This week, Joelle and Kaylee are joined by Jacques Gourguechon of Whole Hearted Psychotherapy. Jacques is a licensed professional counselor who is interested in helping couples struggling with issues of trust be it affairs, alcoholism, behavioral addictions or estrangement. No matter how down you might feel, they believe that each person has certain inherent strengths and that identifying and building on these strengths fortifies you emotionally and leads to sustainable change.

 “Under every anger there is a desire or need. And the question is, how do we open that person’s consciousness up to what they’re really looking for?”
– Jacques Gourguechon

Listen to Episode 129 with Jacques Gourguechon!

Top podcast highlights, and where to find them (by timestamp):

1:51 – To kick off our podcast, Jacques tells us about his background and how he became interested in his field of study. He was a city planner for 35 years before he got his counseling degree and started his clinic!

4:34 – Hear how Jay and Jacques started Whole Hearted Psychotherapy. 

6:03 – How did they choose Andersonville as the location for their clinic? “It’s a great neighborhood. Very diverse.” Jacques has lived here for about 13 years!

8:25 – Tune in to hear what work situations peak Jacques interest the most. His clients are all adults, but he also volunteers at an alternative high school when he is able.

9:53 – Writing, drawing and music are an important adjunct to talk therapy. Hear Jacques talk about the one that has worked best with him and his clients.

12:29 – Hear us discuss some tips for maintaining mental health through winter and COVID-19. He recommends finding value in what you have right now, whether it’s spending time with family or learning a new hobby, there is always something to put your mind and soul into in a healthy way.

 “Mindfulness … I think we all need to slow down … Even if it’s only 10 minutes a day.”

16:30 – Jacques talks about how he goes about handling angry or frustrated clients. “We all get angry. It’s what you do with the anger that counts.

20:09 – Jacques studied under John Gottman for a number of years. Hear him talk about some learning lessons that have stuck with him during his years of practice. The Four Horsemen are the most important!  

24:16 – Hear Jacques talk about his thoughts on the triggers of today’s mental health issues. Pressure in the workforce is a big one!

28:02 – Are you looking into going into the field of therapy? Hear some advice from an expert. “You have to like people … A therapeutic relationship between a therapist and his client, or her client, is a very close one.”

30:19 – Tune in to hear some Rapid Fire Questions! Questions include: How do you personally handle stress? Do you have a favorite spot in Andersonville? Who or what inspires you the most?

“It’s a very satisfying profession, as well. It certainly makes me feel very good when I see someone improve and grow.”

Follow Whole Hearted Psychotherapy on the following platforms:
Website: wholeheartedtherapy.net
Psychology Today: Jacques Gourguechon
Gottman Referral Network: Jacques Gourguechon
Phone Number: (312) 203-9211

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Cheryl Sloane, Brand Manager of Überlube. Überlube, was a quest that began in 2002, and was created with sex in mind. Überlube is batched, tested, and bottled in a Chicago-area facility and currently only three people know the formula. Ultimately, when you use Überlube you are using a product that’s all about helping you feel and be your best, and its first job is to make you feel amazing. You can find Überlube locally in Andersonville at Early to Bed and Cowboys and Astronauts as well as online at uberlube.com

Uberlube is also sponsoring Hygge Fest 2021.

“When Überlube first came out, it was radically different from anything else on the market. It was so beautiful … It really changed the marketplace.”
-Cheryl Sloane

Listen to Episode 128 with Cheryl Sloane & Searah Deysach! 

Top podcast highlights (and where to find them by timestamps):

2:22 – Tune in here to hear Cheryl’s relationship with Andersonville. 

3:29 – Cheryl talks about her background in the industry. She worked at the first store, G-Boutique, who sold Überlube in stores! Read more here.

5:50 – Hear Searah Deysach, owner of Early to Bed, talk about her relationship with Überlube and thoughts on the product.

“It has definitely solidified itself in a certain place in the industry, and we sell tons of it, still, all these years later.”
– Searah Deysach

7:26 – Gear up to hear Cheryl’s story of going from selling in stores to becoming brand manager of Überlube!

