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Chicago Stories

English, Personal stories, 85 seasons, 95 episodes, 1 day, 23 hours, 33 minutes
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The stories of everyday Chicagoans as told to Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
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Ep. 95: Mayor Rahm Emanuel

Thanks for listening! On this final episode of "Chicago Stories," Mayor Emanuel swapped mics with legendary broadcaster Bill Kurtis for a look back on his own life and career, from his first steps in politics, to the countless lessons he learned in the White House, and everything else in between. Tune in as Mayor Emanuel gives his take on Chicago's larger-than-life political culture, his advice to young people, and what it was like serving the greatest people in the greatest city on Earth.
5/17/201943 minutes, 39 seconds
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Ep. 94: Nancy Pelosi Rules

How do you win the speaker's gavel twice? One vote at a time. Tune in as Mayor Emanuel sits down with the one and only Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi for a wide-ranging discussion on politics and power, leadership and public service, and why after over 30 years in public life she’s still going strong.
5/7/201931 minutes, 55 seconds
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Ep. 93: Theaster Gates's Community Canvas

Theaster Gates is many things, but he doesn’t see it that way. Tune in as Mayor Emanuel talks to the world-famous artist about connecting art with neighborhood development, discovering the spiritual life of abandoned spaces, and the “aha” moment that brought it all together.
4/25/201936 minutes, 41 seconds
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Ep. 92: Chemi Peres and the Empires of Tomorrow

Chemi Peres is a man on a mission. Tune in as Mayor Emanuel speaks with the venture capitalist and chairman of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation about impact investing and peace through technology, Israel and its recent elections, and his work in advancing his father’s legacy of visionary leadership.
4/19/201935 minutes, 54 seconds
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Ep. 91: Richard Haass's Global Vision

Foreign policy is never what it used to be. Tune in as Mayor Emanuel joins Council on Foreign Relations president Dr. Richard Haass for a sweeping conversation on America's evolving role since the Cold War, his advice for 2020 candidates, how to prioritize big problems, and the blurring lines between foreign and domestic policy, along with much more.
4/15/201934 minutes, 33 seconds
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Ep. 90: Helene Gayle is Making a Difference

Dr. Helene Gayle has made a career out of making a difference. Tune in as she and Mayor Emanuel talk about her early career fighting HIV/AIDS, how to create inclusive economic growth, what brought her to Chicago, and her vision as president of the Chicago Community Trust.
4/5/201927 minutes, 1 second
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Ep. 89: David Haugh and All Things Chicago Sports

Chicago is the best sports town on Earth. Period. Tune in as Mayor Emanuel and sportswriter and radio host David Haugh dive into the dizzying highs and crushing lows that comes with being a fan in this city, from our greatest coaches, to our unsung teams, what they'd do if they were in the owners box, their outlook on this season, and much more.
4/1/201929 minutes, 8 seconds
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Ep. 88: Eddie Bocanegra's Day of Atonement

Eddie Bocanegra's life is a story of choices, mistakes, leadership, and redemption. Tune in as he tells Mayor Emanuel about his transformation from gang member and convicted felon, to trailblazing leader at the Heartland Alliance's READI Chicago program, the role of faith and family, trauma and violence, healing, opportunity, and hope.
3/15/201941 minutes, 34 seconds
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Ep. 87: Gerald Rosenberg, the Supreme Court and Social Change

Think the Supreme Court brings about social change? Think again. Tune in as Mayor Emanuel sits down with Supreme Court historian and scholar Gerald Rosenberg to talk about the true impact of landmark cases, the court's long history of politicization, the big decisions he's watching, RBG, and much more.
3/8/201928 minutes, 59 seconds
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Ep. 86: Alex Kotlowitz and "An American Summer"

Author Alex Kotlowitz burst into the public 25-years-ago with his seminal work "There Are No Children Here." Now he's out with its bookend, "An American Summer," about the lives affected by gun violence. Tune in as Alex and Mayor Emanuel share a honest discussion about the causes and solutions of gun violence, along with the stories of love, hope, redemption, and grace that live in between.
3/2/201936 minutes, 26 seconds
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Ep. 84: Kyle Longley, LBJ's Legacy, and Presidential Centers

It's been 50 years since Lyndon Johnson's presidency, but his impact continues to reverberate across our culture, politics, and society to this day. Tune in as historian and director of the LBJ Presidential Library Kyle Longley takes a deep dive with Mayor Emanuel into incredible complexities and legacy of the larger-than-life 36th President of the United States.
2/16/201944 minutes, 36 seconds
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Ep. 83: Chris Jones and Chicago Theater

Everyone knows about the connections between politics and performance, but it turns out mayors and theater critics have a lot in common as well. At the start of both Chicago Theatre Week and the Year of Chicago Theatre, the great drama critic Chris Jones sat down with Mayor Emanuel to talk all things theater, from his favorite up-and-coming companies, to the politics of theater in new book "Rise Up,” the impact of the Internet, and—of course—what makes Chicago the greatest theater town in the world.
2/8/201936 minutes, 29 seconds
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Ep. 82: Martha Nussbaum and the Monarchy of Fear

Famed political and moral philosopher Martha Nussbaum stopped by City Hall for a conversation with Mayor Emanuel about ideas and ideals, the role of philosophers in the public arena, and the churning emotions of our political moment she laid out in latest book, "The Monarchy of Fear."
2/1/201929 minutes, 25 seconds
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Ep. 81: Ben Bernanke and the Great Recession

Ben Bernanke’s goal during the Financial Crisis was simple: get people back to work. Doing it was a lot more complicated. Tune as Mayor Emanuel and the former Fed Chair take a deep dive into the heady days of the Great Recession, its turbulent politics and policy successes, along with a look at its powerful legacy, and much, much more.
1/25/201934 minutes, 11 seconds
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Ep. 80: Nick Cave and the Art of Chicago

"I look at space as I would look at the way in which one choreographs a work." Renowned visual and performance artist Nick Cave dropped by City Hall to talk to Mayor Emanuel about how he approached his immersive new work at the CTA's Garfield Green 'L' Station, as well as look back at the origins of his iconic "Soundsuits," how failure continues to be necessary to his artistic development, and much more.
1/18/201927 minutes, 9 seconds
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Ep. 79: Gen. Stanley McChrystal, Leadership and National Service

What makes a good leader? Do we create false leaders? What role does context play in leadership? Gen. Stanley McChrystal joined Mayor Emanuel for a fascinating conversation on the myths and realities of leadership and how they continue to shape our society today. Tune in as they also discuss striking the right balance between civilian leadership and the military, share a captivating retelling of Al-Qaeda leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, and advocate for creating a universal national service.
1/13/201944 minutes, 27 seconds
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Ep. 78: Comedian Pat McGann Loves His Job

You know Pat McGann, whether you know him or not. On this week’s episode Mayor Emanuel sits down with the Beverly-native to hear how he went from selling boxes to telling jokes, along with his take on Chicago humor, how his family's an endless supply of material, and why comedy resonates so strongly today.
12/21/201824 minutes, 1 second
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Ep. 77: Rahm Emanuel and the Ragin’ Cajun

Trump! House Dems! Rural voters! Liberal hubris! Ohio! 2020! Legendary political strategist James Carville dropped by City Hall for some lively shop talk with Mayor Emanuel on everything under the political sun, from strategy and values, to the importance of story, their take on past political figures, along with a whole lot more.
12/14/201840 minutes, 28 seconds
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Ep. 76: Josh Noel and the Craft of Beer

Recorded in Begyle Brewing Company on Chicago's "Malt Row," Mayor Emanuel and beer writer Josh Noel plunged into Josh's new book, Barrel-Aged Stout and Selling Out, to explore the story behind craft brewing, the community it created, which new Chicago taprooms to keep an eye on, all while sipping a few samples along the way.
12/7/201829 minutes, 16 seconds
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Ep. 75: Derek Black's Awakening from White Nationalism

Derek Black was the heir apparent of white nationalism. Now he's speaking out against it. Tune in as he and Mayor Emanuel talk about his journey of personal awakening, along with the movement's political strategy, Chicago’s place in its ideology, and how President Trump's white nationalist rhetoric forced Derek to confront the past he hoped he left behind.
11/30/201836 minutes, 49 seconds
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Ep. 74: Doris Kearns Goodwin's American Leadership

For our special Thanksgiving episode, Mayor Emanuel welcomed the great American historian Doris Kearns Goodwin to City Hall to talk about her new book, "Leadership in Turbulent Times," as well as the lessons of history, the responsibility of historians, and their shared dream of creating a sense of national purpose through universal national service.
11/21/201837 minutes, 7 seconds
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Ep. 73: Governor-Elect J.B. Pritzker's Vision for Illinois

J.B. Pritzker wants to be the best Chief Marketing Officer Illinois has ever had--and a whole lot more. Fresh off his win for Illinois Governor, J.B. Pritzker dropped by City Hall to talk to Mayor Emanuel about his big plans for the state, starting with early-childhood education, budget reform, and job creation. They also look back at some of his early set-backs, his family’s philanthropy, and how he almost didn’t get a second date with his wife M.K.
11/16/201834 minutes, 8 seconds
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Ep. 72: Fatima Farheen Mirza's Place For Us

Belonging, identity, family, faith, and self-acceptance. These are only some of the themes Fatima Farheen Mirza explores in her masterful debut novel, "A Place For Us." Tune in as she and Mayor Emanuel--a big fan himself--share a funny and sensitive conversation about her own story and journey as a novelist, the moment that sparked her book, the writers that inspire her, and what she plans on doing next.
11/10/201834 minutes, 17 seconds
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Ep. 71: Steve Dolinsky's Tour of Pizza City, USA

Chicago is Pizza City, USA. Just ask Chicago food critic Steve Dolinsky who went on an epic journey to over 100 pizza spots in search of the perfect slice. Tune in as he and Mayor Emanuel deep-dive into Chicago's 10 unique styles, even sampling four right on air.  Along the way they tackle some of the burning questions on every pizza-lovers mind, like when is it acceptable to use a knife and fork, does Detroit really warrant its own style, and—most important of all—how Steve still manages to stay so thin.
11/2/201831 minutes, 9 seconds
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Live from the Joffrey Ballet: Ashley Wheater

Right on the heels of their opening night performance of "Swan Lake," Mayor Emanuel visited the Joffrey Ballet's artistic director Ashley Wheater in their downtown studio for a live conversation on this year's new works and reinvented classics, the importance of craft, his own influences and inspirations, and how he plans to continue take the celebrated dance company to new heights.  
10/26/201830 minutes, 20 seconds
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Ep. 69: Michael Beschloss, Presidents of War

What makes a great war president? Can U.S. presidents be great without a war? Mayor Emanuel sits down with presidential historian Michael Beschloss to tackle these questions and a lot more in a rollicking discussion that stretches from the birth of our Constitution to the Vietnam War, and how the lessons of the past continue to inform our present day.
10/19/201837 minutes, 16 seconds
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Ep. 68: Mario Van Peebles: Making America Think Again

Multi-talented director, actor, producer and writer Mario Van Peebles is known for creating seminal movies like New Jack City and Baadasssss!, where he portrayed his father Melvin Van Peebles, who spearheaded African American filmmaking and directing in the 1970’s. Mario is in Chicago to discuss his latest action thriller, Armed, focusing on America’s obsession with guns. Hear his conversation with Mayor Emanuel on the roots of mass shootings in the United States, the evolution of filmmakers of color and more.
10/13/201831 minutes, 23 seconds
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Ep. 67: Love, Destruction, Creation, Power, and Jane M. Saks

Jane M. Saks wants all of us to participate in our own stories. Mayor Emanuel sits down with the President and Artistic Director of Chicago-based arts collective Project& to talk about its upcoming opera "Pan," creating social impact through artistic collaboration, and what it was like to ride around Chicago with her dad and Studs Terkel.
9/28/201827 minutes, 27 seconds
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Ep. 66: Electrifying Education with Mario Miller and Javier Lopez

30 years ago trades were pushed out of public schools, but today they’re roaring back. Tune in as Mayor Emanuel sits down with Dunbar Career Academy High School instructor and IBEW electrician Mario Miller and one of his students, Javier Lopez, to hear about what it’s like in the classroom, the importance of trades, and getting every Chicago student to believe in themselves.
9/21/201827 minutes, 28 seconds
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Ep. 65: Denise Sauriol and the Spirit of the Marathon

Denise Sauriol's first Chicago Marathon 24-years-ago ignited an empowerment engine she never thought possible. Today, she's a running coach working to inspire others to do the same. With this year's race just a few weeks away, Mayor Emanuel sat down with Denise to hear what inspires her, along with some training tips, favorite playlists, and the near-fatal accident that changed all.
9/14/201823 minutes, 8 seconds
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Ep. 64: Bill Kurtis: A Voice for the Ages

Since age 16, Bill Kurtis knew he had a golden gift — his voice. Mayor Emanuel sits down with one of the most legendary anchormen as he recalls vivid moments in Chicago’s history, including the ’68 Convention, the “Battle of Michigan Avenue” and the ensuing Conspiracy Trial. They also discuss the renaissance of journalism post-Watergate, and Bill’s advice to aspiring reporters looking to enter the field.
9/8/201830 minutes, 32 seconds
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Ep. 63: Jonathan Eig's American Rebels

Jonathan Eig never thought he'd be a biographer. The best-selling author of works on Muhammad Ali, Al Capone, the birth control pill, and others, talks to Mayor Emanuel about how he chooses his subjects, what surprised him about each one, and what he's working on next.
9/1/201833 minutes, 35 seconds
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Ep. 62: Pat Tomasulo Wants Everyone Laughing

Pat Tomasulo is a funny man on a serious mission. Mayor Emanuel sat down with the sportscaster, stand-up comic, and host of WGN’s “Man of the People” who’s also fighting to fund research and raise awareness for people suffering from neuropathic disorders—people like Pat’s wife.
8/24/201825 minutes, 1 second
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Ep. 61: Miguel Cervantes' Role of a Lifetime

There's no way singer and actor Miguel Cervantes is throwing away his shot. Tune in as the star of Chicago’s “Hamilton” gives Mayor Emanuel his take on the smash-hit musical, shares the story of his hard-won career, and talks about his biggest role of all as “Dad” and raising awareness for childhood epilepsy.
8/17/201837 minutes, 20 seconds
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Ep. 60: Pastor Brooks' Walk of Faith

Just before joining his weekly Peace Gathering in North Lawndale, Mayor Emanuel sat down with Pastor James Brooks of Harmony Community Church in Chicago’s West Side to hear about his journey of faith, how he's fighting neighborhood violence, and what he’s doing to take his church beyond its four walls.
8/10/201816 minutes, 54 seconds
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Ep. 59: The Strongest Part of Benny Lee

Former Vice Lord Benny Lee is a counselor, activist, mentor, and college professor, but he didn't start out that way. Tune in as he and Mayor Emanuel talk about his inspiring journey from gang life and death row, to education, advocacy, and helping others move their lives forward.
8/4/201830 minutes, 11 seconds
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Ep. 58: Chicago Neighborhoods 101

Historian and long-time Chicago Tribune columnist Ron Grossman probably knows more "Chicago Stories" than anyone else. Tune in as he and Mayor Emanuel "kibbitz" about Chicago's old Ward battles, evolving ethnic neighborhoods, the Albany Park of their youth, and the ways the town he loves has changed and stayed the same.
7/27/201833 minutes, 2 seconds
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Ep. 57: Erica Watson's Chicago

Actress and comedian Erica Watson stopped by City Hall to talk to Mayor Emanuel about her roles in "The Chi," her new movie "BlacKorea," and the growing strength of Chicago's film and television industry. They also shared a frank conversation about community policing—how far it's come, and where she thinks it needs to go.
7/21/201825 minutes, 37 seconds
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Ep. 56: The Ragtime of Reginald R. Robinson

Mayor Emanuel welcomed Chicago ragtime pianist, composer, and scholar Reginald R. Robinson to City Hall to hear about his unlikely story as a self-taught artist, the highs and lows of his creative process, being a MacArthur "Genius," and ragtime's place in American music. Reginald also treated Mayor Emanuel to a rendition of one of his own works, "Sweet Envy."
7/13/201824 minutes, 7 seconds
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Ep. 55: Val Warner of Windy City LIVE

Mayor Emanuel turned the tables on Val Warner, co-host of the Chicago's popular Windy City LIVE daytime talk show, to ask her everything from parenting, faith, and family, to how she got her start, and the secrets of a good interview.
7/7/201827 minutes, 27 seconds
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Ep. 54: Thinking Like a Freak with Steven Levitt

Mayor Emanuel stepped inside the mind of economist Steven Levitt, co-author of the wildly successful "Freakonomics" series, to hear how he comes up with questions, rationality vs. incentive, the value of change, public policy, the new ideas he's exploring, and why he became an economist in the first place. He also reminds the Mayor of a conversation they had over 20 years ago.
6/29/201831 minutes, 49 seconds
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Ep. 53: Leaning In with Sheryl Sandberg

Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg and Mayor Emanuel have a lot to say about preparing Chicago's students for the future. Listen in as the two Clinton Administration alums talk digital training, corporate leadership, female empowerment, and making the world a better place through technology, along with some of the hard lessons learned along the way.
6/22/201818 minutes, 28 seconds
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Ep. 52: My Father, Dr. Benjamin Emanuel

On this week's Father's Day episode, Mayor Emanuel was honored to be joined by his own father, Dr. Benjamin Emanuel, for a special conversation on parenthood, as well as a look back on his dad's life and long career. Tune in as Dr. Emanuel shares stories about his journey to Chicago, his role in Israel's War of Independence, fighting City Hall against lead paint, what he's most proud of as a parent, and, of course, what it was like to raise Rahm.
6/16/201816 minutes, 57 seconds
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Ep. 51: Toronzo Cannon Drives the Blues

"Chicago Stories" is celebrating its first birthday with CTA bus driving, world-touring blues artist Toronzo Cannon. Tune in as he talks to Mayor Emanuel about writing songs on his route, the difference between West Side and South Side blues, how he balances his passion with the rest of his life, and much more. He even plays a few songs for good measure.
6/8/201825 minutes, 48 seconds
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Ep. 50: Ms. Adams and the Power of Early-Education

Nashone Greer-Adams is doing amazing things. Mayor Emanuel had the privilege to be joined by the founder of Little Angels Learning Center in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood to talk about the importance of early-education, serving the whole family, her own personal journey, and her plans for the future.
6/2/201821 minutes
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Ep. 49: Chicago's Culinary Champs: Top Chef Joe Flamm and MasterChef Junior Beni Cwiakala

Fresh off their wins on "Top Chef" and "MasterChef Junior," Mayor Emanuel sat down with Chicago culinary wizards Joe Flamm and 11-year-old Beni Cwiakala to learn about their signature dishes, their favorite restaurants, and conquering cooking's toughest arenas.
5/25/201819 minutes, 59 seconds
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Ep. 48: Steve Cochran

He’s adopted Chicago as his home, and Chicago is better for it. You know Steve Cochran as the host of his eponymous morning show on WGN Radio, but hear him as Mayor Emanuel’s guest as they discuss Steve’s own story of adoption and the importance of family — a topic close to the Mayor’s heart. They also talk about the dangers of labeling fake news, the “corruption report,” and how to stay optimistic about the future. 
5/19/201831 minutes, 14 seconds
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Ep. 47: The Role of America in the Age of Trump

Iran, North Korea, Syria, China, Russia, and much more. Mayor Emanuel sat down with Ivo Daalder, president of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and former U.S. ambassador to NATO, to help make sense of the news, its major players, and how America's role in all of it is changing in the age of Trump.
5/11/201825 minutes, 50 seconds
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Ep. 46: Coach Troy and the Phillips Academy Family

Phillips Academy High School has won two football state championships in the last three years and has no plans on stopping. Not bad for a team that finished 2-7 as recently as 2010. Tune in as Coach Troy McAllister tells Mayor Emanuel how it happened, his plans for the future, and how success on the field has supported even greater success off the field.
5/4/201821 minutes, 38 seconds
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Ep. 45: Rainn Wilson's Homecoming

Rainn Wilson took a break from his star turn at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre to stop by City Hall and talk to Mayor Emanuel about acting and service, his Baha'i faith and his current play "The Doppelgänger (an international farce)," and, of course, his iconic role on "The Office" as Scranton's most beloved paper salesman/beet farmer.
4/27/201823 minutes, 46 seconds
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Never Forget: Live from the Illinois Holocaust Museum

Auschwitz survivor Fritzie Fritzshall shares her firsthand account of the Holocaust with Mayor Rahm Emanuel in this special live podcast episode at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. She’s joined by Susan Abrams, the Museum’s CEO, on the 75th Anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, who shares more about important exhibits including the Take a Stand Center featuring interactive holograms of survivors’ stories. Raw, powerful and emotional.
4/21/201836 minutes, 41 seconds
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Ep. 43: Ramble On with Coach Porter Moser

After a Cinderella story for the ages, Loyola Ramblers basketball coach Porter Moser took a break from his busy off-season to talk to Mayor Emanuel about his whirlwind ride. Tune in as Coach Moser shares memories from the Final Four run, learning from failure, winning the right way, and, of course, Sister Jean.
4/13/201828 minutes, 32 seconds
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Ep. 42: Remembering Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

50 years ago today, the world lost one of the greatest civil rights leaders of our time. The death of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. sent shock waves around the globe, and nowhere more so than right here in Chicago. To commemorate this anniversary, Mayor Emanuel was joined by one of Chicago's own civil rights leaders, Rev. Dr. B. Herbert Martin of Bronzeville's Progressive Community Church, to look back on Dr. King's life and legacy, his campaign in Chicago, and to take us back to that tragic moment in 1968.
4/4/201837 minutes, 8 seconds
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Ep. 41: Wait, Wait...Peter Sagal!

Peter Sagal is a man of many interests, which you’d expect from the host of NPR’s long-running “Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” Listen as Peter and Mayor Emanuel look back on his unlikely career, the growth of news and comedy, and swap stories on marriage, running, his dinner with Stormy Daniels, and everything else that comes to mind.
3/30/201843 minutes, 39 seconds
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Ep. 40: David Eigenberg and "Chicago Fire"

David Eigenberg may not be a real Chicago firefighter, but he works with them to play one on T.V. Tune in as Mayor Emanuel talks to the "Chicago Fire" and "Sex and the City" actor about first responders, Chicago's bravest, and everything that makes this city tick.
3/23/201830 minutes, 24 seconds
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Live from 1871: Howard Tullman

Entrepreneurial guru Howard Tullman sits down with Mayor Emanuel in Chicago Stories’ first live podcast to dive into Chicago's surging innovation scene, taking a look back at his story of reinvention, 1871’s world leading expansion, and how Chicago became the global tech hub it is today.
3/16/201830 minutes, 2 seconds
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Ep. 38: Tom Skilling and Climate Disruption

Tom Skilling loves the weather, but his focus has increasingly turned to the urgency of climate change, or as he also puts it, "climate disruption." Tune in to hear his discussion with Mayor Emanuel about his remarkable career, the importance of following your passion, as well as the serious impact of climate change and what we can do about it.
3/9/201828 minutes, 32 seconds
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Ep. 37: George Saunders

George Saunders is a man of many careers and characters, but his voice has only one home. Tune in as Mayor Emanuel sits down with the acclaimed essayist, short-story writer, and first-time novelist as they talk about "Lincoln in the Bardo," creativity, kindness, and, of course, Chicago.
3/2/201830 minutes, 4 seconds
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Ep. 36: Ben Austen on Cabrini-Green

Ben Austen’s new book “High-Risers” focuses on Chicago’s infamous Cabrini-Green complex, the people who lived there, and the past, present and promise of public housing as a metaphor for cities and America at large. Mayor Emanuel sits down with the journalist and writer to discuss affordable housing, neighborhood community development, and much more.
2/24/201845 minutes, 36 seconds
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Ep. 35: Alpana Singh, Master Sommelier

Her restaurant The Boarding House was just named a 2018 James Beard Award semifinalist for "Outstanding Wine Program," and she was the youngest women and only South Asian in the world to become a Master Sommelier. Mayor Emanuel chats with Alpana Singh about the City's wine, dining and cultural scene, the "sisterhood" of female chefs and restauranteurs and her family history from Fiji to Chicago.
2/18/201832 minutes, 3 seconds
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Ep. 34: David Schwimmer

Even before “Friends” David Schwimmer became a household name, he was a passionate actor, director and activist rooted in Chicago’s cultural community as a founding member of the Lookingglass Theatre Company with a work ethic that is second to none. Hear his conversation with fellow Northwestern alum Mayor Emanuel about his new play Plantation!, his powerful series of PSAs on sexual harassment called #ThatsHarassment, his role as a father and why Chicago continues to be his artistic home.
2/9/201833 minutes, 35 seconds
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Ep. 33: Congressman Luis Gutiérrez, DACA, and the Wall

From driving a cab to driving the national debate on immigration, Congressman Luis Gutiérrez tells Mayor Emanuel how it happened in a wide-ranging conversation through Chicago's neighborhoods, Puerto Rico's countryside, the halls of Congress and the Oval Office.
2/2/201847 minutes, 56 seconds
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Ep. 32: Kartemquin Films

Chicago is on the road to the Oscars! Local film company Kartemquin Films, which has been making powerful independent films for over 50 years, has just been nominated for not one but two Academy Awards this year for Abacus: Small Enough to Jail (nominated for Best Documentary), and Edith+Eddie (nominated for Best Short Documentary). Hear from Betsy Steinberg, Executive Director and Tim Horsburgh, Director of Communications and Distribution, about Kartemquin Films, one of Chicago’s best-kept secrets. 
1/27/201832 minutes, 29 seconds
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Ep. 31: Cooking with Graham Elliot

Graham Elliot knows the secret to the perfect grilled cheese. The celebrity chef stopped by City Hall to talk to Mayor Emanuel about everything from Chicago's food scene, to his new projects, his advice for young chefs, and, of course, that grilled cheese secret. (Hint: It has to do with the crusts.)
1/19/201825 minutes, 18 seconds
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Ep. 30: Timuel Black’s Sacred Ground

99-year-old Timuel Black is one of Chicago’s most influential activists and civil rights leaders. His experience serving in World War II in Normandy and witnessing the horrors of Buchenwald concentration camp led him to devote his life to the fight for human rights. Professor Black became a close friend to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and was influential in helping Harold Washington become the first African-American mayor of Chicago, as well as President Barack Obama’s rise. Hear his incredible story.
1/13/201835 minutes, 2 seconds
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Ep. 29: David Axelrod

