In this episode of Notes from Chicago, we talk with Jahmal Cole, founder of My Block, My Hood, My City, about what he's learning during his 77-month journey to live in all 77 neighborhoods of Chicago. He discusses building bridges across neighborhoods, investing in youth, and creating lasting social change, similar to the Red Cross.

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• Website: https://www.formyblock.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myblockmyhoodmycity/ https://www.instagram.com/jahmal_cole

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Stephanie Skora, Co-Writer & Editor of 'Girl, I Guess Progressive Voter Guide,' shares how her Illinois voter guide went viral in 2018, turning her small project into a movement that influences over 100,000 voters in Illinois. Stephanie explains why primary elections are the most critical yet overlooked elections in Chicago, and how key offices like judges, the County Board, and the Board of Review shape your everyday life while going under the radar.

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Website: girliguess.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanieskora

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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 Cheesecake Company:

Website: https://elicheesecake.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elischeesecake

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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

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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!

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• Website: https://www.tanishablakely.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_tanishablakely

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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/

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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.

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Website: https://www.inspiredbyfavor.org

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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.

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Website: www.thelydfoundation.org

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