Join host Jake Lyons on the 'Living in Chicago' podcast as he sits down with Andre Vasquez, the Alderman of Chicago's 40th Ward. Discover insights into urban politics, local development, and the unique character of neighborhoods like Lincoln Square, Edgewater, Ravenswood, Westridge and others that at least partly fall within the 40th ward. From his grassroots beginnings to his current role, Vasquez shares personal anecdotes, community initiatives, and thoughts on local challenges, including immigration and public safety. Ideal for Chicago residents and anyone interested in the city's vibrant, diverse community.

The Living in Chicago Podcast is where I, Jake Lyons, get to interview all kinds of people about the Chicago neighborhoods they live in, work in, and play in. This way, you can learn about the lifestyle pros and cons of various neighborhoods directly from the people who live there (or maybe even learn something new about your own neighborhood!)

More from 40th Ward Alderperson Andre Vasquez:

https://40thward.org/

Follow/Watch Living In Chicago: 

LIC - YouTube, Insta, LinkedIn, FB, TikTok, etc.

Want to be a guest on the show?

https://www.livinginchicago.com/guest-form

About The Host:

https://linktr.ee/jakelyonsrealtor

Real Estate in areas discussed:

https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/andersonville/

Real Estate Quick Start Questionnaire 

https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/form/

00:00 Welcome to Living in Chicago 00:25 Meet Andre Vasquez: The 40th Ward Alderman 00:51 Setting the Tone: Podcast Goals and Approach 02:27 Andre's Story: From Rapper to Alderman 06:02 Understanding the Role of an Alderman 08:41 Challenges and Triumphs in Office 11:53 Hip Hop and Politics: A Unique Perspective 17:03 Life in the 40th Ward 21:57 Real Estate Stats Corner: Lincoln Square 24:24 Fireworks Controversy in Ravenswood 27:07 Challenges and Developments in the 40th Ward 29:13 Immigrant and Refugee Rights Committee 32:55 Community Engagement and Creative Initiatives 38:00 Promoting the 40th Ward's Unique Character 41:20 Why Choose Chicago and the 40th Ward?

Explore the unique charm of Andersonville, Chicago, with Charlie Wein, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce. Discover the neighborhood’s vibrant culture, iconic events like Midsommarfest, and the tight-knit community spirit. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of supporting small local businesses and preserving the area's rich Swedish heritage. Perfect for residents and those curious about moving to this celebrated neighborhood.

The Living in Chicago Podcast is where I, Jake Lyons, get to interview all kinds of people about the Chicago neighborhoods they live in, work in, and play in. This way, you can learn about the lifestyle pros and cons of various neighborhoods directly from the people who live there (or maybe even learn something new about your own neighborhood!)

More from Charlie/Andersonville Chamber of Commerce:

Always Andersonville Podcast

https://andersonville.org/

Follow/Watch Living In Chicago: 

LIC - YouTube, Insta, LinkedIn, FB, TikTok, etc.

Want to be a guest on the show?

https://www.livinginchicago.com/guest-form

About The Host:

https://linktr.ee/jakelyonsrealtor

Real Estate in areas discussed:

https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/andersonville/

Real Estate Quick Start Questionnaire 

https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/form/

Meet Toy Hawkins, a resident of the Douglas neighborhood with deep roots in Chicago, who shares her journey from Woodlawn to Hollywood as a TV producer. We discuss the evolution of her childhood neighborhood, Chicago's real estate landscape, and Toy's successful projects like "That Girl Lay Lay" and "Kingdom Business," among others. The conversation dives into the impact of Chicago's culture on her career, future goals, and the importance of family heritage. Tune in to hear about the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that defines Toy’s story.

The Living in Chicago Podcast is where I, Jake Lyons, get to interview all kinds of people about the Chicago neighborhoods they live in, work in, and play in. This way, you can learn about the lifestyle pros and cons of various neighborhoods directly from the people who live there (or maybe even learn something new about your own neighborhood!)

More from Toy:

https://www.instagram.com/toymonique/

https://www.netflix.com/title/81443738

Follow/Watch Living In Chicago: 

LIC - YouTube, Insta, LinkedIn, FB, TikTok, etc.

Want to be a guest on the show?

https://www.livinginchicago.com/guest-form

About The Host:

https://linktr.ee/jakelyonsrealtor

Real Estate in areas discussed:

https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/douglas/

Real Estate Quick Start Questionnaire 

https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/form/

 

 

Explore the vibrant heart of the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago in this episode featuring key figures from the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce. Delve into the dynamic art scene, local businesses, and community efforts that characterize this unique neighborhood. Listen as guests Amy Czarkowski, Christina Pecce, and Gene Wagendorf III share their experiences of the areas they live and work in, highlighting events like the Ravenswood Art Walk, and discuss the fabric of creativity and connection that defines Ravenswood.

