WBEZ

From 2015 to 2018, I worked with Chicago Public Media (WBEZ) as a reporter, audio producer, and digital producer.

The majority of my time was spend with Curious City, a podcast/broadcast program where reporters answer questions submitted by listeners.

“Doors Closing!” (June 2018): The lives of a CTA rail operators include: awesome vistas, cool trains, falling asleep at the wheel, suicide. 12 min.

“City of Big Potholes” (May 2017): Why are Chicago’s streets paved with material that easily falls apart? Why???? 8 min.

“Most Kids on the Block” (March 2017): Writer Eve Ewing and a 10-year old named Moji take us on a tour of Chicago’s most kid-friendly neighborhoods. 8 min.

“Signs of the Times” (January 2017): The story of the ubiquitous “Old Style” signs that hang outside Chicago bars, how they got there, and what that has to do with one man’s relationship with his father. 9 min. Digital treatment includes WBEZ’s first-ever VR story.

“Escape from Chicago” (May 2016): How long would it take to evacuate the city of Chicago? Don’t ask the city of Chicago, because they have no idea. 12 min.

“Little Eddie’s Field Trip” (May 2016): A 95-year old man recalls his eighth grade field trip to Chicago’s famed slaughterhouses. 4 min. Winner of the 2016 Illinois AP Award for Best Use of Sound.

“The Last Defender” (May 2016): Ordinary people become NORAD scientists tasked with saving the world from nuclear annihilation. 5 min.

“Mold-a-Rama-Rama!” (Nov 2016): My first ever audio story! Listen to baby me explore a famed Midwestern tchotchke with the help of Jack White. 8 min.

“Icebreakers of the Chicago River” (February 2016): How boats, jacuzzi jets, and an old guy with a spear keep the the Chicago river navigable during the harsh months of winter. 4 min. Make sure you check out the icebreaking trade magazine that I founded.

“Curious City: The Mystery Collection” (Dec 2015): A noir-themed holiday special that I seem to remember writing some good poop jokes for. 52 min.

In addition, I reported a story for the newsroom, did some documentary photography work, and produced a series of ads, including one where Peter Sagal performs his dream version of Hamilton.

WBEZ gave me my start in radio. It was between that and an internship working for an ad company. My tire blew on the way to the ad company interview, I figured that was a sign, and went with radio. By far the better choice.

Love and thanks to my WBEZ fam.