Notes from Chicago

In this episode of Notes from Chicago, host Ashley Phillips sits down with founding Artistic Director and CEO of Red Clay Dance Company, Vershawn Sanders-Ward, to talk about how a 3-month trip to a fishing village in Senegal sparked the vision for one of Chicago's most dynamic dance companies. From building community on the South Side to co-creating work with urban farmers and young people in the...

Documentary photographer Sandra Steinbrecher joins Ashley for a conversation about her two-year journey documenting the transformation of the iconic Morton Salt complex into the Salt Shed, one of Chicago's most beloved music and event venues. We dig into her ongoing work documenting the Osaka Garden in Jackson Park and what preservation really means. Follow Sandra Steinbrecher: Website: https://ww...

In this episode of Notes from Chicago, we sit down with muralist and artist Andy Belomo to explore how large-scale public art becomes a powerful vehicle for queer community, activism, and belonging in Chicago. Follow Andy Bellomo: Website: https://www.andybellomo.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andybmix Follow Notes from Chicago: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qkYwUroGt4hMZQlhTg...

Joabe Barbosa is on a mission to run every street in the city. And he's completed more than 80% of his goal. In this episode of Notes from Chicago, Joabe shares the motivation behind his ambitious project and the experiences he's had while running through every Chicago neighborhood. Follow Joabe Barbosa: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/heyjoabe Follow Notes from Chicago: Spotify: https://open....

Step inside the world of contemporary dance leadership in Chicago with Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, artistic director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. In this inspiring episode of Notes from Chicago, Linda-Denise shares her journey from her professional debut in 1989 to performing on global stages with Alvin Ailey Dance and how those experiences shaped her leadership style today. Drawing on lesson...

On this episode of Notes from Chicago, host Ashley Phillips sits down with Chicago photographer and visual artist Kenn Cook Jr. to discuss how he captures the true essence of the West Side of Chicago. Kenn shares how photography became a powerful tool for documenting community, culture, and everyday life — challenging the negative narratives often attached to the West Side. Through his exhibition...

In this episode of Notes from Chicago, we talk with Jahmal Cole, founder of My Block, My Hood, My City, about what he's learning during his 77-month journey to live in all 77 neighborhoods of Chicago. He discusses building bridges across neighborhoods, investing in youth, and creating lasting social change, similar to the Red Cross. Follow Jahmal Cole: Website: https://www.formyblock.org Instagram...

Stephanie Skora, Co-Writer & Editor of 'Girl, I Guess Progressive Voter Guide,' shares how her Illinois voter guide went viral in 2018, turning her small project into a movement that influences over 100,000 voters in Illinois. Stephanie explains why primary elections are the most critical yet overlooked elections in Chicago, and how key offices like judges, the County Board, and the Board of R...

In this episode of Notes from Chicago, Ashley sits down with Marc Schulman, President of Eli’s Cheesecake, to explore the remarkable story behind one of the most iconic names in Chicago food. From its beginnings in 1940 as a family-owned coffee shop founded by Eli Schulman, to becoming a nationally recognized brand featured at Taste of Chicago, this conversation dives deep into Chicago’s relations...

In this episode, Tonika Lewis Johnson, a Chicago native and social justice artist, discusses her impactful work, including the Folded Map Project, which visualizes segregation in Chicago. Tonika talks about her latest project, Unblocked Englewood, and the day she learned she was selected to be Chicago’s next MacArthur ‘Genius’ Fellow. Follow Tonika Lewis Johnson: Website: https://tonikajohnson.com...

In this special year-end episode of "Notes from Chicago," Ashley and podcast producer Tanisha Blakely reflect on things they love and hate about Chicago. Join them as they share memorable moments from past guests. Don't miss out on this final episode of the year before the show returns in January 2026! Follow Tanisha Blakely: Website: https://www.tanishablakely.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagra...

In this episode of Notes from Chicago, we're joined by Chef Nicolai Mlodinow and Shreena Amin of the fine dining restaurant Class Act in Bucktown. The two discuss the restaurant's unique dinner-party experience and the importance of connection and storytelling in its culinary approach. Follow Class Act: Website: https://classactchicago.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classactdining/ Foll...

