Explore Brookfield: Recent Episodes
Boxless Media
Yes, Dancing with the Chamber is back. Now Brookfield will not be getting another stellar dance performance by myself, but there are a lot of people who are stepping up to make sure the show goes on, lol. In this episode we talk to co-founder Teresa and one of the new competitors, Chris Valadez of Cycle Brookfield. This is an episode you can't miss.
Anthony owns Superior Barbershop on the corner of Prairie and Burlington. I met Anthony when I was in desperate need of a haircut and was driving through Brookfield. I walked in (without an appointment) and they welcomed with open chairs. And they gave me an amazing haircut. Then we realized that we have a few mutual friends. Next thing you know it, Anthony was launching a podcast, "Beyond the Clippers," in Media Space Studios and we have become good friends. It's my pleasure to bring him on to Explore Brookfield and talk barbering. As the host of "Beyond the Clippers," Anthony is well-respected in the industry and talks with some of the best barber in the country on a variety of topics. It's a great podcast for everyone.
This episode, I interview Illinois Appellate Court Justice Jesse Reyes who is running for the Illinois Supreme Court. Justice Reyes is well-known within Cook County as someone who is always present and also advocating for equal access to justice. It is my honor my to call him a good friend, but also an honor to bring him back to Explore Brookfield to talk about issues and his campaign.
Carla Riseman rediscovered art and in doing so joined the online community, The 100 Day Project. She created a new piece of art every day for 100 and shared it with our community. Her adventure in art was awesome and as we get ready for the Fine Art Festival this weekend, check out this episode. You can see her artwork at @thundermoonstudio.
The past group of freshman State Representatives was one of the most diverse in Illinois history including representatives of Palestinian, Korean, Indian, and Vietnamese descents. It is amazing diverse. We talk about this diversity with one of Brookfield's new State Representatives, Abdelnasser Rashid. We learn about his recent trip to Palestine during which his town was attacked by Israeli troops. Finally, we learn about his priorities for the district.
Today I interview someone a little outside of Brookfield, but you will see why. I met John Paul Demirdjian, "the Captain," at a golf outing and I knew he would be a hilarious podcast guest. You are going to launch your buttocks off.
We talk about how he created his own hot sauce and so much more. Listen, I'm not a huge hot sauce person, but this stuff is amazing. You have to check it out. Capt. Demo's Red Hot Pepper Sauce is delish. It's not the stuff that is so hot you will be racing to bathroom. It's amazingly flavorful (with a kick). Use promo code JASON20OFF at https://www.captaindemos.com/ to save 20% on your purchase. But you have to check out this episode.
Programming note: there are a few bad words in this episode.
In April 2023, vandals painted over the beloved rainbow stairs of the Holy Covenant MCC Church on Maple. The church ministers to the LGBTQIA+ community and it's allies. It celebrates love by worshipping and serving our community, so why this act of hate? Well, the greater community of Brookfield responded and the rainbow stairs have been restored. And so has the love from the community.
July in Brookfield is going to be a lot about biking and we are putting Brookfield on the international map. This week, I talk with Chris Valadez of Cycle Brookfield about two awesome events: the Intelligensia Cup and Bike Brookfield.
The Intelligensia Cup is an internationally-known crit race that will bring people from around the world to Brookfield. Bike Brookfield will happen the same week and feature a very cool theme. Hear all about it on Explore Brookfield.
Everyone remembers going to the zoo as a kid and seeing that Mold-A-Rama machine and wanting to get a plastic dolphin or even dinosaur. Well, today he hear all about the business. Mold-A-Rama is actually based in Brookfield close to one of the favorite accounts - The Brookfield Zoo. From the zoo to an exhibit all about them at the Museum of Science and Industry, we talk all things Mold-A-Rama in today's episode. Check it out.
In this week's episode, I talk to Chief Mike of the Brookfield Police Department all about crime and policing in Brookfield. Chief Mike is an extremely interesting guy with a rather surprising, but very useful background. Listen to find out more.
In this episode of Explore Brookfield, I speak with Dr. Freytas from Riverside-Brookfield High School. Dr. Freytas and I fiercely competed in the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce Dancing with the Chamber and we had some fascinating conversations backstage. I'm not sure if he realized how impactful it was, but I was really impressed and I told him, you're coming on my podcast. We had a great conversation in this episode, and I hope Dr. Freytas will be back often to talk about RB. Go Bulldogs!
