In this enlightening episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason Stallard sits down with James Cheng, a distinguished leader from Schaumburg with a background spanning military service, international work, and missionary efforts. The conversation dives into James's formative years in the northwest suburbs, his educational experiences at West Point, his service in the US Army, and his eventual journey back to Illinois after having lived and worked abroad. This episode offers a compelling look at how one man's life experience can inform and shape his approach to leadership and community engagement.

James Cheng's journey from Fremd High School in Schaumburg to West Point and beyond illustrates a path marked by intentionality and resilience. The discussion touches on his spiritual journey from Buddhism to Christianity and his time in China as a missionary. With a a strong focus on leadership, self-awareness, and community engagement, James shares profound insights into the importance of understanding oneself to lead and empathize with others effectively. This episode provides an in-depth look at how personal growth and community involvement can create lasting impacts both locally and globally.

In this engaging episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast hosted by Jason Stallard, listeners are introduced to Dr. Michelle Morkert, who will moderate an upcoming panel featuring five formidable women for the first Local Talks of 2025. As a women's leadership coach and an academic, Dr. Morkert brings her deep understanding of gender and leadership to the table. The episode underscores the importance of celebrating Women's History Month by elevating diverse women's voices through community events at Bell Works Chicagoland.

With a focus on building thriving communities by understanding different perspectives, Jason and Michelle discuss the selection of panelists based on their unique experiences in male-dominated industries. The episode delves into Dr. Morkert's personal journey that shaped her career path and her dedication to elevating discussions around gender inclusivity. They express their enthusiasm for the upcoming local talks event, emphasizing the power of storytelling in challenging traditional narratives and fostering community growth. The episode aims to inspire curiosity, reduce judgment, and highlight the importance of integrating diverse perspectives in all areas of life.

In this captivating episode of the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast, Jason Stallard welcomes Cassie Hamel, the vibrant founder of Little Broken Things. Cassie shares her journey from working in the film industry to rediscovering her passion for hair and opening unique salons that incorporate art galleries, thus fostering a sense of community. Throughout their discussion, Jason and Cassie explore the interplay between creativity and entrepreneurship, particularly how Cassie has embedded community values into her business in the Chicago and Palatine areas.

Cassie elaborates on her passion for supporting local artists and how her salons have become platforms for creative expression and community connection. Her experiences in Los Angeles and Nashville have significantly influenced her outlook on building businesses that prioritize inclusivity and artistry. The episode paints a vivid picture of her entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting her resilience in overcoming challenges, like a devastating salon fire, to build thriving spaces where people feel welcomed and inspired. Tune in to discover how Cassie's journey and business philosophy offer valuable lessons in creativity, community, and personal authenticity.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, featuring Andrea Biwer, the dynamic new President of the Schaumburg Business Association (SBA). In this engaging discussion, Andrea, who has been with the SBA for four months, shares her vision of fostering a community-oriented business environment. Listen as Andrea delves into her rich history with the SBA, beginning with her mother’s legacy as a founder, and extending to her current role. Her story is a testament to the power of community and the impact of strong local networks.In this episode, Andrea discusses the integral components of a successful organization, namely, the people within it. Her leadership is inspired by mentorship and community connectivity, values that have been instilled in her over her extensive career. Andrea's journey from hospitality to running significant business development initiatives showcases her dedication to fostering business growth and community support. As she returns to lead the SBA, Andrea envisions a future where businesses collaborate, share successes, and participate in community support, mirroring the foundation her mother helped to establish.

In this episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason Stallard welcomes John Doherty, founder of The Family Album Company, to discuss the significance of preserving family memories in a digital age. The conversation explores the importance of digitizing photos, love letters, and other memorabilia to maintain a legacy for future generations. As a longtime Chicagoan with a rich professional history, John shares insights into the emotional impact and practical necessity of his work.

Throughout the episode, John and Jason dive deep into the benefits of creating "living digital archives." Amidst heartwarming anecdotes about past client experiences, including a powerful story of a couple's long-distance love letters from the post-World War II era, John stresses the value of keeping family histories alive. They also discuss the dire consequences of losing irreplaceable moments captured in photos and videos due to outdated technology or natural disasters. Embedded within this conversation are key insights into how technology is changing the way we interact with our memories and the community-focused effort needed to preserve them.

