Join us for one last cheers as we recap 2025 and make predictions for 2026! We chat about a year of podcast highlights and are honest about the lows that come with creating media & content.
Plus, we both make some bold predictions for 2026- from fashion trends, to politics, to AI, hear our super unfiltered hot takes on what’s ahead for Chicago, America, and the world.
Cheers to a New Year and thanks so much for another amazing year of storytelling!
Episode Outline
1:00- 2025 Biggest news story, outfit of the year, and Ioanna’s rare diagnosis
2026 Predictions
8:00- Chicago Bears
10:30- AI
14:30- Remote Work
17:45- Clothing
20:00- Midterm Elections
26:00- Food & Dining
It’s Christmas of long ago, your house is covered in fresh snowfall, and the bright, warm glow of your incandescent Christmas lights peaks through to light up the winter cold.
In this festive episode, we meet Tru-Tone Christmas Lights, the company bringing back the nostalgic glow and timeless magic of vintage Christmas lights.
Learn how partners David Andora & Sean Hunt created their bulbs to capture that vintage glow so prominently featured in your most nostalgic Christmas movies and memories. A heartfelt founding story inspired by childhood memories and Christmases in Chicago!
Dive into what’s trending in holiday lights and hear some of the science behind Christmas lighting!
We end with a lit round of rapid fire, learning their favorite Christmas light color and the best gift they’ve ever received!
SHOP: https://tru-tone.com/
SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/trutonebulbs/
CHICAGO VENDORS
FESTIVE COLLECTIVE
5 N Milwaukee Ave
INSIDE HOME
1942 W. Chicago Ave
DISTRICT CHICAGO
5430 N Clark St
What do Santa, Suites, and Serenity all have in common? They’re all at Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook Chicago! We’re staying in their signature “Santa Suite” and chatting the holidays with Michelle Marvin, Director of Sales and Marketing!
Michelle tells us about the scenic property, which is surrounded by forest preserve, and has rich historic ties to McDonald’s former headquarters! Hear about the property’s amenities, such as their absolutely insane indoor pool (perf for winter staycations), a full-service spa, and incredible wedding packages (Michelle even likely sold Aaron on scheduling his wedding)!
We also chat about why they are the must-do location for winter and Christmas fun in the suburbs. This year’s fun includes their famous holiday pop-up bar “Prancer’s Pub”, the family-friendly “Deck the Halls” crafting & cocoa events, and of course - THE SANTA SUITE - a North Pole Suite which includes a special surprise from Santa and stunning lake views.
Check out the links below to book a stay, explore the property, and plan your own suburban holiday fun!
HOTEL RESERVATIONS: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-hotels/en-US/chilo-hyatt-lodge-oak-brook-chicago
HOLIDAY OFFERINGS: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-hotels/en-US/chilo-hyatt-lodge-oak-brook-chicago/holidays
PRANCER’S PUB MENU: https://www.hyatt.com/content/dam/hotel/propertysites/assets/hyatt/chilo/documents/en_us/dining/hearth-lounge/389115_Prancers_Pub_Menu_Card.pdf
WEDDING INFO: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-hotels/en-US/chilo-hyatt-lodge-oak-brook-chicago/weddings
SPA: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-hotels/en-US/chilo-hyatt-lodge-oak-brook-chicago/spa
And when I’m back in Chicago, I feel it, and I stop at Transit Tees for all my holiday shopping!
Transit Tees takes visuals from Chicago’s metropolitan landscape, iconic brands, and cultural landmarks and turns them into the most epic products, clothing, and decor!
We chat in-store with Tim Gillengerten, Owner and Creative Director, who in 2001, founded the business and is still creating local treasures to this day! We hear the founding story, which includes inspo from Chicago’s “L”. Plus, discover how he and his team of 23 create stunning products, like a map of all our Chicago neighborhoods and a Malört drinking game!
Hear what it’s like to collab with famous brands like Portillo’s and discover the stories behind their most popular products! Tim also shares some great advice for other entrepreneurs and small businesses!
We take the express train to end with rapid fire, learning Tim’s dream collab and his favorite holiday gift ever!
SHOP: https://www.transittees.com/
SOCIAL: http://instagram.com/transittees
Wicker Park
1371 N. Milwaukee Ave
Andersonville
5226 N. Clark St
Tucked away in Chicago’s Chocolate Temple is a wonderland of tastes, sights, and indulgent delicacies. Vosges Haut-Chocolat is our sweet treat pick for the 2025 holiday season!
Known for truffles, iconic flavor pairings, and an absolutey HUGE advent calendar, Vosges has been treating Chicago & the world to sumptuous crafted treats for almost three decades!
