Chad the Birdcast
by Chad the Bird | Cumulus Chicago
Chad the Bird continues to build a following around Chicagoland with his audio and video bits that have amassed 358K TikTok followers, 17k YouTube subscribers, and 69k Instagram followers. The Birdcast is locally charged comedy centered around iconic Chicago institutions as well as in the moment pop culture tie-ins.
Episodes
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Pringle All the Way
In which we pop and therefore can not stop as Pringles announces its Halloween contest where the winner can we a Pringles urn and 200 years worth of potato based snacks cuz Pringles aren't legally allowed to be called "chips". GET TO CLASS! GET ME IN BROOKLYN! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at…
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Out of Character: Demons and Klingons
In which I let my roommate Josh Zagoren take over the Birdcast and talk to the great Mark Lancaster aka Nox the Demon Overlord of Six Flags Fright Fest. Here's a clip from Bard Fiction GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at 10/12/26 courtesy of Jeppson’s Malört: The Official Drink of the...
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The First Birdcast of October
We made it! It's the Crispy Times, the Ghost Wonderful Time of the Year, the SCREAMson and I'm in a hotel in Baltimore here for the Edgar Allan Poe Fest. Sometimes you're where you need to be. This week's report (the first of October) is from last month's CLASS! at the Lincoln Lodge and it's all...
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Batman & the Last Birdcast of September
In which I celebrate Batman Day 2026 (and the last Birdcast of September) on my way to The International Edgar Allan Poe Festival and Awards cuz we wouldn't have Batman without Edgar Allan Poe. GET TO BALTIMORE! GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill…
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Hot Nordic Treasures
In which we set sail for the Baltic Sea and surrounding areas cuz the three largest Viking Age coin hordes have been found and Goonies never say die! GET TO BALTIMORE! GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 09/12/26 courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1…
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Ig Nobility
In which we celebrate the 36th Annual Ig Nobel Prize winners and that means: SCIENCE! ADDENDUMS: It's Mark AY-brums (not Ay-brah-hams); It's pro-BOSS-sideees (nuts) and it's Ig no-BELL! Cuz we do corrections here. Cuz we believe in science. GET TO CLASS! GET TO BALTIMORE! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded...
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Steakin' Naked
In which I discuss C.L.A.S.S. Soiree's latest culinary experience where you can dine naked in Florida like nature intended. GET TO DOROTHY! GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 08/15/26 courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört: The...
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Back on the Dave Matthews Dump Bus
In which I do my job as YOUR avian journalist and bring in an actual expert on the Dave Matthews Band's famous dump bus. COME GET ME, OHIO! GO MEET TOMSTER! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 08/08/26 and Logan Arcade in Chicago courtesy of WKQX…
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Word Salad
In which I get you to eat your words before the robots do. COME GET ME, OHIO! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 08/01/26 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört: The Official Drink of the Apocalypse Come find me in all your…
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The Rave of ALDIsseus
In which I get epic about the raves you fight in the aisles between ALDI and Trader Joe's. COME GET ME, OHIO! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 07/25/26 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört: The Official Drink of the Apocalypse...
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Seal Kisses
In which I talk about the seal whom you call Neil. But does the seal know he's Neil? Featuring me and Bill Larkin coverin a lil "Kiss From a Rose" by Seal Samuel Prod. Trevor Horn ZTT 1994 AUG 2ND WATCH ME LIVE! COME GET ME, OHIO! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill...
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Summer Bread
In which you humans go ham on smoked meats and sammies whilst I wait for the bread. AUG 2ND WATCH ME LIVE! COME GET ME, OHIO! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 07/11/26 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört: The Official Drink…
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The Hundo Episode
In which I celebrate 100 episodes at Q101 by talkin pinball, horror movies and Star Wars with Palps himself: Brian Karasek! COME GET ME, OHIO! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 06/027/26 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört…
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Summer Sharks
Annnd we're back! It's summer, it's smoky and everyone's got the hot poops so I took a few weeks off. Here's my report on my favorite Summer activity and a lil anniversary before the planet jumped the shark. COME GET ME, OHIO! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill…
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Congraduations!
In which I deliver my commence address of 2026 which is very reminiscent of 2016. Also if you've never read "Advice, like youth probably just wasted on the young" by Mary Schmich: You should. That's good advice. BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge...
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Legends, Mummies and Bread
In which I get the recipe for bread baked from a mummy's guts and we all survive a bad recording of my last CLASS! where I discuss the Legend of the Legend of Zelda. Whew, if variety is the spice of life then this one's HOT! GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green...
