The Lake Forest Podcast

Zoe Leigh (Co-Founder, Chicago Flips Red) and Lanetta M. Thomas (CPS Board Candidate, District 9) join to talk eminent domain, CPS politics, crime, missing millions, and why Chicago’s future matters for Lake Forest & Lake Bluff.Why should Lake Forest care? Because Chicago drives Illinois. When businesses close, taxes rise, or CPS sets new standards, the ripple effects hit the North Shore. Lake Forest’s economy, schools, and safety are directly tied to Chicago’s direction.About Zoe Leigh🗳️ Co-Founder & President, Chicago Flips Red💰 Advocate for generational wealth and property rights🎙️ Host, The Dick Gregory Taught Me Podcast🌐 Website: https://www.chicagoflipsred.com📱 Follow: YouTube, Instagram, X🏢 Founder, Uncomfortable Truth LifestyleAbout Lanetta M. Thomas📘 Candidate, Chicago Board of Education (District 9)🎓 CPS alum; Digital Media Producer; Community Activist🏛️ Former SGA President, Chicago State University; Senator-at-Large, Governors State University🧩 Organizer with SOUL on Budget for Black Lives, End Money Bond, SAFE-T Act, Water for All🌐 Website: https://friendsforlanetta.org📱 Follow: Facebook, InstagramKey Moments2:40 Zoe gives her background and why she started Chicago Flips Red4:32 Lanetta M. Thomas Intro18:20 Trump sending troops to Chicago28:30 Black males popular with Trump32:12 No groceries in neighborhoods, Walmart closes33:40 How do we get more Republicans to vote37:06 School vouchers43:08 How hard is it to get an ID on the South Side49:23 Chicago School Board is being elected now50:58 Chicago Schools missing money (Jesse Watters clip)56:04 How did Brandon Johnson become mayor & who’s next?1:02:31 Chicago gangs and immigrants1:05:18 Lanetta running for office again?1:07:01 Zoe TikTok:   / chicagoflipsred  1:07:17 What does this have to do with Lake Forest?1:09:02 Pritzker insulting our militarySubscribe:    / @lakeforestpodcast  Visit: https://www.lakeforestpodcast.comSupport:   / lakeforestpodcast  #LakeForestPodcast #PeteJansons #SkooWalker #JeffUrso #JoeWeiss #LakeForestIL #LakeBluffIL #ChicagoFlipsRed #ZoeLeigh #LanettaThomas #IllinoisPolitics #CPSSchoolBoard #SchoolChoice #EminentDomain #GenerationalWealth #ChicagoCrime #CTU #BrandonJohnson #JBPritzker

Pete Jansons and Jeff Urso team up on the 🎙️ Lake Forest Podcast for the ultimate guide to where to watch football in the Lake Forest area. From Chiefs Pub and Lantern to Duffers’ 🍹 Big Bloodies, streaming Scouts games, and hidden gems across Lake County — we’ve got your game day covered.

Join Pete Jansons with Jeff Urso, Skoo Walker, and Joe Weiss on the 🎙️ Lake Forest Podcast as we dish out the best spots for 🥓 breakfast, debate Lake Forest’s 🍖 BBQ void (is Erne the answer?), and get ready for the 🏈 football season kickoff at both Lake Forest College and LFHS.

We dig into:
🍽️ Elawa Farm’s Tribune-reviewed café
🥓 Sandy’s, Bluffington’s & breakfast beyond Egg Harbor
🍖 Why Lake Forest is missing a true BBQ spot (plus Erne rumors)
🍺 4 AM bars, gaming machines & THC drinks
🏈 Lake Forest College & High School football season kickoff
⚾ Savannah Bananas at Sox Park + MLB realignment
🗳️ Lake Forest Caucus bylaws + voting debates

