Jason sits down with Katie Davis, a true trailblazer in the sales world, for a real and refreshing conversation about what happens when teams choose collaboration over competition. They dive into why diverse teams matter, how the right systems can lift everyone up, and what it looks like to build a culture rooted in trust and shared goals.
Katie opens up about her journey navigating male-dominated spaces and the lessons she’s learned along the way, especially the power of leaning on one another instead of going it alone. At the heart of it all is a simple truth we love around here: success is better when it’s shared.
If you believe in building strong teams, supporting your people, and creating a village that wins together, this conversation is for you. Tune in and get inspired to rethink the way you approach sales, community, and growth.
Kevin Kramer, Director of Economic Development for Hoffman Estates, sits down with Jason Stallard on the Love Local Chicagoland podcast for a heartfelt conversation about what truly brings people together. They talk about why being present matters more than being perfect, how technology can sometimes make us feel more alone, and simple ways we can all build deeper, more meaningful relationships. Kevin opens up about navigating life as an introvert while still craving connection, and he reminds us just how far listening, empathy, and genuine care can go. Tune in to feel inspired to show up for each other and strengthen the communities we call home.
Jason sits down with Louie Sharp for a conversation that feels honest, hopeful, and full of heart. Louie opens up about the lessons he’s learned along the way, from his time in the US Marine Corps to building a business and hosting his own podcast. Together, they talk about what it really takes to grow as a person — doing the inner work, facing adversity head-on, and choosing forgiveness even when it isn’t easy.
At its core, this episode is about leading with love and integrity, and how those choices can change not just our own lives but the communities around us. Through real stories and candid moments, Jason and Louie remind us that joy can be found even in hard seasons, and that understanding each other matters more than ever in the times we’re living in.
Palatine Police Officer Erica Amezcua opens up about her story in a way that stays with you. Sitting down with Jason on the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, she shares how perseverance, faith, and the right people in her corner helped her rise above a tough upbringing. Erica talks about breaking generational cycles, finding mentors who truly see you, and why community policing matters so deeply.Her journey is a reminder that hope is real and that everyday heroes walk among us — especially for young girls who dream of creating change. In this honest, uplifting conversation, Erica and Jason explore resilience, understanding, and the incredible things that can happen when you believe in yourself and the people around you.
Kelly DeGrazia has spent 29 years teaching kids, lifting them up, and helping them grow, and on this week’s Love Local Chicagoland podcast, she sits down with Jason for a heartfelt conversation about what really matters in education today.
Kelly shares how she builds kindness, confidence, and community in her classroom, and why emotional learning is just as important as academics. They talk about setting healthy screen-time boundaries, supporting kids in a post-COVID world, and the powerful role teachers play in shaping values that last a lifetime.
It is an honest, hopeful look at how small daily interactions can help kids become resilient, compassionate humans. If you care about the future of education or simply enjoy hearing from people who make a difference, you will want to give this one a listen.
Join Jason from the Love Local Chicagoland podcast as he sits down with Elizabeth from Blessings in a Backpack Chicago and Frank from Spunky Dunkers to tackle the important issue of childhood hunger. In this episode, they share how these local organizations are teaming up to make a real difference—like creating a special donut to raise awareness and support their mission. Through heartfelt stories and community-driven initiatives, they shine a light on the challenges children face with food insecurity and show how everyone can play a part in helping. Tune in to hear inspiring ideas, meaningful collaborations, and ways to reimagine community support that truly makes an impact.
Join hosts Jason and Samir this Veterans Day as they shine a spotlight on the inspiring work of the Giving Group, featuring board member Liz Karsten. In this special episode, you’ll hear how their community initiatives support veterans, kids, and pets — including a heartfelt room remodel that brought comfort and care to a deserving veteran.You’ll also meet Mike Powers of Powers Painting and Decorating, who helped make the transformation possible, and veteran Dino, who shares how community, camaraderie, and local support have made a profound impact on his life.This Veterans Day, we’re celebrating the spirit of service — both from those who’ve worn the uniform and from the neighbors and businesses who step up to give back. Tune in to discover how collaboration, compassion, and community can make all the difference.
In this edition of Local Talks, moderator Nicole Bolden guides a thoughtful conversation with panelists Raghu Sundara, Mary Liccardi, Karl Fay, Erin Chan Ding, and James Cheng as they explore what it means to find peace in the midst of life’s busyness and uncertainty.
