Beuloria and Juelle are urban archeologists, well…not really. Just a couple quirky gals looking to showcase their tribe and to share dynamic and interesting Chicagoans with the world.
The Big Dig is a whimsical journey of discovery of unique and extraordinary Chicagoans hidden from view who are busy being, doing, creating, building, choosing to live outside the box and practicing the personal motto, “I’m not an anomaly, I’m just doing me.”
Join us for conversations with artists, musicians, chefs, makers, creators and doers who reside in our city’s 77 neighborhoods and beyond. We are convinced that there are folks out there toiling away at their respective passions in original and dope ways. We find them and share their stories with you.
Building CommuniTAY: Taylor & Maya Mason’s Taco Empire - Part 2
In Part 2 of Building CommuniTAY, we go deeper with Taylor and Maya Mason of Taylor's Tacos Chicago as they move from building a beloved brand to scaling a full-fledged business. With over half a million tacos served and operations based out of The Hatchery Chicago, the conversation shifts to growth: expanding capacity, maintaining quality, and preparing for their highly anticipated food truck launch. Taylor and Maya open up about: The realities of scaling a food business in Chicago&nbs...
14 Feb 2026
Building CommuniTAY: Taylor & Maya Mason’s Taco Empire - Part 1
In this episode of The Big Dig Chicago, we sit down with Taylor and Maya Mason, the couple behind Taylor's Tacos Chicago, a Black- and LGBTQ+-owned brand that has served over half a million tacos across the city. West Side native and Whitney Young High School alum Taylor Mason first discovered street tacos while attending Pepperdine University and brought that LA inspiration back home to Chicago. Maya Mason — a graduate of Chicago Academy for the Arts and Columbia College Chicago — added culi...
21 Jul 2025
The Big Dig Chicago Presents: "Floral Fresh: Arranging Joy One Stem at a Time with John Caleb Pendleton" | Part 2
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...
18 Jul 2025
The Big Dig Chicago Presents: "Floral Fresh: Arranging Joy One Stem at a Time with John Caleb Pendleton" | Part 1
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...
3 Jul 2025
The Big Dig Chicago Presents: "She Got Game: Pressing Start with Ashlyn Sparrow"
Ashlyn Sparrow, game designer, discusses her career creating interactive experiences and shares insights on thoughtful game design, who the gaming industry serves, and the importance of fun in this interview.
27 Jun 2025
The Big Dig Chicago Presents: "Comics, Collectors, & Connoisseurs: Terry Gant & the Medium of Graphic Narratives"
Shop owner Terry Gant explores the terminology and cultural impact of comics, manga, and graphic novels at Chicago's Third Coast Comics in this interview.
19 Jun 2025
Juneteenth: A Reflection on Freedom Day
This episode explores the historical significance of Juneteenth, marking the delayed arrival of emancipation news in Texas and honoring the ongoing pursuit of freedom.
12 Jun 2025
The Big Dig Chicago Presents: "Roast, Grind, Repeat: Greg Stivers, The Life of a Chicago Coffee Alchemist"
Greg Stivers, a Chicago coffee roaster, discusses his 40-year journey of crafting coffee, from sourcing beans to perfecting roasting techniques, in an interview on The Big Dig Chicago.
29 May 2025
The Big Dig Chicago Presents: "Threads, Tunes, and Tales: The Many Worlds of Bryant McLemore Smith"
Bryant McLemore Smith shares his experiences as a set wardrobe designer, singer, and author, revealing how he expresses creativity through various artistic mediums in this interview episode.
15 May 2025
The Big Dig Chicago Presents: "Hops, Dreams, and Heritage: Brewing Magic at Moor's Brewing Co."
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...
1 May 2025
The Big Dig Chicago Presents: “Strings & Strokes: Where Music Meets the Muse” featuring Shane-Jahi Jackson
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...
Who has been a guest on The Big Dig Chicago!
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Ashlyn Sparrow
Terry Gant
Greg Stivers
Bryant McLemore Smith
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
13
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Contact The Big Dig Chicago!
Guest appearances
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