The Living in Chicago Podcast is where I, Jake Lyons, get to interview all kinds of people about the Chicago neighborhoods they live in, work in, and play in. This way, you can learn about the lifestyle pros and cons of various neighborhoods directly from the people who live there (or maybe even learn something new about your own neighborhood!)

More from the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce:

https://ravenswoodchicago.org/

Follow/Watch Living In Chicago: 

LIC - YouTube, Insta, LinkedIn, FB, TikTok, etc.

Want to be a guest on the show?

https://www.livinginchicago.com/guest-form

About The Host:

https://linktr.ee/jakelyonsrealtor

Real Estate in areas discussed:

https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/uptown/

https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/lincoln-square/

https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/edgewater/

https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/north-center/

Real Estate Quick Start Questionnaire 

https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/form/

Local Businesses Mentioned:

https://business.ravenswoodchicago.org/list/

Ayo Akinokun is a tech consultant and multifaceted artist living in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood. In this episode we discuss Ayo's global journey from Nigeria to Chicago and his experiences, insights, and love for the eclectic Uptown area. We delve into Ayo's creative pursuits, including acting and singing, and how living in Chicago has influenced his career and personal growth. The episode provides a deep dive into the cultural diversity of Uptown, Ayo’s views on the neighborhood's hidden gems, and his journey across various countries before calling Chicago home.

The Living in Chicago Podcast is where I, Jake Lyons, get to interview all kinds of people about the Chicago neighborhoods they live in, work in, and play in. This way, you can learn about the lifestyle pros and cons of various neighborhoods directly from the people who live there (or maybe even learn something new about your own neighborhood!)

More from Ayo Akinokun:

https://www.instagram.com/ayo_mazing/

Follow/Watch Living In Chicago: 

LIC - YouTube, Insta, LinkedIn, FB, TikTok, etc.

Want to be a guest on the show?

livinginchicago.com/guest-form

About The Host:

linktr.ee/jakelyonsrealtor

Real Estate in areas discussed:

https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/uptown/

Real Estate Quick Start Questionnaire 

https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/form/

Local Businesses Mentioned:

Iyanze Cafe

Jay Towns is a professional photographer, advertising creative, and up and coming actor (he has an IMDB account!) currently living in the Lincoln Park area after a short stint in West Loop Gate after graduating from Northwestern in Evanston. We discuss his experience of these neighborhoods, various aspects of city life more broadly, ethics in advertising, and much more!

The Living in Chicago Podcast is where I, Jake Lyons, get to interview all kinds of people about the Chicago neighborhoods they live in, work in, and play in. This way, you can learn about the lifestyle pros and cons of various neighborhoods directly from the people who live there (or maybe even learn something new about your own neighborhood!)

More from Jay Towns:

IMDB

instagram.com/jaytowns/

Follow/Watch Living In Chicago: 

LIC - YouTube, Insta, LinkedIn, FB, TikTok, etc.

Want to be a guest on the show?

livinginchicago.com/guest-form

About The Host:

linktr.ee/jakelyonsrealtor

Real Estate in areas discussed:

thechicagohomesource.com/lincolnpark/

Real Estate Quick Start Questionnaire 

https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/form/

Local Businesses Mentioned:

Cafe Baba Reba   Old Town School of Music   Bourgeois Pig   The Gatsby

In this episode of "Living in Chicago," host Jake Lyons interviews Kerry Bowler, an events industry veteran currently with Smith & Wollensky, about living in the Aqua Tower and the Lakeshore East neighborhood. Kerry shares insights on the area's hidden gems, local amenities, and the vibrant lifestyle it offers, emphasizing the neighborhood's safety, walkability, and proximity to cultural activities. The conversation delves into the evolution of Chicago's Riverwalk and local real estate, highlighting the unique living experience in this part of Chicago.

The Living in Chicago Podcast is where I, Jake Lyons, get to interview all kinds of people about the Chicago neighborhoods they live in, work in, and play in. This way, you can learn about the lifestyle pros and cons of various neighborhoods directly from the people who live there (or maybe even learn something new about your own neighborhood!)

More from Kerry Bowler/Smith & Wollensky:

smithandwollensky.com/private-events/

Follow/Watch Living In Chicago: 

LIC - YouTube, Insta, LinkedIn, FB, TikTok, etc.

