The Culture Podcast

Join Mike, Zoe, and the generous Howard Sandifer, co-founder of Chicago West Music Community Center with his wife, Darlene. Coming from a background in music education, the duo took action in response to the lack of high-quality instruction, play, and artistic structure in institutions on the West side. Their journey as a non-profit begun in 1999, and for almost 30 years they have formed coalitions of young musicians, instrumentalists, and singers who otherwise may have lacked a basic foundation in their art forms due to our city's well segregated neighborhood income and wealth gaps.

Join Mike, Zoe, and esteemed guest Remel Terry as they break down a visit to the newly debuted Obama Presidential Center, the mythology of a united America, and the racially muted yet politically charged upheaval exemplified by the Supreme Court decision on Louisiana vs. Calais. As it turns out, Remel presents her experience on a similar case that occurred in Illinois circa 2021 when NAACP filed a lawsuit against the State Board of Elections to defend disenfranchised black voters East in St.Louis from gerrymandering which the political party system is still victim to as more standards of livelihoods, education...

Join Mike, Zoe, and special guest Isaac Lewis (The Austin Voice) as they discuss various themes regarding the upcoming historical school board elections, the challenges faced by local media, and the issues affecting school budgets brought on by financial hardships our neighborhoods face.

More developments continue on the West Side as employee-owned suburban newspaper The Daily Herald is purchased by Tribune Publishing; local non-profit Austin Coming Together saves $125,000 vacant Frank Lloyd Wright Home which they intend to restore as a public space for events and community members..

This episode, join Mike, Zoe, and Janel Moreland's talk about the mission and activities of Pink Divas and Gents, a nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness about breast cancer and supporting survivors. From the annual breast cancer walk to the intersection of faith-based healing, our guest steadfastly pioneers the education of women and men about breast health in our West Side Communities.

Today's episode features legacy artist and teacher Shanel Romain from Chicago's West Side who is preparing to celebrate Juneteenth to the fullest with a once-in-a-life-time art exhibition called STUNTIN', a show that will explore themes of black style, grace, and mediums used that reflect decades of resilience and self-identification.

TRIGGERING & SENSITIVE CONTENT: abortion, generational trauma, infanticide

In this episode, Love of Learning Institute's Executive Director Alexis Waddell joins Mike and Zoe in a discussion about supporting parents with resources, modern education and household culture, and the deep impact of working as a team to raise the next generation.

Alexis Waddell is a passionate advocate for early childhood education and community engagement. As a native Chicagoan raised in East Garfield Park, she founded the Love of Learning Institute to provide enriching experiences for infants and toddlers. Alexis has a deep understanding of the challenges parents...

Join Mike & Zoe for an uplifting interview with Crystal Dyer who shares her journey from metro Atlanta to managing her many accomplished roles in founding Gone Again Travel & Tour agency, Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures (CAYTA), and being Board President of Austin Chamber of Commerce.

For over 10 years her work has promoted connectivity, confidence, and community development through travel and mentorship, inspired by personal loss of her grandson, Devin, in 2011.

Join Mike, Zoe, and the committed Dr.Claudia Vandiver who began her news & education outlet Maywood Watchdog to bring high quality information to a local audience. From writing a property tax boot camp guide to an exposé on village board members ignoring long-over due environmental protection concerns, this upstanding citizen has taken matters of education into her own hands.

Join Mike, Zoe, & Northwest Austin Council's Executive Director Steve Robinson for a conversation on witnessing transformation through decades of community organization. From vibrant neighborhoods to systemic challenges, Steve shares grassroots efforts that sparked real change from church congregations and citizen block clubs.

The mission of the Northwest Austin Council (NAC) is to mobilize residents of Chicago's Austin community to take action on the issues which directly affect their lives. We conduct grassroots organizing campaigns on issues of housing discrimination youth development.

Join Mike & Zoe as they partake in a discussion about a recent Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act that challenges the protection of minority populations across the nation, and the great refresher with the warm, knowledgeable, and keen cuisine super-star Chef Ora. Starting her LLC Urban Excellence Ent post-pandemic, she has taken off to soaring heights with a full-time catering business Cafe 322 Urban Bistro, as well as an annual event highlighting Black Excellence with her talented culinary colleagues occurring this Spring on May 16th in Broadview.

Join Mike, Zoe, and esteemed CEO of Destiny Unlimited & Executive Development Producer Danita Patterson. Learn more about her journey from the Windy City to LA to achieve her dreams and make instrumental decisions with Hollywood icons such as Will Smith. Danita's precise understanding of the entertainment business has allowed her to produce creative endeavors, including her nonprofit Destiny Outreach that equips young minds interested in the field with experience, workshops, and employment opportunities through their dynamic programs alongside partners at Cine City Studios (North Lawndale).

