Podcasts about chicago magazine

In Interviews of the Week on 104.3 The Score, Blackhawks legend Jeremy Roenick joined the Spiegel & Holmes Show to celebrate Team USA men's hockey beating rival Canada to win the gold medal at the Winter Olympics; author Wayne Drehs joined the Spiegel & Holmes Show to share insight on his feature story for Chicago Magazine on Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong; and former Bears running back Raymont Harris joined the Spiegel & Holmes Show to reflect on life after football and how he has found balance with his mental health.

In Interviews of the Week on 104.3 The Score, Blackhawks legend Jeremy Roenick joined the Spiegel & Holmes Show to celebrate Team USA men's hockey beating rival Canada to win the gold medal at the Winter Olympics; author Wayne Drehs joined the Spiegel & Holmes Show to share insight on his feature story for Chicago Magazine on Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong; and former Bears running back Raymont Harris joined the Spiegel & Holmes Show to reflect on life after football and how he has found balance with his mental health.

In Interviews of the Week on 104.3 The Score, Blackhawks legend Jeremy Roenick joined the Spiegel & Holmes Show to celebrate Team USA men's hockey beating rival Canada to win the gold medal at the Winter Olympics; author Wayne Drehs joined the Spiegel & Holmes Show to share insight on his feature story for Chicago Magazine on Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong; and former Bears running back Raymont Harris joined the Spiegel & Holmes Show to reflect on life after football and how he has found balance with his mental health.

In the Best of the Cubs this week, Matt Spiegel and Laurence Holmes discussed how center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong needs to make a few key adjustments in his approach at the plate; Leila Rahimi, Marshall Harris and Mark Grote discussed how the Cubs will use utilityman Matt Shaw; and writer Wayne Drehs joined the Spiegel & Holmes Show to share insight on his feature story for Chicago Magazine on Crow-Armstrong.

In the Best of the Cubs this week, Matt Spiegel and Laurence Holmes discussed how center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong needs to make a few key adjustments in his approach at the plate; Leila Rahimi, Marshall Harris and Mark Grote discussed how the Cubs will use utilityman Matt Shaw; and writer Wayne Drehs joined the Spiegel & Holmes Show to share insight on his feature story for Chicago Magazine on Crow-Armstrong.

In the Best of the Cubs this week, Matt Spiegel and Laurence Holmes discussed how center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong needs to make a few key adjustments in his approach at the plate; Leila Rahimi, Marshall Harris and Mark Grote discussed how the Cubs will use utilityman Matt Shaw; and writer Wayne Drehs joined the Spiegel & Holmes Show to share insight on his feature story for Chicago Magazine on Crow-Armstrong.

In the second hour, Matt Spiegel and Laurence Holmes reacted to interesting comments from Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and general manager Ryan Poles about quarterback development in this day and age. After that, writer Wayne Drehs joined the show to share insight on the terrific feature story he did for Chicago Magazine on Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.

Laurence & Spiegs were joined by Chicago Magazine's Wayne Drehs who wrote a piece on Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong

In the final hour, Leila Rahimi and Marshall Harris wondered if the Bears can overhaul their defensive line this offseason as well as they did their offensive line in 2025. After that, they explained how Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong got real about the weight of expectations in an interview with Chicago Magazine.

In the second hour, David Haugh and Ruthie Polinsky were joined by Tribune reporter Brad Biggs to discuss the latest Bears storylines as the NFL Combine is underway in Indianapolis. After that, Haugh and Polinsky discussed Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright's upcoming free agency. Later, they reacted to Cubs star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong praising Chicago and criticizing Dodgers fans in a Chicago Magazine feature story.

236 What do we do when we face resistance in our creative practice? What small practices lead to the most profound shifts? How can we grow to love our projects again when we've become blocked or critical? These are just some of the questions that bestselling memoirist Molly Wizenberg, bestselling author/illustrator Hallie Bateman, and host Nadine Kenney Johnstone answer in this episode.Need a pattern interrupt to jumpstart your creative practice? Join Nadine, Molly, and Hallie in Spain from Oct 26-Nov 2 for Tiny True Stories and Sketches: A Micro-Memoir Retreat. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just wanting to preserve impactful memories on the page, remember that every story—no matter how small—is worth capturing.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced on Monday that he'll sit down with Tucker Carlson for an interview in Jerusalem on Wednesday, aiming to counter what he calls misinformation about the region. The Media Line reports Huckabee's pushback stems from Carlson's recent sharp criticisms of Israel and Christian Zionists, whom Carlson labeled in an October 2025 interview as "the people I despise most in the world," though he later softened those remarks. This comes amid ongoing backlash, including Stop Antisemitism naming Carlson their 2025 "Antisemite of the Year" for invoking stereotypes about Jewish influence in US politics.On his Tucker Carlson Network, Carlson released a clip just a day ago discussing Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin's relationship, arguing Putin respects Trump and wants peace, while blasting Ukraine's Zelenskyy as a failure who's stolen billions in Western aid and sold NATO weapons to extremists. The full conversation touches on NATO's role, Europe's self-destruction through immigration, and the need for Russia as an ally against China.Separately, an Israeli Christian leader invited Carlson to visit their thriving community firsthand, but The New York Sun notes he has ignored the offer amid his portrayals of Israel as oppressive. Carlson also recently interviewed Texas congressional candidate Ryan Zink, a January 6 defendant, highlighting his ongoing platform for far-right voices like Nick Fuentes, whose October appearance split MAGA circles, as detailed in Chicago Magazine.These moves underscore Carlson's expanding influence through his network, fueling debates on his role in shifting conservative media toward isolationism and criticism of US foreign aid, while drawing rebukes from pro-Israel figures and warnings from investors like Ray Dalio on broader economic risks he discusses.Thanks for listening to the Tucker Carlson News Tracker podcast—please subscribe for more updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

