Chicago Traffic Sucks, But This Playlist Doesn't

Thanksgiving travel is a beast. Throw in some possible snow and a record-setting number of travelers, and your holiday commute might get more gnarly. We’ve queued up our favorite City Cast Chicago podcast episodes to distract you.

Most Likely to Make You Hungry: Harold’s, Uncle Remus

Let’s face it: Turkey at Thanksgiving can be dry. Go on a side quest for fried chicken and mild sauce at the rival South and West side restaurants.

Best for Tourists: Visitor Guide

If you’ve got out-of-town guests coming to Chicago, send this episode to help them orient themselves in the city. We go over what to eat, how to get around, and big city etiquette.

Best for Gamers: 1-Star Reviews

Been stuck behind the wheel for a few hours and need to stay awake? Consider playing along to a game where we try to guess popular tourist destinations in Chicago based on bad reviews. (And if you are a fan, we have a special holiday edition of this game coming out soon!)

Best if You’re Headed to the Airport: Pickup Tips

Picking up your loved ones from O’Hare or Midway? Try and get in the cell phone lot. If the airport is really gridlocked, tell your visitors to get on the Blue or Orange Lines, and meet them at a nearby stop instead.

Best for Giving Back: Mutual Aid

Sometimes when you’re stuck in a car or on a plane, you have a lot of time to think. Learn about mutual aid groups you can join that are already helping communities in Chicago.

Best for Staying in a Bad Mood: Parking Meter Deal

Finally get to the end of a long drive into the city and can’t find a parking spot? The city privatized its parking meters in 2008 for $1 billion, a move many experts have called a Really Bad Deal™.

Best Laugh: Poochie & Pang

We have a lot of funny guests on the show, but The Wiener’s Circle Poochie made me laugh out loud when she gave food writer Kevin Pang a hard time about how he’s always plugging the suburbs. The two have a new TV show where they search for the best burgers in Chicagoland.

Most Likely to Make You Sing: Andrew David

My heart feels so full when I hear the Chicago street performer sing.

Most Likely to Teach You Something New: Pension Crisis

Why are the city’s four major pensions severely underfunded?

Best Deep Dives: Cabrini–Green Parts 1, 2

In the ‘90s, the city started to tear down the Near North Side public housing complex and promised residents new homes. That didn’t happen.