Welcome back to another episode of All For the Love of Chicago, the podcast where we spotlight the people, experiences, and unforgettable moments that continue to shape the spirit of Chicago.

We kick things off with a special “Deep Dish” segment as Lisa and Kristen catch up on everything happening around the city, including the excitement surrounding the Chicago Crosstown Classic and major new developments coming to the United Center through the highly anticipated 1901 Project. The two also dive into what’s been buzzing around Chicago lately as summer officially starts to take over the city.

In our featured segment, “We’re Lovin’ It,” Lisa and Kristen are joined by Michael Strautmanis, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer for the Obama Foundation and member of the Choose Chicago Board of Directors. Michael shares an inside look at the vision and mission behind the highly anticipated Obama Presidential Center opening on Chicago’s South Side during Juneteenth weekend. The conversation explores why the Center is much more than a traditional presidential museum, the importance of Jackson Park and the South Side to the Obamas, what visitors can expect when they step onto the campus for the first time, and how the project reflects Chicago’s resilience, culture, and global impact. Michael also reflects on watching the vision come to life after years of work alongside President Obama and discusses how the Center hopes to inspire future generations of leaders from Chicago and around the world. Find more info on the Chicago South Side & Presidential Center Shuttle from Choose Chicago and Big Bus Tours Chicago here: https://www.bigbustours.com/en/chicago/chicago-south-side-presidential-center-shuttle

We wrap up with “Let’s ChicaGO,” where Fabiola and Joanie spotlight some of the city’s biggest upcoming events and experiences. Fabiola highlights the return of Jazzin’ at the Shedd, the popular summer jazz series at Shedd Aquarium featuring live performances and local food vendors, along with the North American debut of the Pokémon Fossil Museum at the Field Museum. Joanie shares details on Neon Paddle, Chicago’s glowing nighttime paddleboard experience on the Chicago River, the return of the city’s iconic Blues Fest in Millennium Park, and celebrates the official opening of Chicago’s beaches for the summer season.

Follow along on Instagram:

Choose Chicago: @choosechicago

All For the Love of Chicago: @allfortheloveofchicago

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to another episode of All For the Love of Chicago, the podcast where we spotlight the people, experiences, and unforgettable moments that continue to shape the spirit of Chicago. This week, Kristen and Lisa are joined on the couch by Marilynn Gardner, President and CEO of Navy Pier.

We kick things off with a special “Deep Dish” segment as Lisa surprises Kristen with “Kris10,” a fun celebration marking Kristen’s first year as President and CEO of Choose Chicago. The two look back on Kristen’s first year living in Chicago through rapid fire questions, favorite discoveries, memorable moments, and everything she’s fallen in love with about the city so far. Plus, Kristen gives an update on the ongoing Pascal saga after cashing in on the salon appointment gift with Pascal of The Golden Bachelorette and shares how the experience has evolved since our last episode.

In our featured segment, “We’re Lovin’ It,” Marilynn Gardner reflects on her journey leading one of the most visited attractions in the country while sharing what she loves most about Chicago. The conversation dives into Navy Pier’s exciting plans for 2026, including how the Pier is connecting Chicago’s rich history with major milestones like the Route 66 centennial and Chicago 250 celebrations. Marilynn also shares the vision behind the new “pier to pier” concept celebrating Route 66's centenary, favorite activations from years past, and exciting upcoming experiences like the Crystal Gardens summer skate activation. Learn more about Navy Pier's summer fireworks displays here: https://navypier.org/pier-events/summer-fireworks/.

We wrap up with “Let’s ChicaGO,” where Fabiola and Joanie spotlight some of the city’s biggest upcoming events and experiences. Fabiola highlights the vibrant Dancing the Revolution: From Dancehall to Reggaetónexhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the return of Sueños Music Festival at Grant Park featuring major artists including J Balvin, Kali Uchis, Danny Ocean, and Fuerza Regida. Joanie shares details on the Do Division Street Fest in Wicker Park and Chicago’s newest music festival, Forever Mine Festival at Union Park, featuring performances from Keyshia Cole, Kelly Rowland, Kaytranada, Shaggy, and more.

Follow along on Instagram:

Choose Chicago: @choosechicago

All For the Love of Chicago: @allfortheloveofchicago

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back with another episode of All For the Love of Chicago, the podcast where we celebrate the people, innovations, and cultural moments that define Chicago.

We open with our “Deep Dish” segment, where Lisa and Kristen unpack their traveling musts, from can’t-miss essentials to the little things that make every trip smoother. Kristen also finally cashed in on the salon appointment gift she’s mentioned on past episodes at Pascal’s salon from The Golden Bachelorette and shares her experience.

In our featured segment, “We’re Lovin’ It,” Lisa and Kristen sit down with Dr. Chevy Humphrey, President and CEO of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry—the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Dr. Humphrey shares what she loves most about Chicago and reflects on her five years leading the museum through a period of exciting growth and transformation. She gives insight into how the museum has evolved, including the impact of major projects and what that means for the future visitor experience. Plus, she highlights must-see exhibits for the spring and summer season and discusses how institutions like hers play a vital role in Chicago’s global tourism appeal. As a member of the Choose Chicago Board of Directors, she also shares her perspective on positioning Chicago as a premier destination for curiosity, culture, and discovery.

We wrap up with “Let’s ChicaGO,” where Fabiola and Joanie spotlight some of the must-see events and experiences happening across the city this season. Fabiola highlights the return of farmers markets across Chicago this May, featuring locally sourced goods from neighboring states, and shares beautiful springtime experiences like “Shower of Flowers” at Garfield Park Conservatory and “Jewels of Spring” at Lincoln Park Conservatory, along with a visit to the Chicago Botanic Garden. Joanie dives into unique entertainment offerings, including Theater of the Mind, David Byrne’s immersive theatrical experience at the Goodman Theatre running through July 12, and introduces the Chicago Snowballs, a co-ed sportstainment baseball team kicking off their season on May 2 before touring throughout the summer.

Follow along on Instagram:

Choose Chicago: https://www.instagram.com/choosechicago/

All For the Love of Chicago: https://www.instagram.com/allfortheloveofchicago/

Visit choosechicago.com for more and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.