Kendra Cowart’s story is one of those rare, layered tales that invites you to question what you think you know about the so-called “right path” in life. Kendra’s journey began in the western suburbs of Chicago, where, despite an upbringing she describes as privileged, she never quite felt like she fit in. Struggling to connect with the people aroun…

In the heart of Chicago, Julio Bañales took a leap of faith that not many would. Opening his dog grooming business, Mouse House, in the South Loop wasn’t just a professional move; it was a deeply personal decision born out of love, loss, and a desire to make a difference. After years of working for big companies like PetSmart and local family-run b…

Shauna Young, a woman of resilience and strength, shares her story of growth, healing, and self-discovery after going through a tough divorce. It’s a journey not just about recovering from a broken relationship but rediscovering who she is and what she truly wants. For many, moving on might mean jumping into the next relationship. But for Shauna, i…

David Herrera embodies the spirit of Chicago, a city known for its grit, resilience, and ambition. Born and raised in West Town, David’s connection to his community runs deep, with roots that stretch back to the 1950s when his family first settled in the area. His story is one of perseverance, a commitment to bettering both himself and the neighbor…

Carmen Rossi's journey from the small town of Frankfort to becoming a notable figure in Chicago's hospitality and entrepreneurial landscape is a tale of passion, resilience, and community spirit. As Nick DeGregorio sat down with Carmen, it became evident that Carmen's success isn't just measured by his business ventures but also by his commitment t…

In a recent episode of "The Chicagoan," host Nick DeGregorio delved into an inspiring conversation with Tania Leanos, a multi-talented individual balancing careers in finance and fashion. Born and raised in Chicago, Tania's journey from a criminology major to a financial professional and model showcases her resilience and determination. Tania share…

Jennie Raymer, host of The Chicagoan podcast, recently sat down with Julie Giese, the president of NASCAR Chicago, to discuss the upcoming NASCAR race and its significance for the city. This event marks a pivotal moment for both NASCAR and Chicago, especially considering last year's successful debut. Julie, a seasoned professional with 24 years in …

In a riveting episode of the Angel Cascallares Podcast, Angel shares his transformative journey from a kinesiology degree to becoming a life insurance broker. Growing up in Chicago's Avondale area, Angel's story is one of resilience and adaptability. His initial career in fitness eventually led him to the world of insurance, where he now helps othe…

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn your dreams into reality, against all odds? Krystal McDoom shares her extraordinary journey from the shores of St. Lucia to the bustling streets of Chicago, where she carved a niche in the engineering world. Tune in to hear her inspiring story of resilience, ambition, and the power of education on "The C…

In a recent episode of The Chicagoan Podcast, we had the privilege of sitting down with Ambily Jose, a multifaceted talent whose journey from corporate America to fashion blogging and content creation offers a masterclass in the pursuit of true confidence and the art of embracing one's identity. Ambily's story is not just a narrative of personal tr…

In a compelling episode of The Chicagoan Podcast, host Jennie Raymer sits down with Al Prudeaux, whose life story reads like a blueprint for success against the odds. This episode doesn't just recount Al's journey; it delves into the rich tapestry of experiences that shaped him, from his roots in Chicago's Bronzeville to his unexpected foray into r…

In the latest episode of The Chicagoan, we delve into the life of Bob Coyne, a seasoned account executive at WGN Radio. Coyne's journey is not just a tale of professional triumph but a symphony of life lessons, resilience, and the art of balancing passion with purpose. Bob Coyne's story begins in the unlikely setting of diaper commercials. As a chi…

André Wilson is a luminary in the realm of image consulting. Wilson's journey, rooted deeply in the vibrant streets of Chicago, encapsulates a remarkable transition from a secure corporate role in human resources to establishing a new paradigm in personal branding and style. Wilson's narrative is not merely a career shift; it's a profound explorati…

Jamie Elder's journey, showcased on 'The Chicagoan' podcast, is a remarkable tale of transformation, resilience, and the power of purpose. Elder, a social entrepreneur from Milwaukee, speaks candidly about his evolution from a troubled youth to a figure of influence and impact. Born amidst the legacy of the Great Migration, Elder's family history i…

In the latest episode of The Chicagoan Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Ashley Johnson, a native of Flint, Michigan, whose journey to Chicago is a testament to the power of resilience and self-belief. Ashley's story isn't just a narrative of moving cities; it's an exploration of self-discovery, battling adversity, and the art of thriving in …

In the latest episode of "The Chicagoan," Imran Khan invites Emmy Award-winning meteorologist Mary Kay Kleist to share her journey, shedding light on the art of storytelling and personal growth through the lens of her illustrious career. Mary Kay, a beacon of inspiration, articulates the essence of engaging communication. Her advice to envision spe…

In the latest episode of The Chicagoan, Rachel Williams, founder of the game-changing 'Bold Move Branding & Creative Marketing,' captivated listeners with a personal tale of transition, triumph, and authentic identity. What started as a conversation swiftly morphed into a masterclass of life wisdom, career insights, and a call to authenticity. "I l…

