Our next guest has struck a balance between work, family, and hobbies. He’s known to some as a jiu jitsu phenom by consistently training 6 days per week on top of his already busy schedule with work and fatherhood. We reflect on his journey through school and pivoting from a solely finance career to a tech career with a focus in finance. We explore…

Our next guest shares her journey through dietetics and opening up a private practice as a board-certified sports dietitian during the pandemic. Her witty and relatable hot takes or as she calls it, yapping caught my attention and I’ve been hooked ever since. She specifically aims to work with combat athletes that require peak mental and physical p…

Our next guest is the Founder and Executive Director of the Fatherhood Initiative, The Dovetail Project. An organization that provides African American and Latino fathers from ages 17-24 with the skills and resources to be great fathers. We reflect on their tumultuous upbringing, becoming a father themselves, and what their organization has been up…

Our next guest has been making waves in the pizza community with his take on the pan pizza. He had childhood dreams of opening a restaurant one day and after 16 years of waiting tables, he decided to go all-in on himself at the start of the pandemic. What started as a personal project for him and his wife is now a brick and mortar with two location…

Our next guest revisits us after almost 5 years. She reflects on how she lost her way and almost gave up her lash and brow business. She shares how she reprioritized herself which inevitably cultivates discipline and clarity of what’s truly important to her. We then explore her current iteration and how she’d like to change the culture of lash arti…

Catina " Tina" Downey, a former military service member turned CPA, is a dynamic force in the Richmond community, particularly through her management of the NES Cornhole Lounge. Enthusiastic about the upcoming NASCAR cornhole tournament, Downey eagerly anticipates the event on Richmond Row, reflecting her commitment to fostering community engagemen…

Learn about the value of sharing knowledge, resources, and networking within your industry. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation! Jeff Zalinski, a seasoned business owner with over 23 years at Pest Now in northern Virginia, brings a wealth of experience to the table when discussing franchise ownership benefits. After transitioning to cent…

Our next guest is shifting the perspective of Cannabis from simply a vessel to get high to more of a modality for wellness. Whether that be through the run club he co-founded, Runner’s High, where they normalize cannabis with an active lifestyle and community clean-ups or through his non-alcoholic cannabis infused cocktails, these groups are destig…

Our next guest is the creative force behind Drip Collective, West Loop’s newest coffee spot. He reflects on his earliest memories working for Peet’s Coffee as well as being the coffee buyer at Whole Foods. He then leans further into coffee by taking on a manager role with La Colombe and even relocated to LA to help open a West Coast location. Only …

Our next guest is the owner of a unique bottle shop in Lincoln Park. He helped us find a handful of anniversary wines that we had our wedding guests sign. He reflects on his earlier memories of hospitality in the kitchen, moving up to the bar, and then becoming responsible for a wine list. It was then that he developed his palette and appreciation …

Our next guests are childhood friends, dance teammates, pharmacists, and entrepreneurs. We explore their friendship through dance, becoming pharmacists, and the entrepreneurial journey. After completing the stereotypical Asian parents’ dream of becoming a doctor, they set out to pursue new dreams. What started as a series of pop ups and catering ev…

Our next guest has an energy that is palpable. From theater, modeling, film, and TV, she is a creator within many vessels of the performance arts. We explore her humble beginnings in Arkansas, moving to Chicago, all the odd jobs she worked to make ends meet, and how she’s balancing life at the moment. She shares some insights into freelance modelin…

"It's not one size fits all. See what fits the client best, because the clients can remember that because if you put them in a bad product a year from now, they're going to be upset." - Victor Daniel Ramos Victor Daniel Ramos, a dedicated mortgage loan officer at Core Mortgage, brings a wealth of experience and a strong focus on client education to…

Friends of the podcast will be familiar with Jenn Dieas but in this episode, we get to catch up with what she and her partner, Shane, have been up to. Finding the right life partner is one of the most important life decisions you can make. They truly complement each other so well. They are an example of the quote, “if you want to go fast, go alone.…

Our next guest was in town for a photoshoot as he finalized his prep before his bodybuilding show. This episode was recorded on May 29 and since then he’s already completed two bodybuilding shows. We explore his humble beginnings of bodybuilding and personal training. We manifest his entrepreneurship and his potential dream gym. We also discuss uti…

Mandy Bass, the visionary founder of Rubicon Counseling, leverages her insights and collaborative approach to lead a swiftly growing outpatient counseling service. She perceives Rubicon Counseling as a crucial lifeline for a diverse clientele, from young children to older adults, embodying the journey of overcoming significant life challenges. Mand…

Inspiring episode alert! Listen to Dion Foxx share his journey of giving back to the community through the foundation 5756. From inspiring quotes to impactful work, this episode will motivate you to make a difference! Tune in now Dion Foxx, a former NFL, CFL, and XFL player, is the driving force behind the Dion Foxx Foundation, committed to creatin…

