https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/chicago-state-of-mind--6858145enNewsCopyright The CNW Networkhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/6aaacf63f04d717dec9983d689298ba3.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/chicago-state-of-mind--6858145Mon, 27 Jul 2026 22:56:15 +0000The CNW NetworkThe CNW Networklaura@cnwmedia.comChicago State of Mind is a conversation-driven podcast from the CNW Network that slows the city down long enough to really listen. Hosted by Chicago News Weekly, each episode sits with the people shaping Chicago’s politics, culture, neighborhoods, and...trueepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chicago-state-of-mind-with-carl-west--73162513
On this episode of Chicago State of Mind, host Cheryl Mainor welcomes fellow publisher, entrepreneur, and media executive Carl West, Founder and Publisher of TBT News, and CEO of MG Media for an insightful conversation about the evolution of Black media, the challenges of sustaining independent journalism, and the opportunities that lie ahead. Drawing from decades of experience as a business leader and publisher, Carl shares his journey of launching and growing TBT News, the importance of owning our narratives, and why trusted community journalism remains essential in an era of social media and misinformation. Together, Cheryl and Carl explore the business of local news, digital transformation, collaboration among Black-owned media outlets, and the responsibility of preparing the next generation of media leaders.Whether you're passionate about journalism, entrepreneurship, community leadership, or the future of Black media, this episode offers a thoughtful and inspiring look at the people working to ensure our stories continue to be told.

Guest: Carl West, Author, Founder & Publisher, TBT News and MG Media
Host: Cheryl Mainor
Presented by: Chicago News Weekly and CNW Studio

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73162513Mon, 27 Jul 2026 22:56:13 +0000The CNW NetworkWhat does it take to build an independent Black-owned media organization in today's rapidly changing journalism landscape? On this episode of Chicago State of Mind, host Cheryl Mainor welcomes fellow publisher, entrepreneur, and media executive Carl...
On this episode of Chicago State of Mind, host Cheryl Mainor welcomes fellow publisher, entrepreneur, and media executive Carl West, Founder and Publisher of TBT News, and CEO of MG Media for an insightful conversation about the evolution of Black media, the challenges of sustaining independent journalism, and the opportunities that lie ahead. Drawing from decades of experience as a business leader and publisher, Carl shares his journey of launching and growing TBT News, the importance of owning our narratives, and why trusted community journalism remains essential in an era of social media and misinformation. Together, Cheryl and Carl explore the business of local news, digital transformation, collaboration among Black-owned media outlets, and the responsibility of preparing the next generation of media leaders.Whether you're passionate about journalism, entrepreneurship, community leadership, or the future of Black media, this episode offers a thoughtful and inspiring look at the people working to ensure our stories continue to be told.

Guest: Carl West, Author, Founder & Publisher, TBT News and MG Media
Host: Cheryl Mainor
Presented by: Chicago News Weekly and CNW Studio

]]>4764falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-wisdom-of-transition-with-dr-sakira-jackson--72539996Chicago State of Mind, host Cheryl Mainor sits down with Dr. Sakira Jackson, known as the “Business Doctor,” to explore how individuals and organizations can recognize, preserve, and transfer wisdom before valuable knowledge, opportunity, and insight are lost. Drawing from her work as a strategist, leadership advisor, and creator of the MeshMind™ framework, Dr. Jackson shares how high-capacity thinkers can navigate complexity, how leaders can distinguish between being stuck and being in transition, and why capturing lived experience is one of the most important responsibilities of modern leadership.This thought-provoking conversation examines personal transformation, organizational resilience, succession planning, and the hidden value of the lessons we learn through leadership, adversity, and change. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, emerging leader, or someone standing at a crossroads in life, this episode offers practical insights for navigating transition with clarity, purpose, and confidence.

Chicago State of Mind is a production of Chicago News Weekly, CNW Studio and CaveRoom Entertainment, bringing you conversations with the people shaping Chicago's culture, business, and future.  

