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 “The Deep Dish” as Lisa welcomes Clarissa Flores as guest co-host while Kristen is away. Lisa and Clarissa discuss her journey from competing as a Division I student-athlete at Northwestern University to building a successful career in Chicago's hospitality industry. As Director of Operations at TAO Hospitality Group Chicago, Clarissa has helped oversee one of the city's premier entertainment destinations, but her passion for sports and her hometown inspired her latest venture: Level Sporting Club. She shares how the new Wrigleyville hotspot is creating a dedicated home for women's sports fans while celebrating Chicago's thriving and rapidly growing women's sports community.

In our featured segment, “We're Lovin' It,” Lisa and Clarissa are joined by Nadia Rawlinson, Co-Owner and Operating Chairman of the Chicago Sky and Co-Chair of the Chicago All-Star 2026 Host Committee. Nadia shares the excitement surrounding the upcoming AT&T WNBA All-Star festivities as Chicago prepares to welcome the basketball world, including celebrations at the brand-new Obama Presidential Center. She also discusses the Line 'Em Up initiative, which is helping inspire the next generation of girls through greater access to basketball across Chicago, and reflects on the incredible growth and momentum behind women's sports. Plus, Nadia shares a memorable story about joining fellow Chicago civic leaders on a special visit to the Vatican, where they had the opportunity to meet Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV.

We wrap up with Let's ChicaGO, where Joanie and Fabiola highlight some of Chicago's favorite summer traditions and can't-miss seasonal events. This episode features a stop at the iconic Rainbow Cone, the uplifting sounds of the Chicago Gospel Music Festival, and a look at beloved neighborhood celebrations, including the Chinatown Summer Fair, Wicker Park Fest, and Fiesta del Sol, making it the perfect time to experience the energy, culture, and community that define summer in Chicago.

WNBA All-Star Festivities: https://www.wnba.com/allstar/2026

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 information, and be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

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.

We kick things off with our “Deep Dish” segment as Kristen returns to the show after a memorable family vacation. She catches Lisa up on her travels before the conversation turns to some of Chicago's biggest recent cultural and culinary moments. The two also tease exciting America 250 celebrations happening across Chicago, including the spectacular fireworks celebration planned by our friends at Navy Pier. Together, they recap their experiences at Chicago Blues Fest, the National Restaurant Association Show, and the James Beard Awards, which returned to their longtime host city of Chicago. Widely recognized as one of the world's premier culinary destinations, Chicago serves as the perfect backdrop for the industry's most prestigious awards, bringing together top chefs, restaurateurs, and food enthusiasts from across the globe. Lisa and Kristen also discuss the incredible energy across the city this summer and why Chicago continues to stand out as a world-class destination for culture, entertainment, and dining.

In our featured segment, “We're Lovin' It,” Lisa and Kristen welcome Kenya Merritt, Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), a valued partner that works hand in hand with Choose Chicago throughout the year to bring world-class cultural experiences to residents and visitors alike. Kenya shares how signature events such as Taste of Chicago and Chicago Blues Festival help celebrate the city's rich cultural identity while creating opportunities for communities to come together. She also highlights the incredible programming available at the Chicago Cultural Center, one of the city's most treasured landmarks, which remains free and open to the public year-round. Along the way, Kenya playfully reminds us that we're all simply "culture cousins," connected through the arts, music, food, and experiences that make Chicago such a special place.

We wrap up with “Let's ChicaGO,” where Steve returns to fill in for Joanie and joins Fabiola in highlighting some of Chicago's biggest summer events. They preview Windy City Smokeout, July 8–12, featuring top barbecue, country music, and performances by Treaty Oak Revival, Hootie & the Blowfish, and Lainey Wilson. They also spotlight the return of Taste of Chicago, where visitors can experience the city's incredible culinary diversity alongside performances by Beach Bunny, Babyface, and Common. Plus, they discuss the Grant Park Music Festival, a beloved Chicago tradition bringing free world-class performances to Jay Pritzker Pavilion throughout the summer.

Follow along on Instagram:

Choose Chicago: @choosechicago

All For the Love of Chicago: @allfortheloveofchicago

Learn More:

Choose Chicago America 250: https://www.choosechicago.com/america250/

DCASE & Chicago Cultural Center: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca.html

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.

We kick things off with a special “Deep Dish” segment as Lisa welcomes Emmy Award-winning anchor and producer Matt Rodrigues as guest co-host while Kristen enjoys some family vacation time. Lisa and Matt pull back the curtain on the world of live television, share stories from NBC Chicago, and some of the craziest assignments Matt has tackled on live TV. The two also discuss what they’re most excited about this summer in Chicago and why Pride Month continues to be one of the city’s most vibrant and beloved celebrations.

In our featured segment, “We’re Lovin’ It,” Lisa and Matt are joined by Tracy Baim, award-winning journalist, publisher, author, founder of Windy City Times, and Grand Marshal of the 2026 Chicago Pride Parade. Tracy reflects on her decades documenting Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community, shares how Pride celebrations have evolved over the years, and discusses what has helped make Chicago one of the most welcoming destinations in the world for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. The conversation also explores must-see Pride Month events, the importance of Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ neighborhoods and communities, and what it means to serve as Grand Marshal during a historic moment for the city’s Pride celebrations.

We wrap up with “Let’s ChicaGO,” where Steve and Fabiola spotlight some of Chicago’s biggest events and experiences happening throughout June. Highlights include free music and cultural programming in some of the city’s most iconic public spaces, Andersonville’s beloved Midsommarfest celebrating community, local businesses, food, and live entertainment, the return of the James Beard Awards and its exciting lineup of culinary events, and Tuesdays on the Terrace, a free outdoor series blending live music, contemporary art, and community gathering in the heart of downtown.

Follow along on Instagram:

Choose Chicago: @choosechicago

All For the Love of Chicago: @allfortheloveofchicago

Learn more about the Gerber/Hart LGBTQ+ Library & Archives here: https://www.gerberhart.org/

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