Rich Conversations: 028. Shannon Rodeberg

Shannon Rodeberg discusses her experience moving from a small Minnesota town to Chicago and staying for the next six years.

How long have you lived in Chicago?

Six and a half years.

What’s your neighborhood like?

I’m in Logan Square now. I’ve been in Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Roscoe Village, Buena Park/Uptown, and downtown. I really like this neighborhood because it’s different than the ones closer to the lake. I live across a Polish basilica where most of the people are Hispanic. It’s more unique than the others.

If you have an open Saturday, how would you choose to spend it?

I’d go out with some friends. I hope that they’d pick the place where we go. Ideally, I’d go to a museum. I’ve gone to a lot of museums and still feel like ours are right up there. I really like Impressionist art, so I think the Art Institute here has one of the best wings for that. They have my favorite Monet painting.

When you think of Chicago, what colors do you imagine first?

I usually think of teal or a light blue. When I lived in Buena Park, I was in a building that overlooked Montrose Harbor. I’d see it every day.

What’s your proudest moment as a Chicagoan?

When I lived in Lincoln Park, I’d take the brown line downtown to class. I’d see the Leo Burnett building on the river and think how cool it’d be to work in that building. That would be the pinnacle of Chicago. I didn’t know that four years later I’d be working in it.

If someone were to visit you from out of town, what restaurant would you take them to?

Jake Melnick’s in Streeterville. They have these firecracker wings that are amazing. Apparently they’re award-winning. It’s not as popular as I would expect. It’s a great place to take someone.

What’s your hidden gem in the city?

There’s this bar right under Washington/Wells brown line stop. It’s called Stocks & Blondes. It was right across from my place downtown. My friend and I would go there after work before he took the Metra back home.

What sound do you most affiliate with Chicago?

Definitely the L.

What music influenced you the most during your time in the city?

Nothing specific. I grew up in a very musical family. My dad plays in a band and my mom sings. It was eclectic. I usually attach my memories to playlists I curate – during trips and things. Over the last two years, hanging with my friend, Justina, has introduced me to more house and disco. That’s recently been influential.

What’s a common scene you see in your daily interaction with the city?

I feel like every day is a different day. A packed train in the morning is something I consistently see. The morning/rush hour commute is a big part of the experience.

If you were given secret information that Chicago were to be destroyed in one week, what’s one quality you would keep to rebuild the city?

Between all the public art and architecture, I would like to keep a lot of that. I hope that’d be preserved in some way. I think it’s underrated. Our access is so interesting for being in the Midwest. Especially the Impressionist wing in the Art Institute.

What’s one small thing would you do to improve your neighborhood or the city as a whole?

I feel like something I’d really like to see is a center for local businesses and artists. In that neighborhood, a place where they can be highlighted.

When people learn you’re from Chicago, how do they respond and what’s your reaction?

Either they don’t really know much, especially if they’re not from the U.S. Or they think it’s a really underrated city.

When you feel overwhelmed or need a mental escape but can’t leave the city, where do you go to clear your mind?

One of the harbors—usually Montrose because it was so close when I lived in Buena Park. I’m drawn to water. Just stare out by the skyline and think.

What’s something you’re curious about recently?

There’s a Leo Burnett quote: “Curiosity about all aspects of life is the secret to creative people.” When my time in Chicago comes to an end—if it does—where else would I go? What does my life look like in another city?

Within the past five years, what personal realization has improved your outlook on life the most?

It’s okay to be completely myself. Everyone is different, but you can still connect and understand other people’s experiences.

What’s something you’re excited or dream about in the future?

I’m excited to see where my career goes. I started in film in school, I went into advertising, and I recently launched my own business between mindfulness and styling. It’s something that has really excited me. Keep putting that energy towards those things.