Bar Talk with Jenna: Recent Episodes
Jenna Duddleston
Hosted by Jenna Duddleston Helping people realize we have more in common with each other than we have different.
After the news of Damar Hamlin needing CPR during the Monday Night Football game Jenna wanted to talk to former college football player and host of Are You Serious Sports podcast, Blake Ruffino. The two discuss how we have de-humanized football players, how the game can make these players become desensitized to the risk and is it worth it.
This week Jenna sits down with New York City bartender and host of the podcast, She Werks Hard for the Money, Nina Scalera. The two talk about what goes on behind the bar, the biggest tip her ever received and the lessons she has learned while being in the hospitality industry.
Football and Thanksgivings go together like fireworks and the 4th of July. Jenna wanted to learn more about how this tradition began. This week hear from football historian, Jeremy Swick (@theaveragehistorian) to learn when the first NFL game on Thanksgiving happened, why the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys will always be apart of the day, and how the tradition actually started from Ivy League college football.
This week Jenna invites Annie Costabile to the bar. Annie is a multimedia journalist for the Chicago Sun Time covering the Chicago Sky and Red Stars and she has also been covering the Bulls this season as well. She is the host of the podcast Equal Play where she aims to highlight the brightest women in sports from the field to the front office. In this conversation Annie discusses the importance of showing up, why patiences isn’t always a good thing and so much more.
A few weeks ago Jenna had a conversation in Shinnick's Pub that lead to this week's podcast; Surrender is a New Start. Jenna discusses how letting go of the reins can be the beginning on something incredible.
In a bucket list conversation, Jenna chats with Paul Konerko to discuss what 2005 means to him, why he decided to come back for his final year in 2014 and and how he felt he didn’t deserved the sent off that he received. Jenna asked about the relationship between Konerko and Jose Abreu and what it was that Paul taught him in his final year. The conversation ends on some great insight from Konerko on the complexity of loyalty in sports from both a player and organizational point of view, and how it’s biting the Yankees.
Jenna sits down with podcaster, Rodney Perry of the of The Simply King Podcast to figure out why people ties their opinions to their beliefs. Rodney shares how we can be better at listening and 3 tips to be better at having conversations.
This week Jenna is sitting down with the Chicago White Sox visiting batboy, Anthony Arredia and learns what goes on in a clubhouse. Anthony shares how he got the job and what it is that the job entails. The crazy hours that come with the gig, the wildest errands he's had to run for a player and the nicest MLB star that made him feel apart of the team.
In this week's Mini Motto Monday Jenna explores one of the four agreements; don't take anything personally. How can you shift your mindset to realize that nothing is personal? When you learn to implementing this into your life can and will reduce stress and anxiety.
This week Jenna sits down with professional volleyball player & Olympic medalist, Karsta Lowe. Jenna knew she needed to have Karsta on Bar Talk after listening to Ted Talk. We dive into the idea of radical acceptance and how this has changed Karsta out look on life. Being a mental health advocate Karsta discuss how we are not doing enough for professional athletes. She expands more into how having a conversation is a start and we still have along way to go. Not only for athletes but for people in general. We end the show on some fun ridiculous random rapid fire questions and end on an unexpected bourbon lesson.
This week Jenna dives into the importance of detaching from the outcome you want. Letting go of the “how” is the key to that. That very important key is difficult and Jenna shares the key step into detaching and what it is that you need to focus on.
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success
In this week’s mini Jenna explores the idea that we all care, so why do we tell ourselves we don’t? Listen in as Jenna shares why you need to admit to yourself and go after what you care about.
Jenna sits down with Janice Scuriosa, writer and podcaster for NBC Sport Edge and CHGO. Jenna knew she wanted to have Janice on after CHGO posted a clip of her talking about coming up in this industry. Janice said, “I didn’t think anyone was interested in what I had to say.” The two chat about the feedback Janice received from that clip and the similarities and differences between the MLB & WNBA, the two leagues that Janice covers. Janice opens up about being neurodivergent and how this has impacted her life.
