This week on DIBS presented by @chicago_history, we sit down with Dr. Voula Saridakis, head curator at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.

In this episode, we cover:

• The museum’s origins at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and how it evolved into today’s Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
• What’s hidden behind the walls: 35,000+ artifacts, with only a fraction on public display.
• Stories behind iconic exhibits like the U-505 submarine, Apollo 8 command module, the coal mine, the Boeing 727, and the five-story tornado in Science Storms.
• How exhibits like The Great Train Story sneak in Easter eggs (yes, those superhero figurines are intentional).
• Annual traditions, including Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light, and the museum’s deep partnerships with Chicago’s neighborhoods.
• Preparing for new neighbors like the Obama Presidential Center and collaborating with institutions like the University of Chicago.
• The museum’s future: digitizing its collections, expanding access through VR/AR, and inspiring the next generation of scientists and dreamers.

Episode Resources:

• Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
• U-505 Submarine Exhibit Tickets

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 on DIBS presented by @chicago_history, we sit down with Jaap Hoogstraten, Director of Exhibits at Chicago’s legendary Field Museum. For generations, the Field has been at the heart of Chicagoland childhoods, whether it was the awe of seeing Sue the T. rex for the first time, standing beneath towering dinosaurs, or peeking at ancient mummies on a school field trip.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• The history of the Field Museum, from its roots at the 1893 World’s Fair to its current status as a global leader in science and storytelling.
• How the museum is tackling modern challenges, from cultural sensitivity and collaboration with Native communities to the rise of short-form video and interactive tech.
• Behind-the-scenes insights into building exhibits, what it takes to plan for years, balancing in-house creativity with traveling shows, and keeping fragile treasures preserved for future generations.
• Iconic memories like the unveiling of Sue the T. rex, “Dozin’ with the Dinos,” and how exhibits like Native Truths are transforming museum experiences.
• Supporting local museums matters, whether it’s buying a ticket, becoming a member, or simply bringing your kids to experience the wonder.

We also get a preview of the upcoming After the Age of Dinosaurs exhibition (opening August 28, 2025), plus fun stories from Jaap’s 25 years shaping one of Chicago’s greatest institutions.

Chicago is fortunate to have the Field Museum, and this episode serves as a poignant reminder of why it remains a cultural anchor for the city and beyond.

Episode Resources:

• Field Museum
• After The Age of Dinosaurs Tickets

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.

RIOPOP, the ultimate summer refreshment, sponsors this episode. Non-alcoholic, low carbonation, and infused with electrolytes, perfect for a day at the museum or soaking up the Chicago sun.

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

Steven Galanis is the co-founder of Cameo and a proud Chicagoan. He takes us inside the company’s journey from its scrappy beginnings in Chicago to becoming a global platform, reflecting on the challenges of building a startup in the Midwest and how the team adapted through both the pandemic boom and the subsequent difficult period.

In this episode, we cover:

• The very Chicago origin story of Cameo (yes, it involves O’Hare traffic).
• How the company soared during the pandemic—and rebuilt after layoffs.
• Why Steven kept Cameo headquartered in Chicago instead of moving to the coasts.
• The bold decision to bring employees back to the office—with perks like $10k raises and daily lunches.
• Chicago’s role in shaping tech, talent, and grit.

Cameo isn’t just a startup—it’s a Chicago story through and through.

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.

RIOPOP, the ultimate summer refreshment, sponsors this episode. Non-alcoholic, low carbonation, and infused with electrolytes, perfect for a day at the museum or soaking up the Chicago sun.

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

We’ve got DIBS on Kevin Boehm, cofounder of Boka Restaurant Group and 2019 James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Restaurateur. Kevin opens up about his unconventional journey from living in a van and launching a 6-table restaurant in Florida to becoming one of the most respected names in hospitality.

In this episode, we cover:

• The origin story of Boka Restaurant Group and its “chef partner” model
• Why hospitality and mental health matter just as much as food
• How the pandemic reshaped his leadership and inspired his upcoming book, "The Bottomless Cup", out in Fall 2025
• His personal transformation—including going alcohol-free, therapy, and building Beyond, a holistic wellness club in Chicago
• And yes, we talk pizza (and his new spot, Zarella, opening soon in Chicago!)

We also catch up with friend of the show Steve Dolinsky, Chicago’s pizza authority and former NBC/ABC7 food reporter, to talk about his new gig at Levy and the return of Pizza City Fest Chicago. From the $26 GA ticket to the $125 VIP experience, Steve walks us through everything you need to know about the ultimate pizza weekend happening August 22–24, including fresh pies made onsite, a pizza box folding competition, and a killer music lineup (Hello, Trippin’ Billies and Sixteen Candles!). Additionally, we learn about the fest’s charitable partner, Donate Pizza, and why Chicago's diverse pizza styles—tavern, deep dish, stuffed, and pan—deserve more recognition on the national stage.

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 diving deep—literally and figuratively—into one of Chicago’s most beloved institutions: The Shedd Aquarium. We are joined by Bob Wengel, Senior Vice President of Facilities and Security at Shedd, who has been helping care for this iconic lakefront destination for over 30 years.

In this episode, Bob shares the fascinating history of how John G. Shedd envisioned a world-class aquarium for Chicago, the extraordinary design details hidden in plain sight, and how the facility has evolved over the decades through cutting-edge sustainability practices, architectural innovation, and a deep commitment to animal welfare.

