PODCAST · history
Oh, Malort!
by Solid Listen
Alyssa Dyksterhouse, Chicago tour guide, history lover and research extraordinaire, walks her friends through her favorite well-known and lesser-known moments in Chicago’s quirky past while exploring each story's parallels to current affairs.
Episodes
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The Fugatives who Partied with Ken Paxton: The Chicago Connection
Alyssa tels Vanessa all about these shady dudes who were recently shown in a videoringinf in the New Yea with Ken Paxton. Show Notes: Block Club Chicago: The Flashy Fugitives: Ex-Loretto Leader And Pal Accused Of Stealing Millions Are Living Large In DubaiChicago Sun-Times: Loretto Hospital's...
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Leo Burnett: The Warm Sell
Alyssa and Risen discuss her new kitty then Leo Burnett ad agency.Show Notes:LeoBurnett.ComCreative Hall of Fame: Leo BurnettWTTW: Ten Advertising Campaigns That Were Born in Chicago Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Tylenol Murders, Mike Madigan, and Samuel Insull Oh My: A Potpouri
Alyssa updates John on the news about The Tylenol Murders and Mike Madigan then tells him about the time Samuel Insull took over The Studebaker Theatre to appease his wife. Show Notes: News Nation: Tylenol murders linked to newly solved Idaho cyanide deathABC 7 Chicago: Cross-country cold case...
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The Front Page: A 1920's Broadway Genre
Alyssa is joined by David Baxter to discuss a play called "The Front Page" written by two reporters who covered Cook County Courts in the 1920's adding to the genre of crime reporter to Broadway Playwright. We discuss the real life inspirations. Show Notes:New York Times: CHICAGO SHERIFF FREED.;...
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"The Birth of the Pill" at Timeline Theatre
This episode is different. Alyssa is talks to Maren Robinson resident dramaturg at TimeLine Theatre Company about the Chicago connections to The Pill. Show Notes:TimeLine TheatreChicago Reader: The Birth of the Pill blends fact and fancyHistory Channel: FDA approves “the pill”Chicago Tribune: How...
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Jesse White: An Illinois Institution
Alyssa tells Vanessa from Reel Relationships about Illinois Institution beloved former Secretary of State Jesse White. Show Notes:Chicago Tribune: IT WAS WRIGLEY, NOT SOME GOAT, WHO CURSED CUBSJesse White Tumbling TeamChicago Tribune: Jesse WhiteNew York Times: Once Told to Move to the Back of…
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1910 Garment Strike: Girls get it Done
In honor of Labor Day, sitting in the epicenter of the labor movement Alyssa tells Pat Westmacott about the 1910 Garment Workers Strike and the long lasting implications it has in America. Show Notes: National Park Services: Women of the 1910 Chicago Garment Workers' Strike History: Labor Day…
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Hugh Hefner: Ethical Perv?
Alyssa and Molls discuss Chicago native Hugh Hefner: Show Notes: WTTW: The Making of Playboy A&E: Making of Playboy Roger Ebert: Hugh Hefner CST: https://chicago.suntimes.com/2017/9/28/18395092/from-the-ebert-archive-hefner-returns-to-haunts-of-chicago-childhood FBI: Hugh Hefner Part 01 (Final)...
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Felony Review: A Reading Session
Alyssa tells Morgan about a book with a major error. while playing Oh Malort! BingoShow Notes:WTTW: Chicago Man Acquitted of Murder-for-Hire Charge in Plot Allegedly Targeting Border Patrol Chief Greg BovinoFelony Review: Tales of True Crime and Corruption in ChicagoWTTW: Eileen O’Neill Burke is...
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Rewind: The Band Chicago: Roller Rink Music
Alyssa tells Matt Drufke from Still Not Friday Comedy about the band Chicago. We both learned a lot. Come for the subject and stay for the digressions. Support the show by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, telling all your friends and following on Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram.…
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Samuel Insull: Monopoly Man and Broadway Producer
Alyssa tells Vanessa from Reel Relationships about Samuel Insull. This episode ranges from monopolies to "Citizen Kane." Show Notes: Chicago Tribune: THE RISE AND FALL OF SAMUEL INSULL New York Times: THE INSULL UTILITY EMPIRE: ITS AMAZING RISE AND FALL; The Steps by Which the Chicago Magnate…
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The Picasso: It Revolutionized Public Art
We talk about "The Picasso" and public art. Show Notes:The Art Newspaper: From the archive | the story behind the ‘controversial’ Picasso sculpture that became a symbol of ChicagoChicago Public Library: 1967 August 15--Picasso Statue Unveiled In Civic Center PlazaSOMWTTW: A "Colossal Booboo": The...
