This week, we’re featuring Tyson and Audy Leavitt of Charmed Playhouses & Resorts! The Charmed team makes the most unique and fantastic playhouses in the world, and also operates a resort featuring stunning cottages that will transport you to Storybook Square or Wonder Way! Become immersed in your own specially crafted fairytale, or stay at the resort and become part of the plot on Hook’s Pirate Ship or The Lost Boys’ Treehouse! Founded in 2015, the duo wanted life to be more whimsical, so t...
May 10, 2023•36 min•Season 5Ep. 11
She comes with news! Welcome back to Fashion Artist and Author, Holly Nichols! Also known as “hnicholsillustration”, she joined us in April 2021 to discuss her rise on TikTok and her book, “Modern Fashion Illustration”. Since then, she’s up to 1.7 million instagram followers, 6.2 million TikTok followers, and has done numerous campaigns and works for some of the worlds most notable brands. She goes viral for her recreations of Disney princesses and red carpet looks of the world’s a-list celebs. ...
Apr 17, 2023•35 min•Season 5Ep. 10
Welcome back to the legendary Queen of Cotton Candy, Emily Harpel, Founder of Art of Sucre! Emily joined us in February, 2021, to discuss her luxury cotton candy brand that was going viral. When we first met up with her, she was just getting ready to launch her online store. We were SO excited to shop when it dropped and we even featured her cotton candy glitter bombs at Ioanna’s Bridal Shower! She scaled the business in a major way during the pandemic and navigated choppy waters, coming out str...
Apr 03, 2023•25 min•Season 5Ep. 9
We’re once are graced by the presence of wedding and event gawd, Jove Meyer. Jove is a “color obsessed design and celebration expert” who joined us in September 2021 to discuss his wedding and event planning business, and he shared some tips for us as we prepared for Ioanna’s epic Grecian wedding! He’s been traveling around the globe since then throwing epic bashes and co-hosting a new show, Wedding Talk. Jove reflects with us on 2022, a year that was the peak of wedding and event craziness crea...
Mar 27, 2023•33 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Ilana joined us in January 2022 to discuss her epically popular podcast, @seeingotherpeople. On it, she shares expert and listener advice, stories, and opinions on dating, with the goal of making you feel less alone! She also told us about her insane ties to the Jonas Brothers! Ilana joins us for an update on her show, which includes getting signed, hosting events in NYC, and her views on how dating has evolved as we continue to move into a post-lockdown world of love. We also want to say a HUGE...
Mar 20, 2023•33 min•Season 5Ep. 7
If you’ve ever seen a photo of a Chicago sunrise, epic skyline, or insane weather shot, you’ve probably seen the work of Barry Butler. Chicago-based photographer Barry Butler is a self-taught photographer with over 20 years of global experience. With one book selling extremely well and another on the way, Barry’s ability to capture everyday moments has touched the hearts and homes of countless Chicago fans. His work has been featured both in local and national media outlets like the Weather Chan...
Mar 06, 2023•36 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Imagine you’ve just been hired as an “Intimacy Coordinator” for the film and television industry. There’s not many people who do it, but it’s a job increasing in demand and skill. A new position in the film and tv industry is barring it all- the role of intimacy coordinator! These professionals work to plan and assist the production team in executing scenes of intimacy on film. Everything from the lighting, to angles, to outfits, to protecting the actor’s personal boundaries and preferences need...
Feb 27, 2023•28 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Let’s see those lashes!! This episode features Anna Phillips, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at The Lash Lounge, a premier eyelash salon franchise with over 120 salons across the U.S. and growing. Founded in 2006, her specialty beauty concept was the first salon dedicated to eyelash extensions in the U.S. and has expanded to 30 states. Anna began her career in IT but always felt like something was missing. Like many in the early 2000s, she knew it was the right time to make a change, and s...
Feb 20, 2023•32 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Gather ‘round the campfire and sing our campfire song! We’re roasting up an ooey gooey treat for you today! Our guest, XO Marshmallow, is the premier gourmet marshmallow company in the world, AND opened the world’s very 1st marshmallow cafe, right here in Chicago! Per co-founders Kat & Lindzi, “the goal of XO Marshmallow is to bring the nostalgia of sipping cocoa with marshmallows, or roasting s’mores by the campfire, into the 21st century with a modern twist! We want to take this fluffy, ad...
Jan 30, 2023•27 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Get comfy on the couch and turn on the big screen to be graced by one of our favorite Hollywood actors (with Chicago roots too), Colin Egglesfield! You know Colin from his roles on, All My Children, Melrose Place, The Client List, Something Borrowed, and dozens of other television and movie appearances. Colin also has a podcast “Coffee with Colin”, founded a mission-driven clothing line, wrote a book, and all around just seems like the kind of guy you would want to be friends with. Colin caught ...
