Why Is Chicago So Expensive? The Local Politics Behind It

Why is Chicago getting so expensive? Nick Thompson sits down with Chicago small-business owner and First Ward alderwoman candidate Laura Yepz to unpack the rising cost of living, housing, taxes, small businesses and the local politics behind it.

Why is Chicago getting so expensive? In this episode of Eyes Wide Open, Nick Thompson sits down with Chicago small-business owner and First Ward alderwoman candidate Laura Yepz to discuss the rising cost of living, local politics, small-business struggles, housing, taxes, inflation, Chicago Public Schools, and what local government can actually do for residents.

Laura shares her experience running the Wicker Park Inn, supporting Chicago's small-business community, navigating COVID-era challenges, and deciding to run for alderwoman after becoming frustrated with the lack of local representation.

Nick and Laura also discuss why local politics matter, how Chicago residents are being squeezed by rising costs, why small businesses are struggling, the changing Chicago neighborhood landscape, the importance of elected school boards, work-life balance, AI and the future of work, and why people are increasingly questioning the traditional American Dream.

Topics discussed:
Chicago politics, Chicago cost of living, local government, alderman elections, First Ward Chicago, small businesses, housing affordability, rent increases, inflation, property taxes, Chicago Public Schools, jobs, AI and employment, community leadership, and the future of Chicago.

🎙️ Eyes Wide Open with Nick Thompson explores mental health, holistic wellness, culture, free speech, politics, and stigmatized societal issues—all to help us show up in the world with our eyes wide open.

Chapters

0:00 - The Reality of Working Multiple Jobs Just to Exist
2:21 - Meet Laura Yepez: Small Business Owner and 1st Ward Candidate
5:36 - Why Small Businesses Rally: COVID Fallout & Lack of City Support
9:32 - The Rising Cost of Existing and Doing Business in Chicago
11:11 - What Does an Alderperson Actually Do for Your Community?
14:59 - Taking on an Incumbent: Why Local Representation Must Change
19:49 - Redefining Authentic Leadership Through Service and Mentorship
22:33 - The Modern Urban Affordability & Housing Crisis
26:00 - Property Taxes, Rent Hikes, and the New Elected School Board
33:26 - The Broken American Dream: Corporate Layoffs and Surviving the Squeeze
47:10 - Contrasting the 1st Ward Race: Advocacy, Identity, & Small Business Focus
54:50 - The Ground Game: Door-Knocking, Petitions, and Upcoming Election Deadlines
1:00:35 - Nick Thompson on Moving Past Reality TV & Staying Authentic

About Guest

Laura Yepez is a longtime Chicago resident, community advocate, 1st Ward Democratic Committeewoman, and the owner of the historic Wicker Park Inn for over 22 years. With a deep background in entrepreneurship, local chambers of commerce, and local school councils, she is running for 1st Ward Alderwoman to bring responsive, constituent-focused leadership and small-business advocacy to City Hall.

Our Mission

Eyes Wide Open is a space for honest communication. Our goal is to remove the stigmas around mental health, holistic lifestyles, culture, and free speech so you can show up as your authentic self with your eyes wide open. By having real conversations about difficult truths, we move toward collective healing.

Find Laura Yepez here:

Website: https://www.yepezforchicago.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yepezforchicago/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yepezforchicago_/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yepezforchicago
Stay at the Wicker Park Inn: https://www.wickerparkinn.com/

Find Nick Thompson here:

Nick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/
UCAN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/
UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/
Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com

How to Heal From Trauma: Rewire Your Brain & Break the Cycle

How do you heal from trauma and break the patterns that keep you stuck? Lawrence C. Harris shares how therapy, journaling, movement, and mindset helped him rebuild his mental health and rewire the way he thinks.

How do you heal from trauma and break the patterns that keep you stuck? Lawrence C. Harris shares how therapy, journaling, movement and mindset helped him rebuild his mental health and rewire the way he thinks.

In this powerful conversation, Lawrence C. Harris opens up about his experience with childhood trauma, abuse, bullying, complex PTSD, mental health struggles and the process of rebuilding his life.

Lawrence explains what it felt like to carry trauma without understanding what was happening, how therapy helped him recognize his patterns, and why healing ultimately required him to take responsibility for the work he needed to do himself.

