In this two-part series, Alabama-born, Chicago-based artist John Caleb Pendleton (founder and creative director of Planks & Pistils) shares the roots of his artistic journey, from woodworking and floral design to building a business rooted in beauty, balance, and Black artistry. John reflects on the deep connections between the South and Chicago, the meditative joy of craft, and the symbolic language of flowers and wood. Through his work, he champions expertise, creativity, self-care, and...
Jul 21, 2025
25 min
In this two-part series, Alabama-born, Chicago-based artist John Caleb Pendleton (founder and creative director of Planks & Pistils) shares the roots of his artistic journey, from woodworking and floral design to building a business rooted in beauty, balance, and Black artistry. John reflects on the deep connections between the South and Chicago, the meditative joy of craft, and the symbolic language of flowers and wood. Through his work, he champions expertise, creativity, self-care, and...
Jul 18, 2025
29 min
In this episode, we hit play with Ashlyn Sparrow—game designer, educator, and Assistant Director of the Weston Game Lab at the University of Chicago. A proud transplant to Chicago, Ashlyn shares how a father-daughter hobby sparked a career creating interactive experiences that encourages both game designers and players to engage thoughtfully with the medium. We talk about what makes a game “good,” who the gaming industry is (and isn’t) built for, and why thoughtful design and pure fun don’t h...
Jul 3, 2025
26 min
In this episode, we head to Rogers Park to visit Third Coast Comics, a beloved Chicago storefront nestled on Loyola University’s Lakeshore Campus and a three-time nominee for the Will Eisner “Spirit of Comic Book Retailing” award. We browse the aisles with shop owner Terry Gant—collector, cultural commentator, and die-hard comics evangelist—for a lively exploration of the many facets of the industry. Terry breaks down the terminology—comics, manga, graphic novels, and more—while guiding us t...
Jun 27, 2025
26 min
On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that all enslaved people were free. Although President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, it took over two and a half years for the news—and enforcement—to reach some parts of the country, particularly remote Confederate territories like Texas. On June 19, Union Major General Gordon Granger delivered General Order No. 3, which declared: “The people of Texas are informed that, ...
Jun 19, 2025
27 min
In this rich and aromatic episode of The Big Dig Chicago, we sit down with a legendary Chicago coffee roaster Greg Stivers who’s been perfecting his craft for 40 years. From the hiss of the first roast to the soul-soothing scent of a morning brew, our guest shares the journey of building a life around beans, blends, and bold flavor. We dive into the art of intentional roasting, coffee as a connector, and one roaster’s journey from sourcing beans in African highlands to roasting and brewing bl...
Jun 12, 2025
26 min
Get ready to be whisked away into a world stitched with creativity, sung with soul, and written with wonder! 🎭🎶📚 In this episode, we sit down with Bryant McLemore Smith— an extraordinary African American set wardrobe designer, singer, and author whose talents weave through every corner of the arts. From dressing dazzling stages with music greats such as Mary J. Blige and the cast of off Broadway plays such as "Bronzeville: The Musical", to hitting high notes that stir the heart, a...
May 29, 2025
27 min
Pull up a stool and grab a frosty glass — today we're stepping into a world where hops meet heart and tradition bubbles over with bold new flavor! 🍻✨ In this episode, we journey to Moor's Brewing Co., a vibrant Chicago-based African American-owned brewery that's stirring up the craft beer scene with creativity, culture, and a whole lot of soul. Join us as we chat with Damon Patton, CEO and one of the visionary founders about the stories behind their brews, the magic of merging heritage and ho...
May 15, 2025
33 min
Guest Name: Shane-Jahi Jackson Look who we found! We’ve unearthed Shane-Jahi Jackson, a self-taught visual artist, painter, luthier and overall Renaissance man. Hidden from view, he exerts his craft to add beauty, art and deep joy to those who have the privilege of seeing his vibrant and moving paintings that depict Black bodies as “containers of stories” and music derived from the bass guitars he fabricates. Born in Denver in 1987, Chicagoland and Illinois has been his home for the past thre...
May 1, 2025
27 min