95 episodes

Explore the BACKSTORY behind some of the most intriguing tales in history, culture, religion and science from Chicago and beyond. 

Backstory with Larry Potash WGN-TV

    • News

Explore the BACKSTORY behind some of the most intriguing tales in history, culture, religion and science from Chicago and beyond. 

    Scots in America

    Scots in America

    A look at the influence of Scottish people in America

    • 8 min
    The Backstory of Whiskey

    The Backstory of Whiskey

    A look back at whiskey's role in U.S. history.

    • 11 min
    The Evolution of Maps

    The Evolution of Maps

     For centuries, maps have shown us how to get from point A to point B. But they’re much more than that. They’re a record of what people care about. How do you preserve these stories when maps are no longer on paper? In this Backstory piece, Larry Potash introduces us to a Chicago family who have been in the map business for 5 generations. Backstory with Larry Potash airs Sunday nights at 6:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. on WGN, or stream it anytime on the WGN+ app on your smart TV with Amazon Fire, Roku, and Apple TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 8 min
    Vintage Baseball

    Vintage Baseball

    Baseball pre-dates the other main sports in America. And while it’s often referred to as the American Pastime, its origins are steeped in myth. In this Backstory piece, Larry Potash introduces us to a group of people playing the game as it once was.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 7 min
    Mr. Sound Effects

    Mr. Sound Effects

    Martin Scorsese. Leonardo DiCaprio. Nick White. You have probably heard of the first two, but the third has a fascinating story to tell. In this Backstory piece, Larry Potash introduces us to a man who creates vintage sound effects, and does it so well he talked his way into a major Hollywood film.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 8 min
    From Reefer Madness to Big Business, Cannabis’ Comeback St

    From Reefer Madness to Big Business, Cannabis’ Comeback St

    For thousands of years, the cannabis plant was a crucial crop in helping civilizations evolve, used for products from clothing to medicine. But then in the early 20th century, the American government demonized it. Is weed a wonder drug or dangerous habit? In this piece, Larry Potash explores the backstory of cannabis’ comeback.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 11 min

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