This week, we're excited to share the audio from our live episode at Koval Distillery! Koval is the first distillery in Chicago since the 1800s, and we sat down with one of the founders, Sonat Birnecker Hart. We talked about Sonat's journey to distilling, Chicago's distilling community, and what's next for Koval. We also tried some delicious whiske…

This week on SoChiety, we sit down with veteran storyteller Scott Whitehair! Scott shares his... story with us, telling us how he came to Chicago and got started as a storyteller. We also talk about what it means to be a storyteller, some of the different groups throughout the city, and how the fabric of Chicago helps shape this vibrant community. …

This week, we talk to the talented Emily Wentz about the maker community in Chicago! Emily founded Show of Hands, a craft fair that emphasizes artists and community. We talk about how Emily came to Chicago, why she started Show of Hands, and how it fits into the larger community of crafters and artists in the city. You should come to Show of Hands,…

This week, we've got an update about our live recording event at KOVAL distillery! Take a listen to hear about what we have in store and how you can be a part of it. You can find more episodes, updates, and extras at: www.sochiety.com Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear what you think! Send us an email at: sochietypodcast@gmail.com Follow us on …

Welcome back! This week, we speak with Lee Benzaquin, a magician at the Chicago Magic Lounge. We learn about Chicago's surprisingly deep history of magic, and how the Chicago Magic Lounge is helping to continue this tradition. Lee also talks to us about how he got into performing magic, and shows us a trick of his own. Want to see a show at the Chi…

This week, Lee has a fiery conversation with Hoodie and Devin from the Full Moon Jam! The Full Moon Jam is a performance that combines fire spinning, drumming, and dancing to create a truly unique experience. We talk about how the Jam got started, the importance of inclusivity, and what it's like to dance with fire.Come join the action! Full Moon J…

On this week's episode, we throw down with Nick Almendarez, the founder of Freelance Wrestling! Freelance is an independent wrestling company that has taken Chicago by storm. We talk about Nick's experience as a wrestler, how he started Freelance Wrestling, and Chicago's thriving community of both fans and wrestlers.Want a front row seat to the nex…

This week, Sam talks with Morlie Patel, the Associate Director of the Chinese Mutual Aid Association! They discuss Chicago's Uptown neighborhood, the services offered by the CMAA, and Morlie's experience joining a nonprofit, community organization.Want to learn more about the CMAA? Check out their website for information on services, classes, and v…

Hail, and well met! Noble lords and ladies, welcome to another episode of SoChiety! This week, we sit down with Darren Hill, an actor who works with the Medieval Times in the suburbs of Chicago. We talk about all the work that goes into a performance, the different roles involved, and how people become knights. We also get to the bottom of some old…

This week, we fly high and learn about about Chicago's Peregrine Falcon population! We visited the field museum to sit down with Mary Hennen, the Director of the Chicago Peregrine Program. Mary spoke to us all about falcons, her work fostering the falcon population, and the importance of conservation. She also gave us a backstage tour of the Field …

Welcome to our season three kickoff! This week, we sit down with Amanda Porter, who represents the elite runner community here in Chicago. Amanda speaks with us about the professional running clubs in the city, the dynamic between coaches and athletes, and what it's like to be a Nike-sponsored athlete. Want to learn more about Amanda and follow her…

Join us on the rugby pitch in this weeks scrum with Matthew Crabtree and Josh Allan, as we cover the Chicago Rugby Community! Matthew and Josh are players and long time members of the premiere Division 1 Rugby Club, The Chicago Griffins. We talk to them about the growing popularity of rugby in America, the strong values rooted in the community, and…

Join us this week as we talk to Carter Petray about Old School Magic: the Gathering! Carter is a member of the Lords of the Pit, a group in Chicago that plays old school MtG, organizes events, and raises money for local charities. We talk to Carter about why he joined the Lords of the Pit, the power of nostalgia, and how games can help create lasti…

This week on SoChiety, we talk to... each other! We look back on past episodes, sharing some updates from communities we've discussed on the show. We discuss personal favorite moments, listener feedback, and Lee's shocking lack of knowledge about Stevie Nicks. We'll be back next week with another full-length interview. If you'd like to learn more, …

