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City Cast Chicago

City Cast
Chicago
ICE
Chicago Public Schools
Operation Midway Blitz
Chicago Police Department
Trump Administration
Data Centers
Chicago City Council
CTA
House Music
Chicago Housing Authority
National Guard
Chicago Restaurant Week
Mexican Independence Day
Immigration Enforcement
Mayor Brandon Johnson
Cook County
Border Patrol
Homelessness
Chicago Bears

Chicago’s daily news podcast, fresh every weekday morning. Host Jacoby Cochran brings you timely conversations with news and culture makers; activists and artists; bus drivers and students; those who love and hate this place. City Cast Chicago is a smart and delightful new way to connect with the city we share. Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at chicago.citycast.fm. Named Best Podcast b... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes1330Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
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Artwork for City Cast Chicago

Latest Episodes

We’ve got more mayoral candidates ahead of February’s primary after former Ald. George Cardenas (12th) officially launched his campaign. Contributor Leigh Giangreco was at the announcement and tells us what separates Cardenas from others. Plus, PJ Wa... more

A week before the Bears season kicks off, Soldier Field will be home to one of Chicago’s most controversial sons, Kanye West. The Bully tour touches down Sept. 3 and 4. Host Jacoby Cochran asks City Cast contributors Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn, is... more

Across Chicago, neighbors are still navigating uprooted trees, power outages, and flooding following intense storms last week. Unfortunately, if the weather apps are to be trusted, we could see more thunderstorms and intense winds this week as well. ... more

After years of trying, Illinois lawmakers have officially banned cellphones and other devices in classrooms. Gov. JB Pritzker, a vocal supporter of this legislation, says he will sign the bill. We break down the details with contributors Yareni Muril... more

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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Jacoby Cochran
Senior host of City Cast Chicago, one of the original hosts of the City Cast Network
City Cast Chicago
Episode: Why Chicago Libraries Got It All. Plus, Are The Bears Still Ours?
Carol Hoffman
Executive Director of Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau
Episode: Your Guide to June 2026 in Chicago
Kelly Garcia
From Injustice Watch, provides voter-guide insights and investigation context
Injustice Watch
Episode: School Board Hopefuls, Traffic Court Confusion, and Murakami Homers Again … And Again
Yareni Marillo
Contributor, City Cast Chicago
City Cast Chicago
Episode: WIll Parents Face Charges For Teen Trends? Plus, Chicago Expands CARE Teams
Madison Savedra
Reporter from Block Club Chicago
Block Club Chicago
Episode: Tipped Wage Compromise, Lead Pipe Removal Lags, and Del Sur Expands
Jesse Merrick
City Cast host (Las Vegas representative)
City Cast
Episode: Who Wins Summer in the USA? Chicago Makes Its Case
Marie Cecile Anderson
City Cast Nashville host
City Cast
Episode: Who Wins Summer in the USA? Chicago Makes Its Case
Trinnay Nury
City Cast Philadelphia/DC host
City Cast
Episode: Who Wins Summer in the USA? Chicago Makes Its Case
Bianca Meza
City Cast Portland host
City Cast
Episode: Who Wins Summer in the USA? Chicago Makes Its Case

Hosts

Jacoby Cochran
Host of the show; City Cast Chicago staple with a focus on local news and culture.
Simone Alicea
Executive Producer and host, responsible for coordinating content and partnerships.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 746 ratings
  • No more

    You guys focus so much on if the mayor is successful and do not talk enough about city council not doing what the city elected him for the city council gets away with being so conservative it’s pathetic and you just like the rest of the news won’t call them out

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Katgeary
    United States2 months ago
  • Great but can be better

    Less Simone, she constantly interrupts and gets excited about things that aren’t remotely Chicago. More Michelle and Jacoby.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    fly1480
    United States3 months ago
  • great show

    so glad for this! Love staying plugged in and not just relying on WBEZ and SunTimes

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dr Hendrick
    United States3 months ago
  • A blind spot

    How is Israel “imperial in nature” (heard on the 1/29/26 episode)? What is the empire you are referring to?

