I am Consciously Curious

Our next guest is a best-selling author, TedX speaker, and strategic consultant to corporate executives, business students, and entrepreneurial leaders. Anyone that’s spent time with her can tell that she’s figured something out and her gift is sharing it with others. Her presence is palpable through the level of attention she gives you through each interaction. What I took away from our conversation is that the best version of you is already within you. Please enjoy my conversation with Cortney McDermott.

https://www.cortneymcdermott.com
https://www.instagram.com/cortneymcdermott
https://ww.instagram.com/iamconsciouslycurious

Our next guest is the creator of the intimate dining experience, family meal. Cambodian culture and cuisine were decimated during the Khmer Rouge. Ethan is on a journey to share Cambodian cuisine with Chicago and explore what it could have looked like had the genocide didn’t happen. Although his path isn’t a linear one, it seems like his curiosity never led him astray in and out of the hospitality industry. Please enjoy my conversation with Ethan Lim. Oh and if you haven’t tried his Cambodian fried chicken sandwich, get on it.

Hermosa: 4356 W Armitage. Chicago IL
Cambodian Futures Documentary
https://www.instagram.com/hermosachicago
https://www.instagram.com/ethan.e.lim
https://www.instagram.com/iamconsciouslycurious

Our next guests joined forces during the pandemic and started a virtual restaurant delivering elevated midwestern comfort food to peoples' doorsteps. Eve Studnička was curating an underground dinner series in her apartment called "dinner at the grotto" and Alexis Thomas-Rice had a catering company called Black Cat Kitchen. Together, they're striving to cultivate a relaxed ethos where everyone from any background can find solace over a great meal. They've recently been featured in Chicago Magazine's 10 Hottest Restaurants and Chicago Tribune's Top 100 Takeout. They're close to their goal of raising funds to help get their brick and mortar started. If you'd like to help, link to their gofundme is below.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-funeral-potatoes-find-a-home-of-our-own
https://www.instagram.com/funeral.potatoes
https://www.instagram.com/iamconsciouslycurious

Our next guest came on the podcast three years ago. Since then, he’s had successful partnerships with Hermosa, Full Shilling in Wrigleyville, Maplewood Brewery, and a ghost kitchen in Humboldt Park. He is now partnering with Atomic hospitality on their West Loop rooftop, Tetto. We talk about the niche that he’s cultivated with stand-up comedians and specifically with how he started to work with JB Smoove. He shares his perspective on empowering his team as well as how he pursues collaborations. Please enjoy my conversation with Anthony Scardino aka Professor Pizza.

https://www.instagram.com/professorpizza
https://www.instagram.com/iamconsciouslycurious

Our next guest is a ceramic artist who makes dinnerware for almost thirty restaurants in Chicago! I initially stumbled upon him from Thomas Oh and Andy Lim on their En Process Podcast. I then saw him again in the "No Place Like Kasama" documentary by Kerri Pang. We explore his journey of becoming a maker, getting discovered by Chef Michael Carlson, and the philosophy on his process. Please enjoy my conversation with David T. Kim.

https://www.instagram.com/dtkceramics
https://www.instagram.com/iamconsciouslycurious

Our next guest is on a mission to increase access to narcan in Chicago. He witnessed an overdose on the train and unfortunately did not have narcan on him or near him. As a nurse practitioner, we explore his journey into nursing as well as the current state of the industry. It’s experiencing shortages from burnout and the exodus of baby boomer nurses. We explore creating a culture of safety and how a mistake like giving a patient a paralytic instead of a sedative could have happened. We conclude with his initiative to increase awareness of the opioid epidemic as well as increase access to narcan. If you’re interested in following their journey, you can find them on LinkedIn. Please enjoy my conversation with Erik McIntosh. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-mcintosh-2644b128/
https://www.instagram.com/iamconsciouslycurious

Our next guest shares his journey to becoming a neurosurgeon. We explore how to create and navigate opportunities around you to deepen your interest in medicine. He emphasizes the importance of integrity when applying to medical schools, because if you’re willing to lie on this, what else are you willing to lie about? He recalls how work was life as a resident, but it was necessary. When times get tough, remind yourself that you’re training to treat someone’s loved one, and you’re going to want as much experience before you’re on your own. We wrap up with how to cultivate meaningful relationships between mentors and mentees. Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Stephen Magill. 

https://twitter.com/StephenTMagill?s=20
https://www.instagram.com/stephentmagill
https://www.instagram.com/iamconsciouslycurious

Our next guest is the director behind two local documentaries, Shot in the Dark and Cambodian Futures. Shot in the Dark explored the lives of high school basketball students on the west side of Chicago whereas Cambodian Futures explored what Cambodian cuisine might have looked like had the Cambodian genocide not happen through the lens of Chef Ethan Lim. We explore his process from planning, obtaining funding, execution, and submitting to film festivals. Please enjoy my conversation with Dustin Nakao-Haider

https://www.instagram.com/dusty_tho
https://www.instagram.com/iamconsciouslycurious

Watch Cambodian Futures: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD2foE5IrAA

Our next guest is the Illinois Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. At 30 years old, he began to notice weakness and muscle deterioration in his legs. Years go by until he receives a diagnosis of a rare and incurable disease called limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. He has since found joy and community within the food and hospitality scene. He’s collaborated with Paulie Gee’s Logan Square, JP Grazianos, JT’s Genuine, and so many more. A link to donate is in the show notes. Please enjoy my conversation with Billy Zureikat

Billy Z MDA Campaign

https://www.instagram.com/therealbillyz

https://www.instagram.com/iamconsciouslycurious

Our next guest is the Illinois Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. At 30 years old, he began to notice weakness and muscle deterioration in his legs. Years go by until he receives a diagnosis of a rare and incurable disease called limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. He has since found joy and community within the food and hospitality scene. He’s collaborated with Paulie Gee’s Logan Square, JP Grazianos, JT’s Genuine, and so many more. A link to donate is in the show notes. Please enjoy my conversation with Billy Zureikat

Billy Z MDA Campaign

https://www.instagram.com/therealbillyz

https://www.instagram.com/iamconsciouslycurious