Our next guests are two college friends that host album listening parties around the city. What started as a way to stay in touch with their group of friends has expanded into a third space for like-minded individuals. Whether it’s your hundredth or first time listening to an album, all are welcome. Please enjoy my conversation with Grant and Kalium of The Heavy Rotation.

https://www.instagram.com/the.heavy.rotation

Our next guest has worked in cafes and 1 star restaurants throughout the country. Through helping others start their own projects, the path towards establishing a jewish deli in Chicago became visible. Tune in to hear Sam reflect on his journey of baking bagels during the pandemic, creating a community through farmers markets, and ending up next to the legendary Pequods Pizza on Clybourn in Lincoln Park. Please enjoy my conversation with Sam Zeitlin.

2203 N Clybourn Ave

Chicago, IL 60614

https://www.zeitlinsdeli.com

https://www.instagram.com/zeitlinsdelicatessen

Our next guest is Christine Cikowski, Co-Founder and Chef of Honey Butter Fried Chicken. She's also a part of Sunday Dinner Club, TriBecca's Sandwich Shop, and Honey Butter Beach Club inside SPF Pickleball. We reflect on how HBFC was conceived, the many iterations it's gone through, and how they've maintained longevity through radical transparency and support of their team's dreams. Please enjoy my conversation with Christine Cikowski.

https://www.instagram.com/christinecikowski/
https://www.honeybutter.com/

Our next guest is the Founder of a plant workshop here in Chicago. He goes by @uncommonplantguy. Despite the simple idea for a date night, there is so much more to experience through the lens of creating and caring for a kokedama plant. We reflect on his 13 year journey through stage theater, the lessons he’s learned through almost 10 years of therapy, as well as some themes around the human condition. Please enjoy my conversation with Austin Hunt.

https://uncommonplantguy.com/

https://www.instagram.com/uncommonplantguy/

Our next guests are preparing to open a highly anticipated burger restaurant in Park Ridge in partnership with Mikerphone Brewing. They met at the highly coveted Bavettes in Chicago and went through many iterations of what life could look like during and after the pandemic. They both were seeking stability and it wasn’t until several pop ups when Phil from Super Goode stopped by and left them a raving review. The stars began to align and they will be opening Brennan’s Gourmet Burger Shack in early 2026. Please enjoy my conversation with Alyssa and Conor Brennan.

https://www.brennansgbs.com/

https://www.instagram.com/brennans.gbs

https://www.instagram.com/simple_delicious_food

https://www.instagram.com/kid_at_heartt

Our next guests are Ryan Catolico and Enrique Huizar of Novel Pizza. I’ve been following their journey since the very beginning. I believe this was the second entry into the Almedaverse. Ryan reflects on how he and Francis tried to replicate some of their favorite pizzas and eventually called for help from Enrique aka Gremski who has grown up in the pizza industry. They’ve had many iterations throughout the years and have found their footing in PIlsen, Chicago. Please enjoy my conversation with Ryan and Enrique of Novel Pizza Cafe.

https://www.novelpizzacafe.com/

https://www.instagram.com.com/novel.pizza

https://www.instagram.com/rythatguy_

Https://www.instagram.com/gremski

Carmilla K is back on the pod. She recently completed a half marathon in Iceland, another Hyrox event, and moved over to Studio Three from Corepower. We yap about themes of discipline, being present, and reframing why we do what we do. She’s entered her fifth decade of life and she continues to be unapologetically herself. I honestly did not think we would catch up for 3 hours but the time flew by. Please enjoy my conversation with Carmilla Kupritz.

https://www.instagram.com/carmilla_k

Our next guest provides a down to earth approach to wine education and she’s coming out with a book on how to read a wine label. She has channeled her love of hospitality as a nurse and a sommelier at a 1 Star Michelin restaurant. We reflect on her non linear journey through healthcare and hospitality with themes of pragmatism, authenticity, and finding balance. Please enjoy my conversation with Marie Cheslik of Slik Wines. Preorder her book on her website at slikwines.com

https://slikwines.com

https://instagram.com/slikwines

https://www.tiktok.com/@slikwines