WHY “WOLF POINT”?

Wolf Point is the place where our city was born, at the convergence of the three branches of the Chicago River. Its name is often traced to a Potawatomi man known as Mo-ah-way, or “Wolf.” Over time, it became home to some of the region’s first hotels, taverns, and theaters. It was a gathering place. A storytelling hub. A space where relationships were built, ideas were born, and big, ambitious plans took shape. That’s what we aim to be.

WHY NOW?

More people are listening to podcasts than ever before, yet public media and traditional journalism are under attack. We’re not just watching this moment unfold—we’re taking action. Wolf Point Media is working to build a stronger audio journalism ecosystem in Chicago and the greater Midwest—one that provides listeners with fact-checked, expertly crafted stories and conversations that inform, connect, and inspire. In the process, we are also creating new opportunities for audio journalists and producers to thrive, grow, and continue doing work that matters.

Who are we?

Jessica Pupovac: Founder, Executive Producer 

Jessica Pupovac is a seasoned multi-platform reporter, producer and editor whose career has included stints at NPR, WBEZ/Chicago Public Media, and WTTW/Chicago Public Television, among other outlets. She specializes in transforming complex subjects into exceptionally well-crafted audio narratives and conducting revelatory investigations. Projects she’s spearheaded have untangled complex, secretive government programs, documented sexist and traumatizing disciplinary practices in women’s correctional institutions, and contributed to the release of an innocent man from prison. Her work has also been recognized with a Gracie Award, a Polk Award, and several other local and national honors. Jessica strives to build trust in the news media, inform and empower individuals, and connect them to one another and their communities.

Jeremy Thal: Co-Founder, Sound Designer, Audio Engineer 

Specializing in immersive sound design, composition, and narrative podcast mixing, Jeremy ensures every project he touches offers a polished and dynamic sonic experience. He has scored, edited, and mixed Black Cowboys (Ambie Award nominee for Best History Podcast), Can You Dig It? (Signal Awards SILVER winner for Sound Design), and What Happened to Talina Zar (which spent several weeks this year as the top series on Apple Podcasts). Jeremy also founded and co-directed the cultural diplomacy program OneBeat, which brings together emerging musical leaders from around the world to collaborate and develop civically engaged music initiatives.

Joe DeCeault: Co-Founder, Senior Producer, Sound Designer

Joe is an award-winning Chicago-based audio producer and editor with more than 20 years in public media and podcasting. He was the driving force behind WBEZ’s docuseries Making Beyoncé and a longtime senior producer on Curious City, shaping stories across arts, culture, education, and social justice. His credits also include sound design and mix on Motive, and 16 Shots, a Peabody-nominated collaboration with the Chicago Tribune. Joe’s work often explores overlooked stories and systemic failures, with a focus on longform, sound-rich, narratively driven storytelling that resonates deeply with listeners.

Alyssa Edes: Co-Founder, Producer

Alyssa has spent more than a decade as a journalist in public media and audio storytelling. At NPR, WNYC, and other outlets, she covered subjects including national politics; the Supreme Court; arts and culture; and the environment. Driven by a commitment to public service, she is also a community organizer working on issues including bike infrastructure and food insecurity. She is proud to call Chicago home and believes strongly in the city’s ability to spark joy, create connections, and cultivate communities. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Urban Planning and Policy (MUPP) at the University of Illinois Chicago, where she is a research assistant at the Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy.

Contributing Producers:

Advisory Board:

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE TEAM?

We are actively recruiting. Regardless of your level of experience or background, If you’d like to join us in imagining a new, creator-driven model of audio news and storytelling, contact Jessica Pupovac at jessica@wolfpoint.media.