Always Andersonville: The Podcast: Recent Episodes
Andersonville Chamber of Commerce
Welcome to Andersonville, the "shop local capital of Chicago." A neighborhood known for our Swedish roots, we now support over 400 local & independent businesses near and along Clark Street, located just north of Chicago's downtown. These are our stories, and we are Always Andersonville.
On this episode of Always Andersonville: The Podcast, CJ sits down with Kale Blessum, owner of Viking Muay Thai located at 5645 N Ashland. Viking Muay Thai is an Andersonville martial arts gym dedicated to the art of Muay Thai, welcoming everyone from first-time students to experienced fighters. With a focus on technique, fitness, discipline, and community, Kale and his team have created an approachable space where members can challenge themselves and build confidence.
On this episode of Always Andersonville: The Podcast, CJ sits down with Tyler and Andrew Fortman of Tandem Psychology. Tandem Psychology opened a new location this summer at 5340 N Clark, Suite 212 in Andersonville. Tandem is an established outpatient mental health practice serving individuals, couples, and families through compassionate psychotherapy and comprehensive psychological assessment. Built on the belief that meaningful change happens through collaboration, Tandem offers specialized, evidence-based care while maintaining a strong commitment to inclusivity and affirming support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
On this episode of Always Andersonville: The Podcast, CJ sits down with Alfie Rivera, Tom Rzeszutek, and Barbie Daggett, the family behind Andersonville's newest home and lifestyle shop, homebird at 5238 N Clark. Listen as they share their journey to create a store rooted in the idea that home is built over time, gathered piece by piece, and filled with meaningful objects that tell a story.
The 200th episode of Always Andersonville: The Podcast brings together 40th Ward Alderperson Andre Vasquez, 47th Ward Alderperson Matt Martin, and 48th Ward Alderperson Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth for a wide-ranging conversation about the issues shaping Andersonville and Chicago. Guest hosted by Dena Jo Pavlovic from ENJOY, the episode explores everything from neighborhood development, affordable housing, and small business support to city budgeting, public safety, and the future of independent business corridors.
On this episode Matt is joined by Mia Sakai, owner of Ándale Market and Amie Kesler, owner of Carolyn’s Krisps. Ándale Market is a curated bodega for goods on the go, located at 5232 N Clark in Andersonville and 725 W Wrightwood in Lincoln Park. Carolyn's Krisps is the gluten-free, vegan, and 100% ridiculously delicious cookie-cracker, which can be found on the shelves at both Ándale Market locations and other major retailers across Chicago. Listen in as they talk collaboration, friendship, and parenthood.
Today we're joined by Riz Galani and Dennis Tuttle of RG/Allure Group, a Chicago real estate team known for their personalized approach, local expertise, and commitment to helping clients navigate one of life's biggest decisions. With years of experience in Chicago's ever-changing housing market, Riz and Dennis have built a reputation for putting relationships first and delivering exceptional results!
On this episode of the podcast, Laura chatted with Rachel Travis, owner of Local Pastures, to learn more about her mission to connect communities with locally sourced, sustainably raised food. Rachel shares the story behind Local Pastures, the importance of supporting regional farmers and producers, and how thoughtful food choices can strengthen local economies while creating a more resilient food system.
Local Pastures works directly with farms and artisans throughout the Midwest, making it easier for consumers to access high-quality meats, dairy products, and pantry staples while supporting independent producers. Learn more about Local Pastures at localpastures.com.
On this episode of the podcast, CJ and Amelia chatted with Jessica Mutsch, owner of Remedy Laser Therapy at 5347 N Clark #2. Remedy Laser Therapy uses a non-invasive, low level laser to reduce inflammation, promote wound healing, manage pain, and improve skin health.
Jessica holds a Master's Degree and has worked as a psychotherapist for more than a decade. After experiencing life‑changing results from red light therapy, she set out to expand the way she helps people heal. Enjoy the episode!
Today on the podcast, we are joined by Nandita Goswami and David Rosetti, stewards of Aville Grows, the new community garden in Andersonville located at 5339 N Ashland and 5347 N Ashland.
Located in the heart of the neighborhood, this shared green space provides residents with the opportunity to grow their own food, learn about urban gardening, and participate in the stewardship of a more resilient and equitable local food system.
Aville Grows is powered by community involvement and is a project of the Andersonville Sustainable Community Alliance (ASCA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to create a greener, more inclusive Andersonville for all.
Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Luke Aronson and Mitch Migliore, the new owners of Vincent, located at 1475 W Balmoral.
With more than a decade of experience in Andersonville, Luke and Mitch share what it means to step into a beloved neighborhood spot and how they’re building on Vincent’s legacy as a true community gathering place. They talk about their vision for the future, their approach to hospitality, and why creating a “home away from home” matters now more than ever!
Today, we are joined by members of the Neo-Futurists, the experimental theater company that has been creating bold, original performances in Chicago since 1988. Their signature show, The Infinite Wrench, is a fast-paced, ever-changing production made up of 30 plays in 60 minutes, with the audience deciding the order of what happens on stage. It is unpredictable, personal, often hilarious, and unlike almost anything else you will see in theater.
The Neo-Futurists are known for blending storytelling, performance, and real life, with ensemble members writing and performing their own work and creating new material every week.
Today we talk about the origins of the company, the creative process behind The Infinite Wrench, the role of experimental theater in Chicago, and why spaces for artistic risk-taking continue to matter in neighborhoods like Andersonville.
Today, we are joined by Karen Carney, Head of School at Chicago Friends School, along with students Violet and Imogen.
Chicago Friends School, located at 1315 W Berwyn, is a K–8 independent school grounded in Quaker values: simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equity, and stewardship. Those aren’t just words on a wall. They shape how students learn, how teachers teach, and how the entire community shows up for one another.
In a supportive and intentionally diverse environment, students are nurtured to reach their full academic, creative, and spiritual potential. Curiosity is encouraged. Voices are respected. Character is built alongside strong critical thinking skills.
Graduates of Chicago Friends School leave not only prepared for high school, but equipped with the confidence, empathy, and real-world experience to help build a better world.
Today we are joined by Brian Mamassian and Tyler Leasher, co-owners of Cowboys and Astronauts, Andersonville’s independent lifestyle and gift shop. Founded in 2017 and relaunched in 2025, the shop offers a curated mix of apparel, accessories, home décor, and gifts blending rugged grit with cosmic imagination, a welcoming hub for the community known for its warm hospitality, thoughtful curation, and inclusive spirit. Tyler brings over a decade in retail, while Brian draws on 15 years in tech and finance. Known for warm hospitality and thoughtful curation, Cowboys and Astronauts features popular and local brands alike and has earned four consecutive Chicago Reader “Best of Chicago” honors.
7th District Senator Mike Simmons has been a champion of our community since first taking office in 2021. Senator Simmons made history as the first openly gay member of the Illinois Senate and the first person of color to represent his district. He’s a dedicated advocate for equity, housing, and public health, working to uplift communities and ensure every voice is heard in state government.
We're thrilled to welcome back former Andersonville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Sara Dinges for a discussion with Senator Simmons on the work he's done for our community and his running campaign for Congressman of the Illinois 9th District.
This week, we're joined by Brandon Mensing. Owner and head donut fryer at Andersonville’s newest donut business, The Good One who is also our lead sponsor for Taste of Andersonville on Wednesday, August 6 and a stop on the Nosh Route.
Brandon Mensing, Andersonville resident, a queer Midwesterner born just south of Chicago, spent nearly two decades wrangling start-ups before deciding life is better glazed. Hear about Brandon's transition from the tech world to the fried one, overcoming the hurdles of starting a small business, and The Good One's delicious future ahead.
A particularly exciting episode. We're joined by multi-talented performer Anthony Rapp who will be performing at Midsommarfest this year on Sunday, June 15 on our Summerdale Stage.
Anthony hardly needs an introduction with a decades long performance career across stage, screen, music, and even a couple of video games. A Chicago native, Anthony, his husband, and kids have recently joined our great Andersonville neighborhood as new residents and we couldn’t be more excited to have them as a part of our community.
In this episode, we’re exploring the world of pop-ups as Andersonville’s InSidewalk Sale returns, bringing deals indoors and debuting the first InSidewalk Sale pop-up market at 5117 N Clark, with over a dozen vendors showcasing their creative products from jewelry to florals, pet supplies to soaps and more.
Joining us are Dave from Printed Curiosities, Ben & Jesse of Floriography Fellows, and Tom from Six Point Pet to discuss the challenges and rewards of running a non-brick-and-mortar business—and why attending, shopping at, and supporting pop-up markets supports our small business community.
The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, anywhere you get your podcasts!
This week, we are joined by Hannah Wilson, owner of Andersonville’s new yarn hobby store, The Dropped Stitch!
The Dropped Stitch is Andersonville’s newest destination for knitters, crocheters, and embroiderers, offering a vibrant selection of yarns, needles, and crafting kits. Owned by Hannah Wilson, a passionate crafter and “Jeopardy!” champion, this LGBTQ+-owned shop features natural fiber yarns, top-tier tools, and make-it-yourself kits for all skill levels. Beyond supplies, The Dropped Stitch fosters community through workshops, classes, and a welcoming space to relax and create.
The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, anywhere you get your podcasts!
This week, I am joined by internationally acclaimed magician David Parr and Joey Cranford, CEO, Founder, and co - owner of Chicago Magic Lounge.
David Parr is an internationally acclaimed magician known for fooling Penn & Teller on Fool Us and creating Chicago’s longest-running weekly magic show. His theatrical style and expertise have earned him widespread recognition. David’s show, Cabinet of Curiosities, had a successful run at the Chicago Magic Lounge before touring the US. He is also a respected writer, with his thought-provoking works on magic featured in publications across Germany, France, Australia, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, highlighting his significant impact on the magic community.
Joey Cranford is an actor, director, and marketing executive, best known as the founder and CEO of the Chicago Magic Lounge. Trained at The Second City, he performed with I.O. and the Annoyance Theater before transitioning to film and TV, including roles in “Man of Steel” and “Better Call Saul.” His passion for Chicago history and close-up magic inspired the creation of the Chicago Magic Lounge, a top venue celebrating the city's historic magic bar scene.
The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, anywhere you get your podcasts!
This week, I'm joined by Janine Ramirez and Mike Waszkowski, owners of Rivers & Roads Cafe. Chicagoans Janine and Mike share a passion for adventure, food, and community. Janine, raised in a Puerto Rican household, discovered her culinary passion early, while Mike's adventurous spirit led him to rugby and philosophy. After a stint in LA, they returned to Chicago to realize their dream of creating a vibrant community hub with Rivers & Roads.
Rivers & Roads Cafe, nestled on Chicago's north side near Loyola University, brings the essence of national parks and forests to the urban landscape. Serving Counter Culture coffee and Steingold’s bagels alongside homemade delights like Sequoia cookies and quiche, they offer a cozy atmosphere with free Wi-Fi. Their dog-friendly patio and walk-up window ensure all are welcome, fostering a community of kindness and delicious treats.
The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, anywhere you get your podcasts!
You know them, you love them, but what's their story?! This week, I am joined by one of Chicago’s favorite premier bands, Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute!
Established in 2004, Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute is celebrating its 20th year of bringing ABBA's joy to audiences in Chicagoland and across the U.S. Founded by Nicky von Kondrat and Julie Brock, the band's inception was sparked by a chance encounter and a shared love for ABBA's music. Despite early challenges, their dedication and passion helped the band grow, with notable collaborations and a loyal fanbase. Now headed by Amanda Horvath-Adair, Justin Horvath - Adair, Cheryl Jennison Daproza, and Micky York. Dancing Queen is an established institution in Chicago audiences flock to see at every festival as they continue to spread happiness through ABBA’s timeless music, honoring its founders’ vision and delighting audiences.
Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute is headlining Midsommarfest once again! Catch their show on Saturday, June 8 at 8PM on our North Stage at Catalpa!
The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, anywhere you get your podcasts!
This week, I am joined by Phil McFarland, General manger of THC beverages Wherehouse Beverage Co producer and distributor of our Midsommarfest THC beverage sponsor, WYNK seltzer. Phil is a seasoned sales, marketing, and hospitality executive with 25 years of experience. Formerly VP at Canopy Growth, he spearheaded strategic transitions and launched over 115 products. Phil comes with significant experience in beer industry leadership, notably at Half Acre Beer Company.
WYNK, is an innovative alternative to alcohol. With its hemp-derived 1:1 THC:CBD blend, WYNK offers a zero-calorie seltzer experience that offers a light bubbly buzz without the hangover. Effects kick in within 10-15 minutes and last approximately 90 minutes. Available in 7.5 oz (2.5mg THC/CBD) and 12 oz (5mg THC/CBD) cans, natural flavors like Black Cherry Fizz, Lime Twist, Juicy Mango, and the latest addition, Tangerine.
