CHICAGO BLUE PRINT (Podcast)

Charles McSpadden on Fixing Chicago Schools, Returning to Coles & The Real State of Education

Charles McSpadden sits down with Chicago Blueprint for a real conversation about education in Chicago—no sugar-coating. From his early beginnings to his journey back to Coles, McSpadden breaks down what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what it really takes to lead in today’s school system. He speaks on the current state of education in the city, the challenges schools are facing, and the role the community must play if real progress is going to happen. This episode dives into: His path in education and leadership Returning to Coles and what it means now Key accomplishments since coming back The biggest problems in Chicago schools today What parents, alumni, and the community need to do next His vision for the future of education If you care about the future of Chicago, this is a conversation you need to hear. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2397830/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2397830/support]

“They Took My Son… Now I’m Taking Back the Community | Tonya Burch Tells All”

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. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2397830/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2397830/support]

30 Years in Comedy! Baldhead Phillips Breaks Down the Grind, Bombs & Men’s Health Truth

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. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2397830/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2397830/support]

Mike Irvin EXPOSES Chicago Basketball: Jordan vs Derrick Rose, AAU Truth & Street Legacy

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 Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2397830/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2397830/support]

Shot at 14, Pulled the Trigger at 15 — Wesley King Tells the Truth About Chicago Streets

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. Subscribe for more real conversations: Chicago Blue Print Podcast Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2397830/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2397830/support]