Best Uplifiting Podcasts (2026)

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The Stories We Loved In 2025! 25:13

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5d ago25:13

25:13

Some of reporters, editors, and staff weigh in on the stories they loved in 2025. Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve …

1
Chicago Under Siege -- How Operation Midway Blitz Changed Our City 28:41

7d ago28:41

28:41

Midway Blitz’s aim was to “target” undocumented immigrants with serious criminal histories — “the worst of the worst,” Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, said when announcing the initiative in early September. Yet, neighbors saw immigration agents detain day laborers, construction and landscaping workers …

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Fraud Cases Are Skyrocketing -- How AARP Is Fighting Back With You 21:14

12d ago21:14

21:14

In the 1940s, a retired principal named Ethel Percy Andrus, learned that a former colleague of hers had been forced to live in a chicken coop because she couldn’t afford housing or medical care. That moment started her on mission to help retired people in the country. And eventually led to the start of AARP. On today’s Block Club Chicago podcast, s…

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After Budget Battle Ends, A New Question Emerges - Who Runs Chicago? 21:02

14d ago21:02

21:02

Mayor Brandon Johnson said Tuesday he will not veto the so-called alternative budget that passed the City Council over the weekend, despite weeks of sharply criticizing parts of the spending plan as unbalanced and harmful to working Chicagoans. The announcement comes one week before a year-end deadline to pass a balanced 2026 budget. If Johnson had…

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Chicago's Flu Season Is Here -- Is It Too Late To Protect Yourself? 23:40

19d ago23:40

23:40

On today’s podcast, sponsored by Rush, epidemiologist Dr. Michael Lin on what we’re in for this flu season, and if it’s too late to protect yourself. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Dr. Michael Lin More on Rush HERE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to …

1
Is Chicago Closing In On A Government Shutdown? 18:24

26d ago18:24

18:24

A group of 27 alderpeople introduced a set of alternative budget proposals to City Council that would scrap a corporate head tax. Mayor Brandon Johnson has doubled down on his support of the idea. Are we headed toward a government shutdown? Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Quinn Myers Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE…

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‘Lying Constantly’ - How The Feds Used Propaganda During Midway Blitz 26:07

28d ago26:07

26:07

Homeland Security has sought to reshape violent encounters into triumphant narratives — even as judges, journalists and experts said the agency has repeatedly distorted facts, misled the public and attacked those who challenged its story. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Patrick Filbin Read More Here BECOME A BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO SUBSCRIBER Want to donat…

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Financial Crimes Have Become 'The New Wave' In Chicago -- What to Know 22:13

1M ago22:13

22:13

Today's podcast is a field trip to the Chase Bank South Shore Community Center at 6650 S. Stony Island Ave. The branch was established to be a place for all neighbors to gather nearly five years ago. Today we attend a forum on fraud prevention, and see how neighbors are buying into the community center, and learning important tips to avoid scammers…

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He Started His Own Postal Service Delivering And Reading Mail For Free 19:31

1M ago19:31

19:31

A whimsical yet very serious public art project by Logan Square artist Charlie Dean is gaining traction as an alternative to a paid postal service, designed to be used for monumental conversations or difficult news that need softening. Host - Iridian Fierro Guest - Charlie Dean Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Wh…

1
The Ultimate Guide To Shopping Local In Chicago For The 2025 Holidays 21:22

1M ago21:22

21:22

Block Club reporters are putting the spotlight on small, locally owned businesses, which are offering everything from jewelry to toys, books, self-care items, clothing and more during the holidays. THE ENTIRE GIFT GUIDE Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization ded…

1
Hop On The Bears Bandwagon! They May Be Good (Or Might Kinda Suck) UPDATE: THEY'RE GOOD 21:15

1M ago21:15

21:15

The Bears are 8-3. If you haven't been paying too much attention, now would be a great time to hop on the Bears bandwagon. But guard your heart. They might not be as good as their record suggests. Mark Carman from the CHGO Bears Podcast and WGN Radio breaks it all down. Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chi…

