CHICAGO BLUE PRINT (Podcast)

Charles McSpadden sits down with Chicago Blueprint for a real conversation about education in Chicago—no sugar-coating.From his early beginnings to his journey back to Coles, McSpadden breaks down what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what it really takes to lead in today’s school system. He speaks on the current state of education in the city, the challenges schools are facing, and the role the community must play if real progress is going to happen.This episode dives into:His path in education and leadershipReturning to Coles and what it means nowKey accomplishments since coming backThe biggest problems in Chicago schools todayWhat parents, alumni, and the community need to do nextHis vision for the future of educationIf you care about the future of Chicago, this is a conversation you need to hear.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

This is not just an interview — this is real life.In this powerful episode of Chicago Blueprint, we sit down with Tonya Burch, a mother who turned unimaginable pain into a movement. After losing her son, Deontae Montreal Smith, to gun violence, she refused to let his name become just another statistic.She built Taking Back Our Community In Honor Of Deontae Smith — a platform focused on healing, awareness, and real change in Chicago’s hardest-hit communities.We talk about:The day everything changedThe reality of losing a child to violenceWhy the system keeps failing familiesThe truth about what communities actually needHow she’s bringing mothers together who share the same painTurning grief into purpose and leadershipThis episode also honors the lives of Javier Burch and others whose stories deserve to be heard, not forgotten.Featured and recognized by outlets like WGN-TV, ABC7 Chicago, and CBS News Chicago, her voice is one that demands attention.If you care about real conversations, real solutions, and real people making a difference — this is an episode you need to hear.Watch. Share. Be part of the change.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Chicago comedy veteran Baldhead Phillips pulls up to the Chicago Blueprint Podcast and keeps it 100% real. From starting comedy off a dare to putting in 30 years on stage, he breaks down the real grind behind the laughs — bombing, big moments, and what it takes to survive in the comedy game.But this episode goes deeper than jokes. Baldhead speaks on something most men ignore — health, especially gut health, and why it can make or break your energy, mindset, and longevity.This is comedy, real life, and game all in one conversation.In this episode:How a dare turned into a 30-year careerThe truth about the comedy grindWild stories from the stageLessons from Second City improvWhy men need to take gut health seriousIf you’re chasing success, love comedy, or care about leveling up your life — this one is for you.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Chicago basketball runs deep—and this episode proves it.We sat down with Mike Irvin, CEO of the Mac Irvin Fire AAU program, a man who’s been in the heart of Chicago culture from the club scene to building one of the most respected grassroots basketball programs in the country.Mike breaks down his journey from promoting parties in Chicago’s nightlife to carrying the legacy of his father and leading the next generation of hoopers.This conversation goes beyond basketball—it’s about culture, leadership, and what it really takes to make it out of Chicago.In this episode:The real story behind Mike Irvin’s rise in ChicagoThe legacy and impact of Mac Irvin FireThe truth about AAU basketball today vs back thenWho impacted Chicago more: Michael Jordan or Derrick RoseWhat young athletes and parents are getting wrong todayBehind-the-scenes insight into Chicago’s basketball cultureIf you care about real basketball, real stories, and real Chicago culture—this is one you don’t skip.Subscribe for more interviews from Chicago Blue Print Podcast—where culture, business, and the streets connect.#ChicagoBasketball #MikeIrvin #DerrickRose #MichaelJordan #AAUBasketball #ChicagoCulture #BasketballTalk #ChicagoBlueprint #YouthSports #PodcastInterviewSend us Fan MailSupport the show

On this episode of the Chicago Blue Print Podcast, we sit down with Wesley King — a former Vice Lord who lived the street life at its rawest level.Shot at just 14 years old and involved in a shooting at 15, Wesley shares the unfiltered truth about growing up in Chicago’s gang culture, the reality of juvenile detention and prison, and the mental toll that comes with that life.Now, he’s turned his past into purpose — working in community violence intervention, mentoring youth, and using his voice to steer the next generation away from the streets. As an author of three books, he’s also using “gang literature” to educate and reach those who are still caught in that lifestyle.This is not a glorified story — this is the real cost of the streets, told by someone who lived it.Topics Covered:Growing up in Chicago and entering gang lifeBeing shot at 14 and the mindset of youth violenceJuvenile detention and prison realityLeaving the Vice Lords and changing directionCommunity violence intervention workWriting books and using “gang literature” to reach youthThe biggest lies the streets tell young menIf you’re young and watching this — this episode could change your direction.Subscribe for more real conversations:Chicago Blue Print PodcastSend us Fan MailSupport the show

Chicago’s food scene is legendary—but not every restaurant gets the spotlight. That’s where The Black Foodies come in.In this episode of the Chicago BluePrint Podcast, we sit down with the power couple behind one of the fastest-growing food platforms in the city. From humble beginnings to building a brand that drives real traffic to Black-owned restaurants, they break down how they turned simple food reviews into a movement.We talk about:How they built their platform from scratchThe real impact they’ve had on Chicago restaurantsHidden food gems you need to try ASAPThe truth about food reviewing and social media growthHow content creators can turn views into incomeIf you care about business, culture, food, and building something real, this episode is for you.Tap in and see how they’re changing the game—one plate at a time.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this powerful episode of Chicago Blueprint Podcast, we sit down with Sadiq Ali to talk about a life that went from running the streets to working to save them.Sadiq Ali shares his real story—growing up in Chicago, the street life, leadership, the consequences that come with it, and the turning point that changed his direction. Now his focus is on helping the community and finding ways to stop the violence that continues to affect Chicago’s neighborhoods.This conversation breaks down the realities of the streets, accountability, growth, and what it actually takes to bring change to the city.If you want the truth about Chicago from someone who lived it and is now trying to help fix it, this is a conversation you need to hear.Topics in this episode:• Life in Chicago’s street culture• Leadership and influence in the streets• The turning point that changed everything• Community work and violence prevention• Advice for the next generation in ChicagoWatch the full episode and join the conversation.Available on:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | YouTube#ChicagoBlueprint #ChicagoPodcast #SadiqAli #Chicago #CommunityVoices #StopTheViolence #StreetToSuccess #RealTalk #PodcastInterviewSend us Fan MailSupport the show

Chicago artist Briana Nichole joins the Chicago Blue Print Podcast to talk about her journey from growing up in Chicago to building a music career with her family behind her.In this episode, Briana opens up about what it was like growing up with her father Kenneth “Chuck” Hines, the lessons she learned from his past, and how those experiences shaped the way she approaches music, loyalty, and business today.We also dive into the creation of AAU (All About Us) Records, the importance of ownership in the music industry, and what it means to be a woman carving her own lane in Chicago’s rap scene.This conversation is raw, real, and all about the blueprint behind Briana Nichole’s rise.If you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or someone chasing a dream, this episode will give you real perspective on turning life lessons into success.Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and YouTube.Subscribe for more real conversations with entrepreneurs, artists, and leaders building their own blueprint.Send us Fan MailSupport the show