Today is Bar Talk 100th EPISODE! A huge milestone that Jenna didn't know if she would reach 2 years ago when she started this during the pandemic and now here we are! As much as this episode is meant to be a celebration and the truth is Jenna's not in a celebratory mood. Listen to the opening to hear what Jenna has to say about the recent events that have happened in Chicago.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the first, Secrets from your Bartender podcast episode that Jenna thought, "let's do it again!" Get ready to laugh as Jenna chats with fellow neighborhood bartender, Mikey "Meechy" Hillock from Turtles Bar & Grill. The two share their experiences of being behind the bar as well as drunken stories.
Practicing gratitude is something that can change your life. A small and simple act of realizing and expressing out loud what it is that you are grateful for will not only make your realize how much you have, it will attract more blessings into your life. In this mini Moto Monday Jenna shares 3 things you can start to practice gratitude now.
Jenna dives into the importance of how you are communicating to yourself. She also explains how this conversation is actually a conversation you're having with the universe.
On another episode of mini Moto Monday's, Jenna is sharing the 5 things she wished she knew sooner in life.
Jenna sits down with former NHL goaltender & 2015 Stanley Cup Champ, Scott Darling, to discuss his new endeavor, stand up comedy. Scott shares how he got into comedy and you’ll find out which famous comedian he has tattooed on him. He also opens up about his depression that he’s been experiencing since 2003 and how his therapy journey has created a bridge for him to be vulnerable with his closest friends. This conversation gets deep but you will be laughing the whole way due to Scott’s dark sense of humor that you can really see shine in his stand up act. Heads up though, Scott does not share his show dates. You’ll just have to pop into a Chicagoland comedy club and hope to see him.
This time Jenna is getting asked the questions. Rapper and voice over actor, Southside Jake, is asking Jenna where her love of baseball stems from and the impact it’s had in her life. The two also get a little derailed in discussing the future of their careers, how consistency is the key, and you just have to keep swinging. Eventually, a single turns to a double, a double to a triple and a triple into a home run. That home run doesn’t happen until you have the courage to step up to the plate and swing. BONUS CLIP: To Be A Kid Again at the Field of Dreams
There’s something about baseball that makes you feel like a little kid again. A sense of bliss, joy and being-carefree washes over you when being near a baseball diamond. This week Jenna adventures to Dyersville, Iowa where she had the opportunity to witness the first City Kid Classic presented by Grit Clothing where inner city kids had the chance to play at the Field of Dreams. This event not only gave Jenna that child-like sense of wonder, but you could feel it from the kids, the parents, and everyone in attendance. You’ll hear from some of the kids who had the opportunity to play in the game, the owners of Grit Clothing Co., and how rewatching The Field Of Dreams before the game made the event that much better.
Come summertime you can always find Jenna in her Aunt Josie’s backyard wearing her favorite swimsuit from Ama Bikini and Jenna wanted to learn more about the company. Amie Capi, owner of Ama Bikini shares how starting this company stemmed from her having a difficult time finding designer like suits while playing beach volleyball down in Miami Beach. Amie shares how she thinks working from home will impact her daughters as well as a whole new generation of children with majority from working for home. We also dive into influencer marketing and how one viral tiktok resulted in one of her bikinis selling out instantly! You’ll learn why Ama Bikini only offers 3 sizes within their company; the reason behind this was eye-opening to Jenna.
Taylor Swift’s song, Invisible Strings, is inspiring this weeks mini episode. Jenna shares the number of invisible strings that lead to her getting her new job with Bleav Network. She also shares how you have these strings of fate leading you to exactly where you are meant to be. You may not understand the sequences of events that are happening in the moment, but one day all of these invisible strings will make sense.
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Link to Ted Talk, Why Great Leaders Take Humor Seriously
It may be just another day, but to Bridgeport and White Sox fans, opening day is a national holiday where PTO is involved for many. Jenna takes you through opening day from Shinnick's Pub to the ballpark itself! Hear what people are looking forward to this season, and their opening day traditions. Also we have a PSA on why you should always include food in your drinking endeavors.
