The CNW Network

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Channel • 6 Shows

Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Updated 14 Jan
News

News

Updated 27 Apr
Personal Journals

Personal Journals

Updated weekly
News Commentary

News Commentary

Updated 18/10/2025
News Commentary

News Commentary

Updated 21 Feb
Politics

Politics

Updated weekly

27/10/2025

Living Your Own Fairy Tale: Inspiration with Mallory Raven-Ellen Backstrom

Join host Terran Lamp for an uplifting journey into storytelling, creative vision, and self-actualization. This week’s guest, Mallory Raven-Ellen Backstrom, is an award-winning playwright, author, and creator of “Fairy Tales for Sunkissed Women.” Mallory shares how authentic narratives—rooted in fantasy, soul craft, and diverse representation—can help anyone rewrite their story and embrace their magic. From finding hope in real world moments to transforming trauma into triumph, Mallory’s personal journey and powerful creative work light the way for self-love and boldness. Discover why everyone deserves to live “happily ever after”—and how you can step into that narrative for yourself. https://www.cnwmedia.com/

27/10/2025

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43 min
TRAILER

Your Stay Ready Roadmap: About the Show

Get a firsthand look at what the Stay Ready podcast is all about! In this orientation, we break down the show’s mission, what you’ll hear week to week, and how each episode is designed to fuel your purpose in work, wellness, and life. Perfect for first-time listeners ready to stay balanced and prepared for every opportunity—this overview is your guide to what’s coming, why it matters, and how you’ll benefit from tuning in.

Trailer

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1 min
26/11/2025

Beyond the Holiday Blues Coping and Connecting with PEER Plus

Chief Content Officer Laura Miller speaks with Phyllis Rogers, Dr. Milton Armstead, and Tony Bean of PEER Plus about the emotional challenges many face during the holidays. From seasonal depression and financial strain to grief and the pressure to appear “strong,” this conversation offers real insight and support for anyone struggling this season. A concise, grounding discussion to help you stay ready through the holiday blues.

26/11/2025

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53 min
20 APR

Dr. Dawn Hendricks Milhouse: A Higher Calling

In this episode of Chicago State of Mind, we sit down with Dr. Dawn Hendricks Milhouse for a more personal conversation beyond business. Known for multiple successful companies, Dr. Milhouse shares insight into her life, values, and the experiences that have shaped her journey as an entrepreneur. This conversation highlights the person behind the accomplishments offering a deeper look at who she is outside of her professional success.

20 Apr

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56 min
20 FEB

Richard Boykin on Faith, Grit, and a New Deal for Chicago’s 7th District

In this powerful episode of CNW, host Cheryl Mainor sits down with attorney and former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin, now a candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 7th District, to talk faith, resilience, and what it takes to lead when communities feel left behind. From growing up in Englewood on food stamps to becoming an attorney and policymaker, Boykin shares the personal story behind his public life, including near academic failure, the mentors who pulled him through law school, and why he refuses to quit on Chicago’s West and South Sides. He lays out an urgent agenda to reverse cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP, expand Obamacare subsidies, tackle life expectancy and wealth gaps, bring grocery stores and real economic development to long‑ignored neighborhoods, and connect downtown’s prosperity with entrepreneurs in communities like Austin, Lawndale, and Maywood. If you care about equity, opportunity, and what real leadership should sound like in the era of Project 2025 and President Trump, this conversation is a must‑listen.

20 Feb

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1hr 4min
21 FEB

Can Juliana Stratton Turn Illinois Influence Into Senate Power | Behind the Cover: Road to Senate

Laura Miller sits down with Juliana Stratton as she makes her move toward the United States Senate. This is not a routine campaign stop. It is a bid for one of the most powerful seats in the country. Stratton talks about why now, what is at stake for Illinois and how she plans to carry her record from Springfield onto a national platform. From reproductive rights and economic equity to the balance of power in Washington, this conversation centers on ambition, influence and the responsibility that comes with a statewide mandate. Road to the Senate begins here.

21 Feb

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37 min
23 JAN

First, But Not the Last: Juliana Stratton’s Journey in Chicago Politics

In the premiere episode of Chicago State of Mind, host Cheryl Mainor sits down with Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton—not just as an elected official, but as a Chicagoan, daughter, wife, and mother. Together, they talk about growing up on the South Side, the lessons of service and community she learned from her parents, and what it really looks like to balance public life with family, faith, and motherhood. Stratton reflects on making history as the first Black Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, the power of representation, and how Chicago’s unique mix of grit, joy, and hope shapes her leadership and her voice.

23 Jan

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33 min
TRAILER

Welcome to Chicago State of Mind!

Chicago State of Mind is a conversation-driven podcast from the CNW Network that goes beyond the headlines to explore the stories, values, and inner motivations of the people shaping Chicago. Hosted by Chicago News Weekly, the show features honest, reflective conversations with leaders and everyday Chicagoans about family, faith, service, resilience, and what it really means to call this city home.

Trailer

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1 min
5 MAY

The Rise of the Extremists: Part 1

With the demise of Chicago’s historic Democratic political machine, how did we end up with its powerful successor, a Socialist syndicate led by, of all interest groups, the Chicago Teachers Union. Tune in to our next podcast episode of “Who Sent ya? Chicago, Politics and more”, The Rise of the Extremists, Part 1.

5 May

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1hr 17min
20 FEB

La Shawn K. Ford on Crime, Cannabis, and the Healthcare Squeeze

In this episode of Chicago State of Mind on the CNW Network, host Cheryl Mainor sits down with Illinois State Representative La Shawn K. Ford, candidate for Congress in the 7th District, to talk about what it really means to fight for overlooked communities. Ford traces his journey from CPS teacher and union member on Chicago’s West Side to nearly 20 years in Springfield, explaining how school inequities, the crack era, and the 1994 crime bill pushed him into public service. He breaks down his signature work on criminal record sealing, HIV testing reform, and cannabis social equity licensing—and why he believes those laws can help end “permanent punishment” and build generational wealth in Black and Brown neighborhoods. The conversation then turns to today’s healthcare crisis, from Medicare Advantage and Medicaid redeterminations to skyrocketing premiums and deductibles, and why Ford says the current system leaves seniors, small business owners, and working families exposed. If you care about justice, health, and economic dignity on Chicago’s West Side and beyond, this episode is essential listening.

20 Feb

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59 min

From Chicago to the nation, CNW Network brings news, culture, and conversation shaped by storytelling and rooted in community.