I am Consciously Curious

What does it actually take to make Chicago more affordable, safer, and functional? Joe Holberg — political outsider, former teacher, Google alum, and tech entrepreneur — is running for mayor with a platform built around housing supply, fiscal discipline, and a friendlier environment for businesses of every size. In this episode, Joe digs into the CTA safety crisis, Chicago's permitting problem, the parking meter deal that still haunts the city's budget, and why getting kids to school every day might be the single most important lever in the city. No political jockeying — just problem solving.

www.joeforchicago.com
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In this episode, I pass the mic to Charles Wong of Umamicue and Episode 182. He hosts Shawn Smith of Heffer BBQ along with brothers Sam and Stephen Lee of K-TEX BBQ. They share their individual journeys into BBQ and where they’re currently at. They share notes on what has and hasn’t worked, manifesting a brick and mortar, and reflect on what Chicago BBQ can be. It was truly a pleasure to take a back seat as they went to depths I could have never gone to. I hope to host more of these roundtables in the future.

John Carruthers didn't set out to raise $100,000 for Chicago nonprofits. He just wanted to do something that felt useful when the world stopped making sense.

When the pandemic hit, John — a writer and lifelong pizza obsessive — felt the helplessness that most of us did. What started as a weekly family ritual became something stranger and more beautiful — a secret alley pop-up, where strangers donate to John’s monthly charity of choice, show up to an alley, and eat great pizza.

That's Crust Fund Pizza. And it's become one of the most quietly meaningful food projects in this...

Yuta Katsuyama moved to Chicago to study design and business — and quickly noticed something missing: onigiri. What started as a personal craving became a brand now stocked on over 60 shelves across Chicagoland. Yuta talks about bridging Japanese food culture and American entrepreneurship, and what it means to build something from pure necessity.

https://www.onigirikororin.com/
https://www.instagram.com/onigirikororin_riceballs/
https://www.instagram.com/yuta.kororin

One meal at Franklin Barbecue lit a fire in Charles Wong that spreadsheets never could. Since then, he's been quietly building something special — Texas-style BBQ layered with Chinese and Vietnamese heritage, served up through pop-ups and residencies that turned first-time customers into loyal community. After a heartbreaking near-miss on a food hall space, Charles regrouped, reflected, and set his sights on what's next: a brick-and-mortar that he hopes will finally give his community — and his team — a place to call home.

https://umamicue.com/
https://www.instagram.com/umamicue/

What if the most powerful thing you could say to someone wasn't advice — it was I believe you?

We sat down with Holley Brandchaft-White, licensed clinical social worker, former Lurie Children's Hospital ED clinician, and co-founder of SHFT Behavioral Health — Chicago's first mental health urgent care center for young people and families. Returning guest Steph Krim of Good Things Vending joins as co-host.

After a decade in the children's ER, Holley saw firsthand that most people in mental health crises didn't need to get that far. SHFT was built on that truth: meet people earlier, befo...

Tony is back for round three! He was on the show five years ago when he was just establishing the professor pizza brand and three years ago when he partnered with the Atomic Hospitality group to provide his pizza on a rooftop in west loop. Since then, he's been approaching two years with the 50/50 hospitality group at their old town location. He just opened a slice shop in west town as well as in Boston. This is an episode about our love for Chicago food, the beauty of collaborations, and future endeavors like bringing frozen pizzas to the market...

Our next guests are the dynamic duo behind AB Law. Despite being located on the north side of the city, they are helping individuals experiencing a variety of hardship obtain legal status across the country. Their friendship was formed while working together at a restaurant and blossomed into a partnership after working at two law firms previously. We reflect on their personal ties to immigration and why they’ve dedicated their lives to helping others obtain their citizenship. Please enjoy my conversation with Anastasiia and Mia of AB Law. 

https://chicagoablaw.com/

https://www.instagram.com...

