Episodes

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 relationship with the cheesecake brand and the power of building a lasting family business. Follow Eli's Ch...

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/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TonikaJ Follow Notes from Chicago: Spotify: https://open.sp...

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.instagram.com/_tanishablakely Follow Notes from Chicago: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qkYwUroGt4...

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/ Follow Notes from Chicago: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qkYwUroGt4hMZQlhTg32z Apple: https:/...

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 Follow Notes from Chicago: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qkYwUroGt4hMZQlhTg32z Apple: ...

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/@thelydfoundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelydfoundation Follow Notes from Chicago: Spotify: ...

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): Website: https://pilsenunidos.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pilsenpuno Instagram: https://www.i...

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 Notes from Chicago: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qkYwUroGt4hMZQlhTg32z Apple: https://po...

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/id1838675173 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotesfromChicago TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@n...

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 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotesfromChicago TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notesfromchi Instag...

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 https://www.tiktok.com/@earlybirdsclub Follow Notes from Chicago: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/...

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 & Run Chicago: https://www.readandrunchicago.com/ https://www.readandruntours.com/ https://www.instagram.com...

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: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotesfromChicago TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notesfromchi...

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 inspiration and tranquility. Caroline Kent: Instagram: @CarolineKent1 Website: CarolineKent.com Gallerie...

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 Follow Notes from Chicago: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotesfromChicago Instagram: https://www...

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 flavor, Salted Lemonade, and the community support that has helped them thrive. Five Corners Beverage ...