Jan 09, 2023•45 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Happy New Year Cool Cats & Kittens! Carole Baskin returns to the show this week to update us on what has happened since we first met back in July 2021! Updates include many visits the the U.S. Capitol, getting her bill signed by President Biden (so so cool) and the continuation of her big cat safety work and presence in the media. Cheers to Carole on her bill, the Big Cat Public Safety Act, which officially became law on December 20, 2022! It’s bans cub petting photo ops, bans private big ca...
Jan 02, 2023•11 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Merry Christmas Sip with Me Family! Emily Waldo, known as Wreaths by Waldo, is a part-time wreath maker, full-time holiday enthusiast! She makes the most stunning wreaths and holiday decor. She’s blown up this year bigger than a giant inflatable Santa Claus, and chances are if you’re in Crafting-Tok, you’ve seen her work before! Emily joins us for a milk and cookies as we discuss DIY crafting for all holidays and why her wreaths have resonated with so many people. Plus, hear about how she turned...
Dec 23, 2022•26 min•Season 4Ep. 87
Want to know what it’s like to go to outer space? Gather round the launch pad space cadets! Ioanna and I are treating you to another story from our favorite podcast sub sub sub category- space!! Earlier this year, Dr. Katya Echazarreta was the first Mexican-born woman to travel into outer space. She’s become known for this since her successful launch, but there’s a lot more to her than just that. She has a long history of some pretty amazing work as an electrical engineer and media figure, inclu...
Dec 19, 2022•34 min•Season 4Ep. 86
The countdown to Christmas is on, which means it’s time to finish that last minute holiday shopping! As some of you know, Ioanna recently found an interest in antiquing and finding unique items for her home. This week’s guest is the perfect example of an unique retail experience where antique meets new! Karl Sorensen is the Owner of P.O.S.H. here in Chicago’s river north neighborhood! P.O.S.H. is a remarkable retail store that was born from an idea that the shopping experience could be something...
Dec 12, 2022•37 min•Season 4Ep. 86
It’s last minute holiday shopping time y’all and we’ve got the perfect gift for you! This week we are featuring a brand we love who also offers the perfect holiday gifts. Founded in 2016, Homesick is a home fragrance and lifestyle brand with one simple goal: to bring joy to your home by helping you feel closer to the people, places and moments that matter most. They’ve been inspired overtime by their loyal fans and have expanded the Homesick range to almost 200 different products representing al...
Dec 05, 2022•22 min•Season 4Ep. 85
This week, we’re getting the scoop- literally - on one of the nation’s favorite, most recognizable ice cream brands- The Original Rainbow Cone! Rainbow Cone is a Chicago-founded ice cream shop serving up ice cream, cakes, donuts, and more. Best known for their original cone, the famous and insta-worthy product is a stack of five flavors: Orange Sherbet, Pistachio, Palmer House, Strawberry, and Chocolate. They “slice (not scoop) these flavors into a cone or a cup” creating a literal rainbow of ic...
Nov 28, 2022•23 min•Season 4Ep. 83
How does one become King of Sandwiches? Known by fans around the world and Aaron’s mom as “The Sandwich King”, Jeff Mauro is an Emmy-nominated celebrity chef who became known for destroying the competition with his consistently amazing sandwiches. Winning Season 7 of Food Network’s “Food Network Star”, Jeff became the go-to authority on all things sandwiches, cooking, and of course hilarious entertainment. Jeff has his own show “Sandwich King”, co-hosts “The Kitchen”, has his own cookbook, podca...
Nov 21, 2022•40 min•Season 4Ep. 82
Candace Nelson is as iconic as her cupcakes! One of our favorite entrepreneurs out there, she founded Sprinkles Cupcakes in 2005. Considered the first cupcake bakery, the brand has been massively successful thanks to its beautiful cupcake designs, fresh ingredients, and Candace’s vision for an elevated cupcake experience. Candace also has a cookbook, is reinventing pizza, and just released her new book “Sweet Success: A Simple Recipe To Turn Your Passion into Profit”. She sat down with us during...
Nov 14, 2022•24 min•Season 4Ep. 74
To celebrate one of our favorite holidays this week, we’re fusing two of our favorite things- Halloween and cocktails! We’re haunting your air pods and car speakers with the voice of Sarah Syman, Beverage Director and General Manager of The Dandy Crown. Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, it’s described as “an approachable, neighborhood cocktail-focused restaurant and bar”. Their vibe is laid-back-luxe and filled with images of nontraditional dandy kings, queens, and other crown-weare...
Oct 24, 2022•17 min•Season 4Ep. 73
We’re baking something sweet this week with Chicago’s very own, Baker Bettie! Kristin Hoffman is a trained chef, baking instructor, cookbook author, and the owner of Bettie’s Chicago! For the last 11 years she’s created educational content about baking on her website, YouTube channel, and on social media! She’s also hosted many baking workshops and retreats in and around the Chicago area on topics such as beginner bread baking, pies and pastries, baking science, and much more! This year she open...
