Chicago State of Mind

About Chicago State of Mind

Chicago State of Mind is a conversation-driven podcast from the CNW Network that slows the city down long enough to really listen. Hosted by Chicago News Weekly, each episode sits with the people shaping Chicago’s politics, culture, neighborhoods, and narrative—digging into not just what they do, but why they do it. From elected leaders and organizers to artists, parents, workers, and everyday neighbors, guests open up about family, faith, resilience, and the city that made them who they are. With honest dialogue, deep reflection, and unmistakable Chicago energy, Chicago State of Mind reveals the values, stories, and inner motivations behind the headlines—and shows how this city’s grit, joy, and hope are lived out every day.

Publisher

The CNW Network

Category

news

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

23 Jan 2026

Latest episode

24 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Sept 2026

   Money, Mindset, and Building a Better Relationship with Rhonda White

   This week on Chicago State of Mind, Rhonda White joins the conversation to talk about something that affects nearly everyone—our relationship with money. From budgeting and spending habits to understanding why so many people struggle to manage their finances, Rhonda discusses the importance of developing a healthier and more intentional relationship with money. She also shares insight from her book and the lessons behind helping people rethink the way they view, use, and manage their finances. Tune in for a conversation about money, mindset, and learning how to make your finances work for you. Episode produced by CaveRoom Entertainment and recorded at CNW Studio. For more episodes visit the CNW Network on Apple, Spotify, iHeart and Youtube. Visit www.cnwmedia.com to read Chicago News Weekly.

2. 

   28 Aug 2026

   Legacy, Reinvention, and a New Chapter with Jayne Kennedy

   Jayne Kennedy joins Chicago State of Mind to share the personal journey behind her latest book and fragrance—two projects deeply connected to her life, experiences, and legacy. In this conversation, Jayne reflects on the path that shaped her, the lessons she's carried with her, and how she's turning her story into new ways to inspire and connect with others. From her groundbreaking career in entertainment and sports broadcasting to this latest chapter, Jayne Kennedy continues to build on a legacy of perseverance, purpose, and possibility. Presented by Chicago News Weekly Recorded at CNW Studio Produced by CaveRoom Entertainment For more episodes visit the CNW Network on Apple, Spotify, iHeart and Youtube. V isit www.cnwmedia.com to read Chicago News Weekly.

3. 

   27 Jul 2026

   Chicago State of Mind with Carl West

   What does it take to build an independent Black-owned media organization in today's rapidly changing journalism landscape? On this episode of Chicago State of Mind, host Cheryl Mainor welcomes fellow publisher, entrepreneur, and media executive Carl West, Founder and Publisher of TBT News, and CEO of MG Media for an insightful conversation about the evolution of Black media, the challenges of sustaining independent journalism, and the opportunities that lie ahead. Drawing from decades of experience as a business leader and publisher, Carl shares his journey of launching and growing TBT News, the importance of owning our narratives, and why trusted community journalism remains essential in an era of social media and misinformation. Together, Cheryl and Carl explore the business of local news, digital transformation, collaboration among Black-owned media outlets, and the responsibility of preparing the next generation of media leaders.Whether you're passionate about journalism, entrepreneurship, community leadership, or the future of Black media, this episode offers a thoughtful and inspiring look at the people working to ensure our stories continue to be told. Guest: Carl West, Author, Founder & Publisher, TBT News and MG Media Host: Cheryl Mainor Presented by: Chicago News Weekly and CNW Studio

4. 

   15 Jun 2026

   The Wisdom of Transition with Dr. Sakira Jackson

   What happens when success no longer feels aligned, leadership is evolving, or an organization is facing a season of change? On this episode of Chicago State of Mind, host Cheryl Mainor sits down with Dr. Sakira Jackson, known as the “Business Doctor,” to explore how individuals and organizations can recognize, preserve, and transfer wisdom before valuable knowledge, opportunity, and insight are lost. Drawing from her work as a strategist, leadership advisor, and creator of the MeshMind™ framework, Dr. Jackson shares how high-capacity thinkers can navigate complexity, how leaders can distinguish between being stuck and being in transition, and why capturing lived experience is one of the most important responsibilities of modern leadership.This thought-provoking conversation examines personal transformation, organizational resilience, succession planning, and the hidden value of the lessons we learn through leadership, adversity, and change. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, emerging leader, or someone standing at a crossroads in life, this episode offers practical insights for navigating transition with clarity, purpose, and confidence. Chicago State of Mind is a production of Chicago News Weekly, CNW Studio and CaveRoom Entertainment, bringing you conversations with the people shaping Chicago's culture, business, and future. To read more on Dr. Jackson, https://issuu.com/cnwmedia.com/docs/march_26_2026_edition (https://issuu.com/cnwmedia.com/docs/march_26_2026_edition)

5. 

   29 May 2026

   Leadership, Fatherhood, and Global Impact with Robert Johnson

   On this episode of Chicago State of Mind, Cheryl Mainor sits down with businessman, strategist, and global visionary Robert Johnson of The Solomon Group for a powerful conversation about leadership, legacy, and rebuilding community through intentional action. Robert Johnson shares the inspiration behind the Reclaim Father’s Day Weekend movement and why restoring the value of fatherhood and family engagement is critical to the future of Black communities. The conversation also explores the meaning and impact of the Global Peace Gesture, an initiative designed to spark unity, healing, and international collaboration during a time of growing division around the world. In addition, Johnson discusses the launch of the SG Africa Advisory Platform, an ambitious effort to connect African and African American business leaders, innovators, and institutions through economic partnerships, cultural exchange, and strategic development opportunities across the continent. This episode goes beyond business—it’s a conversation about purpose, responsibility, and building bridges between generations, communities, and nations. Chicago State of Mind is a product of Chicago News Weekly and the CNW Network and is produced by Caveroom Entertainment.

