The Washington Post calls Shemekia Copeland, ‘The greatest blues singer of her generation.’ Ahead of this year’s Grammys, Shemekia joins ‘Chicago Unscripted’ to talk about her eight nominations, including three this year. Chicago based Alligator Records signed her at just 18. She reminisces about the early days of her career in Chicago, and the many music legends she has performed with. Shemekia shares stories of the rich history of the blues in Chicago, and growing up with her famous father, Johnny Copeland, one of the best guitarists in blues history. 

Larissa May has become a leading voice on the dangers of social media and technology for our children. And she's just 30 years old. She grew up in the suburbs, and says social media was her first addiction - at the age of 10. Her mental health hit rock bottom at Vanderbilt University. But that's when she decided to make a change. It has lead to a thriving business aimed at creating a seat belt for the next generation of parents and children as they navigate the treacherous waters of today's online world.

The role of Lt. Dan changed his life. But long before the release of ‘Forrest Gump,’ actor Gary Sinise had a deep appreciation for the nation’s military veterans. Gary talks about growing up in Highland Park, co-founding Steppenwolf Theater, and the incredible work he’s doing with his Gary Sinise Foundation. Gary also talks about the painful loss of his son, his latest mission to keep Mac’s legacy alive, and the WWII book we both think everyone should read.   

Have you ever taken a leap of faith? Made a decision that completely changed your future? Orly KG has - a few times. And her latest pivot has her in a world she never could have imagined just a couple of years ago. A successful Chicago business owner, Orly found herself in the bathroom of a comedy club, when a flyer on the wall changed the direction of her life and career. Orly shares her journey from that bathroom, to telling jokes at PTA meetings, to an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show where she shared the stage with Jay Leno.  

When Bill Kurtis was cast as the narrator in the news spoof, "Anchorman," there was one word he wouldn't say. He was worried the role would be a career ender. It was just the opposite. Now he admits he'll say pretty much anything. And he has. The legendary CBS network and Chicago anchor has covered some of the biggest stories of a generation, hosted hundreds of true crime documentaries, and currently stars in the NPR news quiz show, "Wait, Wait.. Don't Tell Me." There's the Voice of God. And then there's Bill Kurtis.

He took on everyone from Frank Sinatra, to Mayor Richard J. Daley, the machine, the mob, and more.  The late Mike Royko is one of the most famous journalists to call Chicago home. He wrote a daily column for 30 years, butting heads with the rich and powerful while representing every day Chicagoans. During the pandemic, actor Mitchell Bisschop decided to write a one man play using Royko’s columns to bring his impact on the city to life. Mitchell joins ‘Chicago Unscripted’ to discuss his hometown of Chicago, how he discovered Royko, my encounter with his mom, and his show - which is part biography, part history lesson - and about to start a new run at The Chopin Theater.

Which of my guests thinks Joe Biden should pardon Donald Trump? We also discuss what went wrong with the Harris campaign, and what the Trump campaign did right. What happens now with immigration? Foreign policy? What are the takeaways moving forward for each party? The two former prosecutors also weigh in on the new Cook County State's Attorney and what will change from the Kim Foxx era.  

Colin Cowherd has an opinion. But he doesn’t have an opinion on your opinion of his opinion. I’ve known Colin since 1997 when we worked together in local television in Portland, Oregon. We’ve remained great friends through his rise to the top of the sports talk radio world. Colin has had a home in Chicago for several years. His wife is from here. Is he about to move his show, ‘The Herd” to Chicago? Is Caleb Williams the real deal?  We cover the Bears, the future of linear television, a controversial Olympic boxer, and his viral comments about Donald Trump. We also reminisce about our time in Portland. And he has stories about his time in Tampa, which probably won’t be promoted by the Chamber Of Commerce. But that’s Colin. He’s on to the next topic.   

Walter Payton is one of the greatest football players in NFL history. His legacy lives on in Chicago and beyond. In this episode, Walter’s son Jarrett walks us through the life of his legendary father, and the emotional final few months before his untimely death. It’s a deeply personal conversation about what Walter Payton meant to the city of Chicago. And what Chicago, to this day, has meant to the Payton family. 

Bob Costas is synonymous with NBC Sports. For 40 years, he has been the voice of some of the most iconic moments in sports. From the Olympics, to NFL and NBA, he has had a front row seat to sports history. Before that, he was the voice of the Chicago Bulls on WGN in 1979. In the first episode of “Chicago Unscripted,’ Costas covers everything from politics, to his classic call of ‘The Sandberg Game,’ his memories of Harry Caray, the 1972 Olympics, his exit from NBC, and his Mount Rushmore of sports broadcasters.