Key Moments:
0:00 – Show Intro
3:38 – Aaron Del Mar show clip https://youtu.be/mUYtrTzMaUA?si=E_wkLsmYXCWFOgeI
4:41 – Elawa Farm Tribune review https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/11/restaurant-review-elawa-farm-cafe/ + https://www.elawafarm.org/cafe
13:27 – BBQ talk (Big Ed’s reference + biker dude review)
23:47 – Why Lake Forest is missing a BBQ place
27:33 – Erne Restaurant coming to Market Square
30:05 – Breakfast spots beyond Egg Harbor
31:49 – Sandy’s Highwood (Gen Z Podcast clip)
33:42 – Green Town Waukegan
34:23 – Are there 4 AM bars near Lake Forest?
36:00 – Gaming joints with 6 slots explained
41:45 – Gas station on Deerpath = last chance late-night food
43:39 – End of summer in Lake Forest
44:25 – Lake Forest College football
46:53 – People drinking less alcohol & mocktails trend
52:45 – Running to Wisconsin at 18 for beer
53:15 – Scoo wants a softball reunion
56:20 – Savannah Bananas at Sox Park
1:00:10 – Lake Forest High School Football
1:06:30 – Caucus bylaws + online voting update

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@LakeForestPodcast
Visit: https://www.lakeforestpodcast.com
Support: https://www.patreon.com/lakeforestpodcast

#LakeForestPodcast #PeteJansons #SkooWalker #JeffUrso #JoeWeiss #LakeForestIL #LakeBluffIL #ErneRestaurant #EggHarbor #SandysHighwood #Bluffingtons #ElawaFarm #BreakfastBattles #BBQVoid #LakeForestCollege #LakeForestHighSchool #SavannahBananas #ChicagoWhiteSox #Cubs #BearsFootball #LakeForestCaucus

Join Pete Jansons, Skoo Walker, and Jeff Urso on the 🎙️ Lake Forest Podcast as we welcome John Abendshien — former owner of the Home Alone house and nationally recognized healthcare strategist.We dive into:🏠 Behind-the-scenes stories from filming Home Alone in Lake Forest🎥 Hollywood on the North Shore — John Hughes films, cast memories, and movie magic🏥 John’s expert take on the future of healthcare, AI in medicine, and industry changesPlus, Oakwood speeders, Lake Forest Day rides, why the City took vending money from the American Legion, and much more!Key Moments:0:00 – Pre Show Banter3:20 – Police Station Thoughts continues4:07 – Randy Tack Clip    • Meet Randy Tack - Mayor Candidate Endorsed...  4:18 – Jed Morris on Police Station Clip    • Why Lake Forest Needs a New Police Station...  5:29 – Why doesn’t the Lake Forest Police use North Shore Sports Club? https://northshoresportsclub.com/8:38 – How was Lake Forest Day?10:32 – Skoo testing rides at Lake Forest Day11:25 – City took vending money from the American Legion?12:25 – Only 3 companies took Deerpath Rd Project funds13:28 – Pete & Skoo’s overview of movies made in Lake Forest    • Movies Filmed In Lake Forest Illinois  15:37 – John Abendshien Introduction17:02 – John’s books & healthcare insights https://a.co/d/bVMsk0R24:20 – Home Alone House history27:03 – Movie location compensation36:22 – Was it worth it?36:56 – Lookie-loo visitors over the years44:11 – Selling the Home Alone House45:17 – Michael Jordan’s house sale https://abc7chicago.com/post/michael-...46:15 – Working with the cast48:15 – Thoughts on Joe Pesci50:25 – Living in Evanston, Winnetka & Lake Forest55:24 – Lake Forest Christmas Tree Lighting should be in a movie59:40 – How to get John’s book https://a.co/d/7Mcn9iu1:02:43 – Will AI replace actors and actresses?Guest links:Buy the Book (Home But Alone No More): https://www.amazon.com/Home-But-Alone...Health Care in the Next Curve: https://a.co/d/bVMsk0RLinkedIn:   / john-abendshien-1710a76  Email: [email protected]:    / @lakeforestpodcast  Visit: https://www.lakeforestpodcast.comSupport:   / lakeforestpodcast  #LakeForestPodcast #PeteJansons #SkooWalker #JeffUrso #JohnAbendshien #LakeForestIL #LakeBluffIL #HomeAlone #HomeAloneHouse #JohnHughes #LakeForestDay #NorthShoreMovies #NorthShoreSportsClub #OakwoodAve #AmericanLegion #DeerpathProject #LakeForestChristmasTreeLighting #AIinHealthcare #MovieHistory