6. 

   27 Apr 2026

   Tyrone Muhammed: Advocating for Ex Offenders, Legal hemp sales and running for US senate

   Tyrone Muhammad, Founder of Ex-Cons for Community and Social Change, has dedicated his life to reducing recidivism and advocating for ex-offender reintegration. His programs in self-development and entrepreneurship have provided ex-cons with the tools to rebuild their lives. Tyrone’s work exemplifies the transformative power of second chances. On today’s episode, we discuss his life, his work, and ultimately his current run for the US Senate as an Independent candidate.

7. 

   20 Apr 2026

   Madame President; Up close and personal with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle

   Today’s guest is one of the most influential political leaders in Illinois Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. She has led the nation’s second-largest county since 2010 and was the first woman elected to the office. President Preckwinkle joins us today to talk about her journey, her leadership philosophy, and the challenges and opportunities facing Cook County.

8. 

   20 Apr 2026

   Dr. Dawn Hendricks Milhouse: A Higher Calling

   In this episode of Chicago State of Mind, we sit down with Dr. Dawn Hendricks Milhouse for a more personal conversation beyond business. Known for multiple successful companies, Dr. Milhouse shares insight into her life, values, and the experiences that have shaped her journey as an entrepreneur. This conversation highlights the person behind the accomplishments offering a deeper look at who she is outside of her professional success.

9. 

   5 Mar 2026

   Chicago State of Mind: From Englewood to the Statehouse with Senator Willie Preston

   In this episode of Chicago State of Mind, we sit down with Illinois State Senator Willie Preston for a candid conversation about identity, service, and political courage. From growing up in Englewood amid poverty, gangs, and the crack era to finding his way through the trades and Chicago State University, Preston traces the people who saved his life path: his father, his grandmother, his wife Brittany, and mentors who opened doors into politics. He talks about raising six children, what “Chicago pride” really means at the neighborhood level, and why he’s committed to rebuilding hollowed-out communities through schools, small businesses, and safer streets. Preston also walks us through his legislative record—chairing the Senate Black Caucus, taking on the food industry with the Illinois Food Safety Act, and building unlikely bipartisan coalitions in a hyper-polarized moment. As he mounts a campaign for Congress in the 2nd District, he reflects on representation, accountability, and what it will take to bridge the deep chasm in national politics while still fighting unapologetically for Black communities and working families.

10. 

    20 Feb 2026

    La Shawn K. Ford on Crime, Cannabis, and the Healthcare Squeeze

    In this episode of Chicago State of Mind on the CNW Network, host Cheryl Mainor sits down with Illinois State Representative La Shawn K. Ford, candidate for Congress in the 7th District, to talk about what it really means to fight for overlooked communities. Ford traces his journey from CPS teacher and union member on Chicago’s West Side to nearly 20 years in Springfield, explaining how school inequities, the crack era, and the 1994 crime bill pushed him into public service. He breaks down his signature work on criminal record sealing, HIV testing reform, and cannabis social equity licensing—and why he believes those laws can help end “permanent punishment” and build generational wealth in Black and Brown neighborhoods. The conversation then turns to today’s healthcare crisis, from Medicare Advantage and Medicaid redeterminations to skyrocketing premiums and deductibles, and why Ford says the current system leaves seniors, small business owners, and working families exposed. If you care about justice, health, and economic dignity on Chicago’s West Side and beyond, this episode is essential listening.

11. 

    20 Feb 2026

    Richard Boykin on Faith, Grit, and a New Deal for Chicago’s 7th District

    In this powerful episode of CNW, host Cheryl Mainor sits down with attorney and former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin, now a candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 7th District, to talk faith, resilience, and what it takes to lead when communities feel left behind. From growing up in Englewood on food stamps to becoming an attorney and policymaker, Boykin shares the personal story behind his public life, including near academic failure, the mentors who pulled him through law school, and why he refuses to quit on Chicago’s West and South Sides. He lays out an urgent agenda to reverse cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP, expand Obamacare subsidies, tackle life expectancy and wealth gaps, bring grocery stores and real economic development to long‑ignored neighborhoods, and connect downtown’s prosperity with entrepreneurs in communities like Austin, Lawndale, and Maywood. If you care about equity, opportunity, and what real leadership should sound like in the era of Project 2025 and President Trump, this conversation is a must‑listen.

12. 

    23 Jan 2026

    Welcome to Chicago State of Mind!

    Chicago State of Mind is a conversation-driven podcast from the CNW Network that goes beyond the headlines to explore the stories, values, and inner motivations of the people shaping Chicago.  Hosted by Chicago News Weekly, the show features honest, reflective conversations with leaders and everyday Chicagoans about family, faith, service, resilience, and what it really means to call this city home.

13. 

    23 Jan 2026

    First, But Not the Last: Juliana Stratton’s Journey in Chicago Politics

    In the premiere episode of Chicago State of Mind, host Cheryl Mainor sits down with Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton—not just as an elected official, but as a Chicagoan, daughter, wife, and mother. Together, they talk about growing up on the South Side, the lessons of service and community she learned from her parents, and what it really looks like to balance public life with family, faith, and motherhood. Stratton reflects on making history as the first Black Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, the power of representation, and how Chicago’s unique mix of grit, joy, and hope shapes her leadership and her voice.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.