Chicago Humanities Tapes

Join fine art painters turned sign designers turned book publishers Andrew and Kelsey McClellan of Heavy Pages Press on a lovingly nerdy investigation through the signs of Chicago’s small businesses of yesteryear. A chance encounter with a perfectly preserved “ghost sign” by the Beverly Design Co. from the 1930s led them to uncover previously lost sign design sketches. They sit down with podcast host Alisa Rosenthal to discuss their book The Golden Era of Sign Design: The Rediscovered Sketches of Beverly Sign Co., what it was like to interview tough talking old timer painters, and their hope for how access to this rediscovered material will usher in the next generation of great designers.  Tickets to Heavy Pages Press with Tanner Woodford, founder and executive director of the Design Museum of Chicago, on Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm CT at Co-Prosperity available here. Explore the rest of the Bridgeport Day 2025 events here. SHOW NOTES: Read the podcast transcript. PHOTO: Kelsey and Andrew McClellan and Alisa Rosenthal chat over Zoom.   Read: The Golden Era of Sign Design: The Rediscovered Sketches of Beverly Sign Co., Heavy Pages Press   Explore: Heart & Bone Signs “The Chicago Look” Edition Field Notes The Monadnock Building   Podcast edited and mixed by Alisa Rosenthal Podcast story editing by Alexandra Quinn Additional assistance provided by Lauren Pacheco   Subscribe Help shape the future of the podcast! Let us know what you think by taking the short survey. Donate now to support programs like this. Explore upcoming events.   Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Twitter • Facebook • LinkedIn   NOIVFYY2M8NZSJOW

In support of Chicago-based klezmer band Upshtat Zingerai bringing Yiddish tunes and dancing to the Chicago Humanities Spring Festival, the creative partners behind the Jewish Museum of Chicago sat down with podcast host Alisa Rosenthal to preview the upcoming event. They chat artistic process, visions for having a future physical space, and how the museum project was started to fill a void in the Chicago arts scene as a hub for Jewish artists and community members.  Explore the rest of the Lakeview Day 2025 events here. Subscribe to the podcast • Let us know what you think by taking the short survey   SHOW NOTES: Read the podcast transcript. PHOTO: Maya Kosover, Gabriel Chalfin-Piney-González, and Alisa Rosenthal talk over Zoom.   Learn more about the Jewish Museum of Chicago Follow @jewishmuseumchicago on Instagram Follow @upshtatzingerai on Instagram Episode photo of Grace Gittelman, a Jewish Museum of Chicago 2024 Artist Fellow. Photo by Ricardo E. Adame.   Edited and mixed by Alisa Rosenthal Podcast story editing by Alexandra Quinn Additional assistance from Kaity O’Reilly   Donate now to support programs like this. Explore upcoming events.   Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Twitter • Facebook • LinkedIn   RNNY2VBKAJUXFLHO

Bronzeville native and preeminent Black pop artist Hebru Brantley joins visual artist and MacArthur Fellow Amanda Williams for a life-affirming conversation that spans the power of unbridled creativity, his inviting marketing strategy, and naturally, a little bit of Chicago vs. LA discourse. This program was recorded live at the Illinois Institute of Technology in May 2024. Subscribe to the podcast • Let us know what you think by taking the short survey   SHOW NOTES: Watch the full conversation here. Read the podcast transcript. PHOTO: Amanda Williams and Hebru Brantley at the Illinois Institute of Technology at the Chicago Humanities Spring Festival in 2024.   Read: Hebru Brantley, Hebru Brantley   Explore: Find Hebru Brantley murals near you Amanda Williams, Color(ed) Theory Nevermore Park   Live event programmed by Lauren Pacheco Live event produced by Jesse Swanson Live event stage managed by Kyle Anderson Live event produced and mixed by Jeff Kolar Production assistance by Christopher Moore and Cody Kressmann Podcast edited and mixed by Alisa Rosenthal Podcast story editing by Alexandra Quinn   Donate now to support programs like this. Explore upcoming events.   Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Twitter • Facebook • LinkedIn   HA1LFLRDRPORXNOG