8:38 – Cheryl talks about the owners of the company and the thought that went into the making of the product. They worked hard on not just the formula, but the packaging, as well. The pump is metered, it’s completely sealed, and it’s look is perfect to keep on your bedside table. It really is a classic family business!

“It was designed with purpose.”
– Cheryl Sloane

10:30 – Still asking how Überlube is better? It’s not only great in the bedroom, but it’s also perfect for your hair, athletes who want to avoid chafing, plus rusty swing sets and tough door hinges!

14:19 – Hear how Überlube is planning on marketing for Valentine’s Day. Cheryl promotes staying home and enhancing the experience indoors.“Great lube makes great sex better sex.”

15:42 – Tune in to hear some stories of people who have bought Überlube and how to start the conversation on purchasing these products!

20:02 – Tune in here for Rapid Fire questions.  Questions include: Favorite ice breaker used with customers to get them comfortable talking about lube? What is your favorite thing to do in your free time? If you weren’t in your current job, what would you be doing instead? Do you have a dream travel destination? What signifies a strong brand to you? What do you look for?

“If you can get Überlube into somebody’s hands, they’re gonna want it.”
– Cheryl Sloane

Follow Überlube on the following platforms
Online: uberlube.com
Facebook: facebook.com/uberlubeUS
Instagram: @uberlube
Twitter: @uberlube

35:00 – Please stick around to hear our Hygge Fest Roundup! Thank you to Überlube for sponsoring Hygge Fest 2021.

This week, we are joined by Kristin Fogarty-Yi of OBJEKT Architecture. OBJEKT Architecture is a full service, custom residential architecture and design firm creating beautiful, timeless, and livable homes from coast to coast. They specialize in residential architecture, kitchen & bath design, interiors, additions, renovations, new construction, historic renovations, and more. Kristin states, “Your home should be both beautiful and functional. You should never have to compromise the way you live because of poor design.” 

Kristin Fogarty-Yi, owner of OBJEKT Architecture

“I really love just learning from my clients what they really love and being able to take that to the next level for them and give them their dream home.” – Kristin Fogarty-Yi

Listen to Episode 127 with Kristin Fogarty-Yi!

Top podcast highlights:

1:59 – Kristin, our newest Chamber member, begins to talk about her background and how she got started in the industry.

4:12 – Learn about how Kristin began building her own firm. Kristin: “I really wanted to focus on my own business, and everything fell in line.” She runs the business herself but has great connections for other parts of her projects!

5:55 – Tune in to hear about some of the projects Kristin showcases on her Instagram page.

6:33 – We love our Andersonville area! Hear about how Kristin chose to be a part of our Chamber.

7:38 – Kristin talks about what it has been like adjusting her work flow with COVID-19 and becoming her own boss.

9:44 – Hear from a professional what the design process is like! Kristin: “I like having that collaboration with the client because this is their home. This is their dream home. It’s where their families are going to grow up.”

14:40 – There’s no hiccup in the process that Kristin can’t handle. Tune in to hear this story!

17:41 – Does Kristin have a favorite project? We’ll find out!

21:55 – Hear some of Kristin’s styles and era of architecture she’s drawn to. Hint: she loves them all.

“The floor plans I design are about experience and how you use the space, and I think that’s my signature style.”

24:00 – Recently, one of OBJEKT Architechture’s projects was featured in the Modular Home Builders Association as Home of the Month for January 2021 (read here). Hear Kristin talk about what the process was like and the response.

28:40 – Hear some tips on where to start with redesigning/designing a space.

30:20 – Kristin loves communicating with the contractors, other architects and designers she works with. Learn more about why she thinks it’s so important to be willing to listen and learn!

31:33 – Tune in to hear about Kristin’s love of travel and where she takes some of her design inspiration from.

37:49 – If you are an aspiring architect or designer, listen here for the one piece of advice this professional wished she might have known starting out.

40:18 – Hear about the hurdles of being a woman in a very male-dominated field.

44:46 – Tune in for rapid fire questions! Questions include: Cat or dog person? Would you consider yourself a foodie? Do you have a favorite dish? Do you have a favorite spot in Andersonville? What is your favorite travel destination? If you could design a home anywhere, where would it be? In your opinion, what is one staple design piece that can bring a room together?