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No Schlitz
In which we say auf wiedersehen to a beer that's not just a legend, not just a king: it's the Schlitz. BILL YOUR LARKIN! GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Featuring the legendary Bill Larkin on vocals and keys. Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 05/23/26 in Chicago…
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No Waymo
In which we go every which Waymo but loose! But it's not quite at maximum overdrive. GO TO PROM! GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 5/16/26 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört: The Official Drink of the Apocalypse...
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Space Jammin
In which I report my findings on the nexus of human space and jam technology. GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF FOLLOW ME Recorded LIVE March 19th 2026 from CLASS! at The Lincoln Lodge in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört: The Official Drink of the Apocalypse Come find me in…
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Grimace the Hutt
In which I don't talk about Star Wars but instead discuss the Grimace. Follow Zachary Kern GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 5/02/26 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört: The Official Drink of the Apocalypse Come...
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Lego Noir
In which I show my love of writing Birdetective Avian Noir True Crime about Lego and pasta. Yes, I know the plural of Lego is "Lego" but it doesn't SOUND RIGHT when you're a detective like me. GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 4/25/26 in...
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T-Rexcellent Totes
In which I unpack the latest bio fashion: T-Rex Purses. And you wonder why I celebrate 4/20 for a whole week, humans. TAKE A DAZE OFF GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 4/18/26 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört:...
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Moon Sammies
In which I play catch up after a glorious Four Twentius with two reports, one stoned bird. GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 4/4/26 and 4/11/26 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört: The Official Drink of the...
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The Soochie Boordcast
In which I celebrate the Week of 4/20 blazing budz with my bud Scoochie Boochie: the greatest rapper ever born from a volcano. Spark em and don't lose your lighter. TAKE A DAZE OFF FIND THE SCOOCHIE BOOCHIE GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at The Nest 4/14/26 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX...
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The Pickle Jacket
In which, whilst humans orbit the moon, I'm down here talkin about the KFC Pickle Jacket. Warning: Contains no moons. For reference: https://www.foodbeast.com/news/kfcs-pickle-puffer-is-the-wildest-piece-of-fast-food-merch-yet/ GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the...
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Hold Me Closer Robot Dancer
In which we get down and do the robot cuz they're gonna take over and we gotta show em we know the moves! For reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfnIEWpbMU8 GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 3/21/26 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX...
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Flights of Fancy
In which we get up in the air about fashion in the sky! GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 3/07/26 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört: The Official Drink of the Apocalypse Come find me in all your favorite places...
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Love and the TV
In which I'm talking about "Love, American Style" at February's CLASS! live from the Lincoln Lodge. Next CLASS! is March 19th so get your books and get out here! GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE February 19th 2026 from CLASS! at The Lincoln Lodge in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM)...
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Soccer Seagulls
In which I tell the harrowing tale of the Soccer Seagull of Istanbul. SEE ME IN THIRST FOR ADVENTURE! GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 2/28/26 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört: The Official Drink of the...
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Eat "Fresh"
In which I house a hoagie while I talk about Subway and Communism. SEE ME IN THIRST FOR ADVENTURE! GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 2/21/26 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört: The Official Drink of the…
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Super Hyperfixation Team GO!
In which I summon CHAD ZERO so he can disassociate and hyperfixate in the face of the current news and together we save our attention spans. GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 2/14/26 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s...
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Olympic Hard
In which we examine the Olympic bulge of rumors that the ski jumpers are juicing their jumps! But that's just the tip. GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 2/7/26 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört: The Official...
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O'Hara of O'Hare
In which we memorialize the late great Catherine O'Hara. Check out PERCEPTION CHECK from Nick Garcia GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 1/31/26 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört: The Official Drink of the...
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Tree Bomb
In which we're totally talking about the weather, that's it. GET TO ZANIES FEB 3RD GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 1/24/26 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört: The Official Drink of the Apocalypse Come find me…
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Wikibirthdaypedia
In which we acknowledge the 25th anniversary of the launch of Wikipedia during the one-year anniversary of CLASS! in January of 2026, which has already been a decade. CHECK ME AT 1:37:00 at THE BANCHETS GET TO ZANIES FEB 3RD GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE January 19th 2026 from CLASS!...
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Best Worst
Just got back to Chicago and boy is my thermostat tired. What the flock? I'm gone for three days and it feels like the entire city left the window open, it's 4 degrees whilst I'm typing this. So yeah, California Dreamin over here missing San Francisco but we gotta get back to diggin ditches and...
