society
Hosted by Joe Donlon · society · EN
Google anyone. Chances are they have a Chicago connection. Whether they were born here, grew up here, were elected here, or just passed through, almost everyone has a Chicago thread that runs through their life or career. That’s where the conversation starts. CBS Chicago’s Joe Donlon brings you the flavor and history of the greatest city in the world, through the eyes of those who claim Chicago as home.
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Contact path
Public web form
Booking probability
30%
Guest openness
Selective
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Signup to Generate a PitchGoogle anyone. Chances are they have a Chicago connection. Whether they were born here, grew up here, were elected here, or just passed through, almost everyone has a Chicago thread that runs through their life or career. That’s where the conversation starts.
Chicago Unscripted is hosted by Joe Donlon. The show has published 33 episodes to date.
Recent episodes include "A Gaggle on a New Bears Stadium & More - Chicago Tribune's Rick Pearson & NBC5's Mary Ann Ahern" (5 June 2026, 35 minutes), "Joel Braunold - The Perennially Perplexing Prospects of Peace in the Middle East" (17 April 2026, 58 minutes), and "Michael McDonald - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Singer Songwriter, The Doobie Brothers" (11 April 2026, 45 minutes).
Chicago Unscripted publishes roughly every two weeks, with episodes averaging 50 minutes across 33 episodes.
Booking probability for Chicago Unscripted is 30%, and the host is rated Selective on guests. Chicago Unscripted requires a Pod Score of 80 or higher. Chicago Unscripted's contact route on record: public web form.
Joe Donlon hosts Chicago Unscripted, a society podcast with 33 episodes published.
Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.
Episode #9
Two of Chicago's longest tenured and respected political reporters discuss what happened to an Illinois stadium for the Bears. Who dropped the ball on a failed bill in Springfield? After reports of secret meeting with...
A self-described public policy entrepreneur, Chicagoan Joel Braunold has dedicated his life to the pursuit of peace in the Middle East. We cover the war in Iran, what constitutes success for each country involved, and...
A powerful and personal conversation with one of the most successful and recognizable voices in music. Michael talks about his extensive career and humble beginnings, his connections to Chicago, and recalls a wild...
Two Illinois political insiders are back to share their thoughts on the bombing campaign in Iran, the Epstein files, and the emerging wedges dividing MAGA. We examine the key Senate and House races in the Illinois...
University of Chicago professor Robert Pape is an expert in military strategy and escalation patterns. He shares his insight into the U.S. bombing campaign in Iran, and what he would have told President Trump before...
The doctor is in. Born in Arlington Heights, Bill Glass has become a cultural phenomenon as 'Dr. Rick' who helps keep people from becoming their parents. Bill talks about his journey from Kansas University through the...
Chicago was SO close. Down to the final four, a stunning vote in Copenhagen knocked Chicago out of the running for the 2016 Olympics in the first round. My guests revisit Chicago’s plans, the venues, and what could have...
What is happening on the streets of Iran? It’s hard to tell because the government has shut off all internet access. But based on information that is getting out, the Iranian government is shooting its own people...
Episode #1
He has been with NPR for more than 40 years. Scott Simon joins “Chicago Unscripted’ to talk about AI, Venezuela, the current state of journalism, and the funding fate of NPR. We also discuss his poignant and personal...
After 30 years as the anchor of ‘Inside Edition,’ Deborah Norville has a new job hosting a game show. In this episode of ‘Chicago Unscripted,’ Norville plays a round of her new game - as a contestant, and talks about...
If data is the new currency in the digital age, Joshua Doss could be a banker. His specialty is political data. He shares his observations on Instagram with a robust audience of more than half a million followers.He...
If you're a fan of 'The Bachelor' franchise, you likely know her work. Ali Barthwell has spent the last ten years recapping every episode. Which reality show would she be on if she had her choice? She shares that, her...
It’s hard to understate how much Chicago means to Eric Stonestreet. It’s where he got his start after college at Kansas State, and where he built the foundation of his acting career. Eric shares stories of how he went...
Episode #13
He has been a Hollywood star for decades, acting next to some of the biggest names in movies and TV. But Greg Kinnear has never lost sight of the Midwest roots that keep him grounded and humble. Greg shares stories from...
Sarah admits she can be a lightning rod. Her opinions often spark headlines. She explains why it's important to share her voice on often toxic social media platforms. We cover the challenges facing women's sports, WNBA...
They’re back. Two political heavyweights return to ‘Chicago Unscripted’ to discuss the situation in the Middle East, immigration protests, ICE raids, the National Guard, sanctuary city status, DOGE, Elon, tariffs, the...
There is a lot of Chicago & Illinois in Geist family history. Willie was born in Evanston and says Chicago still feels like home. He talks about his roots here, and his relationship with his dad. Bill Geist was a...
It is one of the most popular and successful bands of all time, and it started in the music school at DePaul University in 1967. Lee Loughnane was the trumpet player when “Chicago Transit Authority” started playing...
If you're a Cubs fan, you've seen him. John Vincent specializes in Sinatra, but also sings the national anthem for the Cubs. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka and his wife Diana gave John his big break at the age of 28...
He's considered one of the most influential, behind the scenes republican advocates for Ukraine. Where did he lose the GOP and can he get the party back where he thinks it should be - solidly behind Ukraine? The Chief...
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