Explore Brookfield

The weather is finally getting better and so we can start thinking about outdoor events. In this episode we talk to Stevie Ferrari of the Brookfield Parks and Recs Department and Emily Egan from Community Development. We go over everything going on this year in Brookfield. It's a must-listen episode.

This episode we bring one of the most "community-active" businesses in town to the podcast, First National Bank of Brookfield. (We are not sure "community-active" is a word, but we will go with it.) Phil Richard, President of the Bank, and Amy Weinert, the Big Cheese, captivate us with all the wonders of community banking.  (They were so convincing, I opened a personal account with them only hours after the recording).

This week we talk with Mike Doerr and Patrick Sheridan from A Sound Education in Brookfield. In addition to lessons they offer equipment sales and rental services as well as repairs. You have to check them out - especially at the 4th of July Parade. 

Today we are joined by Michael Garvey, Brookfield's Village President. We talk all about what's going on at the Village and what we can expect this year as we begin to return to some sense of normalcy after COVID.

For the second episode of our second season, we talk to Fritz Kaegi, the Cook County Assessor, all about property taxes. It's probably a topic no one likes to talk about, but he offers some great information.

Welcome to the second season of the Explore Brookfield podcast. In this next episode, we talk about one Jason's newest business ventures... IL Health Testing Services.  Aref Abdellatif, Medical Director and Partner, and Jason talk about COVID-19, testing and the new, reputable COVID testing center opening in Brookfield. 

For our final episode of our Holiday Trilogy, we present a Gift of Faith. We welcomed to the podcast members of five different faith communities in Brookfield to share a holiday message.  Rev. Karl Sokol, Compassion Methodist Church Rev. Brian Kean, Holy Guardian Angels Catholic Church Pastor Rick Gonzalez, International Christian Fellowship Pastor Rick Tatina, New Life Church Brookfield Rev. Martha Daniels, Holy Covenant MCC

Today as a holiday gift, we present the singers of the Chicago Park District's Hale Theatre Company, accompanied by Jason Baumann on keyboard. Please enjoy this gift of music. 

In the first of our holiday episodes (and our 6th month anniversary episode), we explore Brookfield looking for great gifts for the people on your gift list. Let me tell you, this town is filled with creative souls so you have to check out this episode before you buy any more gifts!

In our 25th Episode, we talk to Laura Atwood about her very cool store in Brookfield. Located in the 8 Corners business district, Laura features gifts from around the globe as well as some very cool local, handmade jewelry and scent products. Definitely a store and episode you have to check out. 

We did something completely different for this episodes and asked the kids of Brookfield what they thought about the town and it was a lot of fun.

Today we talk with our friendly, neighborhood optomotrist, Toni Reising from Brookfield Eye Care. There's so much to learn about your eyes and LASIK and even implants! Then to close we talk about everything going on in Brookfield this Halloween. If you live in Brookfield, you have to listen to this episode. 

IN MEMORY OF FRED BAUMANN. This week, we diverge from our normal format to talk about Moving Day Chicago - benefitting the Parkinson's Foundation. Join your host Jason Baumann (Team Captain of Fred's Smack Down Crew) and Eric Fragoules (Development Manager, Parkinson's Foundation) as they discuss this weekend's event. 

This week we talk to a guest who I have wanted to meet since I moved to Brookfield, Doc Mack, owner of Galloping Ghost Arcade. With more than 840 arcade cabinets on site, it is one of the biggest arcades in the world! You have to check out this episode.

This week we talk to TJ Booth, owner of Focus Om Yoga + Wellness, our next door neighbors. In today's episode we talk about all the new and exciting things happening there and even debunk some of those stereotypes about yoga and meditation. Ever wonder about Goat Yoga and Guy Yoga? You gotta listen! 

For the 16th episode of Explore Brookfield, we have the pleasure of speaking to two guests: Cheryle Hurtado and Lisa Capone from Cantata Campus Services. Listen to hear all about the independent living, assisted living, and skilled rehabilitation services available here.

In this episode we sat down with Morey Curtis Dunbar, the owner of Painted Studio. Tune in to hear about how Morey got started and all the great things her shop has to offer.

Bob Uphues, Senior Editor of the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark, has been covering our community for 18 years! If someone knows all about the ins and outs of Brookfield businesses, schools, and government, it's Bob.  We are excited to bring Bob onto the Explore Brookfield podcast to talk about Brookfield, the newspaper industry and life as a reporter/editor.

Chris Valadez, Founder of Cycle Brookfield, talks all about cycling. He fills us in on their upcoming Bike Brookfield event, as well as other events they host and their advocacy efforts.  We are also excited to announce our Community News Section that premieres in this episode, so make sure you listen through the end of the podcast to hear what's coming up in Brookfield. 

Check out this episode with Chris Borzym, the owner of Christopher Mark Fine Flowers, to hear all about flowers and the amazing support he has received from the residents of Brookfield.

Today, we welcome to the podcast, Justice Jesse Reyes, from the Illinois Appellate Court. Justice Reyes is one of the all around best guys you will ever meet - dedicating his life to service. As a successful attorney and now judge, Justice Reyes is truly an expert on the Illinois Judicial System - which is the topic of our conversation today.

We are so excited to have on our 10th episode Ms. Clara D'Onofrio, owner of Ms. Clara's Mini Musicians. As huge music fans, we were thrilled to discuss all things musical with Ms. Clara. 

On this week's episode of the Explore Brookfield podcast, we talk to State Representative Michael J. Zalewski about Brookfield, COVID, the state budget, sports betting, BBQ and much more.

You won't want to miss this episode with local celebrity, Craig Goldwyn. Tune in to hear all about Craig's journey to the Barbecue Hall of Fame, his New York best seller and "Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling"

This week, we are excited to welcome Jessica Miller, Communications Director for Make-A-Wish Illinois, to the podcast. Listen and learn all about how the staff and volunteers create magical moments for children who are battling life-threatening conditions.  

In this episode, we turn the tables and Jason Baumann, President of Boxless Media and host of this podcast, becomes the guest and is interviewed by Brian Baumann and Alayna Fernandez from the Boxless Team. Learn all about the marketing and media agency in town.

In this episode we sat down with Katie Nasti, president of the Brookfield Little League. Listen to how Katie got involved and everything you need to know about the Little League. 

If you love candy, this episode is for you. Tune in to listen to Annette Pardun, the owner of Fill My Jar, talk about everything candy, chocolates, and more. 

Check out this episode full of laughter with Mary Vasquez, the owner of Mary's Morning Mixup, to get an inside look at one of our favorite breakfast places in town. 

When most people think of Brookfield, their first thought is of the world-famous Brookfield Zoo. Explore Brookfield seeks to change this incomplete (but flattering) view by interviewing the hard-working residents, business owners, and government officials who make up this vibrant community. Join our host Jason Baumann of Boxless Media as we Explore Brookfield.