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Edgar Allan Breakfast Shoes with Chris Riehl
In which I remember one last thing from 2025 and get on the Zoom with my ol pal, Baltimore's own ambassador du Poe, Chris Riehl and we talk eats, drinks and what's comin up for Big Ed's Birthday! GET TO BALTIMORE! GET TO CLASS! GET TO CLASS IN SAN FRANCISCO! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper...
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"Happy" New Year
It's a new year and it's already been a decade but somehow you're doin Dry January? Respect. GET TO CLASS! GET TO CLASS IN SAN FRANCISCO! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 12/27/25 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört: The...
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The Tale of the Christmas Egg
On a very special Holiday Episode of the Birdcast: I go in deep up the tale end of the story of the Fabregé Christmas Egg of Auckland! HAPPY HOLIDAYS, HUMANS! GET TO MADISON! GET TO CLASS! GET TO CLASS IN SAN FRANCISCO! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail…
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Thermostatus Update
In which I was asked by The Climate Pod to comment on the current state of the vibe here on planet Earth and I went off on some party etiquette. GET TO CLASS! GET TO CLASS IN SAN FRANCISCO! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at The Climate Pod LIVE at the Lincoln Lodge in Chicago courtesy of WKQX…
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An Olive Garden Greeting
In which I get after the reason for the season: Unlimited Breadsticks! GET TO CLASS! GET TO CLASS IN SAN FRANCISCO! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE Nov 20th 2025 from CLASS! at The Lincoln Lodge in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört: The Official Drink of the Apocalypse Come...
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What's in a Namesbreth?
In which I emerge from the bunker to a holiday wonderland and try to understand Pete Hegseth and his problem with names. GET TO CLASS! GET TO CLASS IN SAN FRANCISCO! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 11/22/25 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM)…
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Thanksgiving Almaniac
In which I lie low in the bunker as the Thanksgiving is upon us and we discuss the end of Farmers' Almanac (no not THAT one). GET YOUR JOLLIES HERE! GET TO CLASS! GET TO CLASS IN SAN FRANCISCO! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 11/15/25 in Chicago...
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Big Mighty Fitz
In which we dive deep into the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. GET TO CLASS! GET TO CLASS IN SAN FRANCISCO! BUY SOME STUFF Featuring the legendary Bill Larkin on vocals and keys. Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 11/8/25 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and...
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Pennies for Your Thoughts and Prayers
In which I spend a lil time makin cents outta the latest plan to phase-out the penny as November kicks in the door. GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 11/1/25 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört: The Official…
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Candy Dandy
In which I talk sweets and treats and tricks over the Halloweekend 2025 which in spite of the world around me: Was pretty dope. GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at Paper Machete at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge 10/25/25 in Chicago courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört: The...
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Trick or Treat and TiVO
You've had your Netflix and chill and it's gettin cold. I say we bring back TiVO for Halloween (I guess we could summon it, they did that in the Craft I think). Anyway, yeah TiVO is no more and it may not be right for the Halloweekend, but last week I gave it a proper eulogy and totally staked it...
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Pinball: No Regert with Rob Berk
In which I get back from three weeks on the road, no regerts and get to pinballin cuz it's PINBALL EXPO BAYBEE!!! I kick off the expo talkin to founder and two-time Guinness World Record holder Rob Berk live from his record-winning gallery: Past Times Arcade! GET TO PINBALL EXPO 2025! GET TO…
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Labubonic Plague
In which we go gaga on what you'll dodo for Labubus and what they mean for you! FIND ME IN BALTIMORE! GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at The Paper Machete 09/20/25 at Chicago's Historic Green Mill Cocktail Lounge courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1 FM) and Jeppson’s Malört: The Official Drink of...
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Slug Dong
In which I discuss reaction vs response and some serious spooky true crime involving doorbells. RING A DANG DOO! Sept 23rd 360 Chicago - GET UP HERE! GET TO CLASS! BUY SOME STUFF Recorded LIVE at The Paper Machete 09/13/25 at Chicago's Historic Green Mill Cocktail Lounge courtesy of WKQX (Q101.1...
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About this show
Chad the Bird continues to build a following around Chicagoland with his audio and video bits that have amassed 358K TikTok followers, 17k YouTube subscribers, and 69k Instagram followers. The Birdcast is locally charged comedy centered around iconic Chicago institutions as well as in the moment pop culture tie-ins.
Hosted by
Chad the Bird | Cumulus Chicago