The Chicago Way: An Oral History of Chicago Dining Michael Gebert From a city associated with steak and the stockyards, Chicago has become a capitol of innovative, even avant-garde cuisine—but how? That's the story that James Beard-winning Chicago food journalist Michael Gebert tells in The Chicago Way: An Oral History of Chicago Dining (Agate, $36.00). https://www.agatepublishing.com/97815728…/the-chicago-way/ The story goes back sixty-plus years, beginning with Chicago's first celebrity chef, Louis Szathmary, whose The Bakery would help establish a gang-ridden neighborhood called Lincoln Park as the home of what were soon to be called “yuppies.” From there, ersatz “Continental” cuisine gave way to authentic French cooking under chef-owners like Jean Banchet and Jovan Trboyevic. In turn, young American chefs like Charlie Trotter and Michael Foley would develop a similarly artisanal form of American cooking, while chefs like Rick Bayless and Tony Mantuano brought us authentic cuisine from other countries, helping to develop farmers markets and wine culture—as well as hot dining neighborhoods. Gebert interviewed over 200 chefs, diners, and media and real estate figures, including Rick Bayless, Grant Achatz, Stephanie Izard, Paul Kahan and Culinary Historians of Chicago's president and vice-president Scott Warner and Cathy Lambrecht to tell their story in their own words. His network throughout the Chicago food world offers a unique inside look at how our restaurants changed Chicago—and the world. Biography: Michael Gebert is the editor of Fooditor and a James Beard Award-winning food writer and video producer. He was also an editor of Grub Street Chicago, a contributor to publications such as Chicago Magazine and the Chicago Reader, and a founder of the online culinary chat site LTHForum. He lives in Chicago. Recorded via Zoom on February 12, 2026 CONNECT WITH CULINARY HISTORIANS OF CHICAGO ✔ MEMBERSHIP https://culinaryhistorians.org/membership/ ✔ EMAIL LIST http://culinaryhistorians.org/join-our-email-list/ ✔ S U B S C R I B E https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Y0-9lTi1-JYu22Bt4_-9w ✔ F A C E B O O K https://www.facebook.com/CulinaryHistoriansOfChicago ✔ PODCAST 2008 to Present https://culinaryhistorians.org/podcasts/ By Presenter https://culinaryhistorians.org/podcasts-by-presenter/ ✔ YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Y0-9lTi1-JYu22Bt4_-9w ✔ W E B S I T E https://www.CulinaryHistorians.org

235 Creativity often feels elusive, especially when life gets busy. How can we prioritize our writing when there's not a minute to spare? In this episode, Nadine shares how you can harness the beauty of small moments through micro memoirs and sketches to enrich your creative journey. Need a pattern interrupt to jumpstart this creative practice? Join Nadine and bestselling authors Molly Wizenberg and Hallie Bateman in Spain from Oct 26-Nov 2 for Tiny True Stories and Sketches: A Micro-Memoir Retreat. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just wanting to preserve impactful memories on the page, remember that every story—no matter how small—is worth capturing.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

234 What happens when the opposite traits that attracted you to your partner become the very things that frustrate you?Nadine revisits an essay she first wrote in 2018 and originally shared on episode 3 in 2021—an essay about her husband and the moments that have exposed their differences, for better and for worse.Nadine also reflects on what it's like to listen back, now that her kindergartener is a middle schooler and her home address has changed from Chicago to Florida. Yet some things have remained the same: life is as challenging and uncertain as ever.Through memories of wilderness hikes and a post-couples-therapy stroll that helped rekindle connection, Nadine explores how walking became both a practice and a metaphor for marriage. After the essay, she shares behind-the-scenes reflections on how the piece was written—and offers a gentle invitation to writers to follow objects, memories, and moments of meaning wherever they lead.Reclaim your writing time with the following offerings in 2026:Revision Made Easy: A 3-Step Process to Up-level Your Writing Virtual, Feb 28Revision Retreat: Craft Your Best Draft (In-person): Aug 2026, Madeline Island School of the Arts, WIAbout Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

