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PODCAST

Oh, Malort!

Alyssa Dyksterhouse, Chicago tour guide, history lover and research extraordinaire, walks her friends through her favorite well-known and lesser-known moments in Chicago’s quirky past while exploring each story"s parallels to current affairs.

history places & travel

All Episodes

64:10

Zion, Illinois: *Almost* Paradise

Oh, Malort! ·

2025/03/31

After they reminisce about workplace email hijinks, Alyssa gives John an update on the Mike Madigan trial, the closing of the Hard Rock Cafe, and the takeover of the Kennedy Center then they take a trip to Zion, Illinois which was founded as a theocracy. Subscribe, leave a five-star review, and tell all your friends. Socials: Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram Show Notes: AP: The Earth is Flat Cracked: 1920s Illinois Lived In Fear Of The Priest-King Of The Flat Earth New York Times: SURE EARTH IS

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60:54

Oak Park Nazi: Everyone thought they were Right.

Oh, Malort! ·

2025/03/24

Alyssa tells Pat all about the time Oak Park, a Chicago suburb, was torn apart after discovering an ACTUAL Nazi was a part of their community. Subscribe, leave a five-star review, and tell all your friends. Socials: Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram Check out Other Episodes: It's Okay to Punch a Nazi Fascism Frenzy KKK in Chikago: It's a Okay to Dox a Racist Show Notes: Chicago Magazine: The Nazi of Oak Park Chicago Magazine: The Nazi Hunter Chicago Tribune: REMEMBERING NAZI CAMPS Chicago Tribune:

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63:55

St. Patrick's Day in Chicago: Epicenter of Nonsense

Oh, Malort! ·

2025/03/17

Alyssa is joined by Risen to tell her the history of St. Patrick' Day celebrations in Chicago. Socials: Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram Show Notes: WTTW: Labor of Love: A St. Patrick’s Day Special Chicago Tribune: Vintage Chicago Tribune: The city’s St. Patrick’s Day traditions Smithsonian: The Origins of Chicago’s Green River, Shamrock Shakes and Other Surprising Trivia About St. Patrick’s Day TimeOut: 10 things you might not have known about St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago Chicago Tribune: Politics

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67:54

Daylight Saving Time: Dante's Third Ring

Oh, Malort! ·

2025/03/10

Alyssa tells Vannesa from Reel Relationships about Chicago's crazy and chaotic relationship with Daylight Saving Time. We also dispel a few widely believed myths on the subject. SHOW NOTES: Country Living: The History of Daylight Saving Time—and 11 Weird Facts to Know About It The History Channel: 8 Things You May Not Know About Daylight Saving Time Washington Post: Why people hated permanent daylight saving time when the U.S. last tried it Chicago Tribune: Daylight saving time 2023: Why it

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105:23

Fascism Frenzy

Oh, Malort! ·

2025/03/03

In this episode, Alyssa and Scoot talk about how fascism became a bit of a fad in the 1930's. Show Notes: WTTW: The American Nazi-Sympathizing Group That Drew Tens of Thousands of Members Before World War II WTTW: Fascism in Chicago Chicago Reader: In 1939 Nazis rallied in Chicago to make Germany great again NYU: Home-Grown Nazis- John C. Metcalfe and James J. Metcalfe - Chicago Daily Times Time: CONGRESS: Hitler’s Shadow Chicago Sun-Times: Fighting fascism is in our bones Bund Camp opens Time:

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77:24

Jussie Smollett: The Never Ending Story

Oh, Malort! ·

2025/02/24

Alyssa tells Molly McAleer about the STILL ONGOING Jussie Smollett saga. Show Notes: Northwestern: Breaking Down Kim Foxx’s Win in the 2020 Primary Ballotpedia: Kim Foxx WTTW: Former Top Cop Was Drunk When Officers Allowed Him to Drive Home: Watchdog Chicago Tribune: Ex-FOP leader, suspecting politics at play, gets 3-year suspension from Chicago police union for use of camera in rival’s office WTTW: Federal Judge Refuses to Toss Out Chicago's Lawsuit ... Fox Nation: After the Hoax Axelrod

