Always Andersonville: The Podcast

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 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 Downtree, 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!