Always Andersonville: The Podcast

Episode 48 - The story of Lady Gregory's and Octavio Cantina & Kitchen with Martin Cournane

This week Laura and Sara are joined by Martin Cournane of Munster Restaurant Group. Martin is the co-owner of Lady Gregory’s and Octavio Cantina & Kitchen in Andersonville, as well as LG’s Bar in Old Town and Wilde in Lakeview. Lady Gregory’s, an Irish Gastro Pub located at 5260 N. Clark, serves up a delicious menu and proudly boasts over 300 whiskeys.  Located just up the street at 5310 N. Clark, Octavio is a love letter to Mexico and serves modern Mexican food from the heart. Both Lady Gregoy's and Octavio are participating in the third annual Andersonville Restaurant Week, kicking off this Friday, February 22 through March 3. 

To view episode show notes, please click here.

Episode 47 - The story of Steep Theatre on location at the Boxcar

In honor of Chicago Theatre Week and the Year of Chicago Theatre, this week Laura and Joelle are joined by six members of Steep Theatre in their newly opened Boxcar venue. Steep is the quintessential storefront theatre and is committed to producing new and under-produced plays that tell the stories of ordinary people in extraordinary situations. Their current sold out production Red Rex is about a small theatre company embarking on an explosive new play with the hope of finally breaking it big and has already been named one of Chicago Tribune's top 10 Chicago shows for 2019. Located at 1115 W. Berwyn, you can find this intimate theatre just two doors down from the Berwyn El Station.

To view episode show notes, please click here. 

Episode 46 - The story of Michael Frontier and Terry Opalek

This week, Laura is joined by Terry Opalek and Michael Frontier. Terry and Michael founded Terry’s Toffee in 2002 and sold the business in 2015. Currently they co-facilitate a variety of workshops using their many years of life and business experiences to help others connect with their place and purpose on this planet. Both Terry and Michael are also certified Reiki Masters.

For show notes on this episode, please click here.

Episode 45 - The story of Gus Giordano Dance School with Amy Giordano

This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Amy Giordano, owner of Gus Giordano Dance School on 5230 North Clark St. They offer a variety of classes - from summer camps, to classes for children as young as two, and even adult classes. Amy also runs the Gus Giordano Jazz Legacy Foundation, which aims to create the same culture, uplifting spirit, and dedication to spreading the joy of jazz that her parents, Gus and Peg, gave to thousands of people. The foundation funds scholarships to dancers of all ages, sponsors performances and masterclasses to schools in the Chicagoland area.

To view episode show notes, please click here. 

Episode 44 - The story of Chicago Market with Grant Kessler

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Grant Kessler. Grant is a Chicago Market owner and sits on the Board of Directors. Established in 2013, Chicago Market will be a big, bright, beautiful community-owned grocery store which exists to rebuild the connection between food producers and consumers. While Chicago Market is not open yet, it will be coming to the Wilson CTA Station in Uptown in the 13,000 square foot, restored historic Gerber Building.

 

To view episode show notes, please click here.

Episode 43 - The story of Chicago Filmmakers with Brenda Webb

This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Brenda Webb, Executive Director of Chicago Filmmakers. Chicago Filmmakers is a non-profit media arts organization that fosters the creation, appreciation and understanding of film and video as media for artistic and personal expression. In 2018, Chicago Filmmakers moved from its second floor home in Andersonville to 5720 N. Ridge Avenue, a historic 1920's firehouse they fully renovated with classrooms, a screening room, office space, and projection facilities. This week's episode was recorded on-location at the firehouse! 

 

To see episode show notes, please click here.

Episode 42 - The story of Praxis Group with Jes Scheinpflug and Kate Harrington-Rosen

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Jes Scheinpflug and Kate Harrington-Rosen co-founders of the Praxis Group. Praxis redefines group and organizational cultures so that people feel empowered to bring their full selves to the table and offers support to businesses in creating  more inclusive environments.

 

To view episode show notes, please click here.

Episode 41 - The story of Colectivo Coffee with Al Liu

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Al Liu, Vice President of Coffee at Colectivo. The Milwaukee-based coffee company recently opened its largest location in Chicago at 5245 N. Clark in Andersonville. Colectivo provides house-made coffee, tea, seasonal drinks, breakfast items and more to patrons and is well-known for its bold designs and customized approaches to its cafes.

To view episode show notes, please click here. 

BONUS 3 - Twas the Night Before Christmas with Randy Heite of Friends of Andersonville

In this week's BONUS episode, we hear holiday greetings from our Andersonville businesses along with a live reading of the Christmas Classic, The Night Before Christmas, with Friends of Andersonville co-founder, Randy Heite!

Curl up, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and get ready to feel all the warm holiday feels on this special Christmas Eve episode. 

Episode 40: The story of the 40th Ward with Alderman Patrick O'Connor

This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Alderman Patrick O’Connor. Elected in 1983, Alderman O’Connor has represented the residents of the north side of Chicago since the age of 28. As a lifelong Chicagoan, he has worked tirelessly over the years to serve the community and better the lives of his constituents. On the 40th Ward website it reads, “There’s no more local government than an aldermanic public servant, you are in and among your constituents. You live there, you grew up there, you see the people you serve every day and you feel honored to do your best for everyone.”