Inside the Heart of Navy Pier with Marilynn Gardner

Culture Cousins: The People, Festivals & Flavors of Chicago

Welcome back to another episode of All For the Love of Chicago, the podcast where we spotlight the people, experiences, and unforgettable moments that continue to shape the spirit of Chicago. We kick things off with our “Deep Dish” segment as Kristen returns to the show after a memorable family vacation. She catches Lisa up on her travels before the conversation turns to some of Chicago's biggest recent cultural and culinary moments. The two also tease exciting America 250 celebrations happening across Chicago, including the spectacular fireworks celebration planned by our friends at Navy Pier. Together, they recap their experiences at Chicago Blues Fest, the National Restaurant Association Show, and the James Beard Awards, which returned to their longtime host city of Chicago. Widely recognized as one of the world's premier culinary destinations, Chicago serves as the perfect backdrop for the industry's most prestigious awards, bringing together top chefs, restaurateurs, and food enthusiasts from across the globe. Lisa and Kristen also discuss the incredible energy across the city this summer and why Chicago continues to stand out as a world-class destination for culture, entertainment, and dining. In our featured segment, “We're Lovin' It,” Lisa and Kristen welcome Kenya Merritt, Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), a valued partner that works hand in hand with Choose Chicago throughout the year to bring world-class cultural experiences to residents and visitors alike. Kenya shares how signature events such as Taste of Chicago and Chicago Blues Festival help celebrate the city's rich cultural identity while creating opportunities for communities to come together. She also highlights the incredible programming available at the Chicago Cultural Center, one of the city's most treasured landmarks, which remains free and open to the public year-round. Along the way, Kenya playfully reminds us that we're all simply "culture cousins," connected through the arts, music, food, and experiences that make Chicago such a special place. We wrap up with “Let's ChicaGO,” where Steve returns to fill in for Joanie and joins Fabiola in highlighting some of Chicago's biggest summer events. They preview Windy City Smokeout, July 8–12, featuring top barbecue, country music, and performances by Treaty Oak Revival, Hootie & the Blowfish, and Lainey Wilson. They also spotlight the return of Taste of Chicago, where visitors can experience the city's incredible culinary diversity alongside performances by Beach Bunny, Babyface, and Common. Plus, they discuss the Grant Park Music Festival, a beloved Chicago tradition bringing free world-class performances to Jay Pritzker Pavilion throughout the summer. Follow along on Instagram: Choose Chicago: @choosechicago All For the Love of Chicago: @allfortheloveofchicago Learn More: Choose Chicago America 250: https://www.choosechicago.com/america250/ [https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.choosechicago.com_america250_&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=kwHSqO9gXgA8ZciXkh9mi-RDmMKuZXg9ntBneV0YxXU&m=QKTFuXYsPJLEARR7_vRsUauhAv9GKvTxDA2kJ4cTearyKXAb1r-yYJQzz5LIS7c7&s=YqZp5A6x7COzi0PSi1iXD6JDYXS8FHcyh5xcus-GChQ&e=] DCASE & Chicago Cultural Center: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca.html [https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.chicago.gov_city_en_depts_dca.html&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=kwHSqO9gXgA8ZciXkh9mi-RDmMKuZXg9ntBneV0YxXU&m=QKTFuXYsPJLEARR7_vRsUauhAv9GKvTxDA2kJ4cTearyKXAb1r-yYJQzz5LIS7c7&s=7COhS18-1Htd1BRJ_SKDDkBWZfxEKeNnoDHVbxxKOO4&e=] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Friendliest City in the World: Celebrating Pride, Community & Chicago's Welcoming Spirit

