it still holds up, and what surprised him most about dog show culture.

Plus, Michael takes us inside two of the biggest streaming hits of the moment: Nobody Wants This and The Lowdown on FX/Hulu, a modern noir with sharp dialogue, an all-star cast, and an awards-season buzz that’s building fast. We also dig into his experience on Glee, from appearing on-screen to writing and producing across multiple seasons—what it’s like creating TV at peak cultural impact, and how music rights actually work when you’re pulling off ambitious episodes with major artists.

In this episode, we discuss:

1. Growing up in the western suburbs and falling in love with Second City and Chicago theater
2. The surprising connection between community theater and landing Waiting for Guffman
3. The Groundlings, character comedy, and the Chicago vs. LA comedy difference
4. The legacy of Best in Show and why it’s still a cult classic (and then some)
5. Behind the scenes of Nobody Wants This, The Lowdown, and Glee

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary.

Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman