Looped In: Chicago

As we approach a new year, host Jim Hanke welcomes several friends and previous guests of Looped In: Chicago to discuss what to expect in all things Cubs, White Sox, finance and auto news next year. Tune in to hear visits from Danny Parkins of 670 The Score, Jeff Gilbert of Detroit’s WWJ, and WBBM’s Rob Hart and Andy Giersher as they pontificate about their particular topics of focus.

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Chicago-area photographer Lenny Gilmore has shot portraits of some of the city's most recognizable personalities, from Chief Keef and Chance the Rapper to actor Michael Shannon and hockey's Marian Hossa. But in 2015, while documenting a local roller derby team, a fire was lit within Gilmore to pursue roller skating himself. And last year, the love affair became a commitment to roller skating every single day, with Gilmore often documenting his adventures on social media -- blazing through sleepy neighborhoods, busy intersections and even late-night skates inside O'Hare. Now having clocked 500 continuous days of skating (and counting), Gilmore discusses today how he turned his perpetual passion into a new children's book, as well as how the Batavia native views his skills as passports to exploring the world. In tandem with this episode, keep an eye on our social media for video of Gilmore roller skating through our WBBM offices and newsroom, to celebrate his 500th skate day!

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2023 has come and gone. This year was big for the Looped In team - we rebranded from Courier Pigeon, and we had the privilege to cover so many stories and communities. In this episode, we are showcasing two extended interviews from episodes you as our listeners liked the most: Turtel Onli from "The Fight for Truth and Justice in Comic Books," and Dr. Denise Sandoval from "History on Wheels: Cruising Through Lowrider Culture." 

These individuals showcase the power of community. Turtel is an independent publisher of comics with his company, Onli Studios. He brings afro-centric characters to life and even hosts an annual comic book convention titled "The Black Age of Comics." Dr. Denise Sandoval has spent 25 years documenting Lowrider culture and their history. She currently has an exhibit in the Smithsonian titled:  Corazón y Vida: Lowrider Culture in the United States. 

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Mentioned in the Episode: Onli Studios | Corazón y Vida

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Listen Here: "The Fight for Truth and Justice in Comic Books" | "History on Wheels: Cruising Through Lowrider Culture" 

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Though bowling has yet to reach official Olympic-level competition, Chicago's connection to the sport is long-held. And last month, a competitor from our area even become the best bowler in the world, as AJ Johnson -- who essentially grew up at Parkside Lanes in Aurora -- took home the gold medal in singles bowling at the Pan Am Games in Santiago, Chile. On today's episode, WBBM sports reporter Rick Gregg sits down with Johnson at Parkside Lanes to discuss his incredible journey from Oswego to the Andes mountains, and why he feels bowling has yet to become an Olympic sport, despite its cultural popularity over the generations.

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Aside from full, edge-of-your-seat concert experiences, what set Beyoncé and Taylor Swift's concert films apart from the pack at the box office this year? Turns out they bypassed the studio system entirely, and brought both of their movies to audiences more directly. So what does this landmark move mean for the film industry going forward? On today's episode, host/producer Jim Hanke speaks with Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips about that topic, this summer's 'Barbenheimer' phenomenon, and more regarding the year in movies.

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Christmas is almost here! As you brave the weather for holiday shopping, followed by a night of family TV viewing of yuletide favorites, do you know which famous Christmas icons have Chicago roots?

On today's episode, we explore the true stories behind Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer as well as the famous window displays of Marshall Field's, and how their original, winged character and creativity inspired Christmas traditions throughout the years. 

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Mentioned in the Episode: Chicago Film Archives 

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See Photos of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Marshall Field's Window Displays Here

Longtime Chicago sports media personality George Ofman, host of his own podcast -- Tell Me A Story I Don't Know -- has recently turned some of his best interviews over the years with fellow broadcasters, reporters, pro coaches and more into an intriguing new book of the same name. During this second of two episodes this week with Ofman, you'll hear audio from Tell Me A Story featuring conversations with celebrated Cubs play-by-play man Pat Hughes, Blackhawks National Anthem singer Wayne Messmer and sportscaster Peggy Kusinski.

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If you’re a lifelong listener to Chicago radio, you know George Ofman well. His nearly 50 years in sports journalism have brought him to WBBM, The Score and WGN, among other outlets. Now the host of his own podcast -- Tell Me A Story I Don't Know -- Ofman has turned some of his best interviews with sports broadcasters, reporters, coaches and more into an intriguing new book of the same name. During this first of two episodes this week with Ofman, you'll hear audio from Tell Me A Story featuring conversations with national sports icon Bob Costas, former White Sox play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti and previous Bears HC Dave Wannstedt. 

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According to stats from the National Retail Federation, crime along Chicago's Magnificent Mile is down since 2020, despite viral videos of break-ins, crash-and-grabs and more seemingly painting a different story. So how are business development organizations and shop owners building consumer confidence, attempting to reverse stigmas, and working to attract more locals and tourists to Chicago's downtown? This week, WBBM reporter Brandon Ison provides compelling audio recorded in the Loop and Mag Mile on all of the above. You can also hear more on this subject on our recent nationwide broadcast "Audacy Conversations: The State of Downtown" moderated by WBBM's Cisco Cotto.

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Nearly 75% of America's Native population currently reside in urban settings. In a move to recognize and push the advancement of that demographic, Illinois passed three separate bills this year to protect Native history and culture. But, how do these laws reflect the reality of Chicago's Native population, the third-largest out of all major US cities?

In this episode Looped In: Chicago host Arielle Raveney explores this question through dance by the Black Hawk Performance Company, and a conversation with Marne Smiley from the Chicago American Indian Community Collaborative (CAICC). 

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Mentioned in the Episode: CAICC | American Indian Association of Illinois | Chicago Public Library 

Singing and drumming heard throughout the episode is by the Little Priest Singers. The event was hosted by Dr. Dorene Wiese, President and CEO of the American Indian Association of Illinois. The grass dance history was recounted by Winfield Woundedeye. 

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See Photos of the Dancers Here

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