The Chicago Smokehouse cover art

The Chicago Smokehouse

The Chicago Smokehouse

By: John Howell / Rick Telander
Listen for free

About this listen

 John Howell and Rick Telander share a cigar and conversations and insightful analysis of the stories shaping headlines today

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News Sidequest Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Fake Stories, Real Rants, and the Rise of the Machines

    Fake Stories, Real Rants, and the Rise of the Machines
    Jul 4 2025
    What happens when a major newspaper accidentally publishes AI-generated nonsense? Big John Howell and Rick Telander dig into the Chicago Sun-Times’ recent “Heat Index” fiasco, where fake book blurbs created by AI made it to print—and readers noticed. From newsroom cost-cutting and the future of journalism to AI writing sports columns, war strategy, and even architecture, this episode is a deep (and often hilarious) dive into what happens when machines take the wheel.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • Heaven Is a Playground—The Book, the Movie, and the Memories

    Heaven Is a Playground—The Book, the Movie, and the Memories
    Jun 17 2025
    John Howell and Rick Telander along with John Dempsey take a deep dive into Telander's iconic book Heaven Is a Playground—from its origins in a 1973 Sports Illustrated article to its 1991 film adaptation. They explore the lives of Brooklyn streetball legends, the challenges of writing with heart and honesty, and the poetic power of basketball. Plus, a few sharp jabs, a couple of cigars, and a cameo from President Obama’s bookshelf.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 30 mins
  • Of Mice, Men, and Michael Jackson (with John Dempsey)

    Of Mice, Men, and Michael Jackson (with John Dempsey)
    Jun 9 2025
    John Howell and Rick Telander are joined by veteran broadcaster John Dempsey for a vermin-infested edition of The Chicago Smokehouse. What starts as a simple houseguest anecdote morphs into a whirlwind conversation about mice, rats, movies, plagues, breeding cycles, and the shocking realization that “Ben” was a love ballad... for a rodent. It's informative, hilarious, and slightly unsettling—like Willard. Except with cigars.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins

What listeners say about The Chicago Smokehouse

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com.au reviews

Amazon Reviews
No Reviews are Available
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.