In this episode of Explore Brookfield, we talk to John Smego, the franchise owner of the local College HUNKS Moving and Hauling. We talk about his military service, his adventure into starting his business and all about the services they offer. Pay attention to this episode and you can win a copy of "Effortless Entrepreneur: Work Smart, Play Hard, Make Millions" by founders of College HUNKS, Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman.
Today we talk with Brookfield Trustee and Board Liaison to the Conservation Commission, Katie Kaluzny, and Chair, Bridget Jakubiak. We are talking about the creation of a Brookfield Sustainability Plan, either upcoming workshop, and the work of the Conservation Commission.
I am super excited about both this episode and something new coming to Brookfield. It's the Intelligensia Cup. This is an international crit bicycle race that is coming to Brookfield on July 26th. It's an awesome opportunity to showcase our Village, our people, our businesses and our neighborhood pride. Hear all about it in this episode. Chris even announces something for the first time, so you have to check it out.
In episode 3 of Explore Brookfield, we chat with Dylan Kloska of Vines & Vinyl. Vines & Vinyls is a new store to downtown Brookfield that combines plants and music - two passions of its owner. Dylan is super cool and you will love this episode and the store. You need to check it out.
In the second episode of the second season of Explore Brookfield, I speak with Rebecca "Becky" Davis all about her journey from RB athlete to Art-repreneur. She's painted the walls of Tischler's and holiday installations at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and she's an accidental artist. It's a wild journey that you have to hear about.
In the first episode of the second season of Explore Brookfield, I speak with Michael Garvey, the Village President. We don't shy away from rough topics at all. We talk water meters and bills, crime and more. I even put him on the spot about what would happen if there was another Chamber dance contest. What do you think? Is he in? Listen and find out.
The weather is finally getting better and so we can start thinking about outdoor events. In this episode we talk to Stevie Ferrari of the Brookfield Parks and Recs Department and Emily Egan from Community Development. We go over everything going on this year in Brookfield. It's a must-listen episode.
This episode we bring one of the most "community-active" businesses in town to the podcast, First National Bank of Brookfield. (We are not sure "community-active" is a word, but we will go with it.) Phil Richard, President of the Bank, and Amy Weinert, the Big Cheese, captivate us with all the wonders of community banking. (They were so convincing, I opened a personal account with them only hours after the recording).
This week we talk with Mike Doerr and Patrick Sheridan from A Sound Education in Brookfield. In addition to lessons they offer equipment sales and rental services as well as repairs. You have to check them out - especially at the 4th of July Parade.
Today we are joined by Michael Garvey, Brookfield's Village President. We talk all about what's going on at the Village and what we can expect this year as we begin to return to some sense of normalcy after COVID.
For the second episode of our second season, we talk to Fritz Kaegi, the Cook County Assessor, all about property taxes. It's probably a topic no one likes to talk about, but he offers some great information.
Welcome to the second season of the Explore Brookfield podcast. In this next episode, we talk about one Jason's newest business ventures... IL Health Testing Services. Aref Abdellatif, Medical Director and Partner, and Jason talk about COVID-19, testing and the new, reputable COVID testing center opening in Brookfield.
For our final episode of our Holiday Trilogy, we present a Gift of Faith. We welcomed to the podcast members of five different faith communities in Brookfield to share a holiday message.
Rev. Karl Sokol, Compassion Methodist Church
Rev. Brian Kean, Holy Guardian Angels Catholic Church
Pastor Rick Gonzalez, International Christian Fellowship
Pastor Rick Tatina, New Life Church Brookfield
Rev. Martha Daniels, Holy Covenant MCC
Today as a holiday gift, we present the singers of the Chicago Park District's Hale Theatre Company, accompanied by Jason Baumann on keyboard. Please enjoy this gift of music.
In the first of our holiday episodes (and our 6th month anniversary episode), we explore Brookfield looking for great gifts for the people on your gift list. Let me tell you, this town is filled with creative souls so you have to check out this episode before you buy any more gifts!
In our 25th Episode, we talk to Laura Atwood about her very cool store in Brookfield. Located in the 8 Corners business district, Laura features gifts from around the globe as well as some very cool local, handmade jewelry and scent products. Definitely a store and episode you have to check out.
We did something completely different for this episodes and asked the kids of Brookfield what they thought about the town and it was a lot of fun.
