In this episode, we’re stepping into the spotlight with one of Broadway’s most iconic productions and the talent bringing it to life in Chicago. We’re also diving into the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene, exploring what makes Chicago such a dynamic destination for performers and audiences alike.

In our featured segment, “We’re Lovin’ It,” Lisa and Kristen sit down with Jimmie “J.J.” Jeter, a Juilliard-trained stage and screen actor currently starring as Aaron Burr in Hamilton at the CIBC Theatre. Jimmie shares his journey from performing on Broadway in New York to captivating audiences in Chicago, along with his experience working across stage and screen, including his role on Showtime’s The Chi. He opens up about life on tour, how he spends his time in the city, and what makes Chicago audiences so uniquely electric. Plus, he gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what continues to make Hamilton such a powerful and can’t-miss experience.

We wrap up with “Let’s ChicaGO,” where Fabiola and Joanie highlight some of the must-see events and experiences happening across Chicago this season. Fabiola previews CIVL Fest, a 10-day celebration uniting 20 indie venues across the city from April 16–25, and spotlights National Poetry Month at the Poetry Foundation, where visitors can explore an incredible collection of over 40,000 volumes and immersive audio experiences. Joanie shares details on the One of a Kind Show, featuring more than 350 exhibitors at the Merchandise Mart from April 24–26, and celebrates International Jazz Day with programming across the city, including the main concert at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on April 30.

Follow along on Instagram:

Choose Chicago: https://www.instagram.com/choosechicago/

All For the Love of Chicago: https://www.instagram.com/allfortheloveofchicago/

Visit choosechicago.com for more and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

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In this episode, we’re celebrating the heart and soul of the city through the voices of leaders who embody Chicago’s resilience, history, and forward momentum. We’re also diving deeper into Chicago’s personality traits and sharing the city’s colorful dating profile in “The Deep Dish” segment, because if Chicago had a dating app bio, it would definitely stand out.

In our featured segment, “We’re Lovin’ It,” Lisa and Kristen sit down with trailblazer Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun. A proud Chicagoan, Ambassador Braun reflects on her upbringing on the South Side and her path into public service. She shares insights from her groundbreaking tenure as the first Black woman elected to the United States Senate and her time serving as U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand. The conversation also explores the women who have inspired her, the values Chicago instilled in her leadership, and her hopes for the next generation of women rising from the city.

We wrap up with “Let’s ChicaGO,” where Fabiola and Steve highlight some of the must-see events and experiences happening across Chicago this season. Fabiola spotlights the return of Art on the Mart, C2E2 featuring special guests like Andy Weir, Charlie Cox, and Elizabeth Olsen, plus the Heart of Chicago Soul Club at The Hideout. Meanwhile, Steve recommends checking out Matisse’s Jazz: Rhythms in Color at the Art Institute, taking in the cherry blossoms in Jackson Park, and exploring Hyde Park favorites including the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry and the area’s beautiful Japanese gardens.

Follow along on Instagram:

Choose Chicago: https://www.instagram.com/choosechicago/

All For the Love of Chicago: https://www.instagram.com/allfortheloveofchicago/

Visit choosechicago.com for more and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

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In our opening segment, “The Deep Dish,” Kristen also recaps her recent experience attending the sold out WWE Elimination Chamber event at the United Center, which brought fans from 49 states and 21 countries to Chicago for an unforgettable night.

In “We’re Lovin’ It,” we’re joined by two powerhouse women in Chicago sports leadership. Jennifer Martindale, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Chicago Cubs and Sheena Quinn, Vice President of Public Relations for the Chicago White Sox join Lisa and Kristen to talk all things baseball as the 2026 season kicks off.

We wrap up with “Let’s ChicaGO,” where Fabiola and Steve share recommendations for celebrating Women's HIstory Month in Chicago. Fabiola highlights hangout spots like Nobody’s Darling, Women & Children First bookstore, and the Andersonville Galleria, along with food picks including Hing Kee in Chinatown and Demera Ethiopian Restaurant in Uptown. Steve rounds things out with a few events and cultural experiences, including the Chicago Stars FC season kicking off later this month, the La Femme Dance Festival at the Harris Theatre, and a visit to the historic Jane Addams Hull House Museum.

Follow along on Instagram:

Choose Chicago: https://www.instagram.com/choosechicago/

All For the Love of Chicago: https://www.instagram.com/allfortheloveofchicago/

Visit choosechicago.com for more and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

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In our opening segment, “The Deep Dish,” we celebrate the fact that spring is trying its best to arrive in Chicago… we’re catching little glimpses of it between the chilly days! Kristen shares her trip to Spring Training in Phoenix as the Chicago White Sox took on the Chicago Cubs, and Lisa walks us through her action-packed Chicago spring break staycation with plenty of ideas to add to your list. 

We also highlight Choose Chicago serving as the proud destination sponsor of the James Beard Awards nominations on March 31 before diving into all things St. Patrick’s Day — from the downtown parade and iconic green river to the neighborhood traditions that make this celebration one of the biggest in the country.

