DIBS presented by Chicago History

About DIBS presented by Chicago History

The DIBS podcast, presented by @chicago_history is a podcast where we dive into the heart and soul of the Windy City. From the towering skyscrapers of the Loop to the deep-dish pizza debates, from Wrigley Field’s ivy-covered walls to the electric legacy of Michael Jordan, Chicago isn’t just a place—it’s a story. Whether it’s entrepreneurs changing the game, artists shaping culture, or community leaders making waves. Each episode explores the stories that make Chicago the vibrant, gritty, and extraordinary place we all love. DIBS is presented by @chicago-history.

Publisher

Mallory Waxman & Nick Sarantos

Category

news · society & culture · sports

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

12 Mar 2025

Latest episode

9 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

36 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   9 Oct 2026

   35. Ben Zobrist on the Cubs’ Historic Win, Mental Health, and Life Beyond Baseball

   Ben Zobrist is a three-time MLB All-Star, two-time World Series champion, and the 2016 World Series MVP whose clutch double in Game 7 helped the Chicago Cubs end their 108-year championship drought. An Illinois native, Ben spent 14 seasons in Major League Baseball, playing for teams including the Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, and Chicago Cubs. He became part of baseball history during one of Chicago's most unforgettable moments, helping bring a championship to a city and generations of fans who had waited more than a century. But Ben’s story goes far beyond baseball. In his new book, Prepare for the Pressure: Nine Strategies to Be Courageous, Consistent and Resilient When It Matters Most, he opens up about the emotional challenges and depression he experienced after the Cubs’ historic victory, and what it meant to find himself struggling after reaching the pinnacle of his career. We talk about the pressure of professional sports, the importance of therapy and mental health, and learning to find an identity beyond the uniform. Ben also shares how his experiences inspired Champion Forward, an organization that helps young athletes and families develop mental and emotional skills. In this episode, we discuss: Growing up in Illinois and building a 14-year career in Major League Baseball Winning the World Series with the Kansas City Royals and Chicago Cubs His unforgettable double in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series What it was like to be part of the Cubs’ historic championship run The depression and emotional challenges he faced after winning it all The importance of therapy, mental health, and asking for help Learning to separate personal identity from professional success His new book, Prepare for the Pressure, and strategies for building resilience How Champion Forward supports young athletes and their families Finding purpose and fulfillment beyond the baseball field Connect with Ben Zobrist on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/benzobrist18/?hl=en) and get a copy of his book, Prepare for the Pressure, here. (https://prepareforthepressure.com/) Listen now, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us keep bringing you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary. Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram: Nick Sarantos (https://www.instagram.com/chiniko312/) and Mallory Waxman (https://www.instagram.com/ipeakinthefall/#)

2. 

   10 Sept 2026

   34. From Northwestern to Chicago’s Art Scene: The Story of Dwight White

   Dwight White is a painter, muralist, and creative storyteller whose work captures the people, places, and moments that make Chicago special. Originally from Houston, Dwight came to Chicago as a highly recruited linebacker for the Northwestern Wildcats, with dreams of building a career in football. But after a medical issue forced him to walk away from the sport, Dwight found himself facing an unexpected question: What happens when the life you planned for yourself suddenly changes? For Dwight, the answer was art. What began as therapy during a difficult period eventually became a career. Today, his work includes large-scale murals, original paintings, and collaborations with professional sports teams, universities, nonprofits, and major brands. We also dive into Dwight’s deep connection to Chicago, his work with the Innocence Project and After School Matters, his Derrick Rose mural, and the Northwestern Black House mural. We talk about how his athletic background shaped his creative career, why he believes artists should trust their instincts, and what still inspires him about the city he now calls home. In this episode, we discuss: Growing up in Houston and playing football at Northwestern The injury that forced him to walk away from football How art became a form of therapy and eventually a career The intersection of sports, art, branding, and fandom His work with the Innocence Project, After School Matters, and Derrick Rose Returning to Northwestern to create a mural at the Black House Why artists should trust their instincts and embrace being different How his athletic background shaped his approach to art Why Chicago became home and continues to inspire his work Connect with Dwight White via his website (https://www.dwhiteart.com/about) or his Instagram. (https://www.instagram.com/dwightwhiteii/?hl=en) Listen now, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us keep bringing you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary. Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram: Nick Sarantos (https://www.instagram.com/chiniko312/) and Mallory Waxman (https://www.instagram.com/ipeakinthefall/#)

3. 

   28 Aug 2026

   33. Investing in Chicago’s Future: How After School Matters Is Shaping the Next Generation with CEO Dr. Mary Ellen Caron

   We’ve got dibs on Dr. Mary Ellen Caron, CEO of After School Matters (https://afterschoolmatters.org/), one of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of after-school and summer programming for teenagers. For more than a decade, Mary Ellen has led After School Matters, helping thousands of Chicago teens develop skills, explore careers, find their people, and discover opportunities they may not have otherwise had. Today, the organization serves more than 11,000 teens through programs in the arts, STEM, sports, leadership, communications, and skilled trades. But Mary Ellen’s commitment to young people started long before After School Matters. She began her career as a teacher on Chicago’s West Side before becoming the founding principal of the Francis Xavier Ward School and later serving as commissioner of the Chicago Department of Children and Youth Services and the Department of Family and Support Services. In this episode, we talk about why After School Matters was created, the importance of giving teenagers meaningful opportunities outside of school, and why the organization pays teens to participate in its programs. We also talk about the real-world skills young people develop, from communication and collaboration to resume writing and interviewing. We dive into some of After School Matters’ partnerships across Chicago, including its work with the Chicago Bulls, local museums, ComEd, and the Obama Presidential Center, and how these experiences give teens a chance to see themselves in careers and spaces they may have never imagined. And perhaps most importantly, Mary Ellen shares why finding your people can be just as important as finding your career path. Whether it’s theater, jazz, culinary arts, dance, or skilled trades, After School Matters gives Chicago teens a place to explore what they love, build confidence, and figure out what comes next. We also talk about Mary Ellen’s vision for her legacy, her love of Chicago, and why she believes the city is better because After School Matters exists. After School Matters Website (https://afterschoolmatters.org/) Learn more (https://afterschoolmatters.org/event/after-school-matters-gala-2026/)about the After School Matters Gala 2026 on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at the Obama Presidential Center Home Court Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary. Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos (https://www.instagram.com/chiniko312/) and Mallory Waxman (https://www.instagram.com/ipeakinthefall/#)

Who has been a guest on DIBS presented by Chicago History

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

• Chris Candy
• Kirsten Fitzgerald
• Jim McMahon
• Marilynn Gardner
• MARNIE THOMPSON

Reach and audience

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

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.8 / 5

18 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 53 / 100

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

Quality

66

Social presence

97

YouTube

0

Engagement

51

Contact DIBS presented by Chicago History

Guest appearances

Books guests

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

Questions about DIBS presented by Chicago History