Five years ago—amid the uncertainty of a global pandemic—Heart of the Story was born. In this special anniversary episode, Nadine reflects on the journey that began in isolation and grew into a deeply resonant creative practice and community.Looking back at the episode that started it all, Nadine explores how revisiting our own work can reveal surprising truths about growth, desire, and inner wisdom. She pulls back the curtain on what has changed in the last several years and what lessons she's still re-learning. She also shares the inspiration behind the first episode, including a trip to couple's therapy that led to an aha moment.Reclaim your writing time with the following offerings in 2026:Revision Made Easy: A 3-Step Process to Up-level Your Writing Virtual, Feb 28Revision Retreat: Craft Your Best Draft (In-person): Aug 2026, Madeline Island School of the Arts, WIAbout Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

232 Five days. No talking. No technology. Just awareness.Nadine shares her powerful experience from a five-day silent Vipassana retreat—and what emerged when there was nowhere left to escape. From boredom and resistance to unexpected joy, grief, and clarity, Nadine opens up about the emotional and spiritual breakthroughs that unfolded in stillness.She reflects on self-compassion, non-reactivity, and the freedom that comes from releasing expectations and the constant desire for things to be different. A moving loving-kindness meditation becomes the catalyst for deep emotional release and insight, revealing a simple but radical truth: happiness doesn't live in the future—it's available now.This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and discover what silence can teach us about presence, peace, and being fully alive.Get access to the full episode when you become a paid subscriber on Substack.Covered in this episode:Why she chose to do a silent retreat for the second timeWhat was different (and disappointing) this timeWhat it was like to renounce technologyThe rules she brokeThe breakthroughs she hadThe shocking vision that made her weepReclaim your writing time with the following offerings in 2026:Revision Made Easy: A 3-Step Process to Up-level Your Writing Virtual, Feb 28Revision Retreat: Craft Your Best Draft (In-person): Aug 2026, Madeline Island School of the Arts, WIAbout Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column...

What happens when you don't fully step away — but you stop rushing forward?Nadine reflects on the key takeaways from her semi-sabbatical: a year of working part time, studying deeply, and intentionally becoming a beginner again. Instead of chasing output, she followed curiosity. Instead of mastering, she practiced.This episode explores what a slower, experimental year taught her about identity, learning, rest, and growth — and why becoming a beginner might be one of the most transformative choices we can make.If you've been craving space to learn, try something new, or rethink your relationship with work and productivity, this episode is for you.Covered in this episode:How jealousy inspired her sabbaticalWhat she scaled back on and give up completelyThe silly and scary things she wanted to try in 2025How she funded her sabbaticalWhat her fears wereThe unexpected experiences that unfoldedWhat changed when productivity wasn't driving everythingThe key lessons she learned Reclaim your writing time in 2026:Publish the Personal (Virtual): Fridays Jan 23-Feb 27Revision Retreat: Craft Your Best Draft (In-person): Aug 2026, Madeline Island School of the Arts, WIAbout Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

In 1999, under pressure from an activist priest, the City of Chicago Police and Fire Committee invited talk show host Jerry Springer to a hearing regarding violence on his show.  Spoiler, it didn't go well for Burke and the gang.  Come for the government inefficiency stay for the schadenfreude.  Alyssa is joined by her college roomate Pam to mock this circus.  Support the show by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, telling all your friends and following on Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram.  Show Notes: CBS: That one time when Chicago City Council became 'The Jerry Springer Show' WBEZ: How Jerry Springer delighted and infuriated ChicagoChicago Tribune: SPRINGMASTER JER, COVER BOY BURKE WRESTLE WITH ENNUI New York Post:SPRINGER ADMITS HE FAKES IT SOMETIMES South Coast Today: Live at City Hall -- it's Jerry Springer Footage: Jerry Springer Testifies (1999) Tampa Bay Times: Springer goes live, and verbal punches fly Media Burn: [Jerry Springer Chicago City Council hearing] New York Daily News: SPRINGER SEZ SHOW MOCKS VIOLENCE CBS: Springer Hedges On Violence Chicago Reader: Political Atrocities of 1999 Chicago Magazine: 20 Very Bad Chicago Media Gaffes Chicago Tribune: FINAL WORD ON SPRINGER'S CITY HALL GIG: SARCASM Chicago Sun-Times: How Jerry Springer delighted, infuriated Chicago Chicago Tribune: A DAY AT THE CIRCUS: WHICH ONE'S THE CLOWN? Footage: Jerry Springer Reaction (1999) Chicago Reader: The Fox and the Hounds New York Times: Live, at Chicago's City Hall: It's the 'Jerry Springer Show' Chicago Tribune:`SPRINGER SHOW' PLAYS CITY HALL Chicago Tribune: FINAL WORD ON SPRINGER'S CITY HALL GIG: SARCASM Chicago Tribune: SPRINGMASTER JER, COVER BOY BURKE WRESTLE WITH ENNUI Chicago Tribune: IT'S A FREE-FOR-ALL AS SPRINGER FACES COUNCIL Chicago Tribune: NEXT IN CITY HALL: TALK SHOW HOST WITH EXPLAINING TO DO Chicago Magazine: Father Courage: Michael Pfleger Takes on Jerry Springer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the next episode of Heart of the Story, Nadine shares takeaways and surprises from her Sabbatical Year, 2025. About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings, Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a weekly column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