    I like this podcast for its local coverage but I have noticed on the rare occasion whenever something related to Israel/antisemitism comes up the host reveals a glaring ignorance. Of course you can criticize Israel, but saying in passing that it’s “imperial” is an inaccurate statement that you should be able to back up.

    Similarly, when you dismiss the IHRA definition of antisemitism as b... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Many Thoughts 123
    United States5 months ago
  • Jacobe and the entire crew at citycast bring a wonderful mix of accessible neighborhood events and hotspots backed by deep understanding of politics around the city and state. They bring in knowledgeable and interesting guests that unpack events. Indispensable daily listen.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    honor
    a year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some listeners want fewer filler words from hosts and a tighter balance between hosts.
Positive reception of timely policy discussions and community-focused segments.
Audience appreciates deep-dive local coverage and diverse guest voices.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#90
United States/News/Daily News
Apple Podcasts
#105
Japan/News/Daily News
Apple Podcasts
#178
South Korea/News/Daily News
Apple Podcasts
#249
Taiwan/News/Daily News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How the City Is Helping Chicagoans Buy Houses and Read More Books
Q: PJ, you wanted to talk about one of the highlights of Summer SCPL. What is it?
PJ explains the Summer SCPL program, its activities for adults, teens, and kids, and the incentive of a free hat after completing reading or activity goals, highlighting the interactive education and branch programming.
How the City Is Helping Chicagoans Buy Houses and Read More Books
Q: What about you, Jill? Where are you taking people when they come to visit this summer?
Jacoby asks for Jill's recommendations for family-friendly Chicago summer activities, with emphasis on places like parks, museums, and bookstores around the city, including specific neighborhoods and venues.
Your Guide to June 2026 in Chicago
Q: Leigh, what is something you are really excited for in June?
Leigh highlights the Grant Park Music Festival and other outdoor experiences that bring people together, emphasizing affordable lawn seating, outdoor concerts, and the chance to enjoy summer with family and friends in the city.
Your Guide to June 2026 in Chicago
Q: What is something on your calendar you are excited to get out for in June?
The guests mention a broad slate of Pride events, the opening of the Obama Center, and multiple outdoor concerts and festivals, with plans to attend a podcast salon, Pride Fest activities, and a river kayaking outing, illustrating a focus on culture, community, and outdoor experiences.
Which Neighborhood Doesn’t Have a Library? Plus, CHA Wait Times and Plover Eggs
Q: What exactly is the CHA waiting situation and why does it matter?
The hosts explain that 400 households are on relocation wait lists, with 150 labeled emergencies, highlighting urgent safety needs for residents and the broader problems of accessibility and housing quality.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About City Cast Chicago

What is City Cast Chicago about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A daily Chicago-focused show that blends politics, policy, and culture with on-the-ground reporting. Episodes commonly center on local government, education funding, housing and development, transportation, and city events, often pairing policy analysis with personal anecdotes from reporters, educators, and community guests. The format tends to mix hard-news takes with lighter segments and hands-on neighborhood perspectives, making it a practical listen for professionals tracking city affairs and residents who want actionable insight into how Chicago operates. A standout trait is the consistent inclusion of diverse, locally embedded guests, from journalists and city officials to advocates and cultural voices, which helps translate complex i... more

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To see how many followers or subscribers City Cast Chicago has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to City Cast Chicago?

These podcasts share a similar audience with City Cast Chicago:

1. Curious City
2. Crain's Daily Gist
3. The Rundown | Chicago News
4. The Block Club Chicago Podcast
5. Political Gabfest

How many episodes of City Cast Chicago are there?

City Cast Chicago launched 5 years ago and published 1330 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact City Cast Chicago?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for City Cast Chicago?

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What guests have appeared on City Cast Chicago?

Recent guests on City Cast Chicago include:

1. Jacoby Cochran
2. Carol Hoffman
3. Kelly Garcia
4. Yareni Marillo
5. Madison Savedra
6. Jesse Merrick
7. Marie Cecile Anderson
8. Trinnay Nury

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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