Getting Zen with Jen Z on WGN Plus

I'm back! It's been too long but here we are. My hubby Jay and I co-host this episode (and hopefully more soon) discussing the glamour of gym ownership. We own and run a Martial Arts school together in Takoma Park, Maryland called Capital MMA & Elite Fitness - Team Takoma, and really hope you'll stop by for a roll some time!   In this episode, we shed some light on what gym ownership is really like, warts and all. There's lots of fun, plenty of stress, and sometimes it's just downright gross. It's all worth it though, because of our amazing community of coaches and students, and of course that Jay and I get to do it together.   Check out my YouTube Channel, All Things Jen Z, to check out this podcast live and all my Jiu-Jitsu Technique videos. Also, follow and subscribe to Jay's Substack, Temere Cogitationes, to get his weekly essays on whatever happens to be on his mind.

So much fun having my cousin Lea Bacci on the podcast! Like many of us, Covid sparked a need for Lea to do more to help others, so she started an Instagram account called @just_a_girl1978 where she started sharing insights and ideas about the everyday struggles we all face to balance family, job, personal growth and just getting through life on the daily.   Lea wears many hats, but she is a caretaker in all of them: wife, mom, daughter, friend and public health professional. In this episode, we talk about the importance of self care and activating auto-pilot when dealing with aging parents, demanding kids, as well as prioritizing relationships and managing your career.   This episode is brought to you by my fabulous sponsors Hips & Grips. Check out their amazing jiu-jitsu & climbing camps at @hipsnadgripsbjjcamps   Get 10% off your next Hips & Grips registration when you use code JENZ. #podcast #thejenzpodcast #jenz #strongwomen #empowerment #energizedandempowered  #motivation #inspiration #fitness #mom #womensupportingwomen #caretaker #daughhter #justagirl #selfcare #nutrition #healthyliving #stressrelief #life #health #wellness #relationships

It was a pleasure to have Takoma Park's very own Seth Cook on the podcast. He's co-owner of Takoma Bev Co song with his cousin Chris Brown, and is the man behind the wine menu for Zinnia and Motorkat. He's a world traveler who loves how a great beverage or cocktail brings people together. Amazingly enough, Seth is also principal Tuba/Cimbasso of the Kennedy Center Opera House.  He's all about great sips and beautiful sounds! Follow Takoma Bev Co. on IG to stay in the loop about upcoming events @takomabevco. Be sure to check out @motorkattakoma and @eatinnia too! And if you want to hear Seth in action, follow @kcohomuscicians.   This episode is brought to you by my fabulous sponsors Hips & Grips.  Check out their amazing jiu-jitsu & climbing camps at @hipsnadgripsbjjcamps   Get 10% off your next Hips & Grips registration when you use code JENZ.  

The first Ladies Jiu Jitsu Jam was awesome, with more than 80 amazing females on the mat! That wouldn't have been possible without my friend and perfect training partner, Maia Matalon. She's definitely someone I want you to get to know on a deeper level: She is a mom, stepmom, badass BJJ black belt and helps run High Noon BJJ in Virginia with her partner Tim Dawson. Maia also worked for several years as a firefighter and paramedic. I look up to her as a jiu jitsu mentor and am grateful to call her my friend. Follow Maia on IG @maiamatalon, High Noon @highnoonbjj and of course give Ladies Jiu Jitsu Jam a follow @ladiesjiujitsujam.    This episode is brought to you by my fabulous sponsors Hips & Grips.  Check out their amazing jiu-jitsu & climbing camps at https://www.hipsandgripscamps.com/.    Get 10% off your next Hips & Grips registration when you use code JENZ.

This past year, our school had a big influx of college students from the University of Maryland. One of them, Chris Giuditta, is also the owner of Ono Bowls Food Truck. Chris has been great to train with on the mats, but as he graduates and moves onto a career in finance, I had to interview him about becoming an entrepreneur at the age of 17. Learn all about how he and his friend started an acai food truck business in New Jersey, and how they have kept it going. Chris is super charismatic, smart and a hard worker. This kid is definitely going places. I mean, acai and BJJ are like two peas in a pod! Check out how you can book his food truck for catering and everything they have to offer @onobowlsfoodtruck on IG.    This episode is brought to you by my fabulous sponsors Hips & Grips. Check out their amazing jiu-jitsu & climbing camps at @hipsnadgripsbjjcamps   Get 10% off your next Hips & Grips registration when you use code JENZ.