1
Breast Cancer Diagnoses Are Up -- But More Women Are Surviving Than Ever 21:12

2M ago21:12

21:12

On today’s Block Club Chicago podcast, sponsored by Rush, Dr. Dipti Gupta on what women, and men, should know about breast cancer, and how Rush is trying to reach all communities in our city. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Dr. Dipti Gupta More on Rush Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3)…

1
“This Budget Is A Disaster” -- The Committee That Told The Mayor 'No' 17:26

2M ago17:26

17:26

The City Council’s finance committee on Monday voted against Mayor Brandon Johnson’s latest 2026 budget proposal, throwing what some alderpeople have characterized as an already-strained negotiations process into further uncertainty. After a few hours of debate over a proposed corporate head tax as well as borrowing plans and other issues, the fina…

1
No, Groupon Isn't Dead. It's Still Based In Chicago And Growing Again. 25:44

2M ago25:44

25:44

The Groupon story is personal to many Chicagoans. The company at one point was located in the former Montgomery Ward Warehouse along the banks of the Chicago river. On today’s Block Club Chicago podcast, sponsored by Groupon, we turn the page to the next chapter - Mike Tepeli from Groupon on what’s next for this still Chicago-based company, and we …

1
It Was A Celebrity Hangout. It Closed. Workers Say They Weren't Paid 23:42

2M ago23:42

23:42

A once high-profile Italian restaurant in Fulton Market is facing legal and financial troubles, with records showing more than $400,000 in unpaid rent, vendor bills, taxes and wages, even as its owner tries for a comeback. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Melody Mercado Read More Here For More On Chase for Business, Coaching For Impact, Click HERE Want…

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The Rink On 87th Has Been A Haven For 50 Years 21:45

2M ago21:45

21:45

The Rink, 1122 E. 87th St., has been a haven for South Side skaters for 50 years. As one skater says as he rolls by, “Everybody’s welcome. No one is invited.” This year, owners and married couple Curtis and Ramona Pouncy hosted a glow-in-the-dark mural contest in honor of The Rink’s 50th anniversary. Artists were asked to create an image that captu…

1
What Would Happen If Chicago Got Nuked? 20:51

2M ago20:51

20:51

In “A House of Dynamite,” the U.S. nuclear defense apparatus is caught off-guard by a single intercontinental ballistic missile, which is fired from an unknown point of origin and is headed toward Chicago. What do experts say would happen if this played out in real life? Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Clint Worthington Read Clint's Story Here Check o…

1
Can Judges Curb ICE’s Operation Midway Blitz? 21:05

2M ago21:05

21:05

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis took the unusual step of ordering Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino to appear in court every day to report on “use of force incidents” after a series of tear gassings in Chicago neighborhoods flouted her past orders. On Wednesday, less than two hours before Bovino — the head of Trump’s Chicago immigration…

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Why Are Chicago Men So Afraid To Go To The Doctor? 22:20

2M ago22:20

22:20

65% of men say they avoid seeking medical attention as long as possible Only 3 in 5 men go for their annual physical. And in Chicago, men are 10% less likely to have a primary care provider compared to women. And die 6 years earlier than women on average. On today’s Block Club Chicago podcast, sponsored by Rush, doctor Zachary Glaser from Rush Univ…

1
What's Up With The Obama Presidential Center? 17:14

2M ago17:14

17:14

With the Obama Presidential Center set to open next year, Maxwell Evans joins the podcast to discuss the long journey for the center, how neighbors feel as it nears completion, and if people really think it looks kind of ugly. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Maxwell Evans Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are …

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A Chicago Teen Had Just Returned From Chemo -- Then ICE Arrested Her Dad 19:49

