Big fan of this quick, wide-ranging, local news podcast. They are smart, warm, authentic, and charming, particularly host Jacoby Cochran. Please never go away! Thank you. ps: if you’re looking to be recommended the Oprah Winfrey podcast on a daily basis, this is the show for you.

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 a statement that you should be able to back up. Similarly, when you dismiss the IHRA definition of antisemitism as being overly restrictive of criticism of Israel and less about protecting Jewish students, I would like to hear concrete data or at least a reading out of the IHRA definition and its guidelines to back those statements up. Otherwise, it is hard to understand your coverage on this subject as objective. 9/23/26 edit: Why not have an actual Jewish person on to talk about the Sukkah design festival and the purpose/origin of it? Just about every Hebrew word in this segment was butchered. Additionally, why when mentioning rising antisemitism did the speaker have to say something about “holding two truths”? What is the other truth and why is it so hard to just condemn antisemitism unequivocally?

The show has gotten very repetitive. I’ve heard the same conversation around the film festivals multiple times. Haven’t heard anything on Riot Fest, Taste of Polonia, the local punk scene, the rise in country and honey tonk dancing.

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

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

Less Simone, she constantly interrupts and gets excited about things that aren’t remotely Chicago. More Michelle and Jacoby.

so glad for this! Love staying plugged in and not just relying on WBEZ and SunTimes

This is a great way to be aware of what’s going on in the city of Chicago and also learn about events in the city that you can participate in

Feb 21’s show on this ad free version of the podcast had multiple ads. What gives?

I love the show but literally every day this show also pops up a “you might also like….” episodes of other podcasts that I don’t want or care about. Stop it!

I love the content of this podcast and Jacoby’s hosting. However, the listening pleasure of the podcast is interrupted by Simone’s frequent use of filler words. It is very distracting and it turns me off. I have to take loooong breaks from listening when she is on. I hope these can be edited out or lessened in 2025.

I love the City Cast podcast but they keep promoting the awful pod save bros on my podcast feed.

Always learn something new - love listening!

Fantastic podcast

I was very disappointed in your episode covering the DNC pro Palestinian protests. Or shall I say pro Hamas protests. It was very one sided, anti police (who have been so restrained despite being provoked and insulted and bullied by the protesters, esp the female officers). Did you consider mentioning or asking the question of who do you think funds these groups? The Islamic Republic of Iran. A terrorist regime with proxies who want to not only wipe Israel (a strategic ally to the US) off the map but the US as well, and is a human rights disaster. While the radical group at the Israeli consulate was screaming and threatening violence via an intifada revolution, and burned the American flag, the pro Israel counter protesters sang songs…..

More Simone!

Listened to my first Chicago podcast this morning and was delighted by the knowledge — and chemistry — shown by the hosts.

As a sober person, City Cast has been an incredible resource for me to learn about all of the amazing experiences, food, and nature that the city offers that isn’t centered around drinking. Thank you City Cast Team! Your work is so important!!

I love tuning in to city cast Chicago to get the rundown on the big Onion!

Just wanted to clear up an earlier comment. The entire 4 person Chicago team lives and works in Chicago. 3/4 were born and raised in Chicago!

Love the host and find most of the episodes interesting! Recently found out that not everyone on the production team lives in Chicago, which I found disappointing. We need people who live here to tell our stories!

Chicago City Podcast has seamlessly become a cherished part of my morning routine, especially during my commute. As I sip my coffee and settle into the journey, the hosts' engaging stories about Chicago create a perfect backdrop. It's like having a friendly conversation about the city's hidden gems and stories while I start my day. This podcast has become my ideal companion, turning my morning commute into a delightful and informative experience. If you're a fellow coffee-sipper on your way to work, I highly recommend giving this podcast a listen to make your commute more enjoyable!

From the thoughtful daily topics, expert local guests, paired with the dynamic and incomparable host, Jacoby Cochran — City Cast Chicago checks all the boxes. It’s the thing I turn every morning to laugh, to learn and to get a pulse on my city. Not to mention that it’s the only daily Chicago news podcast with an actual Chicago born and bred host at the helm. Love it!

City Cast Chicago scratches the itch I have for the morning radio show without the mindless drivel. It’s a great show! I learn so much about my city every day.

Always start my morning listening to Jacoby & the team! This podcast keeps me up to date on all the city news & happenings is a great companion to their daily newsletter. The show outro's keep me laughing on the daily!

I just wanted to give a shout-out to Jacoby on this podcast! As a born & raised South Sider now living in the Caribbean, I’m glad to have stumbled onto this show. I’m enjoying the mix of issues and 🎼Good News🎵! All the best!

