Joe DeCeault

Joe started at WBEZ in 2002 as a volunteer, then as an intern. Following that, he produced music shows, talk programming segments and weekend specials. He produced music and art segments, and worked with contributors for our former morning show, Eight Forty-Eight. Later, he worked on our midday talk programs, The Morning Shift and The Afternoon Shift, where he produced live music, film, technology and culture segments. Joe also provides production and editorial assistance to Filmspotting, a radio version of the popular weekly film discussion podcast that airs Friday and Saturday nights on WBEZ. Prior to joining WBEZ, Joe was station manager and music director at Triton College’s radio station, WRRG 88.9 FM, where he also taught radio.
Stories by Joe DeCeault
The Fireside Bowl: An unlikely place for punks of all ages
About 30 years ago, a run-down bowling alley hosted its first few punk shows. Then, for a little over a decade it became the all-ages heart of Chicago’s indie scene.
How the ‘deadliest man alive’ stoked Chicago’s infamous ‘dojo wars’
In the 1960s and ’70s, martial arts schools in Chicago were locked in bloody rivalries. The man at their center was known as Count Dante.
Curious City turns 10!
In honor of our 10th anniversary, we reflect on Curious City’s origins — and some of the lessons we’ve learned over the years.
Chicago was once king of the ring in pro wrestling
Behind the outsized characters and good-versus-evil narratives, promoters used TV and strongarm business deals to put Chicago on the map.
A ghostly tale about an Illinois road is likely based on a tragic crash in Utah
The haunting of Munger Road in Illinois involves a bus accident and tiny hand prints of children. But where did the story come from?
Las puertas de la Lotería en Pilsen hablan del pasado y el presente del vecindario
Diferentes artistas han pintado una serie de murales en las puertas de la calle 18, inspirados en el clásico juego de la Lotería.
The Lotería doors in Pilsen speak to the neighborhood’s past and present
Different artists have painted a series of murals on doors along 18th Street, inspired by the classic Lotería game.
LISTEN: A Reopening Playlist Curated By Chicago Musicians
In anticipation of music venues returning to full capacity crowds, we asked four Chicago artists what songs we should be listening to.
I Hope Virtual Therapy Doesn’t Become The Norm When The Pandemic Is Over
A Chicago psychiatrist misses being able to observe her patients in person — their appearance, their body language, their demeanor.
Providing Fresh Food For My Community Is More Important Than Ever
Safia Rashid says farming helps connect her and her community to their African American heritage. A pandemic can’t take that away.