229 While the show is on a holiday break, catch up on any episodes you missed!Reclaim your writing time with the following offerings in 2026:Tiny True Stories, Micro Memoir workshop (virtual) Jan 15Publish the Personal (Virtual): Fridays Jan 23-Feb 27Revision Retreat: Craft Your Best Draft (In-person): Aug 2026, Madeline Island School of the Arts, WIAbout Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

228 In 2025, Nadine interviewed bestselling authors Catherine Newman, Jen Hatmaker, Molly Wizenberg, and more! Now, Nadine chats with her producer about their favorite podcast moments and which bits of guest wisdom impacted them the most. Learn how their personal and creative lives have changed as a result these impactful conversations.While the show is on a holiday break, catch up on any episodes you missed!About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

227 Nadine is taking a semi-sabbatical this year to study, try new things, & travel, and she's sharing her adventures with you in a podcast series that airs monthly throughout 2025. In this 11th episode, she shares the highlights, challenges, and takeaways from November, which was a month of tackling things she's been avoiding. She breaks down the major reasons for avoidance and her strategies for taking baby steps towards the very things we ignore. Join Nadine in her next round of Publish the Personal and at her next retreat:Publish the Personal (Virtual): Fridays Jan 23-Feb 27Revision Retreat: Craft Your Best Draft (In-person): Aug 2026, Madeline Island School of the Arts, WICovered in this episode:The major things Nadine's been avoidingThe 4 reasons we avoidHow to take small steps towards the things we avoidHow to access difficult material on the pageAccess the full episode and the other Sabbatical Yr episodes when you become a paid subscriber on Substack.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

226: How do you turn a daydream into a life? Tricia Leach has been doing exactly that for the past decade. What began as a bold leap into full-time RV living became a family adventure that took Trish, her husband, and their kids through all 50 states and beyond—stories they've shared with a worldwide following through their beloved YouTube channel, Keep Your Daydream.But the journey didn't stop at the state lines. Along the way, Trish launched her own line of spice blends and published two cookbooks (including her newest, Tastes of the States). Now, she and her husband are dreaming even bigger: they've purchased a property that will soon become the Daydream Depot café, opening its doors in 2027.This episode dives into how curiosity, courage, and a willingness to start small can turn an ordinary life into an extraordinary one.Register for Nadine's Micro Memoir course on Jan 15!About Trish:Tricia Leach is the co-creator of Keep Your Daydream, a travel-and-lifestyle brand inspiring millions to chase adventure. She's the author of two cookbooks: Small Space, Big Taste and the latest Taste of the States, which celebrates America's regional flavors and the stories behind them. Whether she's on the road in the US in an Airstream or baking croissants at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, Tricia reminds us that daydreams are meant to be lived.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

Dining Editor for Chicago Magazine Amy Cavanaugh joins Bob Sirott to talk about some of her favorite places to eat at before a flight at O’Hare and Midway, including Tortas Frontera and Big Shoulders Coffee. She also shares details about a conversation she had with Chicago Magazine’s dining critic, John Kessler, about their favorite steak […]

225 Want to see your words in print but don't know where to begin? Or maybe the rejections are racking up and you don't know why. The world of publishing can feel illusive at best and cutthroat at worst, but once you know the unspoken rules, you can get published in no time. Learn how Nadine has gotten her writing in top mags and how she's helped hundreds of writers get published in places like The New York Times, Vogue, The Sun, Brevity, Boston Globe Connections, the Chicago Tribune, Hippocampus, Longreads, Writer's Digest, and more (and how they've gotten nominated for major awards like the Pushcart Prize).Covered in this episode: Why your typical approach isn't workingThe 4 ways to make your writing stand outWhat has helped Nadine and her students get published in major magsWhat Nadine has learned about publishing in her 20-year writing career (first as a Chicago magazine intern, then as a writing professor, a published writer, and a writing coach) If you want to finally publish your personal essays, look no further! Sign up for Publish the Personal, which will run on Fridays, Jan 23-Feb 27. In this 6-week intensive, we'll write, workshop, revise, and submit 2 of your personal essays to major publications. Success Stories mentioned in this show:Margaret GhielmettiSally Schwartz Barbara Phillips Sarah Robertson About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

224 If you want to feel more vibrant and inspired, this encore conversation is for you. Artist and retreat leader, Flora Bowley, joins Nadine for a conversation about their favorite creative practices and Flora's book, The Art of Aliveness. Join Nadine at her Revision Retreat on Madeline Island Aug 24-28, 2026.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