Connect with Objekt Architecture on the following platforms:
Online: objektarch.com
Instagram: @objektarch_kristinfogartyyi
Email: kristin@objektarch.com
Phone: (612) 819-7454

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by local Andersonville residents Todd Ganz and Stephani Young, creators of the new podcast, If the Walls Could Talk, centered around the often mysterious history of local Edgewater Hospital, opened in 1929, and whose campus was formerly located at 5700 N Ashland. Known for famous births like that of Hillary Clinton the Edgewater Hospital and Medical Center closed abruptly in 2001 and had been decaying for decades before recent redevelopment into multi-unit apartments. For true crime fans, history buffs, curious locals and beyond, If the Walls Could Talk dives into the fraught history of this iconic institution, the people who ran it well and the people who ran it into the ground. The podcast debuted on Sunday, January 10 and the first three episodes are streaming now. 

Todd Ganz & Stephani Young, creators of If the Walls Could Talk podcast

“We realized this story was so much greater than just some set of abandoned buildings at the end of our street. It was personal. It was a lot of people’s first jobs, it was where they were a doctor, or where they were born, or where their mom or dad worked, or where they worked, and it really struck us.” – Todd Ganz

Listen to Episode 126 with Todd Ganz & Stephani Young

Top podcast highlights, and where to find them (by timestamp):

1:53 – Todd and Stephani begin to talk about their backgrounds and how they got started in the industry.

3:52 – Tune in to hear about how their podcast, If the Walls Could Talk, came about. Todd: “Ya know, I can’t believe with all the documentaries out there that I’ve seen, good and bad, that no one’s done a story about this place.” Their decision was obvious. 

6:42 – We talk about Todd and Stephani’s process involving how they conduct interviews and how they’ve adjusted their work with COVID-19. Stephani: “The extra time has actually been on our side with this project.” 

9:11 – Todd and Stephani describe their process of tracking previous employees down to put their interviews together. Social media was a big influence!

11:15 – We mention how they have received some good press since the podcast launched and  ask what the response has been like. Todd: “We’ve been pretty impressed.” They assumed they would get some attention from people in the local area, but it has become publicized and talked about more than they had anticipated. Read their feature by Block Club Chicago here.

12:31 – We learn more about their Patreon, one of the platforms the podcast is on, and the benefits to those that subscribe. They have a bonus episode that airs every Tuesday called Second Opinion for all of the super fans out there! 

16:20 – Anderson Point is a multi-unit condo where the former Edgewater hospital is. Listen to Todd and Stephani’s impression of the “new life” of the location.

18:49 – Hear about how you can take part in their final episode Q&A.

20:18 – They anticipate more people continually coming out to share their story/history with the hospital.

21:41 – Engage in a discussion about Buckletown Productions, run by Todd and Stephani, and the history and future goals of their company. They are possibly seeing more podcasts in the future and maybe a true crime master class!

24:15 – Hear why you should listen to an episode of If the Walls Could Talk from the hosts.

25:57 – Tune in here for Rapid Fire Questions! Questions include the following – Most surprising fact you learned about Edgewater/Andersonville while researching for this project? Most surprising fact you’ve learned about each other while working on this project? What podcasts inspired you for this project? What are some other favorite podcasts in either of your library’s. Advice for future podcasters? Favorite Andersonville businesses to frequent?

51:35 – If the Walls Could Talk is available on any podcast platform you listen to (Google, Spotify, Apple, etc) and on their website. A new episode comes out every Sunday!

“Honestly, the best part of this entire project is all the people we met doing it.” – Stephani Young

Follow If the Walls Could Talk on the following platforms:
Online: ifthewallscouldtalkpodcast.com
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/ifthewalls/about
Instagram: @ifthewallscouldtalk
Twitter: @ifthewalls
Patreon: patreon.com/ifthewallscouldtalkpodcast
Email: EMC@ifthewallscouldtalkpodcast.com 

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Charles Williams, General Manager of George’s Ice Cream and Sweets, a comfy neighborhood ice cream shop serving classic & unique flavors, sundaes, coffee and more. For that nostalgic feel of an old ice-cream parlor, spoons that change color, waffle cones, pints to-go, come visit George’s at 5306 N. Clark.

