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Sip With Me

A weekly podcast that’s mixed, shaken and stirred to perfection. We interview small businesses and content creators who share their inspiring stories!

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Today · 39 min
Weber Grill Restaurant
We’re grilling up something special with our friends at Weber Grill Restaurants! As both a science and an art, the folks here have perfected offering a super unique culinary experience at their five restaurant locations. COO Jon Crost shares the history of George Stephen’s Weber Grill and how George’s work on fishing buoys led to his idea for a revolutionary type of grill. Hear about the first Weber restaurant and why using Weber Grills in the kitchen offers diners a one-of-a-kind flavor profile at every meal. Jon even tells us about one of the entrees that surprises guests- Grilled Meatloaf!! We talk Weber’s cooking classes and Jon describes why there is so much to learn, both for novice and professional grillers. From learning to utilize low/high heat zones to discovering a new cut of sweet potato, we became pros in the “perfect burger” class we took! Grill up rapid fire to end, learning Jon’s favorite grill tip and a Chicago-inspired fun fact about Weber! Take a class at the link below and visit one of their restaurants, including the newly opened Orland Park location at 14210 LaGrange Road! MENU & LOCATIONS: https://webergrillrestaurant.com/ TAKE A CLASS: https://webergrillrestaurant.com/cooking-classes/ ebergrillrestaurant.com/ TAKE A CLASS: https://webergrillrestaurant.com/cooking-classes/
Wednesday · 30 min
Past, Present, Pinball: The Story of Stern Pinball
We can’t quite pin it, but there’s something very special about this week’s episode! Tour the Stern Pinball headquarters with us to hear from the world‘s largest pinball manufacturer about the nostalgic game! We had no clue so much of the game’s history ties right back to Chicago! Zach Sharpe, Senior Vice President of Marketing and also one of the top players in the world, converted us into the newest pinheads after everything we learned! He shared pinball history, including how decades ago, pinball became illegal! Luckily, his father played a pivotal role in getting that overturned! We also trace back the roots of Stern to a father & son who helped the game evolve and become the beloved worldwide activity it is today. Zach walks through the creative process of licensing an intellectual property and eventually crafting that into a pinball machine! From rock bands to cartoons, they’ve been trusted with some of the most iconic IP on the planet. We talk pinball trends and the evolution of tech used in the machines, including “Insider Connected”, Stern’s platform that allows you to track achievements, find pinball machines near you, and extend your gaming experience. We end with rapid fire, learning some of Zach’s favorite machines and his favorite element in a game! WEBSITE: https://www.sternpinball.com/ SHOP: https://shop.sternpinball.com/collections/games BECOME AN INSIDER: https://insider.sternpinball.com/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sternpinball/
October 29 · 36 min
Who owns Spirit Halloween & Burger King takes on Boo Buckets
We carve up your most nostalgic Halloween traditions and teach you a thing or two about America’s spooky season rituals. Burger King is coming for McDonald’s! Plus, the shocking truth behind who owns Spirit Halloween. Did you know the original 3 Musketeers had 3 flavors in a bar? We talk candy history. And, our blunt opinion on modern day trick-or-treating, which includes more trunks than treats, and lacks the old school pillow case candy sack! Happy Halloween to all the houses that give out full-size chocolate bars!
October 19 · 31 min
The Wiener's Circle
No f*cking ketchup on this podcast episode! Welcome to the world’s most iconic hot dog joint, The Wiener’s Circle! Sit down with Operations Manager, Emma Kreis, to talk about the juicy history of this local joint and how their famous employee sass became a central part of the dining experience. We dig into the menu and hear stories about what it’s like to train for the unique role of hot dog and insult slinger. Discover the story behind some of their viral pop culture moments, including how they come up with phrases for their marquee. Plus- you can rent the marquee and their patio! We end with a round of rapid fire, learning Emma‘s favorite hot dog topping and someone she’d love to host (hint, it’s Lady Gaga). Thank you to everyone who hosted us and trained us to work a shift! We were welcomed in like family and it was so therapeutic to hurl F-bombs at complete strangers. VISIT AT 2622 N Clark MENU: https://www.wienerscirclechicago.com/menu EVENT AND MARQUEE BOOKINGS: https://www.wienerscirclechicago.com/events INSTAGRAM: @wienerscircle
October 12 · 35 min
62nd Chicago International Film Festival
Lights, camera, CHICAGO! We’re rolling out the red carpet for the 62nd Chicago International Film Festival! Running October 14–25, North America’s longest-running competitive film festival once again brings filmmakers and movie lovers from around the world to enjoy global & local storytelling. We sat down with CIFF Programmers Sophie Gordon and Nicola McCafferty. Get an inside look at what went into curating this year’s lineup and the films they’re most excited about. We also dive into the Festival’s more than 60-year history and how it has evolved with the moving picture. Plus, we highlight how the festival boosts local filmmakers and communities. We end with their favorite movie snacks, most-watched films, and dream red carpet encounter! LEARN MORE: https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/ SCREENING & EVENT CALENDAR: https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/events/ FOLLOW ON SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/chifilmfest/
October 6 · 25 min
13th Floor Haunted House Chicago
