Lise.FM

The great White Mystery band joined me for episode 12 of the podcast to talk about their influences - from GG Allin to Andy Warhol! Sister and brother Alex and Francis also told me about the candy wrapper that inspired their band name, talked about why they love the Chicago music scene so much and discussed their insanely cool telepathic connection.

Nadia Torrence, also known as "_nadixo_" on Instagram, joins me on this week's episode to catch up, since we haven't seen each other since high school. Then, she tells me the story behind her instafame and indulges me with some of her magical influences, which include her Mom, Michelle Obama and Issa Rae. Along the way, Nadia doles out some damn good advice on how to stay graceful in times of turmoil and what it means to "water yourself" in life.

Music by @palettes and @oylo <3

Damn, is it already episode 10?! What better way to celebrate than to feature my first ever start-up! Kimberly Jackson is the brain behind "Stand-In," an app that connects new friends through events. She joined me to talk about the app and to give credit to the forces that have inspired her to follow through on her vision: from her Mom to Shark Tank.

Find out more about the app here: http://getastandin.com/

This week I'm joined by the lovely Lorna Bennett Samatas, a life coach, meditation guide & yoga/barre instructor. We talk about her journey toward mindful living and then she tells me about the four practices she teaches to help ignite positive change, growth & transformation. Along the way, she dispels some common misconceptions surrounding mindfulness & at the end, she treats us to a guided meditation.

Find out more about Lorna's Week of Zen at https://weekofzen.com/.

Music by @amyaxegale & @palettes

This week I'm joined by Elliot and Collin from The Bank Notes, an up-and-coming reggae/blues band from sweet home Chicago. Elliot is the band's songwriter, so he revealed his biggest influences - from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Eminem to his Dad's band, Salt Creek Boys. Collin and Elliot also share a couple stripped down original tunes from The Bank Notes.

For the Father's Day edition of the podcast, I interview none other than my dear Pappy, better known as Dave "Catfish" Graham. We listen to the music he's heard throughout his life, and he talks about where he draws influence from -- from folk to Frank Zappa. We might even sing a couple self-fulfilling covers along the way... but you'll have to listen for yourself to find out. Happy Pappy Day!

This week on Lise.FM, I sat down with Chicago filmmaker Giancarlo Iannotta and completely butchered his name. He forgave me, and we moved on to talk about his first feature length film, MY COUNTRY, which tells the story of two long lost brothers - one from Chicago and one from Rome. Then, he talked about his influences, which range from The Beatles & punk/ska music to the mumblecore film movement & WGN.

Amy Guth, a true renaissance woman, joined me on the podcast this week to talk about the music, movies & poetry she draws from in her own her writing, reporting, feminism & film-making. She talks about her childhood, her favorite film director David Lynch, her part in the riot girl movement, her love for The Smiths and her fascination with language, and then she shares a couple excerpts of her own work.

Music from @HopBoxMusic and @Palettes <3

Episode 4: I sit down with Emily Blue and try to guess her influences. I fail miserably, so she takes over, talking about what she has gleaned from Regina Spektor, Maroon 5, Solange and the Champaign scene. We also talk about our iPhone Notes, favorite Beyonce music videos, the new almost-concept-album by Tara Terra and she shares a single from her solo project, Bubble Gum Acid Pop.

Episode 3 - My dear, old friend Dan Durley joins me to talk about finding his solo sound with help from Wilco, Neil Young, SPILL & Ratboys. Then, he shares the title track from his upcoming album, "Stone Feet."