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Tom Cullerton: Pensions, Pensions, Pensions
Alyssa tells Morgan about a disreputable Illinois politician. Come for the corruption and the Legionnaires' disease stay for the shocking reveal. Show Notes: Capitol News Illinois: Former Sen. Tom Cullerton pleads guilty to embezzlement Chicago Tribune: Former Teamsters boss John Coli Sr.…
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Rewind: The Eastland Disaster
Today marks the 121 aniverasry of the Eastland Disaster which was a maritime tragedy worse than the Titanic. SHOW NOTES: Coast Guard Smithsonian: The Eastland Disaster Killed More Passengers Than the Titanic and the Lusitania. Why Has It Been Forgotten? Curbed: Demolition of the former...
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REWIND: Some Lighter Fare: The Foods for Which Chicago is Known
Alyssa's wrist hurts and she needs to rest. She thought we could use some fun so she tells John Zinn about the history of Chicago's most famous foods and beverage. That's right we talk Hot Dogs, Pizza, Italian Beef, and Malort. Have Fun! Also, subscribe, leave a five-star review and tell your...
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August Becker: Days of Yore True Crime
Risen and I talk about true crime. Show Notes: Second City Sinners Murder by Gaslight: Becker Tells All New Yok Time: AUGUST BECKER FOUND GUILTY.; The Chicago Stock Yards Butcher to Die for Wife Murder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Chicago River Swim: Lake Michigan is a Better Option; OR Think of the Drowning Children
Alyssa tells John the history of swimming the Chicago River. Support the show by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, telling all your friends and following on Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram. Show Notes: Chicago Magazine: EPA Wants the Chicago River Clean Enough to Swim In WTTW: Chicago River...
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Janes: An Autonomous Name
We talk about an underground abortion community. Show Notes: The Story of Jane: The Legendary Underground Feminist Abortion Service HBO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Rewind: Obama Presidential Center
Given the Obama Presidential Center is now open I thought it would be fun to revisit the history. Subscribe, leave a five-star review, and tell all your friends. Socials:Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram SHOW NOTES: Politico: ‘It’s Been Hard Opposing Barack Obama’ WTTW: Are Appeals Court Judges Kicking...
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Rewind: The Time The Chicago Tribune Created a Gay Moral Panic
In this episode I tell Jeff Tischauser from Southern Poverty Law Center about the time the Chicago Tribune created a LGBTQA Moral Panic in the 1970's and how it is alive and well in 2024. Senate HearingNYT: Chicago Jury to Probe Pornography and Prostitution Involving BoysChicago Sun-Times: A Gay...
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Rewind: History of Gay Pride in Chicago
In this episode Alyssa is joined by David Baxter to discuss the history of Pride in Chicago. Show Notes: Chicago Magazine: A Brief History of Chicago’s Pride Parade WTTW: How Chicago’s Pride Parade Grew from a Small March to a Big Event Out & Proud in Chicago Windy City Times: From a March to a...
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Mirage Tavern: The Sun-Times did a Journalism
Morgan and I discuss the Mirage Tavane. Show notes: Time: Barroom Sting Chicago Sun-Times : Part 1 Chicago Sun-Times: 40 years later, reporters remember how they bought a bar to expose corruption The Newspaper that bought a Bar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Rewind: The DMB Incident
Happy Memorial Day which marks the beginning of boating season. So we decided to revisit this infamous event. Show Notes: Chicago Tribune: Band’s driver denies drenching boat Chicago Sun-Times: Tour boat hit with raw sewage // 2 large buses on bridge blamed for discharge that sent 5 to hospital...
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1972 Election Fraud: Signifying Nothing
Alyssa tells John about voter fraud in the 1972 Chicago Primary. Which you never heard about because it didn't matter but it does involve a Pulitzer. Also, Alyssa got a cat and sprained her wrist this week so the show notes are only the articles referenced in the episode. Show Notes: Chicago...
