198: Support Small Business – The Fruit Store

The real-life stories of the legendary Fruit Store in Hinsdale, Illinois spotlights the value of small local business.

John Yurchek

Today's Lexi: 

Πεπόνι – Pepóni – Melon

In Today’s Episode:

We discover the value of small and local business. The Hinsdale Fruit Store is a shining example of a small business which creates a vibrant community and fosters a unique sense of place. 

The “face of the franchise,” John Yurchek, is sharing stories from the past 6 decades of growth, customers and generational business.

You will also hear about the produce grading system and their fresh daily prepared salad bar. 

Which sports celebrities love the Hinsdale Fruit Store and what’s in season now?  All of this with a heaping side of Kefi fun.

Resources:

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Manos Koumparakis

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at KefiLife.com!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Insta: @kefilife_

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife.

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

197: Building a Better America Through Education and Hellenism

Robert Buhler, Chairman of the Board, for The Pan-Hellenic Scholarship Foundation, explains the value of mentoring and scholarships.

Robert & Kiki

Today's Lexi: 

Μέντορας – Méntoras – Mentor

In Today’s Episode:

Kiki visits with Robert Buhler, Chairman of the Board for the prestigious PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation, about the value of leadership and mentoring.    

Learn about the mission of the foundation, which is to promote education by providing scholarships and programs to Greek American students, who, guided by the values of their Hellenic upbringing, have the potential to become life-long significant achievers.

Today it’s all about the selection process, the paradigm winner, and the annual gala taking place June 14, 2025, in Chicago.

Resources:

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Manos Koumparakis

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at KefiLife.com!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Insta: @kefilife_

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife.

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

196: Official Kick-off to Summer with Estia Naples

Dean Pashalis of Estia helps us kick off summer celebrating culture, food and family.

Kiki and Dean

Today's Lexi: 

Φεστιβάλ – Festivál – Festival

In Today’s Episode:

Here at Kefi Life, we are excited to officially kick off summer with food indoors and out.

Kiki is fired up to share her interview with Dean Pashalis, owner of the newly opened Estiatorio of Naples, Florida. 

Dean, a first-generation Greek, continues the tradition of his mother and father from Greece. Estia brings all the best in food, family and fun under one roof.  Find out about the ambiance, the menu and the excellent hospitality at this popular Greek restaurant in southwest Florida.

You will also learn about summer festivals – especially a beloved one on the north side of Chicago- Greek Fest.   Lots of buzz about this festival as the committee has secured international singing sensation Konstantino Natzis to entertain us into the wee hours. Of course, there will be plenty of delicious authentic Greek food to eat.

Greek Fest in Lincoln Square, Illinois June 6, 7, 8 2025. 

Resources:

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Manos Koumparakis

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at KefiLife.com!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Insta: @kefilife_

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife.

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

195: Herbs & Mental Wellness

How do herbs act as medicine?

Today's Lexi: 

Λιβάνι – Livani – Frankincense

In Today’s Episode:

It’s National Mental Health Awareness month and Kefi Life is sharing the power of herbs and their medicinal purpose. 

Kiki will visit with a Greek herbalist – Vasilia – who healed herself with food and herbal vegetation.  

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Manos Koumparakis

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at KefiLife.com!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Insta: @kefilife_

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife.

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

194: Coping Strategies for Mental Health

Forensic Psychiatric Nurse Yianna Papadeas visits with Kiki about the importance of caring for your mental health.

Today's Lexi: 

Ωμος – Omos – Shoulder

In Today’s Episode:

It’s National Mental Health Awareness month and Kefi Life is joining the conversation with Forensic Psychiatric Nurse Yianna Papadeas.  Yianna, at the publishing of this episode, has just been awarded Top Registered Nurse in Colorado. 

She takes time to visit with Kiki about ways to keep our minds well. 

Today, Yianna will challenge all of us to rethink what we believe about mental illness. 

She will share the shift in mental awareness and offer proven coping strategies to help all of us face our difficulties.

Happy to say, after the interview with Yianna you will have takeaways to keep your mind well.  

OLA KALA!

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Manos Koumparakis

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at KefiLife.com!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Insta: @kefilife_

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife.