From beluga whales and anacondas to penguin field trips during the pandemic, Bob takes us behind the scenes to explore the work that keeps the Shedd a world leader in aquatic care, conservation, and climate education. He also shares exciting updates on Shedd’s Centennial Commitment, including new exhibits, environmental outreach along the South Branch of the Chicago River, and a renewed focus on inspiring the next generation through immersive, tech-forward experiences.

Whether you’ve visited the Shedd a dozen times or have yet to go, this episode will leave you with a renewed appreciation for what it means to look nature in the eye.

In this episode, we cover:

• The surprising origin story of the Shedd Aquarium
• Hidden design gems in the original 1930 Beaux-Arts building
• How Shedd’s sustainability efforts reduced water usage by 50% and waste by 80%
• Why beluga whales are so special to Bob—and to Shedd visitors
• How animal rescue, veterinary science, and climate research come together at Shedd
• The viral story of Wellington the penguin during the pandemic
• What’s coming this summer: Jazzin’ at the Shedd, new exhibits, and a beautiful new entrance

Resources & Links:

• Plan your visit: www.sheddaquarium.org
• Follow the Shedd on Instagram: @shedd_aquarium

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 on Dibs, we sit down with a hometown hero who’s made a name for himself in Chicago journalism: Ben Bradley, 4 PM anchor and investigative reporter at WGN News.

Born and raised in the South Suburbs, Ben has spent more than two decades reporting on the stories that shape Chicago—from local corruption to headline-grabbing political scandals. In this episode, we dive deep into his groundbreaking work on the Dalton investigation and what it takes to break a story in the age of “fake news,” outrage culture, and 10-second attention spans.

In this episode, we cover:

• The real process behind investigative journalism
• Why local news matters more than ever
• How social media and partisanship have changed news consumption
• Chicago’s history of political scandal and why it keeps repeating
• What keeps Ben inspired to report the truth in his own hometown

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

On this episode of DIBS, we sit down with the legendary Steven Smith, the man behind some of the most iconic sneakers of all time. Known as the Godfather of the Dad Shoe, Steven’s career has spanned decades and touched nearly every major sneaker brand—New Balance, Reebok, Fila, Nike, Adidas, Yeezy, and now Crocs. Steven's designs have defined generations of streetwear and sneaker culture, from the classic New Balance 574 to the futuristic Yeezy 700 Wave Runner.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Chicago’s streets and sneaker culture inspired Steven’s iconic designs
• His journey from a fresh art school graduate to a global design legend
• The story behind creating game-changing sneakers like the New Balance 574, 996, and Yeezy 700
• His partnership with Kanye West at Yeezy and the innovative process behind the Wave Runner
• Why he chose to take his talents to Crocs and what’s next for his design evolution
• Steven also shares his favorite spots in Chicago, his love for Piece Pizza in Wicker Park, and why he believes Chicago is the perfect blend of grit and grace.

Connect with Steven Smith:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn

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

On this episode of DIBS, we sit down with legendary Chicago Bulls play-by-play announcer Adam Amin for an unforgettable deep dive into his journey—from growing up in Addison as a Bulls superfan to becoming the voice of the team he idolized.

Adam shares how it still gives him goosebumps to hear “Sirius” echo through the United Center, the dreamlike experience of calling buzzer-beaters next to Stacey King, and the honor of following in the footsteps of Chicago sports legends. We talk about the adrenaline of live sports broadcasting, what it was like calling games during COVID, and how he balances objectivity with hometown pride across the NBA, NFL, and MLB.

Plus, Adam opens up about his creative outlet, DJing, and how house music is just as much a part of Chicago’s soul as sports. From his love for tavern-style pizza to his family’s immigrant story and connection to the city, Adam’s story is full of heart, humor, and hometown love.

Whether you're a die-hard Bulls fan, a sports media junkie, or love a great Chicago story—this episode is a slam dunk.

This episode is sponsored by Riotpop.

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

For sponsorship opportunities or joint marketing partnerships, email us at [email protected].

We’re kicking off the first episode of DIBS with none other than Steve Dolinsky, a true icon of Chicago’s food scene. You might know him as “The Food Guy” on NBC 5 Chicago, where his mouthwatering food reports air every Thursday at 10 p.m.

Steve is a 13-time James Beard Award winner and an accomplished author, best known for Pizza City, U.S.A.: 101 Reasons Why Chicago is America’s Greatest Pizza Town. That book came after he visited 185 pizzerias in just six months—yes, really. The research led to the launch of Pizza City U.S.A. Tours in 2018 and Pizza City Fest, an annual celebration of top pizza makers nationwide.

He also co-hosted The Feed Podcast with Chef Rick Bayless from 2014 to 2019, which won the James Beard Award for Best Podcast in 2015.

We couldn’t imagine a better guest to help us dig into what makes Chicago’s food culture so special. Welcome to DIBS, Steve!

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

For sponsorship opportunities or joint marketing partnerships, email us at [email protected].

DIBS is dedicated to exploring Chicago's heart and soul, sharing untold stories celebrating the city’s vibrant culture, iconic history, and influential figures. Rooted in the cherished Chicago tradition, our podcast highlights the journeys of elite entrepreneurs, celebrated artists, community leaders, and cultural icons. DIBS aims to connect our diverse and highly engaged audience through engaging narratives about the people and moments that shape Chicago’s identity, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the city we all love.

Download this episode of DIBS wherever you listen to podcasts!

Stay connected by following us on Instagram @chicago_history.

For sponsorship opportunities or joint marketing partnerships, email us at [email protected].