Comedian, Emmy Award-nominated actor, screenwriter, #1 New York Times bestselling author and musician Paul Reiser reflects on stand-up in the ‘80s, Mad About You, his writing, and his renaissance with roles on Stranger Things and The Kominsky Method. He chats with friend of the fest Mark Bazer, contributing writing to Chicago Magazine and host and executive producer of The Interview Show. Subscribe to the podcast • Let us know what you think by taking the short survey SHOW NOTES: Read the podcast transcript. PHOTO: Mark Bazer and Paul Reiser on stage at the Music Box Theatre at the Chicago Humanities Spring Festival in 2025.   Read: Paul Reiser, What a Fool Believes: A Memoir Paul Reiser, Couplehood   Watch: Paul Reiser: Life, Death & Rice Pudding Mad About You, Mel Brooks and the coupons The Problem with People   Explore: The Interview Show with Mark Bazer   Live event programmed by Mark Bazer Live event produced by Jesse Swanson Live event stage managed by Juju Laurie Live event produced and mixed by Jeff Kolar Production assistance by Rach Granillo and Preston O'ffill Podcast edited and mixed by Alisa Rosenthal Podcast story editing by Alexandra Quinn   Donate now to support programs like this. Explore upcoming events.   Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Twitter • Facebook • LinkedIn   PQOYU7E7ACZWTNOM

Political commentator and New York Times best-selling author Joy Reid is joined by veteran reporter April Ryan for a conversation around Reid’s book "Medgar and Myrlie: A Love Story That Awakened America." Representing Delta Sigma Theta, Reid and Ryan’s friendship is electric, recorded live in April 2024 at a full house at the First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple. Reid and Ryan discuss “Medgar and Myrlie,” which chronicles the lives and love story of civil rights icons Medgar Evers and Myrlie Evers-Williams and the crucial groundwork they laid for Black Americans that still reverberates today. Subscribe to the podcast • Let us know what you think by taking the short survey SHOW NOTES: Watch the full conversation here. Read the podcast transcript. PHOTO: Joy Reid and April Ryan on stage at the First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple at the Chicago Humanities Spring Festival in 2024.   Learn more: Joy Reid, Medgar and Myrlie: A Love Story That Awakened America   Live event programmed by Michael Green Live event produced by Jesse Swanson Live event stage managed by Kait Samuels Live event produced and mixed by Nick Broste Production assistance by Bucky Emmerling and Christopher Moore Podcast edited and mixed by Alisa Rosenthal Podcast story editing by Joseph Alaimo   Donate now to support programs like this. Explore upcoming events.   Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Twitter • Facebook • LinkedIn   This video features materials protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act. All rights reserved to the copyright owners. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. This Little Light of Mine · Swan Silvertones Presenting The Swan Silvertones ℗ 1947 King Records Composer: John Henry Miles, Traditional Lyricist: John Henry Miles, Traditional Music  Publisher: No Publisher [USD0FB31I3L3G0A4]

Today’s mini episode is the best of Ali Barthwell (Last Week Tonight with John Oliver) from October 2024’s Writing on Eggshells: Political Comedy Cracked Up panel, featuring Peter Grosz (The Colbert Report, Late Night with Seth Meyers) and John Lutz (Late Night with Seth Meyers, Saturday Night Live), moderated by Second City's Kelly Leonard. Chicago’s own Barthwell shares war stories from the front lines of touring the country with Second City and the experience of being a Black voice in comedy writers’ rooms. Subscribe to the podcast • Let us know what you think by taking the short survey   SHOW NOTES Read the podcast transcript. CW: Profanity PHOTO: Ali Barthwell, Peter Grosz, Kelly Leonard, John Lutz.   EXPLORE: Ali Barthwell Peter Grosz John Lutz Kelly Leonard   WATCH: John Oliver, "Elmo's mom"   Live event programmed by Michael Green Live event produced by Jesse Swanson Live event stage managed by Sophia Fishkin Live event produced and mixed by Jeff Kolar Production assistance by Hope Mignini, Logan Venezia, and Josh Harlow Podcast edited and mixed by Alisa Rosenthal Podcast story editing by Alexandra Quinn   Donate now to support programs like this. Explore upcoming events.   Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Twitter • Facebook • LinkedIn   FNLGD48PTD1IREUE

