DIBS presented by Chicago History

The DIBS podcast, presented by @chicago_history is a podcast where we dive into the heart and soul of the Windy City. From the towering skyscrapers of the Loop to the deep-dish pizza debates, from Wrigley Field’s ivy-covered walls to the electric legacy of Michael Jordan, Chicago isn’t just a place—it’s a story.Whether it’s entrepreneurs changing the game, artists shaping culture, or community leaders making waves. Each episode explores the stories that make Chicago the vibrant, gritty, and extraordinary place we all love. DIBS is presented by @chicago-history.

DIBS presented by Chicago History is a society podcast hosted by Mallory Waxman & Nick Sarantos, with 33 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Mallory Waxman & Nick Sarantos hosts DIBS presented by Chicago History, a society show with 33 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #32

  32. Adam Pearce: From Waukegan to WWE Monday Night Raw

  Jul 16, 202634 minS1

  We sit down with Adam Pearce, WWE's General Manager of Monday Night Raw and a five-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Before becoming one of the most recognizable faces on WWE television, Adam spent decades grinding on the independent wrestling circuit, refusing to give up on the career he believed was possible. Growing up in Waukegan, Adam dreamed of playing college football until a devastating injury changed the course of his life. That unexpected setback led him to professional wrestling, where perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering belief in himself ultimately brought him to the biggest stage in sports entertainment. We also dive into his deep Chicago roots—from growing up in Lake County and cheering on the Cubs (while somehow remaining a Packers fan), to why Chicago wrestling fans are unlike any other, his favorite neighborhood, pizza spot, and what it means every time WWE returns to the city he still proudly calls home. Whether you're a lifelong wrestling fan or have never watched a match, this conversation is about far more than wrestling. It's about chasing your dreams, embracing unexpected paths, and never giving up on what's possible. In this episode, we discuss: How a football injury unexpectedly led Adam to professional wrestling Spending nearly two decades on the independent wrestling circuit before joining WWE The importance of resilience, patience, and trusting the process Behind-the-scenes stories from WWE and working with today's biggest superstars Why Chicago remains one of wrestling's greatest cities His favorite Chicago neighborhood, pizza spot, and sports memories Balancing life on the road with family and fatherhood Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary. Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

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  Episode #31

  31. Gary Cole on Steppenwolf, Office Space & Coming Home to Chicago

  Jul 2, 202631 minS1

  From Office Space and Talladega Nights to The West Wing , NCIS , and more than 200 film and television credits, Gary Cole has built one of the most recognizable careers in Hollywood. But before the iconic roles, there was Chicago. Gary joins us while back in Chicago, performing in Steppenwolf Theatre Company's production of Catch as Catch Can, marking his long-awaited return to the Steppenwolf stage. As one of the theater's original ensemble members, Gary reflects on Steppenwolf's beginnings in a church basement in Highland Park, the friendships that shaped his career, and why Chicago has always remained home. We also dive into his legendary career on screen, the differences between theater, film, and voice acting, the surprising legacy of Office Space , and why mentorship remains one of the most meaningful parts of his career. Whether you've known him as Bill Lumbergh, Alden Parker, Mike Brady, or one of his countless other unforgettable characters, this conversation offers a rare look behind the scenes of an actor whose work has become part of pop culture history. In this episode, we discuss: Gary's childhood growing up in the Chicago suburbs The early days of Steppenwolf Theatre and its remarkable evolution Returning to the stage for Catch as Catch Can Why is this production one of the most challenging of his career The differences between theater, television, film, and voice acting Behind-the-scenes stories from Office Space and its enduring legacy Building a career that spans more than four decades The importance of mentorship and supporting the next generation of actors What Chicago continues to mean to him after all these years Tickets and show information for Catch as Catch Can can be found here Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary. Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

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  Episode #30

  30. R.J. Melman on Family, Food, and How Lettuce Entertain You Helped Shape Chicago's Food Scene

  Jun 11, 202644 minS1

  We got dibs on one of Chicago's most iconic restaurant empires with RJ Melman, President of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants. RJ takes us behind the scenes of the family business that helped shape Chicago into one of the world's greatest food cities. From the opening of R.J. Grunts in 1971 to beloved concepts like Wildfire, RPM, Beatrix, Aba, Sushi-san, Joe's, and dozens more, Lettuce Entertain You has spent more than five decades creating restaurants that have become part of Chicago's culture and traditions. In this episode, we discuss: How Richard Melman and Jerry Orzoff built Lettuce Entertain You from a single restaurant into a nationally recognized hospitality group The surprising ways new restaurant concepts are created, often beginning with a single dish or culinary idea How research trips around the world help inspire new restaurants and menus The challenges and rewards of working alongside siblings in a multigenerational family business Why company culture and employee experience have remained central to Lettuce's success The origins and evolution of the Lettuce Frequent Diner Club and why it has such a loyal following How Lettuce approaches community involvement and philanthropy across Chicago and beyond The story behind the hidden red shoes found in many Lettuce restaurants The debate over Chicago's best chopped salad and RJ's favorite Lettuce dining experiences What makes Chicago one of the greatest restaurant cities in America RJ also shares stories about growing up in the restaurant business, launching his first concepts alongside his siblings, balancing family and leadership, and why Chicago remains the heart of everything Lettuce Entertain You does. Along the way, we discuss loyalty programs, restaurant trends, family traditions, and the impact Lettuce has had on generations of Chicagoans. Lettuce Entertain You Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and comment; it helps us continue to bring you the voices behind the institutions, people, and places that make Chicago extraordinary. Connect with the hosts of DIBS on Instagram, Nick Sarantos and Mallory Waxman

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #29

  29. From Chicago Stages to Steppenwolf: Paloma Nozicka’s Creative Journey

  May 20, 202639 minS1

  <p>Paloma Nozicka is an acclaimed Chicago-based playwright, actor, filmmaker, and storyteller whose work explores identity, ambition, fear, and the complexities of human connection. In this episode, Paloma shares an honest conversation about creativity, artistic risk, and what it means to build a life and career rooted in the spirit of Chicago. From growing up between Glenview and the South Side to performing on the stages of Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Goodman Theatre, Paloma shares how journalism, improv, and horror storytelling shaped her voice as a writer and performer.</p><p>The conversation dives deep into her newest play, Both...

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  Episode #28

  28. Joshua Harris and the Vision Behind the Obama Presidential Center

  May 13, 202640 minS1

  <p>We got dibs on the future of Chicago’s cultural landscape with Joshua Harris, Vice President of Public Engagement at the Obama Foundation.</p><p>Joshua takes us inside the vision behind the highly anticipated Obama Presidential Center opening this June in Jackson Park. More than a presidential library, the 20-acre campus is designed as a living civic hub focused on community, leadership, culture, wellness, and opportunity for Chicagoans and visitors from around the world.</p><p>In this episode, we discuss:</p>Why President and Mrs. Obama chose Chicago’s South Side for the centerThe mission of the Obam...

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