In this episode, Myesha McCaskill shares her journey of connecting people through the joy of skating. The dynamic founder of Inspired by Favor talks about her early days as a skate guard in Chicago to hosting international workshops. Follow Inspired by Favor: Website: https://www.inspiredbyfavor.org TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smooothgoddess Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredbyfavor...

In this episode, Chris Smith shares his ambitious plan to run 48 half marathons across 48 states in 24 months, starting in January 2026. Chris discusses his organization, The Live Your Dreams Foundation, his community work to fight hunger, and his favorite places to run in Chicago. Follow The Live Your Dreams Foundation: Website: www.thelydfoundation.org TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thelydfound...

In this week's episode of Notes from Chicago, Ashley sits down with Dr. Mimi Guiracocha, a Rapid Response team lead at PUÑO (Pilsen Unidos por Nuestro Orgullo). Mimi discusses the increased presence of ICE and federal agents in Chicago and how neighbors are working together to fight back against dehumanizing and aggressive immigration policies. Follow PUÑO (Pilsen Unidos por Nuestro Orgullo): Webs...

Chicago's taxi wars were a violent struggle for dominance in the 1920s. In this week's episode, Ashley talks to Anne Morrissy, author of 'Street Fight: The Chicago Taxi Wars of the 1920s.' They explore the rise of Yellow Cab, Anne's personal connection to the violent past, and modern parallels with today's rideshare services. Follow Anne Morrissy: https://www.instagram.com/anne_shesfancy Follow No...

Ferrara Candy Company has a rich Chicago history dating back to 1908. In this episode of Notes from Chicago, Ashley interviews John Conversa, a senior director of manufacturing at Ferrara, who shares his extensive experience in the candy industry. Follow Notes from Chicago: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qkYwUroGt4hMZQlhTg32z Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notes-from-chicago...

In this episode, Ashley discusses the current situation in Chicago, particularly in her neighborhood of Wicker Park, where the presence of ICE agents has created a sense of fear and anxiety among residents, parents, and children. Follow Notes from Chicago: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qkYwUroGt4hMZQlhTg32z Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notes-from-chicago/id1838675173 YouT...

In this episode, Ashley welcomes Laura Baginski, co-founder of Early Birds Club, a popular dance party for middle-age-ish women and gender-expansive folks that ends by 10 PM. They discuss the essence of Chicago, the importance of creating safe spaces, and the legacy of Laura's late co-founder, Susie Lee. Follow Earlybirds Club: https://early-birds.club/ https://www.instagram.com/earlybirds_club ht...

In this episode of Notes from Chicago, we sit down with Allison Yates, the founder of Read & Run Chicago. Whether you're a book lover, a runner, or someone curious about Chicago's rich history, this episode offers a new way to experience the city. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the power of movement, literature, history, and community. Follow Allison Yates and Read &...

In this episode, we sit down with David Leonard, a seasoned film location scout and actor in Chicago. Whether you're a filmmaker or a film enthusiast, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the art of filming in Chicago, as well as how to embrace change and create your own opportunities. Follow David Leonard: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datzwhatshisname Follow Notes from Chicago:...

Ashley Phillips talks with Caroline Kent, a Chicago-based artist, about her journey and experiences in the art world. They discuss Caroline's upbringing in rural Illinois, her artistic evolution, and the impact of Chicago's vibrant art scene on her work. Caroline shares insights into her creative process, her public art project at Union Station, and her love for Lake Michigan as a source of inspir...

Join Ashley Phillips in "Notes from Chicago" as she chats with Harper Reed, a serial tech entrepreneur and former CTO of Obama's 2012 reelection campaign. Harper offers a unique perspective on the intersection of AI and the future of work, starting a tech company in Chicago, and the problem with TikTok tourism. Harper Reed: Blog: https://harper.blog Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/harper.lol Fol...

In this episode of Notes from Chicago, host Ashley Phillips chats with Benno Nelson, the co-founder of Five Corners Beverage Company, a non-alcoholic beverage company based in Chicago. They discuss Benno's journey to sobriety, the inspiration behind creating unique non-alcoholic drinks, and the challenges faced in the beverage industry. Benno shares insights into the development of their first fla...