CHICAGO BLUE PRINT (Podcast)

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 changed
• The reality of losing a child to violence
• Why the system keeps failing families
• The truth about what communities actually need
• How she’s bringing mothers together who share the same pain
• Turning grief into purpose and leadership

This 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.

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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 career
The truth about the comedy grind
Wild stories from the stage
Lessons from Second City improv
Why men need to take gut health serious
If you’re chasing success, love comedy, or care about leveling up your life — this one is for you.

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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 Chicago
• The legacy and impact of Mac Irvin Fire
• The truth about AAU basketball today vs back then
• Who impacted Chicago more: Michael Jordan or Derrick Rose
• What young athletes and parents are getting wrong today
• Behind-the-scenes insight into Chicago’s basketball culture

If 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 #PodcastInterview

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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 life
Being shot at 14 and the mindset of youth violence
Juvenile detention and prison reality
Leaving the Vice Lords and changing direction
Community violence intervention work
Writing books and using “gang literature” to reach youth
The biggest lies the streets tell young men
If you’re young and watching this — this episode could change your direction.
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Chicago Blue Print Podcast

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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 scratch
The real impact they’ve had on Chicago restaurants
Hidden food gems you need to try ASAP
The truth about food reviewing and social media growth
How content creators can turn views into income
If 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.

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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 Chicago
Watch the full episode and join the conversation.
Available on:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | YouTube
#ChicagoBlueprint #ChicagoPodcast #SadiqAli #Chicago #CommunityVoices #StopTheViolence #StreetToSuccess #RealTalk #PodcastInterview

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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.

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From the Cabrini-Green housing projects of Chicago to the Olympic stage in Atlanta, this episode of Chicago Blue Print sits down with boxing legend Nate “The Snake” Jones.

Nate breaks down his journey from the streets to the ring, winning back-to-back National Golden Gloves titles (1994 & 1995), earning Olympic Bronze in the 1996 Heavyweight division, and later turning professional with a record of 18 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. He speaks candidly about the real business of boxing, the sacrifices people don’t see, and the hard decision to retire in 2002 due to health issues involving diminished reflexes and memory.

This is not a highlight reel — it’s the real blueprint: discipline, survival, legacy, and knowing when to walk away.

If you care about Chicago history, Olympic boxing, or real-life lessons from a man who lived it, this episode is for you.

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Available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

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Who really has power over Chicago’s public schools?
In this episode of Chicago BluePrint, we break down the 2026 Local School Council (LSC) Elections and why they matter more than most people realize.

We’re joined by Myra Winding, Assistant Director for Chicago’s Local School Councils (LSC), who explains what LSCs actually do, who can run, how much time it really takes, and why everyday parents and community members—not politicians—help shape the future of Chicago schools.

This episode cuts through the confusion and myths so you can clearly understand:

• What Local School Councils are and why they matter
• How much real power LSC members actually have
• Who’s eligible to run (no education background required)
• The real time commitment for parents and community members
• How to get involved—even if you’re not ready to run
• Key deadlines for the March 18, 2026 LSC election

If you care about education, community leadership, and having a real voice where decisions are made, this episode is for you.

📌 Election Date: March 18, 2026
📌 Theme: Run. Serve. Lead.

👉 Like, subscribe, and share this episode to help spread awareness—our schools are strongest when the community shows up.

#ChicagoBluePrint #MyraWinding #LSC #ChicagoSchools #LocalSchoolCouncil #CivicEngagement #CommunityLeadership #EducationMatters #ChicagoParents #RunServeLead

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Join us on the Chicago Blue Print podcast as we sit down with the remarkable Dr. Princess Lomax! In this episode, we dive into her multifaceted journey as a doctor, entrepreneur, and community leader. Discover how Dr. Lomax has successfully owned multiple nightclubs in Chicago, a restaurant in Atlanta, and has made significant impacts through her nonprofit work.
In this engaging conversation, we explore:
Dr. Lomax’s journey in the medical field and entrepreneurship.
Insights into her philanthropic efforts in Chicago and beyond.
The balance of managing multiple businesses and giving back to the community.
Her vision for the future and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and healthcare professionals.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories and insightful interviews!

Connect with Dr. Princess Lomax:
WWW.PRINCESSLOMAX.COM
@DR.DIAMOND002

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