3M ago19:49

19:49

When 16-year-old Ofelia Torres’ father called from the Broadview ICE facility to say he had been taken by four masked federal immigration agents, the teen’s mother was at home helping drain the small IV port that keeps Ofelia nourished and alive during Stage 4, while the teenager showed her cousins how the small medical contraption worked. For almo…

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Meet The ICE Resistance -- Cameras, Whistles, And Neighborhood Rapid Response Teams 28:35

3M ago28:35

28:35

Hundreds of people showed up Tuesday night at events across the Northwest and West sides to assemble whistle kits that Chicagoans can use to alert neighbors when immigration enforcement agents are nearby. The events came as Chicagoans are increasingly looking for ways to peacefully resist federal operations Midway Blitz and At Large, immigration en…

1
Judge Blocks Trump’s National Guard Push Into Chicago -- For Now 21:09

3M ago21:09

21:09

A federal judge granted a temporary restraining order Thursday against National Guard Troops mobilized this week in Illinois against the will of state and local officials. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Mike Leonard, Federal Defense Attorney Judge Partially Blocks Trump’s National Guard Mobilization To Chicago Judge Rules Feds Can’t Pepper-Spray, Tear-G…

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The Most Chicago Thing That's Ever Happened To Me Was _____ 20:51

3M ago20:51

20:51

Live from Saturday's Block Club Chicago Block Party at Half Acre, we wanted to know the most Chicago thing that's ever happened to you! Thank you all for coming to the event! Hosts - Jon Hansen, Iridian Fierro Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to …

1
Babe’s Giving Women’s Sports Fans In Chicago A Place To Call Home 24:01

3M ago24:01

24:01

After a crowdfunding campaign, a full interior overhaul and rummaging through a ton of sports memorabilia, a highly-anticipated women’s sports bar is now open in Logan Square. Babe’s Sports Bar at 3017 W. Armitage Ave. had a soft opening Saturday after nearly a year of renovations, creating a space for fans of women’s professional sports, said bar …

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Private Fences Put Up Around A Public Park -- And Neighbors Aren't Happy 16:50

3M ago16:50

16:50

Michele Dreczynski has fond memories of her son riding bikes through the park by her riverside townhouse “completely free and untethered.” That was before the park — with city-mandated public hours — was fenced in by her homeowner association. Metal gates at River Village North Townhomes, 1005 N. Kingsbury St., have gone up near West Hobbie and Oak…

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"In Order To Win, You Have To Lose A Lot" -- Meet The Man Building A Racket Sport Empire 26:09

3M ago26:09

26:09

Today's episode, sponsored by Chase For Business, highlights the story of Chris Clark and his growing racketball empire - Toss and Spin. Joining Chris on the podcast is Mikal Quarles, the visionary behind the "Coaching For Impact" program that teams up small business owners with Chase coaches to help their businesses grow. Today's episode was recor…

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Meet The Voice Of The CTA -- 27 Years And Counting 20:03

3M ago20:03

20:03

It’s been 27 years since a Milwaukee man strolled into a Chicago studio to record the thousands of directions, delays and warnings that still move the nation’s third-largest city. Lee Crooks, “The Voice of the CTA” who tells “L” and bus riders what stop is coming and on which side the doors open, doesn’t have much to say about the fact that most pe…

1
CPS Fights Trump's Anti-DEI Efforts -- For Now 19:57

3M ago19:57

19:57

CPS said in a letter to the U.S. Department of Education it would not walk back the rollout of its Black Student Success Plan or change its policies related to transgender students until a federal investigation is completed. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Becky Vevea, Chalkbeat Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who …

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Why NIMBYs Often Win Neighborhood Battles 24:20

4M ago24:20

24:20

Development fights are often won or lost in the community meeting. And so-called (though some would argue unfairly labeled) NIMBYs are often at the meetings in force, and can kill a project or fight for a compromise. Quinn Myers details some battles he's covered, and Madison Savedra is in the midst of a fight brewing on the North Side over a gigant…