My dear friend Mary Lou Costabile, aka Miscellaneous Magic, is back on the podcast. This time she is interviewing me!!! As Mary Lou is making some shifts in her career, she wanted to ask me how I did it when I made the transition from full time beauty to fitness, wellness & BJJ. This was so much fun and great to take a hosting break. Hope you enjoy hearing about my journey. Great job Mary Lou! Mary Lou is a Hair Stylist, Intuitive Reader, Reiki Master and Certified Life Coach. Be sure to follow her on IG @miscellaneous_magic22 for all her energy updates.   This episode is brought to you by my fabulous sponsors Hips & Grips. Check out their amazing jiu-jitsu & climbing camps at @hipsnadgripsbjjcamps   Get 10% off your next Hips & Grips registration when you use code JENZ.

My friend and fellow Capital MMA teammate, BJ Ketchem, joins me to share how he made the decision to give up $27,000 a year in pursuit of his own happiness. Is money really worth it if it costs you your quality of life? We have a great conversation reflecting on his choice, talking about life, health, mindset & jiu jitsu of course. BJ is a teacher but is also an amazing strength & conditioning coach. He has been an athlete all his life and loves helping others achieve their goals. He is passionate, encouraging and just all-around good people. To learn how you can work with BJ and see some of his coaching tips follow him on IG @the_forged_athletics.    This episode is brought to you by my fabulous sponsors Hips & Grips. Check out their amazing jiu-jitsu & climbing camps at @hipsnadgripsbjjcamps   Get 10% off your next Hips & Grips registration when you use code JENZ.  

One of the most common questions my clients ask me or one of their biggest struggles is that they just don't have time for themselves. With work, family, life and all the hustle, they come last. In this episode I give you some of my tips and tricks to fit in that self-care time baby! Check out my new Patreon channel for my content @allthingsjenz.    This episode is brought to you by my fabulous sponsors Hips & Grips. Check out their amazing jiu-jitsu & climbing camps at https://www.hipsandgripscamps.com/.    Get 10% off your next Hips & Grips registration when you use code JENZ.

I am really excited to have my friends Lena Blitstein & Samantha Shapiro on this week's episode. They are the business-owner fashionista sisters of Enaz Boutiques, located throughout the Illinois Northshore. Missing from the episode but completing the fabulous sister trio is Melinda Kaplan. Enaz began when their mom, Susan Lurie, started creating custom pieces in a tiny downtown Highland Park, IL storefront. Thirty years later they have four locations: the original in HP, as well as Lake Forest, Northfield & Chicago's hip Bucktown neighborhood. The clothing and accessories they carry are awesome – fun, functional and flirty all at once! – and the story of their success is truly inspiring. Plus, these sisters share a good dose of fashion sense and some lowdown on the latest spring trends. Follow Enaz @enazboutique for their weekly fashion insights and keep up with what's new. You can also check out their website and order online!    This episode is brought to you by my fabulous sponsors Hips & Grips. Check out their amazing jiu-jitsu & climbing camps at @hipsandgripsbjjcamps.   Get 10% off your next Hips & Grips registration when you use code JENZ.  

This one is a solo episode with me! I figured it would be great to come on and fill you in about all the exciting new things happening in the Jen Z World and give you updates on new services I am offering. My mission is always to help you become Energized & Empowered to live YOUR best life! Follow me on IG @allthingsjenz to stay in the loop! And if you are new to my page drop me a line to introduce yourself:)   This episode is brought to you by my fabulous sponsors Hips & Grips. Check out their amazing jiu-jitsu & climbing camps at @hipsandgripsbjjcamps.   Get 10% off your next Hips & Grips registration when you use code JENZ.