Four experts discuss the politicization of immigration alongside the normalcy of human migration. Topics include Chicago as a sanctuary city, the need to address root causes, and the importance of centering the humanity of migrants. Northwestern history professor and contributing writer for The New Yorker Geraldo Cadava moderates the panel with UIC professors and immigration experts Dr. Ivón Padilla-Rodríguez, Adam Goodman, and Bárbara Andrea Sostaita. SHOW NOTES Read the podcast transcript. PHOTO: Bárbara Andrea Sostaita, Adam Goodman, Dr. Ivón Padilla-Rodríguez, and Geraldo Cadava at the National Museum of Mexican Art at the Chicago Humanities Fall Festival in September 2024.   READ: Geraldo Cadava, latest works Bárbara Andrea Sostaita, Sanctuary Everywhere: The Fugitive Sacred in the Sonoran Desert Adam Goodman, The Deportation Machine: America's Long History of Expelling Immigrants Dr. Ivón Padilla-Rodríguez, selected publications   FURTHER READING: Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, As We Have Always Done, Indigenous Freedom through Radical Resistance New York Times, Alone and Exploited, Migrant Children Work Brutal Jobs Across the U.S. Hidetaka Hirota, Expelling the Poor: Atlantic Seaboard States and the Nineteenth-Century Origins of American Immigration Policy Block Club Chicago, Southeast Mutual Aid Helping Migrants, Neighbors Alike: ‘There Will Always Be A Need’, South Shore Thanksgiving Party An ‘Olive Branch’ Between Longtime Residents, Migrants   EXPLORE: National Museum of Mexican Art Sanctuary Campus Movement Elvira Arellano The Sanctuary Movement in Chicago Dora Rodriguez Panchito Governing Immigration Through Crime ACLU Know Your Rights, 100 Mile Border Zone Migrant Roots Media Kino Border Initiative Mijente #NoTechForICE Rigo Padilla Organized Communities Against Deportation Bracero Program DACA – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals   Live event programmed by Mark Bazer Live event produced by Jesse Swanson Live event stage managed by Sophia Fishkin and Devonte Washington Live event produced and mixed by Jeff Kolar Podcast edited and mixed by Alisa Rosenthal Podcast story editing by Alexandra Quinn   Subscribe Help shape the future of the podcast! Let us know what you think by taking the short survey. Donate now to support programs like this. Explore upcoming events.   Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Twitter • Facebook • LinkedIn   9YKHYYLUOY4RBYJK

Adrianne Black has an incredible story along with a profound evolution. Her father was a former Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, and she was raised as a frequent spokesperson for the white nationalist movement as a child. Her memoir “The Klansman’s Son” details the shift from spreading hate on TV to attending weekly Shabbat dinners. In today’s program, she’s joined at her alma mater the University of Chicago by her friend and National Jewish Book Award Winner Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg for a conversation spanning Black’s transgender identity, her relationship with her family, and how to stay progressively productive in the face of increasingly visible white supremacy.  SHOW NOTES: Read the podcast transcript. PHOTO: Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg and Adrianne Black at the University of Chicago in Fall 2024.   Learn more: R. Derek Black, The Klansman’s Son: My Journey from White Nationalism to Antiracism: A Memoir Danya Ruttenberg, On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World   Live event programmed by Michael Green Live event produced by Jesse Swanson Live event stage managed by Rebecca Dose Live event produced and mixed by Kyle Anderson Production assistance by Bucky Emmerling, Hope Mignini, and Cody Kressman Podcast edited and mixed by Alisa Rosenthal Podcast story editing by Alexandra Quinn   Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chicago-humanities-tapes/id1534976656 Help shape the future of the podcast! Let us know what you think by taking the short survey: http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=1Pk_AtHDS9DU&ver=short Donate now to support programs like this: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/donate/ Explore upcoming events: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/   Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Twitter • Facebook • LinkedIn   FRATSIXVB6LQLNGU

Linguist Anne Curzan has thoughts on your language pet peeves, including “these ones,” “dilly-dally,” and “sneaked” versus “snuck” (or would it be sneaked “versing” snuck?). She looks into historical examples of language changes that were once controversial and now are no bigs – and how we can be more kind by celebrating diversity in language rather than judging it. SHOW NOTES: Read the podcast transcript.   PHOTO: Author photo of Anne Curzan.   READ: Anne Curzan, Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide for Everyone Who Cares About Words   LISTEN: That’s What They Say podcast   WATCH: What makes a word "real"? TED Talk Jennifer Garner Corrects Conan's Grammar – Late Night with Conan O’Brien Whoever or Whomever? – The Office   EXPLORE: Google Books Ngram Viewer Lizzie Skurnick, “Grammando”  “Lincoln Riley Thinks Your Quiet” Richard Grant White  Thomas De Quincey  Samuel Rogers  George Lakoff  John McWhorter    Live event programmed by Michael Green Live event produced by Jesse Swanson Live event stage managed by Juju Laurie and Devonte Washington Live event produced and mixed by Jeff Kolar Podcast edited and mixed by Alisa Rosenthal Podcast story editing by Alexandra Quinn   Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chicago-humanities-tapes/id1534976656   Help shape the future of the podcast! Let us know what you think by taking the short survey: http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=1Pk_AtHDS9DU&ver=short   Donate now to support programs like this: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/donate/ Explore upcoming events: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/   Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Twitter • Facebook • LinkedIn   JVJBWR8ZZAHVA0AV

