Chipedia On Wgn Plus

Prior to becoming one of our favorite sitcom moms on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Daphne Maxwell Reid was already making her mark in history.  She is a graduate of Northwestern University earning a degree in interior design and architecture.  May 3, 1968,  Daphne was among 100 students that organized a 38 hour sit-in inside of the schools bursars offices with efforts of gaining more relative things for African American students. This year Daphne was honored during the Northwestern University commemoration […]

In the midst of touring the states while promoting his latest album “Hometown Hero,”  Trae tha Truth, a Houston bred rapper who is known to be vocal and active in the community stopped by ChiPedia with Marsha Lyles and Dometi Pongo. Due to Trae tha Truth’s outstanding work in the community and numerous projects, the rapper feel sometimes his music is outshined.  Understandably so,  when for the past 11 years an annual holiday known as ‘Trae Day‘ is hugely celebrated […]

If you hear the school bells ring in a song, just know it was produced by Chicago’s own, Marcos “Kosine” Palacios. 1/2 of ‘Da Internz’ production team and 9x Grammy nominated producer. In this episode with Marsha Lyles and Dometi Pongo, Kosine shares his struggles with failed attempts at Grammy wins and battling the ebbs and flows of the music industry. He’s gone from contemplating his music career on his Aunt’s couch to now sitting on a couch with fellow […]

Kenyan-born Chicagoan Chai Tulani only spoke Swahili when he was brought to America as a child. He tells ChiPedia it took him years to develop the confidence to embrace his African culture, his unique musical style  and all of his idiosyncrasies. Good thing he did. Saturday, April 14th, from 3pm – 6pm, he’ll be performing at the Artist Lounge Open Mic hosted by Dometi Pongo. But that’s just the warmup. On Sunday, April 15th, Chai Tulani opens for grammy-award winning artist Wyclef Jean who’ll be performing […]

Chicago native, filmmaker Sanicole Young sat down with Marsha Lyles to talk about her journey to becoming a filmmaker, an overview about her new film, ‘Training Wheels’,  and gaining attention and support from nationally known actor/comedian Lil Rel. Follow your new favorite podcast at @chipediapodcast on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

There’s a lot of good things happening in the community. Chi STEM is one of them. Chi STEM is a new Academy Saturday School that’s opening their doors free to students starting March 31st. Darius Nix, founder of Chi STEM and design board member, Marcus Woods, sat down with Marsha Lyles to educate us on what the academy will offer, why it’s important for children to experience Chi STEM, and how to go about getting kids enrolled and the need […]

Praize productions CEO, Reesie Davis dropped in with Marsha Lyles to talk about her 7th production Revival: The Answer. She discusses her journey of becoming a CEO and an artistic director, why she chose to name this production Revival, her passion for working with the youth and describes what makes this production captivating and impactful for all ages. Revival: The Answer March 23rd & 24th Reva and Davis Logan Center for the Arts Chicago, Illinois http://www.praizeproductions.com Follow your new favorite […]

2x Grammy nominated artist; Eric Roberson jumps right off a flight to sit-in with Marsha Lyles on Chipedia to talk about his upcoming show in Chicago. He fills us in on being a part of the pilot for a new docu-series, ‘Indie Soul Journeys’. The new series is devoted to the inspirational personal and musical stories of current and former independent soul, R&B, and urban alternative artists. During the series, Eric will open up about his personal journeys such as […]

Marsha quizzes Dometi on his knowledge of Ghana to prepare him for his trip out of the country. Loni Love, comedienne and daytime talk show host of ‘The Real,’ talks to Dometi race & gender bias in show business, working as an electrical engineer before comedy and headlining the Chicago Improv, Friday, and Saturday. Marsha interviews band instructor, Benjamin Washington of King College Prep at a “Black Panther” film screening for students. He says he wants them to know “anything […]

Every year during Black History Month, the NBNA visits Capitol Hill to advocate the healthcare needs in the black communities. The month ends with an annual celebration for the Chicago Chapter. This 30th year anniversary, the association will recognize nurses in community health, public health, correctional health, transplantation and health care advocacy. Marsha Lyles speaks to NBNA committee members about the history of the NBNA, why black nurses are needed and their service in the communities. The ceremony takes place […]

In this action-packed episode, Dometi and Marsha talk to author and Black Studies Professor Dr. Howard Rambsy about AfroFuturism, a Sci-Fi sub-genre. That sets the stage for an in-depth conversation with a comic book connoisseur, Kevin Ross (CEO Twoguard Media) whose viral Facebook post about the highly anticipated “Black Panther” film exposed new fans to the main character’s complex back-story. They wrap up with a conversation on the precedent-shattering Obama Presidential portraits with art collector Patricia Andrews-Keenan of the Tallulah […]

He got accepted into medical school but instead became a producer and actor. Rodger Jackson’s work on the web series ‘No Chiraq‘ covers the grittier sides of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods. Marsha and Dometi talk to Rodger about how the web series has helped to create jobs for at-risk youth. ‘No Chiraq’ has helped to shed light on the complex intersections of crime, street life, and politics in Chicago’s underworld. Check it out at http://www.the-i.tv.com. Follow your new favorite podcast at […]

On this bonus episode of Chipedia, Marsha speaks with comedian Arnez J. Arnez opens up about his early career, his love for doing stand-up, comedian Mo’Nique, his Netflix comedy ‘Racially Motivated’ and his encounter with Prince.   Check out Arnez J. at The Chicago Improv Friday, February 2, 2018 8:00PM & 10:15PM Saturday, February 3, 2018 7:00PM & 9:15PM Call: 847-240-2001 / Tickets: $27 / Visit: http://www.chicago.improv.com The Chicago Improv is located at 5 Woodfield Rd. Schaumburg, IL 60173  

In Page 3, ChiPedia heads to the Congo Square Theatre’s production of “Jitney” by August Wilson. On the way home, an old school Uber driver gives Marsha a one-on-one lesson on the origins of ride-sharing. Then, Marsha and Dometi talk to Congo Square Theatre Executive Director Taron Patton about everything from the importance of arts education to African-American representation on the big screen. Patton also sheds some light on the origins of the Congo Square and how its namesake can […]

In Page 2, Dometi and Marsha chat it up about what it really means to be ‘blackballed’ and whether or not that has stalled the career of comedienne and Oscar-award-winning actress, Mo’nique. And blacklisting doesn’t only happen in show business. Marsha and Dometi interview playwright McKinley Johnson who tells the story of a civil rights pioneer whose name has been left out of the history books. The musical, “Eye of the Storm,” runs at the eta Creative Arts Theater Feb. […]

Both employees of WGN-AM Radio, Marsha Lyles and Dometi Pongo collaborated to create a community-driven podcast where entertainment, arts, and politics will be the focal point. Wanting to keep ‘The City of Chicago’ in the forefront, the title ‘ChiPedia’ was created.  This is a show where you will learn what the Metro Area has to offer. Expect a lot of interviews, live coverage, deep or sweet conversations, and exposure to any bloopers. ChiPedia, ‘Chicago Media for the People’. Marsha Lyles […]