SoChiety [The Society of Chicago]

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.

Want to see some storytellers in Action? Want to try yo...

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, trust us. Find the calendar and more information here: https://www.showofhandschicag...

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 Chicago Magic Lounge? You should! Find tickets and show times at: https://www.chica...

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 Jams take place near Foster Beach. Find the schedule and learn more at their website...

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 next wrestling extravaganza? You can learn more and get tickets at: www.freelancewrestl...

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 volunteer opportunities: www.chinesemutualaid.org Want more SoChiety? You can find m...

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 SoChiety theories.

Art thou interested in visiting yonder noble castle, whilst ...

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 Museum that included several birds and thousands of beetles. If you want to learn mor...

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 journey? Sprint on over to her Instagram: www.instagram.com/acploves2run Want mor...

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 THE biggest rivalry in sports (that being between the only other Division 1 team in ...

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 lasting communities.

Want to learn more about the Lords of the Pit, and maybe try you...

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, check out our website at: www.sochiety.com
We'd love to hear from you! Send ...

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 Instagram for updates, highlights, and more:  www.instagram.com/cgmc/ Find out more at ...

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 Martin's beers? Find out more at: www.uncommonground.com/greenstar-brewing Check out M...

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? Check out The Hive's website to learn more: www.thehivesupply.com

Want to learn mo...

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-growing community. Check out Sofar Sounds Chicago on instagram: www.instagram.com/sofarch...

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/124714304626872/ Follow Natasha on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/Multin24 You can find mor...