In this illuminating episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason Stallard sits down with Beth Nabors, a passionate advocate for the homeless and founder of Journeys. The conversation unfolds with a vibrant exchange of ideas, shedding light on Beth’s personal and professional journey that led her to establish Journeys, an organization aimed at eliminating homelessness in the northwest suburbs of Cook County. Beth discusses her commitment to creating change through direct community engagement, and her belief in the power of strong relationships and local resources.

Beth Nabors takes us through the challenges and triumphs of confronting societal misconceptions about homelessness. Her unique perspective on hope and community is evident throughout the dialogue, highlighting the importance of understanding diverse perspectives and leading with empathy. This episode is rich with insights about the intersection of personal experience and community advocacy, as Beth shares her journey from personal adversity to impactful leadership. Listeners are encouraged to look beyond the surface and engage with their communities meaningfully, inspiring them to participate in change.

In this insightful episode of Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason Stallard sits with Kris Salyards to discuss the upcoming community engagement event titled "Local Talks," focusing on breaking mental health stigma. This episode delves deep into how uplifting conversations around mental health can foster more robust communities and pave a pathway for future generations to experience less struggle. By intertwining personal anecdotes with professional insights, both host and guest illuminate the pressing need to normalize mental health conversations in society.

As Jason and Kris unwrap the discourse, critical discussions emerge around societal changes post-COVID, the normalization of mental health discussions, and the enduring stigma that persists. With a powerful panel set for the upcoming event, comprising seasoned professionals from various backgrounds in mental health, Kris aims to unveil deeply human stories that connect on a communal level. This episode emphasizes the importance of shifting perspectives, embracing openness, and fostering environments where mental health is treated as vital as physical health. Ultimately, the conversation reinforces the poignant truth that community, connection, and conversation are integral to healing and transformation.

n this episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason Stallard converses with Gorana Climenco, a Bosnian entrepreneur with a remarkable journey. From war-torn Bosnia to the bustling metropolitan life of Chicago, Gorana shares an inspiring tale of grit and resilience. Her story is one of overcoming hardships and following one's dreams, which is bound to inspire listeners. Through her marketing agency, she helps businesses craft authentic and impactful social media content, emphasizing real and raw storytelling.The discussion delves into the significance of mentorship and community in entrepreneurship. Gorana highlights the role of authentic content in connecting businesses with their audience, and the power of empathy in building meaningful relationships. The conversation touches on barriers that often hold people back and the importance of perseverance and authenticity in achieving personal and professional success. Listeners are encouraged to pursue their passions and to engage in collaborative endeavors for a better future.

Join us for a powerful and inspiring evening as part of the Local Talks series, where we brought together a panel of dynamic women leaders to share their experiences, insights, and truths.

In this impactful discussion, our panelists opened up about confidence, leadership, overcoming judgment, and the importance of women supporting women. From personal stories to professional lessons, the conversation highlighted the strength found in authenticity and the importance of setting an example for future generations.

In this heartfelt episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason Stallard engages in a profound dialogue with Kathy Millin, a beacon of leadership and community service. Kathy, who recently retired after a notable career at Partners for Our Communities, reflects on her journey and her ongoing commitment to empowering communities in the Northwest Suburbs. Through captivating narratives, Kathy shares her insights into servant leadership, emphasizing the importance of kindness, empathy, and integrity. Her stories reveal the hidden layers of poverty in what might seem like prosperous suburbs, shedding light on the real challenges and triumphs of the people she's served.

Throughout the conversation, Kathy and Jason navigate various topics, from the impact of poverty on communities to the essential role of leadership in driving positive change. Kathy shares her perspective on why listening is an invaluable skill for leaders and the need for empathy in leadership, especially when working with diverse populations. She also talks about the programs she developed, which resonate deeply with the needs of the community by prioritizing the voices and experiences of those in poverty. As Kathy reflects on her career and her commitment to loving her neighbor, she stresses the need for collective efforts to combat societal issues and create a future that uplifts everyone.

In this engaging episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason Stallard sits down with Yeulanda Degala of Good Neighbors Network and Tracy Lipari from Tuscan Market and Wine Shop to discuss community engagement and support through local business and nonprofit collaboration. The episode revolves around the upcoming "local swarm" event, a unique gathering designed to boost small businesses and nonprofits, while fostering strong community ties within Arlington Heights.