The tables are turned as Mayor Emanuel interviews David Axelrod, host of "The Axe Files," about his 40-year career in politics, his daughter's battle with epilepsy and his unique view of Chicago as a former Tribune reporter in the 1970s. You won't want to miss this conversation between two Obama-era veterans.
1/5/201831 minutes, 7 seconds
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Ep. 28: Eric Posner and the Logan Act

University of Chicago distinguished law professor Eric Posner co-wrote a powerful Op-Ed in the New York Times about the Logan Act and Robert Mueller's investigation. Hear him discuss its legal dimensions and possible outcomes with Mayor Emanuel.
12/22/201727 minutes, 39 seconds
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Ep. 27: Cardinal Cupich

Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, speaks with the Mayor about his recent visit to Puerto Rico for relief and recovery efforts and shares his thoughts on immigration and DACA, the role of religion and faith in addressing violence in the city, and his path to becoming a leader in the Catholic Church. 
12/16/201729 minutes, 10 seconds
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Ep. 26: Collaboraction

Meet Anthony Moseley, Artistic Director of Collaboraction, a contemporary theater company part of “Night Out in the Parks” that explores race, culture and social justice issues across the city. He’s “surprisingly fresh” in his approach to tackling tough topics on the stage with a vivacity that is purely Chicago.
12/9/201733 minutes, 33 seconds
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Ep. 25: Kamau Murray and XS Tennis

Mayor Emanuel sat down with XS Tennis founder and 2017 U.S. Open champion coach Kamau Murray to talk about Chicago's grit, mentoring young people though tennis, and growing the game.
12/1/201732 minutes, 40 seconds
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Ep. 24: Remembering Harold Washington

In honor of the 30th Anniversary of Mayor Harold Washington's death, his top aide Jacky Grimshaw sat down with Mayor Emanuel to look back on the life and legacy of Chicago's trailblazing leader.
11/24/201731 minutes, 13 seconds
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Ep. 23: Chicago Architecture Biennial

Chicago Architecture Biennial artistic directors Mark Lee and Sharon Johnston discuss architecture's role in creating sustainable beauty and inclusivity amid ever-changing cities and spaces.
11/18/201724 minutes, 35 seconds
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Ep. 22: The Soul of Chicago

Pilsen native Stuart Dybek, one of America’s great poets and writers, reminisces with Mayor Emanuel about Chicago’s working-class roots and neighborhoods that he calls “eyes into the City’s soul.”
11/10/201728 minutes, 19 seconds
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Ep. 21: My Block, My Hood, My City

Jahmal Cole, Chatham resident and founder of My Block, My Hood, My City, talks with Mayor Emanuel about his journey and how he came to believe that "exposure is key" to helping Chicago’s youth discover new opportunities and embrace their city.
11/4/201728 minutes, 57 seconds
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Ep. 20: Rami and Rahm

MacArthur “Genius” and Palestinian-American activist Rami Nashashibi dives deep into an honest conversation with Mayor Emanuel about breaking barriers and building bridges from the land of Jerusalem to Chicago’s Southwest Side.
10/27/201738 minutes, 46 seconds
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Ep. 19: As American as Apple Inc.

Chicago and Apple don't just share a long history, they also share the same values. Tune in as Apple CEO Tim Cook talks to Mayor Emanuel about the equalizing power of education, the need for diversity, the definition of America, and much more. This week's episode also took place at the grand opening of Apple's new flagship store on Chicago's Riverwalk.
10/21/201726 minutes, 21 seconds
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Ep. 18: The Irrational Nobel Prize

Richard Thaler's path to the Nobel Prize began with a bowl of cashews. It was the light-bulb moment that set him on a career of predicting irrational behavior. Think of it as being right about being wrong. Tune in as he and Mayor Emanuel discuss irrationality, predictable errors, and the party that started it all.
10/13/201728 minutes, 5 seconds
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Ep. 17: The Spirit of Invention

What do Operation, Radio Flyer, Cards Against Humanity, Beanie Babies and Pinball have in common? They were all invented in Chicago. Mayor Emanuel chats with Mary Couzin, founder of the Chicago Toy and Game Group, about why Chicago is the toy and game capital of the world.
10/6/201719 minutes, 21 seconds
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Ep. 16: Shakespeare's My Daddy