We dipped into the chocolate world of wonder with Ash Mishler & Jen Hockey, learning the history of Vosges, what makes their chocolate unique (they have their own proprietary blend cacao, so cool), and we heard about how they land on some of their exotic flavor pairings! From olive oil, to curry, to ginger, customers can travel the world by chocolate!
Discover the newly released collaboration with ‘The Smashing Pumpkins’, which includes vegan chocolate bars crafted to pair with specific songs for an experiential tasting- a “sensory symphony” as they call it! We discuss what it takes to pull off an epic collaboration like this!
To end, we bite into rapid fire, discovering Ash & Jen’s favorite Vosges chocolate of all time and what they didn’t expect when they signed up to work with chocolate!
Gift Vosges now, including their signature “Exotic Truffle” box, The Smashing Pumpkins collab, and their 2025 Advent Calendar now at the links below!
SHOP/GIFT: https://www.vosgeschocolate.com/
ADVENT CALENDAR: https://www.vosgeschocolate.com/products/a-chocolate-calendar-of-advent
SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/vosgeshautchocolat/
We’ve got a lot to be frankful for this holiday season! And it all starts with our love for Chicago Icon, Vienna Beef! Today, we hear the story behind the Chicago-style Hot Dog and more from this absolute Windy City beast!
We’re joined by Maizy Lind, Marketing Coordinator, who serves up the bunbelievable history of Vienna Beef and the Chicago Style Hot Dog! Hear about its roots to the Chicago World’s Fair and the poppy seeded popularity boom that came from the Maxwell Street Market.
Maizy talks about how their dogs are made, why so many ma & pop joints trust Vienna Beef, and what’s in their catalog of products beyond hot dogs!
We end with “Let’s Be Frank” where Maizy tells us her favorite hot dog topping, how she likes her french fries, and what she most loves about Vienna Beef!
Serve up Vienna Beef this holiday season! Order delicious snackies & treats at the link below!
We also want to thank everyone at Vienna Beef for welcoming us into their family on a tour of their manufacturing facility! It was truly impressive to see Chicago eats being made!
SHOP & SHIP: https://www.viennabeef.com/
VIENNA LOCATOR: https://www.viennabeef.com/find-vienna-beef/
SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/viennabeef/
HOT DOG UNIVERSITY: https://www.viennabeef.com/hot-dog-university
Get ready for a spooky stroll through time! In this episode, we dive into the fascinating history of Halloween! From ancient Celtic roots to modern-day trick-or-treating, we uncover the origins of pumpkins, the story behind Halloween’s iconic colors,and the sweet legacy of Reese’s, and candy corn! Plus we learn a few fun spooky facts about Halloween!
**THIS SCARY EPISODE WAS FILMED LIVE ON LOCATION AND MAY CONTAIN HORRIFYING SOUNDS OF WITCHES BREWING, MONSTERS MUNCHING, AND DEMONS DRINKING**
Brew up something scary tasty at this horror-themed coffee shop in Chicago
The Brewed is located in Avondale and features spookily delicious coffee/tea and decor featuring tons of horror movie posters, memorabilia, and frightful vibes!
We meet Co-Owner Jason Deuchler, who tells us the founding story, what they do special for spooky season, and why they went with a horror theme!
Plus, we find out about their Halloween Block Party on October 12th, 11am-8pm! BYOB (Bring Your Own Bones)!
Visit them at 2843 N Milwaukee Ave
MENU/INFO: https://www.thebrewedcoffee.com/
HALLOWEEN BLOCK PARTY: https://www.thebrewedcoffee.com/events/halloween-block-party
SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/thebrewed/?hl=en
This spooky season, we’re casting a glow on all things magical & mystical!
We sit down with Liz Frazier, Founder & Owner of Witch City Wicks, Salem’s spellbinding premier gothic and witchy candle company. From the spark that started her business to the inspiration behind her enchanting scents, Liz shares how she’s built an incredible brand, what inspired some of her scents, and how she handles the busiest time of year in Salem/ Halloween!
Light your favorite candle, settle in, and join us as we chat about entrepreneurship and Salem’s witchy legacy! We end with spooky rapid fire where Liz shares her favorite candle scents, dream collaboration, and more.
SHOP CANDLES: https://www.witchcitywicks.com/
INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/
VISIT: 302A Essex St, Salem MA
This week’s episode is full of good spirits and ghostly fun!
We sit down with Katie Stuck, Chicago’s Lead Tour Guide for Nightly Spirits, to uncover the haunted history, ghostly legends, and spirited nightlife woven into the streets of the Windy City. From eerie encounters in historic pubs to bone-chilling tales that lurk behind Chicago’s most iconic landmarks, Katie shares stories even locals don’t know!
Learn about the tour company, which focuses on smaller, intimate group sizes and offers a tour with booze (of course, the one we went on)! With tours in cities nationwide, you are sure to have a hauntedly good time no matter where you go!
