The 78
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The 78 episodes

  • The One With Peter Jesperson & His 50 Years In Music, Strange Cargo in Andersonville, C2E2, Halfway to Halloween, And The Getaway In Lincoln Square

    This week, delve into the captivating journey of Peter Jesperson and his remarkable 50 years in the music industry. Discover the eclectic wonders of Strange Cargo in Andersonville, immerse yourself in the vibrant universe of C2E2, embrace the spooky spirit of Halfway to Halloween, and uncover the hidden gems of The Getaway in Lincoln Square. Join us for an extraordinary peek behind the curtain in this week's edition of Stories From The 78.

    16 min
  • The One with Beverly Records, 007, The Largest Filipino Bakehouse In The US & America's Beauty Show

    Explore the vibrant tapestry of Chicago's South Side with ventures to Beverly Records, where vinyl dreams come alive. Dive into the secret corridors of 007 at the Museum of Industry, where history whispers in every exhibit.

    Experience the sweet aroma and cultural richness of the Largest Filipino Bakehouse in the US, where tradition meets innovation. And step into the glamorous world of beauty at America's Beauty Show, where trends are born and legends are made. Join us on the Stories from the 78 podcast for an exclusive look behind these captivating narratives.

    18 min
  • Hanging Out With Rick Bayless, Becoming a Chicago Lifeguard & Why We Love Serial Killers ...

    This week, The 78 invites you to delve behind the scenes as we uncover captivating stories featuring luminaries like Rick Bayless, the legendary Sammy Sosa of the Cubs, insightful discussions with Scott Bonn on our fascination with serial killers, a glimpse into the rigorous training to become a Chicago lifeguard, and a luxurious tour of the presidential suite at the esteemed St. Regis Hotel.

    22 min
  • The Solar Eclipse & Cubs Opening Day

    Join us as we delve deep into the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Chicago on the day of the eclipse, where the city's pulse beats with excitement and anticipation. Amidst the hustle and bustle, we uncover a captivating tale of Cubs opening day and the colorful characters our protagonists encounter along the way. Tune in to this special edition of The 78 for this story and more as we explore the heart of the Windy City.

    16 min
  • How It Started

    Tom Barnas is the host and creator of Stories From The 78.

    Barnas lives and breathes Chicago. Being part of the Chicago media landscape for over 20 years. Getting his feet wet in Chicago morning radio and eventually making the transition to television at WGN TV by way of WGN Radio 720, he has been a successful storyteller in the Chicago media community.
    This latest venture, Stories From The 78 is the next evolution in Barnas's storied career. Taking all the knowledge of 20-plus years in Chicago and pouring it all into this project will make it stand apart from others.
    People always have a great story to tell, you just have to ask them. Stories From The 78 is not just about Chicago, it will gather stories from around the world, with a base in Chicago. Neighborhoods have endless stories, and Barnas will use this platform to tell all of them.
    Joining WGN-TV in 2008, Barnas has spent his tenure on the WGN Midday News in his early career, then shifting to the WGN Morning News in several roles.
    Starting as the Around Town producer with Ana Belaval, Morning Show segment, digital producer, and then as the Social Media Voice and special live events producer for the WGN Morning News.
    In his over 20 years in television at WGN TV and CBS Chicago, Barnas has developed a reputation as the mastermind behind the WGN Morning News Block Party, St. Patrick’s Day Live Broadcast, WGN Food Drive, and WGN Morning News Sports rallies. He's been part of an Emmy Award-winning team that has made WGN TV the #1 Morning Show in the United States.
    Today he leads the charge of the CBS Chicago Jumpstart and other morning show guest segments, along with his passion for storytelling for the 78.

    19 min

About The 78

From the publisher's feed

Historically, Chicago is made up of 77 neighborhoods with their own stories to tell. Only separated by blocks, woven in the microcosm that gives Chicago its unique taste, its people are the epitome of true grit. Each neighborhood, held together with blood, sweat, and tears that are now traditions, giving us this amazing collection of stories from each neighborhood. That is true Chicago.