WYNK will be available at Midsommarfest this year at all of our beverage booths. Keep an eye out and give it a try!
The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, anywhere you get your podcasts!
This week, we are joined by Andy Johnston, owner of Andy’s Art, Antique’s, & Oddities.
Andy’s Art, Antiques & Oddities was born from the cherished memories of Andy's late mother, Billie, a kindred spirit in the love for art, décor, and unique finds. Inspired by their global adventures and Billie's knack for discovering the extraordinary, Andy decided to pursue entrepreneurship, guided by childhood ambitions. Named after his mother's endearing nickname for him, the boutique specializes in handpicked, one-of-a-kind treasures for homes, aiming to evoke happiness, comfort, and curiosity. Andy's dedication extends to personalized consultations, ensuring clients find their perfect piece. With Billie's spirit infusing every aspect, Andy’s Antiques embodies a lifelong passion and a tribute to a beloved mother.
This week, we are joined by owner Chef Rich Wang and manager X Wang, of Andersonville’s newest restaurant, Minyoli, opening at 5420 N Clark Street.
Mínyólǐ (meen yo lee), inspired by Chef Rich’s Taipei childhood, embodies the essence of traditional Taiwanese juàncūn (jyuwen tswin) cuisine. Originating from villages built for military dependents, these communities fostered a rich fusion of Chinese flavors. Despite urban renewal erasing these cultural hubs, Mínyólǐ aims to preserve their legacy. From robust Sichuan spices to delicate Shanghai braising, their noodle shop in Chicago offers a taste of Taiwan's diverse culinary heritage, honoring the spirit of juàncūn culture.
The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, anywhere you get your podcasts!
This week, we are joined by Silas Leslie. Silas (they/them) serves as Hire Trans Now Coordinator, Trainer, and Data Analyst at Chicago Therapy Collective. Silas provides free training & education built around actionable & accessible best practices to small businesses (many of which are in Andersonville). As a biracial, queer, trans, and neurodivergent person, Silas is deeply committed to an intersectional approach to diversity. Having called the Andersonville area home for a decade, Silas is dedicated to helping Andersonville be accessible, diverse, and thriving.
Chicago Therapy Collective (CTC) champions city-wide accountability, tackling LGBTQ2SIA+ health disparities through education, therapy, advocacy, and the arts. Our mission, rooted in therapy's intimate awareness, addresses systemic injustices impacting LGBTQ2SIA+, especially QTBIPOC. CTC's flagship program, Hire Trans Now, fights employment discrimination by equipping Chicago businesses with resources to dismantle anti-trans biases. Through relationship-building and accountability measures, they foster welcoming, equitable spaces for trans and non-binary individuals. Join us in advancing collective health and well-being.
The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, anywhere you get your podcasts!
This week, we are joined by Eddy Ocampo. Founder and Owner of Skin Care For Gents and of the upcoming new addition to Andersonville, Apothecary EO. Eddy, an Andersonville native and seasoned dancer turned skincare expert, brings over a decade of experience in the beauty industry. As a licensed esthetician and laser technician, he has worked with top skincare brands like Image Skincare and PCA Skincare. Eddy's dedication to men's skincare led him to create a website catering to the everyday person's esthetic needs. His mission? Revolutionizing men's skincare, making it accessible and mainstream.
Skin Care For Gents was born in 2015 as a blog initially serving friends and clients but soon evolved into a global men's skincare resource. This journey led to the opening of Skin Care For Gents spa in Andersonville, in 2018, followed by a storefront in 2019. Along with celebrating six years of success in 2024, Skin Care For Gents is expanding with Apothecary EO, a clean beauty and skincare destination featuring a full-service spa and onsite florist, promoting health and environmental consciousness.
The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, anywhere you get your podcasts!
We're excited to present this special episode discussing the state of drag in Chicago and the country. Drag is important for its role in artistic expression, challenging gender norms, fostering inclusivity, serving as a platform for activism, providing safe spaces, offering entertainment and contributing to the cultural and historical fabric of society.
It continues to be a dynamic and evolving form of expression with a far -reaching impact. We were honored to bring together three of Chicago's top drag performers, drag queens Khloe Coulee and Chamilla Foxx and drag King Tenderoni to get their input and insights on drag in Chicago, the challenges that drag performers are currently facing, and some advice for up -and -coming drag performers and those looking to find more drag to enjoy throughout the city.
If you pick up one of our neighborhood guides at our local businesses, you can find more information about these performers as well as a list of businesses that you can see drag performance in the neighborhood.
We'd like to thank Khloe, Camilla, and Tenderoni for coming to speak with us, and we hope that this episode provides you some more gateways to experience drag in your local community.
The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, anywhere you get your podcasts!
This is our final episode in our series for our Say Hej campaign in January Health & Wellness month. In each episode, we’ve spoken with local experts on different aspects of health and wellness, correct some common misconceptions, and offer some insight and resources for achieving your own state of wellness in the new year.
This week, I am joined by experts from Family Matters Therapy. Founder and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Wendy Cohen and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Dan Stribling. Family Matters Therapy was founded with the goal of helping families come together and build a stronger connection. They assist families of all kinds but also have specialty in working with LGBTQ clients including gay couples and teens.
We're continuing our health and wellness podcast series this week talking about sexual health, aging, and menopause with Early to Bed owner and sex educator Searah Deysach, and award winning queer feminist activist, author, and educator Heather Corinna.
Searah, owner of Early to Bed and Trans Essentials, Chicago’s first women-owned sex shop, is a queer sex educator. She lectures on masturbation, sex toys, and positive sexuality. Heather Corinna, an award-winning queer feminist activist, author, and educator, founded Scarleteen. They've authored books like "S.E.X" and hold the sexuality chair at Our Bodies, Ourselves. Together, Searah and Heather lead discussions on sustaining a healthy sexual lifestyle through aging and menopause. They provide guidance for parents and LGBTQIA+ teens. Join this insightful conversation on navigating sexuality with two influential voices in the field.
This is our second episode in our series for our Säg Hej campaign for January Health & Wellness month. In each episode, we’ll talk with local experts on different aspects of health and wellness, correct some common misconceptions, and offer some insight and resources for achieving your own state of wellness in the new year.
This week, I am joined by Cat Koo, founder and operator of Chicago Hot Yoga. Chicago Hot Yoga is a place for all people to come and heal. Open for over 15 years, they have helped thousands of students of all abilities, ages and conditions learn to make positive changes for themselves in a welcoming environment. Cat's mission is to help people create positive changes in their lives, body, mind and soul in a warm and welcoming environment.
With Cat, we cover the importance of practicing mindfulness, finding balance in your life, building healthy habits, and the power of meditation and community.
We're excited to introduce this episode as the first in our series for our Säg Hej campaign for January Health & Wellness month. In each episode, we’ll talk with local experts on different aspects of health and wellness, correct some common misconceptions, and offer some insight and resources for achieving your own state of wellness in the new year.
This week, we are joined by experts from Powered by Movement Fitness Center, co-owner and head coach Senad Drpljanin and PXM’s wellness leader and coach Leah Casey. PXM’s mission is to help you understand, redefine, transform, and reshape your connection with fitness through strong community connections and personalized health plans covering fitness, nutrition, and body awareness.
With Senad & Leah, we cover healthy avenues for improving your physical fitness, but also how embracing a community can improve your healthy habits, your self-confidence, and even your sleep!
The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, anywhere you get your podcasts!
This week I am joined by Bergen Anderson, founder and primary clothier of Lilla Barn Clothing, and Krissy Calahan, owner, designer, and printer of Earth Cadets. Lilla Barn makes thoughtful, durable products for adventurous kids of all ages that create room for individuality, reflect our considered values, and last from one person to the next. They value self-expression, especially when it comes to gender, and offer adaptable prints, colors and patterns for everyone who loves to stand out. Sustainably-made with organic textiles and a Scandinavian sensibility.
Earth Cadets is a company committed to creating unique, hand printed home goods and clothing for the whole family while respecting our environment. All Earth Cadets' products are designed and hand screen printed in Chicago by owner Krissy Callahan, using eco-friendly, water-based inks and incorporating organic and recycled materials wherever possible.
This week I am joined by photographer and Andersonville resident Kathleen Hinkel. Since 2005, Kathleen has been using her photography to capture stories of community and the experiences that connect us to each other with a particular focus on local Chicago communities and the global community of LGBTQ+ persons. Kathleen is a multiple Peter Lisagor award winning photographer for her work programming queer spaces and LGBTQ+ joy in Chicago as well as for her project “How Live Music Works During COVID”. She’s currently a finalist for a Chicago Journalists association award for her Chicago reader story covering the final day at Dave’s Records. She lives in Andersonville with her wife Amanda and their 14 wonderful house plants.
This week I am joined by Dusty Brown, Artistic Director of Redtwist Theatre. Redtwist strives to create searing hot drama, from name-brand blockbusters, to risky new works and obscure buried treasures that pack emotional force, examine moral dilemmas, and reveal greater truths…by transforming their tiny black box and its explosive immediacy into a thematic asset, specifically tailored for every show and intended to close the gap between actor and audience, thus blurring the line between seating and staging…by utilizing a little red twist in the concept and design of each production to provide a totally unique theatre experience that is simultaneously intimate, comfortable, and safe, yet intense, edgy, and thrilling, at a distance only inches away.
Redtwist Theatre's production of Wolves runs through Sunday, November 5. Tickets can be purchased here!
This week I am joined by Tyler McCall. Tyler McCall is co-owner of Paper & Pencil at 1480 W Berwyn alongside his husband Eric Campbell. Paper & Pencil is Andersonville's friendly neighborhood stationery shop offering high-quality stationery goods and supplies including greeting cards, notebooks, and writing tools. They feature products from independent brands from around the world alongside Japanese, French, British, & German stationery favorites. Paper & Pencil is local, independent, and queer-owned.
This week, we are joined by owner of WasteNot Compost, Liam Donnelly. WasteNot Compost, Chicago’s first and only zero-emission compost collection, was born in 2015. WasteNot Compost currently serves homes and all events and business types ranging from schools, cafes, bakeries, to farmers markets, and everything in between. They take the work out of composting for you so it can not only be easy to do so in an urban setting, but is a clean experience with all tools provided every pickup.
Additionally, The Edgewater Environmental Coalition along with our composting partners are conducting an exploratory survey all about compost. We are looking for more information about composting in the greater Edgewater Neighborhood, specifically what is your favorite way to compost, are you interested in composting, and what are your barriers to composting.
This survey will help understand the current composting community, connect interested neighbors and businesses to composting, and help understand any hesitation to composting.
Research boundaries are from Ravenswood West, Devon North, the Lakefront East, Foster South (with the inclusion of the WFCW, ASNA block clubs)
Take the survey here
This week, I am joined by Orion Couling and Zack Meyer, founders of Shadow Carriers storytelling collective. Their multi-decade partnership has spun tales of the supernatural for audiences nationwide from tall ships to walking tours to backyard picnic tables, and anywhere a good legend is appreciated. Their podcast of the same name amplifies their storytelling style with immersive soundscaping and music design to take you into the darkness and out again. Previous seasons have explored the lore of Chicago, New Orleans, Big Cities; and they’re well into this year’s theme of Spirit Ships and Haunted Harbors.
Orion and Zack are coming back to Andersonville for their 4th year of walking tours to share the histories, mysteries, legends, and lore gifted to them by neighbors and businesses that take a peek into the darker side of these blocks. Shadow Carrier Andersonville events run from Sunday October 8 - Friday October 20 with both walking tours and sit down ghost stories at The Understudy Coffee and Books.
Shadow Carriers sit down ghost story at The Understudy takes place on Thursday, October 12 at 7:30PM!
This week I am joined by Bill Dlugokienski & Adam Kruse, owners of Vase & Vessel in Andersonville, and Dara Schuman of Dara Schuman Ceramics. Vase & Vessel opened its doors in September 2022 and quickly became one of Andersonville’s favorite shopping destinations for plant lovers, gift givers, and those looking for that special something to create a cozy, interesting, and beautiful home. Dara Schuman is a ceramicist working full-time out of The Digs Chicago, a nonprofit, artist-run ceramic studio. She regularly pops-up at gallery events, has made dinnerware for Esme's tasting menu, and sells in local shops (including Vase and Vessel, Neybir, Wilder House) Bill & Dara have recently teamed up along with Chicago small business Vicinity Candles to create Vase & Vessels first original candle.