Our next guests are riding the wave of aloha washing over the chicagoland area. They are the yin to each other’s yang. We reflect on the various iterations these lunch plates have taken from pop up tents and food trucks to their first brick and mortar in Highwood, IL. Today, they’re opening their second location in South Loop near the Sears Tower. Congrats friends. Please enjoy my conversation with Nate and Dianne of the Da Local Boy. 

https://dalocalboy.toast.site/

https://www.instagram.com/dalocalboy/

Our next guest is the owner of Ragadan and A Pizza Pie in Uptown. He reflects on his family’s journey to Oklahoma City from Amman, Jordan. It’s not too often you find a joint that serves great burgers and falafel. Despite the fast casual nature of his restaurants, he’d like to find a way to bring more traditional Jordanian dishes like mansaf to the community. The question is what it’s going to cost him. Please enjoy my conversation with Danny Sweis. 

https://ragadan.com/

https://www.apizzapie.com

https://www.insta...

Our next guests are two college friends that host album listening parties around the city. What started as a way to stay in touch with their group of friends has expanded into a third space for like-minded individuals. Whether it’s your hundredth or first time listening to an album, all are welcome. Please enjoy my conversation with Grant and Kalium of The Heavy Rotation.

https://www.instagram.com/the.heavy.rotation

Our next guest has worked in cafes and 1 star restaurants throughout the country. Through helping others start their own projects, the path towards establishing a jewish deli in Chicago became visible. Tune in to hear Sam reflect on his journey of baking bagels during the pandemic, creating a community through farmers markets, and ending up next to the legendary Pequods Pizza on Clybourn in Lincoln Park. Please enjoy my conversation with Sam Zeitlin. 

2203 N Clybourn Ave

Chicago, IL 60614

https://www.zeitlinsdeli.com

https://www.instagram.com/zeitlinsdelicatessen

Our next guest is Christine Cikowski, Co-Founder and Chef of Honey Butter Fried Chicken. She's also a part of Sunday Dinner Club, TriBecca's Sandwich Shop, and Honey Butter Beach Club inside SPF Pickleball. We reflect on how HBFC was conceived, the many iterations it's gone through, and how they've maintained longevity through radical transparency and support of their team's dreams. Please enjoy my conversation with Christine Cikowski.

https://www.instagram.com/christinecikowski/
https://www.honeybutter.com/

Our next guest is the Founder of a plant workshop here in Chicago. He goes by @uncommonplantguy. Despite the simple idea for a date night, there is so much more to experience through the lens of creating and caring for a kokedama plant. We reflect on his 13 year journey through stage theater, the lessons he’s learned through almost 10 years of therapy, as well as some themes around the human condition. Please enjoy my conversation with Austin Hunt. 

https://uncommonplantguy.com/

https://www.instagram.com/uncommonplantguy/

Our next guests are preparing to open a highly anticipated burger restaurant in Park Ridge in partnership with The Emerald Isle in Edison Park. They met at the highly coveted Bavettes in Chicago and went through many iterations of what life could look like during and after the pandemic. They both were seeking stability and it wasn’t until several pop ups when Phil from Super Goode stopped by and left them a raving review. The stars began to align and they will be opening Brennan’s Gourmet Burger Shack in early 2026. Please enjoy my conversation with Alyssa and Cono...

Our next guests are Ryan Catolico and Enrique Huizar of Novel Pizza. I’ve been following their journey since the very beginning. I believe this was the second entry into the Almedaverse. Ryan reflects on how he and Francis tried to replicate some of their favorite pizzas and eventually called for help from Enrique aka Gremski who has grown up in the pizza industry. They’ve had many iterations throughout the years and have found their footing in PIlsen, Chicago. Please enjoy my conversation with Ryan and Enrique of Novel Pizza Cafe. 

