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Artwork for City Cast Chicago

City Cast Chicago

City Cast
Chicago
ICE
Chicago Public Schools
Operation Midway Blitz
Chicago Police Department
CTA
Data Centers
Chicago City Council
Chicago Restaurant Week
Immigration Enforcement
Mayor Brandon Johnson
Cook County
Border Patrol
Homelessness
Obama Presidential Center
Chicago, United States
Chicago Bears
Bears
City Budget
O'hare Airport

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

PublishesDailyEpisodes1343Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Daily NewsNews CommentaryNews

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Artwork for City Cast Chicago

Latest Episodes

U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (4th) has been accused of thumbing the political scales in favor of his chosen successor. In November, Garcia dropped out of the race just before the candidacy submission deadline, leaving his chief of staff, Patty Garci... more

Two illicit massage parlors on Archer Avenue were raided within weeks of each other — including one next door to 12th Ward Ald. Julia Ramirez’s office. Creative producer Michelle Navarro lives in the ward and has noticed the proliferation of sketchy-... more

The Chicago Police Department will be without a permanent police superintendent starting July 15, as current superintendent Larry Snelling announced his retirement late last week. We break down Snelling’s tenure and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s potential ... more

YouTube

See if your Chicago knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes head to head with journalist and historian Alexandra Petri to see who knows more about U.S. history, geography, ... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Leigh Giangreco
Contributor, discussed housing policy and politics
City Cast Chicago
Episode: What Is a Tenant Bill of Rights? Plus, Cold Treats For the Heat
Jill Hopkins
Contributor, discussed tenants' rights and advocacy
City Cast Chicago
Episode: What Is a Tenant Bill of Rights? Plus, Cold Treats For the Heat
Emmy Mack
Creative producer
4th of July Apparel
Episode: Your Guide to July 2026 in Chicago
Brandon Pope
City Cast Chicago contributor
City Cast Chicago
Episode: Your Guide to July 2026 in Chicago
Simone Alicea
Executive Producer
City Cast Chicago
Episode: Extreme Heat, Indiana Fireworks, and 'The Bear' Finale
Al Scorch
Guest musician and cultural commentator
Independent musician
Episode: Seriously, More Parking Meter Drama? Plus, More Mayoral Candidates
Damon Williams
Co-founder, Respaire Production and Media
Respaire Production and Media
Episode: How Quantum Is Already Changing the South Side. Plus, Heat Wave Approaching
Daniel Kisslinger
Co-founder, Respaire Production and Media
Respaire Production and Media
Episode: How Quantum Is Already Changing the South Side. Plus, Heat Wave Approaching
PJ Walker
Guest on City Cast Chicago, discusses TV/film and Chicago culture
City Cast Chicago
Episode: FCC Comes For ABC Chicago, The Bear is Back, and Get Free Coffee

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 749 ratings
  • 5-26-2026

    Could the one guy stop saying “you know what I mean” so annoying!

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    totaljive
    United Statesa month ago
  • 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 States3 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 States4 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

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
#83
United States/News/Daily News
Apple Podcasts
#127
Sweden/News/Daily News
Apple Podcasts
#247
South Africa/News/Daily News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Seriously, More Parking Meter Drama? Plus, More Mayoral Candidates
Q: What is Brewer's stance or approach in the race?
Brewer is positioning himself against the Johnson administration, promoting a vision that contrasts with the current mayor and highlighting his own background and work in the community.
Seriously, More Parking Meter Drama? Plus, More Mayoral Candidates
Q: Who was the latest person to announce their candidacy?
Matthew Brewer announced his candidacy, joining a crowded field with remarks that framed the race as a response to criticisms of the current administration.
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.

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

Where can I find podcast stats for City Cast Chicago?

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How many listeners does City Cast Chicago get?

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How many subscribers and views does City Cast Chicago have?

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. The Daily
3. Code Switch
4. The Wirecutter Show
5. The Ezra Klein Show

How many episodes of City Cast Chicago are there?

City Cast Chicago launched 5 years ago and published 1343 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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What guests have appeared on City Cast Chicago?

Recent guests on City Cast Chicago include:

1. Leigh Giangreco
2. Jill Hopkins
3. Emmy Mack
4. Brandon Pope
5. Simone Alicea
6. Al Scorch
7. Damon Williams
8. Daniel Kisslinger

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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