“Mother Wit” a Chicago Short Story Podcast by Venice Johnson

Retired from the Chicago Park District where she taught writing and theater arts at Berger Park on the lakefront in Edgewater, Venice Johnson is currently living in Rogers Park on the far north side of the city.

Storytelling comes naturally to this westside native whose father and grandmother were also accomplished, raconteurs.

In this short story, MOTHER WIT, Venice shares a tale told by her grandmother that includes an old-school lesson about maintaining a mutually beneficial romantic relationship.

It is also an illustration of oral history and intergenerational interaction.

We are planning to include more Chicago short stories as part of our regular podcast series and expect to hear more from Venice about her experiences as a lifelong resident of the city.