Don't forget to join us for Andersonville Arts Weekend this weekend, Friday September 29 - Sunday October 1 and meet Dara at Vase & Vessel on Friday!
This week we are joined by Danny Fender and Adam Crawford, co-founders of The Understudy theatre bookstore and specialty coffeshop at 5531 N Clark. Named in honor of all the hidden work it takes to make a play happen, The Understudy is dedicated to celebrating, fostering, and uplifting artistry in our community in all its forms. Whether you’re discovering a new playwright, trying their latest single-origin coffee, or sharing thoughts in one of their book clubs, they create endless opportunities to get surprised, feel inspired, and shake something up.
This week we are joined by Hina Pitroda, founder of Bloom & Belong. Hina works with people to reduce stress, and find joy and awe in their lives. This includes taking preventative steps to attend to your whole health—movement, sleep, perspective, food, relationships/connections, and more. Her approach is compassionate, strengths based, and rooted in mindfulness through 1:1 coaching, as well as group coaching classes in mindfulness and self compassion and supporting people towards the goal of elevating themselves, and meeting their mind/body/spirit goals.
This week we are joined by Jay Schwartz, Owner of Andersonville’s custom T-shirt mainstay store Strange Cargo to discuss their history and celebrate 40 years of Strange Cargo! Strange Cargo has been a premier location for custom t-shirts since 1983. Strange Cargo is known for their extensive selection of customizable t-shirt options as well as their personable nature and sense of humor, commonly combining their custom t-shirt skills with an politically topical irreverent humor often showcased in their quintessential storefront window.
Don't miss Strange Cargo's big 40th Anniversary party, this Saturday, September 9 from 12PM - 4PM!
Please be advised, this episode includes one instance of an F word
This week we are joined by Jessica Tovesson, founder of Learn Swedish Now, LLC and a board member at the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce (SACC) in Chicago. Learn Swedish Now, LLC provides Swedish language educational services. Private lessons are customized with individual lesson plans and the conversational group classes are offered at multiple levels of proficiency. The customers are individuals, corporations, government organizations, and private industries to fit everyone's unique learning styles in order to meet the goals within the timeframe. Learn Swedish Now, LLC provides educational solutions that prepare customers for upcoming relocations, new work assignments, or improved communication with family and friends. From kids to adult, everyone is welcome to jump into their Swedish language learning with Jessica!
This week we are joined by Socorro King, General Manager of Big City Optical Andersonville South location at 5301 N Clark. Big City Optical is a privately owned Chicago optical practice with locations around Chicago offering optical services including annual eye exams, pediatric exams, Lasik consultations, and any number of medical optical needs while also providing a fashionable selection of eyewear. Socorro tells us all about this family owned small business and busts some of the myths and misconceptions about the optical world along with a few glasses tips to top it off!
This week we are joined by Emma Lewis, Owner of Rare Form/The Twentieth, a pop-up art and vintage shop based in Chicago. Emma works to digitally restore and reinterpret 100 year-old designs to create unique greeting cards, stationery , and more. She seeks to empower and affirm others with a brand that combines vintage images with unapologetic contemporary feminist language and over-the-top messages of affirmation. She plans to open her first brick and mortar store - called Rare Form in Andersonville this August at 5438 N Clark! Rare Form will be a vintage inspired home décor/ concept store a blend of art and home goods with vintage pieces mixed in and a European flare.
This week, Charlie and Colman are joined by Jessica Katz, Founder and Executive Director of Chicagoland Exotic Animal Rescue. CLEAR’s mission is to rescue and rehabilitate abandoned and stray bird, reptile, and fish species that are commonly found in the pet trade, and rehome them to a household that will be the very best fit for their needs. CLEAR also strives to educate the community about the unique care needs of these uncommon pets.
CLEAR was first conceptualized by Jessica Katz during her graduate program at Regis University. After procuring a Bachelor’s Degree in animal science and wildlife biology, Jessica received a Master’s Degree in nonprofit management in 2012. Beginning with her first job in pet care at age 16, Jessica saw that there was a gap in the culture of how people cared for birds, reptiles, and fish: dogs and cats have multitudes of local and nationally-based rescue organizations, while exotic animals were often abandoned, illegally released, or relinquished to the few exotic animal organizations that were already at or beyond capacity. After rescuing her first parakeet from the woods in Michigan in 2015, an opportunity to facilitate change and promote a different kind of pet care culture presented itself. Several like-minded individuals came together in August of 2021 to form CLEAR’s founding board.
Today we are joined by Maria Shclover, Producer of the Mozart Immersive Soul of a Genius exhibit and the Live @ Lighthouse Chicago Jazz series shows. Mozart Immersive: The Soul of a Genius takes the immersive medium in a new and exciting direction utilizing the latest technology to amplify timeless music. Mozart Immersive stands out from previous Lighthouse Immersive productions in that Mozart’s ingenious compositions are the primary focus; with captivating visuals built around the auditory experience.
Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago (108 W. Germania Pl.) is hosting live concerts this summer for the Live @ Lighthouse concert series, sponsored by Kawai Pianos in its immersive gallery space. The series is a curated musical experience, featuring an impressive lineup of acclaimed classical and jazz artists paired with a stunning visual backdrop that will surround audiences in 360-degrees of vibrant imagery – creating an unforgettable, never-before-seen concert format that will accentuate each performance. A special heads-up that our listeners will have the opportunity to get special discounted tickets for both these shows with promo codes we’ll provide at the end of the interview!
There is currently a special offer for Live @ Lighthouse with tickets starting at $35, you can get tickets at lighthouseartspace.com. For 20% off tickets for the Mozart immersive, visit Mozartimmersive.com at checkout, use discount code ANDERSONVILLE20.
This week, Charlie and Colman are joined by Stephanie Weddell, Owner and CEO of Swell Virtual Assistance. Swell Virtual Assistance provides administrative, communication, and marketing services for small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and entrepreneurs. A virtual assistant provides business services on a contract, remote basis. By working with a virtual assistant, your company gains access to increased resources when hiring a full or part-time employee is not feasible. Find more about Stephanie and Swell at www.swellvirtualassistance.com
This week, Laura and Charlie are joined by Efrat Dallal, Chief Marketing officer of the Selfhelp Home. Near Lake Michigan, The Selfhelp Home has housed Chicago's retiring Jewish Seniors since 1951. The non-profit retirement community offers a continuum of care services within a historic multi-story building that originally housed Holocaust refugees. Closeby, residents can enjoy lakeside activities, hit the putting greens, play a game of tennis, explore the gardens, or simply relax at the beach on sunny days. You can find The Selfhelp Home at 908 W Argyle.
Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and received national attention as a Shop Small Movement. Did you know that a study done in 2004 titled The Andersonville Study of Retail Economics was used as the supporting document for the movement?
We hope you enjoy this episode featuring Lynn Mooney, Co-owner of Women and Children First, in conversation with former ACC Executive Director, Ellen Shepard and co-founder of Women and Children First Bookstore, Ann Christophersen.
When you shop small, you make a difference. We hope you'll join us in person or online (yes, many of our retailers are online!) in Andersonville this Small Business Saturday on November 26, 2022.
This week, David and Nate welcome Executive Director, Gregory Gross from Care For Real. Care For Real has been serving the Greater Edgewater and surrounding northside communities for 50 years. They provide free programs and services to our neighbors in need including food distribution using a client choice model, deliveries to the homebound, a clothing shop, a pet pantry, a lending library, case management referrals and an Employment Resource Center to help clients self stabilize and get back on their feet. You can find Care For Real at 5339 Sheridan Road.
This week, Kaylee and Nate welcome teachers and administration from Chicago Waldorf School. Chicago Waldorf provides a diverse PreK-12th grade education that supports the development of self-directed young adults dedicated to the pursuit of ongoing learning and eager to contribute positively to the global society of the 21st century. Teachers in Waldorf schools are dedicated to generating an inner enthusiasm for learning within every child. This eliminates the need for competitive testing, academic placement, and rewards to motivate learning and allows motivation to arise from within. It helps engender the capacity for joyful life-long learning. You can find Chicago Waldorf School at 5200 N Ashland.
This week, Kaylee talks to Song Chae, Business Development Manager at Founders First Capital Partners. The company focuses on supporting businesses led by women, ethnic minorities, and military veterans, inclusive teams and businesses located in low to moderate income areas. From being an events specialist to a current innovative team member committed to creating a thriving and inclusive economy, Song can do it all.
This week, Kaylee and David are joined by Alex Jones and Abby Millner, owners of Fad2Fresh, the fan favorite vintage swag from the 80s, 90s, and early 00s that has joined us for our Andersonville Vintage Market. Fad2Fresh offers the most bodacious and extreme selection of vintage shirts and memorabilia on the north side of Chicago and suburbs. If you are looking for your favorite Chicago Bulls shirt or your Ecto Cooler tank top from twenty years ago, you will find it at Fad2Fresh.
This week, we are joined by Joel Porter of Land & Lake Restaurant. Joel is the General Manager of Land & Lake, a local restaurant that focuses on serving a variety of approachable American classics using locally sourced ingredients. Their bar menu focuses primarily on local and regional beer and liquors and American made wine!
This week, David and Kaylee are joined by Chris Le Beau, Matthew Gibbs, and Kim Warnke. Chris and Matthew are the owners and operators of GL Home Decor here in Andersonville and Kim has served as a Design Assistant for the past year and a half. GL Home Decor is a local, quality, and affordable home decor business at Farragut and Clark Street next to our very own Dalla Horse. Whether you are looking for a new sofa, dining table, GL Home Decor has you covered. GL Home Decor also has a great deal of furnishings ranging from lamps to throws, pillows, and artwork made by local artisans to make any house feel like a home!
This week we are joined by Renee Patten, a co-chair of the Edgewater Environmental Coalition, previously known as The Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project. Renee has a passion for working nature and for the environment. She is an extremely active member of the community looking to help cultivate the environmental community and create change in many different ways through projects and program offered by the EEC. Along with being a co-chair with EEC, Renee is a co-site lead at Montrose Metra Community Gardens & Sunnyside Savanna and a Chicago Park District Site Seward at Osterman Beach's Natural Area and a certified Tree Keeper!
This week, we are joined by Michael Corrigan of MCPR in Chicago. Michael is the founder and owner of MCPR. Michael has been gaining experience in PR for 15 years now with both agency and in house experience. Michael focuses on looking at marketing as storytelling to leverage the brand and help the brand grow. Michael works with both local and small brands as well as national and global brands! His services include marketing, content, and PR.
This week, David and Nate are joined by Ricky Lee Barnes, the Director of Marketing and Programming at Meeting House Tavern here in Andersonville. Meeting House Tavern is a unique, LGBTQIA+ gathering place that offers multiple types of interactive and passive entertainment as well as domestic beers, refreshing drinks, and great music. Ricky Lee Barnes played a key role in the reopening of Meeting House which successfully begins business July 1 at 5025 N Clark!
This week, David and Gene are joined by Alderperson Andre Vasquez of the 40th Ward. A lifelong Chicagoan, Alderperson Vasquez has worked to connect and include members across the 40th Ward. Before his time as Alderperson, Vasquez worked in a senior management position at a utility company eventually servicing over 145,000 Illinois households. Currently, Alderperson Vasquez is actively engaging within the community increasing sustainability, infrastructure, and justice.
This week, Laura and David are joined by the 47th ward Alderman, Matt Martin. Elected in 2019, Alderman Matt Martin has spent his political career improving the 47th Ward community that so many of us call home. Before his time working as an elected official, Alderman Martin tirelessly worked as a civil rights lawyer for the Illinois Attorney General's office, focusing on important issues such as police reform, healthcare, immigration, and workers’ rights. Now, Alderman Martin is leading to build a more prosperous and safe community.
Today we are joined by Jorge Bezera, owner of Bezz Training Club, the community founded, lakeside gym with one of the best views of the city. Bezz Training is an inclusive and accepting club that focuses on one's health and wellness with the mission to make working out the highlight of one's day. Jorge excels at the art of health management, and his elite approach to fitness will get you in the best shape of your life. You can find Bezz Training Club at 6033 N Sheridan.
This week, David and Laura are joined by Jessica Texidor, Director of Programs at American Eagle Productions. American Eagle Productions has blazed the trail for youth and educational theatre in the Chicagoland area, bringing the performing arts to over 300 schools and groups a year for the past 28 years. Their programming builds confidence, fosters empathy, and encourages collaboration as well as provides a safe space for children to express themselves.
This week, we welcome Bridget Gainer, the Cook County Commissioner of the 10th District. Elected to the board in 2010, Commissioner Gainer has used her leadership role in the non-profit, government and corporate sectors. She has worked tirelessly to create pension reform solutions, was able to institute the Cook County Land Bank and has continued to create new assets for regional workforce development, to name a few.
