I'll Be Damned - Nicholas Padiak

Jon Marshall knows journalism. As an educator and practitioner of the craft, he speaks eloquently about yesterday’s stories, today’s challenges, and tomorrow’s solutions. Plus we find out why he’s the perfect guy to write about Watergate.

Bob McNees, associate professor of physics at Loyola University, wanted to go into either illustrating or science. He settled on science, and is today devoting his professional life to quantum mechanics, black holes, and all sorts of other fascinating things about our universe.

Jen Wille wants to know: "What do you need today, love?" She talks with me about self-care, life coaching, growing up in foster care, and much more. Check out her work; her blog; and her podcast, First + Foremost, at jenwille.com.

Brayzill Stevenson III, a.k.a. Savannah Westbrooke, has lived enough for multiple lives. He talks with me about his upbringing, his sexuality, his tour of duty with the U.S. Air Force, his drag career, and much more.

Bill Savage seems inextricably linked with Chicago. From his Twitter handle, @rogersparkman, to his intimate knowledge of the city’s bars, hot dog stands, history, and even manhole covers, the Northwestern English professor is a fount of knowledge, insight, and Chicago pride.

When you’ve done as much stuff as Matt Cornelison has—winning the national air guitar championship, performing on America’s Got Talent, recording albums, making movies, meeting celebrities—you’re gonna have stories to tell. Matt talks about all these experiences, plus the impact he’s hoping to make on the world. Find his album at www.pledgemusic.com/projects/romeodancecheetah and connect with him at www.dancecheetah.com. Check out his YouTube videos at www.youtube.com/user/DanceCheetah, and his podcast at www.coolmusicdad.com. And you’ll probably want to check out The Flavor Savers, too: www.flavorsaversmusic.com.

When Jason Glombicki preaches from the pulpit of Wicker Park Lutheran Church in Chicago, he brings to his sermons his experience as a hospital chaplain, his upbringing in a more conservative sect of Lutheranism, and his history as a gay Christian.

In the final installment of our conversation, Walter Guzy talks about starting his family and what life was like in Chicago in the early 20th century.

In part two of three, Walter Guzy talks about the end of World War II, coming home from the war, and starting his career in earnest.

In part one of three, Walter Guzy, a 100-year-old veteran of World War II, talks about growing up in Chicago, struggling through the Depression, and fighting in the war.

Reyndell Stockman's career as a musician and photographer took him all over the country before he settled into a haunted house in Eastport, Maine, to retire. Hear about how he gave the KGB the slip, how he staged restaurants to look gorgeous in the middle of the night, and how he deals with the spirit who lives in his house.

Janice Wright Cheney makes art that explores the spaces between modern life's poles—scarcity and plenty, museums and nature. She discusses her creative process, her inspirations, her works, and ... taxidermy. See Janice's work at www.janicewrightcheney.com. See some footage of her Eastport, Maine, installation "Sardinia" on Vimeo.

Bill Johnson has been playing music since he was a kid and has been telling stories and doling out barbs at least that long. Hear him talk about music, anxiety, moving from Illinois to Maine, and much more.

Allison Schier has the game figured out. The writer, actor, improviser, comedian, write clubber, dog walker, and badass talked with me about auditioning, depression, love, and much more.

Rick March just wants to connect with an audience. Whether he’s doing it as a comedian, an actor, or a podcast guest, he’s giving it his all. Hear Rick talk about comedy, auditioning, being “damaged,” and what keeps him going as an artist. Catch Rick at @CrankyRicky or at bestcorporatecomedy.com.

Bob Sanders has worn many hats and done many things. He's like Forrest Gump without the treacle and dimness. Hear him talk about his WASPish upbringing, his acting career, his involvement with AIDS activism, his time as an artistic director of a theater, and more.

Eltony Williams went from the Chicago suburbs to the Oprah Winfrey Network, on which he plays Randal on Tyler Perry's If Loving You Is Wrong. Hear him talk about his journey from here to there, how he differs from his character, and his childhood dreams of becoming a ninja.

Paul Fedirka devoted his career to helping blind and visually impaired military veterans adapt to life without sight. He talks about his upbringing in New York, the difficulties and joys that came with his profession, and how cross-stitching became one of his favorite hobbies.

When Brent Huffman sees injustice in the world, he doesn't stand idly by. He picks up a camera and gets to work. Hear Brent talk about his latest documentary film, Saving Mes Aynak, and how his work affects his life--and vice versa. Go to www.savingmesaynak.com to find all things related to the film.

Mr. And Mrs. Walter have lived enough for several lifetimes, and they have the stories to prove it. Hear about their crazy family vacations, their heart-warming "how we met" story, and Mr. Walter's brushes with both the Cleveland Browns and the Bay of Pigs invasion.

When Meredith Kachel gets going, there's not much you can do but sit back and laugh. The comedian and artist talks about comedy, nude self-portraits, life, Chicago, and her fear of death.

Emotion, talent, perseverance, honesty, bravery--actor Darci Nalepa talks about what it takes to make your mark in the world of Chicago theater.

Not many people could fight off cancer with as much calm and grace as Amy Peters did--especially not at age 30.

Right around his one-year mark of sobriety, Chris Miller found himself in the hospital fighting a life-threatening infection.