The 78

In this live podcast, Tom Barnas introduces his platform 'Stories from the 78', which focuses on the diverse neighborhoods of Chicago and shares unique stories from his travels. He discusses the significance of the 78 neighborhoods, his recent trip to Massachusetts, and highlights various local events and interviews with interesting personalities. Tom emphasizes the importance of storytelling and...

In this episode of Stories from the 78, Tom Barnas shares his experiences and insights from Chicago, focusing on local culture, food, and community. He discusses the impact of the pandemic on the restaurant scene, highlights the vibrant neighborhood of Beverly, and features an interview with the band Shepard. Tom also reflects on community service during the 9/11 remembrance, explores the beauty o...

In this episode, Tom shares his experiences and recommendations for summer events in Chicago, including the Rooftop Cinema Club and local festivals. He discusses innovations in football training with the introduction of a robotic quarterback, highlights the charm of Lakeview and its festivals, and reviews hidden gems like Meggy Moo's Dairy Ripple and the upscale Ever restaurant, known for its...

In this episode, Tom Barnas shares various stories and experiences, including an interview with Ruben Taylor, a man with a fascinating family history connected to the Wright Brothers. He also discusses a book called 'I Didn't Believe Him' by Dr. Daria, which explores the struggles of parents with children who need extra help in school. Tom also highlights the House of Gluns, a Chicago...

In this podcast episode, Tom Barnas talks about his recent trip to Detroit, and his experience at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, and highlights some interesting stories and places in the city. He discusses Chess Records, a historic blues music recording studio, two new cafes in his neighborhood, the Chicago Alternative Comic Expo (CAKE), and the passing of Chicago writer and profes...

Tom Barnas shares his love for Detroit and his experiences visiting the city. He discusses the story he did on Rodriguez and the impact of the documentary 'Searching for Sugar Man'. He also talks about the Detroit Foundation Hotel and its historical significance as the old headquarters of the Detroit Fire Department. Tom explores the revitalization of Detroit, including the Michigan Centra...

In this podcast episode, Tom Barnas discusses various topics including the new 1901 project at the United Center, the dumping of human waste by Dave Matthews Band, the opening of Seoul Taco in Lakeview, Thomas Ian Nicholas' music career, Titan Walls mural festival, and the Blue Moon Tarot and sound bath event at the Gwen Hotel. He also mentions his upcoming stories about Detroit.

In this episode of the Stories from the 78 podcast, Tom Barnas discusses various topics including a restaurant and winery in Fenville, Michigan, called Cranes Pie Pantry, the 25th anniversary of 115 Bourbon Street in Chicago, a burlesque show at the Emily Hotel in the West Loop, hidden gems in Chicago, and a hydroponic farming solution for food insecurity. He also shares his thoughts on Detroit an...

This week's podcast episode covers various topics including the Windy City Smokeout festival, Robert's Pizza, the movie The Exorcist, the Blues Brothers, and two festivals in Chicago: Roscoe Village Burger Fest and Taste of River North. The episode also features a discussion about a local shop called the Happy Hour Shop. Overall, the episode highlights the vibrant food and cultural scene i...

In this conversation, Tom Barnas discusses various topics including music, food, sports, and Chicago landmarks. He talks about his experiences at Windy City Smokeout, a country music festival, and his visit to Paisley Park, the home and studio of Prince. He also shares his thoughts on the book 'Last Comiskey' which explores the history of Comiskey Park, the former home of the Chicago White...

Tom Barnas shares his experiences and stories from his travels around Chicago and beyond. He talks about his visit to Galena, Illinois, home of the Field of Dreams movie location, and the Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa. He also mentions the cozy Duck Inn in Bridgeport and the Illuminarium at Navy Pier. Tom reflects on the importance of war memorials and the significance of freedom on the 4th of July....

In this podcast episode, Tom Barnas discusses various topics related to Chicago, including the history of Superdawg, the origin of the Italian beef sandwich, the story of Judy Garland's ruby slippers, the challenges faced by small businesses like Heritage Bikes and Coffee, and the unique performance style of the band Future Islands.

