Chicago Unscripted

A 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 success for each country involved, and the potential winners and losers depending on the outcome. Joel also discusses the challenges facing Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts, which he says have reached a collapse point. Why has peace in the region been so elusive? How do historic and religious roadblocks, proxies, and non-state actors complicate a peace deal? Joel also lays out his hopeful scenario for the future.

A 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 connections to Chicago, and recalls a wild concert fight downstate. He opens up about his relationship with his father, his battle with addiction, and despite his success - an overwhelming feeling of self doubt he struggles with even today.

Two 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 Senate and House races in the Illinois primary, and a Cook County race they say could lead to a sea change in local politics. The conversation ends with insights on the midterms, and the curious questions around President Trump’s health. Plus, the hurdles facing Governor JB Pritzker if runs for president, and who they see as the potential democratic nominee in ’28.   

University 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 would have told President Trump before launching the attacks. The professor had a warning about what’s ahead, and explains an important frustration when it comes to strategy in a war like this.  

The 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 journey from Kansas University through the lean years performing at Second City. We surprise him with a message from his friend Eric Stonestreet, talk about his love of golf, ask if his mustache is real, and if Joe might need a Dr. Rick intervention.

Chicago 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 Chicago’s plans, the venues, and what could have been. They share stories about Mayor Daley’s passion for bringing the Games here, the international trips to sell Chicago to the IOC, newly elected President Barack Obama's role, the critics who say we dodged a bullet, and the scandal around the votes that lead to Rio hosting the 2016 Olympics. 

What 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 government is shooting its own people. Thousands of people, to crush widespread protests in the streets. Globally recognized author and Northwestern law professor Shermin Kruse was born in Iran, escaping after the 1979 revolution and Iraq-Iran war. Shermin discusses the reasons behind the protests, the international response, and the realistic chances of bringing democracy and change in the region.  

He 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 also discuss his poignant and personal book about the death of his mother, his deep love for the Cubs, and his deeper love for the city of Chicago. Plus, if he could share a pint with one figure in history, who would it be? 

After 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 game - as a contestant, and talks about how her career started in Atlanta. WMAQ hired her when she was just 23, and she took Chicago by storm. So much so, NBC called her up to ‘The Today Show.’ But her rocket ship crashed with a painfully public and messy departure that drove her into a deep depression. Deborah shares personal stories about that exit, and how she leaned into gratitude to rebuild her career. 

If 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 more than half a million followers.He joins ‘Chicago Unscripted’ to talk about the educational value of political data, and how he uses numbers to make a point, spread the truth, and promote mindset expansion.  

If 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 she had her choice? She shares that, her path through Second City, her cancer journey, and her 'other' job, writing for 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver' - where she has won five Emmys. A Chicago native, she also has thoughts on how to make the city even better.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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. 

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?

Arne Duncan knows education, and he has the resume to prove it. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard, ran Chicago Public Schools, and became the Secretary of Education under his good friend, Barack Obama. He shares his thoughts on President Trump’s efforts to eliminate the department, the importance of that federal money, and what might happen without it. The Hyde Park native has spent the last nine years working to reduce gun violence in Chicago. He also shares a powerful and inspirational full circle story of forgiveness and resurrection involving the 1984 shooting death of Benji Wilson, a young Chicago basketball prodigy and childhood friend. 

If it happened in Chicago over the past 50 years, Jim Williams probably either saw it, covered it as a reporter, or has a story somehow connected to it. Jim recently stepped away from his full time anchoring duties at CBS News Chicago. He shares his insights about the media, his beloved Cubs, his time as press secretary for Richard M. Daley, and the job he had as a teenager that became the foundation for everything that followed. 

There was the music, and then there were the messages. Historian Ernest Crim III admits even people in the stadium probably missed at least some of the embedded meanings sprinkled throughout Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show. Mr. Crim breaks down the symbolism, social issues, racial references, and the myriad opinions of the performance. 

The Washington Post calls Shemekia Copeland, ‘The greatest blues singer of her generation.’ Ahead of this year’s Grammys, Shemekia joins ‘Chicago Unscripted’ to talk about her eight nominations, including three this year. Chicago based Alligator Records signed her at just 18. She reminisces about the early days of her career in Chicago, and the many music legends she has performed with. Shemekia shares stories of the rich history of the blues in Chicago, and growing up with her famous father, Johnny Copeland, one of the best guitarists in blues history. 