Yeulanda Degala shares her journey from a community volunteer to a leading figure impacting the lives of students through her nonprofit, Good Neighbors Network. The conversation reveals the heart and determination that drives her work, stressing the unmet needs in affluent areas and the power of neighbors helping neighbors. Meanwhile, Tracy Lipari offers insight into the challenges facing local businesses post-pandemic and how collaborations like the local swarm can benefit both businesses and nonprofits. Together, Yeulanda and Tracy highlight the vital role of collaboration, community spirit, and localized support in creating a stronger, resilient community.

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, hosted by Jason Stallard. In this episode, we dive into the world of innovative senior living at Encore Village, a premier community in Schaumburg, Illinois. Joined by special guest Terra Watterson, VP of Sales and Marketing, we explore how Encore Village is redefining the senior living experience with vibrant community-building, diverse activities, and a focus on individual well-being. Supported by Royal Family Real Estate, this episode celebrates the spirit of connection and community that defines both the podcast and Encore Village.

Encore Village stands out in the competitive senior living market through its commitment to fostering a lively and connected environment. Jason and Tara delve into the unique offerings of Encore Village, from its numerous clubs and innovative amenities, such as a golf simulator and planned bowling alley, to its emphasis on resident feedback-driven enhancements like a new convenience store and coffee shop. The senior community's approach of "it takes a village" epitomizes their mission to create a supportive and collaborative atmosphere, where staff and residents work together harmoniously to enhance residents' lives. Discover how being a part of a community like Encore Village can bring excitement and companionship into the lives of seniors, making every day a new opportunity for connection and joy.

In this compelling episode of "Love Local Chicagoland," Jason Stallard dives into a candid conversation with Victor Lopez, a former offender turned inspiring artist and community mentor. From his early years in the gang life on Chicago's west side to his transformational journey post-incarceration, this episode offers an in-depth look at how Victor overcame adversities to embark on a road of self-discovery and healing. Victor's story is a testament to the power of resilience, showing how he used his time in prison as a platform for personal growth, eventually emerging as a creative force in the art world and his community.

Throughout the podcast, Victor shares insights into his spiritual journey, which involved exploring various religious pathways before gravitating back to Christianity. His exploration of artistic mediums in prison not only led to personal healing but also ignited a passion to encourage others. As Victor discusses his community work, particularly in mentoring at-risk youth, he emphasizes the significance of inspiring the next generation to pursue positive paths. Central to his purpose today is using art and creativity to restore communities and provide young people with opportunities for expression and growth. Victor's story serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the transformative power of art and spirituality

In this engaging episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason Stallard welcomes Aiden Branss, a young and ambitious author and publisher who has turned his passion for storytelling into a thriving business. Aiden shares his journey from writing a book during the pandemic to establishing his own publishing company, Aiden Branss Books, which focuses on amplifying diverse and often overlooked voices. Jason delves into Aiden's backstory, his inspiration for starting the company, and the entrepreneurial journey that has led him to work with various young authors, helping them share their stories with the world.

Aiden Branss candidly discusses the challenges he faced while setting up his publishing company and the motivation behind it. His goal is to provide a platform for young voices and stories that resonate with contemporary issues and personal experiences. Highlighting stories like those of Daniel Castro and Evelyn, Aiden showcases his commitment to diverse narratives, addressing themes like chronic illness, immigration, and growing up in difficult circumstances. By sharing these voices, Aiden hopes to foster a greater understanding and connection within communities, illustrating the power of storytelling as a tool for change.

In this engaging episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason Stallard invites three influential women from the Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF) to discuss fostering community support and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. The conversation dives deep into the heart of SLSF's mission, emphasizing the powerful impact of community engagement and support for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.The episode highlights the importance of inclusion and support for those with disabilities through the efforts of SLSF and its fundraising initiatives for Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA). Jason and his guests explore how SLSF's core mission ties into the broader context of building and nurturing community connections. They emphasize how SLSF works to ensure that everyone has access to recreational opportunities, showcasing a commitment to creating a more inclusive and cohesive community environment.Listeners will hear about the dynamic events managed by SLSF, how they facilitate genuine community involvement, and the excitement surrounding future growth prospects. The focus is not just on bringing people together but also on making a meaningful difference in the lives of those with disabilities through intentional and impactful programming. This episode is a testament to the power of leading with love and vision to build communities of support that truly make a difference.