Welcome back to another episode of All For the Love of Chicago, the podcast where we spotlight the people, experiences, and unforgettable moments that continue to shape the spirit of Chicago. We kick things off with a special “Deep Dish” segment as Lisa welcomes Emmy Award-winning anchor and producer Matt Rodrigues as guest co-host while Kristen enjoys some family vacation time. Lisa and Matt pull back the curtain on the world of live television, share stories from NBC Chicago, and some of the craziest assignments Matt has tackled on live TV. The two also discuss what they’re most excited about this summer in Chicago and why Pride Month continues to be one of the city’s most vibrant and beloved celebrations. In our featured segment, “We’re Lovin’ It,” Lisa and Matt are joined by Tracy Baim, award-winning journalist, publisher, author, founder of Windy City Times, and Grand Marshal of the 2026 Chicago Pride Parade. Tracy reflects on her decades documenting Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community, shares how Pride celebrations have evolved over the years, and discusses what has helped make Chicago one of the most welcoming destinations in the world for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. The conversation also explores must-see Pride Month events, the importance of Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ+ neighborhoods and communities, and what it means to serve as Grand Marshal during a historic moment for the city’s Pride celebrations. We wrap up with “Let’s ChicaGO,” where Steve and Fabiola spotlight some of Chicago’s biggest events and experiences happening throughout June. Highlights include free music and cultural programming in some of the city’s most iconic public spaces, Andersonville’s beloved Midsommarfest celebrating community, local businesses, food, and live entertainment, the return of the James Beard Awards and its exciting lineup of culinary events, and Tuesdays on the Terrace, a free outdoor series blending live music, contemporary art, and community gathering in the heart of downtown. Follow along on Instagram: Choose Chicago: @choosechicago All For the Love of Chicago: @allfortheloveofchicago Learn more about the Gerber/Hart LGBTQ+ Library & Archives here: https://www.gerberhart.org/ [https://www.gerberhart.org/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

A Home for Hope: Inside the Obama Presidential Center

Welcome back to another episode of All For the Love of Chicago, the podcast where we spotlight the people, experiences, and unforgettable moments that continue to shape the spirit of Chicago. We kick things off with a special “Deep Dish” segment as Lisa and Kristen catch up on everything happening around the city, including the excitement surrounding the Chicago Crosstown Classic and major new developments coming to the United Center through the highly anticipated 1901 Project. The two also dive into what’s been buzzing around Chicago lately as summer officially starts to take over the city. In our featured segment, “We’re Lovin’ It,” Lisa and Kristen are joined by Michael Strautmanis, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer for the Obama Foundation and member of the Choose Chicago Board of Directors. Michael shares an inside look at the vision and mission behind the highly anticipated Obama Presidential Center opening on Chicago’s South Side during Juneteenth weekend. The conversation explores why the Center is much more than a traditional presidential museum, the importance of Jackson Park and the South Side to the Obamas, what visitors can expect when they step onto the campus for the first time, and how the project reflects Chicago’s resilience, culture, and global impact. Michael also reflects on watching the vision come to life after years of work alongside President Obama and discusses how the Center hopes to inspire future generations of leaders from Chicago and around the world. Find more info on the Chicago South Side & Presidential Center Shuttle from Choose Chicago and Big Bus Tours Chicago here: https://www.bigbustours.com/en/chicago/chicago-south-side-presidential-center-shuttle [https://www.bigbustours.com/en/chicago/chicago-south-side-presidential-center-shuttle] We wrap up with “Let’s ChicaGO,” where Fabiola and Joanie spotlight some of the city’s biggest upcoming events and experiences. Fabiola highlights the return of Jazzin’ at the Shedd, the popular summer jazz series at Shedd Aquarium featuring live performances and local food vendors, along with the North American debut of the Pokémon Fossil Museum at the Field Museum. Joanie shares details on Neon Paddle, Chicago’s glowing nighttime paddleboard experience on the Chicago River, the return of the city’s iconic Blues Fest in Millennium Park, and celebrates the official opening of Chicago’s beaches for the summer season. Follow along on Instagram: Choose Chicago: @choosechicago All For the Love of Chicago: @allfortheloveofchicago ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Inside the Heart of Navy Pier with Marilynn Gardner