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The Riverwalk: Twists and Turns
Alyssa tells Hugh about visions for the Riverwalk. Socials: BlueSky, Instagram Show Notes: Chicago Sun-Times: Gondolas to give city a touch of Venice Chicago Reader: Do we really need the Great Chicago Fire Festival? HuffPo: Chicago Riverwalk Expansion: Rahm Emanuel Has Big Plans For River Walk...
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Jean Crones: Souper Anarchist
Alyssa tells Jack Gill from Hardy Focused about Jean Crones an anarchist who tried to kill then ArchBishop Mundelein. Socials:Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram Show Notes: Mundelein High School:Musical Works Premiered at MHS Chosen for Publication Chicago Tribune: Chum of cook soup suspect, held by...
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Rewind: Haymarket: Things Ryhme
In honor of of May Day being the 3rd Aniversary of Oh Malort I am rereleasing this episode about the Haymarket Affair where Molly McAleer and I talk about the origin of the 8-hour work day. Socials:Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram Show Notes:Illinois Labor History Society: The Haymarket...
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The Merle Reskin Theatre: Much Ado About Nothing
Alyssa and David muster all their theatre kid energy to talk about The Merle Reskin Theatre which was a hot topic in the news a few weeks ago and inspired silly outrage. Support the show by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, telling all your friends and following on Twitter, BlueSky,...
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Ruth Hanna McCormick Part Two: History Rhymes
In this episode Alyssa and VanderRob finish their conversation about the absolutely fascinating life of heiress, suffragette, and politician. Ruth Hanna McCormick. Support the show by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, telling all your friends and following on Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram....
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Ruth Hanna McCorkmick Part One: A Suffragette
In this episode Alyssa tells VanderRob about the absolutely fascinating life of heiress, suffragette, and politician. Ruth Hanna McCormick. Please note this is a two parter. Support the show by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, telling all your friends and following on Twitter, BlueSky,...
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Italo Balbo: Chicago's Fascist Fever Dream
In this episode Alyssa tells Risen about Italo Balbo and the time Chicago had a fascist fever dream. Support the show by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, telling all your friends and following on Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram. Show Notes: Chicago Reader: Street honoring fascist Balbo to...
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Lois Weisberg: She Curated Chicago
Alyssa tells Vanessa from Reel Relationships about "den mother of the arts" Lois Weisberg. Support the show by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, telling all your friends and following on Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram. Show Notes: TimeOut: Life after Lois | Lois Weisberg New York Times: Lois...
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George Ryan Part Two: Forrest Gump of Illinois
Alyssa continues telling Morgan about the complicated history of disgraced former Illinois Governor George Ryan. This story is messy but also involves a lot of cameos by unexpected people. Support the show by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, telling all your friends and following on...
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George Ryan Part One: He Walked so Blago could Run!
Alyssa tells Morgan about the complicated history of disgraced former Illinois Governor George Ryan. This story is messy but also involves a lot of cameos by unexpected people. Support the show by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, telling all your friends and following on Twitter, BlueSky,...
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REWIND: St. Patrick's Day in Chicago: Epicenter of Nonsense
As we get ready to paint Chicago Green, Alyssa is joined by Risen to tell her the history of St. Patrick' Day celebrations in Chicago. Subscribe, leave a five-star review, and tell all your friends. Socials:Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram Show Notes: WTTW: Labor of Love: A St. Patrick’s Day Special...
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1960 Election Fraud: Hanky Panky Happened
Did Daley steal the 1960 election for JFK? Or was it the Mob? Did dead people vote? Alyssa and John sort through fact and fiction regarding allegations of voter fraud. Support the show by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, telling all your friends and following on Twitter, BlueSky…
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The Band Chicago: Roller Rink Music
Alyssa tells Matt Drufke from Still Not Friday Comedy about the band Chicago. We both learned a lot. Come for the subject and stay for the digressions. Support the show by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, telling all your friends and following on Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram. Show Notes:...
