Dynasty Podcasts host Jaime Black visits Kindling to interview Chef Jonathon Sawyer.

Chef Sawyer speaks on bringing his vision and personality to dishes he’s passionate about at Kindling and his Sawyer’s Supper events, reveals how becoming happy with himself elevated both his personal and professional life, and shares why he looks for curiosity in his kitchen talent.

The culinary professional also offers insights into his role as Host Chef of this year’s First Bites Bash, which kicks off Choose Chicago‘s Chicago Restaurant Week on Thursday, January 22nd at the Field Museum, details what Kindling is offering for this year’s Chicago Restaurant Week, and shares the spots he’s looking to visit during CRW 2026.

Jordan Engerman, Vice President of Partnerships at Choose Chicago, guests on Dynasty Podcasts to preview Choose Chicago’s Chicago Restaurant Week and the First Bites Bash.

Engerman reveals what to expect from the First Bites Bash, the kick-off party for Chicago Restaurant Week happening January 22nd at the Field Museum, and shares why Chef Jonathon Sawyer from Kindling is the right choice for Chef Host of this year’s event. (And look for Chef Jonathon Sawyer to guest on the episode after this one, Dynasty Podcasts: Chicagoverse #37​7.)

The VP of Partnerships also speaks on the scope and diversity of the more than 550 restaurants participating in this year’s Chicago Restaurant Week, happening January 23rd through February 8th at restaurants across the Chicagoland area. Engerman shares a few spots that diners shouldn’t miss, emphasizes the importance of not just trying new restaurants but also exploring neighborhoods you haven’t visited before, and previews what’s ahead for both Chicago and Choose Chicago in 2026.

Culinary entrepreneur Mindy Segal ​guests on Dynasty Podcasts in an interview recorded at Mindy’s Bakery​.

Segal ​​details her cooking and baking style, comparing it to a freeform method akin to jazz and improvisation, and reflects on how working in different kitchens in Chicago informed her own process.

The bak​ing entrepreneur also ​reveals how the pandemic factored into the transition from her previous concept, Hot Chocolate​, to Mindy’s Bakery in the present, and speaks on her leadership style when it comes to her staff and engaging with customers.

Dr. Aymar Jean “AJ” Escoffery, Co-Founder at OTV | Open Television and Professor and Director at the Master of Science in Leadership for Creative Enterprises and Margaret Walker Professor of Communication Studies at Northwestern University, guests on Dynasty Podcasts to talk independent media and creative entrepreneurship in higher ed.

Dr. Escoffery offers a deep dive into Northwestern’s Master of Science in Leadership for Creative Enterprises program, detailing the school’s curriculum and opportunities for students in the arts and media concentrations seeking to turn their creative pursuits into a career.

He also explains how the MSLCE taps into Northwestern’s successful alumni network, speaks on the ever-changing role of indie storytelling for entrepreneurs, and shares what goes into developing a successful creative career while living in Chicago.

The accomplished media professional also reflects on his own creator journey with independent and intersectional media operation OTV and touches on his recently released book, Reparative Media: Cultivating Stories and Platforms to Heal Our Culture.

Leiah Breitfelder​, founder of CLIQUEBAIT​​, guests on Dynasty Podcasts in an interview recorded at Blind Barber.

Breitfelder​ details the mission of CLIQUEBAIT​, her event production company with an emphasis on showcasing and connecting creators in and beyond Chicago. The event producer also shares networking tips for introverts at her CLIQUEBAIT​ gatherings, and weighs in on why so many young Chicagoans aspire to be content creators.

Independent filmmaker Sam Hayes​ guests on Dynasty Podcasts to dive into his directorial debut Pools.

​Hayes details the multi-year journey that went into the making of Pools, as well as speaking on the film’s cast and experiential promotional strategy. ​The director also shares stories from shooting Pools on location in Lake Forest,​ IL, and offers his advice for aspiring DIY filmmakers.

C​hicago journalist Jesus J. Montero​ guests on Dynasty Podcasts to delve into his impressive media career.

Montero​ shares his thoughts on the state of independent journalism in 2025, as well as operating as an independent media producer in Chicago. He also details his approach to his community and activism​-focused journalism, ​a​nd speaks on balancing that with his cultural and entertainment-​f​acing media work.

​Jaime Black visits Dimmi Dimmi​ to connect with Chef Matt Eckfeld​ over a plate of housemade cheese sticks.

Eckfeld​ details the steps that led to opening his own concept in Lincoln Park after years in other kitchens and other locales. The chef also speaks on h​is approach to Chicago Italian, emphasizes Dimmi Dimmi​'s​ handmade pasta, and shares why it's important for the restaurant to be a welcoming destination for neighborhood residents.

Filmmaker Noah Guardado guests on Dynasty Podcasts to preview the Loose Ends & Friends indie film festival, happening Thursday, December 18th at the Ramova Theatre.

Guardado details his filmmaking origins and shares how the film festival came together. The director also previews the local filmmakers involved with the Loose Ends & Friends festival, and speaks to the feasibility of creating a short film on a DIY budget.

Official in-game DJ at Chicago Sky and Chicago Bulls concourse and atrium DJ Ca$h Era (@djcashera), helicopter camera operator Kamil Galimski (@chiheliguy), and digital and visual artist/photographer art.meder (@art.meder) come together for the second of two Monetizing Your Creative Career Dynasty Panelcasts events at Chicago Athletic Association.

The trio of panelists share how they developed their creative crafts into sustainable careers. Ca$h, Galimski, and Meder also speak on overcoming imposter syndrome, weigh in on making a career as a creative in Chicago, and offer insights for finding community and collaborators as an artist.