In this live edition of “Gathering Ground,” host Mary Morten welcomes longtime friend and Chicago media icon Tracy Baim to discuss her latest book, “Liberating Healthcare: 50 Years of Resistance, Resilience, and Healing at Howard Brown Health.”

From the early days of LGBTQ+ organizing to the modern fight for inclusive, affirming healthcare, Tracy unpacks why she felt this history needed to be documented now. Together, they explore journalism, movement building, and the urgent need to preserve community memory.

Episode Highlights:
- Why Tracy felt compelled to document 50 years of Howard Brown Health’s legacy
- The role of Windy City Times in LGBTQ+ journalism and preserving community history
- Press Forward Chicago and what’s next for local, independent media

Links and Resources:
- Liberating Healthcare Book – donate.howardbrown.org/campaign/678582/donate
- Press Forward Chicago – www.cct.org/press-forward
- Windy City Times – www.windycitytimes.com

Mary is joined by Kelly Thompson, Daisy Moran (Quad Cities Community Foundation), and Evette Cardona (Polk Bros. Foundation) for a powerful conversation on the philosophies and practices of philanthropy.

They reflect on their personal paths into the sector, the shift from charity to solidarity, and what it means to fund with equity, trust, and imagination. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating, challenging, or reimagining the philanthropic space.

Episode Highlights:
- How Kelly, Daisy, and Evette each found their way into philanthropy and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
- The growing call for philanthropy to move beyond charity toward solidarity, trust, and systems change.
- What gives each guest hope for the future of the sector, from young leaders to activist-informed grantmaking.

Links and Resources:
- Polk Bros. Foundation – www.polkbrosfdn.org
- Quad Cities Community Foundation – www.qccommunityfoundation.org

In this special live episode of “Gathering Ground,” Mary sits down with journalist Natalie Moore to talk about her new podcast, “Making: Stories Without End.” The series explores the cultural and political power of soap operas—yes, soap operas—and why they deserve a second look.

Episode Highlights:
- The untold history of Erna Phillips and the women behind soap opera innovation
- How soaps pioneered social issue storytelling through shows like “One Life to Live” and “Guiding Light”
- Natalie’s behind-the-scenes experience at “Days of Our Lives” and her journey creating this podcast passion project

Links and Resources:
- Making: Stories Without End – www.wbez.org/making-stories-without-end
- WBEZ – www.wbez.org
- Natalie Moore – www.natalieymoore.com

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