Meet 🥊 Aaron Del Mar — entrepreneur, former UFC fighter, and longtime GOP operator — as he joins the 🎙️ Lake Forest Podcast to talk about possibly running for Governor of Illinois, why Republicans keep losing, Gen Z activism, $3M campaign consultants, and what’s really going down at Duffers Pub on Aug 19.🧠 About Aaron Del Mar:🎯 Former Cook County GOP Chairman🏛️ Palatine Township GOP Committeeman & Highway Commissioner🇺🇸 2016 Trump RNC Delegate🗳️ 2022 IL Lieutenant Governor Candidate (w/ Gary Rabine)🏗️ Appointed by Gov. Bruce Rauner to Illinois International Port Authority🚒 President, Inverness Fire Protection District🕹️ Owner: U.S. Arcade Rentals📍 Meet Aaron in person:📆 August 19 @ 6:30pm📌 Duffers Pub – Lake Forest👉 RSVP:   / 14jj7ga5yhp  🔗 Info: https://www.cookrepublicanparty.com/l...✨ Key Moments:0:00 – Show Intro3:05 – Aaron Del Mar Introduction4:35 – Meet Aaron Del Mar at Duffers Aug 19 6:30pm   / 14jj7ga5yhp  6:25 – What are the Illinois Republicans up to?10:00 – Redistricting what is going on14:20 – If everyone in Illinois that voted for Trump in 2024 votes in Illinois Governor election Pritzker is out16:50 – Why don't Illinois Republicans show up to vote in local elections?23:20 – Dick Uihlein26:18 – Gen Z Republicans29:40 – Aaron’s advice to Gen Z Illinois Republicans30:00 – Aaron is interested in running for Governor34:00 – Liberals and Democrats don’t understand business36:40 – Where did No Kings come from40:40 – Is Aaron Del Mar running for Governor41:35 – Dan Proft made $3 million on last election?46:20 – What are the political issues that Gen Z cares about at Duffers Pub50:50 – How much do Illinois Republicans spend to get the vote out55:05 – Why should you vote for Aaron if he runs for Governor of Illinois?58:57 – $1.50 tax on Amazon deliveries???Subscribe:    / @lakeforestpodcast  Visit: https://www.lakeforestpodcast.comSupport:   / lakeforestpodcast  #LakeForestPodcast #PeteJansons #JeffUrso #JoeWeiss #SkooWalker #LakeForestIL #LakeBluffIL #AaronDelMar #IllinoisPolitics #GenZRepublicans #GOP #Redistricting #DuffersPub #DanProft #DickUihlein #JBPrtizker #IllinoisGovernorRace #NoKings #AmazonTax

Join the 🎙️ Lake Forest Podcast as we honor ⚾ Ryne “Ryno” Sandberg, dive into 🏈 Bears training camp buzz, and talk all things 🎡 Lake Forest Days! From Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Rec debates to summer concerts, tipping culture, and the upcoming high school football season, this episode is packed with local insight you won’t want to miss.Key Moments:0:00 – Show Intro2:25 – Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Rec emails debate6:04 – Sponsorships at turf fields discussion10:46 – The role of the Parks & Rec Foundation15:29 – Who really funds Lake Forest events?20:54 – Fundraising challenges & local traditions24:45 – Lake Bluff & Lake Forest event comparisons29:42 – Taste of Lake Forest memories34:53 – Food truck debate & Market Square concerts36:16 – Remembering Ryne “Ryno” Sandberg42:05 – Louisville Slugger Museum & Bourbon Trail47:46 – Garage doors & summer heat struggles49:02 – No tax on tips discussion55:06 – Staffing changes at local restaurants56:43 – Why Pete is skipping the parade58:15 – Jeff’s Sunday barbecue & Bears preseason plans59:50 – High school football & go Scouts!Subscribe:    / @lakeforestpodcast  Visit: https://www.lakeforestpodcast.comSupport:   / lakeforestpodcast  #LakeForestPodcast #RynoSandberg #LakeForestIL #LakeBluffIL #PeteJansons #SkooWalker #JoeWeiss #JeffUrso #LakeForestDays #BearsTrainingCamp #FriendsOfLakeForestParksAndRec #LakeForestBeach #MarketSquareConcerts #TasteOfLakeForest #LakeBluffBaseball #LouisvilleSlugger #TippingCulture #LakeForestScouts #SupportLocal

