Alex Kotlowitz

Ian Fugett

The artistic corners of Chicago have the same ethos as the city’s roots in manufacturing. Ian Fugett is inspired by the work ethic of artisans of all kinds in DIY and beyond. That fire pushed Ian to create the pub [https://thepubchicago.com/about-us/], a print-only newspaper the fuels friction. In this conversation, Kevin and Ian talk about Chicago as a cultural mecca with working-class artists and how to nurture that life in real spaces. Get full access to Kevin's Substack at kevincoval.substack.com/subscribe [https://kevincoval.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

John Caleb Pendleton

In many ways, the work of John Caleb Pendleton [https://www.instagram.com/johncaleb.pendleton/] is about the beauty of grief. As he honors the short life of flowers, he reminds us how precious time is. During this convo, Kevin talks with John about his Alabama roots and his complicated relationship with Chicago. Through his floral studio Planks & Pistils [https://www.planksandpistils.com], John is an artist and community creator dedicated to telling black stories in the most unimaginable ways. Get full access to Kevin's Substack at kevincoval.substack.com/subscribe [https://kevincoval.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Cassius Tae

The DIY spirit is often made perfect in the city of Chicago. Few others embody that vibe like Cassius Tae [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjiHw4YMab65da9uX9nBXuA]. In this chat, you’ll hear how Cassius crafted a life as a writer, designer, and rapper. Plus, Cassius shares how he kicks up his compassion as a mentor to creators with an event called The Writers Room. Get full access to Kevin's Substack at kevincoval.substack.com/subscribe [https://kevincoval.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Bobby Whittingham

This is a conversation about being called home to the family business. Bobby Whittingham is a 4th generation entrepreneur in one of Chicago's most storied industries. In this chat, Kevin tracks the story of Bobby's great grandfather, who started a meat packing legend with a 100 bucks in 1947. How is it that Whittingham Meats [https://www.whittinghammeats.com/pages/story] has survived nearly eight decades? Bobby drops some truths about the grit that rules his hometown. Get full access to Kevin's Substack at kevincoval.substack.com/subscribe [https://kevincoval.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Holley Brandchaft-White

Why are some of us drawn to spaces where people are doing hard things? Holley Brandchaft-White [https://www.instagram.com/holley_shft/] has chosen that life, and has something to say about it. In this convo, Kevin talks with Holley about her journey from being a social worker in trauma units to using an MBA in pursuit of mental health innovation. Holley is the co-founder of SHFT Behavioral Health [https://www.shftbh.com/about], Chicago’s first emotional wellness urgent care center. You’ll hear how our city’s resilience and segregation often collide in ways that hurt and help. Get full access to Kevin's Substack at kevincoval.substack.com/subscribe [https://kevincoval.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]