Chicago Unscripted

Joe Donlon
  • 5.0 (13)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Google anyone. Chances are they have a Chicago connection. Whether they were born here, grew up here, were elected here, or just passed through, almost everyone has a Chicago thread that runs through their life or career. That’s where the conversation starts. CBS Chicago’s Joe Donlon brings you the flavor and history of the greatest city in the world, through the eyes of those who claim Chicago as home.

  1. OCT 2

    Eric Stonestreet - 'Modern Family' & 'Dexter: Resurrection' Actor

    It’s hard to understate how much Chicago means to Eric Stonestreet. It’s where he got his start after college at Kansas State, and where he built the foundation of his acting career. Eric shares stories of how he went from sociology to stage, the importance of improv in his career, and his two critical years at the IO Theater and Second City. He covers his early days in Boys Town, his favorite SNL actor, his iconic role on ‘Modern Family,’ and the pitfalls of playing a gay character as a straight man. What’s obvious throughout, is his love for Chicago.

    1h 4m

  2. SEP 10

    Greg Kinnear - Oscar Nominated Actor

    He has been a Hollywood star for decades, acting next to some of the biggest names in movies and TV. But Greg Kinnear has never lost sight of the Midwest roots that keep him grounded and humble. Greg shares stories from his early days, including a frightening tour in Lebanon after his dad got a job in the State Department. Plus, his breakthrough experiences in the entertainment industry, and a spot on impression of a legendary Casey Kasem meltdown.

    48 min

  3. JUL 26

    Sarah Spain - 'Good Game' Podcast Host, espnW contributor, Author

    Sarah admits she can be a lightning rod. Her opinions often spark headlines. She explains why it's important to share her voice on often toxic social media platforms. We cover the challenges facing women's sports, WNBA player salaries, and the transgender athlete debate. We also discuss Sarah's new book about the incredible twists and turns of NFL player and coach Deland McCullough's adoption story, and the broader themes of privilege, mental health and family dynamics that emerged.

    52 min

  4. JUN 16

    Lori Lightfoot & Pat Brady - Six Months into Trump 2.0

    They’re back. Two political heavyweights return to ‘Chicago Unscripted’ to discuss the situation in the Middle East, immigration protests, ICE raids, the National Guard, sanctuary city status, DOGE, Elon, tariffs, the big beautiful bill, and more.

    1h 1m

  5. JUN 1

    Willie Geist - 'Morning Joe' & 'Sunday Today' Host

    There is a lot of Chicago & Illinois in Geist family history. Willie was born in Evanston and says Chicago still feels like home. He talks about his roots here, and his relationship with his dad. Bill Geist was a humorist for the Chicago Tribune before a 31 year career at CBS. We dive into the book he wrote with his dad, and Bill's fight today with Parkinson's. Plus, his favorite interviews, why he still roots for the Illini, the current state of the media, and the Trump administration's lawsuit against 60 minutes.

    59 min

  6. MAY 20

    Lee Loughnane - Trumpeter & Co-founder of the Band "Chicago"

    It is one of the most popular and successful bands of all time, and it started in the music school at DePaul University in 1967.  Lee Loughnane was the trumpet player when “Chicago Transit Authority” started playing cover songs in Chicago bars. He talks about how the city of Chicago forced them to change their name, the process behind many of their hits, and getting stoned with Jimi Hendrix in a Holiday Inn. Lee also opens up about the painful and tragic death of lead singer Terry Kath, at the height of the band’s popularity.

    45 min

  7. MAY 6

    John Vincent - National anthem voice of the Chicago Cubs

    If you're a Cubs fan, you've seen him. John Vincent specializes in Sinatra, but also sings the national anthem for the Cubs. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka and his wife Diana gave John his big break at the age of 28. John talks about growing up in a tight knit Italian family on the South side, the loss of Bears legend and good friend Steve 'Mongo' McMichael, and the supportive tweet from Lady Gaga that gave him a new mission in his battle with OCD.

    53 min

  8. MAR 23

    Steven Moore - A key GOP operative on why the US shouldn't abandon Ukraine

    He's considered one of the most influential, behind the scenes republican advocates for Ukraine. Where did he lose the GOP and can he get the party back where he thinks it should be - solidly behind Ukraine? The Chief of Staff for former Illinois Republican Congressman Peter Roskam shares what he thinks about those supporting Russia in the war. How should President Trump, Europe, and the world handle Vladimir Putin? What's ahead for the negotiations to end the war? And how will this look when it's over?

    39 min
See All (21)

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Google anyone. Chances are they have a Chicago connection. Whether they were born here, grew up here, were elected here, or just passed through, almost everyone has a Chicago thread that runs through their life or career. That’s where the conversation starts. CBS Chicago’s Joe Donlon brings you the flavor and history of the greatest city in the world, through the eyes of those who claim Chicago as home.

Information

  • Creator
    Joe Donlon
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Joe Donlon
  • Show Website
    Chicago Unscripted

You Might Also Like