Chili Dog MVP: Dick Allen, The '72 White Sox and a Transforming Chicago https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09V1DVKQY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2WZFMT6YB2TKPAEDNDB2
It's Bar Talk's 2nd Anniversary and Jenna forgot about it...If this were a marriage, she would be in the dog house.
As Jenna looks back on the 2 years and reflects she realizes it's time to share how the idea for Bar Talk came about. How the idea stemmed from going to her first sports internship on the wrong day, and then not doing anything with the idea for 7 years. The "wtf moment" she had when she turned 27 sparked a conversation between her and a psychic medium that influenced the beginning of her Bar Talk journey.
It's Jenna's favorite time of the year, St. Patrick's Day! On this episode Jenna head over to Shinnick's Pub, her family's establishment. You're going to meet some family members and hear what they have to say about this why this day means so much, and learn little bit about the bar. Slainte!
A recent event lead Jenna to a crossroad in life; keep on the same path or learn the lesson and grow. She picked the ladder.
After landing a huge job opportunity learn why Jenna turned it down. After declining this job she sat in her sadness & angry, leading to some incredible discoveries. Jenna realizes that when her angry comes out its giving valuable insight into what’s going on around her. Leading Jenna to have a better relationship with her angry, the red that’s inside of her.
Jenna shares 3 things to do in order to help you know your value & worth. A little hint, when you know & understand your value & worth you only allow the greatest of value to sit at your table.
Jenna chats with Nick McKinney & Williams Tang of TEAM TANG. We discuss how the idea for Team Tang came about, how much this means to William, and why everyone should partake in a Special Olympics event in their life.
If you are interested in joining or donating to Team Tang click here.
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Jenna chats with Livi Severin, comedian & host of Mid-Day Matcha. Livi shares how the idea for Mid-Day Matcha came about and what she is hoping to gain when she moves to New York. The two also discuss what asking for signs looks like from the universe. The issues they both have with dating and so much more! It’s a show that’s a little bit all over the place but a show that will give you a lot of insight. Enjoy!
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Jenna will be partaking in the Polar Plunge this year. If you would be interested in. donating click here.
Jenna sits down with Bobby O’Brien aka dying in designer to talk about his music career and his latest business, Bridgeport Hobby.
Bobby shares how he accidentally fell into sports cards, what you need to know if you want to get into sports cards and when his new music is coming out.
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After Jenna had an honesty conversation about social media with her best friend, Morgan Munizzi, she knew she had to get her on the podcast. Jenna was getting frustrated seeing people she knew act like their lives were picture perfect when in reality, that just wasn't the case. She turned to Morgan to express her frustrations and what followed sparked this episode. Morgan talks about why she deleted her instagram, the challenges she faced while on it and what she's gain since deleting the app.
It's a conversation with 2 best friends getting real about the good, bad, pretty & ugly of social media. There's also a lot of wine involved and let's also talk about how you should NEVER ask someone in person why they unfollowed you. It's just fucking weird and none of your business.
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Jenna sits down with the writers behind the Netflix original movie, Home Team, Chris Titone & Keith Blum.
The two share how the idea stemmed from Chris’s girlfriend, Meghan Payton who did a piece for the NFL network showing what her father, Sean Payton, did the year he was suspended from the NFL.
Keith breaks down what the writing process looks like, and what the two of them took away from the film. Chris also shares why this was the best experience of his life. Oh and we learn how a puke scene in Hollywood works.
Meghan Payton's NFL Piece
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Jenna chats with her former assistant college coach turned home influencer, Raftyn Rignell of the @RignellRanch. Raftyn shares why she stopped coaching. How she took her love of home, interiors and DIY and turned it into a business. How influencer marketing is the way of the future and small things you can do to improve your home.