We also discuss:
Healing from trauma and complex PTSD
Childhood trauma and mental health
How the inner critic affects self-worth
Journaling as a tool for self-awareness
Rewiring negative thought patterns
Building momentum through small daily actions
How exercise can support mental wellbeing
Social media, dopamine and attention
Learning to think for yourself
Breaking destructive cycles
Finding a reason and purpose to keep moving forward
Mental health support for teenagers and young adults
Why lived experience can create powerful connections with others

Lawrence also shares a powerful perspective on his inner critic, the role of journaling, and how learning to question the beliefs you've been taught can help you develop a stronger sense of identity.

Subscribe to Eyes Wide Open with Nick Thompson for more conversations about mental health, wellness, culture, free speech and the ideas that help us show up in the world with our eyes wide open.

Guest Bio

Lawrence C. Harris is a 20-year-old youth empowerment speaker, author, and mental health advocate who transforms his lived experience with autism and complex PTSD into actionable wisdom. Through his speaking engagements and books, he helps teenagers build mental resilience, rewire their inner critics, and reclaim agency over their futures.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Advocate Lawrence C. Harris
01:20 Escaping Childhood Trauma and the Path to Healing
02:29 The Journey to Becoming a Youth Empowerment Speaker
05:47 Navigating Teenage Years with Autism and Complex PTSD
11:39 Understanding the Invisible Weight of Complex PTSD
16:45 Overcoming Your Inner Critic and Brainwashing Yourself
20:11 The Science of Neuroplasticity and Trauma Recovery
24:22 Building Momentum with Non-Negotiable Daily Routines
33:34 Earning Trust and Inspiring Youth Empowerment Motivation
39:09 Breaking the Cycle of Suck and Finding Your Why
44:27 Escaping the Social Media Dopamine Trap
48:43 Why Journaling for Mental Health Unlocks Free Thinking
57:47 Reality TV Mental Health and Parasocial Relationships

Find Lawrence Harris here:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lawrencecempowers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawrencec.empowers
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-harris-8b0177324/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lawrencecempowers
Website: https://www.lawrencecharris.com/

Find Nick Thompson here:

Nick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/
UCAN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/
UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/
Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com

Stem Cell Therapy Explained: What Stem Cells & Peptides Actually Do - Dr. Joy Kong

What does stem cell therapy actually do? Dr. Joy Kong explains stem cells, regenerative medicine, peptides, brain health, joint repair, inflammation, and the science behind cellular regeneration.

In this conversation, we explore stem cell therapy, peptide therapy, functional medicine, longevity, and why regenerative medicine is becoming a major area of medical research.

We explore stem cells explained simply, uncover exactly what are peptides, and reveal how stem cell therapy targets the root cause of aging and disease. It is time to reclaim your longevity and stop outsourcing your health.

In this episode, you will learn:

✅ What are stem cells and peptides explained simply for longevity and health.
✅ How stem cell therapy applications work to signal existing cells to regenerate
✅ How Dr. Joy Kong integrates Chinese medicine and modern stem cell science to root causes of illness.
✅ Why holistic health approaches and calming inflammation are essential for stem cell therapy anti aging benefits.
✅ The truth why mainstream medical system stigmatizes regenerative medicine and holistic health.
✅ The realities of stem cell research including navigating treatments like stem cell therapy Mexico.
✅ What to consider when seeking peptides and evidence-based regenerative medicine.

Our Guest

Dr. Joy Kong, M.D. is a UCLA-trained, triple board-certified physician and global leader in regenerative medicine. As the founder of Chara Health and president of the American Academy of Integrative Cell Therapy, she specializes in advanced stem cell therapy and clinical peptide protocols to combat chronic disease and maximize longevity.

Our Mission

Eyes Wide Open is a space for honest communication. Our goal is to remove the stigmas around mental health, holistic lifestyles, culture, and free speech so you can show up as your authentic self with your eyes wide open. By having real conversations about difficult truths, we move toward collective healing.

