The CNW Network

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Channel • 6 Shows

Politics

Politics

Updated Weekly
News Commentary

News Commentary

Updated Feb 21
Personal Journals

Personal Journals

Updated Weekly
News

News

Updated May 29
Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Updated Jan 14
News Commentary

News Commentary

Updated 10/18/2025

Jul 16

Tests Into Testimonies | Andrea Polk on Healing, Purpose, and Building From Within

Andrea Polk is a transformational entrepreneur, wellness educator, and brand strategist, and the founder of Solo Noir and Zen Soul Apothecary. Through wellness experiences, mentorship, and brand development, she helps people build authentic brands that reflect who they truly are, not just what they sell. In this episode, Andrea sits down with Terran to talk about healing, motherhood, and what it really means to turn your pain into purpose and your vision into impact. More at @zensoulapothecary Episode produced by CaveRoom Entertainment and recorded at CNW Studio. For more episodes visit the CNW Network on Apple, Spotify, iHeart and Youtube. Visit www.cnwmedia.com to read Chicago News Weekly. https://www.cnwmedia.com/
Jun 29

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.
Mar 13

Legacy in Motion: Keeana Barber on Hustle, Heart, and Building Black Business

In this episode, Laura Miller sits down with WDB Marketing founder and Legacy Awards creator Keeana Barber for a masterclass in entrepreneurship grounded in community and faith. From launching a self-funded gala that grew into a three-day celebration at Soldier Field, to transforming a tiny $300 office into multiple locations, Keeana breaks down how she scaled step by step without losing her soul. She shares the deeply personal story of honoring her late brother through her business, why hustle and humility mattered more than capital, and how WDB Cares is training the next generation of young Black entrepreneurs. You’ll also hear Keeana’s hard-won advice on partnerships, knowing when to grow, and why grace, travel, and believing bigger than your current square footage are essential to building a true legacy in Chicago and beyond.
Apr 17

Who Sent Ya? - INTRO EPISODE

In Chicago's politics, the old adage still fits — 'We don't want nobody, that nobody sent!' Who Sent Ya? is a podcast from The Urban Center bringing you the political insider perspective straight from the people shaping Chicago. Understand the why and the how we got here. Subscribe and tune in to weekly episodes. Who Sent Ya? Chicago, politics and more.
Feb 20

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.
Jun 16

Adopted, Reunited, and Resilient | John Figel's Journey of Identity

John Figel was adopted as an infant and grew up in a family of four children, each adopted from different families. In his late 40s and 50s, he found both of his biological parents, building meaningful relationships that deepened his understanding of identity and what truly shapes who we become. A 37-year veteran in medical sales and retired after 32 years as a firefighter and paramedic, John shares his story with Terran about resilience, belonging, and discovering yourself later in life. Episode produced by Caveroom Entertainment and recorded at CNW Studio. For more episodes visit the CNW Network on Apple, Spotify, Iheart and Youtube. Visit www.cnwmedia.com to read Chicago News Weekly. https://www.cnwmedia.com/
Apr 20

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.
Apr 27

Tyrone Muhammed: Advocating for Ex Offenders, Legal hemp sales and running for US senate

Tyrone Muhammad, Founder of Ex-Cons for Community and Social Change, has dedicated his life to reducing recidivism and advocating for ex-offender reintegration. His programs in self-development and entrepreneurship have provided ex-cons with the tools to rebuild their lives. Tyrone’s work exemplifies the transformative power of second chances. On today’s episode, we discuss his life, his work, and ultimately his current run for the US Senate as an Independent candidate.
May 29

Leadership, Fatherhood, and Global Impact with Robert Johnson

On this episode of Chicago State of Mind, Cheryl Mainor sits down with businessman, strategist, and global visionary Robert Johnson of The Solomon Group for a powerful conversation about leadership, legacy, and rebuilding community through intentional action. Robert Johnson shares the inspiration behind the Reclaim Father’s Day Weekend movement and why restoring the value of fatherhood and family engagement is critical to the future of Black communities. The conversation also explores the meaning and impact of the Global Peace Gesture, an initiative designed to spark unity, healing, and international collaboration during a time of growing division around the world. In addition, Johnson discusses the launch of the SG Africa Advisory Platform, an ambitious effort to connect African and African American business leaders, innovators, and institutions through economic partnerships, cultural exchange, and strategic development opportunities across the continent. This episode goes beyond business—it’s a conversation about purpose, responsibility, and building bridges between generations, communities, and nations. Chicago State of Mind is a product of Chicago News Weekly and the CNW Network and is produced by Caveroom Entertainment.
Jul 2

Pulling the Pendulum | Julia Robinson on the Body, Stress, and Compounding Wellness

Julia Robinson is a Chicago-based clinical massage therapist and the founder of The Mystic Holistic Studio in Bronzeville, a practice built on one simple conviction: you should leave differently than you came in. With a decade of hands-on experience, Julia treats pain and stress not as problems to mask but as patterns to interrupt. Her philosophy is as practical as it is intentional: if the body defaults toward compounding stress, her work is about pulling that pendulum the other way, toward compounding wellness. In this episode, Julia sits down with Terran to talk about her practice, the real relationship between the body and the mind, and what it actually takes to help someone heal from the inside out. Book with Julia at https://www.mysticholisticstudio.com Episode produced by CaveRoom Entertainment and recorded at CNW Studio. For more episodes visit the CNW Network on Apple, Spotify, iHeart and Youtube. Visit www.cnwmedia.com to read Chicago News Weekly. https://www.cnwmedia.com/

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