223 As we prep for the holidays and turn our attention to food, we're revisiting our chat w/ cookbook author, registered dietician, and culinary school grad Nisha Melvani. Covered in this episode:-how living in many places (Jamaica, England, Canada, NY) has impacted her cooking-how food affects our bodies-how to eat more plants even if you're not vegan-how to welcome a career change even while raising kids-how sharing her recipes led to unexpected writing opportunities-how to have a healthy relationship with social mediaAbout Nisha:Cookingforpeanuts.com I @cookingforpeanutsNisha is a vegan Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a master's degree in nutrition from Columbia University, an ACCET accredited trained Chef from the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York City, and a published cookbook author of Practically Vegan. She currently lives with her three teenagers in New York City. Nisha uses her professional expertise and personal experience as a vegan to help vegans and nonvegans transition to a plant-based diet and meet their nutrient needs. She enjoys helping her clients with their cooking, nutrition, and health goals.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

222 Nadine is taking a semi-sabbatical this year to study, try new things, & travel, and she's sharing her adventures with you in a podcast series that airs monthly throughout the year. In this 10th episode, she shares the highlights, challenges, and takeaways from October, which was a month of trying new things and being in community. She shares her recent experiences at a retreat in upstate New York and in a women's entrepreneur group. She also shares her most recent hormone roller coaster. Join Nadine at her next retreat:Revision Retreat: Craft Your Best Draft (In-person): Aug 2026, Madeline Island School of the Arts, WICovered in this episode:What it's been like to tiptoe back into a fuller work lifeThe amazing retreat she assisted and attended at OmegaWhy she joined a women's entrepreneur group that is IFS focusedRecent hormone adventures that will have you laughingAccess the other episodes when you become a paid subscriber on Substack.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

221 In this hilarious episode, bestselling author Catherine Newman discusses the beauty and torture of parenting and perimenopause. They discuss the balance of humor and fear in Catherine's latest novels, Sandwich and Wreck, in which Catherine gets real about the complexities of everything from family vacations to "reproductive mayhem." Catherine shares her writing process and the personal experiences that've informed her novels. Ultimately. this episode is about how we hold love and terror at once. Covered in this episode:The excerpt that instantly made Nadine a fan of Catherine's writing. Nadine and Catherine's ridiculous injuries (one involved a mini-golf incident)Maternal anxiety, in all its terror and beautyCatherine's approach to writing that sellsThe unexpected symptoms of perimenopause that took both women by surpriseWhy reproductive experiences make intimacy such complicated territory How to write about our scariest thoughts without shame Join Nadine in her community or at her Revision Retreat:Writer Workout Membership (virtual): Every Monday, Doors Close Oct 31Revision Retreat: Craft Your Best Draft (In-person): Aug 2026, Madeline Island School of the Arts, WIAbout Catherine:Catherine Newman is the New York Times bestselling author of the memoirs Catastrophic Happiness and Waiting for Birdy, the middle-grade novel One Mixed-Up Night, the kids' craft book Stitch Camp, the best-selling how-to books for kids How to Be a Person and What Can I Say?, and the novels We All Want Impossible Things, Sandwich, and Wreck. Her books have been translated into fifteen languages. She has been a regular contributor to the New York Times, Real Simple, O, The Oprah Magazine, Cup of Jo, and many other publications. She writes the Crone Sandwich newsletter on Substack and lives in Amherst, Massachusetts.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

Over 100,000 people marched downtown Saturday during Chicago's No Kings protest. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran recap the march and discuss ongoing court proceedings regarding the deployment of federal troops in Illinois. Plus, we're looking at Chicago Magazine's tongue-in-cheek “budget beaters” and ongoing results from our spookiest thing in Chicago poll. Good News: Dia de los Muertos Xicago Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 21 episode:  The Other Art Fair Broadway in Chicago Deborah's Place Window Nation MUBI Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

220 Writer's block. How do we overcome it? Nadine shares the 8 tried and true ways to not only break the block, but avoid it altogether. Hear the wisdom she's gained from her decades of professional writing, magazine editing, university teaching, and manuscript coaching. Here are the links for her 2025/2026 workshops and retreats:Writer Workout Membership (virtual): Every Monday, Doors Close Oct 31Revision Retreat: Craft Your Best Draft (In-person): Aug 2026, Madeline Island School of the Arts, WIAbout Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

219 Nadine is taking a semi-sabbatical this year to study, try new things, & travel, and she's sharing her adventures with you in a podcast series that airs monthly throughout the year. In this 9th episode, she shares the highlights, challenges, and takeaways from September, which was a month of giving and receiving help. She shares her personal experiences and reflections on the importance of showing up for oneself and others, particularly during significant life transitions, such as new motherhood. She recounts stories of support she received during her own journey and emphasizes the need for community and kindness in times of need. The discussion also touches on the challenges of parenting and the significance of creative pursuits in maintaining mental health.Here are the links for her 2025/2026 workshops and retreats:Writer Workout Membership (virtual): Every Monday, Doors Close Oct 31Revision Retreat: Craft Your Best Draft (In-person): Aug 2026, Madeline Island School of the Arts, WICovered in this episode:Nadine became an auntie!Nadine's reflections on her struggles during new motherhoodThe acts of support that had the biggest impact Navigating identity changes after becoming a parent.The ways that people have NOT been supportive during times of need (she can laugh about it now)The number one thing her writing group is doing to keep everyone writingNadine's perimenopause struggles and what's helpingAccess the other episodes when you become a paid subscriber on Substack.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

Mike Stephen learns about the effort to end politically drawn voting maps in Illinois from Chicago Magazine writer Ted McClelland, discusses the slowdown in overturning wrongful convictions in Cook County with Injustice Watch reporter Dan Hinkel, and highlights the important work of Share Our Spare in supporting young children and families with interim executive director Jesseca Rhymes. Also, help out Chicago street vendors!