CityCast Chicago delivers the news Chicagoans need to know with a love & respect for the Soul of Chicago in a way that no other podcast comes close.

Great little daily slice of information with enjoyable conversations and no nonsense. So great to be able to dive into deep issues or lighthearted fare with the clarity and warm enthusiasm of the hosts. Love Jacoby’s voice! Keep it up!!!

I can’t continue to be a fan of this somehow if you don’t take crime seriously . Denying it needs serious addressing is his bullshyt. Makes me question all of the other reporting. Lost my dad to this violence. Get it together

Love this daily show. Whether it’s diving deep into a story, spreading some publicity on the arts, or sharing some good news - it’s a must listen!

One of my favorite Citycasts, I think Jacoby’s “good newwwwws” could be enough on its own to solve Chicago’s emigration crisis. I’ve never lived in the Midwest, but I’m learning Chicago is a vibrant enough city that I am seriously considering moving there. That, and it would be fun to have a Citycast I could engage with. I’ve listened to nearly every episode, even the back catalogue, and I seem to recall somewhere in there that someone on the production team read every review, so I’ll use this back door to advocate for my series ideas: one of the things most appealing to me about Chicago is its impressive network of state-supported Amtrak regional rail, not just to big cities like Detroit, St. Louis, and Milwaukee, but also to small ones like Quincy, Carbondale, and Grand Rapids (in addition to commuter routes of similar scope but shorter distance, like Metra or the South Shore Line). I know for certain that, if I lived there, I’d be taking day- or weekend-trips to every city on every line, just to see what’s out there and learn more about a region I know astonishingly little about. So, here’s my idea: maybe not every week, but every so often, why not come up with a weekend rail getaway. Figure out which routes, schedules, and destinations allow for a same-day or single-overnight round trip, send someone on it, and report on the things to do like tiny museums, Gastropubs, state parks, long-distance bike-camping trails, etc. Chicago’s impressive regional rail infrastructure is one of the best built-out in the entire nation, yet it’s something rarely mentioned on the podcast. Furthermore, the recent infrastructure bill is infusing these routes with new locomotives, passenger cars, and, hopefully, routes and frequencies, so reporting on such is timely, too. Finally, it’s an interesting concept that I and hopefully other listeners would love to hear about. Anyway, absolutely love the podcast, and, who knows, maybe I’ll be showing up at a live event sometime in the coming years!

As a former Chicagoan I love this podcast. Favorite part is Jacoby’s good newsss. God knows we need all the good newsss we can get nowadays!!!

I love this podcast and in the beginning when Jacobi sang Good News a little it was fun, but it’s too much at this point. Please stop. I’ll keep listening though. When I share it with people I have to warn them about it.

Amazing host in Jacoby who can switch from light funny humorous to excellent journalism asking incisive questions, teaching us about the city. Neighborhood tours is superb, as for the recent nightlife episode 10 stars for the humor and insights (:

Very helpful podcast! Keep me up date on info about the city.

Really good and maybe only local podcast for news and cultural items. Love the neighborhood focused shows. Citycast Chicago always gets the first spot in my podcasts everyday because it’s the most relevant, fun and well produced. Thanks All.

Thank you for helping the rest of us stay on top of what’s going on in Chicago. I appreciate the mix of cultural and political topics — and love the format.

Great work, y’all! Keep it up!

Nobody I’d rather start my day with than Jacoby and crew

I had to leave a review after listening to the Chicago jingles episode. Such a throwback and it was so much fun listening to Jacoby reminisce. Keep up the great show ideas!

Whether it’s sports, stepping, or the SAFE-T Act, Jacoby is a gifted storyteller and interviewer who you learn w & from. Feel lucky to hear from him everyday

Jacoby is such an amazing host! He’s got an infectious laugh and I love his “good news” at the end of every episode. The story selection and guest booking on this show is also amazing. Kudos to the producers!

Great content! I learn so much listening to this pod.

I love listening to City Cast Chicago! It does such a great job at capturing what’s happening in the city and beyond. A must-listen for all Chi residents!

Longtime listener, first time reviewer! City Cast Chicago has brought so much knowledge and joy to my days! I feel like I really know Jacoby and the rest of the team. It really is like coffee every morning with a super in-the-know friend. Thank you!

Love how this show leans into the complexity of Chi-town & it’s clear how much the host loves this city!

Great content and great guests

I love this podcast and its incredible view of such an institonal city as Chicago. The layers in this show are deep and I can’t get enough

Love taking this ride around the city each morning 🚉 And you gotta hear Jacoby sing the good news, you just have to 🎶

Thank you for covering the Primary!