Join Pete Jansons on the 🎙️ Lake Forest Podcast with Jeff Urso, Skoo Walker, and Joe Weiss for a jam-packed breakdown of the latest Lake Forest drama. From the heated ⚽ Northcroft vs. Deerpath turf debates to City Council’s shocking vote to eliminate ⚖️ Legal Oversight, we’re covering it all. Plus: fireworks damage, Parks & Rec funding, beach incidents, and Skoo’s Scout write-up!🔥 Don’t miss the clips, receipts, and real talk about what’s going down in Lake Forest.Key Moments:0:002:29 – Oakwood speeders clip    • Lake Forest Podcast:  Oakwood Speeders,  D...  2:42 – Last week's show was painful    • 🎙️ Lake Forest Podcast: 📶 Cell Tower Debat...  4:15 – Are the playing fields really at 100% capacity?4:52 – Dogs on the turf?5:26 – Skoo points out Joe Weiss inaccuracies from last podcast9:20 – Skoo needs to apologize to Mike Wick?17:12 – Why doesn't the City of Lake Forest want tourney money?24:00 – Where are the pickleball tournaments?28:30 – Friends of Parks & Rec need board members29:50 – Monstrosity on Deerpath Golf Course 12th hole31:20 – Why did the city give Parks & Rec Friends $70K?32:30 – City Council meeting 7/21/2534:20 – Why is the mayor spending political capital to cancel legal oversight?44:00 – Will Jeff Urso get some Deerpath Streetscape money?49:45 – City + College need to co-promote more52:35 – Casey Urlacher show clip    • Casey Urlacher Mayor of Mettawa Illinois  53:40 – What happened at Lake Forest Beach?55:45 – LFPD zero-tolerance on motorcycles on sidewalks58:25 – Chicago Bears Training Camp starts1:00:30 – Lake Forest High School Football1:02:50 – Skoo Walker write-up in Scout paper https://theforestscout.com/51275/in-l...1:06:35 – Duffers Lake Forest Podcast Fantasy Football DraftSubscribe:    / @lakeforestpodcast  Visit: https://www.lakeforestpodcast.comSupport:   / lakeforestpodcast  ✅ Hashtags#LakeForestPodcast #JeffUrso #SkooWalker #JoeWeiss #PeteJansons #LakeForestIL #LakeBluffIL #DeerpathTurf #NorthcroftPark #LegalOversight #LakeForestMayor #LakeForestCityCouncil #LakeForestParks #LakeForestBeach #ChicagoBears #LakeForestCollege #CaseyUrlacher #DuffersDraft #Pickleball #LFHSFootball

Join Pete Jansons on the 🎙️ Lake Forest Podcast with Jeff Urso and Joe Weiss as they dive into the 🔥 cell tower controversy, 🎤 Katie May’s city council clash, and the ongoing debate over 🧺 Parks & Rec funding and usage. It's a jam-packed episode with strong opinions, civic insights, and a few laughs along the way!📌 Topics Covered:📶 Where should Lake Forest place its new cell tower?🎤 Katie May vs the Mayor at City Council🧺 Parks & Rec field usage—100% booked or underutilized?🏟️ Are outside tournaments being blocked from Lake Forest fields?🧾 Who’s responsible for bringing in new revenue: Mike Wick or the council?🍔 Local businesses vs outside food trucks at city events💥 Are Friends of Parks & Rec overstepping with event planning?🧨 Fourth of July, Tree Lighting, and future events under scrutiny🏛️ Should Teddy O’s be saved from redevelopment?🎯 Key Moments:0:00 – Show Intro2:25 – Cell Tower Update & Debate4:45 – Katie May’s Claims & Council Response8:10 – False Facts vs Free Speech in Public Comments14:00 – Is Public Works less important than residents?15:30 – Parks & Rec Turf Field Controversy21:00 – Are Fields Fully Booked or Not?27:00 – Tournaments: Missed Revenue Opportunity?35:10 – Friends of Parks & Rec vs City: Who Should Run Events?41:00 – Local Vendors vs Food Trucks46:30 – Is the City Shutting Down Teddy O’s?52:00 – Transparency, Trust, and Turf Promises57:30 – Parking Problems in East Lake Forest1:01:00 – Redevelopment & Landlord PoliticsSubscribe:    / @lakeforestpodcast  Visit: https://www.lakeforestpodcast.comSupport:   / lakeforestpodcast  #LakeForestPodcast #JeffUrso #JoeWeiss #PeteJansons #LakeForestIL #LakeBluffIL #CellTowers #KatieMay #ParksAndRec #MikeWick #TurfFields #FriendsOfParksAndRec #LakeForestEvents #TreeLighting #4thOfJulyLakeForest #DeerPathPark #ParkingProblems #TeddyOs #FoodTrucks