This week, Laura is joined by former Andersonville Chamber of Commerce employee and now current manager of the Uptown Business Center, Heather Saenger. The Uptown Business Center is one of eight business centers throughout Chicago. It aims to support new and existing business owners with licensing, permitting, and additional, specialized business assistance in collaboration with BACP, local Chambers, and community partners.
This week, David and Laura are joined by Virgil Roundtree, owner of Downstate Donuts. Downstate Donuts has been cranking out life changing donuts since 2018. Many were shocked after just 4 months on the donut scene they stole the show with first place @donutfest for a "simple" vanilla glazed donut. It's all about that potato! Chicago restaurant industry pro Virgil, has taken the potato donut to new heights by focusing on fresh, local, and wholesome ingredients. Check out their flavors here, and find them locally at Ándale Market or order for a weekend delivery!
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Sean Todd, owner of UnicornLife: The Creative Agency. Unicorn Life offers services related to branding, digital design development + marketing, and print design. Sean is a firm believer that your mind should not be confined to an ideal set by the world around you. If your mind can imagine it, Unicorn Life can achieve it!
This week, David and Laura are joined by owner of WasteNot Compost, Liam Donnelly. WasteNot Compost, Chicago’s first and only zero-emission compost collection, was born in 2015. WasteNot Compost currently serves homes and all business types ranging from schools, cafes, bakeries, to farmers markets, and everything in between. They take the work out of composting for you so it can not only be easy to do so in an urban setting, but is a clean experience with all tools provided every pickup.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by our 2021-22 Neighborhood Guide photographer, Jamie Kelter Davis. Jamie is a local photographer, storyteller and traveler based in Logan Square who shoots compelling visual narratives with subjects ranging from: women in farming, organic agriculture, projects about the American Midwest, art activism, women fighting for social justice using art, aging in rural areas, and now, the small business community of Andersonville!
This week, Joelle and Kaylee are joined by Jamar Holloway of Visionary Eye Care in Andersonville at 5222 N Clark. Visionary believes that balancing great eye care and great eyewear is not an act; it’s their commitment to you. They’ve mastered the balance for over 25 years, bringing you expertise and style simultaneously. The team of doctors bring an incredible depth of knowledge to your care in order to bring you the best patient experience. Visionary won’t let you walk out looking anything short of your best, and they want their commitment to your care to shine through. You’ll see.
This week, Joelle and Kaylee are joined by Marisa Paolillo, owner of Mango Pickle. Mango Pickle is a delicious bistro with Indian influences. They offer a number of different dishes, such as curries, various regional dishes, and are currently offering an impressive seasonal supper series. They also offer great cocktails and Indian coffee and tea. With the great reviews they’ve received, there’s no question that Mango Pickle is a must-go at 5842 N Broadway.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Mia Sakai and Tim Hannifan, owners of Ándale Market, the fan favorite “bodega with swag” that opened this past December, 2020. Ándale offers a curated selection of goods on-the-go, from pantry items you never knew you needed to gourmet chocolate bars, puzzles, pretty pink dog poop bags, soup kits and more at 5232 N Clark.
This week, Joelle and Kaylee are joined by Stephanie Sinnott owner of Sandbox Baby Boutique opening soon at 5349 N Clark. Stephanie is a Chicago native and has lived in the Andersonville area for six years. She hopes that Sandbox will be a hub for parents, parents-to-be and anyone with a child in their life by offering a number of different sustainable products and clothing lines. We are very excited to welcome her to the Neighborhood.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Dr. Julian E. Bailes, Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at NorthShore University HealthSystem and a surgeon specializing in Spinal Disorders, Brain Disorders, and Neoplasm who is currently bringing his expertise to local patients via The Clark here in Andersonville. We are excited to jump into this conversation with Dr. Bailes to learn more about cutting edge treatments in the industry, his time spent as an NFL physician, and his expertise in the field surrounding brain injury, particularly with concussions.
This week, David and Kaylee are joined by Matt Leyes, owner and esthetician of Men’s Grooming Parlor. Matt’s commitment to men’s skin care keeps him at the top of his profession by staying up to date on the best, safest and most exciting new developments in skin care. At The Men’s Grooming Parlor, you will see that his skill and knowledge mix seamlessly with his charming personality to make for a fun, relaxing experience that will keep you looking and feeling your best.
This week, Joelle and Kaylee are joined by Jacques Gourguechon, of Whole Hearted Psychotherapy. Jacques is a licensed professional counselor who is interested in helping couples struggling with issues of trust - be it affairs, alcoholism, behavioral addictions or estrangement. No matter how down you might feel, he believes that each person has certain inherent strengths, and identifying and building on these strengths fortifies you emotionally and leads to sustainable change.
This week, we are joined by Cheryl Sloane, Brand Manager of Überlube. Überlube was a quest that began in 2002 and was created with sex in mind. Überlube is batched, tested, and bottled in a Chicago-area facility, and currently only three people know the formula. Ultimately, when you use Überlube you are using a product that’s all about helping you feel and be your best, and its first job is to make you feel amazing. You can find Überlube locally in Andersonville at Early to Bed and Cowboys and Astronauts as well as online at uberlube.com. This episode also welcomes the return of Searah Deysach, owner of Early to Bed!
Don't miss our Andersonville Hygge Fest Roundup at the end of the episode. Tune in for information on what we have planned for this month!
This week, Laura and Kaylee (our new Chicago Semester intern) are joined by Kristin Fogarty-Yi of OBJEKT Architecture. OBJEKT Architecture is a full service, custom residential architecture and design firm creating beautiful, timeless, and livable homes from coast to coast. They specialize in residential architecture, kitchen & bath design, interiors, additions, renovations, new construction, historic renovations, and more. Kristin states, “Your home should be both beautiful and functional. You should never have to compromise the way you live because of poor design.”
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by local Andersonville residents Todd Ganz and Stephani Young, creators of the new podcast, If the Walls Could Talk, centered around the often mysterious history of local Edgewater Hospital, opened in 1929, and whose campus was formerly located at 5700 N Ashland. Known for famous births like that of Hillary Clinton the Edgewater Hospital and Medical Center closed abruptly in 2001 and had been decaying for decades before recent redevelopment into multi-unit apartments. For true crime fans, history buffs, curious locals and beyond, If the Walls Could Talk dives into the fraught history of this iconic institution, the people who ran it well and the people who ran it into the ground. The podcast debuted on Sunday, January 10 and the first three episodes are streaming now.
The podcast kicks off the 2021 season and our Resolution Andersonville-focused self-care month with Laura and Joelle in conversation with Skin Q owner Emily Voelker. Skin Q is an intimate and comfortable self-care private boutique located in the heart of Andersonville that specializes in both facials and waxing services. At Skin Q, you’ll be welcomed into an environment where you will feel completely nurtured and cared for by their master estheticians. Book your next appointment with the Skin Q experts online at skinqchicago.com and visit them at 1509 W. Berwyn.
In our annual Holiday Variety Special and final episode of 2020, we bring you Holiday messages of cheer from our small business community, along with a special message from Santa himself at Urban Pooch, songs by Bree Gordon, Lakeside Pride and Kimberly Lawson, the process of making Glögg with Simon's Tavern owner Scott Martin, and our favorite reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas read by the students of Rogers Park Montessori School and Randy Heite of Friends of Andersonville. Happy Holidays Everyone!
In this special bonus episode, Laura and David chat with Gregory Perrine, founder of Partisan an online gifting platform created in response to the pandemic. Partisan takes the guess work out of gifting by combining an eye for design with Chicago Artisan created items. Their goal is to make you look good while supporting local artisans and businesses. We were lucky enough to partner with Gregory and the Partisan team this holiday season on Partisan + Andersonville to offer curated gift bundles from local retailers, and we look forward to a continued partnership in 2021.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Ludwig Defrenne of Andersonville Fine Foods, Chef Jasmine Sheth of Tasting India, Lauren Ocello of Twidley Bits, and Lindsey Anderson of Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar. This team of individuals has joined forces this holiday season to bring you a Holiday Retail Market featuring great finds from local neighborhood vendors at Uvae every Saturday and Sunday in December from 12-5PM as well as this Friday’s Late Night Andersonville from 5-8PM.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by LaManda Joy, president and founder of City Grange. City Grange is a social enterprise garden center working to promote social justice and the good food movement while aiming to provide an authentic, rooted, friendly, functional and community-building experience to their customers. Right now, City Grange is in full-on holiday mode, selling Christmas Trees and Holiday containers for delivery, curbside pick-up, or on-location shopping with safety measures in place. Visit their nearby location in Lincoln Square at 5500 N Western or shop safely online at citygrange.com.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Dr. Andrew Lee and certified veterinary technician Samantha Rogers of Heal Veterinary Clinic. Under the ownership of Dr. Derrick Landini, Heal Veterinary Clinic has been providing exceptional and compassionate pet care to families in the Chicagoland area since 2011. Heal is a full service clinic within the Andersonville membership that serves dogs, cats, and exotics and provides the highest quality pet health and wellness services so your pet has a long, happy, and healthy life. Located in nearby North Center, Heal has recently opened a brand new clinic at 4137 N Rockwell.
This week, Laura and Joelle wing-it for a featured roundup episode about everything to expect for the 2020 Holidays with Intention programming in Andersonville, with many "events" happening this season online. If you'd rather not listen to us talk through the highlights, but want to investigate for yourself, head to our Holiday Programming landing page at andersonville.org/holiday-events.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Stephanie Edwards, manager of eCommerce, Social Media and Marketing and Lizzy Selzer, Andersonville store assistant manager of ENJOY An Urban General Store. ENJOY is full of fun, funky and functional items for all your gift giving needs. From youngsters to oldsters, hipsters to geeksters, sisters to brothers, mothers to fathers, rockers to rollers; anyone can find “nothing they need, anything they want and everything they ENJOY” at 5307 N Clark.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Charles Williams, General Manager of George’s Ice Cream and Sweets, a comfy neighborhood ice cream shop serving classic & unique flavors, sundaes, coffee and more. For that nostalgic feel of an old ice-cream parlor, spoons that change color, waffle cones pints to-go, come visit George’s at 5306 N. Clark.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Nancye Rivera, owner of Plus Bookkeeping Services, where the goal is to help small businesses understand their financials and use them as a planning tool to grow their business. Tune in for an inspiring and motivational conversation with Nancye all about planning for success, even in the middle of a pandemic.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Seth Boustead and Christy Bennett of Access Contemporary Music otherwise known as ACM. Located in nearby Ravenswood at 1718 W Wilson, ACM is dedicated to integrating musical creativity into everyday life. They do so by presenting the music of living composers at the highest quality, fostering musical creativity in their storefront music schools and through commissions, and partnering with composers, festivals, universities and ensembles in cities throughout the world to build a global contemporary music network. ACM has pivoted this fall to host their annual Thirsty Ear Festival this weekend in a brand new way, which we cannot wait to discuss today in this special bonus episode of the podcast.
This week, Joelle & David are joined by our friends at Great Lakes Clinical Trials: Steve Satek, President and Founder, Amber Holst, Director of Operations, and Dr. Manish Jain, one of the Principal Investigators at Great Lakes Clinical Trials. Dr. Jain has been leading COVID-19 trials at Great Lakes, and is a board-certified Rheumatologist. All three have returned to the podcast to talk about the new Keep Andersonville COVID Safe initiative in partnership with the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce.
This week, Laura and Heather are joined by Scott and Jill Freeman of Bryn Mawr Jewelry, Co. Bryn Mawr Jewelry is a luxury diamond jewelry house known for its exceptional fine jewelry and timeless designs. Their exquisite pieces showcase rare diamonds and gemstones, brought to life through distinguished craftsmanship with uncompromising attention to detail. Having relocated to Andersonville in February of this year, you can have them help you create a custom jewelry piece of your dreams at 5139 N Clark.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by social media sherpa, motivational math tutor, speaker, connector, and reality competition show fan, Shaily Hakimian. Shaily started doing social media for her hobby community in high school on MySpace. Now she guides businesses on how to stay top of mind with their community and referral network using social media. We connected with Shaily recently for two TikTok for Business led webinars in the Andersonville Chamber network.