RignellRanch
Jenna sits down with Megan Reyes & Dan Ormiston to discuss what is imposter syndrome. How to know if you have it and some advice for how to overcome imposter syndrome.
https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2013/11/fraud
https://www.verywellmind.com/imposter-syndrome-and-social-anxiety-disorder-4156469
https://meganreyes.substack.com/p/thewarmup
Who here is struggling to figure out their goals for the new year? If you said yes, you’re not alone. Jenna struggled to figure out what her goals were for the new year too. She dives into the difference between intentions vs. resolutions. How meditating helped Jenna figure out her intentions and the importances of being kind to yourself while setting goals.
This week your guest is Jenna. A story that's been a decade in the making and now, its time. Jenna opens up about how her freshman year of college shaped the rest of her life. How she pretended to be fine and acted like everything was okay, when the reality was, she was broken on the inside. Jenna vulnerably shares the addictions she secretly faced to cope with the pain and what all three of these addictions have in common. She ends the show with the 11 beautiful lessons she's learned along the way.
This week Jenna shares a drink with fellow neighborhood bartender, Jake Callinan of Cork & Kerry At The Park. The two share how to get on your bartenders good side, and what not to do to piss off your bartender. Jake also talks about why he feels people confide in bartenders and how at times your bartenders are part therapist. Jenna tells the greatest "hitting on a guy" story of all time! HINT: It involves Coach Gordon Bombay. We end the conversation with Jake asking Jenna if she thinks she'll ever retire. Give it a listen to find out what Jenna says.
Who would've thought an honest instagram post lead to today's conversation?! Jenna's sharing a drink with her sister, Jill Duddleston. The two talk about how it's okay to be lost in life and how dating yourself truly is the key to everything. Jill opens up about what true success looks like to her (it's not what you think) and how doing one small thing a day made a huge impact. Jenna shares what her perfect date with herself looks like and we learn that Chinese Kitchen is an actual restaurant. Should also add that Sundae is the main star of the show here. You may not be able to see him, but boy will you feel him.
Article: 12 Things You Should Remember When Feeling Lost in Life >>> https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/12-things-you-should-remember-when-feeling-lost-and-lonely.html
What do you do when you need a break? A time to reset, recharge and relax. What happens when you don’t realize that and in return, get burnt out? How can you learn the warning signs of burn out before it happens? Jenna chats with the host of The Red Flag Collectors, Danielle Hare, to discuss just that. Jenna shares how she has learned the warning signs within herself before a burn out is coming on. Danielle who recently went through a burn out opens up about it and two discuss what can be done to prevent it within yourself.
Bar Talk with Jenna
Jenna Duddleston
The Red Flag Collectors
Daniell Hare
Burnout Prevention and Treatment Article
This week we belly on up to the bar with Father Dan Brandt, the Chaplain for the Chicago Police Department. The 2 discuss how we are all love, how one finds light during a dark time, the struggles that Father has had and Jenna shares how at one point she lost her faith. This week church is in a bar. So get ready and enjoy!
I went back to college! It's been 8 years since I've been back to Marshall, Minnesota home of the Southwest Minnesota State University Mustangs! I thought it would be a great idea to have my former coach on, Terry Culhane. We sit down and talk life, how a small town made a huge impact on me and more. Sit back, crack open a Coors Lights (throw in some olives) & enjoy!
White Sox Dave had a pretty calm week, nothing crazy happened to him at all (that’s sarcasm if you couldn’t tell). Jenna chats with Dave about what went down between him & John Cusack and what he’ll do when he sees him again. The two also talk about the good and bad of this season. Discussing what the organization needs to improve on, build on and how the Southside has a lot of to look forward to in the upcoming years.
The White Sox are in the playoffs and hopefully will be winning another World Series! Jenna wanted to chat all things White Sox baseball with in-game host, Alyssa Bergamini. Jenna and Alyssa discuss who on the team has surprised them the most this year, as well as who are our dark horses is in the playoffs. Alyssa shares why she got into sports broadcast and the lack of female voices in the Chicago sports media. The conversation ends on a beautiful note of realizing it’s the small moments in life that matter more.
Is Chicago my forever home?