Ready to be inspired by the stories of empowerment and support within the Latinx community? Tune in to our latest episode featuring Adriana Duarte, a dedicated loan officer breaking barriers for Spanish-speaking individuals in the homebuying process! Adriana Duarte, a senior loan officer at Corn Mortgage with over 13 years of experience, is deeply …

Join this conversation on business investment and growth with Anna and Adam Sothen on the latest episode of #RVAConnected! From reinvesting for future success to balancing financial stability, their insights are a must-listen. Adam Sothen, despite having no prior experience in publishing, has been a steadfast supporter of his wife's entrepreneurial…

Our next guest is an aspiring actor and has made a name for himself through comedy sketches on tik tok, youtube, and instagram. If you’re a Chicagoan, you’ve probably seen his skits about cops vs firemen, portillos, and northside vs southside. The comments are always filled with either people feeling seen or triggered. Please enjoy my conversation …

Dive into our latest episode of #RVAConnected where we explore the power of being omnipresent in marketing! Brandy Hollaway is a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich history of starting and managing multiple businesses and brands across various industries. Her unique vision and values are deeply embedded in her ventures, reflecting a personal connecti…

Justine and I recently took a trip to Michigan for her birthday and thought it would be a good opportunity to reflect on our wedding day and the last 8 months of married life. It’s been nothing short of great. We’re currently planning our 1 year anniversary honeymoon to Italy so if you have any recs, throw them our way. Please enjoy my conversation…

Ever wondered why individuals sell their businesses? Join the conversation sparked by Erica Baez(powerhouse) Grimes as she delves into the diverse motivations behind business sales, the critical role of business brokers, and the importance of exit strategies. Erica is a distinguished M&A advisor and business broker with Transworld Business Advisors…

Our next guests are the founders of a local kombucha called RMBR (which is short for Real Memories, Better Rituals). They share their individual journeys as well as how they all came together. We reflect on the wave of kombucha and nonalcoholic beverages, navigating farmers markets and getting into retail stores, as well as how to scale into other …

Having a growth mindset is significant in achieving goals and exploring opportunities beyond initial expectations. Tune in to our latest episode where we discuss the power of mindset in reaching your full potential! Aaron Swart is a dynamic community builder and the owner of the Instagram and Facebook business pages Midlothian Lifestyle and Short P…

Our next guest is an executive assistant and wedding planner. In fact, she was our wedding planner and was very instrumental in helping us experience the best day of our lives. Her energy is palpable, her attention to detail is unmatched, and she’s an absolute joy to work with. We cover some early moments of planning family events, becoming an exec…

Cara Pressley encourages individuals to find joy in the present moment and merge personal and professional aspects for career success. Learn how in this episode! Cara Pressley, a dynamic career coach who transitioned from a 20-year tenure in government service to become a professional career cheerleader, believes that creating the life you want inv…

Our next guest is one of the Founders of the local nonprofit, EcoShip. An organization that collects used shipping materials and redistributes them to small business owners for free. It was an insightful chat about what materials are actually not recyclable. Depending on your local protocols, those white and blue amazon poly mailers or even bubble …

Discover affordable home staging ideas that will transform your space without breaking the bank. Get tips on staging your home on a budget. Melissa Ice, the owner of Seven Hills Design in the Richmond metro area, has made a name for herself by transforming properties into visually stunning spaces that captivate potential buyers. Specializing in hom…

Our next guest shares his experience within Notre Dame Football, politics, and generating sales for a beverage distribution company. He’s now known for his work as a producer and Host of the Emmy winning show, The CEO series. He’s talked with CEOs of companies like Portillo’s, DUDE Wipes, Lou Malnati’s, and the Chicago Blackhawks to name a few. He …

Megan Wilson, the founder of Sweet Talk Strategy, is a seasoned marketing and branding expert who brings nearly a decade of experience to the table. Emphasizing the importance of understanding her clients' individual needs and strengths, Megan tailors her approach to create customized strategies that align with their distinct goals and capabilities…

Our next guest has had several iterations on his way to realizing his dream. He’s created a space that overlaps retail, fashion, hair, and networking. Whether it be working at his family’s Carnitas restaurant (Carnitas Don Alfredo) or cutting hair, hospitality and gratitude are at the forefront of Blankness Studios. Gratitude for this blank canvas …

Advocating for early career exploration lays the foundation for future success. Discover how to kickstart your journey in our latest podcast episode! Candice Suarez is a life transition coach and managing partner at Optimum Ed, who brings a wealth of experience from her background in school counseling. Her perspective on guidance and support for st…

