DIBS presented by Chicago History

Mallory Waxman & Nick Sarantos
  • 4.8 (18)
  • Society & Culture

The DIBS podcast, presented by @chicago_history is a podcast where we dive into the heart and soul of the Windy City. From the towering skyscrapers of the Loop to the deep-dish pizza debates, from Wrigley Field’s ivy-covered walls to the electric legacy of Michael Jordan, Chicago isn’t just a place—it’s a story. Whether it’s entrepreneurs changing the game, artists shaping culture, or community leaders making waves. Each episode explores the stories that make Chicago the vibrant, gritty, and extraordinary place we all love. DIBS is presented by @chicago-history.

  1. Jun 11

    30. R.J. Melman on Family, Food, and How Lettuce Entertain You Helped Shape Chicago's Food Scene

    We got dibs on one of Chicago's most iconic restaurant empires with RJ Melman, President of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants. RJ takes us behind the scenes of the family business that helped shape Chicago into one of the world's greatest food cities. From the opening of R.J. Grunts in 1971 to beloved concepts like Wildfire, RPM, Beatrix, Aba, Sushi-san, Joe's, and dozens more, Lettuce Entertain You has spent more than five decades creating restaurants that have become part of Chicago's culture and traditions. In this episode, we discuss: How Richard Melman and Jerry Orzoff built Lettuce Entertain You from a single restaurant into a nationally recognized hospitality groupThe surprising ways new restaurant concepts are created, often beginning with a single dish or culinary ideaHow research trips around the world help inspire new restaurants and menusThe challenges and rewards of working alongside siblings in a multigenerational family businessWhy company culture and employee experience have remained central to Lettuce's successThe origins and evolution of the Lettuce Frequent Diner Club and why it has such a loyal followingHow Lettuce approaches community involvement and philanthropy across Chicago and beyondThe story behind the hidden red shoes found in many Lettuce restaurantsThe debate over Chicago's best chopped salad and RJ's favorite Lettuce dining experiencesWhat makes Chicago one of the greatest restaurant cities in America RJ also shares stories about growing up in the restaurant business, launching his first concepts alongside his siblings, balancing family and leadership, and why Chicago remains the heart of everything Lettuce Entertain You does. Along the way, we discuss loyalty programs, restaurant trends, family traditions, and the impact Lettuce has had on generations of Chicagoans. Lettuce Entertain You Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary. Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

    44 min

  2. May 20

    29. From Chicago Stages to Steppenwolf: Paloma Nozicka’s Creative Journey

    Paloma Nozicka is an acclaimed Chicago-based playwright, actor, filmmaker, and storyteller whose work explores identity, ambition, fear, and the complexities of human connection. In this episode, Paloma shares an honest conversation about creativity, artistic risk, and what it means to build a life and career rooted in the spirit of Chicago. From growing up between Glenview and the South Side to performing on the stages of Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Goodman Theatre, Paloma shares how journalism, improv, and horror storytelling shaped her voice as a writer and performer. The conversation dives deep into her newest play, Both, a psychological thriller debuting as the first production in Teatro Vista’s new residency at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Paloma opens up about the emotional weight of revisiting themes inspired by the pandemic's isolation and collective trauma, why horror is one of the most powerful tools for exploring human behavior, and how theater can create a uniquely visceral experience that lingers long after audiences leave their seats. Paloma also reflects on navigating Chicago and Los Angeles as a working actor, appearing on shows like Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, and Empire, the realities of union work in entertainment, and why Chicago remains one of the greatest creative cities in the world. This episode is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about storytelling, identity, artistic risk, and what it means to create work that truly unsettles, challenges, and connects people. Listeners can learn more about Paloma’s work and upcoming productions through Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Teatro Vista. Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary. Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