https://www.novelpizzacafe.com/

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Carmilla K is back on the pod. She recently completed a half marathon in Iceland, another Hyrox event, and moved over to Studio Three from Corepower. We yap about themes of discipline, being present, and reframing why we do what we do. She’s entered her fifth decade of life and she continues to be unapologetically herself. I honestly did not think we would catch up for 3 hours but the time flew by. Please enjoy my conversation with Carmilla Kupritz.

https://www.instagram.com/carmilla_k

Our next guest provides a down to earth approach to wine education and she’s coming out with a book on how to read a wine label. She has channeled her love of hospitality as a nurse and a sommelier at a 1 Star Michelin restaurant. We reflect on her non linear journey through healthcare and hospitality with themes of pragmatism, authenticity, and finding balance. Please enjoy my conversation with Marie Cheslik of Slik Wines. Preorder her book on her website at slikwines.com

https://slikwines.com

https://instagram.com/slikwines

https://www.tiktok.co...

Our next guest is a designer and multidisciplinary artist. She’s worked with brands like Good Things Vending [Shoutout Steph Krim], The Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks, and Fire, The Chicago Marathon, and most recently Babe’s Sports Bar. We reflect on how she has found herself at the intersection of multiple interests and how she has found joy in soccer again. She leads a well-balanced, thoughtful life and strives to be present at the task at hand. Please enjoy my conversation with Alyssa Low. 

https://www.alyssalow.com

https://www.instagram.com/alyssalowww

Our next guest is passionate on all things animals. She is an ER Vet Nurse as well as the author for her blog, Faraway Kitchen, where she shares vegan recipes from around the world. She was recently a contestant on Season 15 of MasterChef. We dive into her adventurous beginnings where she leaves no stone unturned in her travels across the country as well as to Southeast Asia. We reflect on what it was like to manifest and finally fulfill her dream of cooking vegan food for Gordon Ramsay alongside other passionate home chefs. Please enjoy my conversation with Courtney...

Our next guest is riding the high of Eeeeeatscon this last weekend. He’s been consistently selling out of his weekly preorders despite increasing available quantities. The bagels have a nice “knock knock” crust to them and upon ripping them apart, were dense enough to dip through schmear but not excessively chewy. The everything bagel hit all the right notes. We go into how it all started only a year and a half ago, how he’s maintaining a high quality bagel as he scales the operation, and his big dreams of a brick and mortar one day. Please enjoy my...

Our next guest is the Chef and Founder of Về lại which is currently a Vietnamese and Lao pop-up filled with themes of nostalgia and homestyle cooking. Coming from hard-working blue collar immigrants, Alvis had a strong work ethic, and despite falling in love with food and cooking at an early age, he didn’t immediately venture into the culinary arts. Microbiology, food science, and time spent at the soon to be closed Heritage Restaurant became formative stops along the way to forming Về lại. Please enjoy my conversation with Alvis Huynh.

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Our next guest is the co-owner and Chef behind Boonie’s. Joe reflects on his Filipino-American upbringing, finding the culinary path, and eventually leaning into the Filipino culinary world. We chat about working on yourself, following your intuition, and making time to just live. If you haven’t been to Boonie’s, put it on your list. Joe’s partner, Joyce, sets a wonderful vibe that reminds you of Lola’s home and the sizzling sisig amongst other menu items will have you drooling. Please enjoy my conversation with Joe Fontelera. 

https://www.booniefoods.com/

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Our next guest is one half of Tilly Bagel Shop in the South Loop and now in the West Loop. Hannah comes on to share how the bagel shop came to be. From a love of blueberry bagels her dad would bring on Sundays to staying busy during the pandemic by sharing bagels with friends and family. What started as a passion project at farmer’s markets has now emerged as a go-to for many Chicagoans. Her culinary lineage spans the Grand Cypress Hyatt hotel in Orlando to the Girl and the Goat, Boka, and Marisol (MCA). Please enjoy my...

