If you grew up in Highwood or the neighboring communities, you definitely know Buffo’s pizza is a staple in the town! But did you know pizza wasn’t even the first item on the menu when they opened in 1977? And where the name “Buffo’s” came from? Well, you’ll have to listen to find out!! I sat down with the infamous owner, Lenny Innocenzi, to hear how he started such a successful business and kept it going 43 years in the town he loves and grew up in. He has done so much for the community, serving as Past President of Highwood Chamber for many years. Lenny is probably one of the hardest workers I know, working all day everyday, and calling Buffo’s his home. You walk in and see him hanging out and talking to his customers like you're sitting in his living room! The restaurant has been featured on Chicago’s Best, the Food & Travel Channel! They have a ton of fun events going on and a great menu, even for gluten free peeps like me! Check out their site at www.buffos.com!

My good friends, local business owners and the last four of the “Old School Highwood Chamber Crew”, get together to reminisce. We talk about growing up in Highwood, our businesses, events and why people love coming here and have chosen to stay! This fabulous crew includes Tom Garrity, owner of “The Toadstool Pub”, Walter Parenti, owner of “Core Advisors” and Dominic Ugolini, owner of “Beck’s Heating & Air Conditioning”. This blue collar “tough town” is built on its diversity, culture, food, tradition and kind, hard working people! Everyone knows your name in Highwood!

I finally convinced one of my dear friends, the one and only Ivan Tosi, to share his story and journey about living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT Syndrome), an inherited nerve defect that causes abnormalities in the nerves that supply your feet, legs, hands, and arms. Even though Ivan has lived most of his life in a wheelchair and endured physical challenges, he is one of the most positive and happiest people I know, never complaining about anything that he is struggling with. He lives life to the fullest, never allowing physical limitations to prevent him from doing anything he loves, plus the fact he has an incredible support system between his family and friends who would do anything to help. He is at the gym everyday and feels that it's just as important to exercise your mind, not just your body! He was told he probably wouldn’t live past his 20’s...and yet here he is today at 52, stronger than ever! Ivan is the reason I started making positive changes in my life and embarked on my health journey over 13 years ago. He said, “Jen, if I can’t be depressed, you can’t either!” Those words stick with me to this day...If you don’t know Ivan from Highwood or see him cruising around town on his scooter, you can catch him at the Highwood Rec Center. He has been the Director for over 9 years and worked there for 24 years. Ivan never likes talking about himself, but he truly has inspired so many people and will help out anyone he can!

That’s the motto of the classic and much loved Highwood Diner, “Sandys”! I sat down with the current owner and daughter of the late Sandy Suckow, Darcy Mosconi. Darcy shares the story and history behind the local gem, which was originally named “Virginia’s” after the first owner, Virginia Menicucci. The restaurant has been around since 1962, Sandy having dedicated 51 years of her life between working at and eventually owning the restaurant. Darcy follows in her mom's footsteps of making everyone feel welcome and special every time they walk through that door. The classic staples remain on the menu with some new additions, featuring all fresh ingredients and everything handmade with love! Visit them at 415 Sheridan Rd. in Highwood and give them a ring at 847-433-1555. If those diner walls could talk...oh boy! So much history & love, with the perfect old school vibe!

The amazing local artist, Jim Brandonisio, better known as “Brando”, joins me to talk about his 46-year career in the world of art. Everyone knows Brando, and just hanging out in downtown Highwood and Highland Park you can see several businesses showcasing his signature artwork, along with many company and vintage vehicles that drive by. Brando is self-taught and a natural born talent, with the creative and artistic gene being passed on from his late father. Brando’s main specialties are pinstriping, lettering, airbrushing, flames and cartoons! His work spans the US, mostly on signage, cars, motorcycles, body art etc. He has also passed on the gene to his son, Michael Brandonisio, who has paved his own way to a successful career in the art world. Check out www.brandoart.com to learn more about Brando and his services, and be sure to follow him on IG @brando_did_it to follow his signature style!

It was an absolute privilege to have my dear friend, Patti Vasquez, on my podcast!  Talk about role reversal! Patti opens up about the evolution of her career, from stand-up comedy to radio host to running for State Rep for the 19th District. Patti also shares some intimate details about her life, family and one of her most important roles, motherhood. Through it all, Patti has always remained authentic, determined & passionate about helping others. This is absolutely a  MUST listen! Love you Patti! Check out all her campaign details at www.friendsofpattivasquez.com and follow her @pattivasquezchi on IG!

Eight-time Emmy Winning Director, Producer & Documentary Filmmaker, Nicolas DeGrazia, joins me in a wonderful conversation about helping people deliver and communicate their stories through video. Nic wears a lot of hats in the creative arts world! His biggest roles include partner at “Bitter Jester Studios”, founder & producer of the “Bitter Jester Music Festival” and writer, director & actor at “The Comic Thread”. Nic shares his journey, passion and expertise along with some great tips you do not want to miss out on! This episode is a must listen! Learn more about Nic, his services and events at www.bitterjester.com!  

Small business owners, this ones for you! The wonderful Tanya Fretheim, owner of Street Level Studio in Highwood, shares her expertise and insight, shedding light on some key areas of focus for successful marketing and branding strategies! The team at SLS is a one stop shop, offering help in brand strategy, website development, multi-channel marketing, video production & analytics. Not to mention, their space is absolutely gorgeous! And...props to Tanya on celebrating five years as President of SLS, making it 100% female owned! Congrats! Learn more about Tanya and her team at www.streetlevelstudio.com 

Kati Deutschle, co-founder of emBorrow, joins me to share her personal journey that began with inquiring about freezing eggs, going through IVF and currently continuing through the process to one day becoming a mom. Kati knows firsthand the costs that come with fertility treatments and family planning, and saw how many women, men and parents had to give up on their dreams to have children, simply because they couldn’t afford it. And so emBorrow was born to help people fulfill those dreams of parenthood. Find out how to apply for financial assistance, gain a support system and receive guidance and education from people who have gone through it at www.emborrow.com.  Also, be sure to show them some love and follow them on FB and IG @emborrow!

Tom Boy? Femme Girl? Ambition Chaser? Feminine Yin Softness? The power of each of these qualities & how women respect them (or don’t) amongst each other, is our hot topic today! The lovely Almine Barton joins me this second time around to help examine all facets of the female species. We are both huge advocates for women empowering other women, and try our best to lead by example, but we witness a lot of the opposite going on. Women can be the most vicious and cruel towards one another. Constantly comparing or feeling jealous, or striving for perfection...Why can’t we just be kind to one another and respect who we are and the unique differences or similarities between us? We don’t have all the answers, but a lot of theories. This is definitely an interesting and enlightening conversation to have and shed light on. We need to support, or at the very least respect each other ladies! Learn more about Almine at http://www.rechargesport.com/almine-barton/ and check out her blog at http://alminewellness.blogspot.com.  Be sure to follow her @alminebarton on Instagram!