In this insightful episode of the "Love Local Chicagoland Podcast," Jason Stallard welcomes John Sleeting, a wealth manager partner at Clearwater Capital. John shares his life's journey from serving in the U.S. Coast Guard to becoming an influential figure in wealth management. The conversation delves deep into his passion for storytelling and his unique approach to wealth management, aiming to amplify the voices of entrepreneurs and thought leaders. John discusses how the intentionality in every decision, from business to personal, is essential for creating a lasting impact.

John Sleeting provides profound insights into the intricacies of wealth management, especially tailored for the ultra-high-net-worth clientele. With SEO-optimized keywords such as "wealth management," "philanthropy," and "intentionality," the discussion revolves around empowering clients to live with joy, confidence, and a spirit of abundance. John elaborates on the concept of stewardship beyond financial means, highlighting the importance of human capital and intellectual growth. This episode emphasizes the value of forming genuine connections, giving back to the community, and nurturing future generations.

Join Jason Stallard in this engaging episode of the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast, where he converses with Deanna Origer, a key player at Love Local Media. The discussion delves deep into Deanna’s journey from a collegiate athlete to a strategic contributor in the media space, exploring themes such as entrepreneurship, community support, and personal growth. This insightful talk aims to inspire listeners by showcasing the importance of local business support and community building.

In her role at Love Local Media, Deanna plays a crucial part in promoting local businesses and nonprofits by harnessing the power of social media and podcasting. Jason emphasizes the invaluable contributions Deanna makes to the team, particularly her skills in connecting community stories with a broader audience. Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through as she shares her aspirations and ongoing projects, underscoring the importance of local engagement and support. With a keen focus on learning and growth, Deanna embodies the Love Local mission to create a thriving and connected community.

The conversation also touches on the significance of finding peace and maintaining focus amid external chaos. Both Jason and Deanna stress the value of cultivating strong community ties and the potential of working together to build prosperous future prospects. As they discuss local culture, entrepreneurship, and the challenges of balancing multiple roles, this episode resonates with entrepreneurs and community-minded individuals keen on making a difference.

Welcome to the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast! In this engaging episode, Jason Stallard sits down with Kimberly Dahlem, a transformative local coach and educator who empowers others to live better lives. Kimberly candidly shares her journey, from her nurturing childhood influenced by educators to her impactful 30-year career in public education. The episode explores her steadfast dedication to gratitude and resilience, her inspiring work as a change-maker in school systems, and her personal story of overcoming significant life challenges.

In today's Love Local Chicagoland Podcast, Jason Stallard sits down with Cole Keller, a central figure at Love Local Media, to dissect the core methods and inspirations behind their community-focused media venture. Starting from a chance meeting at a local music event, Jason and Cole’s partnership has developed into a creative alliance aimed at spotlighting local stories and empowering community narratives across the Chicagoland area. Their candid conversation traverses their personal and professional journeys, demonstrating how their collaboration aims to amplify local voices amidst a rapidly changing media landscape.

As they dive deeper, Jason and Cole discuss the transformative power of storytelling through digital media and how Love Local Media offers diverse services like videography, photography, and studio rentals. Beyond service offerings, they highlight the substantial role of empathy, community, and shared challenges in fostering authentic connections, especially in today's polarized society. Cole's zest for creativity and story then sets the stage for exploring the significance of standing for something meaningful — like loving and supporting one's local community — in building a sustainable and impactful business model. Throughout the episode, they reveal insights on navigating entrepreneurship while fostering a sense of unity through media.

Join Jason Stallard as he delves into the inspiring journey behind Aunt Tina's Kitchen, a family-run restaurant specializing in Southern comfort food, with Tony and Abbey Cannon. This episode of the "Love Local Chicagoland Podcast" explores how the couple's ventures in food trucks and seasoning business laid the groundwork for their restaurant. Tony shares insights from his formative years in the restaurant industry alongside Aunt Tina and how his creative culinary vision merged with Abbey's operational acumen to establish Aunt Tina's Kitchen in Elmhurst. Their endeavor is rooted in a mission to bridge cultures and foster inclusive community experiences through food.