South Side Pod

South Side Pod completes a full year and takes a look back at their favorite moment of 2021. Meanwhile the guys navigate the holiday insanity from malls to movies. Join us for a super-sized episode with guests, stories and news from Blue Island, Beverly, Palos, Evergreen Park, Alsip, Lemont, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Midlothian, Alsip, Crestwood, Burbank, Mount Greenwood, Oak Lawn, points in-betwe...

Looking for Santa? What about Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties? Maybe a free Holiday Concert? We have pretty much everything going on from now until Christmas on the South Side packed into "30 Minutes of Good!" Plus, try a local beer that feels like a wine & meet the founder and leader of the south side's own City Lights Orchestra. Brought to you proudly by  Elite Benefits of America . We have all y...

We here at South Side Pod have avoided the most controversial topic we could think of for long enough. It is time to wade into the debate over the Best Pizza on the South Side. We split into categories and throw out some solid nominations for the best pizzas you can eat. How did we do? Who did we miss? Listen as we visit several local locations as we likely upset a lot of people while talking abou...

We're visiting with Horse Thief Hollow in Beverly this episode to learn about a pioneer brewery that does things their way. From award-winning beers to local art sales to a daring new southern menu, they have a fresh and unique spot on the south side. There are also Christmas festivals from Palos Heights to Blue Island to Evergreen Park and beyond this weekend. We have all the details as we also n...

During the holiday season we try to remember those that may be struggling. Meet a south side group trying to make a difference in Blue Island and Robbins. Take a trip with us back to One Allegience Brewing in Chicago Ridge to taste a beer created in a crawlspace, and learn about their big Thanksgiving weekend barrel-aged releases. Local news, events, concerts and why it is better to purging your j...

The Stockyard Kilty Band is 100 years old, and there is no possible way you haven't seen them in person at some point in your life if you live on the South Side. Celebrate with them this weekend at their 100th Anniversary Tartan Ball. We also visit an excellent brewery in Flossmoor. Find out why dark beer fans will love the next month at Flossmoor Station Brewing Company. Local news, events, conce...

We visit Evil Horse Brewing Company at the most southern point of the Dixie Highway Brewery Trail to try out a hazy IPA and meet Vets On Horses. SSGT Donald Ibarra is a veteran of the US Marine Corps explains why he wants to leave no veteran behind. After a popular south side group brings a Challenge Coin to our bar, a local veteran brings his military Challenge Coins and some thoughts on Veteran'...

An attempt to wear cargo shorts year-round regardless of the weather leads to a trip to Orland Square Mall. John Brand from Open Outcry Brewing Company in the Beverly and Morgan Park area joins us to talk barrel-aged stouts, his favorite spots to hang on the South Side & what beer brewers drink most. (It will absolutely shock you!) We also take a trip to a local version of Comic-Con.  Brought to y...

It is hard to figure out where to find the best on the South Side. We have a plan that includes a declaration of several of the area's best things. We also have Halloween weekend events from Blue Island, Palos Hills, Evergreen Park, Chicago Ridge, Justice, Crestwood and more! And after Alec Baldwin inadvertently kills someone, you need Hollywood Insider Ben Belton on for the scoop and a look at th...

Spend an afternoon in Lemont with Pollyanna Brewing Company. Meet the brewer (Brian) and the financial wiz (Ryan) behind a south side brewery with three locations and a ton of awards in just seven years of existence. Jason Berry also pops in with a list of reasons you should check out Lemont this month. And we prepare for Touch-A-Truck & Treat with our friend Lauren Koszola from Palos Heights. You...

We catch up with John Brand and Open Outcry Brewing at Evergreen Park's Oktoberfest to talk about two seasonal offerings they were pouring. Stephen Nelson of MLB Network and NHL Network tells us about his new role with the Chicago Blackhawks. We find women of all ages doing double-dutch in a new local club you may want to check out. Plus, we tell so-called Chicagoan John Cusack to shut up and stay...

This week we break the Facebook algorithm because the South Side has too much going on to be wasting time online. Meet a first time Chicago Marathon runner who will drink craft beer with anyone who decides to train with him for an afternoon. Local musician Joe Rian returns for a second week to talk about the current local music scene and play us another awesome original song. We try a beer back by...