Dr. Veronica Kacherova is amazing! I've always wanted to have an Optometrist on my podcast, and no, not just because I'm obsessed with frames;) Eye health is so important, especially with the amount of time we spend on screen these days. Dr. V gave so many great tips from what supplements to use for better eye health, the 20/20/20 rule to give your eyes a break during extended screen time to how old you should start getting eye exams and how often! She recently opened her practice Expert Family Eye Care in Lincolnshire, Illinois. But no matter where you live you want to follow them on IG @expert_family_eyecare to stay updated on what's new in the world of vision, and yes, that includes cute frames too!   This episode is brought to you by my fabulous sponsors Hips & Grips. Check out their amazing jiu-jitsu & climbing camps at https://www.hipsandgripscamps.com/.    Get 10% off your next Hips & Grips registration when you use code JENZ.  

If you are a stepmom, you need to be listening to The Radical Stepmoms Podcast and following @radicalstepmomspodcast on IG. It was absolutely a pleasure having host Christina on the podcast. She provides “. . . a safe space to talk about the good, bad and really ugly moments of raising a child you didn't create.” She uses her tools as a licensed clinical Social Worker and personal experience as a stepmom and mom to help other stepmoms become unstuck and empower them to create the lives they desire. She is truly genuine, kind and empathetic and her IG is filled with the perfect amount of humor and real talk! If you want to work with Christina one-on-one or join her RSM community, go to her website https://www.radicalstepmomspodcast.com/.   This episode is brought to you by my fabulous sponsors Hips & Grips. Check out their amazing jiu-jitsu & climbing camps at https://www.hipsandgripscamps.com/.    Get 10% off your next Hips & Grips registration when you use code JENZ.

The wonderful Julie Schiffman joins me for a second time, first time was episode #23, to share her expertise in tapping. Julie is an EFT expert, Emotional Freedom Techniques, which can help relieve stress, anxiety, depression, health issues, pain etc. The list goes on! It is a simple tool you can utilize on your own to become aware of the emotion in your body that may be causing negative symptoms and how to let it go. In this episode Julie guides myself and you, the listener, through a quick session targeting self-doubt so we can regain our confidence and feel empowered! Give it a try! Check out her IG @julieschiffman_tapintolife for more of her tapping videos and her YouTube channel @JulieSchiffman.   This episode is brought to you by my fabulous sponsors Hips & Grips.  Check out their amazing jiu-jitsu & climbing camps at https://www.hipsandgripscamps.com/.  Get 10% off your next Hips & Grips registration when you use code JENZ.  

Super excited to finally have my dear friend Mary Lou Costabile on the podcast. Mary Lou is a Hair Stylist, Intuitive Reader, Reiki Master and Certified Life Coach. She shares all the magical vibes coming our way in 2023! We also chat about our friendship and how we both started on our spiritual paths. Mary Lou is incredibly talented and an amazing soul. Be sure to follow her on IG @miscellaneous_magic22 for all her energy updates & posts and visit her website https://www.miscellaneousmagic22.com/ to book one-on-one services with her!    This episode is brought to you by my fabulous sponsors Hips & Grips.  Check out their amazing jiu-jitsu & climbing camps at https://www.hipsandgripscamps.com/.    Get 10% off your next Hips & Grips registration when you use code JENZ.

Starting out the New Year with a podcast episode featuring my hubby Jay Ferrai (aka Jonathan). After so much holiday fun and family time, we definitely needed a self-care weekend to relax and decompress. We wanted to share with you guys some of the things we love to do! Whether it's with your partner or solo, self-care should be an essential part of your schedule, even if it's just 15 minutes of YOU time! In case you missed my blog on the topic, check it out here: https://jenz.substack.com/p/sometimes-you-just-need-a-self-care. And if you aren't already, be sure to follow me on IG @allthingsjenz and Jay @letterten. 

Celebrity make-up artist Tay Rivera joins me to talk about his almost 20 year career working in the make-up industry. From retail to Hollywood glam, Tay has gained tons of artistic experience over the years along with learning the hustle of the business. He shares some of his must-have products and talks about current trends. You definitely want to listen! Tay and I go way back as I was his manager at MAC cosmetics early on in his career. I'm so proud of all the hard work and determination he's put in to reach his goals! So excited for what the future holds! Check out Tay's beautiful work and what he's up to @tayriverabeauty!