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Dibs: Take Care of your Neighbors
In this episode, Alyssa tells Risen about a Chicago Tradition known as Dibs. Support the show by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, telling all your friends and following on Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram. Show Notes: Chicago Tribune: Let’s make a federal case out of dibs Block Club Chicago…
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John Kass: Indiana Blogger
In this episode Alyssa tells Vanessa from Reel Relationships about an Indiana Blogger named John Kass. Support the show by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, telling all your friends and following on Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram. Show Notes: Chicago Reader: Be Like Mike Neil Steinberg's…
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Weather Underground: All Theatre
Alyssa tells Hugh about the Weather Underground. Support the show by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, telling all your friends and following on Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram. Show Notes: Time: Protest: The Disruptive Dozen Chicago Tribune: DAYS OF RAGE NOW MORE LIKE A CONVULSION…
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The Parking Meter Deal: Chicago Math
Some people know exactly what the “parking meter deal” refers to but for others this might be a new idea. Alyssa breaks down the timeline of events which has been dubbed “a lesson in worse practices.” That is an understatement. Come for the mismanagment stay for the irony. Support the show by...
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Summerdale Scandal: The Babbilng Burglar
In this episode, Alyssa is joined by John Zinn to discuss what some call the biggest scandal in Chicago Police Department history. We end fanaticizing about the story getting the Ryan Murphy treatment. Support the show by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, telling all your friends and...
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Mr. Springer Goes to City Hall: Politcal Theatre
In 1999, under pressure from an activist priest, the City of Chicago Police and Fire Committee invited talk show host Jerry Springer to a hearing regarding violence on his show. Spoiler, it didn’t go well for Burke and the gang. Come for the government inefficiency stay for the schadenfreude....
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Van der Rohe V Farnsworth: Petty
Morgan joins Alyssa to talk about Van der Rohe V Fansworth which is case of contract law. Show Notes: Chicago Magazine: Remembering the Farnsworth House Feud WTTW: Mies van der Rohe Architectural Record: A Second Look at Edith Farnsworth and Her Mies van der Rohe–Designed Retreat Architect...
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What is happening at The Kennedy Center?
To celebrate NYE, Alyssa and John combined their knowledge of performing arts venue management and recorded an impromptu episode to discuss the dumpster fire that is the Kennedy Center. These people are incompetent and seemingly hate the arts. Grenell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
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Y2K: Fear and Grifting in Chicago
In this episode Alyssa tells Risen about Y2K Chicago Style. This episode takes some surprising twists and turns and 2025 makes more sense. Support the show by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, telling all your friends and following on Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram. Show Notes: Chicago…
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Johann Hoch: Bigamist and Murderer
Alyssa and Molly McAleer from Mother May I Sleep with Podcast travel back to the late 1890's/ early 1900's to discuss Chicago's Bluebeard Johann Hoch, a bigamist and murder whose crimes would be too much for a Lifetime Movie plot. Show Notes: Second City Sinners New York Times: JOHANN HOCH…
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Sixteen Inch Softball: The Malort of Sports
Alyssa and Matt Drufke from the comedy show Still Not Friday talk about 16 inch softball. Show Notes: ABC-7: 'Chicago's game': 16-inch softball, created on Near South Side, celebrates 135th anniversary Encyclopedia of Chicago:Softball, 16-Inch Loop North News: The Home Front Chicago History…
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The First Street Race: NASCAR was the Sequel
I am joined by Vanessa from Reel Relationships to talk about the first Motocycle (automobile) race in America which took place in Chicago. Show Notes: Smithsonian: Six Cars Raced to the Finish Line of the U.S.’s First Automobile Race—at Speeds of Seven Miles Per Hour SI: Days of Blunder: The…
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REWIND - The Christmas Tree Ship: A Forest on the Water
Alyssa and Captain Scoot from the maritime podcast ShipWrekt go back to the early 1900’s when schooners lined the main branch of the Chicago River selling Christmas trees and boating fatalities were the norm. Show Notes: National Archives: The Christmas Tree Ship ABC 7: US Coast Guard...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Alyssa Dyksterhouse, Chicago tour guide, history lover and research extraordinaire, walks her friends through her favorite well-known and lesser-known moments in Chicago’s quirky past while exploring each story's parallels to current affairs.
HOSTED BY
Solid Listen
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Oh, Malort! have?
Oh, Malort! currently has 194 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Oh, Malort! about?
Alyssa Dyksterhouse, Chicago tour guide, history lover and research extraordinaire, walks her friends through her favorite well-known and lesser-known moments in Chicago’s quirky past while exploring each story's parallels to current affairs.
How often does Oh, Malort! release new episodes?
Oh, Malort! publishes regularly with 194 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Oh, Malort!?
You can listen to Oh, Malort! on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Oh, Malort!?
Oh, Malort! is created and hosted by Solid Listen.
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