217 Bestselling author Jen Hatmaker joins Nadine to discuss her latest book, Awake, which recounts the shocking loss of her 26-yr marriage. Jen reveals all the things she was ignoring (her finances, her codependent behaviors, even her own knowing) and the steps she took to reclaim her agency. She confesses why this book has cost her more sleep than her 13 other books, what it's like to write the whole truth for a public audience, and the rules she follows when writing about real-life characters. If you've ever looked at your life and wondered, "How did I get here?" this hopeful episode is for you. Ultimately, Jen shows us how she reclaimed not just the life she wanted, but the life she deserves.Learn more about WriteWELL-Nadine's community for Women Writers, which meets every Monday for a writer workout. Try a FREE class on Oct 6About Jen Hatmaker: From the power of her written word across 14 books, including four New York Times best sellers, to speaking on stages, leading her own courses and book club communities, and interviewing countless visionaries on her award-winning For The Love podcast, Jen has an undeniable gift for reaching the hearts and minds of her community.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings, Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about midlife reclamation on Substack.

216 To celebrate Dr. Hillary McBride's latest book, Holy Hurt: Understanding and Healing from Spiritual Trauma, we're bringing back this beloved conversation about how to hold ourselves when we are hurting.Why does it hurt so badly when things don't go as we'd hoped? How do we hold ourselves when we're in great pain? How do we talk to others so that we can reestablish loving connections when they've hurt us or we've hurt them? Psychologist and embodiment expert Dr. Hillary McBride answers all these questions and more in this profound conversation that offers deep solace to anyone who's hurting. Covered in this episode: Transitions that Hillary and Nadine are currently navigatingWhat's bringing them delight Why there is a deep grief when our plans don't play outHow to tune into our own bodies to see how we're feeling How to identify what we need and then self-sootheHelpful dialogue for hard conversationsThe 7 words that can lead to great repairHow to cultivate profound self-trust About Hillary:Dr. Hillary McBride is a registered psychologist, a researcher, and podcastor, with expertise that includes working with trauma and trauma therapies, embodiment, at the intersection of spirituality and mental health. Her first book, Mothers, Daughters, and Body Image: Learning to Love Ourselves as We Are, was published in 2017; she was the senior editor of the textbook Embodiment and Eating Disorders: Theory, Research, Prevention, and Treatment, which was published in 2018. Her bestselling book The Wisdom of Your Body: Finding wholeness, healing and connection through embodied living came out in the fall of 2021, and in January she released Practices for Embodied Living. Her next book Holy Hurt: understanding and healing from spiritual trauma, comes out April 2025. She has been recognized by the American Psychological Association, and the Canadian Psychological Association for her research and clinical work. In addition to being a teaching faculty at the University of British Columbia, she is an ambassador for Sanctuary Mental Health, and the host of CBC's award winning podcast Other People's Problems. Hillary makes her home in the pacific northwest in British Columbia, Canada.www.hillarylmcbride.com IG: @hillaryliannamcbride About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes...

Send us a textDr. Christy Kesslering, M.D. started out in conventional medicine as a Radiation Oncologist. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from UCLA and attended medical school at Loyola University Chicago-Stritch School of Medicine. She finished her Radiation Oncology Residency at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 2000 and has been treating patients in the Chicagoland area since that time. She realized that something was missing from conventional medicine and did additional studies to improve outcomes with cancer but also saw many other diseases improve. She has done additional studies in the fields of Functional Medicine, Integrative Medicine, and the Terrain-Theory of cancer. She is a Terrain Certified Practitioner trained by Dr. Nasha Winters and is a founding member of the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners.  She has been actively incorporating metabolic health practices into the care of oncology patients for many years. She has been named a Top Doctor multiple times by Castle Connelly and Chicago Magazine. She is now focusing her efforts on working with cancer and non-cancer patients to optimize cancer outcomes, improve quality of life, and reverse chronic diseases.  You can find her at: www.Kessrx.com

