South Side Stories

For our finale, it’s all about the inventor and entrepreneurial spirit We visit the Chicago Inventors Organization and have a few budding inventors pitch their creations for Bashir and Diallo. Meanwhile, comedian Kellye Howard visits fashion designer and inventor Jermikko, who was the first black woman to open a retail store on Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile.

Harold’s Chicken is a Chicago food institution, but no two Harold’s are the same. So comedian T. Murph met up with podcaster, YouTube personality, and fried chicken enthusiast Larry Legend to visit a couple of his choices for best Harold’s in the city.

We’re taking a second trip back to Englewood to explore special places to get away on the South Side. Comedian T. Murph meets up with photographer and Englewood resident Tonika Johnson to check out an abandoned railway that’s become a nature oasis for many residents.

Bashir and Diallo go under the hot comb to talk about all things hair. And they’re joined by their South Side co-star Chandra Russell. Meanwhile, comedian Just Nesh visits Issues Barber & Beauty Salon, where the quality of service is matched by the good times and colorful characters.

There’s never a bad night in Chicago to put on some dancing shoes and go steppin’. So Bashir and Diallo enlist a very special correspondent, Bashir’s mom Renee, to explain what makes steppin’ a special Chicago original. Renee also visits one of the South Side’s most well-known spots for steppers, the 50 Yard Line, and gets to know legendary steppin’ DJ Sam Chatman.

Parking ticket debt is an unfortunate reality for many in Chicago, but it’s a burden not shared equally. Comedian Kellye Howard and WBEZ journalist Elliott Ramos take a tour through one of Chicago’s most ticketed neighborhoods. Later, Kellye talks to firefighter Rodney Shelton about how his ticket debt almost cost him his job.

Arthur Dubois is proof that you’re never too old try something new. A 72-year-old retiree and grandfather, Arthur has taken his lifelong love of music and turned it into a new, aspiring career as a self-taught hip-hop producer. Comedian Dave Helem meets up with Arthur to listen to his beats and make some music with Chicago artist Matt Muse.

What does it take to be a street vendor? That’s what comedian Dave Helem looks to find out. He spends a day with James “The Oil Man”Redmond, a longtime vendor who crisscrosses the city selling body oils. Dave travels with The Oil Man by train, bus, and foot as he attempts to make some sales for the day.