INTERVIEWS
The Weekly Opine will occasionally interview noteworthy individuals. In reverse chronological order, Father Michael Pfleger, well-known pastor of St. Sabina Church in Chicago (Oct. 2024); at-the-time Disney CEO Bob Chapek (Feb. 2021); and former U.S. congressman (D-Ind.) Lee Hamilton (Oct. 2019) have been interviewed. Brief descriptions with links to the interviews are listed below.
Father Michael Pfleger, Pastor St. Sabina Church Chicago
Father Michael Pfleger is one of Chicago’s most famous icons, as well-known as any politician, athlete or entertainer in the Windy City. His reach extends nationally, as evidenced when Father Pfleger gave the keynote speech at the national celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Atlanta several years ago. The exclusive, nearly 40-minute interview took place on October 16, 2024, at St. Sabina Catholic Church on Chicago’s South Side. Father Pfleger brought the heat as we covered a range of topics including the condition of Chicago, migrants, religion in America, the nation’s future, the upcoming election, his political future and yes, even Snoop Dogg. Father Pfleger, a man of uncompromising faith, speaks truth to power like few others in America are willing to do.
Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company
On February 26, 2021, The Weekly Opine moderated a livestream discussion featuring fellow Indiana University alum, Walt Disney Company Chief Executive Officer Bob Chapek. Nearly 2,000 viewers signed up for the webinar that was streamed worldwide to 20 countries, including Chile, Indonesia, Lithuania, and Kenya. It was a wide-ranging interview that covered topics such as who influenced Chapek, his business philosophy, advice for students, and we compared notes re: what it was like being on campus when IU won the NCAA basketball championship. Afterwards a viewer went on social media and said the interview “rocked!” (Photos credit Indiana University screenshot)
Lee Hamilton, formerly U.S. House of Representatives (D-Ind.)
On October 17, 2019, The Weekly Opine landed an interview with former U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton (D-Ind.). Hamilton served in the U.S. House 1965-1999. Hamilton, 88 years old when interviewed by TWO, was engaging, sharp, and quick-witted as we discussed politics and current events. We also discussed the school named after Hamilton and his friend, the late Senator Richard Lugar (R-Ind.). The Hamilton-Lugar School of Global and International Studies is a gem on the campus of Indiana University and has, since it’s opening about a decade ago, become one of the leading schools of international studies in America. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)