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

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

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 [https://www.lettuce.com/] 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 [https://www.instagram.com/chiniko312/] and Mallory Waxman [https://www.instagram.com/ipeakinthefall/#]

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

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. The conversation dives deep into her newest play, Both, a psychological thriller debuting as the first production in Teatro Vista’s new residency at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Paloma opens up about the emotional weight of revisiting themes inspired by the pandemic's isolation and collective trauma, why horror is one of the most powerful tools for exploring human behavior, and how theater can create a uniquely visceral experience that lingers long after audiences leave their seats. Paloma also reflects on navigating Chicago and Los Angeles as a working actor, appearing on shows like Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, and Empire, the realities of union work in entertainment, and why Chicago remains one of the greatest creative cities in the world. This episode is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about storytelling, identity, artistic risk, and what it means to create work that truly unsettles, challenges, and connects people. Listeners can learn more about Paloma’s work and upcoming productions through Steppenwolf Theatre Company [https://www.steppenwolf.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com] and Teatro Vista [https://www.teatrovista.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com]. 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 [https://www.instagram.com/chiniko312/] and Mallory Waxman [https://www.instagram.com/ipeakinthefall/#]

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

We got dibs on the future of Chicago’s cultural landscape with Joshua Harris, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuajemailharris/] Vice President of Public Engagement at the Obama Foundation. 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. In this episode, we discuss: * Why President and Mrs. Obama chose Chicago’s South Side for the center * The mission of the Obama Foundation and its global leadership programs * How the center was shaped by community feedback from all 77 Chicago neighborhoods * The partnership with the Chicago Public Library and the first-of-its-kind library branch on campus * Plans for free public programming, including movies, concerts, sports clinics, podcasts, media production, cooking demonstrations, and more * The inspiration behind “Home Court,” the center’s NBA-sized basketball and wellness facility * Michelle Obama’s continued advocacy for girls and youth empowerment through the Girls Opportunity Alliance * Valerie Jarrett’s leadership and influence behind the foundation’s growth * Joshua’s journey from Houston to New Orleans to Chicago, and his experience working in public service * The lasting impact President Obama still has on Chicago communities and future generations Joshua also shares stories about surprise visits from President Obama, the excitement building ahead of the opening, and why the center is intended to be a welcoming space for everyone. Tickets to the Obama Presidential Center Museum are now available from June 19 through November 30, 2026. [https://www.obama.org/visit/museum-tickets/] 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 [https://www.instagram.com/chiniko312/] and Mallory Waxman [https://www.instagram.com/ipeakinthefall/#]

27. Brendan Hunt on Ted Lasso, The Beatles, and Coming Home to Chicago

Brendan Hunt joins DIBS for a wide-ranging conversation about growing up in Chicago, the emotional impact of Ted Lasso, and returning home for his deeply personal one-man show, The Movement You Need at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. From Boom Chicago in Amsterdam to the global phenomenon of Ted Lasso, Brendan reflects on the moments, music, and relationships that shaped him. The episode dives into Brendan’s lifelong connection to The Beatles, especially “Hey Jude,” and how their music became intertwined with family, grief, and fatherhood. He also opens up about his mother’s alcoholism, therapy, and how The Movement You Need [https://www.steppenwolf.org/tickets--events/seasons-/2025-26/the-movement-you-need/] https://www.steppenwolf.org/tickets--events/seasons-/2025-26/the-movement-you-need/became both a love letter and a way to process complicated memories with humor and honesty. Mallory and Nick also talk with Brendan about: * The lasting influence of Chicago’s improv scene and Boom Chicago * Why Ted Lasso became a source of comfort for so many people * The cultural rise of women’s sports and what’s ahead in Season 4 * His “Sox fan, Cubs sympathizer” philosophy * Why Chicago’s wit, humor, and people make it unlike anywhere else Plus: Paul McCartney stories, Dutch humor, Malört discourse, and one of DIBS's most heartfelt conversations yet. Tickets to [https://www.steppenwolf.org/tickets--events/seasons-/2025-26/the-movement-you-need/]The Movement You Need [https://www.steppenwolf.org/tickets--events/seasons-/2025-26/the-movement-you-need/] 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 [https://www.instagram.com/chiniko312/] and Mallory Waxman [https://www.instagram.com/ipeakinthefall/#]

26. Building the Chicago Sky: Inside the Rise of Women’s Basketball with Michael Alter

This week, we sit down with Michael Alter, principal owner of the Chicago Sky, to talk about what it really takes to build a professional sports franchise from the ground up, and why investing in women’s sports is about so much more than the game. From launching the Sky as an expansion team to winning the 2021 WNBA Championship, Michael shares the highs, the challenges, and the moments that made it all worth it. We explore the league's evolution, the explosive growth of women’s basketball, and how the Sky became a cultural force in Chicago and beyond. We also talk about the realities behind the scenes, from building a brand without an NBA counterpart to navigating media narratives to protecting players in the age of social media. And at the core of it all is a bigger mission: creating visibility, opportunity, and inspiration for the next generation of female athletes. In this episode, we cover: * The origin story of the Chicago Sky and why Chicago needed a WNBA team * What it takes to build a franchise from scratch, including branding, hiring, and early challenges * The 2021 championship run and why it meant more than just a title * How the WNBA is evolving, from expansion teams to global growth * The dark side of sports: social media, player safety, and online abuse * Why women’s sports are finally getting the attention they’ve always deserved 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 [https://www.instagram.com/chiniko312/] and Mallory Waxman [https://www.instagram.com/ipeakinthefall/#]