215 In this encore episode with bestselling author, Emily P Freeman, we discuss how to decide whether to stay in or leave a space (a job, friendship, community, home, relationship, etc.) While no one else can choose for us, there are key questions that help us decide from an aligned space. That's why Emily P Freeman's latest book, How to Walk into a Room (which immediately landed on the bestseller list), is the perfect guide for discerning the next step in your big decision.Covered in this episode: Emily and Nadine share personal stories of hard goodbyesThe scene from the book that gave Nadine permission to be human Why Emily's editor urged her to have more self-compassionWhy we didn't choose wrong even if something didn't last foreverWhat to do when our investment in something makes it hard to say goodbyeHow to give ourselves grace in the midst of transition-shameWhat to do when we experience endings we didn't see comingHow to give ourselves closure when we haven't gotten it from someone elseEmily's favorite 2-word mantra when we're in a seemingly long struggleWhat Emily knows for sureDownload Nadine's mini-retreat reset for busy women here. This guided meditation creates calm and clarity so you can listen to the directions of your heart.About Emily:Emily P. Freeman is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of five books, including The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions. As a spiritual director, workshop leader, and host of The Next Right Thing podcast (more than 25 million downloads), her most important work is to help create soul space and offer spiritual companionship and discernment for anyone struggling with decision fatigue. Emily holds a master's degree in spiritual formation and leadership from Friends University. She lives in North Carolina with her family.website: https://emilypfreeman.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/emilypfreeman/ About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

214 In this encore episode, Nadine shares her guest appearance on the Living Centered podcast where she talked about tapping into your innate wisdom through journaling your story. This vulnerable, powerful conversation was one of Nadine's favorite podcast chats as a guest. She also gets practical and shares accessible journal prompts that changed her life and the lives of her workshop and retreat participants. Originally aired in 2023.The Living Centered Podcast is an invitation to a different way of living. Every Monday, they sit down with mental health experts, artists, and friends for a practical and honest conversation about how to pursue a more centered life—rediscovering, reclaiming, and rooting in who we truly are.onsiteworkshops.com About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

213 Nadine is taking a semi-sabbatical this year to study, try new things, & travel, and she's sharing her adventures with you in a podcast series that will air monthly throughout the year. In this 8th episode, she shares the highlights, challenges, and takeaways from August, which was a month of transitions.Here are the links for her 2025/2026 workshops and retreats:Publish the Personal (virtual): Fridays, Sept 12- Oct 17 (almost full)Writer Workout Membership (virtual): Every Monday, Try a class on Sept 8Revision Retreat: Craft Your Best Draft (In-person): Aug 2026, Madeline Island School of the Arts, WICovered in this episode:How Nadine is prioritizing rest and creativity as she transitions back to teachingThe little moments that've marked her son's transition into full pre-teen territory and what she's doing to foster his autonomy How to recognize when you're caught in unachievable back-to-school-routine expectationsHow she's using IFS for self-healing and within her relationshipsHow honest conversations are healing old woundsThe number one question that helps lead to repairThe trick that's helping her re-establish her writing routine*This is the eight episode in a year-long series for paid subscribers. Access for the full episode is available when you become a paid subscriber on Substack.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

213 In this encore episode, Nadine chats with literary legend Abigail Thomas about the interesting turns her life has taken, how she accesses hard stories, and her unique approach to structure. In this vulnerable interview, Abby shares painful moments and how she's come to embrace acceptance. In this conversation that covers an array of heartfelt topics, Abby also shares the hilarious thing she does when she's blocked. This wisdom-filled episode will resonate with writers and non-writers alike. Covered in this episode: How Abby never had a plan and the interesting twists life has takenWhat prompts she recommends to get people writingThe word that changed Abby's perspective about guiltThe hilarious thing Abby does when she's blockedHow to capture the human experience on the pageWhat she's learned with age and what advice she'd give to her younger selfAbout Abigail Thomas:Abigail Thomas has four children, twelve grandchildren, two great grandchildren, two dogs, eleven books, and a high school education.About Nadine:Learn more about Nadine's Writer Workout membership for women writers here.Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings, Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular newsletter on Substack.

211 In this encore episode, Nadine shares her guest appearance on the Radically Loved podcast, where she talks about the power of writing in your healing journey.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

206 Nadine is taking a semi-sabbatical this year to study, try new things, & travel, and she's sharing her adventures with you in a podcast series that will air monthly throughout the year. In this 7th episode, she shares the highlights, challenges, and takeaways from July, which was a month of contrasts.Covered in this episode:An update on her ongoing areas of study: creativity, perimenopause, and environmental supportHow Nadine adjusts her writing rhythms in the summerNadine's week of day dates with her husband while their son was at campThe many new experiences Nadine embarked on Nadine's favorite non-alcoholic drinks of the summerHow supporting your body is like investing in a 401kThe tension between our individual needs versus our responsibilities as mothersHaving difficult conversations as a necessary part of growth*This is the seventh episode in a year-long series for paid subscribers. Access for the full episode is available when you become a paid subscriber on Substack.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

