Multimedia, Part 1: Cedar Cathedral podcast

In 2016, I decided to launch a journalism brand of my own: Cedar Cathedral, a podcast that took an NPR-ish, 99% Invisible-ish approach to telling the stories of Great Lakes creatives. We produced a dozen episodes, and while the series didn't take off commercially in a way that justified the time and travel required to produce the show, Cedar Cathedral represents some of my favorite work, and a creative direction I continue to pursue. This show also afforded me a chance to dramatically step up my audio-production game, both in the field and in the studio. 

Multimedia, Part 2: Apps for Living

Back when the world of smartphone apps was new, exciting, and ever-changing, I wrote a monthly app-review column for Crain's Chicago Business that included a tie-in video. The videos — made along with my mad-scientist photographer friend Steve Serio — were a blast, and the series won a Peter J. Lisagor Award for excellence in Chicago journalism. (Yes, it's weird to have earned some of my most grown-up professional recognition for some of my silliest work.) Here's a sampling of my favorites:

The key to loving the Art Institute (even if you don't)

Last week I saw an Art Institute of Chicago I've never seen before, thanks to a new Tours app (free). The app debuted last month and contains dozens of tours that guide visitors through the museum, from its marquee works to its lesser-known collections. It led to my most satisfying visit ever because, in addition to Picasso, Chagall and Van Gogh, the trip included plenty of cool stuff that was new to me ...

Other multimedia