    39 min

  3. May 13

    28. Joshua Harris and the Vision Behind the Obama Presidential Center

    We got dibs on the future of Chicago’s cultural landscape with Joshua Harris, Vice President of Public Engagement at the Obama Foundation. Joshua takes us inside the vision behind the highly anticipated Obama Presidential Center opening this June in Jackson Park. More than a presidential library, the 20-acre campus is designed as a living civic hub focused on community, leadership, culture, wellness, and opportunity for Chicagoans and visitors from around the world. In this episode, we discuss: Why President and Mrs. Obama chose Chicago’s South Side for the centerThe mission of the Obama Foundation and its global leadership programsHow the center was shaped by community feedback from all 77 Chicago neighborhoodsThe partnership with the Chicago Public Library and the first-of-its-kind library branch on campusPlans for free public programming, including movies, concerts, sports clinics, podcasts, media production, cooking demonstrations, and moreThe inspiration behind “Home Court,” the center’s NBA-sized basketball and wellness facilityMichelle Obama’s continued advocacy for girls and youth empowerment through the Girls Opportunity AllianceValerie Jarrett’s leadership and influence behind the foundation’s growthJoshua’s journey from Houston to New Orleans to Chicago, and his experience working in public serviceThe lasting impact President Obama still has on Chicago communities and future generations Joshua also shares stories about surprise visits from President Obama, the excitement building ahead of the opening, and why the center is intended to be a welcoming space for everyone. Tickets to the Obama Presidential Center Museum are now available from June 19 through November 30, 2026. Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary. Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

    40 min

  4. May 8

    27. Brendan Hunt on Ted Lasso, The Beatles, and Coming Home to Chicago

    Brendan Hunt joins DIBS for a wide-ranging conversation about growing up in Chicago, the emotional impact of Ted Lasso, and returning home for his deeply personal one-man show, The Movement You Need at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. From Boom Chicago in Amsterdam to the global phenomenon of Ted Lasso, Brendan reflects on the moments, music, and relationships that shaped him. The episode dives into Brendan’s lifelong connection to The Beatles, especially “Hey Jude,” and how their music became intertwined with family, grief, and fatherhood. He also opens up about his mother’s alcoholism, therapy, and how The Movement You Need became both a love letter and a way to process complicated memories with humor and honesty. Mallory and Nick also talk with Brendan about: The lasting influence of Chicago’s improv scene and Boom ChicagoWhy Ted Lasso became a source of comfort for so many peopleThe cultural rise of women’s sports and what’s ahead in Season 4His “Sox fan, Cubs sympathizer” philosophyWhy Chicago’s wit, humor, and people make it unlike anywhere else Plus: Paul McCartney stories, Dutch humor, Malört discourse, and one of DIBS's most heartfelt conversations yet. Tickets to The Movement You Need Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary. Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

    48 min

  5. Apr 14

    26. Building the Chicago Sky: Inside the Rise of Women’s Basketball with Michael Alter

    This week, we sit down with Michael Alter, principal owner of the Chicago Sky, to talk about what it really takes to build a professional sports franchise from the ground up, and why investing in women’s sports is about so much more than the game. From launching the Sky as an expansion team to winning the 2021 WNBA Championship, Michael shares the highs, the challenges, and the moments that made it all worth it. We explore the league's evolution, the explosive growth of women’s basketball, and how the Sky became a cultural force in Chicago and beyond. We also talk about the realities behind the scenes, from building a brand without an NBA counterpart to navigating media narratives to protecting players in the age of social media. And at the core of it all is a bigger mission: creating visibility, opportunity, and inspiration for the next generation of female athletes. In this episode, we cover: The origin story of the Chicago Sky and why Chicago needed a WNBA teamWhat it takes to build a franchise from scratch, including branding, hiring, and early challengesThe 2021 championship run and why it meant more than just a titleHow the WNBA is evolving, from expansion teams to global growthThe dark side of sports: social media, player safety, and online abuseWhy women’s sports are finally getting the attention they’ve always deserved Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary. Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

    37 min

  6. Mar 17

    25. From Broadway to Law & Order: Kathryn Erbe’s Full-Circle Chicago Story

    This week, we’ve got DIBS on Kathryn Erbe. Kathryn Erbe is a celebrated stage and screen actor whose career spans Broadway, film, and some of television’s most iconic series. Many audiences know her as Detective Alexandra Eames on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, but her work reaches far beyond that role—from HBO’s groundbreaking drama Oz to beloved films like D2: The Mighty Ducks and What About Bob? A longtime member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble, Kathryn returns to Chicago to star in The Dance of Death, a riveting and darkly funny psychological thriller adapted by Conor McPherson from August Strindberg’s classic play. Performing at the legendary Steppenwolf Theatre, the production blends biting humor, emotional intensity, and extraordinary physical performances. In this episode, Kathryn shares: How she landed on Broadway just six weeks after graduating from NYU TischThe surreal experience of joining Steppenwolf Theatre, a company she once read about as a teenager, dreaming of becoming an actorBehind-the-scenes stories from Oz, one of HBO’s most groundbreaking early dramasWhat it was really like filming Law & Order: Criminal Intent for ten seasons alongside Vincent D’OnofrioWhy theater and the shared experience of live performance feel more important than ever after the pandemicThe deeply personal story of how theater helped transform her life after a difficult adolescence Kathryn also talks about the physical demands of performing The Dance of Death, even revealing she’s currently performing the show while recovering from a broken foot. Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary. Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