Chapters:

0:00 - The Journey of Medicine East Meets West
13:32 - Holistic Approaches to Mental Health
16:29 - Nutrition and Lifestyle for Brain Health
19:16 - Stem Cells Explained Nature's Repair Mechanism
22:07 - The Legal Landscape of Stem Cell Therapy
24:54 - Integrating Chinese Medicine and Modern Science
38:10 - Dr Joy Kong on the Awakening to Stem Cell Therapy
41:27 - Why Mainstream Medicine Lacks Intellectual Curiosity
43:45 - Empowering Patients Against the Medical System
45:14 - The Evolution of Regenerative Medicine
46:22 - Top Use Cases for Stem Cell Therapy
49:09 - The Promise of Stem Cell Therapy Anti-Aging
51:50 - What Are Peptides Explained Simply

Find Dr. Joy Kong here:

Website: https://joykongmd.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_joy_kong/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stemcelldrjoy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-kong-md-4b8627123/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoyKongMD

Find Nick Thompson here:

Nick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/
UCAN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/
UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/
Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com

Cyclospora Outbreak: What's Really Happening With Contaminated Lettuce?

The Cyclospora outbreak has raised serious questions about contaminated lettuce, food safety and parasites. In this episode, Nick Thompson and Kim Rogers discuss what's happening and what consumers should know about Cyclospora.

From the 2026 Cyclospora outbreak and lettuce recall to parasite exposure, food, water and symptoms, this conversation explores the questions surrounding one of the year's most talked-about foodborne illness outbreaks.

Kim Rogers, known as the "Worm Queen," joins Nick Thompson on Eyes Wide Open to discuss Cyclospora, parasites, food contamination, raw produce, water exposure and the broader conversation around intestinal health and wellness.

In this episode, they discuss:

• The 2026 Cyclospora outbreak
• What Cyclospora is and how cyclosporiasis spreads
• The connection between Cyclospora and contaminated food
• The Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce recall
• Food, water and produce exposure
• Symptoms associated with Cyclospora infection
• Parasites and different types of intestinal organisms
• Questions surrounding parasite testing
• Food safety and raw produce
• The broader discussion around parasite cleansing and holistic wellness
• Kim Rogers' personal health journey
• Western medicine, functional medicine and alternative approaches to wellness

Important: This episode is a conversation featuring personal experiences, opinions and health claims from the speakers. It is not medical advice or a substitute for evaluation or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. Viewers should verify health and food-safety information with qualified medical professionals and official public-health sources.

The FDA's 2026 investigation linked an outbreak of Cyclospora illnesses to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico and advised consumers not to eat recalled products.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction: The Rising Threat of the Cyclospora Parasite
01:52 - Meet Kim Rogers: How She Became the Worm Queen
04:47 - Misdiagnosed: Lyme Disease, Endometriosis, and Parasites
07:30 - How Hookworm Fearmongering Built Western Medicine
09:45 - Nick's Confession: Passing a Worm in My Stool
11:36 - Protozoa vs Nematodes: Defining Different Parasite Groups
15:19 - Hidden Symptoms: Teeth Grinding, Eczema, and Itchy Palms
20:35 - Colonics, Ozone Gas, and Releasing Mega Parasites
24:00 - The Lettuce Outbreak: Why Salad Isn't Safe Anymore
30:21 - Water Filtration: Why You Need Reverse Osmosis
35:38 - Natural Cleansing: Wormwood, Black Walnut, and Binders
36:30 - Detecting Cyclospora Symptoms
45:11 - Brain Infections & Botched Root Canals Connection
50:05 - The Future of Parasite Cleansing:

📌 Source: Rogers Hood Apothecary [https://www.rogershood.com]

About Guest

Kim Rogers, aka the Worm Queen, is a holistic wellness professional, former academic professor, and published medical researcher who transitioned from Western medicine to herbal advocacy. As the founder of Rogers Hood Apothecary, she created the Parafly Cleanse to help individuals identify and safely eliminate parasitic burdens, mold, and heavy metals from their bodies.

👉 Subscribe for more holistic wellness, mental health, and alternative health discussions.
👉 Comment below: Have you ever tried a parasite cleanse?

Find Kim Rodgers here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrsrogers.hood/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrsrogershood
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mrsrogershood
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/RogersHood
Website: https://rogershood.com/

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ | https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/
UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/
Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/

Human Trafficking in America: How Victims Are Groomed & Trapped

Human trafficking in America is more common—and more hidden—than most people realize. In this conversation, Laura Parker explains how traffickers groom, manipulate, and trap vulnerable people, including children and teenagers.