Together, they share personal stories, practical insights, and reflections on mindfulness, balance, and community connection. Whether you’re seeking calm in your daily routine or inspiration for personal growth, this conversation offers meaningful takeaways for anyone navigating today’s fast-paced world.
Community advocate Justin O’Rourke joins Jason Stallard for a heart-to-heart conversation about what it means to create real, lasting impact in the Chicago area. Together, they explore how compassion and courage can drive powerful change through mental health advocacy, LGBTQ+ support, and immigrant solidarity.Justin shares his personal journey and the life lessons that inspire his work—reminding us that empathy and action go hand in hand. Through stories of resilience and hope, he highlights how small acts of kindness and understanding can ripple out to strengthen entire communities.This episode invites listeners to stand with marginalized voices, embrace diversity, and lead with love. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about courage, compassion, and building a more inclusive tomorrow—one connection at a time.
Join Jason on the Love Local Chicagoland podcast for an inspiring conversation with Tracy Drost, Mrs. Illinois, as she opens up about the heart and impact behind community service. From her beginnings as a stay-at-home mom to becoming a dedicated community leader, Tracy shares how simple acts of kindness can truly change lives.You’ll hear how she teaches kids the joy of giving back, why compassion creates a ripple effect, and how anyone, no matter their time or resources, can make a difference. Plus, Tracy and Jason swap stories about the amazing people and nonprofits making Chicagoland a kinder, more connected place.
In this episode, Jason Stallard sits down with Susan Caesar, Director of AI at the International Coaching Federation, for an honest and thought-provoking chat about the role of artificial intelligence in coaching. Together, they explore how AI can actually support coaches—helping them deepen human connections, inspire positive change, and make a real difference—without losing the personal touch that makes coaching so powerful.They also dive into some of the big questions around AI ethics, common misconceptions, and why keeping humans at the heart of every innovation matters more than ever. It’s a fascinating look at how technology and humanity can work hand in hand for good.Tune in to hear how AI can enhance—not replace—the magic of genuine human connection.
In this episode of Love Local Chicagoland, Jason sits down with local leaders to explore how community collaboration is making a real impact — especially through the Schaumburg Police Department’s new Quality of Life Room, a space designed to support first responders’ mental health and well-being.Samir shares how Vasco’s Care Day gives back to local nonprofits, while Raghu highlights how Always Be Connecting unites businesses to solve community challenges. Dan and Ritesh emphasize the importance of collective action around mental health, and Alicia and Jim from Bear Construction discuss bringing the wellness room to life — a project built on care, compassion, and resilience.Lieutenant Rose and Commander Lindhurst offer powerful insight into how this space will help officers decompress and stay strong for the community they serve. The episode closes with a call to action that feels truly Love Local: let’s keep showing up, working together, and building a stronger, more connected Chicagoland.
This conversation with Josue Maciel invites us to look beyond headlines and political sound bites, uncovering how broad societal narratives can sometimes hide the very real, deeply human experiences behind them.Throughout the discussion, themes of immigration reform, justice, and compassion take center stage. Josue shares a powerful and heartfelt perspective on the immigrant experience—one filled with both hardship and unwavering hope. He paints a vivid picture of individuals who, despite navigating a system full of barriers, continue to dream of a better future.The dialogue also challenges misconceptions about immigrant communities, highlighting how they strengthen our neighborhoods and fuel local economies in countless unseen ways. Finally, it reflects on the profound role that faith, family, and community support play in resilience—reminding us all that these conversations must always begin with empathy and humanity.
This episode dives into the ups and downs of healing, the power of self-awareness, and why being true to ourselves matters so much in both personal growth and relationships. It’s a thoughtful guide for anyone longing to reconnect with their authentic self in the midst of life’s noise and distractions.Jennifer Mallo opens up about her own transformative journey, sharing how vital it is to process emotions rather than letting them fester into things like illness or depression. Together, the hosts unpack the pressures we all feel—from society and social media alike—and remind us how grounding ourselves in authenticity can be a real lifeline.They also challenge the old idea of “strength,” reframing it as the courage to be vulnerable and the ability to lead with empathy. At its heart, this episode is an invitation: to lean on community, set healthy boundaries, and embrace self-care as a path toward peace and balance.
