Chicago State of Mind

The CNW Network

Chicago State of Mind is a conversation-driven podcast from the CNW Network that slows the city down long enough to really listen. Hosted by Chicago News Weekly, each episode sits with the people shaping Chicago’s politics, culture, neighborhoods, and narrative—digging into not just what they do, but why they do it. From elected leaders and organizers to artists, parents, workers, and everyday neighbors, guests open up about family, faith, resilience, and the city that made them who they are. With honest dialogue, deep reflection, and unmistakable Chicago energy, Chicago State of Mind reveals the values, stories, and inner motivations behind the headlines—and shows how this city’s grit, joy, and hope are lived out every day.

Episodes

  1. 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.

    59 min

  2. 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.

    1h 5m

  3. Apr 20

    Madame President; Up close and personal with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle

    Today’s guest is one of the most influential political leaders in Illinois Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. She has led the nation’s second-largest county since 2010 and was the first woman elected to the office. President Preckwinkle joins us today to talk about her journey, her leadership philosophy, and the challenges and opportunities facing Cook County.

    35 min

  4. 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.

    56 min

  5. Mar 5

    Chicago State of Mind: From Englewood to the Statehouse with Senator Willie Preston

    In this episode of Chicago State of Mind, we sit down with Illinois State Senator Willie Preston for a candid conversation about identity, service, and political courage. From growing up in Englewood amid poverty, gangs, and the crack era to finding his way through the trades and Chicago State University, Preston traces the people who saved his life path: his father, his grandmother, his wife Brittany, and mentors who opened doors into politics. He talks about raising six children, what “Chicago pride” really means at the neighborhood level, and why he’s committed to rebuilding hollowed-out communities through schools, small businesses, and safer streets. Preston also walks us through his legislative record—chairing the Senate Black Caucus, taking on the food industry with the Illinois Food Safety Act, and building unlikely bipartisan coalitions in a hyper-polarized moment. As he mounts a campaign for Congress in the 2nd District, he reflects on representation, accountability, and what it will take to bridge the deep chasm in national politics while still fighting unapologetically for Black communities and working families.

    44 min

  6. 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.

    59 min

  7. Feb 20

    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.

    1h 4m

  8. 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.

    1 min

  9. Jan 23

    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.

    33 min

Trailer

About

Chicago State of Mind is a conversation-driven podcast from the CNW Network that slows the city down long enough to really listen. Hosted by Chicago News Weekly, each episode sits with the people shaping Chicago’s politics, culture, neighborhoods, and narrative—digging into not just what they do, but why they do it. From elected leaders and organizers to artists, parents, workers, and everyday neighbors, guests open up about family, faith, resilience, and the city that made them who they are. With honest dialogue, deep reflection, and unmistakable Chicago energy, Chicago State of Mind reveals the values, stories, and inner motivations behind the headlines—and shows how this city’s grit, joy, and hope are lived out every day.

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