What does it take to create world-class comedy?

In this episode of Notes from Chicago, we sit down with Jen Ellison, Vice President of Creative at Second City, the legendary comedy institution that launched the careers of stars like Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and Amy Poehler.

Jen takes us inside the creative process behind improv and sketch comedy, how ideas evolve from spontaneous moments into iconic performances, and why collaboration, not ego, is the secret to great comedy.

Follow Jen Ellison, The Second City:

* Website: https://www.secondcity.com

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenjen1138

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* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qkYwUroGt4hMZQlhTg32z

* Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notes-from-chicago/id1838675173

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotesfromChicago

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* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notesfromchicago

What would it actually take to fix Chicago’s biggest challenges?

In this episode of Notes from Chicago, the CEO of Center for Neighborhood Technology, Nina Idemudia breaks down real, actionable solutions, from accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to bus rapid transit. She explains why change might be closer than we think.

We discuss:

• Why affordable housing is still out of reach
• How simple policy shifts could transform neighborhoods
• What everyday Chicagoans can do to push change forward

Follow Nina Idemudia:

• Website: https://www.cnt.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplannerwithapurpose

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• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qkYwUroGt4hMZQlhTg32z
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notes-from-chicago/id1838675173
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotesfromChicago
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notesfromchi
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notesfromchicago

In this episode of Notes from Chicago, Emma McKee, the artist known as the StitchGawd, shares how she accidentally built a career in cross-stitching and what it felt like to watch WNBA legends try on her work on live national television. She also opens up about why she said no to Amazon and the NFL, the nine-foot Chairman Fred Hampton memorial she stitched on blue velvet, and the community map of Chicago she's building with the Chicago Public Library.

Follow the StitchGawd, Emma McKee:

* Website: https://www.stitchgawd.com

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestitchgawd

Follow Notes from Chicago:

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qkYwUroGt4hMZQlhTg32z

* Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/notes-from-chicago/id1838675173

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotesfromChicago

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notesfromchi

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notesfromchicago