From Rolling Stone to ESPN: Chris Connelly's Storytelling Journey

Over the course of a remarkable career spanning Rolling Stone, MTV, ABC, and ESPN, Chris Connelly has become one of the most respected voices in American journalism and pop culture storytelling. From profiling icons like Madonna, Tom Cruise, and U2 in the early days of Rolling Stone to becoming a familiar face during MTV’s golden era, his work has consistently blended insight, humanity, and cultural relevance. At ESPN and ABC, Connelly has contributed to programs including Outside the Lines, E:60, Good Morning America, and 20/20, producing award-winning stories that go far beyond headlines and highlights. We also discuss ESPN’s inspiring “My Wish” series, which Connelly has hosted since 2006 in partnership with Make-A-Wish America. The series has become one of the network’s most emotional and impactful features, granting sports-related wishes to children facing life-threatening illnesses. In this conversation, we talk about: • The evolution of music and sports journalism • The heyday of MTV and celebrity culture • Storytelling with empathy and humanity • Behind-the-scenes moments from ESPN and ABC • The lasting impact of “My Wish” • Lessons learned from decades of interviewing iconic figures A special conversation for a milestone 100th episode. https://wish.org/mywish