Chicago Unscripted

About Chicago Unscripted

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.

Publisher

Joe Donlon

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

18 Oct 2024

Latest episode

5 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

33 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 Jun 2026

   A Gaggle on a New Bears Stadium & More - Chicago Tribune's Rick Pearson & NBC5's Mary Ann Ahern

   Two 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 Springfield? After reports of secret meeting with the Bears, is Chicago suddenly back in the picture? What about the cold war between Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson? We also get into the upcoming mayor's race, whether Johnson will run again, and could a well known Chicago figure quit his job and join the race? Also - The Obama Presidential Center and what Pearson says the former president still owes him. *Recorded before the Bears latest vote to advance plans in Hammond.

2. 

   17 Apr 2026

   Joel Braunold - The Perennially Perplexing Prospects of Peace in the Middle East

   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.

3. 

   11 Apr 2026

   Michael McDonald - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Singer Songwriter, The Doobie Brothers

   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.

Who has been a guest on Chicago Unscripted

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Lori Lightfoot
• Pat Brady
• Willie Geist

Reach and audience

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

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

14 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 27 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

34

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

51

Contact Chicago Unscripted

Guest appearances

Books guests

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