Charles and the Candy Cannon at Halloween on Catalpa, October 31, 2020.

“Let’s just do what we know we can handle today” – Charles Williams

Listen to Episode 118 with Charles Williams!

Top podcast highlights, and where to find them (by timestamp):

:50 – Charles talks about his background including his Chicago roots and Andersonville ties

2:25 – Tune in here for the history of George’s named after George Stotis who owned a vintage furniture and clothing shop in Andersonville, back in the day. George’s Ice Cream & Sweets is currently owned by his daughter and daughter-in-law.

4:20 – Charles reflects on what he’s enjoyed most about his tenure at George’s

Charles photographed for the Wes Andersonville feature in the 2019-20 Andersonville Neighborhood Guide.

“This is an actual neighborhood. You can feel it. There is a great sense of community here.”

5:55 – Charles talks about the George’s Ice Cream experience pre and post COVID including the super premium ice cream that is served, the hand-dipped chocolates and the party room that houses special events.

8:35 – We cover the COVID protocols and effects at George’s. “It’s been fairly dramatic, especially for an ice cream shop that tries to stay open all year.” Ice cream is really year round thing.

13:00 – The best way to support George’s during this time according to Charles: “Don’t eat anything else, just ice cream and shakes!” And stock up on pints – right now. Pastry and hand dipped chocolates aren’t currently available due to low demand. 

15:00 – George’s isn’t just serving ice cream right now, but as the weather turns, stop in for Hot Chocolates and coffees too!

15:25 – Charles shares the favorite flavors pre and post COVID – tune in here to find out out which flavors are neck-in-neck! “Our flavors that are strong, they are strooong!”

16:30 – We chat with Charles about Halloween recap and George’s Candy Delivery Contest

21:15 The winners have since been announced! Check them out here!

22:35  – George’s plans for Holiday features

25:38 – Tune in here for Rapid Fire Questions!

31:15 – The current George’s hours: Tuesday through Friday 2-9PM and Saturday and Sunday 12-9PM.

Charles and his family.

“Andersonville has found a place in my heart.”

Follow George’s Ice Cream & Sweets on the following platforms:
Online: georgesicecreamandsweets.com
Facebook: facebook.com/georgesicecreamandsweets
Instagram: @georgesicecream

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Nancye Rivera, owner of Plus Bookkeeping Services, where the goal is to help small businesses understand their financials and use them as a planning tool to grow their business. Tune in for an inspiring and motivational conversation with Nancye all about planning for success, even in the middle of a pandemic.

Nancye Rivera, owner of Plus Bookkeeping Services

“Plus means to add value and advantage, and that’s what I want to do for my clients.” – Nancye Rivera

Listen to Episode 117 with Nancye Rivera!

Top podcast highlights, and where to find them (by timestamp):

• 0:50 –  Nancye remarks on why Chambers of Commerce have proven to be very resourceful for her business
• 1:30  – Nancye shares with us her background, why she chose to go the bookkeeping route vs. the accounting route (she thinks accounting is a little too dry.)
• 3:45 – Nancye comments on the importance of entrepreneurship and her observation that the younger generation is starting businesses earlier than her generation.
• 5:40 – What to expect when working with Nancye as a first-time client 

Listen in at the 12:28 mark of this episode for a helpful formula on saving money.

• 8:10 – Nanyce explains to us her financial coaching services and talks about the importance of  understanding how money is coming in and out.
• 10:15 – Have a savings account! Nancye’s advice is to have at least 6 months worth of business expenses in your business savings.
• 12:28 – Tune in here for a formula on successfully saving money!
• 13:25 – Nancye discusses how her has business has changed and grown with COVID, and gives advice on doing new business and having financials in order.
• 18:00 – We discuss Nancye’s Latin American clientele and she shares a informative story about a local tamale seller she frequents. 

“It’s a thrill and a privilege  for me to speak the language of finance in Spanish.” 

