In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons

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In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons is a news podcast hosted by WBEZ Chicago, with 1,000 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.

WBEZ Chicago hosts In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons, a news show with 1,000 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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  In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons

  WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: August 28, 2026

  Aug 28, 202648 min

  Chicago home prices rose faster than any other U.S. city in the past year. Immigration agents are involved in a highway crash, while the Mayor issues any executive order targeting city contractors doing business with ICE. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap. GUESTS: Carrie Shepherd, Axios Chicago reporter Alex Nitkin, Illinois Answers Project government finance and accountability reporter Sarah Karp, WBEZ senior education reporter For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop .

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  In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons

  Ask The Mayor: August 2026

  Aug 27, 202640 min

  Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is once again in the hot seat, answering our questions – and yours – during our monthly public forum “Ask The Mayor.” For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop .

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  In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons

  Remembering Dolly Parton

  Aug 26, 202618 min

  We honor the late country music icon, Dolly Parton. The family of the acclaimed singer announced her death at 80 years old yesterday. In an interview with People on Friday, August 21, Parton said, “I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’! You know me — as I’ve often said — I’ve dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I’m gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life.” In the Loop ’s discusses the legacy and impact of Dolly Parton. Plus, Indiana residents may be getting federal assistance for weather damage and a first look at the 62nd Chicago International Film Festival. GUESTS: Somer Van Benton, WBEZ reporter Clare Lane, WBEZ Morning Edition anchor Erica Thompson, Chicago Sun-Times arts and entertainment reporter For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop .

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  In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons

  Why Is The WNBA Being Politicized?

  Aug 26, 202620 min

  Tensions over race and gender have manifested in former NBA players disrupting games and Republican lawmakers sending a letter to the WNBA’s commissioner demanding "accountability." In the Loop discusses the politicization of the WNBA and why it’s become a flashpoint for culture wars. GUESTS: Cheryl Raye-Stout, WBEZ sports contributor Quita Wiggins, host Quita in the Mornings on YouTube For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop .

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  In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons

  Giving Black Men Their Flowers

  Aug 26, 202630 min

  Robert Washington-Vaughns started the Black Men Flower Project in 2021 after delivering flowers to his friends as a token of his appreciation for them. Since then the award winning non-profit has sent more than 2,500 bouquets to Black men across the country in an effort to promote healing and connection. In the Loop sits down with one of the people behind the love to talk about challenging stereotypes of Black masculinity through beauty and self care. GUESTS: John Caleb Pendleton, vice-chair and lead Chicago florist, The Black Men Flower Project; founder of Planks and Pistils For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop .

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