Our next guest has been hand painting signs since 1970. I can’t help but think about him every time I drive west on the Kennedy expressway and peer over to the roof of the Salt Shed. He did that! Join us as we reflect on how he took a leap of faith on art school and immigrated to Chicago from Newfoundland, Canada. A lot of us are striving for peace from mind and he reminds us that it’s simpler than we think. Please enjoy my conversation with Ches Perry. 

https://www.rightwaysigns.com/

https://www.i...

Our next guest is the Executive Chef and Partner of Perilla Fare and Steakhouse. Andy opens up about not being Korean enough or American enough and how he ultimately found his voice as a person and as a Chef. He was initially tapped as a consultant for the space that is now known as Perilla Fare. That relationship evolved into becoming the Executive Chef and Partner. Recognizing the importance of complementary strengths, Andy brought on Thomas Oh as Partner and General Manager to handle the Front of House operations. It’s so cool to see the success they’re havi...

Our next guest is the Executive Chef and Owner of Frontier, Ina Mae Tavern and Packaged Goods, as well as Migos Fine Foods. He has successfully embedded southern comfort food into Chicago. We reflect on his journey from New Orleans to Miami and eventually landing in Chicago. We discuss the current state of the hospitality industry in Chicago as well as his long term goals that expand beyond being a chef. Brian is down to earth and generous. Please enjoy my conversation with Brian Jupiter. 

https://www.migoschicago.com/

https://www.thefrontierchicago.c...

Our next guest traded eleven years at three Michelin-starred Alinea for something money can't buy: balance, agency, and intimacy. Simon Davies discovered this new path immediately after leaving Chicago's temple of molecular gastronomy as Executive Chef in January 2020, when he traveled to Jaipur, India for a project with Champagne house Krug. What started as a consulting venture, Ilixr Creative evolved into an exclusive private dining experience driven by organic demand from clients seeking something beyond the traditional restaurant model.

Simon embodies an intriguing duality—calm and measured, with unexpected flashes of playfulness that emerge in his work. I...

Our next guest is the Beverage Director at Esmé. He’s inquisitive, playful, and balanced. We reflect on his journey through hospitality from the earlier days at Burger King and Starbucks to earning his stripes at the now closed Claudia and eventually Esmé. In addition to directing the wine, cocktail, and nonalcoholic programs, he hosts a show called Balanced Hospitality and has managed to curate live recordings and host happy hours through it. Please enjoy my conversation with Stevan Miller.

https://www.instagram.com/stevanmatthewmiller/

https://www.instagram.com/balancedhospitality/

Our next guests are the partners of Motorshucker. A mobile oyster bar that currently pops up at places like Queen Mary Tavern, Easy Does It, and Bisous. You’ve seen photos and maybe even tried some of their seafood towers, crab rolls, or motormix fried peanuts. We reflect on their individual journeys and how they all came together. The trio perfectly complements each other while sharing the same passion and mission for access to high quality experiences for things like oysters. Please enjoy my conversation with Mico, Cub, and Jamie of Motorshucker.

https://www.mo...

Our next guest is intuitive and ambitious. He hosts a modern Korean supper club experience called Haru Haru which means “day by day." The intimate nature of pop ups and private dinners allow him to hold space and tell stories that complement his food. We reflect on the support he’s received from his family and instructors in high school and Kendall College. Despite being a young leader, his curiosity and humility encourages his team to place trust in his vision. Please enjoy my conversation with Junho Lee. 

https://www.instagram.com/junholee.hh/

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Our next guest is introspective and level-headed. He’s had an interest in men’s fashion and styling from an early age. He was on a successful path in collegiate basketball, but an ACL tear led him to reevaluate other interests. These days, he creates content to share his style and the lessons he’s learned. This community he’s built has led to personal styling consultations, brand deals, and collaborations on unique pieces. Please enjoy my conversation with Jabari Sandifer.