Our next guests are the Founders of Pickled Prince. A condiment brand that’s making waves through local farmers markets and collaborations with local restaurants. They recently won Chicago Reader’s Best Preserves in 2023! They’ve collaborated with the likes of Pizza Friendly Pizza, Umamicue, and TriBecca’s Sandwich shop. We explore their individual…

Will McLaughlin is a highly experienced general manager at Charred, who showed exceptional leadership while managing challenges thrown at him during COVID. His perspective on the pandemic and the accompanying challenges is shaped by the rollercoaster of emotions he experienced — the uncertainty and stress of navigating a restaurant in the midst of …

Our next guest is a mentor and a friend. He’s a dad of three girls, practitioner and teacher of jiu jitsu, and the Founder of the best cold brew I’ve ever had, Kyoto Black Coffee. For the OG’s of the podcast, Justin came on a little over five years ago when he was still at the cafe, Edge of Sweetness. Since then, we briefly cohosted a tasting show …

Our next guest hosts the Chicago exploration page, Chicago Food Guide. He also operates a social media agency and teaches to ESL students at a local high school. We explore his humble beginnings in the south suburbs living on link all the way to navigating client deals. He’s collaborated with local comedians and athletes while showcasing some great…

Lindsay and Alana are the creative forces behind the Say Hello Threads, a venture born from their experience as parents to Brayden, a son with significant intellectual disabilities. Their perspective on the inspiration behind Say Hello Threads is shaped by their first-hand experiences and observations of how their son was often overlooked and disen…

Our next guests are shedding light on the short and long term effects of Concussions. Leading from personal experiences, Dr. Chris Nowinski who is a former Ivy League Football Player, a former professional wrestler [lookup Chris Harvard], author, and neuroscientist who co-founded the Concussion Legacy Foundation. An organization that performs resea…

Let's talk about the evolving landscape of professional sports! With new leagues like XFL and USFL providing more opportunities for athletes, the game is changing. What do you think about athletes having more platforms to showcase their talents and pursue their dreams? Share your thoughts! Dion Foxx, a Richmond, Virginia native, boasts a rich and v…

Dementia is a complex and ever-evolving field that constantly presents new challenges and opportunities for learning and growth. Embracing the cutting edge nature of dementia care allows us to continuously adapt and improve our approaches to better support those affected. Melissa , the executive director at Arden Courts of Richmond, and Ebony , the…

Monaca Vanderpool, a woman from a military family who transitioned from pharmacy to accounting, is best known for her entrepreneurial journey that led her to own a diesel mechanic shop and host the Glitch Mob podcast at 46. Monaca's entrepreneurial journey is unique, as she initially struggled with the idea of delegating tasks in her business, beli…

Our next guest is a young man who’s evoking compassion and fostering community in Chicago. You might have seen some of his videos of charitable acts at a grocery store or a gas station helping people pay for their bills. My favorites are the follow ups with certain individuals like Marcus who was battling homelessness. These videos are just one asp…

"Your life gets a million times easier if you just figure out how to have a great offer." Andrew Jenkins Andrew Jenkins, founder of Catalyst RVA, specializes in providing digital marketing services for contractors with a particular focus on search engine optimization (SEO). Jenkins regards SEO as a rewarding yet challenging component of digital mar…

Our next guest is a creator in every sense of the word. They and their partner Stephen are the humans behind Edgewater Candles and they’re going into their 8th year this year. We journey through their many iterations. From discovering a love of scents, getting their first sale, moving to Evanston, and eventually coming home to Edgewater, you get a …

"And it feels good. When you are good at something, people seek you out for it. And then all of a sudden, you find yourself in a job where you're really good at it, but you don't like it. And the disconnect I find. I don't know, maybe you can echo this, but people think something's wrong with them because they don't enjoy something they're really g…

Our next guest is a Certified Sake Sommelier. He was recently nominated for Sommelier of the Year by The Jean Banchet Awards. He’s currently a manager for Sushi San and The Omakase Room at Sushi San. His love for hospitality and knowledge of sake are palpable. We go into his personal journey with sake as well as explain where one would begin when t…

How can adversity be transformed into a story of resilience and personal growth? Join me on the latest podcast episode as we explore this powerful journey with Robert Youngblood. Robert Youngblood, whose life journey is a testament to resilience and collaboration, credits his success to building relationships and creating opportunities, despite bat…

Our next guest is the current Medical Director for the local animal rescue, One Tail at a Time. She shares some of her experiences that led her to pursue Veterinary Medicine and specifically shelter medicine. We even explore some conversations around adoption and what pet owners can do to keep their fur babies healthy. Please enjoy my conversation …

Ginny Hall, the co-owner of Keva Style, leverages her expertise in sales, marketing, and business development within the home and gift industry to source high-quality Italian leather for her local design jewelry and home gift furnishing company. Ginny's perspective on sourcing leather underscores the significance of quality materials for their prod…