In this podcast episode, Tom Barnas talks about various stories and places in Chicago. He mentions the Punchbowl Social in the West Loop, Lake Geneva and the mailboat jumpers, the Electric Funeral Bar in Bridgeport, Local Goods Chicago, the Hardcore Hearse Club, and his experience organizing block parties at WGN and CBS. Tom emphasizes the uniqueness and positive aspects of Chicago and encourages...

This podcast episode covers several stories from Chicago, including the 48th anniversary of The Alley, a jewelry business turned punk store. It also discusses Kuma's Corner, a unique burger joint known for its heavy metal theme, and the Winnetka Music Festival, started by Val Heller of ValsList.com. The episode concludes with a mention of the Summer Camp Sketch Comedy Show and the I Am a Man m...

In this podcast episode, Tom Barnas talks about various experiences he had in and around Chicago. He mentions visiting a retro cocktail bar called Common Decency, posting a story about the origins of Memorial Day, exploring Omaha, Nebraska, and discovering the history of balloon bombs during World War II. He also discusses a book called 'Made in Chicago' that highlights the origins of popu...

In this podcast episode, Tom Barnas interviews two amazing women: Amy Bazzari, author of 'The Best Hits on the Blues Highway,' and Cindy Fee, the voice behind the Golden Girls theme song. Tom also discusses the history of Chess Records and its influence on the Rolling Stones. He covers other topics such as the Bluey exhibit, summer festivals in Chicago, and the reopening of Castaways resta...

In this podcast episode, Tom Barnes discusses various topics including Amy Bazzari's book about the Blues Highway, Lottie's Pub in Bucktown, and his recent experiences in Naperville at Go Brewing and Cocoa Beach Pier. He also highlights the artwork of Jim Bachor and the art of tufting at Pop Craft Studios in Uptown. Tom emphasizes the importance of celebrating local gems like Lottie's...

This podcast episode covers various topics, including a visit to the Chicago Magic Lounge, an interview with chef Brian Enyart, a tour of the Ferrara Candy Company, and a discussion about the history of 97.9 The Loop radio station. The episode also mentions the Roseland Community Hospital and a bronze statue of the Fonz in Milwaukee.

This week, delve into the captivating journey of Peter Jesperson and his remarkable 50 years in the music industry. Discover the eclectic wonders of Strange Cargo in Andersonville, immerse yourself in the vibrant universe of C2E2, embrace the spooky spirit of Halfway to Halloween, and uncover the hidden gems of The Getaway in Lincoln Square. Join us for an extraordinary peek behind the curtain in...

Explore the vibrant tapestry of Chicago's South Side with ventures to Beverly Records, where vinyl dreams come alive. Dive into the secret corridors of 007 at the Museum of Industry, where history whispers in every exhibit. Experience the sweet aroma and cultural richness of the Largest Filipino Bakehouse in the US, where tradition meets innovation. And step into the glamorous world of beauty...

This week, The 78 invites you to delve behind the scenes as we uncover captivating stories featuring luminaries like Rick Bayless, the legendary Sammy Sosa of the Cubs, insightful discussions with Scott Bonn on our fascination with serial killers, a glimpse into the rigorous training to become a Chicago lifeguard, and a luxurious tour of the presidential suite at the esteemed St. Regis Hotel.

Join us as we delve deep into the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Chicago on the day of the eclipse, where the city's pulse beats with excitement and anticipation. Amidst the hustle and bustle, we uncover a captivating tale of Cubs opening day and the colorful characters our protagonists encounter along the way. Tune in to this special edition of The 78 for this story and more as we explore the...

Tom Barnas is the host and creator of Stories From The 78. Barnas lives and breathes Chicago. Being part of the Chicago media landscape for over 20 years. Getting his feet wet in Chicago morning radio and eventually making the transition to television at WGN TV by way of WGN Radio 720, he has been a successful storyteller in the Chicago media community. This latest venture, Stories From The 78 is...