Chicago State of Mind

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.