I had the pleasure of catching up with Kathy Hart! You may know her best from her amazing radio career, as she was on Chicago's The Mix as co-host of The Eric & Kathy Show for 21 years. After leaving radio, Kathy trusted her gut and moved to Montana, where she has been able to use her skills and life experience to help others heal and get healthy. She suffered from mold exposure and all three of her children live with Lyme disease. As a mom on a mission she has so much knowledge to share through helpful guides, tips and research she has compiled on her site www.gritology.com. Kathy has also tapped into her faith and shares so much love and motivation on her YouTube channel Kathy Hart Gritology. Such a fun interview! Kathy is super genuine and authentic and really opens up about her journey! Be sure to follow her on IG @kathyhartgrit!

I am fangirling out with Chicago-based author Kelly Kay! She is like a contemporary Danielle Steel, but cooler and sexier! Kelly's books definitely hit the steamy romance spot like nobody else. Her writing sucks you right in. You fall in love with the characters, the settings, and, oh yeah, the sex! They are almost too much fun to read, but read them you should. Grab some wine, throw on your favorite shade of lipstick and snuggle up with one of her books! You will not be disappointed. Check out all her novels at www.kellykayromance.com and follow her on IG for her latest book launches @kelly_kay_books! Oh yeah, these are great holiday gifts, peeps!

Rachel Melville has been defying gravity for almost 20 years. This amazing woman, a pro climber and environmental engineer, was my guide at the recent Hips & Grips camp in Las Vegas, and we connected right away. She's one of the most authentic, badass people I've ever met. As our instructor she made me feel not only safe but confident about the challenge of rock-climbing, something I had never attempted. I'm still so impressed and inspired by the way she balances a focused mindset with an adventurous spirit. I bet you will be, too! Connect with Rachel through IG @twincannons.

Ewa Pasek's passion for photography is easy to see. Her artistic eye helps create images that have beautiful immediate impact, and are hard to forget. It's impressive work that has earned gallery showings in her current hometown of Highland Park, Illinois, and participation in a Paris studio showcase. She is a true artist! Her latest collection reflects her unique ability to blend different images together, which has captured from different cities, and transform them into incredible art. Moving from Poland to America definitely shaped her creativity, a journey Ewa is eager to discuss in this compelling episode! Be sure to follow her on IG @wowwowewa and check out her website www.wowwowewa.com to learn more about her amazing work!  

I swear everyone knows Coach Danny Chacon! And they all say what an amazing guy he is with an awesome energy! You can tell how passionate he is about helping others become their best and how positive and grateful he is to be doing what he loves! Danny shares his story of living as an illegal immigrant, coming to the US from Argentina when he was a child, and how he started his journey in martials arts. Danny also shares his expertise and knowledge about the world of Muay Thai, one of his favorites out of all the arts he's practiced. He is a retired pro MT fighter and is one of the most sought after coaches, helping other gyms set up Muay Thai programs in their schools.  He is also a BJJ Black Belt, Personal Trainer, Yoga Instructor, KB & Krav Instructor & the list goes on. He continues learning and becoming certified in all areas of fitness and martial arts. I feel like he should add motivational speaker to his resume lol. Learn more about Danny and how you can work with him at his studio in Denver, CO at www.coachdannychacon.com and follow him on IG @muaythaiforthesoul.

Who doesn't love a good mystery? Lucky enough one of our members happens to be the author of one of the best mystery novels out there. Stephen Spotswood is a novelist, award-winning playwright and journalist. He also trains Muay Thai & jiu-Jitsu, so that makes him even cooler. Learn about his journey on becoming a writer to the present day where he is awaiting the launch of his third book in December. You must catch up and read Fortune Favors the Dead & Murder Under her Skin. They are AMAZING! And let's talk about a powerful female detective duo with a 40's backdrop! Love it! Learn more about Stephen and all his work at www.stephenspotswood.com and follow him on IG @playwrightsteve. 

