This Is Chicago: From the ‘L’ to Lollapalooza 

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What does it take to keep Chicago moving—and what can you discover along the way? Paul Comfort explores the city aboard CTA’s iconic ‘L’ discovering how public transit connects Chicago’s history, art, music, food, and unmistakable energy.  

The journey moves from the restored Quincy station and bustling Loop to the architectural beauty of Chicago Union Station. At the 95th Street Red Line terminal, music becomes part of the ride through CTA’s one-of-a-kind AESOP DJ booth, while the agency’s Art in Transit program transforms stations into public galleries that reflect the communities they serve.  

Chicago’s food is part of the adventure, too, with classic sandwiches at Manny’s Deli and a deep-dish pizza experience. Between stops, CTA leaders offer an inside look at the buses and trains that make it possible to explore the city, reach major events such as Lollapalooza, and experience Chicago without the stress of driving or parking.  

From the rhythm of the ‘L’ to the music, architecture, public art, and local flavors that define the city, this episode captures Chicago through the people, places, and experiences that keep it moving.  

Featuring conversations with 

  • Graham Garfield, General Manager, Infrastructure, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) 
  • Nora Leerhsen, Acting President, Chicago Transit Authority 
  • Elsa Gutierrez, VP of Planning, Chicago Transit Authority 
  • Jeannie Alexander, VP of Rail Operations, Chicago Transit Authority 
  • Bria Scudder, Deputy Governor, Office of Governor JB Pritzker 
  • Marc Magliari, Senior Public Relations Manager, Amtrak 
  • Shawn Rice, Senior Director of Business Development, Vontas 
  • Randall Gray, VP of Control Center, Chicago Transit Authority 
  • Elizabeth Kelley Karpowicz, Art Administrator, Chicago Transit Authority 
  • Ayana Contreras, Creative Director, AESOP (An Extended Song of Our People) 
  • TaNesheha Marshall, VP of Red Line Extension, Chicago Transit Authority 
  • Jairo Naranjo, VP of Bus Operations, Chicago Transit Authority 
  • Taharvey Davis, Mechanical Officer, Chicago Transit Authority 
  • Rebekah Joy Dalfonso, Sales Executive, TransTrack 

Credits 

Creator, Senior Producer & Host: Paul Comfort  

Director: Jaime Cuadra  

Creative Director: Jaime Cuadra  

Producer: Cyndi Raskin  

Executive Producer: Julie Gates  

Director of Photography: Jaime Cuadra  

Second Camera: Sophie Cuadra 

Video Editor: Jaime Cuadra  

Music Composer & Supervisor: Jaime Cuadra  

Sound Design: Jaime Cuadra  

Newsletter: Chris O’Keeffe 

Intern: Des Gates 

Production Assistants: Ashley Di Iorio, Shawn Rice, Rebekah Joy Dalfonso, Linds Allen, Sylvia Tejerina 

Special Thanks 

Emmett Strack, Social Media 

Tina Fassett Smith, RTA/NITA 

Cat Hosinski, Acting VP of Comms, CTA 

Stephen Mayberry, Chief of Staff, CTA 

Morgan McGregor, Meeting & Events Manager, Chicago Union Station

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.