Want to be a guest on the show?

livinginchicago.com/guest-form

About The Host:

linktr.ee/jakelyonsrealtor

Real Estate in areas discussed:

thechicagohomesource.com/loop/

Real Estate Quick Start Questionnaire 

https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/form/

Local Businesses Mentioned:

Monarch and Lion

https://www.monarchandlion.com/

Avli

https://www.avli.us/

Robert's Pizza

https://www.robertspizzacompany.com/

Rick Kronenburger is a resident of the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago who has been there long enough to see the explosion of growth in this area from the ground up. In this episode we discuss what that growth trajectory has looked like, the appeal it has to major corporations moving to the area, the local restaurant scene, and much more!

The Living in Chicago Podcast is where I, Jake Lyons, get to interview all kinds of people about the Chicago neighborhoods they live in, work in, and play in. This way, you can learn about the lifestyle pros and cons of various neighborhoods directly from the people who live there (or maybe even learn something new about your own neighborhood!)

Follow/Watch Living In Chicago: 

LIC - YouTube, Insta, LinkedIn, FB, TikTok, etc.

Want to be a guest on the show?

livinginchicago.com/guest-form

About The Host:

linktr.ee/jakelyonsrealtor

Real Estate in areas discussed:

thechicagohomesource.com/west-loop/

Real Estate Quick Start Questionnaire 

https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/form/

Local Businesses Mentioned:

1. Fig Tree: figtreechicago.com/
2. Pete's Market: https://www.petesfresh.com/
3. Lou Malnati's: https://www.loumalnatis.com/
4. Viaggio: https://viaggiochicago.com/
5. Talay Thai: www.talaychicago.com​​.

Interview with Rebecca Sutter, owner of Rebecca's Confections. She shares her journey as a pastry chef, her experience running a home-based bakery, and her life in Roscoe Village and other Chicago neighborhoods. The conversation also delves into cycling in Chicago, local businesses, local breweries, and the neighborhood's community vibe. 

The Living in Chicago Podcast is where I, Jake Lyons, get to interview all kinds of people about the Chicago neighborhoods they live in, work in, and play in. This way, you can learn about the lifestyle pros and cons of various neighborhoods directly from the people who live there (or maybe even learn something new about your own neighborhood!)

More From Rebecca Sutter:

rebeccasconfections.com/

Follow/Watch Living In Chicago: 

LIC - YouTube, Insta, LinkedIn, FB, TikTok, etc.

Want to be a guest on the show?

livinginchicago.com/guest-form

About The Host:

linktr.ee/jakelyonsrealtor

Real Estate in areas discussed:

thechicagohomesource.com/roscoe-village/

Real Estate Quick Start Questionnaire 

https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/form/

Local Businesses Mentioned:

1. Four Moon Tavern

   • Website: Not found
   • Instagram: Not found

2. Dovetail Brewery

   • Website: dovetailbrewery.com
   • Instagram: @dovetailbrewery

3. Begyle Brewing

   • Website: begylebrewing.com
   • Instagram: @begylebrewing
   •  

4. Judson and Moore Distillery

   • Website: judsonandmoore.com/

5. Iguana Cafe

   • Website: iguanacafe.com

Drew Tilton is an author, ghostwriter, and writing coach residing in the River West neighborhood of Chicago. In this episode, Drew shares his journey from Southern California to Chicago, discussing the cultural and lifestyle contrasts. The episode delves into the River West neighborhood's unique aspects, such as its hidden, quiet atmosphere amidst a bustling city, and its family-friendly environment. Drew also talks about the inspiration he draws from Chicago for his creative endeavors and how the city's diversity and history enhance his work.

The Living in Chicago Podcast is where I, Jake Lyons, get to interview all kinds of people about the Chicago neighborhoods they live in, work in, and play in. This way, you can learn about the lifestyle pros and cons of various neighborhoods directly from the people who live there (or maybe even learn something new about your own neighborhood!)

More From Drew Tilton:

asiocreative.com

Follow/Watch Living In Chicago: 

LIC - YouTube, Insta, LinkedIn, FB, TikTok, etc.

Want to be a guest on the show?

livinginchicago.com/guest-form

About The Host:

linktr.ee/jakelyonsrealtor

Real Estate in areas discussed:

thechicagohomesource.com/river-west/

Real Estate Quick Start Questionnaire 

https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/form/

Local Businesses Mentioned:

Di Agostino's Pizza

Matchbox Bar

The Dandy Crown

Gangnam Market

Blue Bell Mart