Always Andersonville: The Podcast

Episode 185: Magical Thinking with David Parr and Joey Cranford

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!

Episode 184: The Story of Rivers & Roads Cafe

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!

Episode 183: The Story of Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute

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!

Episode 182: WYNK THC beverage with Phil McFarland

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!

Episode 181: Andy's Art, Antique's & Oddities with Andy Johnston

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.

Episode 180: Celebrating Mínyólǐ Opening with X and Chef Rich Wang

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!

Episode 179: Hire Trans Now With Silas Leslie

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!

Episode 178: Welcoming Apothecary EO with Skin Care For Gents Owner Eddy Ocampo

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!

Episode 177: The State of Drag with Chamilla Foxx, Tenderoni, and Khloe Coulee

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!

Episode 176: Navigating Mental Health & Family Connections with Family Matters Therapy

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.