I am Consciously Curious is a Chicago based podcast that dissects passionate individuals in various industries. The goal is to share their stories to inspire you to cultivate meaning within your own space. If you are interested in coming on or know someone that would be great for the podcast, please message us on fb/ig: @iamconsciouslycurious
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What does it actually take to make Chicago more affordable, safer, and functional? Joe Holberg — political outsider, former teacher, Google alum, and tech entrepreneur — is running for mayor with a platform built around housing supply, fiscal discipline, and a friendlier environment for businesses of every size. In this episode, Joe digs into the CTA safety crisis, Chicago's permitting problem,…
In this episode, I pass the mic to Charles Wong of Umamicue and Episode 182. He hosts Shawn Smith of Heffer BBQ along with brothers Sam and Stephen Lee of K-TEX BBQ. They share their individual journeys into BBQ and where they’re currently at. They share notes on what has and hasn’t worked, manifesting a brick and mortar, and reflect on what Chicago BBQ can be. It was truly a pleasure to take a…
John Carruthers didn't set out to raise $100,000 for Chicago nonprofits. He just wanted to do something that felt useful when the world stopped making sense. When the pandemic hit, John — a writer and lifelong pizza obsessive — felt the helplessness that most of us did. What started as a weekly family ritual became something stranger and more beautiful — a secret alley pop-up, where strangers…
Yuta Katsuyama moved to Chicago to study design and business — and quickly noticed something missing: onigiri. What started as a personal craving became a brand now stocked on over 60 shelves across Chicagoland. Yuta talks about bridging Japanese food culture and American entrepreneurship, and what it means to build something from pure necessity. https://www.onigirikororin.com/…
One meal at Franklin Barbecue lit a fire in Charles Wong that spreadsheets never could. Since then, he's been quietly building something special — Texas-style BBQ layered with Chinese and Vietnamese heritage, served up through pop-ups and residencies that turned first-time customers into loyal community. After a heartbreaking near-miss on a food hall space, Charles regrouped, reflected, and set…
What if the most powerful thing you could say to someone wasn't advice — it was I believe you ? We sat down with Holley Brandchaft-White, licensed clinical social worker, former Lurie Children's Hospital ED clinician, and co-founder of SHFT Behavioral Health — Chicago's first mental health urgent care center for young people and families. Returning guest Steph Krim of Good Things Vending joins as…
Tony is back for round three! He was on the show five years ago when he was just establishing the professor pizza brand and three years ago when he partnered with the Atomic Hospitality group to provide his pizza on a rooftop in west loop. Since then, he's been approaching two years with the 50/50 hospitality group at their old town location. He just opened a slice shop in west town as well as in…
Our next guests are the dynamic duo behind AB Law. Despite being located on the north side of the city, they are helping individuals experiencing a variety of hardship obtain legal status across the country. Their friendship was formed while working together at a restaurant and blossomed into a partnership after working at two law firms previously. We reflect on their personal ties to immigration…
Our next guests are riding the wave of aloha washing over the chicagoland area. They are the yin to each other’s yang. We reflect on the various iterations these lunch plates have taken from pop up tents and food trucks to their first brick and mortar in Highwood, IL. Today, they’re opening their second location in South Loop near the Sears Tower. Congrats friends. Please enjoy my conversation…
Our next guest is the owner of Ragadan and A Pizza Pie in Uptown. He reflects on his family’s journey to Oklahoma City from Amman, Jordan. It’s not too often you find a joint that serves great burgers and falafel. Despite the fast casual nature of his restaurants, he’d like to find a way to bring more traditional Jordanian dishes like mansaf to the community. The question is what it’s going to…