In “We’re Lovin’ It,” we sat down with Pádraig Manning, Vice Consul at the Consulate General of Ireland in Chicago, and world-renowned Irish violinist Patricia Treacy. Together, we explore Chicago’s deep Irish roots, what sets the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration apart, and why this holiday feels like a full-on citywide personality shift.

We wrap up with “Let’s ChicaGO,” where Joanie and Fabiola share can’t-miss St. Patrick’s Day picks from the best spots to watch the river dyeing and catch the downtown parade along Columbus Drive, to riverfront restaurants, rooftops, and festive favorites across the city.

Follow along on Instagram:

Choose Chicago: https://www.instagram.com/choosechicago/

All For the Love of Chicago: https://www.instagram.com/allfortheloveofchicago/

Visit choosechicago.com for more and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

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In our opening segment, “The Deep Dish,” we shake off the Arctic Blast and celebrate a Chicago winter that never slows down. From the delicious highlights of Chicago Restaurant Week and Chicago Theatre Week to the excitement building around WWE’s Elimination Chamber at the United Center, we break down how the city continues to shine even in the coldest months of the year — and how iconic venues are drawing fans from around the globe.

In “We’re Lovin’ It,” Kristen and Lisa sit down with Emmy-nominated producer and award-winning educator Ernest Crim III. A South Side native, public historian, and powerful voice for culturally equitable education, Ernest shares what makes Chicago such a meaningful place to celebrate Black History Month. From neighborhood recommendations and cultural institutions to Black-owned businesses and the impact of the forthcoming Obama Presidential Center, he offers a thoughtful and inspiring guide to experiencing Black history not just as something you learn, but something you live.

We wrap up with “Let’s ChicaGO,” where Joanie and Fabiola spotlight ways to explore Chicago all February long. They highlight Black-owned businesses to support during Black History Month — including Buddy Guy’s Legends, Justice of the Pies, Lexington Betty Smokehouse, and Vintage Frills along with can’t-miss winter experiences like helicopter tours over the skyline, trapeze classes, floating saunas at Navy Pier, and the Chicago Auto Show.

Follow along on Instagram:

Choose Chicago: https://www.instagram.com/choosechicago/

All For the Love of Chicago: https://www.instagram.com/allfortheloveofchicago/

Visit choosechicago.com for more and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

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In our opening segment, “The Deep Dish,” we dive into Chicago Theatre Week (February 5–15), celebrating its 14th year with 70+ productions across iconic downtown stages and neighborhood theatres. From value-priced tickets to world-class performances, we break down how Chicago Theatre Week makes live performing arts more accessible for locals and visitors alike.

In the “We’re Lovin’ It” segment, Kristen and Jason Lesniewicz, Senior Director for Cultural Tourism at Choose Chicago, sit down with Glenn Davis, co-Artistic Director of Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Glenn shares why Chicago’s performing arts community means so much to him from the collaborative, risk-taking spirit of the city’s stages to his own journey growing within Chicago theatre. He reflects on being honored as Chicagoan of the Year in Theater by the Chicago Tribune for his leadership and impact on the local scene in 2025, as well as his proud role in helping bring the Chicago-born production Purpose to Broadway, where it won a Tony Award for Best Play, and earning a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play. 

We wrap up with “Let’s ChicaGO,” where Joanie and Fabiola spotlight some of Chicago’s best FREE things to do. From iconic cultural stops like the Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, and The Art Institute of Chicago, to neighborhood gems and seasonal experiences like our Chicago Greeter Tour, they share easy ways to explore the city without spending a dime.

Follow along on Instagram:

Choose Chicago: https://www.instagram.com/choosechicago/

All For the Love of Chicago: https://www.instagram.com/allfortheloveofchicago/

Visit choosechicago.com for more and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

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In our opening segment "The Deep Dish," we kick things off with a look at Chicago’s world class culinary scene and the biggest ever Chicago Restaurant Week, running January 23 through February 8. From Michelin recognized dining to neighborhood favorites across more than 30 communities, we dig into what makes Chicago a global food city.

In the "We’re Lovin’ It" segment, we are joined by Chef Jonathon Sawyer, Chef Partner at Kindling Downtown Cookout and Cocktails, who shares his love for Chicago’s restaurant community, his favorite spots to try during Restaurant Week, and what continues to inspire him about cooking in this city.

Follow Chef Sawyer:

https://www.instagram.com/chefsawyer

We wrap up with "Let’s ChicaGO," featuring Joanie and Fabiola from the Choose Chicago team, who share can’t-miss events, theatre, and sports happening around the city in the second half of January to help listeners plan what to see and do next.

Follow along on Instagram:

Choose Chicago https://www.instagram.com/choosechicago/

All For The Love of Chicago https://www.instagram.com/allfortheloveofchicago/

Visit choosechicago.com for more and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

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All For the Love of Chicago dives into the neighborhoods, creators, and changemakers who make this city what it is.

Produced and hosted by Choose Chicago.

Be sure to subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

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