1
This Scuba Diver On A Boat With No Name Finds Your Stuff In The Lake 17:08

4M ago17:08

17:08

Yohei Yamada reunites boaters with valuables they’ve dropped into the lake — from cellphones to wedding rings and Rolex watches. In the water is also where he is finding himself again. Host - Iridian Fierro Reporter - Mack Liederman Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non…

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Anthony Rizzo Back On The Cubs -- For One Day 19:00

4M ago19:00

19:00

Anthony Rizzo, one of the most beloved Chicago Cubs in recent memory, announced his retirement from baseball Wednesday morning — and he’s doing so as a Cub. The 14-year MLB veteran, who spent a decade anchoring first base at Wrigley Field, will work with the Cubs as an official ambassador, the team announced Wednesday. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Sha…

1
What To Know About ICE’s Operation Midway Blitz In Chicago 22:37

4M ago22:37

22:37

The surge in federal immigration raids has started in Chicago. The surge, dubbed Operation Midway Blitz, will target undocumented people in Chicago and throughout Illinois, according to a press release issued Monday by the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Host - Jon Hansen Reporters - Quinn Myers,…

1
Could AI Data Centers Drain Lake Michigan? 22:14

4M ago22:14

22:14

Data centers powering artificial intelligence are putting a strain on Lake Michigan and other local water systems, which could lead to water shortages if not addressed, according to a recent report from the Alliance for the Great Lakes. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Helena Volzer, the Alliance for the Great Lakes’ Senior Source Water Policy Manager Wan…

1
How The West Side's 'Shine King' Keeps Going Even As Shoe Shining Disappears 18:22

4M ago18:22

18:22

The Austin shop carries on the legacy of its founder, James Cole, who died in 2022. But these days, employees are as likely to fix up Jordans and Uggs as they are leather dress shoes, said his son and current owner Vernon Cole. Host - Iridian Fierro Reporter - Michael Liptrot Read More Here More on episode sponsor, Rush Want to donate to our non-pr…

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A Look Inside What Some Call Chicago's "Death Hospital" 32:15

4M ago32:15

32:15

Patients and staff have reported filthy rooms, broken supplies and a flooded ER at Community First in Portage Park despite the tens of millions in taxpayer grants sent to the for-profit safety-net hospital since the pandemic. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Manny Ramos Read More Here More on today's sponsor, Columbia College Chicago Want to donate to …

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Meet The Watermelon Man, A South Side Legend With The Sweetest Melons In Town 25:27

4M ago25:27

25:27

When South Siders have a taste for the sweetest summer fruit, they know exactly where to find it: on Kenny The Watermelon Man’s truck at 83rd Street and Stony Island Avenue. Host - Iridian Fierro Reporter - Atavia Reed Read More Here For more about Columbia College Chicago - Click Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we ar…

1
Are Your Kids Sick? Pediatricians Still Battling 'Illness Of The Summer' As School Starts 20:50

5M ago20:50

20:50

As kids go back to school, pediatricians play an important role in helping students get ready for potential illnesses -- including some that have percolated throughout the summer. Pediatricians also are on the front line of helping kids deal with the emotional and mental issues that come from heading back into the classroom. Today's episode, sponso…

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The Uptown Theater Is 100 Years Old, But Will It Ever Open Again? 21:47

5M ago21:47

21:47

The Uptown Theatre has sat vacant for 44 of its 100 years. Efforts to reopen it have come and gone. A new effort carries a $190 million price tag, with funding yet to be secured. “Uptown is missing its crown jewel,” its owner said. Host - Jon Hansen Reporters - Mack Liederman, Madison Savedra Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom…

1
Terrible Portrait Artist Says ‘I Have No Plan To Get Better’ -- Still A Hit In Logan Square 17:30

5M ago17:30

17:30

Logan Square farmers market attendees are flocking to a table in the boulevard to have their portrait drawn by Jacob Ryan Reno for $5 — and he’s “bewildered” as to why. Host - Iridian Fierro Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to deli…