This week we travel to Blue Island and the Double Play Saloon to learn about this year's upcoming "Putts and Pints" event that combines mini-golf with a bar crawl for a great cause. We're also in Lemont for Pollyanna Brewing Company's Oktoberfest. Local musician Joe Rian plays a tune at our bar and tells us where his AM Drinkers will be this weekend. Plus, we talk with the folks from Freelance Und...

This episode kicks off with a rundown of different Oktoberfest events from Lemont to Blue Island to Evergreen Park. Then we talk with one of two south side moms who started a supply drive for homeless veterans. Later we visit with new management overseeing a local American Legion that will be having their first Car & Motorcycle Show before the month ends.  We have all of your local south side news...

We sit down with a Knights of Columbus chapter in their Mount Greenwood clubhouse to talk about an upcoming annual charity drive involving every chapter on the South Side. A big Rib Festival returns this year with great bands, great food and a little trash talk between competitors at our bar in this episode. Plus, you may have been singing a song wrong your whole life, and that's OK. We have all o...

Do you like beer? Do you like running? Would you run for beer? We talk with Kelly Devine Rickert, who is throwing an upcoming "Run To Pub" event including three south side breweries. Speaking of breweries, we travel to Open Outcry Brewing Company in the Beverly-Morgan Park area to sample an American version of a British brew style now on tap. Plus we speak with a veteran about a south side softbal...

The professionals and aspiring amateurs all gather at one south side location when it is time to toss some bags. We visit the cornhole capital that is Davern's Tavern in Justice. Meanwhile the guys get into a musical argument after one of them bashes the Foo Fighters. And can you just pick up a bike after years of not riding to go explore the south side? You betcha!  We have all of your local sout...

This week we learn about a quirky new South Side event that involves typewriters and (possibly) Tom Hanks. Chris takes a trip to Cork & Kerry At The Park for some fun with White Sox fans. Plus, a comedian priest has captured the imagination of some tiny fans. We've got local news, plus weekend live music and entertainment to tell you about from Blue Island to Lemont, Palos to Beverly. Join us! Rec...

'Tis the season to go to anything from a large summer concert festival to a local live music performance. The guys share stories, give solid advice and have some fun wondering if Limp Bizkit can be harmful to your health. Our friend Lauren Koszola from Palos Heights also has some free concert news, along with an event that will cover your kids in color. Plus, all the local weekend scoop the South...

A big south side carnival that was previously cancelled is suddenly happening all weekend long. We have festivals, carnivals, fireworks & free live music from Lemont to Blue Island to Evergreen Park and in-between! This week we get a carnival preview from a local priest. The guys also review a local light beer seemingly created for the summer by Pollyanna Brewing Company. Plus, Bill may have helpe...

We take a trip to Rabid Brewing in Homewood to explore possibly the most unique brewery you'll ever visit. Is it the art? Is it the vibe? Is it the way they make their beer? Plus, when a south sider tries to trick his wife, he ends up playing the fool. Recorded at a 9-foot homemade oak bar in a basement on the South Side of Chicago. Pull up a stool and have a drink with Chris, Bill, Mike, and a ca...

The tradition that is the Papa Hops 16" Softball Tournament is this weekend. Tommy and Liam Hopkins belly up to our bar to talk about the incredible event! Thirty-two teams will play for one title in a single evening to support South Side families battling cancer. Bill also unveils his new project while reviewing one of the area's best parks in Oak Lawn.  Recorded at a 9-foot homemade oak bar in a...

It's that magical time of the year when the South Side starts blowing things up! (And it normally lasts a full month, unfortunately.) We have some fun events and live music for you this weekend. We also take a trip back to Blue Island Beer Company for a new summer wheat ale and a second beer that may knock you on your butt. Plus, two different generations have similar issues learning to drive.  Re...

Chicago radio legend James VanOsdol loves South Side Pod so much he wants to press it to vinyl. Listen as he explains the concept behind Phonation and how you can launch this incredible project. Meanwhile we introduce him to the greatest pool on the south side, located in a Jewel parking lot in Alsip! Hear about a strong beer now available at a south side brewery, and get all of the latest local e...

The South Side is open and ready for business. Local villages have all kinds of big events for you to enjoy. We visit with representatives from Palos Heights and Tinley Park this week about concerts, parades, musical park benches and the Best Week Ever! Don't miss a thing. Listen to South Side Pod. Recorded at a 9-foot homemade oak bar in a basement on the South Side of Chicago. Pull up a stool an...