We discuss Romeo pimps, online grooming, sextortion, forced labor, trafficking routes, AI-generated exploitation, and the warning signs ordinary people should know.

Human trafficking in America is more common—and more hidden—than most people realize. In this conversation, Laura Parker explains how traffickers groom, manipulate, and trap vulnerable people, including children and teenagers.

Laura Parker is the co-founder and CEO of The Exodus Road, a global anti-human trafficking organization that works with law enforcement on human trafficking investigations, interventions, education, and survivor support.

In this episode, we take a closer look at human trafficking, grooming, exploitation, online predators, and the mechanisms traffickers use to take away a person's autonomy.

We discuss:

• How human trafficking happens in the United States
• How vulnerable teenagers can be groomed by "Romeo pimps"
• How traffickers exploit vulnerability, poverty, and the need for love or security
• The difference between sex trafficking and forced labor trafficking
• How trafficking can happen without crossing a border
• How traffickers use hotels, transportation networks, and online infrastructure
• How digital evidence and digital forensics can help law enforcement
• Online grooming and exploitation of children
• Sextortion and why teenagers are increasingly targeted online
• How AI can make online exploitation easier for predators
• Warning signs that trafficking may be happening around you
• What parents can do to help protect their children online
• The importance of awareness, education, and taking action

ABOUT LAURA PARKER

Laura Parker is the co-founder and CEO of The Exodus Road, an anti-human trafficking organization working alongside law enforcement to combat trafficking and support survivors.

Our Mission

Eyes Wide Open is a space for honest communication. Our goal is to remove the stigmas around mental health, holistic lifestyles, culture, and free speech so you can show up as your authentic self with your eyes wide open. By having real conversations about difficult truths, we move toward collective healing.

Chapters

00:00 The Reality of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
03:55 Laura Parker's Journey from Teacher to The Exodus Road
05:13 Explaining Force Fraud Coercion and Trafficking Myths
07:57 How Romeo Pimps Groom Runaways in the United States
11:08 The Psychology of Grooming and Stockholm Syndrome
15:14 Why Digital Forensics is Crucial for Trafficking Rescues
19:52 Exposing the Digital Supply Chain of Trafficking
24:24 Spotting the Real Signs of Trafficking in Plain Sight
26:27 How AI and Sextortion Target Teens Online
32:17 Practical Advice for Parents to Protect Kids
43:51 Managing Severe PTSD and Secondary Trauma
53:41 The True Impact of the Epstein Files

Find Laura Parker here:

Website: https://lauraparker.org/ | https://theexodusroad.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamlauraparker/ | https://www.instagram.com/theexodusroad/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-parker-223677112/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoyKongMD

Find Nick Thompson here:

Nick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/
UCAN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/
UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/
Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com

Vermont Bans AI Therapy — Here's Why Human Therapists Matter

AI Therapy has become one of the biggest debates in mental health.

In this video, we explain why Vermont became the first U.S. state to ban AI Therapy and what this means for therapists, psychologists, AI chatbots like ChatGPT, and anyone seeking mental health support.

In this video, Nick Thompson breaks down the recent AI therapy ban legislation that passed in Vermont and what it means for the future of AI mental health tools.

We examine the specific risks identified by lawmakers, including instances where AI chatbot therapists provided dangerous advice to vulnerable users, such as promoting harmful dieting tips to those struggling with eating disorders.

Should every state pass an AI therapy ban law?

In this episode, you will learn:

✅ Vermont's new AI therapy ban legislation
✅ Why AI chatbot therapists cannot replicate positive mental health outcomes.
✅ The terrifying real-world consequences of unchecked AI chatbot therapists
✅ Wrongful death lawsuits against ChatGPT and Character.AI.
✅ The massive failure of the National Eating Disorders Association's AI chatbot therapists
✅ How AI models are programmed to validate dangerous delusions
✅ Actionable steps to protect your mental health from AI chatbot therapists

Source Links 📌

More Perfect Union: https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ8JaCOD_yf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Center for Humane Technology: https://www.humanetech.com/case-study/litigation-case-study-character-ai-and-google

Courthouse News: https://www.courthousenews.com/suicide-coach-parents-sue-openai-for-chatgpts-role-in-sons-death/#:~:text=Instead%20of%20encouraging%20him%20to,and%20encouraging%20his%20suicidal%20feelings.

