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Fran and Carlo Get OCR Adjacent

Fran Chiorando and Carlo Piscitello

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Fran Chiorando and Carlo Piscitello are both long time members of the Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) community. Join them each week for a humorous journey around the world of OCR and beyond (Sometimes it's heavy on the beyond!). Race results? They share 'em. Upcoming races? They've got you covered. Community News? They break it. Curious how to say "Squirrel" in French? Oddly enough, that's in there too. You'll not only get the most up-to-date OCR news, you'll also be subjected to whatever else ...
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The Fran Spielman Show

Chicago Sun-Times

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Join veteran City Hall reporter Fran Spielman as she interviews Chicago’s biggest movers and shakers. Each week, Fran sits down with a local leader, politician or policymaker to get the inside scoop on the latest news in Chicago.
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Welcome to the World’s Toughest Podcast, where we talk about any Obstacle Course Race you’d like, as long as it's World’s Toughest Mudder. Each week we talk to members of the WTM Community and share stories of success and failure in the single greatest event in OCR. We are the Number One rated Obstacle Course Racing podcast in the world according to Apple Podcasts and Amazon.com. Thank you. The Worlds Toughest Podcast is a production of Contender Media and is not affiliated with Tough Mudder ...
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Our distracted duo is BACK with another episode chock full of OCR news and other tidbits of fun! This week they share some new info regarding the WTM Friday night Community Dinner, and well as some news regarding requirements surrounding British Obstacle Sports memberships. They take a fun detour and chat a bit about horrible pick-up lines, and wra…
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Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman interviews Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, a ten-year veteran Alderman and the new general superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District. They discuss a range of topics, including Carlos's ambitious plans for the park district, his rapid learning on the job, and his strategies for enhancing community safety and…
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This week on The K Jazz Show, we’re thrilled to be joined by the inimitable Brenda Sisane — broadcaster, cultural curator, creative director, and part of the driving force behind the Journey to Jazz festival. As the festival turns three this year, we take a moment to celebrate its growth, its grounding in pure jazz, and its growing impact from the …
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We are joined by none other than the legendary Hilton Schilder — a man whose music is as layered and soulful as the city he hails from. Born into rhythm, raised by Goema, and armed with a playful spirit including 16 instruments (yes, sixteen!), Hilton is Cape Town’s very own sonic alchemist. From Punk to Classical, Rock to Cape Jazz, his fingerprin…
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We’re thrilled to celebrate the 2025 recipients of the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards (SBYA) — an initiative that, for 40 years now, has honored creative excellence and fearless innovation in South African art. Among the six remarkable trailblazers is Siyasanga “Siya” Charles, a Juilliard-trained trombonist whose global career and bold artistic …
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We’re joined by a collective that’s as much about movement as they are about music. With their brass-heavy sound, genre-defying style, and infectious energy, they’ve made waves across South Africa and beyond. They say they play intelligent music… they play dumb music… and they play whatever they want—because you come anyway!…
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Fran and Carlo are ALL over the map in this episode, but one thing that they do (eventually) accomplish...is announcing the winner of last episode's contest. One lucky winner will be getting a FREE entry into World's Toughest Mudder 2025! Did you enter?? It could be YOU! Give 'em a listen and find out!…
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In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews John Block, an independent producer and filmmaker from Chicago, about his moving and inspirational film, 'I Will Build This World From Love.' The conversation explores John's upbringing in Chicago, his career highlights at major networks like NBC, and his transition to independent filmmaking. See Privacy Po…
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As the sun rises and the melodies of the past, present, and future intertwine, we are thrilled to welcome an artist whose voice has graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages. His journey in music began at the tender age of 11, singing in renowned choirs before evolving into a seasoned vocalist, working alongside legends like Jonathan Butle…
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In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Stacy Davis Gates, President of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), discussing the recently approved teachers' contract. The civil war between the Chicago Teachers Union and SEIU has fractured Mayor Brandon Johnson’s progressive union coalition continues—so much so that it endangers Johnson’s political future…
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Every week on The K Jazz Show we keep you plugged in with the latest on the jazz band stands with our feature “The Jozi Jazz Plug” and this week we are excited to have with us Wanda Baloyi who is a dynamic force in the music industry, seamlessly blending Afro-Jazz, Neo-Soul, and House into a signature sound that is both timeless and boundary-pushin…
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Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman speaks with Jeffrey Haydon, CEO of the Ravinia Festival, about the upcoming $75 million renovation of Ravinia's 36-acre campus in Highland Park. Haydon explains the decision to shorten the concert season to accommodate construction and shares the challenges and logistics of managing the renovation and the …
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“Kofifi FM, you are spending time in the company of The K Jazz Show, Sundays 10;00 to 13:00 and as always we bring you closer to some of the conversations with your favourite jazz musicians. As the Joy of Jazz Festival approaches, one name stands out—Siya Makuzeni. A dynamic force in South African jazz, and she is a trombonist, vocalist, composer, …