MacArthur Genius Grant winner Dylan C. Penningroth explores the lesser known history of Black legal engagement and activism prior to the modern civil rights era. Through thorough research including combing through deeds, licenses, and his own family history, he sits down for a riveting chat with Aldon Morris, Professor of Sociology and African American Studies at Northwestern University. SHOW NOTES Read the podcast transcript. PHOTO: Dylan C. Penningroth and Aldon Morris   Read: Dylan C. Penningroth, Before the Movement: The Hidden History of Black Civil Rights Aldon Morris, The Origins of the Civil Rights Movements:Black Communities Organizing for Change   Explore: Kendra Field, The Privilege of Family History Ulrich Bonnell Phillips, Life And Labor in the Old South Derrick Bell and "What is critical race theory?"   Live event programmed by Michael Green Live event produced by Jesse Swanson Live event stage managed by Devonte Washington Live event produced and mixed by Loren Ames Podcast edited and mixed by Alisa Rosenthal Podcast story editing by Alexandra Quinn Podcast copy assistance from David Vish and Katherine Kermgard Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chicago-humanities-tapes/id1534976656 Help shape the future of the podcast! Let us know what you think by taking the short survey: http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=1Pk_AtHDS9DU&ver=short Donate now to support programs like this: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/donate/ Explore upcoming events: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/   Instagram • TikTok • Twitter • Facebook • LinkedIn   HS2DS9RYD6TDGX6O

Edward Burns (The Brothers McMullen, Saving Private Ryan, 27 Dresses) stops by Chicagoland’s long running live talk show The Interview Show with Mark Bazer for a special partnership episode with Chicago Humanities. Recorded live at Fitzgerald’s in Berwyn, Burns chats with Bazer on topics including acting opposite Tom Hanks, his Irish Catholic Long Island upbringing, and how he got his own movies made. Plus, a hilarious interlude with professional hot dog eating champ Patrick Bertoletti and dreamy folk country music from Elizabeth Moen.   SHOW NOTES: Read the podcast transcript. CW: Profanity PHOTO: Edward Burns and Mark Bazer on stage at Fitzgerald’s in partnership with Chicago Humanities in Fall 2024.   Read: Edward Burns, A Kid From Marlboro Road   Listen: Elizabeth Moen Bandcamp   Explore: edwardburns.net Elizabeth Moen Instagram Patrick Bertoletti Instagram theinterviewshowchicago.com   ​​Live event programmed by Michael Green and Mark Bazer Live event produced by Mark Bazer Live event assistance from Sam Leapely Live event sound from Mike Sharp Podcast edited and mixed by Alisa Rosenthal Podcast story editing by Alexandra Quinn   Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chicago-humanities-tapes/id1534976656 Donate now to support programs like this: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/donate/ Explore upcoming events: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/   Instagram • TikTok • Twitter • Facebook • LinkedIn   GFLAVULBWSLRKKHT  

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson invites the public into her world in this inspiring conversation with Valerie Jarrett, Chief Executive Officer of the Barack Obama Foundation. Tracing her family’s journey from segregation to her Supreme Court confirmation, topics include overcoming self-doubt, gratitude for family, and an enduring commitment to democracy. SHOW NOTES: Read the podcast transcript. PHOTO: Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson on stage at the Harris Theater at the Chicago Humanities Fall Festival in 2024.   READ: Ketanji Brown Jackson, Lovely One: A Memoir   WATCH: Ketanji Brown Jackson’s husband tearful as she begins Supreme Court nominee process Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is Moved to Tears by Senator Cory Booker's Remarks During Hearing   Live event programmed by Michael Green Live event produced by Jesse Swanson Live event stage managed by Kait Samuels Live event produced and mixed by Dan Glomski Production assistance by Preston O'ffill and Cody Kressman Podcast edited and mixed by Alisa Rosenthal Podcast story editing by Alexandra Quinn Podcast copy assistance from David Vish and Katherine Kermgard   Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chicago-humanities-tapes/id1534976656 Donate now to support programs like this: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/donate/ Explore upcoming events: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/ Instagram • TikTok • Twitter • Facebook • LinkedIn   P5A8RGCA3ROMXI4A

