Chicago Stories

Denise Sauriol's first Chicago Marathon 24-years-ago ignited an empowerment engine she never thought possible. Today, she's a running coach working to inspire others to do the same. With this year's race just a few weeks away, Mayor Emanuel sat down with Denise to hear what inspires her, along with some training tips, favorite playlists, and the near-fatal accident that changed all.

Since age 16, Bill Kurtis knew he had a golden gift — his voice. Mayor Emanuel sits down with one of the most legendary anchormen as he recalls vivid moments in Chicago's history, including the '68 Convention, the "Battle of Michigan Avenue" and the ensuing Conspiracy Trial. They also discuss the renaissance of journalism post-Watergate, and Bill's advice to aspiring reporters looking to enter the field.

Jonathan Eig never thought he'd be a biographer. The best-selling author of works on Muhammad Ali, Al Capone, the birth control pill, and others, talks to Mayor Emanuel about how he chooses his subjects, what surprised him about each one, and what he's working on next.

Pat Tomasulo is a funny man on a serious mission. Mayor Emanuel sat down with the sportscaster, stand-up comic, and host of WGN's "Man of the People" who's also fighting to fund research and raise awareness for people suffering from neuropathic disorders—people like Pat's wife.

There's no way singer and actor Miguel Cervantes is throwing away his shot. Tune in as the star of Chicago's "Hamilton" gives Mayor Emanuel his take on the smash-hit musical, shares the story of his hard-won career, and talks about his biggest role of all as "Dad" and raising awareness for childhood epilepsy.

Just before joining his weekly Peace Gathering in North Lawndale, Mayor Emanuel sat down with Pastor James Brooks of Harmony Community Church in Chicago's West Side to hear about his journey of faith, how he's fighting neighborhood violence, and what he's doing to take his church beyond its four walls.

Former Vice Lord Benny Lee is a counselor, activist, mentor, and college professor, but he didn't start out that way. Tune in as he and Mayor Emanuel talk about his inspiring journey from gang life and death row, to education, advocacy, and helping others move their lives forward.

Historian and long-time Chicago Tribune columnist Ron Grossman probably knows more "Chicago Stories" than anyone else. Tune in as he and Mayor Emanuel "kibbitz" about Chicago's old Ward battles, evolving ethnic neighborhoods, the Albany Park of their youth, and the ways the town he loves has changed and stayed the same.

Actress and comedian Erica Watson stopped by City Hall to talk to Mayor Emanuel about her roles in "The Chi," her new movie "BlacKorea," and the growing strength of Chicago's film and television industry. They also shared a frank conversation about community policing—how far it's come, and where she thinks it needs to go.

Mayor Emanuel welcomed Chicago ragtime pianist, composer, and scholar Reginald R. Robinson to City Hall to hear about his unlikely story as a self-taught artist, the highs and lows of his creative process, being a MacArthur "Genius," and ragtime's place in American music. Reginald also treated Mayor Emanuel to a rendition of one of his own works, "Sweet Envy."