What brought you to Chicago, and what has it given you in return? In this mini-episode from our summer archive series, host Ashley Phillips shares her own origin story before revisiting three unforgettable conversations about what this city means to the people who call it home.

Hear from cross-stitch artist Emma McKee (aka StitchGawd) on the traumatic visa saga that led her to Chicago and how a Christmas gift for her mom turned into a Chance the Rapper collaboration. Documentary filmmaker Johnny Jones opens up about growing up in North Lawndale and the "experiment" of moving to Lincoln Park. And Jahmal Cole, founder of My Block, My Hood, My City, tells the story of trading a suit for a hoodie.

This is Notes from Chicago: real conversations with the people building, shaping, and loving this city, one neighborhood at a time.

 ...