The Culture Podcast

This week join Zoe (Sorry, Mike is out this week!) and West side youth therapist, mentor, and the current Dean of Students at Tilton Elementary Johnny Daniels. Born and raised on the West side he's experienced the tragic loss and pain of friends that plagues many young black men across Chicago. However, Johnny did not let anger or grief overwhelm him; he instead chose to listen to the voice of God...

Join Mike and Lil Rel Howery (an accomplished comedian, actor, writer, and producer) along with the entertainment entrepreneur/founder of What's Funny Comedy Festival, Knowledge Beckom, for a raw conversation on their experiences as black comics and business partners. Whats Funny Comedy was founded in 2008 by Chicago entrepreneur Knowledge Beckom. Beckom’s journey into the world of comedy began wh...

Welcome to the special "Our Schools. Our Choice." series hosted by Michael Romain and Isaac Lewis (North Lawndale Community News/Austin Voice). This is designed to help Chicago voters make informed choices in the historic November school board elections, when residents will vote for a fully elected school board—the first in the city’s nearly 200-year history. Voters citywide will also, for the fir...

Join Zoe (no Mike this week!) and fantastic former U.S Marine, mentor, and founder of Your Passion 1st, Chris Thomas. His non-profit that aims to empower youth to explore their talents through entrepreneurship, workshops, events, and even international excursions. Chris explores his transformation from a troubled, directionless college youth into a dedicated, focused leader alongside a robust team...

You've heard about "Teen Takeovers", but do you know what they're really about? We've talked about economic development on the underfunded and underemployed West Side, but how does the work go beyond the individual and into shared wealth? Join Mike, Zoe, and North Lawndale native Kobey Lofton in a riveting conversation about his solution and growth driven approach to improving Chicago's city counc...

In this episode, join Mike, Zoe and Corey Dooley Johnson as they discuss his call-to-action for city electives to quicken the timeline developing the much anticipated Soul City Corridor, which centers communities along Chicago Avenue as a primary business and art district. Coming from Dallas, Texas, many are familiar and have had the pleasure of seeing Community Corey work his magic on the West Si...

Join Mike and Zoe as they discuss opportunities for a boat load of news and updates including: Our 47th Annual Danny K Davis Parade and final year with Davis as Congressman (Save the Date for Saturday, Aug 15th at 10 AM; Kicking off from corner of Bloomington and Central Ave.) Temporary sales tax reduction for back-to-school shopping Aug 7-16th The return of free performances with Chicago House Mu...

Tune in to this week's transformative episode with returning guest-artist Shanel Romain and Hood Heroes' youth partcipants Frederick Giles and Dontae Coker as they reflect on the successful completion of their 6-week instructive program which took place inside Aspire Center's media room.

Join Mike, Zoe, and the generous Howard Sandifer, co-founder of Chicago West Music Community Center with his wife, Darlene. Coming from a background in music education, the duo took action in response to the lack of high-quality instruction, play, and artistic structure in institutions on the West side. Their journey as a non-profit begun in 1999, and for almost 30 years they have formed coalition...

Mike and Zoe explore the stark contrast between past and present literacy rates, revealing shocking statistics that show a dramatic decline in reading habits among young Americans. They unpack the findings from the Atlantic article, which highlights how digital devices have infiltrated classrooms, shaping a generation that prefers quick videos over reading.

Join Mike, Zoe, and esteemed guest Remel Terry as they break down a visit to the newly debuted Obama Presidential Center, the mythology of a united America, and the racially muted yet politically charged upheaval exemplified by the Supreme Court decision on Louisiana vs. Calais. As it turns out, Remel presents her experience on a similar case that occurred in Illinois circa 2021 when NAACP filed a...

Join Mike, Zoe, and special guest Isaac Lewis (The Austin Voice) as they discuss various themes regarding the upcoming historical school board elections, the challenges faced by local media, and the issues affecting school budgets brought on by financial hardships our neighborhoods face. More developments continue on the West Side as employee-owned suburban newspaper The Daily Herald is purchased...

