My Chicago Podcast: Recent Episodes
mychicagopodcast
My Chicago is a podcast that explores the businesses, stories, and people that make Chicago great. Host Carrie Rubin interviews the entrepreneurs behind local small brick and mortar businesses in Chicago and shares their behind-the-scenes stories and the rollercoaster of keeping their business afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Guild Row co-founder Mike Healy discusses his social club with creative, entrepreneur, and activist members that "give a damn". https://mychicagopodcast.com/guild-row
Four Entertainment Group Managing Partner David Halpern discusses opening the group's newest venue, Central Park Bar in Avondale. https://mychicagopodcast.com/central-park-bar
BottlesUp! owner Melissa Zeman chats about how she brings the fun to her bottle shop and the experiences she offers both in person and online. https://mychicagopodcast.com/bottles-up
Bartoli's Pizzeria owner Brian Tondryk discusses his family roots in Gino's East and opening locations in Roscoe Village and West Town. https://mychicagopodcast.com/bartolis/
Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar owner and Sommelier Lindsey Anderson discusses expanding the business with a new retail storefront. https://mychicagopodcast.com/uvae
Chicago Makers Pop Up Shop co-owner Anna Romo discusses her unique business that sells Chicago-made arts and crafts and helps the makers get their businesses up and running.
https://mychicagopodcast.com/chicago-makers-popup
Wicker Park Inn owner Laura Yepez discusses opening, remodeling, and expanding the B&B, pandemic pivots, and adding local touches to guests' stays. https://mychicagopodcast.com/wicker-park-inn
Rhine Hall Distillery owner Jenny Solberg Katzman discusses her distillery which focuses on European-style fruit brandies. https://mychicagopodcast.com/rhine-hall
Bizarre Bucktown owner and storyteller Gordon Meyer discusses his walking tours sharing the history of the Bucktown and Wicker Park neighborhoods. https://mychicagopodcast.com/bizarre-bucktown
Certified Professional Organizer Kelly Brask discusses services she provides and offering virtual services during the pandemic. https://mychicagopodcast.com/kelly-brask
Ludlow Charlington's owner Naji Al-Awar discusses his dog-themed coffee shop, the charity they support, and sustainability efforts. https://mychicagopodcast.com/ludlow-charlingtons
Birch Road Cellar co-owner Kim Bosse discusses her BYOB membership-based “neighborhood clubhouse” with locations in Lincoln Park and Roscoe Village.
https://mychicagopodcast.com/birch-road-cellar
Memoir for Me owner Nora Kerr shares why she started her keepsake storybook business and why capturing family stories is important. https://mychicagopodcast.com/memoir-for-me
Bucktown Pub General Manager Autumn Giltner discusses the history of the bar, neighborhood support, and operating challenges during the pandemic. https://mychicagopodcast.com/bucktown-pub/
Liza Solberg from Spynergy discusses her history with spin and creative solutions to keep teaching spin classes during the pandemic.
Purple Monkey Playroom owner Jessica Roubitchek discusses surviving the pandemic and changes she made to the business to keep clients and employees safe.
Stephanie Escobedo from Through the Body shares why she started this dance-centric fitness studio and why creating community was important to her.
Andrea Gaines discusses her fitness studio, Catalyst Movement Arts, and the benefits of pole dancing over and above physical fitness.
Maren Rosenberg shares the story of Escape Artistry being the first escape room in Chicago and what sets them apart from the competition.
Henry Cerdas shares the story of his parents opening Irazu in 1990 and the generosity that allowed him to make it through the past year.
Dr. Stacy Beute talks about operating a healthcare business during a pandemic and the different optical services Wink Optical provides.
The Kids Table owner Elena Marre discusses navigating the rollercoaster of keeping a small business afloat during a pandemic.
Emily Gloekler discusses the entrepreneurial journey that started in Africa and led her to buy the gift store/art studio One Strange Bird.
Zen Yoga Garage managing partner Melissa Talleda chats about pivoting to online and outdoor classes during the pandemic.
Joe Glorioso aka "Joey G" talks about starting his mac and cheese restaurant and staying afloat in the pandemic.
Building Blocks owner Katherine Nguyen discusses her entrepreneurial journey, surviving the pandemic, and providing top-notch service to her customers.
Host Carrie Rubin shares the story behind why she started this podcast, her passion for helping entrepreneurs, and what to expect in each episode.