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In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews soon-to-be former Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareno. Escareno discusses her recent resignation, her decision-making process, and the transition to her successor Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. She reflects on her tenure, achievements, and challenges, including equity in park facilitie…
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The K Jazz Show, is where we celebrate the rhythm, soul, and stories of jazz! Today, we have an electrifying conversation lined up with a dynamic duo who are shaking up the South African jazz scene— Marumo Femme! Known for their deep passion for music and cultural storytelling, these visionary sisters Mamello and Kopano Pule are the masterminds beh…
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The K Jazz Show, is where we celebrate the finest in South African jazz, and today, we have the honor of sitting down with one of the true luminaries of the genre—legendary bassist, composer, and educator, Carlo Mombelli. Who has long been at the forefront of musical innovation, pushing the boundaries of sound and storytelling through his deeply ev…
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Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman and criminal justice reporter Tom Shuba, welcome Anthony Driver, president of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability. Driver addresses recent criticisms from Andrea Kirsten, outgoing chief administrator of Chicago's Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), who resigned amidst…
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We are in the company of Italian bassist Rosa Brunello, who describes her music as a variety of styles, from avant-garde jazz to experimental soundscapes, she is also the bass player for American jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater and you and I get to sit at her feet and listen to tales of her walk with jazz.…
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A Celebration of Karoo Spirit, Jazz Mastery & 30 Years of Democracy is what will be taking jazz travellers to the Western Cape’s town of Prince Albert this year. Building on the festival’s reputation for embodying the true Karoo spirit of music, the 2025 Journey to Jazz continues to attract a stellar line-up of jazz virtuosos. A key highlight will …
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In a special 300th episode of The Fran Spielman Show, Fran commemorates her 50 years in the news business and 40 years at the Chicago Sun-Times. She shares her experiences as a sports writer in her early days, covering seven Chicago mayors, and breaking major stories. This episode features an insightful interview with Sasha-Ann Simons from WBEZ's R…
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Terrence Collie is a pianist and composer whose refined artistry has cemented him as a vital figure in the UK jazz scene. Known for his expressive touch, deep musicality, and ability to seamlessly blend tradition with contemporary influences, Collie has worked with some of the finest musicians in the industry. His latest project, Elements, is a cap…
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Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman sits down with Chicago Public Media CEO Melissa Bell, who shares her path from San Diego roots to media leadership. Inspired by her father's news devotion and transformed by the events of 9/11, Bell recounts her shift from law to journalism, including co-founding Vox Media. Bell tackles journalism's modern…
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Good luck keeping up with Fran and Carlo this week! They venture all over the place from the jump. But they DO manage to share some kind words about the most recent Obstacle Running Adventures episode (https://www.instagram.com/obstaclerunningadventures/) where they talk about the first ever DEKA ATLAS (https://race.spartan.com/en/deka/atlas) that …
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This past week, we learned of the passing of Suthukazi Arosi who transitioned at the age of 64. Suthu was a Singer, dancer, actress, and cultural activist born in Cala in the Eastern Cape. Longtime friend and colleague Mark Roth reflects on the life and times of this icon and we also get tributes from Musicians Bab Themba Mkhize, Skipper Tshabalala…
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Chicagoan Adam Zanolini, is a an ethnomusicologist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and bandleader whose work embodies the deep and ever-evolving legacy of Black creative music. In a collaboration with the players and composers of the mighty AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) and Chimurenga SA Celebrate the music and phil…
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In this episode, Fran Spielman and renowned movie critic Richard Roeper delve into the 2024 Oscars, discussing the ten nominees for Best Picture and various other award categories. They give insights into the quality and appeal of this year's films, highlighting standout performances and direction. They also touch on the impact of the Los Angeles w…
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Fran Spielman interviews former Chicago alderman Dick Mell, focusing on recent history-making events in Chicago and Illinois politics. Mike Madigan, former Illinois House Speaker, has been convicted of federal corruption charges and faces significant prison time at 82. Meanwhile, former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, Mell's son-in-law, received…
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Never in our lives did we think we'd have an episode with so much Jack Goras content, but HERE WE ARE! This week we share some Community News (including Jack). We've got some Spartan news as well as some big stuff coming from DEKA. We then talk about Jack some more. We also check in on our Super Bowl pics, and Carlo's Champions League predictions. …
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Fran and Carlo are BACK with another hilarious look at the OCR World through their oddly shaded lenses. This week they give a bit of a rundown on the newly announced DEKA Italia Series, as well as recognize a couple members of the community for their recent accomplishments. As always, they manage to delve on topic a lot, and almost find themselves …
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In this special Super Bowl week episode, Fran Spielman and Chicago Sun-Times sports columnist Rick Telander discuss the evolution and significance of the Super Bowl, the unique qualities of star quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts. Rick provides insights into the future of the Bears, including the hiring of their new head coach Ben Jo…
