A Home for Hope: Inside the Obama Presidential Center

Welcome back to another episode of All For the Love of Chicago, the podcast where we spotlight the people, experiences, and unforgettable moments that continue to shape the spirit of Chicago. We kick things off with a special “Deep Dish” segment as Lisa and Kristen catch up on everything happening around the city, including the excitement surrounding the Chicago Crosstown Classic and major new developments coming to the United Center through the highly anticipated 1901 Project.

The two also dive into what’s been buzzing around Chicago lately as summer officially starts to take over the city. In our featured segment, “We’re Lovin’ It,” Lisa and Kristen are joined by Michael Strautmanis, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer for the Obama Foundation and member of the Choose Chicago Board of Directors.

Michael shares an inside look at the vision and mission behind the highly anticipated Obama Presidential Center opening on Chicago’s South Side during Juneteenth weekend. The conversation explores why the Center is much more than a traditional presidential museum, the importance of Jackson Park and the South Side to the Obamas, what visitors can expect when they step onto the campus for the first time, and how the project reflects Chicago’s resilience, culture, and global impact.

Michael also reflects on watching the vision come to life after years of work alongside President Obama and discusses how the Center hopes to inspire future generations of leaders from Chicago and around the world. Find more info on the Chicago South Side & Presidential Center Shuttle from Choose Chicago and Big Bus Tours Chicago here: We wrap up with “Let’s ChicaGO,” where Fabiola and Joanie spotlight some of the city’s biggest upcoming events and experiences.

Fabiola highlights the return of Jazzin’ at the Shedd, the popular summer jazz series at Shedd Aquarium featuring live performances and local food vendors, along with the North American debut of the Pokémon Fossil Museum at the Field Museum. Joanie shares details on Neon Paddle, Chicago’s glowing nighttime paddleboard experience on the Chicago River, the return of the city’s iconic Blues Fest in Millennium Park, and celebrates the official opening of Chicago’s beaches for the summer season.

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