Not only did I have the honor of competing against Rachel Morrision Casias at Masters Worlds 2022, but I also had the pleasure of having her as a guest on my podcast. We could have talked for hours. She is so down to earth and absolutely hilarious!! Rachel is a second degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and, along with her husband Ray Casias, owner of Tennessee Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She is currently ranked #1 Master 3 Female Black Belt by IBJJF, and is a multiple-time Masters Worlds and Pan Ams Champ. Of course we talked a lot about jiu-jitsu, but Rachel also opened up about her diagnosis of Young-Onset Alzeheimers, which she received two years ago at the age of 41. In this episode, Rachel talks about how her life has changed, what she does to stay healthy, and what her future looks like – all with the most amazing and positive mindset. This episode is a must listen! To follow Rachel and her journey find her on FB @RachelMorrisonCasias and to learn how to train with her visit the school's website at www.tbjja.com. 

I love sharing stories of strong women that are truly inspiring and motivating to others. This episode is no exception. Iman Casteneda, Capital MMA Black Belt, has a life story that could have given her tons of excuses to not succeed, but she did quite the opposite! Leaving her home in Morocco to escape an arranged marriage to being homeless to her career as a pro MMA fighter and now her proudest accomplishment of being a mother and caring for her family, Iman is really one bad ass lady! And the kindest soul you will meet! This episode is worth a listen for anyone, and a great reminder to be grateful for what we have. You can follow Iman on IG @imancastaneda and visit her at Capital MMA & Elite Fitness - Team Loudon where she coaches crossfit and trains BJJ.

That's the title of the new book coming out by our dear friend DJ Stephens. DJ is the owner of CDK Self-Defense Systems in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He is a Krav Maga 2nd Degree Black Belt, TaeKwonDo Black Belt and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt. Through his book, DJ is able to share his perspective on self-defense and his own personal story of growing up training several martial arts. This was a great conversation as DJ is really just an awesome human and as real as it gets. You can follow him on IG @kravmagacdk or go to his website www.kravmagacdk.com to learn more and stay up to date on his book launch!

I often think Physical Therapy is misunderstood, which is why I wanted to have my very own PT, Brian Faller, on this episode to share what PT entails and who can benefit from it, which is pretty much everyone. It's not just for post-op patients or for those who have suffered severe injuries, but for anyone who is experiencing pain or movement issues. He also shares some tips for us grapplers to help keep our necks and knees injury free. Brian takes patients at NovaCare Rehabilitation in Silver Spring, Maryland. You can contact him with any questions or to schedule an appointment at bfaller@selectmedical.com. 

This title is very fitting as Emma is an absolutely amazing soul herself! Grateful to call her a new friend. Emma G. is an award winning musician, author and youth empowerment coach. Emma shares her personal story of how she used her passion of songwriting and music to heal her own trauma and how she uses those tools to help teenagers understand, process and overcome their emotional and mental roadblocks. Learn more about Emma and her services at www.emmagmusic.com and show her some love on IG @emmagmusic. Definitely check out her recent TEDx Talk too!

My dear friend and Serafin BJJ Black Belt Sloth, Chris Wojcik, joins me to talk about his recent successes in his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu career. He shares some tips on how he deals with tournament anxiety and the specific training he uses to prepare for competition. We also take a dive into his other passion and career as a writer. Listen to the entire episode so you can hear our dramatic conclusion on what we feel is the most important factor to succeed! Be sure to follow Chris on IG @chrismwojcik and subscribe to his blog at https://linktr.ee/chrismwojcik.  

So happy to be back with new episodes of The Jen Z Podcast. Before diving in with more wonderful guests, I wanted to give you guys a look into this past year and what I've been up to! Lots of exciting changes and memories to look back on. Here we go!   Be sure to follow me on IG @bodybyzanotti to stay up to date on everything in the Jen Z Universe!  