To read more on Dr. Jackson, https://issuu.com/cnwmedia.com/docs/march_26_2026_edition ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72539996Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:27:42 +0000The CNW NetworkWhat happens when success no longer feels aligned, leadership is evolving, or an organization is facing a season of change? On this episode of Chicago State of Mind, host Cheryl Mainor sits down with Dr. Sakira Jackson, known as the “Business Doctor,”...Chicago State of Mind, host Cheryl Mainor sits down with Dr. Sakira Jackson, known as the “Business Doctor,” to explore how individuals and organizations can recognize, preserve, and transfer wisdom before valuable knowledge, opportunity, and insight are lost. Drawing from her work as a strategist, leadership advisor, and creator of the MeshMind™ framework, Dr. Jackson shares how high-capacity thinkers can navigate complexity, how leaders can distinguish between being stuck and being in transition, and why capturing lived experience is one of the most important responsibilities of modern leadership.This thought-provoking conversation examines personal transformation, organizational resilience, succession planning, and the hidden value of the lessons we learn through leadership, adversity, and change. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, emerging leader, or someone standing at a crossroads in life, this episode offers practical insights for navigating transition with clarity, purpose, and confidence.

Chicago State of Mind is a production of Chicago News Weekly, CNW Studio and CaveRoom Entertainment, bringing you conversations with the people shaping Chicago's culture, business, and future.  

To read more on Dr. Jackson, https://issuu.com/cnwmedia.com/docs/march_26_2026_edition ]]>3091meshmind,neurodivergentfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/leadership-fatherhood-and-global-impact-with-robert-johnson--72235702Chicago State of Mind, Cheryl Mainor sits down with businessman, strategist, and global visionary Robert Johnson of The Solomon Group for a powerful conversation about leadership, legacy, and rebuilding community through intentional action.

Robert Johnson shares the inspiration behind the Reclaim Father’s Day Weekend movement and why restoring the value of fatherhood and family engagement is critical to the future of Black communities. The conversation also explores the meaning and impact of the Global Peace Gesture, an initiative designed to spark unity, healing, and international collaboration during a time of growing division around the world.

In addition, Johnson discusses the launch of the SG Africa Advisory Platform, an ambitious effort to connect African and African American business leaders, innovators, and institutions through economic partnerships, cultural exchange, and strategic development opportunities across the continent.

This episode goes beyond business—it’s a conversation about purpose, responsibility, and building bridges between generations, communities, and nations.

Chicago State of Mind is a product of Chicago News Weekly and the CNW Network and is produced by Caveroom Entertainment.






]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72235702Fri, 29 May 2026 22:29:23 +0000The CNW NetworkOn this episode of Chicago State of Mind, Cheryl Mainor sits down with businessman, strategist, and global visionary Robert Johnson of The Solomon Group for a powerful conversation about leadership, legacy, and rebuilding community through intentional...Chicago State of Mind, Cheryl Mainor sits down with businessman, strategist, and global visionary Robert Johnson of The Solomon Group for a powerful conversation about leadership, legacy, and rebuilding community through intentional action.

Robert Johnson shares the inspiration behind the Reclaim Father’s Day Weekend movement and why restoring the value of fatherhood and family engagement is critical to the future of Black communities. The conversation also explores the meaning and impact of the Global Peace Gesture, an initiative designed to spark unity, healing, and international collaboration during a time of growing division around the world.

In addition, Johnson discusses the launch of the SG Africa Advisory Platform, an ambitious effort to connect African and African American business leaders, innovators, and institutions through economic partnerships, cultural exchange, and strategic development opportunities across the continent.

This episode goes beyond business—it’s a conversation about purpose, responsibility, and building bridges between generations, communities, and nations.

Chicago State of Mind is a product of Chicago News Weekly and the CNW Network and is produced by Caveroom Entertainment.