This week, Laura and David (yes, David!) host our first “in conversation with” episode, welcoming back Michael Bransford, owner of Vincent Restaurant in conversation with friend and business neighbor Johanna VanDorf, owner of Defloured: A Gluten Free Bakery. Avid #AlwaysAndersonville fans will remember that Michael was our first guest ever for Episode 1 of this podcast, and we are excited to have Johanna on for the first time! Vincent just celebrated 10 years in Andersonville this past week at 1475 W Balmoral and next door neighbor Defloured at 1477 W Balmoral celebrates 10 years on September 21.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Karin Moen Abercrombie and Emily England of the Swedish American Museum to get an update on how the Museum has been handling virtual programming and events and in-person visits due to COVID-19. Karin, who has joined us on the podcast before, is the Executive Director of this beloved institution and community hub in the heart of Andersonville, and Emily as the Museum curator manages the permanent collection as well as exhibits at 5211 N Clark.
This week, Laura, Heather and Joelle are joined by Ann Kienzle, owner of play toys, books & gifts which opened in the former Toys Et Cetera space this past March. With locations in Logan Square and Lincoln Park, the Andersonville location marks the third neighborhood for play. With more than 20 years of experience in the toy industry, Ann took her love for community and a reverence for childhood and created well-designed space that inspires awe in children and adults. You can visit this community-minded shop at 5311 N Clark.
View episode show notes here.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Chef Kelley Davison of Bettie Lou’s in Andersonville. Focusing on American cuisine with an urban twist, Chef Kelley’s menu pulls inspiration from European, Asian and Island dishes. A fan favorite, the Soul Rolls, have made their appearance at several Andersonville events now, including last year’s Farmers Market Dinner and Taste of Andersonville. Chef Kelley has an unrelenting positive outlook on life and drive to spread love within the community, which is evident in her warm and welcoming approach at Bettie Lou’s location at 5633 N Ashland.
This week, Heather and Joelle are joined by Lisa Beacom, General Manager of School of Rock Andersonville, which opens soon in the neighborhood. All of their music programs for kids, teens, and adults are designed to help students gain amazing musical proficiency, and to get students performing in a band. Students can take virtual, one-on-one music instruction from the comfort of their homes with a Remote Program containing weekly one-on-one instruction conducted by expert School of Rock instructors in a safe virtual lesson room.
This week, Laura & Heather are joined by Baird & Warner Real Estate Broker, Dan Nelson. Dan loves houses and has spent the last twenty years running a real estate company with his wife. Dan uses negotiating skills, market analysis, and his vast understanding of buying and selling property to help people find homes they will love.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Mindy Friedler, co-owner of FIYA. FIYA, which reflects the owner’s love of wood fire, bread and baking, opened quietly in June at 5419 N Clark and is a melting pot of Israeli cuisine, with influences from the Middle East, Europe, and the Mediterranean.
After an extended hiatus, we return today with our departing Andersonville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sara Dinges whose last day with the organization is today, Wednesday July 29. Sara started with Andersonville in 2008 working as the Managing Director of the Andersonville Development Corporation (now ASCA), a position she held until 2011 and then returned to Andersonville at the helm as Executive Director of the Chamber and ASCA in May 2017. Listen in as she share some of her fondest Andersonville memories.
We hope you have enjoyed our week of Gabbin’ with Stew episodes, and today we bring you a quick roundup of what to expect for Andersonville at Home, our first ever virtual Midsommarfest and fundraiser tonight!
RSVP to Andersonville at Home on Facebook.
This week in honor of Andersonville at Home: A Midsommarfest Experience & Fundraiser on Friday, June 12, we turn over our podcasting duties to Stew Jamesson of Stewpendous Productions. Founded in Chicago, Stewpendous Productions is fundamentally centered around providing joy, laughs, and fun for everyone through personalized experiences. Stew is currently booking Zoom Trivia parties for your friends and family and you can catch him on Instagram live on Wednesdays at 8PM.
We hope you enjoy this third installment of Gabbin’ with Stew as he interviews Ted Fournier of Orange Shoe Personal Fitness Andersonville over Zoom in this special Andersonville at Home edition of the podcast. Stay tuned for episodes 105.3 on Thursday and 105.4 on Friday!
This week in honor of Andersonville at Home: A Midsommarfest Experience & Fundraiser on Friday, June 12, we turn over our podcasting duties to Stew Jamesson of Stewpendous Productions. Founded in Chicago, Stewpendous Productions is fundamentally centered around providing joy, laughs, and fun for everyone through personalized experiences. Stew is currently booking Zoom Trivia parties for your friends and family and you can catch him on Instagram live on Wednesdays at 8PM.
We hope you enjoy this second installment of Gabbin’ with Stew as he interviews Martin Cournane of Lady Gregory's and Octavio over Zoom in this special Andersonville at Home edition of the podcast. Stay tuned for episodes 105.3 on Thursday and 105.4 on Friday!
This week in honor of Andersonville at Home: A Midsommarfest Experience & Fundraiser on Friday, June 12, we turn over our podcasting duties to Stew Jamesson of Stewpendous Productions. Founded in Chicago, Stewpendous Productions is fundamentally centered around providing joy, laughs, and fun for everyone through personalized experiences. Stew is currently booking Zoom Trivia parties for your friends and family and you can catch him on Instagram live on Wednesdays at 8PM.
We hope you enjoy this first installment of Gabbin’ with Stew as he interviews Searah Deysach of Early to Bed over Zoom in this special Andersonville at Home edition of the podcast. Stay tuned for episodes 105.2, 105.3 and 105.4 throughout this week!
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Rebecca Pope of RMP Chicago Events and Robyn Lytle of The Lytle House via our first post-hiatus official Zoom Podcast. We, like all of you, have been following the Stay-at-Home orders, so this is a new experience.
Rebecca Pope has worked in a variety of event, hospitality and customer service positions for the last 23 years, and has a thing for weddings. Founded in 2018, RMP Chicago Events provides wedding planning, design, coordination and officiating services, and proudly celebrates everyone’s right to love and marry.
In 2015, wedding photographers Robyn Lytle and her wife Michelle transformed a former auto body garage into a secret garden and premier event space. Located at 5517 N Broadway, The Lytle House is 2800 square feet of indoor-outdoor space with high ceilings, exposed brick, and concrete floors. It has called itself home to weddings, rehearsal dinners, baby showers, corporate events, photoshoots, and also Robyn, Michelle, and their two children, all who reside on the second floor.
This week, Laura, Joelle and Sara record the podcast via Zoom. Like so many of you, our staff is working remotely due to the mandated shelter-in-place order, and finding new ways to engage in current technology to ensure our messages reach you in an efficient and timely fashion. Although we do not have a new business story to share with you today, we did want to provide you with a quick update on staying Active in Andersonville during this time of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by James Moriarty of Urban Renewal Brewery. Established in 2017, Urban Renewal Brewery is a craft brewery serving patrons with locally inspired beer brewed with the utmost attention to detail. You can visit their brewery located at 5121 N Ravenswood and beer fans can soon visit their new tap room space coming soon to the former Andersonville Brewing location at 5402 N Clark .
As we Shelter in Place to protect those around us, we hope this week's podcast brings a little more joy to your day. In this week's episode, Laura and Sara are joined by Ellie O’Brien, owner, founder and creative force behind Hungry By Nature. Launched in 2015, Hungry by Nature is a brand about balance and moderation. According to Ellie, it is about feeding your physical hunger with natural foods and wholesome ingredients, and about feeding your intellectual hunger to learn and to grow. You can find Ellie’s granola all over Andersonville at Ridman’s Coffee, the Andersonville Galleria, and our Farmers Market or on her website at shophungrybynature.com
This week, we celebrate our official 100th episode with a special look back at the origins of this podcast including choosing the name, discovering our partnership with Studio C, developing our style of storytelling narrative, and creating plenty of off air bloopers along the way! Plus, our Chamber staff reflects back on memorable episodes and gives a look into their roles at the Chamber.
Welcome to #AlwaysAndersonville: The Podcast. As we prepare to air our official 100th episode on Tuesday, March 10, here is a short trailer uploaded especially for our new listeners on Spotify.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Rabbi Craig Marantz and Leah Jones of Emanuel Congregation. Emanuel Congregation, founded in 1880, is a Jewish Reform synagogue affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, and was incorporated in 1898 as "Emanuel Congregation of Chicago." Even after 140 years, Emanuel Congregation continues to grow and emphasize their value of building community. Regardless of what reasons motivate you to pursue your religious beliefs, their goal is to have a place for everyone at 5959 N Sheridan.
This week, Laura and Heather are joined by Briana DeBolt and Chamere Orr, local food influencers for the healthy lifestyle brand, A Full Living. As creators of delicious low-carb at-home recipes and Chicago foodies who love to travel, Briana and Chamere focus on showing their followers how to live a fulfilled life without breaking the bank. They combine their talents for marketing and photography to showcase delicious, globally inspired low carb and keto friendly recipes on their site afullliving.com.
We recently invited Briana and Chamere to explore our first ever Coffee and Hot Cocoa Crawl during Hygge Fest, and we are excited to work with them again this month to showcase a few of the local restaurants participating in the 4th annual Andersonville Restaurant Week, kicking off this Friday and running February 21 - March 1.
This week, Laura and Sara join Cornel "Junior" Ladan, owner of Cas Hardware at 5305 N Clark. Cas Hardware, and Junior, have been neighborhood institutions since 1978 and they will finally close their doors this Saturday, February 15, after 41 years. Enjoy this on-location episode and wish Cas and Junior a fond farewell this week.
In today's special BONUS Episode, Laura is joined by Hallie Borden of Milk Handmade to discuss the 4th annual With Love from Andersonville neighborhood charity give-back weekend coming up February 14-16, 2020.
This week Laura is joined by Valerie Friedlander. Valerie is Certified Life Leadership Coach specialized in helping highly-motivated, social-justice oriented women create a life of impact AND enjoyment. Clients have called her a little love-vitamin for your soul, a mindset magician, and a motivational unicorn. Valerie can help you uncover your subconscious mindset blocks and create alignment between you, your goals, and how you achieve them.
To view episode show notes, click here.
This week Laura and Heather are joined by Kirstin Franklin of Akvavit Theatre to talk about all things Hygge. Hygge is a Danish word used when acknowledging a feeling or moment as cozy, charming or special. Hygge origins are Scandinavian, but it is an experience anyone can create in their own life. Such experiences revolve around creating a feeling of inner warmth, content and peace, and this happens through fostering an environment to connect and relate to each other.
Today we are joined by Pat Staszak owner of Andersonville Physical Therapy and Wellness Center. Andersonville Physical Therapy is a community-based rehabilitation center that has been part of Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood since 1999. They are committed to providing patients with expert care in a professional, healing environment at 5414 N Broadway.
This week we are joined by Tamte Meladze of Oda Meditteranean Cuisine. Oda showcases the flavor of the Ottoman kitchen and brings together the eclectic food traditions of Turkey and neighboring Mediterranean countries including France, Italy and Georgia while indulging Chicagoans in an overwhelmingly delicious authentic culinary experience at 5657 N Clark.
This week we are joined by Steven Sanchez and Giselle LaBorde Sanchez of Mena Tours and Travel. Established in 1965, Mena Tours and Travel wants to share the world and bring you the best cruises, vacations and packages. Their friendly, knowledgeable agents will work hard to bring you the best at 5209 N Clark now on the 2nd floor.
This week we are joined by Abigail Watkins and Paul Lee from Dispensary 33. Dispensary 33 made history as the first location in the city of Chicago where one could purchase cannabis legally with a medical cannabis card. They display all marijuana goods to its customers, allowing patients to personally inspect their meds. With a large menu of flowers, extracts, edibles and topicals, this dispensary has consistently gone above and beyond to help the state’s medical marijuana patients safely and affordably access their medicine. On January 1, 2020 the recreational sale of cannabis becomes legal in Illinois and Dispensary 33 is one of only three Chicago shops to get a recreational sales permit.
In this week's BONUS episode, we hear holiday poems, jokes and singing from the students at Rogers Park Montessori School (1800 W. Balmoral), along with a live reading of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and the Christmas Classic, The Night Before Christmas, read by students and Rogers Park Montessori School and Friends of Andersonville co-founder, Randy Heite!
Curl up, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and get ready to feel all the warm holiday feels on this special Christmas Eve episode.
