N'DIGO STUDIO

Host Hermene Hartman sits down with veteran journalists Curtis Lawrence and Darcel Rockett to examine how misinformation is reshaping Chicago's political landscape and what it means for local communities.

In This Episode:

• How recent Homeland Security and ICE actions are impacting Chicago's marginalized communities

• The rising pressure on journalists to self-censor and the fight for accurate reporting

• Social media's role in ampli...

What does it truly mean to confront the realities of segregation in a city like Chicago?
In this episode of N'DIGO STUDIO, host Hermene Hartman sits down with social justice artist and MacArthur Genius Fellow Tonika Lewis Johnson, whose work continues to reshape how Chicago understands race, place, and community.

Johnson reflects on art as a catalyst for change, sharing how projects like the Folded Map Project build empathy b...

What does it take to lead effectively in today's complex political landscape? In this enlightening episode of N'DIGO STUDIO, host Hermene Hartman sits down with Rahm Emanuel, a true powerhouse in American politics whose career has spanned the roles of Congressman, Chief of Staff to President Obama, Mayor of Chicago, and U. S. Ambassador to Japan. Emanuel shares, "Effective leadership is about having the intellectual vision, stam...

What turns a restaurant into a neighborhood staple in Chicago’s vibrant food scene? In this episode of N’DIGO STUDIO, host Hermene Hartman sits down with culinary leaders shaping the city’s dining renaissance: Chef Xavier (Southern Chicago), Chef Emani (Brulee), Chef Royce of (Soul Prime), and Tiffany Burrell, co-owner of Soul Food Lounge.

Together, they explore how social media, particularly viral reviews, are reshaping the landsca...

What does it take to be a witness to history and a voice for truth? Join us in this compelling episode of N'DIGO STUDIO as host Hermene Hartman sits down with the legendary broadcast journalist Bill Kurtis, who states, "Storytelling is the heart of journalism." With a career spanning decades, Kurtis shares invaluable insights from his new book, "WHIRLWIND: My Life Reporting the News," and reflects on his early beginnings in radio ...

In this compelling episode of N’Digo Studio, host Hermene Hartman leads a powerful cultural conversation on the erasure of Black history in both museums and education, two spaces that shape how we understand identity, progress, and truth in America.

From the removal of historic artifacts and exhibits to the political battles over what students are taught, this discussion examines what’s truly at stake when Black America's stories ar...

Join host Hermene Hartman on N'Digo Studio for an inspiring conversation about how Chicago's historic Woodlawn neighborhood is experiencing a cultural and economic transformation. This episode explores the powerful intersection of art, entrepreneurship, and community development as the Obama Presidential Center prepares to open its doors in spring 2026.

Meet Quandra Speights, CEO/co-owner of the Urban Market Exchange and human r...

On this episode of N'DIGO Studio with host Hermene Hartman, we shine a light on the fight to keep Black storytelling alive in Chicago and across America. Leslie Fields-Cruz, Executive Director of Black Public Media, joins us to discuss the devastating impact of federal defunding on public media and why preserving authentic Black narratives is essential to America's cultural record. Black Public Media is seeking 1.8 million donors t...

Host: Hermene Hartman
Guests: Genealogist Christopher Smothers of Unearthing Your Roots and Dr. Steven Rogers

In this compelling N’Digo Studio conversation, host Hermene Hartman explores how discovering your ancestry can rewrite both personal and public history.
Recorded in Chicago, this episode dives into African American genealogy, family identity, and a surprising headline story, that the newly appointed Pope Leo XIV, b...

In this episode of the N'Digo Studio Podcast, Hermene Hartman sits down with Dion Dawson and Jackie Hoffman, two inspiring voices for community wellness in Chicago. Together, they discuss public health, food justice, and how local initiatives like “One Mile a Day” help strengthen mental health and solidarity across the South Side & West Side of Chicago neighborhoods.
Through their stories, discover how leadership, consistenc...

In this special episode of the N’DIGO Studio Podcast, host Hermene Hartman sits down with Yusef Jackson (executive producer and son of Rev. Jesse Jackson) and producer Bill Keys for an intimate conversation about the making of the new Rev. Jesse Jackson Documentary, exploring his legacy as a cultural icon and civil rights leader.

Through these cultural conversations, they share behind-the-scenes insights into documenting one of Amer...

Discover how North Lawndale, a historic Chicago neighborhood, is transforming after decades of disinvestment. This episode dives into the grassroots initiatives redefining the area — from preserving Black culture and building affordable housing to launching a global chocolate cooperative and more.

Learn how:

• A forgotten community turned into a model for urban renewal

• Locals led sustainable change with global reach

• Black culture and...

Step into the world of Chicago fashion like never before! In this episode of N'DIGO Studio, we’re spotlighting the bold, diverse, and creative talent behind Chicago Fashion Week. Join me as I sit down with some of the city’s top designers, stylists, and fashion insiders to explore what makes Chicago’s fashion scene truly stand out.

From the hard work and hustle behind the runway to the power of personal style and self-expression, th...

In this REWIND episode, N'DIGO Studio presents the remarkable journey of former congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. seeking a presidential pardon after incarceration. His powerful story transforms from political power to prison revelation, offering exclusive insights on criminal justice reform, redemption, and America's pardon system.

With vulnerable honesty, Jackson shares his legislative battles, personal struggles, and pursuit of offic...

In this episode of N'Digo Studio with host Hermene Hartman, we sit down with Forrest Claypool, a seasoned political strategist and public servant with decades of experience shaping Chicago’s urban landscape. From serving as CEO of Chicago Public Schools and superintendent of the Chicago Park District to working as chief of staff for Mayor Richard M. Daley, Claypool has been at the center of key political and infrastructural transfo...

Is America Moving Forward or Just Spinning Its Wheels?

In this REWIND edition of N’Digo Studio, we uncover the hard truths behind the 2024 presidential election—from media influence to political strategy and the state of civil rights advocacy.

Host Hermene Hartman is joined by an expert panel:
🔹 Robert Starks – Emeritus professor
🔹 Atiba K. Buchanan – WVON talk show host
🔹 Rev. Dr. Janette Jenkins – National Director, Pus...

Are you politically engaged but questioning if your efforts truly matter? In this REWIND episode, we explore the critical importance of active civic participation beyond just voting in the 2024 presidential election. Join our panel of influential women leaders as they analyze Kamala Harris' campaign strategy against Donald Trump and discuss concrete ways your involvement can make a genuine difference in our democracy.

Discover w...

From Media Pro to Illinois History Maker: The Groundbreaking Journey of the First Black Speaker

Explore the remarkable path of the first African American Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, whose career began not in politics, but at Chicago's WGN TV. This episode reveals how his advocacy for Chicago's elected school board launched an unexpected political ascent that broke historical barriers.

Delve into his forward-thin...

Have you heard the myths about forgiveness, empathy, and kindness? Some believe forgiveness means letting people off the hook, empathy is a sign of weakness, and kindness is just a nice gesture. But I'll reveal the truth behind these myths and share the real power of these principles. Get ready to uncover the secrets to fostering a more compassionate world.

My special guest is Chaz Ebert.

Chaz Ebert, the widow of the esteemed...