We end this haunting episode with a special round of rapid fire covering everything from the most haunted place in Chicago to Katie’s favorite ghost movie of all time, and MORE!
BOOK A TOUR: https://nightlyspirits.com/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/nightlyspirits/
We’ve got something for you to sink your teeth into! In honor of National Twighlighters Day and to kick off our 2025 Spooky Season, we sat down with Trey Plutnicki, one of the leading cast members in TWIHARD! A Twighlight Musical Parody.
Originating at Chicago’s Otherworld Theatre, the show’s current run takes it to the historic Apollo Theatre, where we sat down with Trey to talk all things Twighlight, fandom, and what audiences can expect when they come for a howling good time.
Known for appearances on Squid Game: The Challenge, Netflix’s Battlecamp, and his many Chicago Theatrical roles, Trey dishes on how he brings parts of himself into the show, including an iconic tap battle, and shares how the show has evolved since it first premiered. As an original cast member, Trey speaks to why the fandom is so strong and how the show perfectly blends actual Twighlight plot with modern comedic relief.
We end with rapid fire, discovering Trey’s favorite line from the show and that Aaron is neither Team Edward not Jacob, but instead pledges allegiance to Team Trey!
See Twihard now through September 28th at The Apollo Theatre.
Use code TIX25 to get 25% off all ticket types, valid for shows through September 21
TICKETS: https://www.twihardthemusical.com/tour
FOLLOW TREY:
https://www.instagram.com/choochootreyn/?hl=en
STREAM THE ALBUM: https://www.twihardthemusical.com/media
IT’S A BIG F*@KING PODCAST EPISODE!
We sat down at Maple & Ash with Chef + Managing Partner, Danny Grant, and National Spirits + Brand Director, Christina Demas, to talk all things food and drink!
Danny shares the founding story of the hospitality group and how they found their flame. Christina walks us through her cocktail menu and talks about what’s trending right now, including zero proof!
As a first timer, Aaron is introduced to the menu and their “I DON’T GIVE A F*@K” option. Danny dishes their iconic seafood tower and what’s called “beefed up butter”. Plus, the reason why cooking with fire is a difficult art worth mastering.
Danny and Christina also give us a taste of what’s cooking behind the scenes, including what’s ahead for this culinary icon.
We end with a round of wood flamed rapid fire, learning their go-to order at the restaurant and what they would cook for us if we came in to eat!
Dine at 8 W Maple, Chicago, IL.
RESERVATIONS + INFO: https://www.mapleandash.com/
SOCIAL:
https://www.instagram.com/mapleandash/?hl=en
Music I Use: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License code: GEPYSO2SVDRLELQ2
Artist: : Sound EGO
A canopy of comfort in the hustle & bustle of Chicago’s central loop, Canopy by Hilton is located in the former Chicago and North Western Railway headquarters! This historic building is located next to Willis Tower and is centrally located for all your Chicago fun!
We chat with Complex General Manager & Chief Enthusiast, Liz Kraft, about the luxurious property and the fascinating history behind the building. Learn about the hotel’s iconic decor and how they pay homage to the city’s rail history. Discover the seasonal flavors showcased at its 16th floor Mediterranean inspired restaurant, Seville. Plus, Liz shares some of her favorite facts about the Canopy brand at Hilton and what makes a stay here unique.
We end with rapid fire, learning Liz’s favorite spot in the hotel and her favorite drink to get at the hotel bar.
226 W Jackson Blvd.
BOOK A STAY: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/chijbpy-canopy-chicago-central-loop/
INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/canopychiloop/
In our five years of podcasting, we have worked with dozens of PR agents and firms. Today, we have the unique privilege of chatting with one of those firms, Heron Agency. A list of past episodes with their clients are below!
Noreen Heron founded the firm in 2000 and has built it into one of the nation’s leading lifestyle communications agencies. We chat about her many PR adventures, including how she came to found her own firm and some of the amazing projects and clients she has had along the way.
We discuss the Chicago market and what trends she sees in local businesses and social media.
We end with PR rapid fire, learning if she has a dream client and who the coolest person she’s ever met is (besides us, of course)!
HERON: https://heronagency.com/
FOLLOW NOREEN: https://www.instagram.com/noreenheron/
Sonny Acres Farm
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sip-with-me/id1522224564?i=1000712259676
Vacations by Rail
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sip-with-me/id1522224564?i=1000710876602
Randolph Street Market
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sip-with-me/id1522224564?i=1000629066714
Laura Gardner channeled true entrepreneurial spirit when she used her corporate layoff to gift the city of Chicago with its most iconic foodie invention in years, Local Style Chips!
Available in Chicago Hot Dog, Deep Dish, Italian Beef, Hot Giardiniera, and Regular Salted, these kettle style chips will leave you feeling like you just bit into your favorite Chicago classics!
