In the lead up to Beyoncé's solo album debut, Dangerously in Love, a lot was at stake. She was hoping to break out not only as a solo artist, but as a star on multiple levels — music, endorsements and film. Along the way she’d find love, but she’d also have to battle doubt, even within the record label.

Making Obama

Beyoncé BONUS: Fearlessly Herself

After Girls Tyme dissolves, Beyoncé and the other girls begin building their new group, Destiny’s Child. Finally, things start to click. 

Beyoncé 3: Destiny Begins

After failing to secure a record deal, Beyoncé and the members of Girls Tyme try another avenue to success: a TV talent competition. The girls are poised and ready for the national spotlight, but tensions in the group are rising behind the scenes. 

Beyoncé 2: Star Search

Before the Grammys, before the platinum records, before Destiny’s Child, there was just a shy girl growing up in Houston. We follow Beyoncé Knowles from the stages of local talent shows to her first crack at a record deal with the group Girls Tyme. 

Beyonce 1: Girls Tyme

From the makers of Making Obama, WBEZ Chicago presents Making Beyoncé, a new three-part bio-podcast series that explores Beyoncé Knowles’ rise from local talent shows to global musical icon. Find episodes of Making Beyoncé right here beginning Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. 

Beyoncé: Preview of Making Beyoncé

If you enjoyed listening to Making Obama, some folks here at WBEZ have another podcast for you. It’s also about politics, but this one is very different. Family drama, FBI wiretaps and -- ultimately -- a very long prison sentence dominate this story which even intersects with Barack Obama’s career.  Remember when the Governor of Illinois supposedly tried to sell President Obama’s Senate seat? Or, how the same ex-Governor got a “You’re Fired” from Donald Trump on The Celebrity Apprentice? New from WBEZ Chicago, Public Official A uncovers the rise and fall of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. How he did whatever it took to reach the top. The trail of destruction left in his wake. And how the complexities, charisma and tragic flaws of this public official resonate today. The first episode comes out January 18, 2019.

Preview: Public Official A

Making Obama host Jenn White introduces a new podcast from WBEZ and The Chicago Tribune called 16 Shots. Almost four years ago, Laquan McDonald, a black teenager, was fatally shot by Jason Van Dyke, a white Chicago Police officer. Police reported McDonald was attacking officers. A video from the scene told a different story. Trust in Chicago police and officials crumbled. Now Officer Van Dyke is awaiting trial for murder. wbez.org/16shots

Preview: 16 Shots

Just two and a half years after his 2004 Democratic National Convention speech, Barack Obama announced he was running for president. 

Obama BONUS: The Decision

Barack Obama burst onto the national stage during his U.S. Senate run. Hear how ambition and luck propelled him to Washington. wbez.org/making

Obama 6: Yes We Can!

Former president Barack Obama has only lost one election in his life. It was in 2000, and that defeat set him on the course for his eventual U.S. Senate run. Making Obama is a production of listener-supported WBEZ Chicago. Support WBEZ and the future of podcasts like this at https://wbez.org/making

Obama 5: Up Or Out

In 2000, Barack Obama ran for Congress against a Chicago political legend. It became a contest about race and identity.

Obama 4: Wait Your Turn

Former President Barack Obama won his first political seat in 1996. Hear what he had to learn, and the conflicts he faced, to get there. wbez.org/making

Obama 3: You Don’t Say No To Barack

When Barack Obama first came to Chicago, a political transformation was happening in the city. Hear how that change inspired him. 

Obama 2: Chicago Politics Ain’t Beanbag

Before he was the 44th President, Barack Obama worked as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago. Hear how the city shaped his political ambitions.

Obama 1: The Man In The Background

Former President Barack Obama — along with friends, mentors, and rivals — tells the story of his climb from Chicago to the national stage. Subscribe now and don’t miss the first episode on February 8.

Preview: Making Obama

Former President Barack Obama — along with key advisers, mentors, and rivals — tells the story of his climb from Chicago to the national stage. Season One of Making told the story of how Oprah built a media empire. Now, the story of how Chicago shaped the country's first African-American president.

hubhopper

Making Obama

hubhopper