👑 Meghan Markle May (aka Katie May) brings tears, frustration, and fire to the Lake Forest City Council mic as she pleads against the proposed 📡 cell tower near Deerpath and Oakwood Ave.Mayor Randy Tack—dubbed “King Tack” by locals—responds with icy calm, denying public Q&A and calling himself “just a volunteer.” The exchange has the whole room buzzing.📡🔥 Watch this raw, emotional moment unfold—Tack vs. May—in full.🎥 Full Episode Here: https://youtu.be/UsgvvpelUi4📍 See the bigger picture on what’s happening behind the scenes in Lake Forest.Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@LakeForestPodcastVisit: https://www.lakeforestpodcast.comSupport: https://www.patreon.com/lakeforestpodcast#LakeForestPodcast #MeghanMay #KatieMay #KingTack #RandyTack #LakeForestIL #CellTower #CityCouncilMeltdown #TackVsMay #TowerTears #LakeForestDrama #PublicComment

Join Pete Jansons on the 🎙️ Lake Forest Podcast as Meghan Markle May storms City Hall in a wild showdown over 📡 cell towers, taxpayer funds, and public comment policy. We also break down the ⚾ Lake Bluff baseball coach streaking scandal that made TMZ, rumors about Donati’s and Duffers, and whether the City of Lake Forest is totally tone deaf.🔍 Don’t miss this fiery episode of local drama, viral headlines, and behind-the-scenes gossip from your favorite North Shore insiders.Key Moments:0:00 – Show Intro4:33 – Lake Forest Deerpath Business Bailout?10:55 – Is the City Tone Deaf?11:34 – Mayor Tack Asking Landlords for Rent Relief?12:47 – Healthy Ice Cream at Duffers? Mandie + ACAI Next Door16:20 – Whipping Up a Bowl of ACAI19:20 – Adult Drinks You Can Make with ACAI20:20 – ACAI Tour24:06 – ⚾ Lake Bluff Baseball Thoughts & TMZ Coach Fallout👉 https://www.tmz.com/2025/07/03/youth-...28:00 – Skoo Says Construction Falling Behind on Deerpath33:37 – Strings with Taking Federal $$ for Deerpath34:24 – Why Not Give Surplus Back to Taxpayers?34:58 – Jeff Urso on Government Grants40:26 – 🤔 Is Friends of LF Parks & Rec Really an NGO?41:10 – Lake Forest Fireworks Recap41:39 – Meghan Markle May Shows Up at City Council55:25 – Behind the Scenes with Meghan May1:01:25 – Viktor Leads Cell Tower Opposition1:01:36 – City Says Public Comment Isn’t Q&A… But Responds Anyway?1:08:30 – Cell Tower Health Myths1:14:00 – Skoo Only Cares If It’s on Oakwood Ave 😆Subscribe:    / @lakeforestpodcast  Visit: https://www.lakeforestpodcast.comSupport:   / lakeforestpodcast  #LakeForestPodcast #PeteJansons #MeghanMarkleMay #LakeForestIL #LakeBluffIL #CityCouncil #CellTowers #CoachScandal #TMZBaseball #BaseballDrama #OakwoodAve #Duffers #DonatisPizza #FriendsOfParksAndRec #LakeForestFireworks #ACAI #TaxpayerMoney #SkooWalker #JeffUrso #ViralNews