Chicago History Podcast

About Chicago History Podcast

Stories from history of the Greatest City in the World - Chicago. The places, events, and the people behind it all.

Publisher

Chicago History Podcast

Category

history · society & culture · true crime

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

18 Apr 2020

Latest episode

6 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

25 of 260 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   6 Oct 2026

   Episode 824 - Peshtigo 1871: A Town Consumed with author Deborah Hufford

   Host Patrick Butler interviews author Deborah Hufford about the devastating Peshtigo Fire of 1871 and its surprising Chicago connections.

2. 

   19 Jul 2026

   FROM THE ARCHIVES - Great Purolator Armored Express Heist, The

   Send us Fan Mail Back soon with new episodes! Until then, enjoy this bonkers story originally released in December 2021. On October 20, 1974, one of the biggest vault thefts in U.S. history happened here in Chicago. This is the story of the Great Purolator Armored Express Heist. Show some love for the podcast for the cost of a cup of coffee and help offset production costs: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Anything purchased through the links below may generate a small commissio...

3. 

   31 May 2026

   FROM THE ARCHIVES - Chicago's Old Main Post Office

   Send us Fan Mail For many coming into the city from the west, the drive on the Eisenhower Expressway under that massive building at Van Buren is truly a sight to behold, but few seem to know much about its history. Today we’re talking about Chicago's Old Main Post Office. Originally released in September 2021. Show some love for the podcast for the cost of a cup of coffee and help offset production costs: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/chicagohistory Up your cocktail game for the holidays with...

Inside a recent episode

Episode 822 - B'Ginnings: Where Schaumburg Rocked The Suburbs

Published 5 Apr 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] Later, WLUP, The Loop at 97.9 FM and WMET would also be involved in presenting and broadcasting shows from the venue. The intersection of live music and FM radio gave beginnings a reach far beyond its suburban strip mall location. What set beginnings apart from every other suburban nightclub in the 1970s was its uncanny ability, thanks in large part to Jam Productions' booking savvy, to land acts just before they became famous. The club's location in the suburbs meant it was often the first stop for touring bands on their way into or out of the Chicago market, and the professional-grade stage and sound system made it an appealing option for even acts that might have preferred a city venue. […]

Who has been a guest on Chicago History Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Deborah Hufford
• Nicka Sewell-Smith
• Keir Graff

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

41,320

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.8 / 5

204 ratings

Spotify

4.9 / 5

90 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 70 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

69

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

99

Contact Chicago History Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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Questions about Chicago History Podcast