So happy to chat with the amazing Melissa Posh, owner and creator of @hilovetravel! They create classic packs and luggage for fitness, fashion and travel. Not only are the pieces stylish and sleek, but the material is super lightweight, water-resistant, recyclable and affordable! I’m obsessed! Check out https://hilovetravel.com/ to to shop their latest collections and and learn more about how they spread love and awareness to so many wonderful organizations! And be sure to show them some love on social @hilovetravel!   This episode is brought to you by my fabulous sponsors Highland Park Physical Medicine. Check out all their amazing services at https://www.hpphysicalmedicine.com.    

I love interviewing local business owners, especially female entrepreneurs and even better, in the fitness industry! This weeks feature is Julie Hafner, owner of Studio Spin in Highland Park! Studio Spin has been around 8 years, and Julie gives us an inside scoop on their motto, community, services & energy of the studio! We also talk about how she was able to adapt during Covid and offer so many options live and online for her clients to stay active during the pandemic! Plus Julie is definitely giving off the positive vibes! Learn more about Studio Spin and their Spin, Boxing & Yoga classes at https://www.studiospin.com/ and follow them on social at @studio.spin!   This episode is brought to you by my fabulous sponsors Highland Park Physical Medicine. Check out all their amazing services at https://www.hpphysicalmedicine.com.    

Anyone else get inspired by watching interior design shows? Or trying to figure out creative ways to spruce up your space? With spending much more time at home, more people are wanting to update their living spaces, without breaking the bank. I sat down with the local and lovely design specialists from the ABL Group in Highwood. Ava Markoutsas is the Showroom Manager, and daughter of the ABL founders Howard & Miriam Lipsky, literally growing up with design, and Michelle Cinqui, interior designer for over 20 years who has always had a passion for design and creativity. We talk about all the current design trends, how to get creative on a budget, DIY ideas, plus so many more tips! Check out www.theablgroup.com and follow them on social @theablgroup to learn more about all their services and beautiful showroom!  

My friend and fellow female entrepreneur, Julie Brugioni, owner of the Silk Thumb in Highwood, joins me as my guest today. The Silk Thumb is a faux floral & plant design studio for commercial spaces and homes. They have the ability to serve you locally or anywhere across the US. Julie just celebrated 13 years of owning the Silk Thumb, but has been mastering her skill in floral design & installation for over 19 years. Learn more on her site www.silkthumb.com and follow her on FB & IG @silkthumb to check out all the creative ways you can incorporate custom greenery and high quality floral arrangements in your home or commercial space. They are absolutely amazing!  

The main mission of the non-for-profit SALT, is to help create an empathic generation through service-learning travel. Salt promotes uniquely meaningful student travel experiences that meet the needs of the local community while promoting personal growth and understanding. Co-founders, Ida Fiore and Brad Swanson, join me to share how Salt has had to pivot and shift gears during Covid. They have created the ‘Salt Serving Safely’ project to help service those in need locally though their ‘Shop N’ Drop’ and ‘Love2 Learn’ programs. Listen to find out how you can help and hear all the amazing things these kids are doing to stay proactive and help the community. Check out their site www.saltstudenttravel.com and follow them on IG & FB @saltstudenttravel!  

My dear friend, and fabulous realtor, Mada Hitchmough, joins me to discuss the current state of the market. Business is booming! People are selling, buying and keeping her busy. She talks about safety precautions, adapting during this time with creative options, all time low mortgage rates and financial aid for current homeowners who are struggling to make payments. She also gives insight to the new wants and needs of buyers and how Covid has altered the priority list and must-haves. Connect with Mada at www.madahitchmough.bairdwarner.com or on FB & IG @madahitchmoughhomes! 

Isaac Nava had a dream, and with the help of his brother Moishe, turned a humble start into a thriving business. La Casa de Isaac & Moishe has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine in Highwood and Highland Park since 2008. They employ more than 50 people between their two locations, and half are family members. Providing for that big crew and serving delicious meals to their customers is what it’s all about. The brothers offer authentic dishes including their must-try mama’s enchiladas, along with fresh produce and meats, an amazing kosher deli, and fruit & veggie juices -- all served in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Listen to Isaac share the journey from past to present. It’s amazing! Be sure to visit both locations and check out everything they have to offer at www.lacasadeisaac.com.    This episode is brought to you by my fabulous sponsors Highland Park Physical Medicine. Check out all their amazing services at https://www.hpphysicalmedicine.com.  