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57:59

Madigan Trial Updates: And Scene

Oh, Malort! ·

2025/02/17

This week Alyssa dropped everything to tell John all about the verdict and the subsequent reactions. It truly is Shakespearean. We also have some hot takes on opportunities for Blago. SHOW NOTE: Chicago Tribune: ‘Wow, we were part of something really big’: Madigan jurors on how they reached their verdict WTTW: Michael Madigan Found Guilty of Bribery Conspiracy, Other Charges as Jury Deadlocked on Racketeering DOJ: Former Illinois Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan Convicted on Federal

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51:07

Madigan Trial Updates: Arts and Crafts

Oh, Malort! ·

2025/02/10

In this informal episode, Alyssa updates John on the Madigan trial. We also talk about Burke, Blago, and Trump's vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture.SHOW NOTES: Chicago Tribune: A disappearing witness, an odd choice of hold music and the Fighting Irish: 5 strange things you might not know about the Madigan trial Chicago Sun-Times: USA v. Michael Madigan Chicago Tribune: On 8th day of deliberations, Madigan jury gets deep in the legal weeds but returns no verdict ABC 7: Madigan Trial Live

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80:03

Fred Walcher and Dr. Emil Bronner: History Rhymes.

Oh, Malort! ·

2025/02/03

In this episode Alyssa tells Ben Panko about a guy found crucified in Chicago which led her into the crazy story about a guy named Dr. Emil Bronner. It is a wild ride. San Diego Reader: Dr. Bronner invented the peppermint oil soap for soiled diapers Emanuel Bronner Label Dr. Bronner's Magic Soapbox Digital Research Library of Illinois History: The Shocking Story of Chicago's first and only Crucifixion. CaseText: City of Chicago v. Walcher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

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98:52

Fred Hampton Trial Part Two: A Saga

Oh, Malort! ·

2025/01/27

Alyssa tells Morgan all about the Fred Hampton Trial. Show Notes: History Channel: The 1969 Raid That Killed Black Panther Leader Fred Hampton Biography: Fred Hampton Chicago Tribune: In 1969, charismatic Black Panthers leader Fred Hampton was killed in a hail of gunfire. 50 years later, the fight against police brutality continue Southside Weekly: Fifty Years of Fred Hampton’s Rainbow Coalition Chicago Reader: The Neutralization of Fred Hampton BuzzFeed: You Can't Kill A Revolution: The FBI's

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81:14

Fred Hampton Trial Part One: Weaponization of Government

Oh, Malort! ·

2025/01/27

Alyssa tell Morgan Stringer about the legal aftermath of the Fred Hampton murder Show Notes: History Channel: The 1969 Raid That Killed Black Panther Leader Fred Hampton Biography: Fred Hampton Chicago Tribune: In 1969, charismatic Black Panthers leader Fred Hampton was killed in a hail of gunfire. 50 years later, the fight against police brutality continue Southside Weekly: Fifty Years of Fred Hampton’s Rainbow Coalition Chicago Reader: The Neutralization of Fred Hampton BuzzFeed: You Can't Kill

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104:47

History of Improv: It's a Chicago Thing

Oh, Malort! ·

2025/01/20

In this episode Alyssa tells Hugh Yemen about Second City and its lasting impact on improv. SHOW NOTES: Chicago Tribune: More improvised exits at Second City in management shake-up Playbill: Hate Speech in the Audience Causes Chicago Cast Member to Call It Quits League of Chicago Theatres U of News: Improv Explained Chicago Tribune: When Abbie Hoffman took the Second City stage during Chicago Seven trial Chicago Tribune: Discontent all around at Second City in ‘The Winner … of Our

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67:19

Madigan Testifies: Act Five Plot Twist

Oh, Malort! ·

2025/01/13

Anyone who watched Law and Order know it isn't a good idea to let a defendant take the stand; yet, that happened last week in the never-ending Mike Madigan corruption trial. Alyssa texted John and told him to ignore all media so they can discuss it. She also explains the history of the recurring character of "The Old Post Office." We learn more about his upbringing and Lisa's dad. Show Notes: Niagara Foundation Chicago Sun-Times: Madigan’s testimony changes ‘rules of the game,’ and jurors may

