Notes from Chicago

Ashley Phillips

5.0 (3)
SOCIETY & CULTURE

Notes from Chicago is a love letter to the greatest city on the planet. Every week join host and longtime Chicago resident Ashley Phillips as she talks with artists, entrepreneurs, scientists, tastemakers and more about their relationship with the city on the make.

3D AGO

Why Chicago Primary Elections Matter with Stephanie Skora

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. Follow Stephanie Skora: Website: girliguess.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanieskora Follow Notes from Chicago: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qkYwUroGt4hMZQlhTg32z Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notes-from-chicago/id1838675173 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotesfromChicago TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notesfromchi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notesfromchicago

37 min
JAN 27

The Man Behind Chicago’s Most Famous Cheesecake with Marc Schulman

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 Follow Notes from Chicago: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qkYwUroGt4hMZQlhTg32z Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notes-from-chicago/id1838675173 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotesfromChicago TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notesfromchi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notesfromchicago

43 min
JAN 20

How to Fight Segregation in Chicago with Tonika Lewis Johnson

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 Follow Notes from Chicago: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qkYwUroGt4hMZQlhTg32z Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notes-from-chicago/id1838675173 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotesfromChicago TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notesfromchi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notesfromchicago

52 min
12/09/2025

What We Love (and Hate) About Chicago with Tanisha Blakely

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! Follow Tanisha Blakely: Website: https://www.tanishablakely.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_tanishablakelyFollow Notes from Chicago: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qkYwUroGt4hMZQlhTg32zApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notes-from-chicago/id1838675173YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotesfromChicagoTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notesfromchiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/notesfromchicago

59 min
12/02/2025

The Art of Fine Dining in Chicago with Nicolai Mlodinow and Shreena Amin

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/ Follow Notes from Chicago: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qkYwUroGt4hMZQlhTg32z Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notes-from-chicago/id1838675173 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotesfromChicago TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notesfromchi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notesfromchicago

46 min
11/25/2025

The Joy of Skating with Myesha McCaskill

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. Follow Inspired by Favor: Website: https://www.inspiredbyfavor.org TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smooothgoddess Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredbyfavor Follow Notes from Chicago: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qkYwUroGt4hMZQlhTg32z Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notes-from-chicago/id1838675173 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotesfromChicago TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notesfromchi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notesfromchicago

14 min
11/18/2025

48 Half Marathons to Help the Hungry with Chris Smith

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. Follow The Live Your Dreams Foundation: Website: www.thelydfoundation.org TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thelydfoundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelydfoundation Follow Notes from Chicago: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qkYwUroGt4hMZQlhTg32z Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notes-from-chicago/id1838675173 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotesfromChicago TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notesfromchi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notesfromchicago

29 min
11/11/2025

The Fight for Immigrant Rights in Chicago with Dr. Mimi Guiracocha

In this week's episode of Notes from Chicago, Ashley sits down with Dr. Mimi Guiracocha, a Rapid Response team lead at PUÑO (Pilsen Unidos por Nuestro Orgullo). Mimi discusses the increased presence of ICE and federal agents in Chicago and how neighbors are working together to fight back against dehumanizing and aggressive immigration policies. Follow PUÑO (Pilsen Unidos por Nuestro Orgullo): Website: https://pilsenunidos.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pilsenpuno Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilsenpuno Follow Notes from Chicago: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qkYwUroGt4hMZQlhTg32z Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notes-from-chicago/id1838675173 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotesfromChicago TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notesfromchi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notesfromchicago

35 min

5

out of 5

3 Ratings

Notes from Chicago is a love letter to the greatest city on the planet. Every week join host and longtime Chicago resident Ashley Phillips as she talks with artists, entrepreneurs, scientists, tastemakers and more about their relationship with the city on the make.

Creator

Ashley Phillips
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

17
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Ashley Phillips, Notes from Chicago 2025
Show Website

Notes from Chicago