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

193: The POWER of a NAP

Sleep inertia in the form of a short nap will add years to your life and life to your years.  Today’s topic is the POWER NAP

Today's Lexi: 

Συνήθειa – Synítheia – Habit

In Today’s Episode:

My father, Tasso, God rest his soul, lived to the age of 90.  He naturally abided by a healthy, Mediterranean lifestyle.   All my life I was struck by his habits; slow chewing of whole foods, moving his own body to lift, move, and carry things.  His zest for life was evident as he was always ready for Kefi time.   

Although all of that was part of his regular routine: the one staple he always participated in without fail was to nap.  He laid down for 30 to 60 minutes every single day.    

Tassos’ Good Health/Nap scenerio is living proof that resting is good for the mind and body, but there is also scienticfic research to support this healthy habit.  . 

Napping, Nani, siesta, la somme, pisolino and drzemki – however you refer to it, is a nutrient for the body and the mind

Kiki shares more on the benefits of a POWER NAP during today’s episode.

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Manos Koumparakis

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at KefiLife.com!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Insta: @kefilife_

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife.

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

192: The Garden – A Virtuous Activity

Gardening is good for the soul and great for uniting one generation to the next.  Join George the Greek with a close up on tomatoes, green beans, grandchildren, and more.

Today's Lexi: 

 Ήλιος – Ílios – Sun

In Today’s Episode:

A Greek immigrant, George, brings his youthful love and experience of his of garden in Greece to America. 

What are the secrets to picking oregano and planting tomatoes?    How does the garden improve George’s life?

Can a garden create and strengthen a bond with parent, grandparents and children?  How?

Tune into this week’s episode of Kefi Life for a heartwarming and inspiring tale of gardening.  After today, you just may want to grow one yourself this season.

OLA KALA!

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Manos Koumparakis

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at KefiLife.com!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Insta: @kefilife_

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife.

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

191: The Healing Benefits of Ancient Gardens — Yesterday & Today

Thousands of years ago, the ancient civilizations created gardens to help the community achieve a sense of balance, harmony and peace.  Today we explore this beauty of a garden and wellness.

In Today’s Episode:

Do you ever need a respite from the world and all the noise in it?

Are you looking for a place which eases the mind and renews the spirit.Is it even possible that this place exists?

Of course, it has existed since the beginning of time and beyond to this day.Where is this place?

The garden!  

Today we go back thousands of years to illustrate the positive mental, spiritual physical impact gardens impart on a person

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Manos Koumparakis

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at KefiLife.com!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Insta: @kefilife_

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife.

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

190: One Hellenic Woman’s Journey to Success

We are wrapping up WOMEN’s HISTORY MONTH with lessons from a strong and beautiful Hellenic Woman—Dr. Georgia Andrianopolis.

Georgia and Kiki

Dr. Georgia on Olympus

Today's Lexi: 

Εντερο – Entero – Gut

In Today’s Episode:

Today, friend, you are in for a special treat because you will hear a first-hand story of one woman’s journey to success while holding the perspective of an outsider.

My guest Dr. Georgia Andrianopolis immigrated from Greece to America as a young girl and navigated her way to becoming a counselor, with a Ph.D. in neurophysiological concentration.  Her post-doc centered on the brain and gastrointestinal health. 

How did she survive with so many obstacles?  What were the challenges? 

What is her advice to every woman trying to make it in a man’s world?

Let’s find out…

Resources:

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Manos Koumparakis

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at KefiLife.com!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Insta: @kefilife_

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife.

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

189: The Unsung Woman

Women are by nature -nurtures and we are natural leaders.  Let’s celebrate Women’s History Month honoring the unsung woman.

Today's Lexi: 

Μήνας – Minas – Month

In Today’s Episode:

Happy Women’s History Month. So much to celebrate.

There are many notable and accomplished women all over the world.... women who have achieved tremendous accolades and they are well known.   

There are also women who do very important work every day, lifesaving and influential work and they get some to little recognition.   

I’m referring to mothers and teachers and caregivers and yia yias and koumbaras and aunts and cousins and sisters and friends and all the ladies who are patient, brave, loving and kind. 

Today we share inspiration and hope for all the important women who do great work and go unrecognized.

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Manos Koumparakis

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at KefiLife.com!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Insta: @kefilife_

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife.

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.