    45 min

  7. Feb 19

    24. Chicago Roots, Cult Classics & Comedy Gold with Michael Hitchcock

    We’re joined by Michael Hitchcock—Northwestern alum, Western Springs native, and a quietly legendary force behind some of the most influential comedies of the last 25+ years. From interning at WBEZ, CBS 2, WGN, and learning Chicago media from the inside, to finding his creative home at The Groundlings in Los Angeles, Michael’s career is a masterclass in craft, longevity, and being “in everything you love” (often before you even realize it). We talk about Michael’s iconic run with Christopher Guest, including Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, and For Your Consideration, and how that ensemble, improv-driven style didn’t just shape comedy, it helped rewrite the rules of how comedy films get made. Michael shares what it was like returning to Best in Show 25 years later, why it still holds up, and what surprised him most about dog show culture. Plus, Michael takes us inside two of the biggest streaming hits of the moment: Nobody Wants This and The Lowdown on FX/Hulu, a modern noir with sharp dialogue, an all-star cast, and an awards-season buzz that’s building fast. We also dig into his experience on Glee, from appearing on-screen to writing and producing across multiple seasons—what it’s like creating TV at peak cultural impact, and how music rights actually work when you’re pulling off ambitious episodes with major artists. In this episode, we discuss: Growing up in the western suburbs and falling in love with Second City and Chicago theaterThe surprising connection between community theater and landing Waiting for GuffmanThe Groundlings, character comedy, and the Chicago vs. LA comedy differenceThe legacy of Best in Show and why it’s still a cult classic (and then some)Behind the scenes of Nobody Wants This, The Lowdown, and Glee Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary. Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

    35 min

  8. Jan 30

    23. More Than a Morning Show: Melissa Forman and the Power of Chicago Radio

    Chicago runs on voices you feel like you’ve known forever, and Melissa Forman is one of them. In this episode, we sit down with the legendary morning host of 93.9 WLIT-FM (Light FM) to unpack what makes Chicago one of the biggest radio markets in the country, why authenticity is the only currency that works here, and how radio still builds real community in a world that’s more “connected” than ever. Melissa takes us from Glenbrook to U of I, then into the early days of learning the craft the hard way—reel-to-reel, carts, stunts, brutal hours, and the kind of on-the-ground experience today’s broadcasters rarely get. We also talk about how the industry has evolved: how technology changed show prep, how programming and playlists actually work, and why structure doesn’t have to mean losing your voice. And yes, we go complete Chicago radio nerd. Melissa shouts out the icons who shaped her, shares the artists who gave her true “how is this my life?” moments (Dennis DeYoung included), and explains what she’s learned after decades on-air: at its best, radio isn’t just entertainment, it’s companionship, comfort, and a daily check-in that matters more than people realize. In this episode, we talk about: Why Chicago is one of the biggest radio markets, and why we’re so loyal to the voices we hear every dayHow the “Chicago holiday station” tradition became a citywide ritual (and why it starts when it starts)The real reason holiday songs repeat (and what “Top 40 philosophy” has to do with it)Radio then vs. now: carts, reels, stunts, and the end of the farm systemAuthenticity in Chicago: why this city rejects “national” energy and demands the real thingCommunity on-air: how Melissa uses her platform to make listeners feel seen, safe, and heardMelissa’s formative influences: Brandmeier, Dahl, Landecker, and more Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary. Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

    42 min
See All (31)

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

The DIBS podcast, presented by @chicago_history is a podcast where we dive into the heart and soul of the Windy City. From the towering skyscrapers of the Loop to the deep-dish pizza debates, from Wrigley Field’s ivy-covered walls to the electric legacy of Michael Jordan, Chicago isn’t just a place—it’s a story. Whether it’s entrepreneurs changing the game, artists shaping culture, or community leaders making waves. Each episode explores the stories that make Chicago the vibrant, gritty, and extraordinary place we all love. DIBS is presented by @chicago-history.

Information

  • Creator
    Mallory Waxman & Nick Sarantos
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Mallory Waxman & Nick Sarantos
  • Show Website
    DIBS presented by Chicago History

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