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72:46

History of Improv: Viola Spolin

Oh, Malort! ·

2025/01/06

Alyssa is joined by Hugh Yemon to discuss the history of Improv and Theatre Games.SHOW NOTES: NYT: Viola Spolin, 88, a Teacher Who Inspired Improv Theater The Difference between Spolin Games and Popular Improv HuffPost: Why Ayn Rand Does Not Matter (and Viola Spolin Does) NPR Illinois: From Hull House to Second City: How Chicago immigrants helped change theater Kitty Wants a Corner Spolin Games Online Chicago Tribune Archive The Second City: Backstage at the World's Greatest Comedy Theater A

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82:48

Pasteurized Milk: It Worked

Oh, Malort! ·

2024/12/30

Alyssa and Pat journey to 1908 Chicago passed the first ordinance regarding Pasteurized milk. Then some drama ensued. History rhymes like a Dr. Suess book. SHOW NOTES: PASTEURIZED MILK LAUDED BY EVANS: Health Commissioner Denies It Is Death Dealing, Producing Weak Children. FOWLER MAKES THREAT. Former Alderman Declares He Will Show Up Conspiracy on Part of Big Dairymen. Threat Is Made by Fowler. Dr. Evans Explains Situation. Farmer Is Spared Dilemma. VICTORY SURE FOR PASTEURIZED MILK: Hey

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89:45

The Christmas Tree Ship: A Forest on the Water

Oh, Malort! ·

2024/12/23

Alyssa and Captain Scoot from the maritime podcast ShipWrekt go back to the early 1900’s when schooners lined the main branch of the Chicago River selling Christmas trees and boating fatalities were the norm. Show Notes: National Archives: The Christmas Tree Ship ABC 7: US Coast Guard 'Christmas Ship' makes annual tree delivery at Chicago's Navy Pier Block Club Chicago: Chicago’s Christmas Ship Docks At Navy Pier With Over 1,200 Trees For Chicago Families Christmas Tree Ship History Wisconsin

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71:48

First Ward Ball: An Orgy

Oh, Malort! ·

2024/12/16

Are we living in the most debaucherous era? To figure it out Alyssa and Risen Lady Heathen travel back to early 1900’s Chicago to discuss a long forgotten degenerate tradition and pollical fundraiser known as the “First Ward Ball” AKA “the orgy.” Think “Eyes Wide Shut” meets “The Purge." Show some love by hitting subscribe and leaving a five-star review like men trying to do a shoesies and tell all your friends like a shocked journalist covering the First Ward Ball. Show Notes: Chicagology: The

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60:43

Madigan Trial Update: Solis Takes the Stand

Oh, Malort! ·

2024/12/09

Alyssa updates John about the insanity that was Danny Solis' testimony. Words cannot express the plot twists. This is a stand alone episode in the saga that is USA V. Michael Madigan. Learn about briefcases of cash in China, prostitutes, pot, and more. Corruption Guest Stars Include: (In no particular order) Operation Greylord, Roberto Caldero, Juan Gaytan, Martin Sandoval, Luis Arroyo, Chicago's Former Main Post Office, Dan Burke, Patty Solis Doyle, Brian Hynes, Ed Burke, Lunch Pale Pete, and

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94:57

Fred Hampton: Power to the People

Oh, Malort! ·

2024/12/02

In this episode we talk about Fred Hampton who is perhaps the most important Civil Rights Activist you have never learned about in school.Show Notes: History Channel: The 1969 Raid That Killed Black Panther Leader Fred Hampton Biography: Fred Hampton Chicago Tribune: In 1969, charismatic Black Panthers leader Fred Hampton was killed in a hail of gunfire. 50 years later, the fight against police brutality continue Southside Weekly: Fifty Years of Fred Hampton’s Rainbow Coalition Chicago Reader: The

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94:14

Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the...

Oh, Malort! ·

2024/11/25

Two geeky gals discuss an exhibit at the Chicago History Museum with some fun digressions.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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