Dive into the rich stories of power couple Jamion & Reesheda Nicole Berry on how the West Side of Chicago is transforming its cultural landscape through arts, community-driven projects, and intergenerational collaboration. This episode reveals powerful initiatives that are building bridges and igniting pride in local neighborhoods.

Read about Kindred Civic Arts Forum 2026 summer project: Love Is On The Green Line Community Kickoff – The Culture

Welcome! In recent years opportunities have been sprouting on the Westside for those interested in construction or a career in the trades.

This episode we talk with Leonard Alexander about his Fearless Dreamers construction training for youth/reformation and Deondre Rutues' new center that will facilitate a program this summer on the importance of facilitating hands-on activities with proper tools/machinery, integrating social skills for professionalism, and the promising evolution of green trade such as heat pumps (or geothermal heating if you're fancy.)

Learn about Leonard's Fearless Dreamers Program: https://www.fearlessdreamers.org/<...

Join Mike, Zoe. and Renee as they explore the power of poetry and storytelling rooted in Chicago’s West Side. Discover how legends like the Candy Lady and historical narratives shape community identity and resilience. Renee's journey from Cabrini-Green to the vibrant West Side offers a mirror to our shared history and future.

Join Mike & Rebecca as they anticipate the Green Living Summit on April 25th.

It’s time to get educated on what really supports environmental justice—because knowledge is the first step to collective change. From an impassioned youth to an environmental chair lead, Rebecca shares her wisdom to emphasize that individual actions matter, but policy change is key for bigger impact. From compost bins to protesting price hikes, her work is about empowering us to reclaim control over our environment.

Learn more about the Summit here: https://cwbnaacp.org/environmental/

In this insightful interview, Deborah Vines, founder of The Answer Incorporated, shares her 20-year journey supporting families with autism. Topics include the upcoming 18th annual Walkathon, community resources, misconceptions about autism, and advocacy efforts to empower families.

Join Mike and P.Rae in a riveting conversation on the muddy crux of American politics and adapting to an unyielding system. From Chicago's West Side to the White House, P.Rae dives in on the truth behind her experience with systemic injustices and why Democratic leaders failed to look after the people. Tune in for a bold take on breaking free from political norms.

Read more @ ourculture.us

Welcome! This episode, the table discusses new election results in Chicago's political landscape,as well as the cultural revival event coming Saturday, March 28th at Austin Town Hall hosted by Barrelhouse Bonni. The festival aims to reclaim the economic value of black music and challenge historical exploitation of the black image.

Additionally, community organizer Arewa EKUA talks about the Restorative Justice Youth Conference which invites young adults in Austin to discuss tools for civic conversation, leadership, and building bridges with the institutions that affect our everyday lives so we can live in the future we dream of.<...

Welcome! Last month, we sat down with art enthusiast and collector Rosie Dawson to talk about the ASPIRE Center for Workforce Innovation’s Black History Month art exhibit, which explored the importance of Black people taking control of their own image in the years after emancipation. Take a listen.

Mike and Zoe reflect on the life and legacy of Jesse Jackson — the Baptist minister, civil rights activist, and two-time presidential candidate whose audacious campaigns reshaped the Democratic Party and expanded Black political power after the civil rights era. Their conversation explores his political legacy, the web’s reaction to his death, and several under-discussed dimensions of Jackson’s career, including the contradictions, strategic brilliance, and unfinished debates surrounding his place in American political history.

Mike argues that the Constitution is often overrated — how much can it truly matter when the nation has repeatedly failed to protect its most marginalized citizens and was itself built through the founding violence its authors both justified and struggled to reconcile? He also explores the concept of enclosure, the historical significance of the 7th congressional district, and what it takes to maintain sanity amid political chaos.

Mike and Zoe reflect on the centennial of Black history recognition, tracing how a week-long observance evolved into what is now Black History Month and examining the historical forces, debates, and cultural meaning that shaped its transformation over the last 100 years.

We have a buzzing conversation with State Rep Ford, along with West-side Health Authority's very own Morris Reed.

Stay up to date with our nonpartisan voter guide on our website:https://ourculture.us/ballot-power/

An important moment in our city’s future is approaching: March 17, Primary Election Day. Mike and Zoe discuss the legacy of political figures from Illinois’ 7th congressional district, the candidates hoping to shape its next chapter, and what it takes to stand up to a white supremacist political order.

Welcome to the first episode of The Culture Podcast, with your West Side co-hosts Michael Romain and Zoe Nellum. Tune in each week as they explore the people, places, and issues influencing everyday life along Chicago’s Interstate 290 corridor and across nearby west suburbs.