Welcome back to another episode of All For the Love of Chicago, the podcast where we spotlight the people, experiences, and unforgettable moments that continue to shape the spirit of Chicago. This week, Kristen and Lisa are joined on the couch by Marilynn Gardner, President and CEO of Navy Pier. We kick things off with a special “Deep Dish” segment as Lisa surprises Kristen with “Kris10,” a fun celebration marking Kristen’s first year as President and CEO of Choose Chicago. The two look back on Kristen’s first year living in Chicago through rapid fire questions, favorite discoveries, memorable moments, and everything she’s fallen in love with about the city so far. Plus, Kristen gives an update on the ongoing Pascal saga after cashing in on the salon appointment gift with Pascal of The Golden Bachelorette and shares how the experience has evolved since our last episode. In our featured segment, “We’re Lovin’ It,” Marilynn Gardner reflects on her journey leading one of the most visited attractions in the country while sharing what she loves most about Chicago. The conversation dives into Navy Pier’s exciting plans for 2026, including how the Pier is connecting Chicago’s rich history with major milestones like the Route 66 centennial and Chicago 250 celebrations. Marilynn also shares the vision behind the new “pier to pier” concept celebrating Route 66's centenary, favorite activations from years past, and exciting upcoming experiences like the Crystal Gardens summer skate activation. Learn more about Navy Pier's summer fireworks displays here: https://navypier.org/pier-events/summer-fireworks/ [https://navypier.org/pier-events/summer-fireworks/]. We wrap up with “Let’s ChicaGO,” where Fabiola and Joanie spotlight some of the city’s biggest upcoming events and experiences. Fabiola highlights the vibrant Dancing the Revolution: From Dancehall to Reggaetónexhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the return of Sueños Music Festival at Grant Park featuring major artists including J Balvin, Kali Uchis, Danny Ocean, and Fuerza Regida. Joanie shares details on the Do Division Street Fest in Wicker Park and Chicago’s newest music festival, Forever Mine Festival at Union Park, featuring performances from Keyshia Cole, Kelly Rowland, Kaytranada, Shaggy, and more. Follow along on Instagram: Choose Chicago: @choosechicago All For the Love of Chicago: @allfortheloveofchicago ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Treasure of Chicago’s Museums: Science, Culture & Curiosity

We’re back with another episode of All For the Love of Chicago, the podcast where we celebrate the people, innovations, and cultural moments that define Chicago. We open with our “Deep Dish” segment, where Lisa and Kristen unpack their traveling musts, from can’t-miss essentials to the little things that make every trip smoother. Kristen also finally cashed in on the salon appointment gift she’s mentioned on past episodes at Pascal’s salon from The Golden Bachelorette and shares her experience. In our featured segment, “We’re Lovin’ It,” Lisa and Kristen sit down with Dr. Chevy Humphrey, President and CEO of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry—the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Dr. Humphrey shares what she loves most about Chicago and reflects on her five years leading the museum through a period of exciting growth and transformation. She gives insight into how the museum has evolved, including the impact of major projects and what that means for the future visitor experience. Plus, she highlights must-see exhibits for the spring and summer season and discusses how institutions like hers play a vital role in Chicago’s global tourism appeal. As a member of the Choose Chicago Board of Directors, she also shares her perspective on positioning Chicago as a premier destination for curiosity, culture, and discovery. We wrap up with “Let’s ChicaGO,” where Fabiola and Joanie spotlight some of the must-see events and experiences happening across the city this season. Fabiola highlights the return of farmers markets across Chicago this May, featuring locally sourced goods from neighboring states, and shares beautiful springtime experiences like “Shower of Flowers” at Garfield Park Conservatory and “Jewels of Spring” at Lincoln Park Conservatory, along with a visit to the Chicago Botanic Garden. Joanie dives into unique entertainment offerings, including Theater of the Mind, David Byrne’s immersive theatrical experience at the Goodman Theatre running through July 12, and introduces the Chicago Snowballs, a co-ed sportstainment baseball team kicking off their season on May 2 before touring throughout the summer. Follow along on Instagram: Choose Chicago: https://www.instagram.com/choosechicago/ [https://www.instagram.com/choosechicago/] All For the Love of Chicago: https://www.instagram.com/allfortheloveofchicago/ [https://www.instagram.com/allfortheloveofchicago/] Visit choosechicago.com [http://choosechicago.com/] for more and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.