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Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Beatriz Ponce de León, Chicago's Deputy Mayor for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and Lawrence Benito, Executive Director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, about the impact of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation efforts on Chicago’s immigrant community. They discu…
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North Carolina born and New York based Pianist and Composer Sean Mason is our guest. Whose musical journey has taken him from the soulful heart of the South to the bustling streets of New York City, where he’s now a staple in the city’s vibrant jazz scene. He’s had the honor of playing alongside jazz legends, and his story is one of passion, persev…
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In this week’s episode, Fran Spielman interviews Tim Novak, a distinguished investigative reporter at the Chicago Sun-Times, who recently announced his step back from full-time work after a 30-year career. Novak reflects on his career, his motivations, the challenges facing investigative journalism today, and future projects. The conversation also …
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Join us this week as our hosts look back fondly on The Mettle Games, and all the festivities that surrounded the weelend in Kuwait! They also check in on how well Fran did at predicting the outcome of American Football playoff games...and the tables get turned on Carlo, as he now has to predict the outcome of upcoming Premier League games! They als…
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Join us this week as our hosts preview The Mettle Games! With The OCR Report handling the livestream duties for this event, Fran and Carlo talk about the upcoming race in Kuwait, the OCR Report's coverage, and make some ridiculously misguided race predictions. They also share their new foreign language phrases that they've learned. During the Thoug…
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In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch regarding a variety of pressing state issues as Illinois prepares for a new Trump presidency. Welch addresses the financial struggles of middle-class families, the state's strategies to 'Trump-proof' itself, the potential impact of Trump's policies, and the need for respon…
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Fran and Carlo are BACK! Kicking off Season 2 in style with news about the upcoming Mettle Games in Kuwait, along with some early hype regarding World's Toughest Mudder this June! They go heavy on the adjacent this week, and delve into wonderful ramblings about their favorite nicknames, as well as teachers from their past. This one is sure to keep …
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Happy Holidays from Fran and Carlo! This week our titanic twosome say goodbye to Season 1 with a rollicking rampage of fun and games! They talk a bit about all the madness of the Deka World Championships, and then wander off into a sea of Seasonal topics! Lots of laughs in this one, so be sure and stay tuned till the end. Thanks for riding along wi…
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Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by colleagues and investigative reporters Tim Novak and Robert Herguth to discuss the tumultuous year in Chicago politics under Mayor Brandon Johnson. They delve into various controversies, including the failed referendum on homelessness, the resignation of the Board of Education, and the mismana…
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Join us this week as our tenacious tandem takes turns telling some of the dumbest jokes that they know! This episode is heavy on the ADJACENT, but they still manage to update you on what went down at the Dubai World Obstacle Championships as well as Hyrox Anaheim! There's some really fun tangents in this one, so be sure to listen all the way throug…
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This week our delightful duo cover a wide array of subjects! While they manage to chat a bit about the Spartan Beast Championships in Abu Dhabi, they also carry on about State Capitals, Wombats, Pygmy Hippos, and other oddities. Carlo shamelessly plugs his soon to be famous "cooking" channel, and we cheer on a member of the Tough Mudder Community a…
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In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Rahm Emanuel, the former Chicago mayor and outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Japan. They delve into Emanuel's reflections on public service, his tenure in Tokyo, and his potential future endeavors. The conversation also explores the challenges faced by current Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Democratic Party's…
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uManyano Lwe Jazz is more than just a festival, it is a space where music honours history, uplifts the present, and inspires future generations. "a coming together of art, activism, and community. A celebration that bridges generations through music and heritage." And this year, the event celebrates Robert Sobukwe’s centenary bringing together art,…
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South African vocalist, songwriter, recording and performing artist; based in Pretoria. Rorisang Sechele comes bearing news of the release of the first EP in her highly anticipated project, In Full Bloom - The Seed. This project is a celebration of becoming - exploring the beauty and complexity of personal growth through a vibrant fusion of jazz, s…
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This week's episode kicks off with a little Michael Jordan conspiracy theory, and quickly goes downhill from there! We got a couple race results for you, some talk about the upcoming Spartan Beast World Champs in UAE, and then some food talk! Lots of fun this week! As always, come for the news.....and stay for some laughs!…
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Join us this week as Fran and Carlo share their thoughts on ALL THINGS Worlds Toughest Mudder! The highlights, the low lights, the things that made them laugh, the things that made them cry (okay, not really)...but really! Lots to cover in this episode about all the amazing experiences they had while spending the week at their favorte race, and the…
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In this episode, Fran Spielman talks with Southwest Side Alderman Matt O'Shea and North Side Alderman Andre Vazquez about the ongoing conflict with Mayor Brandon Johnson over the 2025 budget for Chicago. The discussion covers challenges such as the proposed property tax increase, budget cuts, and finding new revenue sources. See Privacy Policy at h…
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