Hear her founding story and discover how she drew inspiration from Japanese flavors on her honeymoon. Learn about how she landed on her flavors and what it takes to craft the complex layers of each dish.
Laura also shares why Chicago is so special when it comes to food and community.
We end with rapid fire, learning which chip goes well with champagne and what Laura’s dream flavor is!
To secure your own chips, use the store locator at the link below or purchase them online!
STORE LOCATOR: https://localstylechips.com/pages/store-locator
ORDER: https://localstylechips.com/collections/potato-chips
SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/localstylechips
Where art thou Aaron & Ioanna? At Chicago Shakespeare Theatre!
Meet Edward Hall, a literal “Hall” of Famer on the World Theatre Scene. As Artistic Director, Edward helps oversee overall creative direction for the theatre, including a dozen productions this season!
Edward dives into the genius of Shakespeare and shows how the contemporary, new works the theater puts on connect to Shakespearean Classics. Hear how CST innovates to create award winning productions that go on to show around the world.
Edward talks about the 2025-2026 season and what you can expect from their shows this year (from tennis, to horror, to classic Shakespeare, they truly have it all). Plus, he outlines some of his vision for the theatre and touches on what makes Chicago’s theatre scene special.
We end with rapid fire, learning Edward’s dream show to put on and where he loves to go in Chicago!
Book tickets and learn about the 25-26 season at the link below!
BOOK TICKETS: https://www.chicagoshakes.com/
SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/chicagoshakes/
In this special episode, we celebrate five years of Sip with Me with our 180th episode!
We give you a behind-the-scenes look at our friendship, spill the tea on some of our podcast drama, and discuss the impact some of the episodes have had on our lives.
As always, thank you for listening and allowing us to share so many stories with you! Cheers to many more.
xoxo,
aaron & ioanna
Emily Kristen Morris defies gravity in all that she does! A Singer, Actress, Content Creator,
Vocal Instructor & Founder of EKM Studios, she’s known for her stunning performances on stage and has likely appeared in your social feeds, giving viral voice tips and vocal reactions.
Emily was the Elphaba standby on the Broadway National Tour of Wicked (what a resume credit) and played Bea in the Broadway National Tour of Something Rotten! In just a few weeks, she will play one of her dream roles in our favorite musical, Jenna in Waitress, in Ithaca, NY (ticket link below)!
We sat down with Emily to chat about her career and the many doors that have opened and closed along the way.
We discussed her voice studio, EKM, which has an entire team dedicated to teaching and coaching the next great voices of tomorrow! She shares what getting a voice lesson is like and what you can expect if you work with a coach.
We end with rapid fire, discovering Emily’s favorite show, her dream role (which we like to think we manifested wink wink), and her dressing room essentials!
Sign up for your own voice lesson at the link below and go see Waitress at the Hangar Theatre July 10-19!
EKM STUDIO: https://www.emilykristenmorris.com/ekm-vocal-studio
WAITRESS: https://hangartheatre.org/event/waitress/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/emilykristenmorris/?hl=en
There’s 22 acres and a thousand reasons to love Sonny Acres! Aaron’s childhood pumpkin patch and Ioanna’s farm dream come true, this gem of a space in the middle of Chicagoland has 125 years of stories to tell!
We meet Jeannine Fontana, who in 2019 purchased the farm with her husband (also a lifelong Sonny Acres fan) and his friend. She shares some of the farm’s history and how it grew to be a staple for fall festivals and childhood traditions.
Jeannine tells us about what goes on during their other seasons, including their upcoming summer rodeos, flower sales and Christmas trail.
Jeannine also shares her passion project, building a brand new wedding venue on the farm! Aaron also tries to pitch her on having him be their first wedding (he has been engaged for six years, it’s about time he locks it down)!!
We end with six acres of rapid fire, learning Jeannine’s favorite Sonny Acres food and her favorite ride on the farm!
VISIT/INFO:
https://sonnyacres.com/
SOCIAL:
https://www.instagram.com/sonnyacresfarm/
All aboard the Amtrak to adventure! This week, we’re joined by Liz Owens, Vice President and General Manager of Vacations By Rail, a Chicago-based company that helps travelers explore the world by train!
After we trauma dump on Liz for ten minutes about our flying anxiety, we discuss the unique benefits of traveling by rail! Liz breaks down what to expect for first-timers and spotlights some of the perks, such as constant views and a unique ability to hop on and off along your route!
She shares the must-book experiences for 2025, what’s trending in the world of rail, and shares some of what she envisions for the future of American rail!
We end the episode with a round of rapid fire, featuring her favorite onboard snack, dream rail destination and more! Liz also designs the perfect trip for us (no flying needed)!
Visit their site to browse trips and learn more!
BOOK & INFO: https://www.vacationsbyrail.com/
SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/vacationsbyrail/?hl=en