Today we talk with our friendly, neighborhood optomotrist, Toni Reising from Brookfield Eye Care. There's so much to learn about your eyes and LASIK and even implants! Then to close we talk about everything going on in Brookfield this Halloween. If you live in Brookfield, you have to listen to this episode.
IN MEMORY OF FRED BAUMANN.
This week, we diverge from our normal format to talk about Moving Day Chicago - benefitting the Parkinson's Foundation. Join your host Jason Baumann (Team Captain of Fred's Smack Down Crew) and Eric Fragoules (Development Manager, Parkinson's Foundation) as they discuss this weekend's event.
This week we talk to a guest who I have wanted to meet since I moved to Brookfield, Doc Mack, owner of Galloping Ghost Arcade. With more than 840 arcade cabinets on site, it is one of the biggest arcades in the world! You have to check out this episode.
This week we talk to TJ Booth, owner of Focus Om Yoga + Wellness, our next door neighbors. In today's episode we talk about all the new and exciting things happening there and even debunk some of those stereotypes about yoga and meditation. Ever wonder about Goat Yoga and Guy Yoga? You gotta listen!
For the 16th episode of Explore Brookfield, we have the pleasure of speaking to two guests: Cheryle Hurtado and Lisa Capone from Cantata Campus Services. Listen to hear all about the independent living, assisted living, and skilled rehabilitation services available here.
In this episode we sat down with Morey Curtis Dunbar, the owner of Painted Studio. Tune in to hear about how Morey got started and all the great things her shop has to offer.
Bob Uphues, Senior Editor of the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark, has been covering our community for 18 years! If someone knows all about the ins and outs of Brookfield businesses, schools, and government, it's Bob.
We are excited to bring Bob onto the Explore Brookfield podcast to talk about Brookfield, the newspaper industry and life as a reporter/editor.
Chris Valadez, Founder of Cycle Brookfield, talks all about cycling. He fills us in on their upcoming Bike Brookfield event, as well as other events they host and their advocacy efforts.
We are also excited to announce our Community News Section that premieres in this episode, so make sure you listen through the end of the podcast to hear what's coming up in Brookfield.
Check out this episode with Chris Borzym, the owner of Christopher Mark Fine Flowers, to hear all about flowers and the amazing support he has received from the residents of Brookfield.
Today, we welcome to the podcast, Justice Jesse Reyes, from the Illinois Appellate Court. Justice Reyes is one of the all around best guys you will ever meet - dedicating his life to service. As a successful attorney and now judge, Justice Reyes is truly an expert on the Illinois Judicial System - which is the topic of our conversation today.
We are so excited to have on our 10th episode Ms. Clara D'Onofrio, owner of Ms. Clara's Mini Musicians. As huge music fans, we were thrilled to discuss all things musical with Ms. Clara.
On this week's episode of the Explore Brookfield podcast, we talk to State Representative Michael J. Zalewski about Brookfield, COVID, the state budget, sports betting, BBQ and much more.
You won't want to miss this episode with local celebrity, Craig Goldwyn. Tune in to hear all about Craig's journey to the Barbecue Hall of Fame, his New York best seller and "Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling"
This week, we are excited to welcome Jessica Miller, Communications Director for Make-A-Wish Illinois, to the podcast. Listen and learn all about how the staff and volunteers create magical moments for children who are battling life-threatening conditions.
In this episode, we turn the tables and Jason Baumann, President of Boxless Media and host of this podcast, becomes the guest and is interviewed by Brian Baumann and Alayna Fernandez from the Boxless Team. Learn all about the marketing and media agency in town.
In this episode we sat down with Katie Nasti, president of the Brookfield Little League. Listen to how Katie got involved and everything you need to know about the Little League.
If you love candy, this episode is for you. Tune in to listen to Annette Pardun, the owner of Fill My Jar, talk about everything candy, chocolates, and more.
Check out this episode full of laughter with Mary Vasquez, the owner of Mary's Morning Mixup, to get an inside look at one of our favorite breakfast places in town.
When most people think of Brookfield, their first thought is of the world-famous Brookfield Zoo. Explore Brookfield seeks to change this incomplete (but flattering) view by interviewing the hard-working residents, business owners, and government officials who make up this vibrant community. Join our host Jason Baumann of Boxless Media as we Explore Brookfield.