Chicago Unscripted
by Joe Donlon
A Gaggle on a New Bears Stadium & More - Chicago Tribune's Rick…
About this podcast
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.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 33 episodes
- A Gaggle on a New Bears Stadium & More - Chicago Tribune's Rick Pearson & NBC5's Mary Ann Ahern · 35 min · Season 3 Episode 9Two of Chicago's longest tenured and respected political reporters discuss what happened to an Illinois stadium for the Bears. Who dropped the ball on a failed bill in…
- Joel Braunold - The Perennially Perplexing Prospects of Peace in the Middle East · 58 min · Season 3 Episode 8A self-described public policy entrepreneur, Chicagoan Joel Braunold has dedicated his life to the pursuit of peace in the Middle East. We cover the war in Iran, what constitutes…
- Michael McDonald - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Singer Songwriter, The Doobie Brothers · 45 min · Season 3 Episode 7A powerful and personal conversation with one of the most successful and recognizable voices in music. Michael talks about his extensive career and humble beginnings, his…
- Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot & Pat Brady - Politics & the Illinois Primary · 53 min · Season 3 Episode 6Two Illinois political insiders are back to share their thoughts on the bombing campaign in Iran, the Epstein files, and the emerging wedges dividing MAGA. We examine the key…
- Professor Robert Pape - The Escalation Trap of the Iran War · 13 min · Season 3 Episode 5University of Chicago professor Robert Pape is an expert in military strategy and escalation patterns. He shares his insight into the U.S. bombing campaign in Iran, and what he…
- Bill Glass - Actor, 'Dr. Rick' from Progressive Insurance · 54 min · Season 3 Episode 4The doctor is in. Born in Arlington Heights, Bill Glass has become a cultural phenomenon as 'Dr. Rick' who helps keep people from becoming their parents. Bill talks about his…
- Patrick Sandusky & Ben Bradley - How Chicago's 2016 Olympic Dream Was Dashed · 58 min · Season 3 Episode 3Chicago was SO close. Down to the final four, a stunning vote in Copenhagen knocked Chicago out of the running for the 2016 Olympics in the first round. My guests revisit…
- Shermin Kruse - Revolution & Death on the Streets of Iran · 55 min · Season 3 Episode 2What is happening on the streets of Iran? It’s hard to tell because the government has shut off all internet access. But based on information that is getting out, the Iranian…
- Scott Simon - NPR Host & Author · 48 min · Season 3 Episode 1He has been with NPR for more than 40 years. Scott Simon joins “Chicago Unscripted’ to talk about AI, Venezuela, the current state of journalism, and the funding fate of NPR. We…
- Deborah Norville - Former 'Inside Edition' Anchor, 'The Perfect Line' Host · 48 min · Season 2 Episode 17After 30 years as the anchor of ‘Inside Edition,’ Deborah Norville has a new job hosting a game show. In this episode of ‘Chicago Unscripted,’ Norville plays a round of her new…
- Joshua Doss -Political Data Analyst, Pollster & Consultant · 52 min · Season 2 Episode 16If data is the new currency in the digital age, Joshua Doss could be a banker. His specialty is political data. He shares his observations on Instagram with a robust audience of…
- Ali Barthwell - Reality TV Recapper, Writer for 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver' · 54 min · Season 2 Episode 15If you're a fan of 'The Bachelor' franchise, you likely know her work. Ali Barthwell has spent the last ten years recapping every episode. Which reality show would she be on if…
- Eric Stonestreet - 'Modern Family' & 'Dexter: Resurrection' Actor · 1 h 4 min · Season 2 Episode 14It’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…
- Greg Kinnear - Oscar Nominated Actor · 48 min · Season 2 Episode 13He 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…
- Sarah Spain - 'Good Game' Podcast Host, espnW contributor, Author · 52 min · Season 2 Episode 12Sarah 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…
- Lori Lightfoot & Pat Brady - Six Months into Trump 2.0 · 1 h 0 min · Season 2 Episode 11They’re back. Two political heavyweights return to ‘Chicago Unscripted’ to discuss the situation in the Middle East, immigration protests, ICE raids, the National Guard…
- Willie Geist - 'Morning Joe' & 'Sunday Today' Host · 59 min · Season 2 Episode 10There 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…
- Lee Loughnane - Trumpeter & Co-founder of the Band "Chicago" · 45 min · Season 2 Episode 9It 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…
- John Vincent - National anthem voice of the Chicago Cubs · 53 min · Season 2 Episode 8If 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…
- Steven Moore - A key GOP operative on why the US shouldn't abandon Ukraine · 39 min · Season 2 Episode 7He'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…







