Alex Kotlowitz

Jean Cate

Jean Cate [https://www.jeancate.com/about] comes to the shores of Lake Michigan by way of Cali. It appears Chicago has a firm grip on her heart, and in this conversation Jean tells Kevin how and why that happened. You’ll also hear about her varied approach to painting as an abstract naturalist, and why place-making fuels her life as a human being. You can see her work and the varied works of dozens at The Center of Order and Experimentation [https://orderandexperimentation.com](not a cult). Jean’s latest exhibition is happening at Lula Cafe [https://www.instagram.com/p/DaAt98QuYDG/] in West Town. Get full access to Kevin's Substack at kevincoval.substack.com/subscribe [https://kevincoval.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

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]