1
Is It Safe To Swim In The Chicago River? 17:07

5M ago17:07

17:07

For the first time in 98 years, the Chicago River will host an open water swim event early this fall The event — which was approved by the city after officials denied it a permit last year — takes place Sept. 21. But is it safe to swim in the river? Chris Anchor from the Cook County Forest Preserve weighs in. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Chris Anchor …

1
Will Chicago Close More Streets And Create More Pedestrian Malls? 23:15

5M ago23:15

23:15

In 1979, Mayor Jane Byrne transformed a nine-block stretch of state street into a pedestrian mall. It did not go well. Since then, that example has been used as a cautionary tale against turning streets into pedestrian only areas. But is the tide turning? Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Quinn Myers Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsr…

1
Could DuSable Lake Shore Drive Move Underground? There's A Plan For That 19:14

5M ago19:14

19:14

A long-awaited improvement plan for Grant Park calls for the famed park to be extended to the lakefront — with DuSable Lake Shore Drive routed underneath the expanded green space. That is, if city officials can find the money to pull it off. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Liederman Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK …

1
Why Chicago's Affordable Housing Crisis Is Getting Worse 24:15

5M ago24:15

24:15

Why is it so expensive to build affordable housing in Chicago? One recent West Side development clocked in at $884,000 per unit. While the city says it’s working to address red tape that drives up expenses, advocates say more must be done to rein in “crazy” costs associated with affordable housing. Host - Jon Hansen Reporters - Michael Liptrot and …

1
She Taught Her Own HS Chem Class, Now She's Headed To Her Dream College 29:51

5M ago29:51

29:51

As her senior year got underway, two of the many people who reached out to Carolina Carchi were teachers she’d had in elementary school. “You were amazing when I had you, and you are still showing them how to turn a terrible experience into an amazing opportunity to learn and grow,” one wrote. Another wrote: “I. AM. SO. PROUD. OF YOU!!!!… You are A…

1
Chicago's Rich History of Political Nepotism 20:00

6M ago20:00

20:00

Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicatedto delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago'sdiverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to becovered in a meaningful way.We amplify positive stories, cover development and lo…

1
The Flashy Fugitives: Ex-Loretto Hospital Leader And Contractor Are Living Large In Dubai 22:17

6M ago22:17

22:17

Entrepreneurs and doctors Anosh Ahmed and Sameer Suhail had matching cars, a matching taste for luxury watches and matching condos in Chicago’s Trump Tower. The two even had similar backstories: They’d immigrated to the United States as children — Ahmed from Pakistan and Suhail from Jordan — and had gotten their medical degrees from overseas school…

1
O'Hare's Bees Give A Second Chance To Formerly Incarcerated Chicagoans 21:18

6M ago21:18

21:18

Boeing 737s and Airbus A350s aren’t the only things taking flight at O’Hare Airport. A quiet patch of green space at O’Hare has been home to a collection of beehives for almost 15 years. In 2011, O’Hare became the first airport in the United States to have an apiary. Since then, the hives have produced thousands of pounds of honey. Host- Jon Hansen…

1
The Chicago Way -- Powerful Alderman Resigning, And His Son Wants The Gig 17:08

6M ago17:08

17:08

Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Melody Mercado One of Chicago’s most influential aldermen, Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27th) is stepping down by the end of the month to lead the Chicago Housing Authority — or retire from politics entirely. His son wants the job. Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HERE Who we are Block Club Ch…

1
The Lightning Bugs Are Back This Year -- But Will This Be Their Curtain Call? 20:08

6M ago20:08

20:08

Swarms of flying insects are usually a nuisance. But this summer, Chicagoans are lighting up for a big return of lightning bugs. The flying beetles known for their bioluminescence are keeping the lights on across the city — more so than past summers, local bug experts have observed. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Mack Liederman Read More Here Want to…