This has been a question that has been on my mind for sometime now. I have wanted to have a discussion on this topic, but didn't know what the conversation would look like and honestly I've been scared to have it too. I sit down with life long family friend, Jack Brynes to discuss Chicago's problems, our love for this great city and what can we do to turn it around. Truth is, we have a long way to go, but hopefully this is a start.
This week Jenna chats with her former classmate, Vanity Walsh, as she opens up about being in an abusive relationship, losing her fiancé, being shot at, and getting bit in the face by a dog. Besides all the lows Vanity has faces, she still find the goods and highs in life. Get ready to be inspired and gain a new perspective in this incredible conversation.
Not the original episode Jenna had in mind, but when your life is in a state of disarray, it will naturally lead to a different topic. In this week's episode Jenna discuss how she's learning to surrender to the higher plan, easier said than done and something Jenna's still figuring out.
We're picking up right where we left off! Jenna, Terri & Benji answer questions, and Terri flips the script and makes Jenna answer some rapid fire questions.
A drunken conversation in the outfield at a White Sox on a Sunday Funday turned into today's episode! Jenna sits down with her cousin, Terri Shinnick and bar regular, Benji Woods to discuss what dating looks like in your 20s, 30s & 40s. Sit back, relax and grab a drink! You're gonna want one for this.
Nothing will ever be “normal” again!
After going out the first weekend that Chicago reopened Jenna realized that as much as we want to say everything is back to normal, NOTHING is! This week Jenna shares 3 important things to know as you reenter society.
Jenna shares a drink with The Draft Network CEO, Paige Dimakos. The two discuss running towards adversity and being okay with embracing it, how treating everyone the same got Paige in the Arizona Coyotes owners box for life, how at the start of Paige’s career there were not many supportive women in the industry, and an ode to the professor at Nebraska that knew Paige had “it.”
Jenna’s drinking some Uncle Nearest Whiskey with Victoria Butler, Master Blender behind the award winning and fastest growing spirit ever. Nathan “Nearest” Green, who was enslaved until 1865, and the man that taught Jack Daniels how to make whiskey is the great-great-grandfather of Butler. Whiskey may run in her blood, but the journey to becoming a Master Blender is anything, but ordinary. Listen to hear how Butler didn’t realize her family history was unique, and what she would say to Nearest if she could.
Jenna shares a drink with professional hockey player, Chelsey Goldberg to discuss what the PWHPA is working towards, why Chelsey feels it's the right time to move back home, to embrace the adversity that's throw your way, and how small our problems are in the grand scheme of things.
TRIGGER WARNING: Miscarriage/ Infant Loss
Jenna sits down with Ally Redig of Athlete Relations to discuss her business, the care she has for her clients that shines through in her work and the inspiration behind her “Woman in Sports” hoodie. Ally also opens up about her miscarriage, why she wanted to talk about it publicly and her advice on what to say to someone that has miscarried.
Jenna sits down with Frank Ruffolo, owner of Franco’s Ristorante & il Culaccino. Frank opens up about being a kid working with his father, the ironic coincidence between his birthday and Franconello, and why he felt this was in calling.
It's been a year since Bar Talk started off as an Instagram LIVE show! Jenna thought on the 1 year mark it was only fitting to bring back Madison Koekkoek, but this time Madison's asking the questions! Get ready to hear what Jenna's learned, what to look forward to and her dream guest.
This week Jenna talks about...
-sitting in her emotions, how this has greatly benefited her
-being able to be the in-game announcer for the PWHPA
-letting herself feel joy for the first thing in awhile
Get ready to meet Mike Rubio, the brains behind The Greatest Card Trick! Jenna sits down with fellow Bridgeport native to chat about how The Greatest Card Trick came about, and what project he has in the works. Jenna opens up the podcast to discuss the weight of your words and how we need to be careful with how we use them.
Jenna talks about how Cancel Culture is TERRIBLE for our society. She breaks down...
-Erika Nardini & the NWHL
-Why what happened with the NWHL only hurts the women
-Different perspectives are a GREAT thing
-The difference in women's sports vs. men's sports
Jenna sits down with up and coming artist, Saesoh to discuss her new single, “New Too Much”, her journey with vulnerability, and finding the courage to purse her dreams.