• 22:00 – What is the 80/20 formula? Any business should be 80% marketing and 20% operations. Nancye recommends a book called E-Myth by Michael Gerber.
• 23:30 – Nancye discusses small business pitfalls, including making sure to set up a separate checking account for your small business 
• 28:00 – We ask Nancye about the difference between individual filing, small businesses filing and freelancer filing. Learn why you should pay your taxes quarterly!
• 30:00 – Rapid fire questions! Nancye’s first job was a paper route, but her first job in the industry was with a CPA who was also an attorney for small businesses in San Francisco while working on her Master’s at Golden Gate University.
• 32:40: Nancye reflects on her mentors and coaches and who has influenced her over the years. 

  “A mentor is  someone who you can be very candid with and someone who can put you back on track, and that’s so important.” 

• 34:25: New hobbies during the pandemic: Adding more value to her clients! Nancye has worked on her Marketing skills and QuickBooks during COVID. She does weekly training on QuickBooks and wants to be considered a “QuickBooks Master.”
• 35:30: Free marketing tools recommended by Nancye: Canva and MailChimp – Everyone MUST have a database.
• 38:00 – If she weren’t a bookkeeper, Nancye would have aspirations to be a full-time writer or teacher. 
• 38:50: Nancye has goals, and in 4 years, she has another plan to follow her dreams! 

  “Focus requires time to think. Only 5% of the population things and the other 95% would rather die than take the time to think.” 

• 40:35: Nancye reflects that people don’t know what they want. They haven’t taken the time to tap into their soul and desires and figure out what they truly want.

“We only live once, so it’s just so important to do what you want to do.” 

Follow Nancye and Plus Bookkeeping Services on the following platforms:
Online: plusbookkeepingservices.com
Facebook: facebook.com/PlusBookkeepingServicesInc
Twitter: @nancyefrivera
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nancyer

This week, Laura and Heather are joined by Scott and Jill Freeman of Bryn Mawr Jewelry, Co. Bryn Mawr Jewelry is a luxury diamond jewelry house known for its exceptional fine jewelry and timeless designs. Their exquisite pieces showcase rare diamonds and gemstones, brought to life through distinguished craftsmanship with uncompromising attention to detail. Having relocated to Andersonville in February of this year, you can have them help you create a custom jewelry piece of your dreams at 5139 N Clark.

Scott and Jill Freeman. Photo by Jamie Kelter Davis

“None of this is stopping anyone from getting married. Love will always win.”
– Scott Freeman

Listen to Episode 115 with Scott & Jill Freeman!

Top podcast highlights, and where to find them (by timestamp):

• 0:55 – Scott’s currently working on a bat-themed custom claddagh ring and talks about the custom jewelry process
• 4:50 – Learn about jewelry casting with molds!
• 6:05 – Tune in here to listen to Bryn Mawr Jewelry’s history as a shop

The mural Scott had painted in the Andersonville shop by artist John Airo. Photo by Jamie Kelter Davis.

• 9:05 – Scott speaks to the beautiful Chicago/Andersonville/Phish-themed mural in he had done for the shop by artist John Airo 
• 11:20 – Learn more about how Bryn Mawr Jewelry has handled the initial COVID closure only 3 weeks after their Andersonville Grand Opening. This section also speaks to the origins of Scott’s alter alias, the Dancing Jeweler on Instagram
• 14:36- Jill’s share’s her history with the jewelry business, having worked in the industry since age 15 and alongside Scott at Bryn Mawr Jewelry since 2015. She also runs the store’s marketing and operations.
• 16:50 – Scott and Jill discuss their COVID safety protocols including 6-8 people in the store at one time, with appointments or walk in options available, sanitizing the jewelry pieces in between and social-distance markers in shape of diamonds
• 17:45 – Scott gives us the origin of wedding and engagement rings

“We made it through quarantine, why not get hitched?
– Scott Freeman

JIll and Scott Freeman. Photo by Jamie Kelter Davis.

• 20:23 – Jill and Scott share their favorite custom stories including a customer with dragon earrings!
• 24:50 – Scott gives us jewelry best care tips: Don’t sleep in it! Don’t shower in it! Don’t swim in it!
• 27:00 – If you’re trapped in your ring, don’t go to an emergency room or fire department, but head to Scott at Bryn Mawr or another jeweler to cut the ring off in a way that it can be fixed and saved
• 29:00 – Scott has seen Phish over 70 times! Tune in here for fun discussion on all things Phish
• 34:53 – Jill and Scott share their own engagement story!
• 39:50 – Laura and Heather close the episode with fun rapid fire questions for both Scott and Jill

This is how our podcast recordings look these days on Zoom!