Laura and Joelle are joined by Lindsey Anderson owner and Sommalier of Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar. Uvae offers balance, flavor, and ingenuity in their food and in their service to community. Expect the personality of each wine to inspire stories to share at 5553 N Clark.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura is joined by Catherine Selen of the Swedish American Museum, here to talk with us about the tradition of St. Lucia, which takes place this Friday, December 13. The celebration comes from stories told by monks who first brought Christianity to Sweden. St. Lucia was a young Christian girl who was martyred and killed for her faith in the year 304 AD. The most common story told about St. Lucia is that she would secretly bring food to the persecuted Christians in Rome, who lived in the catacombs under the city. She would wear candles on her head so she had both her hands to carry everything.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week Joelle and Laura are joined by Tanner McSwain owner of Uncharted Books, a used and rare bookstore, secret club, and event space in Andersonville at 5140 N Clark.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week we are joined by Lauren Ocello of Twidley Bits. Twidley Bits is the labor of love from this former chocolatier and takes the best the season has to offer and turns them into scrumptious jams, fruit butters, pickles and plant-based cheeses that you and your loved ones can enjoy all year long. They help you put breakfast on the table, snacks on the buffet, and treats in everyone's tummies that everyone can feel good about.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week we are joined by Broker and real estate consultant, Ellen Baren. If you are interested in buying or selling in Chicago or the Northern Suburbs, working with Ellen you can expect a solid knowledge base of neighborhoods, homes and schools. Ellen's grasp of the history and market along the lakefront and surrounding neighborhoods is unique. As one client said, “Ellen is stellar. She maintains a vast array of personal relationships that allow for organic and effective advertising. She sold our place in weeks...in the dead of winter! She was also a clear, concise communicator who made the process easy.”
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Joelle and Laura are joined by Mark Bires and Trey Elder of Jerry’s. Known for their extensive beer and whiskey selection, great music, beautiful outdoor patio space, and humor, Jerry’s has been serving curious, thoughtful sandwiches in Andersonville since 2012 at 5419 N Clark. Jerry's is also a featured stop for this weekend's Andersonville Viking Pub Crawl!
This week, Heather and Joelle are joined by Jill Knobeloch of GrapeSeed Designs and Aville Cowork. Jill works to blend a company’s voice, culture, and unique character to create a truly authentic representation of brand. She helps small to medium-sized businesses establish and grow their brand image through consistent, clean, and professional visual applications.She is also starting a new coworking space right here in Andersonville will Aville Cowork.
This week Laura and Joelle are joined by Caitlin Botsios co-owner of Helix Chicago located in Andersonville’s north end. Helix offers a full selection of Halfwit coffee and espresso drinks, iced drinks, tea drinks as well as a full breakfast and lunch menu at 6237 N. Clark.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Nick and Selene Idell from AlleyCat Comics. AlleyCat, founded in 2011, can be accessed by a narrow gangway around the corner from George’s Ice Cream and is a place where anyone and everyone is welcome. As life-long comic book fans, Selene and Nick have made it their mission to share their passion for all things comics and graphic novels. You’ll find something from practically every universe there at 5304 N. Clark in the Rear.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Mark Liberson, president of LKH Management and owner of Replay and Elixir. At Replay Andersonville, you are invited to unwind, enjoy delicious food and beverages, and leave feeling better than you did when you arrived with 22 vintage video arcade games and over 20 rotating craft beers on draught. Elixir, which is right around the corner, is an inviting intimate lounge that celebrates the art of cocktail. You can visit Replay at 5358 N Clark and Elixir at 1509 W Balmoral .
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Karen Rose of City Olive. City Olive is a specialty olive oil and gourmet food boutique where you can enjoy an exquisite selection of the finest estate bottled extra virgin olive oils and locally made artisan products from around the world at 5644 N. Clark. Karen even treats Laura and Joelle to an olive oil sampling while recording!
This week, Laura and Heather are joined by Winifred Gundeck, owner of Winifred Grace. Winifred Grace is a lifestyle boutique featuring handmade jewelry, apparel, vintage goods and home accessories, and has recently moved south a few doors to 5632 N Clark. In this special on-location recording, Winnie chats with Laura and Heather ahead of her Grand Re-Opening, this coming Friday, October 4.
This week, Laura and Heather are joined by Sarry Yono, owner of SHY Hair Studio. SHY Hair Studio respects the difference between each customer's unique and creative style and works to adapt both into your life. At SHY Hair Studio they focus on your individual beauty and aesthetic needs with their undivided attention and commitment and welcome all clients as friends. Come see why an experience at SHY Hair Studio feels like a refreshing escape at 1528 W. Montrose.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by mother-daughter team Amy and Hannah Amdur of Amdur Productions. For over thirty years, Amdur Productions has organized and directed many of the Midwest’s most esteemed juried art festivals. Andersonville is proud to have Amdur as this year’s festival producer for Andersonville Arts Fest which end-caps Andersonville Arts Week + Fest on September 21 and 22 from 10AM-6PM on Clark from Winona to Argyle.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Frank Uhler of Honore Storage. Honore Storage offers secure self storage in Chicago and is equipped with everything you need to keep your belongings safe. Their amenities include newly renovated units, online bill pay, secure facilities, a loading dock and more. Reserve your storage unit online or over the phone today or visit them at 5147 N Clark.
This week, Joelle and Sara are joined by Mike Draper and Claire Anderson of RAYGUN newly opened in Andersonville in June of 2019. A ray gun is a science fiction particle-beam weapon that fires what is usually destructive energy, but RAYGUN Andersonville diffuses destructive energy of societal stereotypes with humor and an abundance of typography. Stop in and check out their wide selection of t-shirts, home goods, paper products and more at 5207 N. Clark.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Jason Bender of Cheetah Gym. Jason is a Master Trainer who believes every workout should have a plan in mind, not just a bunch of exercises. As a black belt, he incorporates martial arts training into his classes so students feel an improvement in flexibility, stress relief and confidence. You can workout with Jason at 5248 N Clark.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Paul Ruffino of Rattleback Records. Rattleback Records is a culmination of a lifelong love of music and vintage treasures offering a wide selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, movies and more, and is open 7 days a week at 5405 N. Clark.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Drew Ladochi, owner of Pearle Vision in Andersonville, where your eye health and wellness is their primary focus. Drew has been in the optical world for nearly 10 years and is passionate about helping people improve their quality of life. You can visit Drew at Pearle Vision for eye exams, prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, contacts and more at 4814 N. Clark.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Kaleb Sullivan of Dearborn Denim. Dearborn Denim offers the most curiously comfortable jeans imaginable at the best price possible. Everything is cut, sewn, and crafted at their factory in Chicago with the best American made materials and can be custom hemmed to fit at their Andersonville location at 5202 N Clark.
Plus, Dearborn Denim is hosting Urban Renewal Brewery for Taste of Andersonville tomorrow on August 7!
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Brandon Cloyd of Barrel of Monkeys. Barrel of Monkeys is an ensemble of actors and educators who create an alternative learning environment in which students aged 7-13 throughout Chicago share their personal voices and celebrate the power of their imaginations. Their current production, That’s Weird Grandma: Fanastic Beasts and the Stories About Them can be seen Monday nights at 8PM now through August 12 at The NeoFuturists Theatre at 5153 N. Ashland.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Richard Price of Alamo Shoes. Alamo Shoes has been providing a sole-ful experience to shoe shoppers since 1971. Their wide selection of shoes for the whole family combined with their dedicated sales staff ensure that everyone will leave happy with a great pair of comfortable footwear. Located at 5321 N Clark, be sure to take advantage of their free parking in the lot across the street.
And don't miss Alamo's super bowl of sales this weekend during the annual Andersonville Sidewalk Sale starting on Thursday, July 25.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Realtor Lisa Blume of The Blume Group. With over 20 years of sales, marketing and advertising experience, Lisa brings her in-depth knowledge to Chicago residential real estate buyers & sellers and specializes in Andersonville historic single-family homes, Edgewater vintage condos, and first time buyers. From neighborhood market, home staging & home value consultations, Lisa is with you every step of the way.
This week Laura and Joelle are joined by David Cerda, Artistic Director of Hell in A Handbag Productions. Hell in A Handbag Productions (HIAH) is known for hilarious theatrical parodies including The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes now showing volume 3 at Mary’s Attic at 5400 N. Clark through August 31.
This week Laura and Sara are joined by Joel Berman. Joel is the founder and president of Berman Design, a Chicago architecture, interior design and branding firm specializing in adaptive reuse and heritage restoration for restaurant, hospitality, institutional and residential development and is located at 5212 N Clark.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Dr. Mark Sachse, chiropractic director of Chiro One Wellness Center of Andersonville. Mark is passionate about helping families and individuals. Chiro One believes you should be able to enjoy extraordinary wellness and the staff at their Andersonville center wants to help you live a better life, free of pain at 5623 N. Clark.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Kirsten Franklin of Akvavit Theatre. Since its beginning, Akvavit has been busy commissioning translations of contemporary Nordic works, staging readings of Nordic plays, and launching fully-staged productions. Akvavit Theatre embraces inclusivity and diversity and as an itinerant theatre can be found all over the City.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Andy Peters owner of TrueNorth Café an independent, healthy cafe that serves top-notch coffee & tea, proper eats, and blended drinks in a serene and community space where everyone is welcome at 5507 N Clark.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
We hope you have enjoyed our week of Andersonville Midsommarfest episodes, and today, Laura and Joelle bring you the quick FAQs roundup for the festival kicking off TONIGHT at 5PM and Saturday and Sunday from 12-10PM.
Midsommarfest is Andersonville’s annual summer street festival, now in its 54th year. Each year, nearly 75,000 people flock to Clark Street from Foster to Catalpa for three days of live music, dancing, kids’ entertainment, delicious food and much more! Tonight’s festival footprint begins up at Summerdale and stretches to Catalpa, with the full fest footprint beginning at Foster tomorrow.
In this special Midsommarfest episode, Laura and Joelle are joined by Juan and Susy Lucero of the incredible modern mariachi band, Cielito Lindo. Cielito Lindo is comprised of the Lucero family of nine, with children ages ranging from 6 to 16. They have performed all over the city of Chicago and the Midwest.
You can catch them at Summerdale Stage at Andersonville Midsommarfest on Sunday, June 9 at 2PM! They are the third in a series of 4 episodes released this week leading up to the fest kickoff this Friday.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
In this episode, Laura and Joelle are joined by Kris Jackson, Trevor Dowd and Austin Halter of CBD Kratom. With locations in Chicago, St. Louis, L.A. and Texas, CBD Kratom is a one-stop shop for CBD oils and edibles, hemp products, and over 45 various strains of Kratom. Kratom can help relieve pain, enhance mood, and increase focus. You can find the largest selection of CBD and Kratom products in the Midwest and more in Andersonville at 5303 N. Clark.
CBD Kratom is a featured vendor at Andersonville Midsommarfest this weekend (June 7-9)! They are the second in a series of 4 episodes released this week leading up to the fest kickoff this Friday.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Dr. Shayna Mancuso and Mark Raymond from The Clark. The Clark is a primary care medical practice operated by nearby Swedish Covenant Health that redefines the patient experience and is designed to make patients feel cared for every step of the journey. Located in the former Swedish Bakery building, you can check out their spa like exam rooms and comfortable waiting lounge at 5346 N Clark.
The Clark is sponsoring Andersonville Midsommarfest’s North Stage this weekend (June 7-9)! They are the first in a series of 4 episodes released this week leading up to the fest kickoff this Friday.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Joelle and Sara are joined by our 2019-20 Andersonville Neighborhood Guide photographer Anjali Pinto. Anjali is a photographer and writer based in Chicago, and resident local to Andersonville! The new edition of the Neighborhood Guide will be distributed around Andersonville next week.
