Chicago Unscripted

Two of Chicago's longest tenured and respected political reporters discuss what happened to an Illinois stadium for the Bears. Who dropped the ball on a failed bill in Springfield? After reports of secret meeting with the Bears, is Chicago suddenly back in the picture? What about the cold war between Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson? We also get into the upcoming mayor's race, whether J...

A self-described public policy entrepreneur, Chicagoan Joel Braunold has dedicated his life to the pursuit of peace in the Middle East. We cover the war in Iran, what constitutes success for each country involved, and the potential winners and losers depending on the outcome. Joel also discusses the challenges facing Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts, which he says have reached a collapse point. W...

A powerful and personal conversation with one of the most successful and recognizable voices in music. Michael talks about his extensive career and humble beginnings, his connections to Chicago, and recalls a wild concert fight downstate. He opens up about his relationship with his father, his battle with addiction, and despite his success - an overwhelming feeling of self doubt he struggles with...

Two Illinois political insiders are back to share their thoughts on the bombing campaign in Iran, the Epstein files, and the emerging wedges dividing MAGA. We examine the key Senate and House races in the Illinois primary, and a Cook County race they say could lead to a sea change in local politics. The conversation ends with insights on the midterms, and the curious questions around President Tru...

University of Chicago professor Robert Pape is an expert in military strategy and escalation patterns. He shares his insight into the U.S. bombing campaign in Iran, and what he would have told President Trump before launching the attacks. The professor had a warning about what’s ahead, and explains an important frustration when it comes to strategy in a war like this.  

The doctor is in. Born in Arlington Heights, Bill Glass has become a cultural phenomenon as 'Dr. Rick' who helps keep people from becoming their parents. Bill talks about his journey from Kansas University through the lean years performing at Second City. We surprise him with a message from his friend Eric Stonestreet, talk about his love of golf, ask if his mustache is real, and if Joe mi...

Chicago was SO close. Down to the final four, a stunning vote in Copenhagen knocked Chicago out of the running for the 2016 Olympics in the first round. My guests revisit Chicago’s plans, the venues, and what could have been. They share stories about Mayor Daley’s passion for bringing the Games here, the international trips to sell Chicago to the IOC, newly elected President Barack Obama's rol...

What is happening on the streets of Iran? It’s hard to tell because the government has shut off all internet access. But based on information that is getting out, the Iranian government is shooting its own people. Thousands of people, to crush widespread protests in the streets. Globally recognized author and Northwestern law professor Shermin Kruse was born in Iran, escaping after the 1979 revolu...

He has been with NPR for more than 40 years. Scott Simon joins “Chicago Unscripted’ to talk about AI, Venezuela, the current state of journalism, and the funding fate of NPR. We also discuss his poignant and personal book about the death of his mother, his deep love for the Cubs, and his deeper love for the city of Chicago. Plus, if he could share a pint with one figure in history, who would it be...

After 30 years as the anchor of ‘Inside Edition,’ Deborah Norville has a new job hosting a game show. In this episode of ‘Chicago Unscripted,’ Norville plays a round of her new game - as a contestant, and talks about how her career started in Atlanta. WMAQ hired her when she was just 23, and she took Chicago by storm. So much so, NBC called her up to ‘The Today Show.’ But her rocket ship crashed w...

If data is the new currency in the digital age, Joshua Doss could be a banker. His specialty is political data. He shares his observations on Instagram with a robust audience of more than half a million followers. He joins ‘Chicago Unscripted’ to talk about the educational value of political data, and how he uses numbers to make a point, spread the truth, and promote mindset expansion.  

If you're a fan of 'The Bachelor' franchise, you likely know her work. Ali Barthwell has spent the last ten years recapping every episode. Which reality show would she be on if she had her choice? She shares that, her path through Second City, her cancer journey, and her 'other' job, writing for 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver' - where she has won five Emmys. A Chic...