Oct 17, 2022•26 min•Season 4Ep. 72
This week we turn up the music and HIIT our way into all things fitness with Sydney Miller, Founder of HOUSEWORK®. HOUSEWORK® is “a full-body sculpting and conditioning workout set to the beat of house and electronic music. It's the perfect balance between low impact Pilates based exercises and high intensity cardio and strength, with the music driving you the entire time.” On top of this incredible format she has built, Sydney is also a Master Instructor at SoulCycle! She’s known by her regular...
Oct 03, 2022•27 min•Season 4Ep. 73
This week we are talking all things FLORAL and we are absolutely wildflower about our guest! Kristen Griffith-VanderYacht is a world-renowned florist and Head Judge of Netflix’s “The Big Flower Fight.” He’s also the owner and creative director of Wild Bloom by Kristen Griffith-VanderYacht! He designs stunning, elaborate floral designs that will leave you wanting to up and up and up your flower budget so you can build a palace of floral looks! He views floristry as a “gateway to a happier, more s...
Sep 26, 2022•41 min•Season 4Ep. 72
Why Aaron and Ioanna have been MIA? Listen to the full episode to find out!
Sep 19, 2022•21 min•Season 4Ep. 71
To end our wedding series, we thought we’d have some fun with Aaron’s fiancé and Ioanna’s now HUSBAND! Since Michael is Canadian and Nathan is a teacher, we thought we’d put them to the test and see how they say______. Testing both pronunciation and actual word choice, we pulled out crowd favorites like water fountain, sherbet, caramel, crayon, and more! Find out how the four us agree or disagree on some Canadian favorites, and learn how good we really are at compromising with our significant ot...
Sep 12, 2022•41 min•Season 4Ep. 70
This week we’re diving in to all things FASHION, specifically bridal fashion, with fashion stylist, Kennedy Bingham! Also know as “Gown Eyed Girl”, she’s an influencer and stylist based in Los Angeles who left her job in finance on the hunt for an avenue into the fashion industry. Since then, Kennedy has helped hundreds of brides find their perfect look, managed multiple luxury showrooms, and grown to be one of the largest content creators in bridal! Join Ioanna for this riveting conversation wi...
Aug 29, 2022•23 min•Season 4Ep. 69
This week we’re diving into everything photography with this week’s guest, Sydney Marie! She is a photographer and wedding “expert behind the lens” of Sydney Marie Co. who has shot over 150 weddings. She celebrates the imperfect moments and finding the beauty in the natural flow of your wedding experience. She’s also the author of “Foundry: The Wedding Guide”, the ultimate wedding guide for the modern bride to be, in which Sydney takes you through it all: the ups, downs, mayhem and mishaps, pass...
Aug 22, 2022•34 min•Season 4Ep. 69
This week we cross the pond and dive into all things BRIDAL DRESSES! Suzanne Neville is a British award winning fashion designers of evening wear, bridal gowns and couture wedding dresses with shops in London and Cheshire Manchester! Her gowns are handcrafted using the techniques of contemporary couture and her silhouettes vary to encompass a full range of inclusive sizes, always using only the finest silks and hand embroideries. Suzanne’s love of structure and pattern cutting has earned her the...
Aug 15, 2022•41 min•Season 4Ep. 67
This week we are diving into all things VEILS with the owner and CEO of Tailored Tulle, Katie Valleau. Katie makes modern, intricate veils and accessories for the fashion forward bride. In this episode, we talk about the process behind her handmade veils, how she started her business during the pandemic, and MORE! She also shares with us her favorite cocktail, the Passion Fruit Habanero Margarita! https://www.etsy.com/shop/TailoredTulle
Aug 09, 2022•41 min•Season 4Ep. 66
The wedding is over, but we’re not off our wedding kick yet! This week, we’re featuring Jen Glantz the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire, a 3x author, podcast host, and creator of The Newlywed Card Game & The First Years of Marriage Newsletter! The idea is really what it says- she’ll be your everything Bridesmaid. Need a bestie? She’s got you. Need someone who will get the dance floor full? She’s got you. Need someone who will be a shoulder to lean on during the big day? She’s got you covered! ...
Aug 01, 2022•41 min•Season 4Ep. 65
Pop the champagne! Ioanna is MARRIED and as of this episode airing we are likely still dancing because Greek weddings go until 5:00am! In honor of Ioanna's wedding and because she is currently on her honeymoon, we continue our wedding series this week with one of our faves in the biz, Celebrity Event, Wedding Planner Extraordinaire, and Château genius Melissa Andre, of Melissa Andre Events. She has attracted and worked with a roster of A-list clientele, from some of the most respected global bra...
Jul 25, 2022•33 min•Season 4Ep. 64