This episode, join Mike, Zoe, and Janel Moreland's talk about the mission and activities of Pink Divas and Gents, a nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness about breast cancer and supporting survivors. From the annual breast cancer walk to the intersection of faith-based healing, our guest steadfastly pioneers the education of women and men about breast health in our West Side Communit...

Today's episode features legacy artist and teacher Shanel Romain from Chicago's West Side who is preparing to celebrate Juneteenth to the fullest with a once-in-a-life-time art exhibition called STUNTIN ', a show that will explore themes of black style, grace, and mediums used that reflect decades of resilience and self-identification.

TRIGGERING & SENSITIVE CONTENT: abortion, generational trauma, infanticide In this episode, Love of Learning Institute's Executive Director Alexis Waddell j oins Mike and Zoe in a discussion about supporting parents with resources, modern education and household culture, and the deep impact of working as a team to raise the next generation. Alexis Waddell is a passionate advocate for early chi...

Join Mike & Zoe for an uplifting interview with Crystal Dyer who shares her journey from metro Atlanta to managing her many accomplished roles in founding Gone Again Travel & Tour agency, Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures (CAYTA), and being Board President of Austin Chamber of Commerce. For over 10 years her work has promoted connectivity, confidence, and community development through...

Join Mike, Zoe, and the committed Dr. Claudia Vandiver who began her news & education outlet Maywood Watchdog to bring high quality information to a local audience. From writing a property tax boot camp guide to an exposé on village board members ignoring long-over due environmental protection concerns, this upstanding citizen has taken matters of education into her own hands.

Join Mike, Zoe, & Northwest Austin Council's Executive Director Steve Robinson for a conversation on witnessing transformation through decades of community organization. From vibrant neighborhoods to systemic challenges, Steve shares grassroots efforts that sparked real change from church congregations and citizen block clubs. The mission of the Northwest Austin Council (NAC) is to mobilize re...

Join Mike & Zoe as they partake in a discussion about a recent Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act that challenges the protection of minority populations across the nation, and the great refresher with the warm, knowledgeable, and keen cuisine super-star Chef Ora. Starting her LLC Urban Excellence Ent post-pandemic, she has taken off to soaring heights with a full-time catering busin...

Join Mike, Zoe, and esteemed CEO of Destiny Unlimited & Executive Development Producer Danita Patterson. Learn more about her journey from the Windy City to LA to achieve her dreams and make instrumental decisions with Hollywood icons such as Will Smith. Danita's precise understanding of the entertainment business has allowed her to produce creative endeavors, including her nonprofit Destiny O...

Dive into the rich stories of power couple Jamion & Reesheda Nicole Berry on how the West Side of Chicago is transforming its cultural landscape through arts, community-driven projects, and intergenerational collaboration. This episode reveals powerful initiatives that are building bridges and igniting pride in local neighborhoods. Read about Kindred Civic Arts Forum 2026 summer project: Love...

Welcome! In recent years opportunities have been sprouting on the Westside for those interested in construction or a career in the trades. This episode we talk with Leonard Alexander about his Fearless Dreamers construction training for youth/reformation and Deondre Rutues' new center that will facilitate a program this summer on the importance of facilitating hands-on activities with proper tools...

Join Mike, Zoe. and Renee as they explore the power of poetry and storytelling rooted in Chicago’s West Side. Discover how legends like the Candy Lady and historical narratives shape community identity and resilience. Renee's journey from Cabrini-Green to the vibrant West Side offers a mirror to our shared history and future.

Join Mike & Rebecca as they anticipate the Green Living Summit on April 25th. It’s time to get educated on what really supports environmental justice—because knowledge is the first step to collective change. From an impassioned youth to an environmental chair lead, Rebecca shares her wisdom to emphasize that individual actions matter, but policy change is key for bigger impact. From compost bi...

In this insightful interview, Deborah Vines, founder of The Answer Incorporated, shares her 20-year journey supporting families with autism. Topics include the upcoming 18th annual Walkathon, community resources, misconceptions about autism, and advocacy efforts to empower families.