Robin E, Cierra Monay, and Jayy Marie break down the week’s culture and Chicago topics, from celebrity perks and colorism to drill music and the Bulls vs. Bears debate.

Sponsored by the Smart Money Strong Futures Financial Empowerment Summit on Nov. 19 at City Colleges of Chicago. RSVP here.

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Jaalen Best, Lonnie Ali and Amin Joseph sit down with WHATS THE WORD to discuss The Greatest and bringing Muhammad Ali’s story to a new generation.

Lonnie Ali, wife of the late boxing legend and an executive producer of the series, reflects on showing her husband’s life beyond the spotlight. Together, the guests discuss portraying Ali and exploring the humanity behind his public legacy.

Be apart of the conversation.

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How do you tell Muhammad Ali’s story before he becomes a household name?

The Greatest creator, showrunner and executive producer Ben Watkins joins fellow executive producer Matthew Gross for a conversation with WHATS THE WORD about Ali’s come-up and bringing his formative journey to the screen.

Be apart of the conversation.

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Dana Gourrier and Kai Parham sit down with WHATS THE WORD to discuss The Greatest and Muhammad Ali’s Chicago chapter.

Parham shares how being from Chicago gave him a personal connection to his preparation for portraying Ali’s brother. With help from relatives who witnessed Ali’s time in the city, he drew on family memories while approaching the role.

Be apart of the conversation.

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Robin E and Jayy Marie break down a viral story involving a three-year-old soccer player and reports that police were called during a dispute surrounding his game. The conversation raises questions about parental behavior, sportsmanship, and how adults can protect young athletes while nurturing their talent.

Plus, the hosts weigh in on the possibility of Jay-Z headlining the Super Bowl halftime show. From his catalog to potential appearances by Nas or Mary J. Blige, what would a Hov halftime performance look like?

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Reality TV personality Big Lex, known for her appearance on Baddies on the Zeus Network, joins the WHATS THE WORD Podcast for a candid conversation about her journey before and after the show. Lex also addresses the moment that had social media buzzing — her viral fight with her friend Summer, a moment that sparked major debate online. She reflects on their friendship, the fallout, and the reality of what viewers saw versus what actually happened.

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Chicago’s own Queen Key pulls up to WHATS THE WORD for a raw, honest, and powerful conversation about her journey, growth, and upcoming first studio album “Hard.”

From building a life outside of Chicago to reflecting on the 2010s drill era alongside King Louie, Queen Key opens up about influence, industry politics, being misunderstood, healing from trauma, and what it really means to stand on authenticity in today’s music landscape.

She also speaks on motherhood, relationships, double standards in the industry, Chicago label drama, and the lessons she wants to pass down to the next generation.

This one is deeper than music.

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