Best-selling children’s author R.L. Stine shares all the devious dirt on his over 30 years of writing Goosebumps, plus hauntingly hilarious stories from his inadvertent rise to becoming the king of middle grade horror. Chatting with the Chicago Tribune’s Chris Borrelli at the historic Music Box Theatre, Stine reminisces on his Ohio childhood and favorite comedians of the ‘50s, then looks ahead by dropping the scary scoop on the many forthcoming film and TV adaptations of his books. SHOW NOTES: Read the podcast transcript. Suggested rating: PG PHOTO: R.L. Stine and Chris Borrelli on stage at the Music Box Theatre at the Chicago Humanities Fall Festival in 2024.   READ: R.L. Stine, Goosebumps R.L. Stine, Fear Street R.L. Stine, Stinetinglers R.L. Stine, Shark Night R.L. Stine, The Graveyard Club #1 R.L. Stine in the New York Times, R.L. Stine’s Favorite Halloween Books Will Give Your Kids Goosebumps   WATCH: Goosebumps on Disney+ Twilight Zone: A Stop at Willoughby   Production assistance by River Williams and Preston O'ffill Podcast edited and mixed by Alisa Rosenthal Podcast story editing by Alexandra Quinn Podcast copy assistance from Katherine Kermgard and Beyza Ozer Additional podcast assistance from David Vish   Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chicago-humanities-tapes/id1534976656 Donate now to support programs like this: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/donate/ Explore upcoming events: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/   Instagram • TikTok • Twitter • Facebook • LinkedIn   IQTKKZVX9EQLWGBI  

Iranian-American author Kaveh Akbar joins us in the Chicago Humanities Tapes studio for an exclusive conversation about his debut novel Martyr!, which was recently shortlisted for the 2024 National Book Award. He chats with podcast host Alisa Rosenthal about his poetry background as a novelist, the multitudes we hold during times of tragedy, his love of Chicago, and ‘90s nostalgia. Plus, a brief preview of his live 10/26 Chicago Humanities event with fellow Midwestern author John Green. Watch Kaveh Akbar's conversation with John Green here.   SHOW NOTES: Read the podcast transcript. CW: Mention of suicide If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.   PHOTO: Alisa Rosenthal and Kaveh Akbar chat over Zoom. READ: Kaveh Akbar, Martyr!: A Novel   Edited and mixed by Alisa Rosenthal Podcast story editing by Alexandra Quinn Copy assistance from Katherine Kermgard Additional assistance from Mark Bazer and David Vish   Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chicago-humanities-tapes/id1534976656 Donate now to support programs like this: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/donate/ Explore upcoming events: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/   Instagram • TikTok • Twitter • Facebook • LinkedIn   SCWPJ3ZVKBFRO4H0

In her latest book, The Art of Architectural Grafting, architect and MacArthur Fellow Jeanne Gang digs into how the horticultural practice of “grafting” — joining a new plant to an older one so they can grow and thrive as one — inspires a fresh paradigm for sustainable design. As the founding partner of architecture and urban design practice Studio Gang, Jeanne and her firm are known for designing the 82-story Aqua Tower on Chicago’s skyline and the St. Regis Chicago. Then, she’s joined by Lee Bey, an editorial writer and architecture critic for the Chicago Sun-Times, for a lively and humorous chat through Chicago’s contemporary architecture problems and promises. Watch the full conversation here. Read the podcast transcript. PHOTO: Jeanne Gang and Lee Bey at the First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple at the Chicago Humanities Spring Festival in 2024.   Read: Jeanne Gang, The Art of Architectural Grafting Marc-Antoine Laugier, An Essay on Architecture Daniel M. Abramson, Obsolescence: An Architectural History Leo Marx, The Machine in the Garden Emanuele Coccia, The Life of Plants: A Metaphysics of Mixture   Explore: Guerilla Grafters Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts American Museum of Natural History Richard Gilder Center   Live event programmed by Lauren Pacheco Live event produced by Jesse Swanson Live event stage managed by Kait Samuels Live event produced and mixed by Nick Broste Production assistance by Christopher Moore and Josh Harlow Podcast edited and mixed by Alisa Rosenthal Podcast story editing by Alexandra Quinn Podcast copy assistance from Katherine Kermgard Additional support provided by David Vish Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chicago-humanities-tapes/id1534976656 Donate now to support programs like this: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/donate/ Explore upcoming events: https://www.chicagohumanities.org/ Instagram • TikTok • Twitter • Facebook • LinkedIn   DQVZBZEDINGWTZUG