It’s hard to understate how much Chicago means to Eric Stonestreet. It’s where he got his start after college at Kansas State, and where he built the foundation of his acting career. Eric shares stories of how he went from sociology to stage, the importance of improv in his career, and his two critical years at the IO Theater and Second City. He covers his early days in Boys Town, his favorite SNL...

He has been a Hollywood star for decades, acting next to some of the biggest names in movies and TV. But Greg Kinnear has never lost sight of the Midwest roots that keep him grounded and humble. Greg shares stories from his early days, including a frightening tour in Lebanon after his dad got a job in the State Department. Plus, his breakthrough experiences in the entertainment industry, and a spo...

Sarah admits she can be a lightning rod. Her opinions often spark headlines. She explains why it's important to share her voice on often toxic social media platforms. We cover the challenges facing women's sports, WNBA player salaries, and the transgender athlete debate. We also discuss Sarah's new book about the incredible twists and turns of NFL player and coach Deland McCullough&#39...

They’re back. Two political heavyweights return to ‘Chicago Unscripted’ to discuss the situation in the Middle East, immigration protests, ICE raids, the National Guard, sanctuary city status, DOGE, Elon, tariffs, the big beautiful bill, and more.

There is a lot of Chicago & Illinois in Geist family history. Willie was born in Evanston and says Chicago still feels like home. He talks about his roots here, and his relationship with his dad. Bill Geist was a humorist for the Chicago Tribune before a 31 year career at CBS. We dive into the book he wrote with his dad, and Bill's fight today with Parkinson's. Plus, his favorite interviews, w...

It is one of the most popular and successful bands of all time, and it started in the music school at DePaul University in 1967.  Lee Loughnane was the trumpet player when “Chicago Transit Authority” started playing cover songs in Chicago bars. He talks about how the city of Chicago forced them to change their name, the process behind many of their hits, and getting stoned with Jimi Hendrix in a H...

If you're a Cubs fan, you've seen him. John Vincent specializes in Sinatra, but also sings the national anthem for the Cubs. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka and his wife Diana gave John his big break at the age of 28. John talks about growing up in a tight knit Italian family on the South side, the loss of Bears legend and good friend Steve 'Mongo' McMichael, and the supportive tweet from Lady Gaga...

He's considered one of the most influential, behind the scenes republican advocates for Ukraine. Where did he lose the GOP and can he get the party back where he thinks it should be - solidly behind Ukraine? The Chief of Staff for former Illinois Republican Congressman Peter Roskam shares what he thinks about those supporting Russia in the war. How should President Trump, Europe, and the world...

Arne Duncan knows education, and he has the resume to prove it. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard, ran Chicago Public Schools, and became the Secretary of Education under his good friend, Barack Obama. He shares his thoughts on President Trump’s efforts to eliminate the department, the importance of that federal money, and what might happen without it. The Hyde Park native has spent the la...

If it happened in Chicago over the past 50 years, Jim Williams probably either saw it, covered it as a reporter, or has a story somehow connected to it. Jim recently stepped away from his full time anchoring duties at CBS News Chicago. He shares his insights about the media, his beloved Cubs, his time as press secretary for Richard M. Daley, and the job he had as a teenager that became the foundat...

There was the music, and then there were the messages. Historian Ernest Crim III admits even people in the stadium probably missed at least some of the embedded meanings sprinkled throughout Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show. Mr. Crim breaks down the symbolism, social issues, racial references, and the myriad opinions of the performance. 

The Washington Post calls Shemekia Copeland, ‘The greatest blues singer of her generation.’ Ahead of this year’s Grammys, Shemekia joins ‘Chicago Unscripted’ to talk about her eight nominations, including three this year. Chicago based Alligator Records signed her at just 18. She reminisces about the early days of her career in Chicago, and the many music legends she has performed with. Shemekia s...

Larissa May has become a leading voice on the dangers of social media and technology for our children. And she's just 30 years old. She grew up in the suburbs, and says social media was her first addiction - at the age of 10. Her mental health hit rock bottom at Vanderbilt University. But that's when she decided to make a change. It has lead to a thriving business aimed at creating a seat belt for...