“Everything’s going to be okay.”
– Scott Freeman

Follow Bryn Mawr Jewelry, Co. on the following platforms:
Online: brynmawrjewelry.com
Facebook: facebook.com/brynmawrjewelry
Instagram: @brynmawrjewelry
Pinterest: pinterest.com/bryn_mawr

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by social media sherpa, motivational math tutor, speaker, connector, and reality competition show fan, Shaily Hakimian. Shaily started doing social media for her hobby community in high school on MySpace. Now she guides businesses on how to stay top of mind with their community and referral network using social media. We connected with Shaily recently for two TikTok for Business led webinars in the Andersonville Chamber network. 

“Put a little personal wherever you go. They are buying into you.”
– Shaily Hakimian

Listen to Episode 114 with Shaily Hakimian!

Here are some references from Episode 114 that you may want to check out:

• Shaily is no stranger to podcasts! She’s been interviewed on more than 10! Check them out here. 
• For our icebreaker question, Shaily would choose to be an actor on the old show Happy Endings! We spend a lot of time talking about this show…mostly to figure out what it was called!
• With 23 jobs listed on her LinkedIn profile, we asked Shaily how she started down this social media sherpa path. She studied education in college and sort of fell into teaching social media. She also wanted to be a matchmaker at one point. 

“I’m going to be in the business of being in the business of a lot of things.”

• She has taught in Jewish Education, worked with student teaching, has taught in Australia and more. 
• She also occasionally tutors kids in math! Shaily recommends Khan Academy and Tutor.com, and many libraries actually pay for a subscription, so it’s free to use if you’re a member of the library. Shaily also mentions that she is a member currently of the Ultimate Support Group for Online Tutors.
• Collaborations between groups is happening now that never would have happened in the past, and “I love that because of Cornoa, we’ve been able to partner with organizations that we never would have in the past.” 
• Virtual is a great way to do programming, and she references the Inbound Conference, happening completely virtually for the first time this week. 

“It’s hard to make a connection with a brand without putting a face behind it.”

• Show people your personal story on your business profiles to allow folks to connect with your brand. Delicately merge your worlds, but if part of personal story is about building your business, tell it! Shaily also recommends putting a line about fun things you’re interested in on your LinkedIn profile because you’ll never know who it’ll connect you with.
• Fun fact: Shaily LOVES competitive reality shows, and just competed on an online reality show called Sequester with an all Jewish cast from all over the world.
• The Chamber staff recently met Shaily virtually through two TikTok for Business workshops she hosts for both Andersonville Chamber Members and also fellow Chambers. Shaily’s advice: “Get on TikTok because it is so much content that you’ll love and relate. TikTok’s magical algorithm has put so many wonderful people in front of me that I never would have met.”
• Experiment with different social media platforms and where your audience can find you and show them you’re an expert in whatever you do.

“Social Media is something you have to have a plan for.” 

• When a business meets with Shaily initially, she sees often that businesses aren’t prepared with a social media plan, so often they start there. What she likes to ask her clients is, “do you have a referral network already?” as they are the people to most likely send business your way. As a social media manager, she’s not going to magically find your audience for you from scratch. It’s important to do a social media audit in advance and to give the business feedback on what an audience is finding.
• Shaily is a member of Chicago Magic Lounge and advises don’t be scared of virtual magic, and definitely check out Chicago Magic Lounge’s virtual cocktail hour! 
• Shaily’s hobby is standup comedy and she has previously been part of comedy groups that let her practice her skill of speaking in front of people. It has all helped build her public speaking skills to apply directly to her business. 
• One of Shaily’s hobbies during the pandemic has been creating dot art – check it out below!

Shaily’s pandemic dot art.

Follow Shaily on the following platforms:
Online: shailyhakimian.com
Facebook: facebook.com/hakimian45
Instagram: @hakimian45
LinkedIn: Shaily Hakimian
Twitter: @hakimian45
TikTok: @hakimian45