My jiu-jitsu teammate Oleg joins me to share his perspective on Covid-19. Oleg is an ER nurse and has been on the front lines during this pandemic. He talks about his first-hand experience treating patients, what symptoms people have been experiencing and his thoughts on the future of this tricky virus. He gives great insight and information. This episode is a must listen! This episode is brought to you by my fabulous sponsors Highland Park Physical Medicine. Check out all their amazing services at https://www.hpphysicalmedicine.com.  

Todd Belcore, co-founder and executive director of the NPO Social Change, returns to share thoughts on making a difference and helping to end systemic racism. There are so many ways to get involved: Attend a peaceful protest, donate to organizations that fund education, housing, and job placement initiatives, even becoming active in legislation by understanding current laws and advocating for reform. You can help! Check out www.socialchange.site to find out how, and follow them on social media @chisocialchange.    This episode is brought to you by my fabulous sponsors Highland Park Physical Medicine. Check out all their amazing services at https://www.hpphysicalmedicine.com.  

Nothing says comfort and love like a homemade sweet treat. That is what the Bent Fork Bakery provides. They are more than just a bakery...they are there for us in times of celebration, sadness & joy! All of life’s occasions. And as delicious as the baked goods are, the wife and hubby duo are the secret ingredient and who people love to see, along with their incredible staff of course. Liz & Mike Bearwald are two of the kindest, funniest, loving and hard-working people I know! They have been a staple in Highwood now since 2004. And you cannot miss the bright pink building that appropriately looks like a cake! So cozy, cute and vintage, filled with antiques and some of the most amazing desserts ever! Such a great episode and story about how their business has evolved, especially during our current times. They are providing love and comfort to all! Check out their website https://www.thebentfork.com and follow them on FB and IG @bentforkbakery to drool over their newsfeed!

Chef and fellow jiu-jitsu teammate, Craig Fass, returns to talk about getting back to the basics of cooking at home and the importance of sitting down to eat with loved ones, especially during this time of Covid-19. Working for over 30 years in the restaurant industry, Craig finally made the decision to take a break from one of the toughest industries, and sold his restaurant, The Bad Apple, last year. Cooking is still who he is and what he loves, so recently he started sharing his secret chef tips, expertise and recipes on social media to help people make delicious meals with real, fresh, whole foods, that are extremely cost effective. We also talk about life, tradition, mindset, positivity and jiu-jitsu of course. Follow Craig on Facebook and YouTube at “The White Belt Sous Chef” to watch his videos. They are short, easy and very entertaining, especially since he replaces his apron with his gi. Always a fun time talking with Craig!

Marco Santi’s always dreamt of opening a restaurant. Strong Italian roots on his dad’s side combined with his mom’s Louisiana touch, cooking and food played an important role. Marco's life has evolved through different careers and passions, but that restaurant always remained in the back of his mind. One day, he seized an opportunity to work and receive training at Gibson’s and finally opened up ‘Marco’s Northside Grill’ in Highwood almost 4 years ago. Listen and learn more about Marco’s family history in this town, the inspiration for his menu and how he remained dedicated to his lifelong goals and what it took to realize them!  Marco’s Northside Grill is powering through the Covid-19 pandemic with modified hours, delivery and curbside options. They also feature some awesome specials on the weekends. Learn more at www.marcosnorthsidegrill.com and follow them on IG @_marcosnorthsidegrill_. They are located at 329 Waukegan Ave, Highwood!

Who better than two best friends and writers to share their list of great reads, especially during a pandemic??!! This was a special episode as one of the guests was my boyfriend, Jay Ferrari, and his best bud, John McGreevy, who I was able to meet for the first time virtually. Such a fun time with these guys! They both have a wonderful gift of describing each book so eloquently and why they love it...plus there’s some pretty great banter between the two of them. Seems like the perfect time to fill your mind with some captivating stories and dive into a healthy escape that’s good for the brain. Show these guys some love on IG @letterten & @jbmcgreevy_atlarge. They tend to share some pretty good book and music selections...just sayin!