]]>3522fatherhood,fathersday,robertjohnsonfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tyrone-muhammed-advocating-for-ex-offenders-legal-hemp-sales-and-running-for-us-senate--71500096
On today’s episode, we discuss his life, his work, and ultimately his current run for the US Senate as an Independent candidate. 
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71500096Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:00:02 +0000The CNW NetworkTyrone Muhammad, Founder of Ex-Cons for Community and Social Change, has dedicated his life to reducing recidivism and advocating for ex-offender reintegration. His programs in self-development and entrepreneurship have provided ex-cons with the tools...
On today’s episode, we discuss his life, his work, and ultimately his current run for the US Senate as an Independent candidate. 
]]>3899falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/madame-president-up-close-and-personal-with-cook-county-board-president-toni-preckwinkle--71499987https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71499987Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:25:00 +0000The CNW NetworkToday’s guest is one of the most influential political leaders in Illinois Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. She has led the nation’s second-largest county since 2010 and was the first woman elected to the office. President Preckwinkle...2083falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dr-dawn-hendricks-milhouse-a-higher-calling--71499723https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71499723Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:58:11 +0000The CNW NetworkIn this episode of Chicago State of Mind, we sit down with Dr. Dawn Hendricks Milhouse for a more personal conversation beyond business. Known for multiple successful companies, Dr. Milhouse shares insight into her life, values, and the experiences...3375falsefullhttp://cnwmedia.com
Preston also walks us through his legislative record—chairing the Senate Black Caucus, taking on the food industry with the Illinois Food Safety Act, and building unlikely bipartisan coalitions in a hyper-polarized moment. As he mounts a campaign for Congress in the 2nd District, he reflects on representation, accountability, and what it will take to bridge the deep chasm in national politics while still fighting unapologetically for Black communities and working families.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70483378Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:45:14 +0000The CNW NetworkIn this episode of Chicago State of Mind, we sit down with Illinois State Senator Willie Preston for a candid conversation about identity, service, and political courage. From growing up in Englewood amid poverty, gangs, and the crack era to finding...
Preston also walks us through his legislative record—chairing the Senate Black Caucus, taking on the food industry with the Illinois Food Safety Act, and building unlikely bipartisan coalitions in a hyper-polarized moment. As he mounts a campaign for Congress in the 2nd District, he reflects on representation, accountability, and what it will take to bridge the deep chasm in national politics while still fighting unapologetically for Black communities and working families.]]>2640false14fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/la-shawn-k-ford-on-crime-cannabis-and-the-healthcare-squeeze--70171773https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70171773Fri, 20 Feb 2026 03:43:38 +0000The CNW NetworkIn this episode of Chicago State of Mind on the CNW Network, host Cheryl Mainor sits down with Illinois State Representative La Shawn K. Ford, candidate for Congress in the 7th District, to talk about what it really means to fight for overlooked...3548true13fullhttp://cnwmedia.comhttps://api.spreaker.com/episode/70170870Fri, 20 Feb 2026 03:23:42 +0000The CNW NetworkIn this powerful episode of CNW, host Cheryl Mainor sits down with attorney and former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin, now a candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 7th District, to talk faith, resilience, and what it takes to lead when...3827false12fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/welcome-to-chicago-state-of-mind--69559381https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69559381Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:26:44 +0000The CNW NetworkChicago State of Mind is a conversation-driven podcast from the CNW Network that goes beyond the headlines to explore the stories, values, and inner motivations of the people shaping Chicago.  Hosted by Chicago News Weekly, the show features honest,...45falsetrailerhttps://www.cnwmedia.comhttps://api.spreaker.com/episode/69559446Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:26:37 +0000The CNW NetworkIn the premiere episode of Chicago State of Mind, host Cheryl Mainor sits down with Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton—not just as an elected official, but as a Chicagoan, daughter, wife, and mother. Together, they talk about growing up on...1953false11full