This week, we speak with Jimmy Morehead and Kevin Corbett from the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus! Jimmy and Kevin help run the group, and coordinate shows all over Chicago. We talk about how they came to Chicago, the history of the CGMC, and the power of art to shape a community.Want to see the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus in action? Check out their Instagr…

This week, we sit down and talk with Martin Coad, the Brewmaster and Beer Ambassador of Greenstar Brewing! Greenstar is a certified organic, vegan brewery here in Chicago. We talk about how Martin became a brewmaster, the brewing process, and Chicago's flourishing community of microbreweries. We also drink some delicious beer.Want to try some of Ma…

We were abuzz with excitement to speak with Naaman Gambill this week! Naaman's the Managing Partner of The Hive: Chicago's Beekeeping Supply Store, and he spoke to us about the community of beekeepers in Chicago. We talk about the history of beekeeping, native pollinators, and Chicago's biodiversity. Interested in keeping some bees of your own? Che…

This week, Lee shares one of her favorite communities - Sofar Sounds! Largely volunteer run, Sofar organizes pop up concerts all around the city. Join us as we speak with Will Cove, the director of Sofar Sounds Chicago. We discuss the history of Sofar, learn about Will's journey to Chicago, and talk about how to handle changes within an ever-growin…

Welcome back! This week, Lee and Patrick sit down with Natasha Gawrit to talk about Pokemon Go. They discuss the history of the game, Natasha's role in Pokemon Go Chicago Squad, and the ways Chicago helps influence the community of Pokemon Go players.Wanna catch 'em all? Check out Pokemon Go Chicago Squad: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1247143046…

Lee, Patrick, and Sam are excited to share a sneak peak of the second season of SoChiety! Season Two launches next Tuesday February 19th. New episodes every Tuesday after that. Find more episodes, updates, and extras at www.sochiety.comWe'd love to hear from you! Send us an email: sochietypodcast@gmail.comFollow us on the insta: @sochietyTweet at u…

It's the last episode of our first season! This week, we chat with Kevin Coval, a poet and activist. Kevin is the Artistic Director for Young Chicago Authors, a nonprofit that helps Chicago kids discover their voice. He is also the winner of the 2018 Studs Terkel Award and the author of "A People’s History of Chicago." We talk with Kevin about how …

This week, we talk to spoken word artist Harold Green! We hear about Harold's path as an artist and learn about the importance of open mic nights in Chicago. Check out Harold's website for videos, show dates, and more: https://haroldandthebeard.com Follow Harold on twitter: https://twitter.com/HaroldGreen Want more SoChiety? Find past episodes and …

On this week's episode, we speak to Cassandra Knox from Evoke Tattoos. We learn about Cassandra's journey as an artist, talk about tattoo trends, and get a glimpse into the community that tattoo artists have created in Chicago. Check out Cassandra's amazing designs at: www.instagram.com/cknoxtattoo/ Like what you hear? Find more episodes of sochiet…

This week, we talk to Katie Maranzana, the Adult Education Coordinator at Centro Romero. This community-based nonprofit provides valuable services to immigrants and refugees on Chicago's North side. We learn about how Centro Romero was started, the groups of students they serve, and the importance of adult education.If you'd like to learn more abou…

This week, we meet Chris Haag and Lee Phan from the Chicago Pirate Flag! They talk to us about starting and growing what is now one of the largest open play beach volleyball groups in Chicago. We discuss the ins and outs of the sport's culture and explore how Chicago's lakefront helps shape their community.If you want to play some beach volleyball,…

Episode 1: Bit Bash and Independent Game DesignersThis week, we interview modern day renaissance man David Laskey and learn about Bit Bash, Chicago's alternative games festival! We talk about Chicago's game scene, how Bit Bash got started, and hear about some of Sam and Patrick's experiences at Bit Bash.Learn more about Bit Bash at: https://bitbash…

Welcome to SoChiety, a podcast from Chicago about Chicago! Join Lee Tennant, Patrick Burns, and Sam Toninato as they explore the communities and cultures of the Windy City. Listen this week to meet the team, and hear a preview of the great interviews we have lined up this season.Email: sochietypodcast@gmail.com…