FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Chicago, IL – January 8, 2025 – Chicago Southsider is thrilled to announce the launch of South Side Untold, a groundbreaking podcast series on Spotify that leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology to uncover and share the rich, untold stories of Chicago’s South Side. This innovative show combines AI-generated voices and production tools to reimagine how local history is brought to life, making it accessible and engaging for a modern audience.
Each episode of South Side Untold dives deep into the triumphs, struggles, and resilience of the people and movements that shaped Chicago’s South Side. The debut episode, Jesse Binga: The Making of a Real Estate Empire on Chicago’s South Side – Part 1, tells the extraordinary story of Jesse Binga, a barber and Pullman porter who became a millionaire real estate mogul and the first Black person to charter a privately-owned bank in Chicago.
“We wanted to create something that not only preserves these vital stories but also modernizes how they’re shared,” said Charlene Rhinehart, founder of Chicago Southsider. “By leveraging AI technology, we’ve been able to bring history to life in a way that resonates with today’s audience while maintaining accuracy and authenticity.”
Listen to Episode 1 below:
How AI Powers the Podcast
From chatbots to mimicking human voices, AI has rapidly transformed the way we live, work, and create. In South Side Untold, AI plays an integral role in enhancing storytelling and streamlining production, blending modern technology with human creativity to deliver an immersive listening experience. Here’s how AI is integrated into the creation of this unique series:
- AI-Generated Voices: Professional-grade AI voices narrate and dramatize the stories, creating a captivating audio experience.
- AI-Assisted Story Development: AI tools helped structure the narratives, ensuring compelling storytelling while human experts fact-checked for historical accuracy.
- Efficient Production: AI-assisted editing and sound design streamlined the creation process, allowing the team to focus on delivering high-quality content quickly.
What Makes South Side Untold Unique
The podcast offers a mix of compelling storytelling, AI innovation, and historical exploration. With over 30,000 subscribers already engaged with Chicago Southsider, this series is set to become a go-to resource for Chicagoans and history enthusiasts alike.
Listeners will learn about influential figures like Jesse Binga, cultural movements in the Black Belt, and pivotal events that shaped the South Side’s legacy. Each episode connects the past to the present, providing a deeper understanding of Chicago’s cultural and historical roots.
Subscribe and Stay Connected
Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to South Side Untold on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. For updates and exclusive content, sign up for our newsletter at chicagosouthsider.substack.com.
About Chicago Southsider
Chicago Southsider is an independent news platform dedicated to telling the stories of Chicago’s South Side, with a special focus on uplifting Black voices and highlighting the community’s resilience and innovation. For more information follow on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter/X.
