The Chicagoland Guide

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky sits down with Jeff Haydon, President & CEO of the iconic Ravinia Festival in Highland Park — America’s oldest outdoor music festival.

Jeff shares how Ravinia began as a railroad amusement park over a century ago and evolved into one of the nation’s leading cultural institutions. The conversation covers Ravinia’s deep roots in the community, its role as ...

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky visits one of the last working farms in Cook County: Historic Wagner Farm in Glenview, Illinois. Joined by Director Jonathan Kuester, the conversation covers the surprising depth of history, education, and innovation happening just off Lake Avenue.

Jonathan shares how Wagner Farm blends historic preservation with modern agriculture, offering programs for students (inclu...

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky interviews Chef Mona Sang, the visionary behind Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood.

More than a restaurant, Khmai is a deeply personal tribute to Mona’s mother—a survivor of the Cambodian genocide—and a celebration of Cambodian culture through food. Mona shares how cooking helped her mother heal, how their journey together brought Khmai to...

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky interviews Karla Koziura, co-owner and Marketing Director of FRÍO Gelato, an Argentinian-style gelato company with storefronts in Evanston, Navy Pier, and Wilmette.

What started as a craving for authentic flavors turned into a beloved local business known for its commitment to artisanal quality, allergen-friendly options, and a welcoming community vibe. Karla shares the...

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, I sit down with my longtime friend Rabbi Jeremy Fine. Jeremy is the Rabbi of Congregation B’nai Tikvah in Deerfield, Illinois, and the founder of 2econd Wrestling, a fast-growing independent wrestling promotion based right here in Chicagoland.

We’ve known each other since high school, so it’s especially meaningful for me to share this conversation with you. We talk about his unique journey—h...

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, Aaron Masliansky is joined by Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Real Estate Research at the National Association of Realtors®. They explore how global trade dynamics, tariffs, and macroeconomic shifts are impacting the U.S. housing market — and what that means for Chicagoland.

Nadia shares insights from her latest research, including a closer look at which U.S. states are mos...

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky sky introduces Inside the Skev listeners to the Chicagoland Guide,  reconnects with longtime friend, scientist, and conservationist Dr. Becky Barak of the Chicago Botanic Garden to explore how native plants can play a key role in the future of urban and suburban living across the region.

Becky will be speaking at Skokie Public Library on April 24, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in ...

Welcome to The Chicagoland Guide! I’m your host, Aaron Masliansky.

This podcast is for anyone who wants to explore what makes Chicagoland one of the most vibrant, diverse, and fascinating regions in the country.

In this kickoff episode, I share what to expect in Season 2—from local business spotlights to neighborhood tours, cultural insights, interviews with community leaders, and real estate updates.

This show is an evolution of Insi...

In this captivating episode of Inside the Skev, we welcomed Dr. Eric James, a stalwart in international development and humanitarian aid, to discuss his extensive career and the innovative approaches he's championed in the field. Hailing from Evanston and a proud alumnus of Evanston Township High School and the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Dr. James brought his unique blend of local insights and global perspectives t...

In this enlightening episode of "Inside the Skev," host Aaron Masliansky engages in a deep and inspiring conversation with Dick Peach, a pivotal figure in the Skevanston and Evanston communities. Known for his extensive involvement in various facets of community life, Dick shares his rich experiences, from growing up in a rural-like Skokie to leading significant community initiatives. His roles as the President of the Evanston Cham...

Welcome to Inside the Skev, the podcast that explores the important stories shaping our community. In this episode, host Aaron Masliansky speaks with Matt Poole and Margaret Isaacson, dedicated professionals at the Evanston Ecology Center. The Evanston Ecology Center is an integral part of the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Evanston, fostering environmental awareness and promoting outdoor recreation throughout the ...

This week, on Inside the Skev, we sit down Jennifer LaMell Goldstone from Horwitch, Goldstone & Shaw, Deanne Cooper from Fidelity National Title Insurance and Beth Lewis from CrossCountry Mortgage. We speak about the work of attorneys, title companies and lenders, how these industries support real estate investments here locally in Chicago and the United States. We also discuss the current state of the real estate market in Februar...

This week, on Inside the Skev, we sit down with Tosha Wilson, Tiffini Holmes and Jaqui White, who are co-developers of the Aux, which is a planned commercial hub dedicated to racial equity and wellness in Evanston. The Auxiliary Cord LLC (the “Company”) has purchased a 16,000 square foot warehouse located at 2223 Washington Street in Evanston, IL 60202. The Company plans to fully renovate the building, converting it into a commerci...

Today, I am releasing a podcast with my plans for 2023. 

First, I talk about the events I have planned for the month, especially the first event on January 19th at Ignite Gaming Lounge which is a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Evanston's charitable foundation. This is the event for the who's who of Skokie and Evanston to hear from the leaders of the community of what to expect, and for everyone to get to meet. Monthly events will...

This week, on Inside the Skev, we sit down with Len Joy, the author of the new book, Dry Heat.  Dry Heat, is a crime novel about a young man who loses everything but his heart. Len is an author of several novels, a Skevanston resident and a nationally ranked triathlete and competes internationally representing the United States as part of TEAM USA. 

More information about Len can be found on his website which can be found here: http...

This week on Inside the Skev we meet many members of Girls Playing Sports (GPS). GPS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering leadership skills and confidence in girls through participation in a wide variety of sports. The program engages girls, grades 3-8, in multiple sports without a long-term or expensive commitment. GPS engages girls in meaningful conversations about current topics that affect young women today. 

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This week on Inside the Skev we meet Sabrina Ehmke, the founder of the Skokie Swifters Run Walk Club. Skokie Swifters is a run/walk club for anyone from beginners to experienced distance runners. Whether you just want to get moving outside, are looking to make some new friends, or are looking for a little motivation while you train for an upcoming race, you'll find a welcome community in the Swifters! Sabrina is also an ETHS teache...

This week, on Inside the Skev, we speak with Tazima Parris from Infinite Relating. Tazima is a Sex Coach & Pleasure Mentor for high-achieving women 35+ who overthink, over-give, and and end up overwhelmed. She creates space for women to prioritize pleasure and go from resentful to radiant. Tazima uses communication tools and practices from her 25+ years of research and experience to help women increase their sexual confidence, clea...

This week on Inside the Skev we speak with my wife, Stacey Masliansky from Brainlinks Academics, Inc about an upcoming event at the Peloton Store at Old Orchard Shopping Center in Skokie. Taking place on Sunday, October 23rd from 9-11am at the Peloton Store at Westfield Old Orchard Mall (Skokie).

Sign up for one of three exercise classes, treat yourself to a Reset by Therabody massage, and grab a coffee to kickstart your day. Peloto...