Jenna shares a drink with Pure Barre West Loop & Fulton Market Owner, Susan Rothman. Jenna shares how Pure Barre was her New Year's resolution, how it got her through the pandemic, and how she's working out for her insides and not her outsides. Susan opens up about what she wishes people knew about owning a small business and how toxic positivity during COVID isn’t helping.
You’ve seen the picture of the kid in his Bears jersey giving the bird to Aaron Rodgers, so rightfully so, he had to come on Bar Talk and we needed to know the story!
Jenna ends the year on sharing what she learned, the realizations she's come to, and how if the pandemic didn't happen Bar Talk might not have either. It's all about changing your perspective on this episode!
A swimming pool accident nearly paralyzed John Arenz from the neck down. The doctors told him he would never use his arms or hands again, but John would not accept the thought go never peeing again on his own. Five months post-accident, John has defied the odds and is proving every doctor wrong.
As I sit here with a grateful heart, I want to express my gratitude towards every single one of you during this time. Happy Thanksgiving!
The RPM brand has become a staple in the Chicago restaurant scene. With the newest addition RPM Seafood, Jenna talks to two of their employees, Clint Miller and Michael McDonald, on what it’s like working for the new establishment. From the difficulties they are facing working during a pandemic to sharing positive Karen stories.
Jenna almost set her house on fire 2 minutes before this interview. Yep, that almost happened. Oh and it's on video. Bria was kind enough to let Jenna get her shit together before chatting it up. Bria opened about her journey of staying true to herself (while being a mom), how she knew her husband, Tim Anderson, was the one and giving yourself patience and grace while raising her kids.
Pour yourself a glass and get ready for an insightful conversation on Botox! Jenna shares a drinks with aesthetic nurse Nico Palanti of SpaDerma. Palanti debunks misconception about Botox, the questions you should ask yourself before you get injected and why you should NEVER get Botox through Groupon!
This week Jenna's riding solo and sharing some good news! Jenna talks about the restaurant industry, the White Sox, and Bears. Jenna gets real, talking about her struggles with control.
Jenna heads to Joe’s on Weed Street for a conversation with the man credited for bringing country music to Chicago, Ed Warm. The owner of Joe's, who is also a 3x ACM Promoter of the Year, and co-founder of the Windy City Smokeout, hits all the high notes - from discovering the biggest names in country music to the future of live music and its return.
Jenna invites Barstool Carl to her family's establishment, Shinnick's Pub on the Southside of Chicago. The two Chicago natives sip on lunchboxes (yes, that’s a drink) while discussing how Carl almost became a lawyer. Things then get wild during a game of “most likely”. Listen to find out which of the Barstool Chicago hosts are most likely to ____.
Jenna has on her 2 coworkers from Pizzeria Portofino, Courtney & Gavin, to discuss the famous people they’ve served, what it’s like working at the hottest restaurant in the city and the craziest customer stories they’ve experienced.
Jenna shares a drink with Lindsey Simon & Denise Kokinis. The ladies of “Plus Some Inches” spill some major tea from hitting over 1 million views in their first TikTok video, to their message and learning to love everything about themselves - flaws included!
Jenna's drinking before noon with Tim Doyle of CBS Sport and NBA TV. Tim talks his second act in this industry, how gambling saved his life and how his son "Chicago Joe Doyle" has made him a better man.
Jenna virtually shares a drink with MLB free-agent Luke Gregerson as he shows us his bourbon collection, discusses if baseball is likely to finish this year, and Houston’s cheating scandal.
Jenna shares a drink with Pete Houlihan, owner of Win Performance, “The Journey Podcast” & fellow Chicagoland native.
Listen to find out what redefined strength for Pete and what his “why” is in life.
After some unexpected time off, Bar Talk is back! In this return Jenna shares a drink with Chelsea Cunningham, her former teammate of 5 years to discuss the recent rise in the fight for racial equality happening in our country. In their conversation, Chelsea talks about how you can be a good teammate while we navigate this next chapter.