The Best of Chicago, for Chicago

Meet Julie Maddox, creator of NBC’s “Chicago Today”

By Cynthia Maquet

Lifestyle, fashion, food, health, and beauty are just a few of the trending topics that are covered every weekday morning on NBC’s Chicago Today. The show, which first premiered in September of 2019, will begin its sixth season of entertainment this fall with the same amazing team led by executive producer Julie Maddox (née McGivern), who lives right here in the western suburbs.

Downers Grove Magazine had the chance to sit down with the two-time Emmy Award-winning Maddox to learn more about her journey to Chicago Today. Maddox created and launched this successful show that is consistently viewed by tens of thousands of viewers.

Downers Grove Magazine: How did your childhood help you get to where you are today?

Julie Maddox: I was so lucky that my parents allowed me to try activities, sports, and music with abandon growing up. When I got toMontini Catholic High School (Lombard), I found myself taking on leadership positions and thriving in them. I was in honor societies and student government for all four years and continue to use those leadership skills today as a manager.

DGM: When did you know you wanted to be in the entertainment industry?

JM: Starting out, I wanted to be a radio DJ. I studied radio and television broadcasting at Purdue University and got an internship at a local station. During my senior year I was offered a position as a full-time on-air talent. Within two years, I was hosting a morning show and was the Director of News and Public Affairs. After a few years, I knew I needed more of a challenge, and that’s when I took the leap and moved to Los Angeles.

DGM: What are the television shows you have been a part of producing?

JM: When I headed to Los Angeles, I secured a position as a producer for The Tyra Banks Show. I also did a pilot for Sony and produced a revamped ‘70s game show called I’ve Got a Secret while in LA. I liked LA, but my family is in Chicago, so I took an opportunity with The Jerry Springer Show, which allowed me to move back. I was with The Steve Harvey Show for all five seasons. I have also worked with Intersport and Pro Football Weekly. I’ve been with NBC/ Chicago Today for five years, and I’m also an executive producer for the annual A Very Chicago New Year.

DGM: What inspired your idea for Chicago Today?

JM: Chicago is such a beautiful, vibrant city, and it deserves to be celebrated. There are endless small businesses to highlight, as well as endless adventure, fun, and most definitely food. And who doesn’t want to know, “Where should we go next?”

DGM: How has your team helped you bring Chicago Today so much success?

JM: I had a vision, but there are so many people within NBC that were instrumental to getting the show off the ground and continuing to help it grow. They all had a part in creating Chicago Today. And the team in place now: their creativity, hard work and commitment are what really brings this show to life.

DGM: How do you balance your professional life with your home life?

JM: I have been married for 12 years to my wonderful husband Bobby, who carries more than his share of the weight, as we raise our 8-year-old daughter Elena. I do what every mom does. I do my best and try to do it all. There isn’t another parent who doesn’t do the same. I always have the support of my family, as well as a rather large extended family of over a hundred relatives.

DGM: What are some of the key milestones in your career so far?

JM: I received two Emmys for Steve Harvey, although I’ve been nominated for other work. The first time I won, it was so genuinely unexpected that we had to be reminded to go up and accept it. It is always nice to be lauded, and I am very proud of the show and my colleagues. I am even more proud that I get to tell stories for a living.

DGM: Do you have an idol/role model?

JM: I was so lucky to grow up with such a strong family unit that inspired me and still does. The women in my family were unstoppable forces of love and commitment that seemed able to accomplish anything, especially my mom. My dad has always known the answer to anything and could solve any problem. Once I became a manager myself, I needed his advice more than ever. I try to be the kind of boss my dad has always been, but I care about my team and the viewers like my mom would. I’ll likely never do them justice, but I’ll keep trying.

DGM: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your role?

JM: Starting a show six months before the pandemic hit. We were a brand-new show, and suddenly, we had to be creative about what our content was and how to present it. It was an opportunity to give viewers something to look forward to, as well as be a place where small businesses could amplify how they pivoted with storefronts closed. Just like everyone else at that time, we had to find ways to do things that seemed impossible before.

DGM: How do you see your future in the industry?

JM: When I was 23, I told my parents I wanted to be an executive producer by the time I turned 40. They reminded me of that goal at the age of 37 when I became one. I have learned the value of being in different leadership positions to make more things happen, so there are more avenues to chase there. But I’m still working for my greatest accomplishment because why wouldn’t I be? The best is yet to come.

Chicago Today can be seen on NBC Monday through Thursday at 11:45 a.m. and Fridays at 11:30 a.m.