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Chicago Newsroom 2.0
October 24, 2025
In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, hosts Darrious Hilmon and Dr. Suzet McKinney take a deep dive into Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed 2026 budget, unpacking what it means for Chicago’s future. They break down the latest on the looming government shutdown, analyze immigration’s local impact, and confront critical community challenges — from special education funding to mental wellness and domestic violence awareness.
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Petty & Profound
October 23, 2025
In this episode of Petty & Profound, hosts Gregory Smith and Darrious Hilmon take a hard look at America’s body dysmorphia epidemic. From celebrity weight-loss culture to fitness influencers and algorithm-fueled beauty trends, they unpack how insecurity has become a multibillion-dollar business. The discussion exposes how social media platforms profit from our collective self-doubt—and how the pursuit of perfection has reshaped everything from identity to economics.
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Brothers Talking
October 22, 2025
In this powerful episode of Brothers Talking, moderator Curtis Tarver leads a raw and transformative discussion on “Black Masculinity — Reclaiming Our Identity.” Featuring a cross-generational panel of Black men, the conversation challenges long-held stereotypes and societal expectations, exploring what it truly means to be seen, to feel, and to lead. Together, they unpack the tenderness, vulnerability, and brilliance that have too often been overlooked—redefining Black masculinity through honesty, empathy, and strength.
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Behind the Confident Smile
October 21, 2025
In this heartfelt episode of Behind the Confident Smile, host Bianca Cotton sits down with Victoria Ivy for an intimate conversation about her experience with an unplanned C-section. Together, they unpack the emotional and physical journey of navigating birth plans that don’t go as planned—exploring themes of vulnerability, strength, and grace in recovery. Through candid reflection, Bianca and Victoria offer a powerful reminder that healing and self-compassion are vital parts of every birth story.
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Chicago Newsroom 2.0
October 17, 2025
In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, host Andy Zopp and guest co-host Deborah Witzburg unpack the latest on the federal government shutdown and the controversial deployment of federal troops in Chicago. The conversation expands beyond politics to examine how art and activism intersect across comics, theater, and Chicago’s thriving creative economy—highlighting the city’s artists who are turning expression into civic engagement.
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Petty & Profound
October 16, 2025
In this episode of Petty & Profound, Gregory Smith and Darrious Hilmon dissect the unsettling contrast between the glamour of award season and the growing crisis of online male radicalization. As the VMAs celebrate female empowerment and Adolescence dominates the Emmys with its chilling portrayal of a teen’s descent into extremism, the hosts examine the influencers, algorithms, and societal failures shaping Gen Z boys. From TikTok’s toxic echo chambers to Andrew Tate’s crumbling empire, they reveal how digital culture exploits male insecurity—and what it will take to disrupt the cycle.
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Sisters Talking
October 15, 2025
In this episode of Sisters Talking, the conversation turns toward restoration and rest in the aftermath of the 2024 Presidential election. As Black women—who turned out in record numbers—begin reclaiming their time, space, and peace, the panel reframes rest not as retreat, but as resistance. It’s a candid, powerful dialogue on healing, self-preservation, and the radical act of slowing down in a world that constantly demands motion.
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Behind the Confident Smile
October 14, 2025
In this episode of Behind the Confident Smile, host Bianca Cotton sits in conversation—and in community—with three phenomenal women: Star August Ali, Mary Kay Devine, and Moniqueca Long. Together, they open up about the realities of motherhood, support, and self-preservation—tackling the often-unspoken question: Who supports the mother while she supports everyone else? The discussion blends honesty, vulnerability, and empowerment in equal measure.
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Chicago Newsroom 2.0
October 6, 2025
In this special live edition of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, Andy Zopp and guest co-host Hugo Balta are joined by Congresswoman and Senate candidate Robin Kelly, State Senator and Congressional candidate Mike Simmons, and The Civic Federation’s Joe Ferguson for an in-depth conversation on Chicago’s biggest political battles and what’s at stake for the city’s future. The panel breaks down key issues shaping the political landscape and their potential impact on Chicagoans.
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Petty & Profound
October 2, 2025
In this episode of Petty & Profound, Gregory Smith and Darrious Hilmon take on the breakdowns dominating headlines—and what they reveal about America’s collapsing mental health system. From Lil Nas X’s public crisis to the harsh reality that even privilege can’t guarantee care, the hosts expose how policies are dismantling treatment options and criminalizing mental illness, sparking a conversation that’s as sharp as it is necessary.
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