In this revealing episode of the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast, hosted by Jason Stallard, we dive deep into the transformative journey of dealing with grief. Jason is joined by co-host Karl Fay, senior pastor at Prince of Peace, and two esteemed grief share facilitators, JoAnn Wiemann and Jan Kehe. These guests bring their personal experiences and professional insights into the conversation, offering listeners a compassionate understanding of grief and how it affects people in diverse and profound ways.

In this enlightening episode of the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast, listeners are introduced to the profound journey of Mary Licciardi and the transformative power of yoga in the healing process of grief. Unfolding amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, this episode explores how grief manifests in various forms and the vital role self-care plays in dealing with such a potent emotion. As Jason delves into his personal encounters with grief, Mary shares her own poignant life experiences, illustrating how the convergence of yoga and community support can foster recovery and resilience.

In this compelling episode of the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast, Jason Stallard is joined by co-host Gary Stubits to delve into a riveting conversation with Tina Green, founder of Bridging Heart. Bridging Heart is a nonprofit devoted to supporting youth transitioning out of the foster care system. Tina's story is a powerful narrative of resilience and hope, as she chronicles her own journey from foster care and sex trafficking survival to becoming a beacon of support for others facing similar challenges.

Join Jason Stallard in another captivating episode of the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast where community spirit and local narratives take center stage. This episode introduces Paul Shafer, a charismatic and highly regarded figure in Palatine known for his humor, advocacy, and support for local businesses. Through laughter and genuine conversations, Paul shares his journey from Jacksonville, Illinois to becoming a beloved community advocate in the Chicagoland suburbs. Together, they delve into discussions about neighborhood stories, local businesses, and how humor and authenticity can make a community thrive.

In this inspiring episode of the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast, Jason Stallard welcomes Natalie Porter Griffin and Amy Philpott, the visionary co-founders of Gerry's Cafe. Located in Arlington Heights, Gerry's Cafe is a shining beacon for community inclusion, offering employment opportunities to adults with disabilities. As Natalie shares, this initiative was sparked from her experience as a special education teacher and a profound desire to address the lack of employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Amy complements this vision with her entrepreneurial skills, turning the dream of an inclusive cafe into a reality.

Welcome to another episode of the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast, where Jason Stallard engages with fellow community leaders to highlight key business leaders and influencers in the Chicagoland area. In this episode, Jason sits down with Paulina Carlberg and Rick Carlberg, the visionary duo behind the successful business, House Doctors Property Inspections. Celebrating their 25th year in business, the Carlberg's share the journey of running a family-owned business renowned for excellent customer service and community involvement, despite the many challenges they’ve encountered along the way.

Join Jason Stallard in an enlightening episode of the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast as he converses with Kari-Ann Ryan, Lori Urbaniec, and Matt Harold from LMJ's Lost Souls. This episode dives into the powerful narratives driving their work in Alzheimer's awareness and fundraising. These passionate professionals share their personal stories, highlighting how dementia has touched their lives and fueled their mission to support local communities through creative fundraising efforts.

In this episode, key leaders from LMJ's Lost Souls talk about their unified goal to amplify resources for Alzheimer's research while providing direct community support. Together, they discuss their commitment to maintaining local connections through strategic partnerships with renowned institutions like the Alzheimer's Association and Advocate Health. They delve into the importance of public education and awareness regarding Alzheimer's and dementia, emphasizing the unexpected effects of building strong support networks within affected communities. Their focused efforts on community campaigns, strategic partnerships, and innovative events illustrate their dedication to creating meaningful change.

Join Jason Stallard for another enlightening episode of the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast, where he sits down with Kris Salyards, the dynamic executive director of The Bridge. This episode explores the challenges and triumphs in providing mental health support to youth and families in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Through Kris's unique lens, we uncover the driving philosophy behind The Bridge’s efforts to dismantle barriers to mental health services, spotlighting a community-minded approach that values accessibility and compassion.

Kris Salyards shares her extensive experience gained over 30 years, revealing insights into how The Bridge strives to meet the mental health needs of local families. By focusing on removing bureaucratic obstacles and enhancing collaboration with schools and communities, Kris and her team at The Bridge aim to shift the narrative around mental health. The conversation delves into the common challenges faced by families today, the evolving landscape of mental health post-COVID-19, and the pressing need for more resources to support these vital initiatives.

In this episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason Stallard sits down with Brian Shelton, a key figure in media education at Harper College. The conversation dives deep into the significance of storytelling and media in today's society, exploring how Harper College is at the forefront of nurturing these essential skills. With a vibrant discussion on the importance of creativity and community connections, listeners gain insights into how local educational institutions are adapting to the changing landscape of media and technology.

In this riveting episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason Stallard sits down with Jim Schwantz, the long-serving mayor of Palatine, Illinois, and former NFL star, to uncover his fascinating journey from the football field to public office. Schwantz, a native of Palatine, shares how he transitioned from professional sports to becoming a key figure in local government, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and the critical role of local elections.