John Dobbins opens up about his incredible journey from a sudden health crisis to a powerful recovery. While training for a marathon, a COVID vaccine reaction led to myocarditis—pushing him into a difficult fight within a healthcare system that often felt broken. Along the way, John discovered just how important it is to be your own advocate and to make sure you have the right insurance in place.
But his story isn’t just about physical healing. Through deep emotional and spiritual growth, John has turned his challenges into a mission to help others. He’s passionate about building community, sharing honestly, and encouraging transparency in healthcare.
Join John and Jason Stallard as they connect over personal stories, talk about bridging political divides, and explore how we can work together to inspire real change.
Join us on the Love Local Chicagoland podcast as we sit down with the incredible Fatima Deenaz to explore the magic that happens when community meets authenticity.
Fatima opens up about her inspiring journey from India to America and how discovering her “people” transformed not just her life, but her business too. She shares heartfelt insights on building your own table, nurturing real relationships, and showing up as your truest self—both personally and professionally.
As the powerhouse behind Fully Promoted Schaumburg, Fatima also talks about how she champions local businesses through strategic branding and meaningful connections.
Tune in and let Fatima’s story remind you of the strength that comes from surrounding yourself with a supportive community—and how that support can spark resilience, growth, and lasting impact.
In this heartfelt episode of the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast, we invite you to pull up a chair and join us for a cozy fireside chat at Cook, Cork, and Fork in downtown Palatine. Together with community leaders and educators, we explore how collaboration and compassion are making a difference right here at home. The focus: tackling food insecurity among local schoolchildren, and the inspiring ways businesses and nonprofits are coming together to meet that challenge.You’ll hear powerful stories and personal perspectives that bring the issue of childhood hunger to life. Elizabeth and Dan from Blessings in a Backpack share the incredible reach of their organization—spanning 44 states and working toward hunger-free weekends for kids in more than 90,000 schools—while still making a deeply personal impact in each community they serve.This episode blends heart, hope, and real action—reminding us that when a community comes together, we can create change that truly matters.
In this episode of Love Local Chicagoland, Jason Stallard and Dave Ficken dive into what true community transformation looks like. They explore how unity, engagement, and supportive networks can drive powerful urban renewal—highlighting the vital role Link Chicago plays in developing sustainable leadership. At the heart of their conversation is a simple but profound belief: every individual carries the potential to inspire real change within their community.
As their discussion unfolds, Stallard and Ficken reflect on leaders who choose to act on the dreams placed in their hearts. They share moving examples, from Andre—a nonprofit leader guiding individuals as they transition out of prison life—to Steve Coble’s creative cultural hub bringing fresh energy to diverse Albany Park. Through these stories, they emphasize the immense power of good ideas and intentional community action. Framed by themes like “community transformation,” “faith-driven change,” and “local leaders,” this episode shines a light on the authentic and inspiring initiatives reshaping Chicago’s neighborhoods.
Join Dave on November 7: https://pp.events/byRDAWbR
Jennifer Prell from Elderwerks joins Jason Stallard on the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast for a heartfelt conversation about the challenges and solutions in supporting our aging population. They talk about the importance of planning ahead for retirement, the gaps in resources available to seniors, and how Elderwerks helps older adults and their families navigate the often-overwhelming complexities of aging.
The discussion shines a light on how communication, community support, and proactive planning can make a huge difference. Jennifer and Jason emphasize the need to protect dignity and safety for seniors, while also calling for both individual action and broader societal change. It’s an inspiring reminder that we can all play a role in enhancing the quality of life for our older generations.
Learn more about the Elderwerks community at https://www.elderwerks.org/
Join Jason Stallard and Nicole Bolden Woodcox on the Love Local Chicagoland podcast as they dive into Local Talks: Finding Peace in Chaos, an upcoming panel event you will not want to miss. Nicole, who will serve as moderator, shares why these conversations are so important and how creating safe spaces helps us stay grounded in a fast-paced world.
Together, they give listeners a preview of what to expect at Local Talks, from exploring different perspectives on peace to practical ways of living with more intention. This episode is both a conversation and an invitation — a chance to reconnect with yourself now and to join the community for a deeper discussion at the event.