93 episodes

Explore the BACKSTORY behind some of the most intriguing tales in history, culture, religion and science from Chicago and beyond. 

Backstory with Larry Potash WGN-TV

    • News
    • 4.9 • 119 Ratings

Explore the BACKSTORY behind some of the most intriguing tales in history, culture, religion and science from Chicago and beyond. 

    The Evolution of Maps

    The Evolution of Maps

     For centuries, maps have shown us how to get from point A to point B. But they’re much more than that. They’re a record of what people care about. How do you preserve these stories when maps are no longer on paper? In this Backstory piece, Larry Potash introduces us to a Chicago family who have been in the map business for 5 generations. Backstory with Larry Potash airs Sunday nights at 6:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. on WGN, or stream it anytime on the WGN+ app on your smart TV with Amazon Fire, Roku, and Apple TV. Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 8 min
    Vintage Baseball

    Vintage Baseball

    Baseball pre-dates the other main sports in America. And while it’s often referred to as the American Pastime, its origins are steeped in myth. In this Backstory piece, Larry Potash introduces us to a group of people playing the game as it once was.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 7 min
    Mr. Sound Effects

    Mr. Sound Effects

    Martin Scorsese. Leonardo DiCaprio. Nick White. You have probably heard of the first two, but the third has a fascinating story to tell. In this Backstory piece, Larry Potash introduces us to a man who creates vintage sound effects, and does it so well he talked his way into a major Hollywood film.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 8 min
    From Reefer Madness to Big Business, Cannabis’ Comeback St

    From Reefer Madness to Big Business, Cannabis’ Comeback St

    For thousands of years, the cannabis plant was a crucial crop in helping civilizations evolve, used for products from clothing to medicine. But then in the early 20th century, the American government demonized it. Is weed a wonder drug or dangerous habit? In this piece, Larry Potash explores the backstory of cannabis’ comeback.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 11 min
    The Hidden Meanings Embedded all over ‘It’s a Wonderful Life'

    The Hidden Meanings Embedded all over ‘It’s a Wonderful Life'

    There are several stories hidden within the making of the holiday classic, "It's a Wonderful Life."

    • 10 min
    The Deadliest Maritime Disaster in U.S. History

    The Deadliest Maritime Disaster in U.S. History

    A man finds out his ancestor was a passenger on the Sultana steamboat and survives when the boat explodes.

    • 9 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
119 Ratings

119 Ratings

Ciccio0420 ,

Very intuitive.

I really enjoy the informative topics.

Trudy112233 ,

Informative & Entertaining

Interesting approach to news stories that’s well-presented by the host. Thank you.

Jack_McCoy ,

Great Stories

These are quick, fascinating and fun documentaries about American history, typically with a Chicago connection. Well-narrated, good music, great interviews. The humanity in all the stories shines through.

Top Podcasts In News

Serial
Serial Productions & The New York Times
The Daily
The New York Times
Up First
NPR
The Tucker Carlson Podcast
Tucker Carlson Network
The Ben Shapiro Show
The Daily Wire
The Megyn Kelly Show
SiriusXM

You Might Also Like

Dateline NBC
NBC News
Stuff You Should Know
iHeartPodcasts
20/20
ABC News
Crime Junkie
audiochuck
New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce
Wave Sports + Entertainment
American History Hit
History Hit