In today's digital age, where influence has become a powerful currency, Mayara Laurentino stands out as a shining example of what it means to truly make an impact. As a content creator and influencer, Mayara has not only built a loyal following but has also cultivated a community that adds value to others. In a recent episode of The Chicagoan Podca…

In a recent episode of The Chicagoan Podcast, the spotlight was on Erica Severson, a remarkable individual who has not only served her country as a US Army veteran but also made her mark as a marketer in the business world. Erica's journey is an awe-inspiring tale of resilience, strength, and unwavering determination. Her personal story serves as a…

In a recent episode of The Chicagoan podcast, host Alicia Dale dives deep into the inspiring life story of Steve Ferkau, a man whose resilience and determination have become a guiding light for many. As the episode unfolds, Ferkau shares his remarkable journey, providing us with a wealth of inspiration, wisdom, and knowledge that can be applied to …

Meiling Jin is a content creator who has built a large following by sharing stories that inspire, educate and entertain her audience. In her recent appearance on The Chicagoan Podcast, she discussed her journey to becoming a content creator and the impact she hopes to make through her work. Meiling's journey began when she started sharing her perso…

Brandon Bell-Booker, a South side Chicago native, was born to teenage parents and has lived a life of resilience and determination. Growing up, he knew that his parents were young, but it never phased him. Instead, he saw them working hard to provide for their family and following their dreams, which ultimately served as an inspiration for him. As …

Artisha Moore is a young and ambitious real estate investor from South Holland, Illinois. She grew up in a large family, with three older sisters and a father who instilled in her the importance of discipline and hard work. After graduating from college, Moore was eager to blow her newfound career money and have fun, but her father saw potential in…

Dustin Drankiewicz, a Chicago-based hospitality professional, recounts his journey from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Chicago, Illinois on the latest episode of The Chicagoan Podcast. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Drankiewicz's childhood was marked by a move to a small town, where he and his siblings were sent to avoid getting into trouble. But despite t…

Ari Bendersky's passion for stories and finding out about people’s lives drew him towards a career in journalism and content creation. He started his career as a music journalist in the nineties, gay publications writer, and is currently a freelance editor. Having worked in different restaurants, writing about food in the Chicago scene felt like ho…

Having lived in Chicago for the last 13 years, Pooja Naik has recently made a name for herself in the influencer world as content creator focusing on Chicago’s seafood scene. Originally from Mumbai, she immigrated to the United States when she was 17. She first spent time on the east coast and received her undergraduate degree from the University o…

Eric Platt, aka Eric Boss in the nightlife scene, is an event producer and nightlife promoter in Chicago. He joins us to share his story on how he became involved and how he's using his platform to enrich the lives of others. Once a recruiter by trade, it wasn't until a stint in Las Vegas that Eric would come to be known in the world of bars and ni…

“Every young person is born to win.” This is Vondale Singleton’s model for every situation in life. Vondale is the CEO of Champs Male Mentoring Program; his journey into mentorship stemming from losing his mother to drugs at only 29. Something he believes could be different, if only she had a mentor. “You know, losing a mom at an early age, when I …

Mary Scala’s heart has always been in the hospitality industry. She started working in restaurants at a young age, but amidst the pandemic, she lost her job like so many others. As Scala was trying to understand her next step in life, she spent a lot of sleepless nights researching future foods and food supply chains. “I landed on an article, in on…

Growing up in the projects on the South Side, Dr Michael Airhart never let his circumstances weigh him down. Given the name “The Black MacGyver” by his friends and neighbors, Michael found a way to create, with whatever was available to him. Taking his creativity and love of food, Michael began cooking for his neighborhood friends. “We would have g…

To say Juan Leyva has been on a journey would be an understatement. Like many immigrant stories, his family would travel undocumented from Mexico to Chicago, where he’d realize a destiny that awaited him. Though never imagining a life in hospitality, Juan is now in charge of one of the most prestigious hotels in Chicago: Oxford Hotels & Resorts - L…

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Though passionate about her South Side roots, Alicia Dale loves her city and more importantly, the people in it. Choosing to live, work and volunteer in areas that weren’t always so popular to live near, she was and is inspired by change. A professional ghost writer by trade, she shares her experiences of getting involved in her community to make a…

Shamilya Woods is an author, motivational speaker and the CEO of Candidly Speaking; all while being a full time Principal at the University of Chicago Charter School. Born to teen parents, and raised by her grandparents, Shamilys spent her entire childhood in different areas on the west side; attending and graduating from Chicago public schools. Ev…

On the first episode of the Chicagoan podcast, realtor Shannon Sutton sits down with her friend, Samantha Clark, a local clothing boutique owner. The two ladies first met with Shannon, voting early in Wicker Park in October 2020, spotted Samantha’s store, Steely Boutique, and had to go in. One Def Leppard tee and a silk bomber jacket later, these t…