The view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Michael Roper owner of Hopleaf Bar. A relaxed neighborhood pub, Hopleaf has been promoting better beers, wines and spirits in Andersonville since 1992. Come experience the Belgian-inspired kitchen featuring their famous mussels and frites in an adults only setting at 5148 N Clark.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Jarran Conger. Jarran is the owner of In Fine Spirits where every wine, spirit, and craft beer they offer is crafted by people who share their passion for quality and has been curating Andersonville's drinking needs since 2005 at 5418 N. Clark. In Fine Spirits has also curated most of the wines for this weekend's upcoming Andersonville Wine Walk on Sunday, May 19.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Shelly Ave, Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate. Following the motto ““it doesn’t cost a penny to look,” Shelly is well known for her ability to communicate and to champion the home buyer through the entire process. A long-time Andersonville resident, you have probably seen Shelly in the neighborhood walking her two English mastiffs.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by members of the Babes With Blades Theatre Company. Babes With Blades (BWB) uses stage combat to place women and their stories center stage. Through performance, script development, training, and outreach, their ensemble creates theatre that explores the wide range of the human experience, and cultivates broader perspectives in the arts community and in society as a whole.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Karla Koziura, co-owner of FRÍO Gelato. FRÍO Gelato is made in an allergen-friendly kitchen with a nut and gluten-free focus and is 100% handmade. With four locations throughout Evanston and Chicago including their brand new location at Navy Pier, you can find FRIO in Andersonville at 5152 N Clark.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Bill Lowe, CEO and President of Chicago Methodist Senior Services (CMSS). At CMSS you’ll find an inviting community ready to support you in all the ways you need. They offer older adults a full range of services and residential options provided by expert staff who take an innovative, person-centered approach to care. With their life-enriching programs, a network of support that caters to you as a person, and a staff of caregivers that feel like family, you’ll know you’re in the right place at 1415 W. Foster.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Chef Keith Kreuser of Dollop Diner. Dollop features locally sourced, classic American fare, roasted coffee and espresso drinks as well as cocktails and beer. For homemade donuts and more, a little dollop will do ya in Andersonville at 5060 N. Clark.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Celia Bucci, Board Certified massage therapist and owner of Prevent Chronic Pain Therapeutic Massage. Massage therapy can reduce symptoms, improve daily activity, and help prevent aches, pains and stress from becoming chronic. Celia provides massage therapy for relaxation, stress relief, and rehab following injury, surgery and more at 5115 N. Ravenswood.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Raven Theatre’s Artistic Director, Cody Estle and YEN actor Reed Lancaster. Raven Theatre tells stories of today and the past that connect us to our cultural landscape. Its commitment to modern drama in all of its forms, as well as its first-class educational programming, have helped it remain a cultural cornerstone on the north side of Chicago for 35 years and counting. You can find Raven at 6157 N. Clark.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laure and Joelle are joined by Rabbi Levi Notik of Chabad Uptown. Guided by the idea that there should be a place whose doors are open to persons of all backgrounds and affiliations, Chabad employs an open approach to Jewish community life. There is no membership, allowing participants to partake in whatever programs and services suit their individual or family needs. Offers educational and social events for Jewish families and young professionals in the Uptown neighborhood, you can find them at 1109 W. Lawrence Avenue.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Olin Eargle otherwise known as Mr. Andersonville. Olin, an @properties real estate agent, is ranked as one of Chicago's top brokers citywide and is celebrating 10 years in business this year. According to one testimonial, “he is a hustler and a veritable real estate surgeon.” Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, contact Olin for all your real estate needs.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
For our 50th Episode (can it be 50 already!?), Laura and Sara are joined by Ann-Louise Haak, Executive Director of First Slice Pie Café. First Slice is all about good food for good people, and as a nonprofit organization provides high quality meals to people living on the margins of society. Proceeds from purchases at each of their three locations on the northside of Chicago and one in Evanston, go toward providing healthful, farm-to-table meals to Chicagoans experiencing homelessness. You can find First Slice here in Andersonville at 5337 N Ashland.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by co-owner Julia Zhu and Chef Fred Ramos of Bar Roma. Bar Roma specializes in house-made pastas, a variety of meatballs, and other Roman inspired dishes. They also feature a daily happy hour from 5-6:30PM which offers half-priced appetizers and meatballs. You can find this Zagat rated “Must Try” Italian restaurant at 5101 N Clark. And don’t miss Bar Roma’s $30, four-course dinner prix fixe as part of Andersonville Restaurant Week through March 3!
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week Laura and Sara are joined by Martin Cournane of Munster Restaurant Group. Martin is the co-owner of Lady Gregory’s and Octavio Cantina & Kitchen in Andersonville, as well as LG’s Bar in Old Town and Wilde in Lakeview. Lady Gregory’s, an Irish Gastro Pub located at 5260 N. Clark, serves up a delicious menu and proudly boasts over 300 whiskeys. Located just up the street at 5310 N. Clark, Octavio is a love letter to Mexico and serves modern Mexican food from the heart. Both Lady Gregoy's and Octavio are participating in the third annual Andersonville Restaurant Week, kicking off this Friday, February 22 through March 3.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
In honor of Chicago Theatre Week and the Year of Chicago Theatre, this week Laura and Joelle are joined by six members of Steep Theatre in their newly opened Boxcar venue. Steep is the quintessential storefront theatre and is committed to producing new and under-produced plays that tell the stories of ordinary people in extraordinary situations. Their current sold out production Red Rex is about a small theatre company embarking on an explosive new play with the hope of finally breaking it big and has already been named one of Chicago Tribune's top 10 Chicago shows for 2019. Located at 1115 W. Berwyn, you can find this intimate theatre just two doors down from the Berwyn El Station.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura is joined by Terry Opalek and Michael Frontier. Terry and Michael founded Terry’s Toffee in 2002 and sold the business in 2015. Currently they co-facilitate a variety of workshops using their many years of life and business experiences to help others connect with their place and purpose on this planet. Both Terry and Michael are also certified Reiki Masters.
For show notes on this episode, please click here.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Amy Giordano, owner of Gus Giordano Dance School on 5230 North Clark St. They offer a variety of classes - from summer camps, to classes for children as young as two, and even adult classes. Amy also runs the Gus Giordano Jazz Legacy Foundation, which aims to create the same culture, uplifting spirit, and dedication to spreading the joy of jazz that her parents, Gus and Peg, gave to thousands of people. The foundation funds scholarships to dancers of all ages, sponsors performances and masterclasses to schools in the Chicagoland area.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Grant Kessler. Grant is a Chicago Market owner and sits on the Board of Directors. Established in 2013, Chicago Market will be a big, bright, beautiful community-owned grocery store which exists to rebuild the connection between food producers and consumers. While Chicago Market is not open yet, it will be coming to the Wilson CTA Station in Uptown in the 13,000 square foot, restored historic Gerber Building.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Brenda Webb, Executive Director of Chicago Filmmakers. Chicago Filmmakers is a non-profit media arts organization that fosters the creation, appreciation and understanding of film and video as media for artistic and personal expression. In 2018, Chicago Filmmakers moved from its second floor home in Andersonville to 5720 N. Ridge Avenue, a historic 1920's firehouse they fully renovated with classrooms, a screening room, office space, and projection facilities. This week's episode was recorded on-location at the firehouse!
To see episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Jes Scheinpflug and Kate Harrington-Rosen co-founders of the Praxis Group. Praxis redefines group and organizational cultures so that people feel empowered to bring their full selves to the table and offers support to businesses in creating more inclusive environments.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Al Liu, Vice President of Coffee at Colectivo. The Milwaukee-based coffee company recently opened its largest location in Chicago at 5245 N. Clark in Andersonville. Colectivo provides house-made coffee, tea, seasonal drinks, breakfast items and more to patrons and is well-known for its bold designs and customized approaches to its cafes.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
In this week's BONUS episode, we hear holiday greetings from our Andersonville businesses along with a live reading of the Christmas Classic, The Night Before Christmas, with Friends of Andersonville co-founder, Randy Heite!
Curl up, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and get ready to feel all the warm holiday feels on this special Christmas Eve episode.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Alderman Patrick O’Connor. Elected in 1983, Alderman O’Connor has represented the residents of the north side of Chicago since the age of 28. As a lifelong Chicagoan, he has worked tirelessly over the years to serve the community and better the lives of his constituents. On the 40th Ward website it reads, “There’s no more local government than an aldermanic public servant, you are in and among your constituents. You live there, you grew up there, you see the people you serve every day and you feel honored to do your best for everyone.”
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Scott Martin owner of SVEA Restaurant at 5236 N. Clark and Simon’s Tavern at 5210 N. Clark. Since the Depression, Simon's has anchored Clark Street just north of Foster and Scott has been an anchor of this community. His love for this neighborhood is effusive. You can see Scott walking his dog, greeting patrons at the restaurant and bar, waving hello off the rooftop connected to his apartment above Tilly’s or dressed up as a Viking multiple times a year, most famously during Midsommarfest.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Amanda Norcross co-owner and shopkeeper of Norcross & Scott located at 1476 W. Berwyn. Inside the shop, you’ll find a an array of home goods, furniture and art including wire baskets from Bend Goods and slip cast porcelain objects by local artist and resident Laura Novy. Norcross and Scott also specializes in full service residential interior design, striving to create spaces which are well edited, thoughtfully designed, beautiful and functional. Visit Amanda and her team this week during Late Night Andersonville on December 7 and throughout the season.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Lee and Miguel Cano owners of The Coffee Studio located at 5628 N. Clark. The Coffee Studio is a modern, independent espresso bar focused on expertly crafting delicious drinks and their mission is to create authentic, warm, comfortable experiences that make high-quality coffees and teas more approachable and accessible for everyone.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, we launch our holiday greetings from Andersonville! Plus, Laura, Sara, and Joelle do a roundup of all the great events this season, including this week's Small Business Saturday and the return of the Holiday Trolley.
Then, Laura and Joelle are joined by Tim Gillengerten, owner of Transit Tees, a Chicago themed merchandise store founded in 2001. With two locations in Wicker Park at 1371 N Milwaukee and here in Andersonville at 5226 N Clark, Transit Tees takes visuals from Chicago's metropolitan landscapes and transforms them into fashionable artwork, clothing, magnets, housewares and more.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Cat Levine, owner of Be Yoga Andersonville. Be Yoga is a family-owned yoga school in the Andersonville neighborhood that offers Bikram yoga classes to students at all skill levels. If you want to improve your muscle strength, flexibility, and circulation visit Be Yoga at 5715 N. Clark.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Steve Satek, President and Founder of Great Lakes Clinical Trials and special guest, Great Lakes Director of Marketing, Amber Holst. Great Lakes specializes in the study of investigational medications, food products, devices and supplements for the treatment of chronic diseases, notably in Mental Health, Memory Disorders and Pain Management. Steve is one of the passionate, dedicated leaders in Alzheimer’s research and Great Lakes is determined to find a way to prevent the disease from occurring in aging older adults. With two locations in Arlington Heights and Chicago, you can find Great Lakes just around the corner at 5149 N. Ashland.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Sarah Ghorbanian, owner of RE: chiropractic + wellness located at 5347 N Clark. In a recent article by Bossy Chicago they called the space “a wellness hangout.” If you are looking to get well and hangout in a cool office with a bad-ass chiropractor just look for the teeny bikini blue door next to Big Jones.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Bobby Schaffer and Bree Schaffer. Bobby is owner and head chef of Lost Larson and his sister Bree is the cafe manager. Lost Larson is a recently-opened bakery and cafe located in Andersonville that aims to honor the the craft of baking by providing a wide assortment of fresh treats including breads, open-faced sandwiches, croissants, scones and more. If you are in need of a savory bite or a sweet snack, head over to Lost Larson at 5318 N. Clark.
And don't miss Lost Larson on the Andersonville Sweetish Stroll Veruca Salt route, this weekend on Sunday, October 28!
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Ed Kaczmarek co-owner of Urban Pooch Canine Life Center located at 4501 N. Ravenswood. The Canine Life Center offers a large store, daycare, cageless boarding, grooming, bathing, and massage. Ed is also the co-owner of Urban Pooch Training and Fitness Center located at 5400 N. Damen which offers retail and training, including agility. Whether you have two legs or four, one thing is for certain, when you enter Urban Pooch, you must love dogs.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Sharon Howerton, president of Chicago Uptown Lion’s Club, a volunteer service agency committed to service in the Uptown and Edgewater neighborhoods since 1921. Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with over 1 Million members. Their mission is to improve our communities and have been doing so for nearly 100 years. Don’t miss the Lions of Illinois Foundation’s annual fundraiser, Candy Days, this Friday, October 12 and Saturday, October 13!
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Lynn Mooney and Sarah Hollenback, co-owners of Women & Children First one of the largest feminist bookstores in the country. Women and Children First started as a modest storefront in 1979 and moved the its current location at 5233 N. Clark in 1990.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Mark Robertson and Mike Sullivan, founders of Root Collective and owners of The SoFo Tap at 4923 N Clark and newly opened Meeting House Tavern located at 5025 N Clark. Both establishments offer a relaxed atmosphere, comfortable decor and an array of events and nightlife geared to appeal to various demographics of the LGBTQ community.
For episode show notes, click here.
In a special bonus episode release to help bring awareness to September's National Suicide Prevention Month, Laura and Sare are in conversation with Iggy Ladden, therapist and co founder of the Chicago Therapy Collective. CTC mobilizes to create safe, just, and inclusive Chicago neighborhoods for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming (T/GNC) individuals and communities. Their exhibit, "Trans Art Is" can be viewed through September 30 at the Andersonville Galleria located at 5247 N. Clark.
For episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Dr. Kapil Kella, owner of Lakeshore Dental Studio, a modern dental office which offers a welcoming family friendly environment, leading-edge technology, and easy scheduling located at 5505 N Clark.
For episode show notes, please click here.