Larissa May has become a leading voice on the dangers of social media and technology for our children. And she's just 30 years old. She grew up in the suburbs, and says social media was her first addiction - at the age of 10. Her mental health hit rock bottom at Vanderbilt University. But that's when she decided to make a change. It has lead to a thriving business aimed at creating a seat belt for the next generation of parents and children as they navigate the treacherous waters of today's online world.

The role of Lt. Dan changed his life. But long before the release of ‘Forrest Gump,’ actor Gary Sinise had a deep appreciation for the nation’s military veterans. Gary talks about growing up in Highland Park, co-founding Steppenwolf Theater, and the incredible work he’s doing with his Gary Sinise Foundation. Gary also talks about the painful loss of his son, his latest mission to keep Mac’s legacy alive, and the WWII book we both think everyone should read.   

Have you ever taken a leap of faith? Made a decision that completely changed your future? Orly KG has - a few times. And her latest pivot has her in a world she never could have imagined just a couple of years ago. A successful Chicago business owner, Orly found herself in the bathroom of a comedy club, when a flyer on the wall changed the direction of her life and career. Orly shares her journey from that bathroom, to telling jokes at PTA meetings, to an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show where she shared the stage with Jay Leno.  

When Bill Kurtis was cast as the narrator in the news spoof, "Anchorman," there was one word he wouldn't say. He was worried the role would be a career ender. It was just the opposite. Now he admits he'll say pretty much anything. And he has. The legendary CBS network and Chicago anchor has covered some of the biggest stories of a generation, hosted hundreds of true crime documentaries, and currently stars in the NPR news quiz show, "Wait, Wait.. Don't Tell Me." There's the Voice of God. And then there's Bill Kurtis.

He took on everyone from Frank Sinatra, to Mayor Richard J. Daley, the machine, the mob, and more.  The late Mike Royko is one of the most famous journalists to call Chicago home. He wrote a daily column for 30 years, butting heads with the rich and powerful while representing every day Chicagoans. During the pandemic, actor Mitchell Bisschop decided to write a one man play using Royko’s columns to bring his impact on the city to life. Mitchell joins ‘Chicago Unscripted’ to discuss his hometown of Chicago, how he discovered Royko, my encounter with his mom, and his show - which is part biography, part history lesson - and about to start a new run at The Chopin Theater.

Which of my guests thinks Joe Biden should pardon Donald Trump? We also discuss what went wrong with the Harris campaign, and what the Trump campaign did right. What happens now with immigration? Foreign policy? What are the takeaways moving forward for each party? The two former prosecutors also weigh in on the new Cook County State's Attorney and what will change from the Kim Foxx era.  

Colin Cowherd has an opinion. But he doesn’t have an opinion on your opinion of his opinion. I’ve known Colin since 1997 when we worked together in local television in Portland, Oregon. We’ve remained great friends through his rise to the top of the sports talk radio world. Colin has had a home in Chicago for several years. His wife is from here. Is he about to move his show, ‘The Herd” to Chicago? Is Caleb Williams the real deal?  We cover the Bears, the future of linear television, a controversial Olympic boxer, and his viral comments about Donald Trump. We also reminisce about our time in Portland. And he has stories about his time in Tampa, which probably won’t be promoted by the Chamber Of Commerce. But that’s Colin. He’s on to the next topic.   

Walter Payton is one of the greatest football players in NFL history. His legacy lives on in Chicago and beyond. In this episode, Walter’s son Jarrett walks us through the life of his legendary father, and the emotional final few months before his untimely death. It’s a deeply personal conversation about what Walter Payton meant to the city of Chicago. And what Chicago, to this day, has meant to the Payton family. 

Bob Costas is synonymous with NBC Sports. For 40 years, he has been the voice of some of the most iconic moments in sports. From the Olympics, to NFL and NBA, he has had a front row seat to sports history. Before that, he was the voice of the Chicago Bulls on WGN in 1979. In the first episode of “Chicago Unscripted,’ Costas covers everything from politics, to his classic call of ‘The Sandberg Game,’ his memories of Harry Caray, the 1972 Olympics, his exit from NBC, and his Mount Rushmore of sports broadcasters.