Julianna Rubio Slager is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Ballet 5:8—a nationally recognized company based in Chicago. She trained with renowned mentors from the Ann Arbor Ballet Theater, New York City Ballet, the Vaganova Academy, and the Puerto Rican National Ballet. Julianna also danced at Greater Lansing Ballet and Ballet Magnificat. In 2012, Julianna co-founded Ballet 5:8 with Amy Sanderson, aiming to elevate ballet as a medium for discussion of life and faith. With over two decades of teaching experience, she oversees programming for over 400 students at Ballet 5:8 annually, guiding them to pursue both technical excellence and personal authenticity. Her approach honors each dancer's unique story, encouraging the integration of culture, faith, and self-reflection into their artistic voice. She was named a National Visiting Fellow at the School of American Ballet in 2023. She is a recipient of multiple Illinois Arts Council grants and was awarded a DCASE Individual Artist Grant in 2015. Her work has been featured by NBC, PBS, Fox, Chicago Magazine, Newcity Stage, and See Chicago Dance.In our conversation, Julianna shares about sculpting a unique identity for Ballet 5:8, leaning into uncertainty, and finding beauty in every stage of life as an artist.Learn more about Julianna and Ballet 5:8 at https://www.ballet58.org/You can learn more about dance education and career planning for dancers at theballerinatist.com

209 In Part 2 of this encore series, Nadine talks to Daring to Tell host, Michelle Redo, about the life-changing impact that journaling has had on her, and she shares an excerpt of her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

As we head into the dog days of summer, it's time to make the most of the season and check off items on our summer bucket lists. So, we sat down with John Kessler, Chicago Magazine dining critic, Ambar Colón, Chicago Sun-Times arts and culture reporter, Mike Davis, WBEZ theater reporter to get dining, ice cream and theater recommendations. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

208 In Part 1 of this 2-part encore series, Nadine talks to Daring to Tell host, Michelle Redo, about the life-changing impact that journaling has had on her, and how it led her to create her own guided journal. Stay tuned for part 2 of their conversation next week, when Nadine shares a sneak peek excerpt of her new book, Come Home to Your Heart.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Rebe Huntman, author of the book My Mother in Havana. Rebe's memoir traces her search to connect with her mother—thirty years after her death—among the gods and saints of Cuba. A former professional Latin and Afro-Cuban dancer and choreographer, for over a decade Rebe directed Chicago's award-winning Danza Viva Center for World Dance, Art & Music and its resident dance company, One World Dance Theater. She collaborates with native artists in Cuba and South America, and has been featured in LATINA Magazine, Chicago Magazine, and the Chicago Tribune, and on Fox and ABC.   Rebe's essays, stories, and poems appear or are forthcoming in such places as The Southern Review, The Missouri Review, Parabola, Ninth Letter, The Cincinnati Review, and the PINCH, and have earned her an Ohio Individual Excellence Award as well as fellowships from the Macondo Writers' Conference, Virginia Center for Creative Arts, Ragdale Foundation, PLAYA Residency, Hambidge Center, and Brush Creek Foundation. She holds an MFA in creative nonfiction from The Ohio State University and lives in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and Delaware, Ohio. Find her at www. rebehuntman.com and on Instagram @rebehuntman.   In my book review, I stated My Mother in Havana is a profound look at a woman who lost her mother at a young age and continues to grieve for years. It isn't until she goes to Havana that she finally finds peace.   I fully expected to learn that Rebe's mother was Cuban - but she's not. However, Rebe's research about mothers and symbols of motherhood led to her Cuba where the Virgin Mary and the Cuban goddess of love, Ochún, are often intertwined. She wanted to understand this connection - and by doing so, she found healing.   Rebe started life as a dancer and choreographer, and she shines a beautiful light on Cuban dances and rituals along with their gods and saints. I was mesmerized by her ability to throw off her Western upbringing and fully immerse herself in the culture as she tried to discover what makes a mother, what defines the divine feminine, and what she remembered of her own mother.   I loved learning about the Afro-Cuban culture, their spiritual views, and the broader concept of motherhood. I think anyone who is a mother - or has a mother - will enjoy this book.   Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1   Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290   You can follow Author Rebe Huntman Website: https://www.rebehuntman.com/ IG: @rebehuntman FB: @rebehuntmanauthor   Purchase My Mother in Havana on Amazon: Paperback: https://amzn.to/3Hnowtn Ebook: https://amzn.to/4mLUPCj   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors   #rebehuntman #mymotherinhavana #memoir #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings, Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a weekly column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.

205 Nadine is taking a semi-sabbatical this year to study, try new things, & travel, and she's sharing her adventures with you in a podcast series that will air monthly throughout the year. In this 6th episode, she shares the highlights, challenges, and takeaways from her June area of interest: roadtripping. Covered in this episode:Why she traveled 2000 miles in 3 weeksWhere she went and who she visitedThe moments that made her emotional The 5 things that roadtripping does for your soul*This is the sixth episode in a year-long series for paid subscribers. Access for the full episode is available when you become a paid subscriber on Substack.About Nadine:Nadine Kenney Johnstone is an award-winning author, podcast host, and writing coach. After fifteen years as a writing professor, she founded WriteWELL workshops and retreats for women writers. She interviews today's top female authors on her podcast, Heart of the Story. Her infertility memoir, Of This Much I'm Sure, was named book of the year by the Chicago Writer's Association. Her latest book, Come Home to Your Heart, is an essay collection and guided journal. She has been featured in Cosmo, Authority, MindBodyGreen, Natural Awakenings,Chicago Magazine, and more. She writes a regular column about mid-life reclamation on Substack.