Meet Leah Guenther, a Chicago Public Schools teacher in Englewood who uses her love of Shakespeare to help struggling students vastly improve their reading levels in a very short amount of time.
9/29/201723 minutes, 7 seconds
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Ep. 15: "Yes, And"

Comedy legend and lifelong Chicagoan Charna Halpern shares her stories about spotting stars, saving the world from black holes, and unlocking the secrets of the universe with the scientists at CERN. Pretty much what you'd expect from the Mother of Modern Comedy.
9/22/201726 minutes, 25 seconds
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Ep. 14: Dear Mr. Mayor

Air Force veteran Claude Lamb shares his story about overcoming “physical and mental” homelessness, rebuilding his life, and going to community college in his 70's.
9/8/201724 minutes, 36 seconds
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Ep. 13: Second Chances

"Let me add life to my years and years to my life." Alphonso Johnson talks being a husband, father, and building a new life after prison with help from the CTA Second Chance Program.
8/25/201723 minutes, 53 seconds
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Ep. 12: The Gift Theatre

Mayor Emanuel interviews the inspiring Michael Patrick Thornton about how he founded Chicago's Gift Theatre, a quintessential storefront theater, and about his acting and directing career as a person with disabilities, including on ABC's "Private Practice" and major plays, films and television productions.
8/19/201726 minutes, 8 seconds
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Ep. 11: Diversity in Tech

Mayor Emanuel visits 1871 to meet Shaniqua Davis, who used to apply to jobs using the name "Shawn" to get more response from employers. Then she founded Noirefy, a startup focused on diversity in hiring across all industries. Hear her Chicago story.
8/11/201723 minutes, 51 seconds
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Ep. 10: Chicago Picasso's 50th Anniversary

As the iconic Chicago Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza celebrates its 50th anniversary, hear what its original unveiling was like back in 1967 according to Tim Samuelson, the City's official historian who was there, and Eric Keune, SOM Design Director.
8/4/201718 minutes, 43 seconds
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Ep. 9: Manny's Deli Turns 75

Mayor Emanuel meets with Ken, Patti and Dan Raskin, whose family has run Manny's, a Jewish deli and beloved cultural institution on Chicago's Near South Side, for 75 years. (Bonus: Find out what the Mayor's favorite sandwich is.)
7/28/201715 minutes, 46 seconds
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Ep. 8: STAR Scholars

Mayor Rahm Emanuel personally meets with Arturo and Daniela, two students who graduated this year debt-free from City Colleges of Chicago thanks to the STAR Scholarship, to discuss their hopes and ambitions.
7/21/201716 minutes, 55 seconds
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Ep. 7: Tiny Tapp and Craft Cocktails

Tiny Tapp owner Mark William Johnson discusses Chicago's craft cocktail scene and the revitalization of the Riverwalk with Mayor Emanuel at City Hall on this week's episode.
7/14/201721 minutes, 35 seconds
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Ep. 6: Parachute, Robinson's Ribs and a Taste of Chicago

It's Korean fine dining vs. Southern BBQ. With the Taste of Chicago in full swing, Mayor Emanuel invites Charlie Robinson, founder of Robinson's Ribs, and Chef Beverly Kim of Michelin-starred Parachute restaurant to City Hall.
7/7/201731 minutes, 52 seconds
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Ep. 5: A Wounded Warrior Competes in the Games

What if you were given a second chance at life? Listen as Mayor Rahm Emanuel reunites with AJ Mohammed, a wounded warrior competing in the 2017 Warrior Games in Chicago whom he met years ago at Walter Reed Medical Center.
7/1/201725 minutes, 43 seconds
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Ep. 4: Harold Green, Spoken Word Artist

Mayor Emanuel talks about spoken word's home in Chicago, the creative process and the joys and lessons of fatherhood with poet and artist Harold Green.
6/23/201732 minutes, 15 seconds
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Ep. 3: Curie High School's Principal

Mayor Emanuel chats with Allison Tingwall, Principal of Curie High School, about how she came to teach and lead a Chicago Public School and her views on education.
6/16/201726 minutes, 30 seconds
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Ep. 2: Chicago Shakespeare and the Yard

Mayor Emanuel sits down with Barbara Gaines, Artistic Director of Chicago Shakespeare Theater, on the eve of the opening of "The Yard."
6/9/201729 minutes, 33 seconds
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Ep. 1: Mayor Emanuel Meets Haymarket Brewery

Mayor Emanuel kicks off the inaugural Chicago Stories podcast by sitting down with Haymarket Brewery on the eve of the launch of the first Friday Night Flights, a summer series of craft beer festivals around the city.
6/2/201723 minutes, 31 seconds