https://www.tiktok.com/@jabarisandifer

https://substack.com/@whereyourpantsbreak

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Our next guest is tenacious and thoughtful. She’s a mother of two boys and the Founder/Owner of Volition Tea. A specialty tea company that highlights single origin organic teas primarily from China. She’s double downed on the importance of traceability so the consumer can appreciate exactly where and when the tea they’re consuming was harvested. She yearned for peace at an early age as she entered boarding school and she’s maintained that balance as she navigates entrepreneurship, sustainability, and parenthood these days. Please enjoy my conversation with Annie Xiang. 

https://www.volitiontea.com/

Our next guest is gentle, thoughtful, and courageous. He’s the owner of Thrd. Coffee Co. which is a coffee concierge service as well as a cafe in Bucktown. Despite a rough upbringing with school and family, he had a wake up call in his second attempt at 6th grade and eventually a coming of age in Bolivia after reconnecting with family and stumbling into the world of coffee. Upon returning to Holland, MI he started as a barista at Ferris Coffee and Nut Co. He honed his barista skills with Big Shoulders and his sales skills through Back of...

Our next guest is insatiably curious, hyper-focused, and charismatic. I got the sense that he’s always all in on the task at hand. That being said, he’s balancing a family, a full-time job as Chief Innovation Officer/Senior Partner at Cultivate, and slowly growing a Chicago-based brewery with Indian heritage. The first half of the episode was a reflection on his coming of age and how we can affect culture. The second half was a reflection on what beer means to us and how Azadi Brewing got their start with Pilot Project. Please enjoy my conversation with Bhav...

Our next guest is Katie Chung. A visual artist based in Chicago. I was introduced to her work through her mural for Good Things Vending with Steph Krim! I then found out she's created pieces for Facebook, Google, Adobe, 360 Chicago at the Hancock, and even a traditional Hanbok from handwritten garment tags from her mom's laundromat [amongst many other cool textile pieces]. We explore generational trauma, what healing could look like, and her Korean-American experience. She recently completed a solo trip to Korea and got to visit areas her parents previously lived in. It was truly a real conversation. <...

Our next guest is the Executive Chef of the new modern french restaurant Gavroche. He fell in love with cooking at an early age mainly from a functional aspect. He's an alum of Kendall College and has gained experience in kitchens like Alinea, Roister, Boka, Sixteen, and North Pond. He really found his footing when he started a private dining experience with his wife called Mirepoix Gangsters. This is an episode on exploring your identity and becoming a professional at your craft. Please enjoy my conversation with Chef Mitchell Acuña.

https://www.instagram.com/gavrochechicago

Our next guest is Bernie Ambubuyog. A single mom, entrepreneur, and a MMA practitioner and color commentator. We reflect on her journey into MMA which was through her late husband Paul. She shares how the MMA community has become her second family especially through the later stages of Paul's cancer and eventual passing. We navigate the challenging dynamic of running Top Level MMA with her son Leon. On top of all that, she continues to be the Behavioral RN Care Manager at a local hospital. She's a beacon of resilience. Please enjoy my conversation with Bernie Ambubuyog.

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Jenn Dieas hosts Dr. Jon Mackoff in this podcast takeover. This is the third overall time these two have met and they're both great at holding space for self-inquiry. Some themes that they covered include the lack of safety Jenn experienced as a child, misplaced karma from parents, and embracing the feminine energy. Please enjoy this exploration between Jenn and Dr. Mackoff.

Connect with them:
https://www.instagram.com/jenndieas_
https://www.instagram.com/drjonmackoff

Our next guest is Jeff Vadukumcherry. Despite falling into tech recruiting, he's developed a mastery and fondness of facilitating "good fits." He reflects on how he and his now wife encouraged he each other to follow their dreams even if it meant traveling across the country (twice). He now finds himself at the intersection of wanting community and creativity. Either through amalgamating it with the tech world or independently. He's committed to coming up with 7 photos every week and it's helped him pause and notice the nuances of life. Please enjoy my conversation with Jeff Vadukumcherry.

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