Voted Best Standup in The Chicago Reader’s 3 years in a row, and named one of Time Out’s Comics To Watch in 2025, Deanna Ortiz is the host of the podcast ‘Crushes!’ And ‘Crime For Bed’ on Hatch+. She has worked as a contributing writer for NPR’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me, and has been featured in Vulture, WGN News, FOX Good Day Chicago, Taskmaster LIVE and TimeOut Chicago.
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The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs’ in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by a cover of the storyteller’s choosing, performed by our house band: The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Executive producer is Bobby Evers. Assistant producer is Celina Dietzel. Podcast produced by Jim Mulvaney.