In our first ever on-location episode, Laura and Sara visit with artist and shopkeeper, Jean Cate. Jean is the owner of Martha Mae: Arts Supplies and Beautiful Things, an Andersonville brick & mortar, gallery, and online shop offering a curated selection of art, art supplies and beautiful useful things, where creativity is a way of life, located at 5407 N. Clark. Jean is also a featured artist and location for this week's 2018 Andersonville Arts Week, and you can view her work as part of the Arts Week branding for this year.
For episode show notes, please click here.
In preview for Andersonville Arts Week, September 12-16, this week, Laura and Sara are joined by artist Rick McEachern. Rick is an Andersonville resident and studied at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Florence Academy of Art in Florence, Italy. You can view his work currently hanging on the walls of Appellation located at 5212 N. Clark.
For episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Todd Mack, co-owner of FOURSIDED. FOURSIDED began its journey in 2001 and strives to cultivate communities that enjoy art. Their mission is to bring each of their guest's imagination to life with one of a kind art, custom framing, curated gifts, ephemera, and vintage objects. Visit Foursided in Andersonville, located South of Foster at 5061 N. Clark, for all of your custom and vintage framing, unique gifts, and handmade greeting cards needs.
For episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by, Michael Newman, the Chicago-based principal and creative director of estudiotres, a branding, design, development and marketing firm that he runs nationally with two other designers. Michael, who goes by newman, has recently been dubbed an “Andersonville Craftsman” by the Chicago Eater for his recent work on Brightwok Kitchen in River North via his own firm, Michael John Newman | Design + Build. He has also worked on projects throughout Andersonville and Chicago, including the redesign of our 2018-19 Andersonville Neighborhood Guide.
For episode show notes, please click here.
We kick off this week's episode with a special Summer Review: recapping July's Summer Sidewalk Sale, previewing this week's outdoor movie night with the 48th Ward and the Taste of Andersonville, and highlighting the new dates for Arts Week this September.
Then, Laura and Joelle are joined by Rhonda Welbel and Al Rose, co owners of Kopi Cafe located at 5317 N Clark. With its world-traveler decor, hand-painted table tops and clocks set to different international times, Kopi offers a quiet respite any time of day. Their extensive menu is packed with sandwiches, salads and snacks and features vegetarian, vegan and gluten free items. Kopi also offers wine, beer, and speciality cocktails. If you’re looking to get away from it all, Kopi can transport you to another world for the price of a cup of coffee.
For episode show notes, please click here.
This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Michael Plageman, American Family Insurance Agent at the Plageman Agency, Inc. Michael has been a longtime supporter of the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce. As one reviewer said, “Michael is an amazing agent and consummate professional.” With offices in Park Ridge and Lakeview, Michael is ready and willing to tackle all of insurance needs.
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This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Joey Cranford, co-owner and CEO of Chicago Magic Lounge where the main attraction is the magic and can be experienced at three different spaces throughout the venue: at the front bar, in the 120 seat main cabaret-style theatre, and the more intimate 43 seat 654 Club. Chicago Magic Lounge is located at 5050 N. Clark Street in Andersonville and is open for magic, signature cocktails, and small bites seven days a week.
For episode show notes, please click here.
In this week's episode, Laura and Sara are joined by Larry Vodak, owner and shopkeeper of Scout, an urban furniture shop and design business located at 5221 N. Clark. At Scout you will find vintage, reclaimed, repurposed furniture and industrial accessories. Scout is also participating in this weekend's Andersonville Summer Sidewalk Sale!
For show notes from this episode, please click here.
In this week’s episode we are joined by Terese Lang McDonald, owner of Candyality located at 5225 N. Clark. Candyality carries thousands of bulk items and sweet treats including gummies, sours, taffy, and more. If you want to view paradise, close your eyes, make a wish and enter into a world of pure imagination. Just look for the sweet corner candy shop next to the blue Dala horse in Andersonville.
For show notes from this episode, please click here.
This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Bob Goins, owner of Classes on Clark. Bob teaches guitar to people of all ages, and is currently located in the beautiful space above Brimfield at 5219 N. Clark. During this episode, Bob even plays a lovely rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” to demonstrate fingerstyle guitar for our listeners!
To view show notes for this episode, please click here.
In this week's episode, Laura and Joelle are joined by Alma Gutierrez, founder and owner of Cassona Home Furnishings and Accessories, located at 5241 N Clark. Cassona has been serving the Andersonville community by offering affordable and high quality furniture since 1999. Shoppers can discover smaller scale items such as vases and picture frames, as well as larger scale items like sofas and tables.
To view show notes for this episode, please click here.
In this week's episode, Laura is joined by owner Chef Jennifer Kim and Tegan Brace of Passerotto, which opened its doors in May at 5420 N Clark. The Chicago Tribune called Passerotto “a culinary love letter to growing up Korean-American” and having grown-up eating spaghetti with kimchi with her brother, Chef Jennifer brings fun Korean fare to Andersonville.
To view show notes for this episode, please click here.
This week, we are joined today by Ted Fournier, owner of Orange Shoe Personal Fitness Andersonville located at 5609 N Clark Street. Orange Shoe is known for its amazing customer service and family-style vibe with options for cardio, strength, and cross training as well as kettlebell and yoga, and even nutrition counseling! Ted has quite the story to tell about overcoming life-changing injury with the powerful remedy of proper physical therapy and training.
To view show notes for this episode, please click here.
In this week's episode, Laura and Sara chat with Hallie Borden, owner of Milk Handmade and Honey Bridal located next door to each other at 5137 and 5135 N. Clark. Since 2012, Milk Handmade has been a destination women’s boutique that specializes in merchandise from local and independent designers and features not only apparel, but one-of-a-kind jewelry, accessories, soaps and candles.
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Sara Dinges and Laura Austin of the Andersonville Chamber give you a rundown of this weekend's Andersonville Midsommarfest highlights, plus we are joined by Shelly Fuerte, Vice President of the Winona Foster Carmen Winnemac Block Club, otherwise known as the WFCW and singer in the Lakeside Pride Ensembles Latin Band. Shelly and her band will be playing Midsommarfest on Sunday on the Center Stage at Berwyn at 1PM.
To view show notes for this episode, please click here.
This week, we speak with candle creators Mark Towns and Stephen Pearlman, the duo behind our local favorite, Edgewater Candles. With scents like Cedar Lavender, Tobacco Tonka, and the ever-popular Fraser Fir during the winter months, these soy wax candles will warm up any office, home or studio. You can currently find Edgewater Candles stocked at Foursided in Andersonville, at many markets around Chicago, at this weekend’s Midsommarfest, and at the Andersonville Farmers Market this season.
To view episode show notes, please click here.
Today we are joined by Harry Osterman, Alderman of the 48th Ward in Chicago, which includes the communities of Edgewater, Andersonville and Uptown’s Argyle Street. Alderman Osterman is a lifelong resident of the 48th Ward and prior to becoming Alderman in 2011, Harry served in Springfield for 11 years as State Representative of the 14th District. He is known for boots-on-ground public service, focusing on improving public safety, local neighborhood schools and supporting small businesses.
For episode show notes, please click here.
We are treated to a special conversation with local author David Jay Collins. David is the indie author of Gaybash, a story about love, friendship, and consequences for trying to be someone else; and Summerdale, a haunted house thriller set in Andersonville and due to release this October. We even hear excerpts from both novels!
For episode show notes, please click here.
Our guest this week is Julieanne Ehre, founder and director of Pivot Arts and the Pivot Arts Festival. With a focus on creative producing, Pivot Arts bridges the gap between theatre, dance, and contemporary performances and has showcased in Andersonville several times, including a recent "Live Talk" engagement at Hopleaf (5148 N Clark). The organization is quickly approaching the 6th year of their festival celebrating contemporary performances and multi-disciplinary works. The festival returns to Chicago's Uptown and Edgewater neighborhoods this week, running June 1 - June 10, 2018.
To view show notes for this episode, please click here.
The newly redesigned 2018-19 edition of the Andersonville Neighborhood Guide is launching at the end of this month, and we are so excited to share it with the neighborhood, Chicago, and beyond! This week on the podcast, we sat down with one of the members of our design team, freelance photographer Mike Rivera, to discuss his pathway to photography and what it was like to photograph over 20 of our businesses for this very special publication.
To view show notes for this episode, please click here.
This week, we are joined by Searah Deysach, the owner of Early to Bed, Chicago’s only women-oriented, trans-friendly, boy-friendly, queer, and all gender positive sex shop located at 5044 N Clark. This diverse business is dedicated to helping you explore your sexuality to the fullest, without fear, and they are one of the destinations for our upcoming Andersonville Wine Walk, this Sunday, May 20!
To view show notes for this episode, please click here.
In honor of opening day for the 2018 Andersonville Farmers Market season (Wednesday, May 9), we have launched our first bonus episode of the podcast! In studio, we are joined by Katie Williams from Chicago Patchwork Farms and Joan Oberndorf, market manager of Andersonville’s Farmers Market. Chicago Patchwork Farms is an organization dedicated to rehabilitating unused land in the city into beautiful, usable green spaces, and has been a vendor at the market since 2014.
The Andersonville Farmers market is now open for the season on Wednesdays from May 9 - August 29 (3-8PM) and September 5 - October 17 (3-7PM) along Berwyn between Clark and Ashland in Andersonville.
For episode show notes, please click here.
This week on the podcast, we are joined by members of Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, an intimate salon-style theatre exploring the unique female perspectives of everyday stories (located on Andersonville’s north end at 5779 N. Ridge Avenue). In studio, we discuss Rivendell’s Midwest premiere of The Cake, by playwright Bekah Brunstetter with artistic director Tara Mallen and ensemble members Krystel McNeil and Tuckie White - all three appear in the production, currently extended through Saturday, June 2. They also recreate one of the iconic scenes from the play for us on air!
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, we met up with Maybelline Pereda, the owner and founder of Cescas Margarita Bar and Grill, a Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Andersonville at 5403 N Clark. Cescas is home to craft margaritas, expansive brunch and dinner menus, and a dog-friendly cozy patio to help you kick off the upcoming summer months!
To view episode show notes, please click here.
This week, we chat with Rick Verkler, the General Manager of The Guesthouse Hotel (4872 N Clark). The Guesthouse offers affordably luxurious one, two, and three bedroom vacation condominiums designed to feel like home away from home. Rick divulges on what it’s like to meet a vast array of Andersonville dogs, hunting for handmade artisans around the neighborhood and Chicago, and how the hotel staff is preparing for this year’s Andersonville Wine Walk!
To view show notes for this episode, please click here.
Meet Sonat Birnecker Hart, co-owner, president, and founder of Andersonville’s KOVAL Distillery (5121 N Ravenswood). KOVAL produces organic whiskey, liqueurs and specialty spirits, and was the first distillery to open in Chicago since the mid 1800s. Sonat and her husband/Master Distiller/co-owner, Robert Birnecker, pioneered the way for other small local distilleries to open all around North America and Europe. In this episode, Sonat shares with us her journey as a woman and a mother in the distillery industry.
To view show notes from this epsiode, please click here.
Meet Matthew Buccilla, co-owner of Andersonville's newly-established modern men's lifestyle and supplies store, Cowboys and Astronauts (1478 W Summerdale Ave). He has lived and thrived in Andersonville for years, and now with his partner, Greg Lanier, has opened a shop where can you find that new date shirt, grooming products that will make you feel like a million bucks, and barware that shows you’re a champion entertainer. Matthew comes from a family of business owners and can-doers, and excitedly shares with us his passion for business ownership and hospitality.
To view show notes from the episode, please click here.
This week, we chat with Karin Moen Abercrombie, Executive Director for the Swedish American Museum (located at 5211 N Clark) which has been an Andersonville institution since 1976, for over 40 years! Karin was born in Los Angeles, but grew up in Gothenburg, Sweden. She has lived in Andersonville for 25 years, raised her family here, walks to work daily, and possesses a wealth of knowledge about the neighborhood's changing landscape.
To view show notes from this episode, please click here.
This week, the Andersonville Chamber team talks with Georgia Jones, owner of Chicago Mindful Psychotherapy located at 5537 N Clark. Georgia tells us all about her pathway to mindfulness, learning to incorporate mindful activities into everyday life, and wanting to promote a family friendly practice in Andersonville, the neighborhood she's called home for over 18 years.
To view show notes from this episode, please click here.
For our first episode of #AlwaysAndersonville: The Podcast, we introduce you to Andersonville; a neighborhood full of rich history and an amazing collection of local and independent businesses owners. Get to know the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce staff as they dive into their first interview with Michael Bransford, owner of local bistro Vincent. Michael's story is a love story - one about falling for this Midwest neighborhood in the big city of Chicago after leaving New York City.
To view show notes from this episode, please click here.