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. Sep 10

    34. Trust Your Instinct: Dwight White II on Football, Art, and Finding Home in Chicago

    Dwight White II, is a painter, muralist, and creative storyteller whose work captures the people, places, and moments that make Chicago special. Originally from Houston, Dwight came to Chicago as a highly recruited linebacker for the Northwestern Wildcats, with dreams of building a career in football. But after a medical issue forced him to walk away from the sport, Dwight found himself facing an unexpected question: What happens when the life you planned for yourself suddenly changes? For Dwight, the answer was art. What began as therapy during a difficult period eventually became a career. Today, his work includes large-scale murals, original paintings, and collaborations with professional sports teams, universities, nonprofits, and major brands. We also dive into Dwight’s deep connection to Chicago, his work with the Innocence Project and After School Matters, his Derrick Rose mural, and the Northwestern Black House mural. We talk about how his athletic background shaped his creative career, why he believes artists should trust their instincts, and what still inspires him about the city he now calls home. In this episode, we discuss: Growing up in Houston and playing football at NorthwesternThe injury that forced him to walk away from footballHow art became a form of therapy and eventually a careerThe intersection of sports, art, branding, and fandomHis work with the Innocence Project, After School Matters, and Derrick RoseReturning to Northwestern to create a mural at the Black HouseWhy artists should trust their instincts and embrace being differentHow his athletic background shaped his approach to artWhy Chicago became home and continues to inspire his work Connect with Dwight White via his website or his Instagram. Listen now, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us keep bringing 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

  2. Aug 28

    33. Investing in Chicago’s Future: How After School Matters Is Shaping the Next Generation with CEO Dr. Mary Ellen Caron

    We’ve got dibs on Dr. Mary Ellen Caron, CEO of After School Matters, one of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of after-school and summer programming for teenagers. For more than a decade, Mary Ellen has led After School Matters, helping thousands of Chicago teens develop skills, explore careers, find their people, and discover opportunities they may not have otherwise had. Today, the organization serves more than 11,000 teens through programs in the arts, STEM, sports, leadership, communications, and skilled trades. But Mary Ellen’s commitment to young people started long before After School Matters. She began her career as a teacher on Chicago’s West Side before becoming the founding principal of the Francis Xavier Ward School and later serving as commissioner of the Chicago Department of Children and Youth Services and the Department of Family and Support Services. In this episode, we talk about why After School Matters was created, the importance of giving teenagers meaningful opportunities outside of school, and why the organization pays teens to participate in its programs. We also talk about the real-world skills young people develop, from communication and collaboration to resume writing and interviewing. We dive into some of After School Matters’ partnerships across Chicago, including its work with the Chicago Bulls, local museums, ComEd, and the Obama Presidential Center, and how these experiences give teens a chance to see themselves in careers and spaces they may have never imagined. And perhaps most importantly, Mary Ellen shares why finding your people can be just as important as finding your career path. Whether it’s theater, jazz, culinary arts, dance, or skilled trades, After School Matters gives Chicago teens a place to explore what they love, build confidence, and figure out what comes next. We also talk about Mary Ellen’s vision for her legacy, her love of Chicago, and why she believes the city is better because After School Matters exists. After School Matters Website Learn more about the After School Matters Gala 2026 on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at the Obama Presidential Center Home Court 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

  3. Jul 16

    32. Adam Pearce: From Waukegan to WWE Monday Night Raw

    We sit down with Adam Pearce, WWE's General Manager of Monday Night Raw and a five-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Before becoming one of the most recognizable faces on WWE television, Adam spent decades grinding on the independent wrestling circuit, refusing to give up on the career he believed was possible. Growing up in Waukegan, Adam dreamed of playing college football until a devastating injury changed the course of his life. That unexpected setback led him to professional wrestling, where perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering belief in himself ultimately brought him to the biggest stage in sports entertainment. We also dive into his deep Chicago roots—from growing up in Lake County and cheering on the Cubs (while somehow remaining a Packers fan), to why Chicago wrestling fans are unlike any other, his favorite neighborhood, pizza spot, and what it means every time WWE returns to the city he still proudly calls home. Whether you're a lifelong wrestling fan or have never watched a match, this conversation is about far more than wrestling. It's about chasing your dreams, embracing unexpected paths, and never giving up on what's possible. In this episode, we discuss: How a football injury unexpectedly led Adam to professional wrestlingSpending nearly two decades on the independent wrestling circuit before joining WWEThe importance of resilience, patience, and trusting the processBehind-the-scenes stories from WWE and working with today's biggest superstarsWhy Chicago remains one of wrestling's greatest citiesHis favorite Chicago neighborhood, pizza spot, and sports memoriesBalancing life on the road with family and fatherhood 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

  4. Jul 2

    31. Gary Cole on Steppenwolf, Office Space & Coming Home to Chicago

    From Office Space and Talladega Nights to The West Wing, NCIS, and more than 200 film and television credits, Gary Cole has built one of the most recognizable careers in Hollywood. But before the iconic roles, there was Chicago. Gary joins us while back in Chicago, performing in Steppenwolf Theatre Company's production of Catch as Catch Can, marking his long-awaited return to the Steppenwolf stage. As one of the theater's original ensemble members, Gary reflects on Steppenwolf's beginnings in a church basement in Highland Park, the friendships that shaped his career, and why Chicago has always remained home. We also dive into his legendary career on screen, the differences between theater, film, and voice acting, the surprising legacy of Office Space, and why mentorship remains one of the most meaningful parts of his career. Whether you've known him as Bill Lumbergh, Alden Parker, Mike Brady, or one of his countless other unforgettable characters, this conversation offers a rare look behind the scenes of an actor whose work has become part of pop culture history. In this episode, we discuss:Gary's childhood growing up in the Chicago suburbsThe early days of Steppenwolf Theatre and its remarkable evolutionReturning to the stage for Catch as Catch CanWhy is this production one of the most challenging of his careerThe differences between theater, television, film, and voice actingBehind-the-scenes stories from Office Space and its enduring legacyBuilding a career that spans more than four decadesThe importance of mentorship and supporting the next generation of actorsWhat Chicago continues to mean to him after all these years Tickets and show information for Catch as Catch Can can be found here 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Mallory Waxman & Nick Sarantos
  • Show Website
    DIBS presented by Chicago History

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