If you are curious about how technology intersects with clinical care, this overview explains the core arguments behind the AI therapy ban decision.

Chapters

00:00 - The Danger of Outsourcing mental health to AI therapy
02:22 - Vermont's Historic Ban on AI therapy and chatbot therapists
04:01 - The Magic of the Therapeutic Alliance
08:44 - The Tragic Failure of NEDA's AI Chatbot Therapists
13:39 - AI Wrongful Death Lawsuits and Teen Suicides
21:39 - Why AI Can Never Replace Human Trust
26:26 - Reclaim Your Power: The Need for Human Connection

This video breaks down the recent legislation in Vermont and what it means for the future of AI mental health tools. We examine the specific risks identified by lawmakers, including instances where AI chatbots provided dangerous advice to vulnerable users, such as promoting harmful dieting tips to those struggling with eating disorders.

Subscribe for weekly technology policy breakdowns, and comment below with your thoughts on whether AI should ever be used for therapy.

If you're interested in how AI is changing society, watch this next video because it reveals another issue that most people completely overlook.

Our Mission

Eyes Wide Open is a space for honest communication. Our goal is to remove the stigmas around mental health, holistic lifestyles, culture, and free speech so you can show up as your authentic self with your eyes wide open. By having real conversations about difficult truths, we move toward collective healing.

Find Nick Thompson here:

Nick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/
UCAN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/
UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/
Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com

AI is changing jobs, businesses, and leadership faster than most people realize. AI expert Mike Ruska explains what happens next—and how to stay ahead.

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the future of work faster than ever before. In this episode of Eyes Wide Open, AI technologist Mike Ruska explains how AI is changing jobs, leadership, business, and the global economy.

Will AI replace workers? What skills will matter most in the future? How can leaders and employees adapt to an AI-first world?

Mike shares practical insights about AIQ, authentic intelligence, human-first leadership, AI productivity, AI automation, and the opportunities that are emerging as artificial intelligence becomes more powerful.

Whether you're an employee, entrepreneur, manager, business owner, or simply curious about the future of AI, this conversation will help you understand where technology is heading and how to prepare for what's next.

Topics covered:
• AI replacing jobs
• Future of work
• AI leadership
• AI and business
• Human-first AI
• AI productivity
• AI career advice
• AI layoffs
• AI automation
• AI skills for the future
• ChatGPT and AI tools
• Artificial intelligence trends

Subscribe for more conversations about mental health, technology, culture, leadership, and the future of society.

In this episode, you'll learn Will AI Take Your Job? The Truth Nobody Wants to Admit

Chapters:
0:00 - The Human-Centered AI Shift
1:00 - How AI Democratizes Tech & App Creation
4:23 - Unlocking Collective Intelligence with AI
7:18 - Vibe Coding & Democratizing App Development
8:23 - Economic Implications & AI's Impact on Jobs
12:50 - The "Human-AI Sandwich" Explained
17:40 - Tech Layoffs, AI, and Economic Shifts
20:07 - Redefining Leadership in the Age of AI
33:08 - Building Your AI Literacy & Understanding Agents
39:00 - AI's Environmental Footprint: Myths vs Reality
43:19 - Launching Baryons: The Human-First AI Platform

Guest Bio

Mike Hruska is an AI technologist who advocates for human-centered design in a rapidly changing world. By focusing on the intersection of human intuition and artificial intelligence, Mike aims to democratize tech and foster collective intelligence. He is the creator of the Baryons platform, which supports leaders through reflection and real-time feedback.

Our Mission

Eyes Wide Open is a space for honest communication. Our goal is to remove the stigmas around mental health, holistic lifestyles, culture, and free speech so you can show up as your authentic self with your eyes wide open. By having real conversations about difficult truths, we move toward collective healing.

Find Michael Hruska here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybaryon
TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/mybaryon
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehruska/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyBaryon
Website: https://baryons.com/

Find Nick Thompson here:

Nick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/
UCAN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/
UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/
Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com