Spooky season is extra spooky this year at 13th Floor Haunted House Chicago! The massive Schiller Park experience returns for the 2026 season with two nightmares waiting inside: Black Hollow Institute and The Woman in White! We sat down with Production Artist Dani Panek to learn what it takes to create a haunted house from the graveyard ground up. Go behind the scenes to discover how actors learn the art of the scare and what happens inside when the guests are gone! Hear about the two storylines guests will experience this year and discover why going through a haunted house can actually be therapeutic! Plus, her pro tips for first timers. We end with spooky rapid fire learning her favorite Halloween movie and her dream theme for a haunted room! Open now select nights through November 8th! Get your tickets below! TICKETS: https://13thfloorchicago.com/ 13th FLOOR INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/13thFloorChicago/ FOLLOW DANI: https://www.instagram.com/danipanik?stkn=ZmxudWdsaml2d2tw
September 29 · 29 min
Professional Pumpkin Carver, Adam Bierton
“Professional Pumpkin Carver” is probably the coolest job title you could ever put on your LikedIn! This week, we met America’s Premier Pumpkin Carver, Adam Bierton! Well known for winning his season of Food Network’s “Halloween Wars”, Adam has mastered one of the coolest art forms out there! We got to know how he fell in love with carving and what the process is like to actually carve a masterpiece. From picking the right pumpkin to knowing your tools, he shares some very helpful tips and tricks that all of us at home can utilize! Learn about several methods of carving and how to approach each design. Plus, he shares some of his famous brand partnerships with us! Carving into a round of rapid fire to end the episode, Adam shares a little known fun fact about canned pumpkin and tells us one design he would love to make! WEBSITE: https://www.adambierton.com/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/adambierton/?hl=en TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@adambierton
September 14 · 34 min
Cheese & Chocolate: Fall’s Perfect Pair with Vosges Haut-Chocolat
Every fall, we welcome the two major food groups into our homes: Chocolate & Cheese! We fell in love with Vosges Haut-Chocolat after our Smashing Pumpkins interview last year (linked below)! This year, we are literally falling for them again as we explore their innovative fall collection! We sat down at the luxurious chocolate temple to discuss their exploration of chocolate and cheese pairings. They walk us through their Rogue Creamery Cheese and Chocolate Gift Set while explaining some of the food science behind why the two pair so well. Learn about why Rogue’s “River Blue” Blue Cheese pairs perfectly with hand rolled chocolate ganache. Plus, we taste some super flavorful Halloween chocolate skulls and get a lil’ peak of what’s to come in the 2026 Christmas Advent Calendar! Rapid fire ends the episode, finding out their favorite chocolate/cheese combination, as well the flavor pairing that surprised them the most! Shop the Rogue collaboration and their other chocolate & cheese pairings now! CHOCOLATE AND CHEESE: https://www.vosgeschocolate.com/collections/fall-favorites ROGUE CREAMERY: https://www.vosgeschocolate.com/products/rogue-creamery-x-vosges-cheese-chocolate-gift-set ADVENT CALENDAR: https://www.vosgeschocolate.com/products/a-chocolate-calendar-of-advent https://www.vosgeschocolate.com/pages/limited-edition-calendar-of-advent OUR 2025 INTERVIEW AT VOSGES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sip-with-me/id1522224564?i=1000736271033
September 9 · 31 min
Printers Row Lit Fest
Book lovers rejoice- Printers Row Lit Fest is back for its 41st year! The iconic, free event takes over several city blocks with books, authors, speakers, and more! We sat down with Director of Programming, Amy Danzer, to hear about this year’s highlights and her tips for first-timers! She talks about the history of the event and how the literature world comes together each year to give voice to emerging authors and ideas. Hear why the fest is the perfect medicine for those looking to connect with others and slow down in our fast-paced world. We end with rapid fire, in which Amy explains why re-reading a book can be like reading it for the first time. Plus, she shares why she might prefer paperback to hardcover! EVENT INFO The 2026 Printers Row Lit Fest is set for Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13, 10AM – 6PM. This FREE event takes place on the streets of South Dearborn, from Ida B Wells to Polk St, Chicago, IL. Come Rain or Shine! https://printersrowlitfest.org/
August 18 · 31 min
Chicago School of Shoemaking and Leather Arts
“A New School for an old craft”! That’s how Chicago School of Shoemaking and Leather Arts has created a space for the timeless & historically important craft of leatherwork and shoemaking. Right here in Chicago you can make your own shoes, bags, belts, and more! We sat down with Manager Deborah Janssens and Marketing Manager Leah Zimmerman, both of whom also teach, to hear Sara McIntosh’s founding story and how years in New Mexico eventually led to the school’s opening here. We talk “why leather” and what about it makes artists get so addicted! Hear about their classes, both for beginners like us and seasoned artists who use the studio to develop skills. We chat about the history of shoes and why making your own is good for the planet and your soul. We end with rapid fire, learning their favorite leather goods and what’s trending right now! USE CODE “SIP15” FOR 15% OFF A LEATHER WORK 101 CLASS! LEATHER WORK 101: https://chicagoschoolofshoemaking.com/leather-work-101/ INFO: https://chicagoschoolofshoemaking.com/ INSTAGRAM: @leatherschoolchicago
August 11 · 26 min
F1® Arcade Chicago
Go! Go! Go! Visit the new F1® Arcade in Chicago’s River North! The popular racing experience and social gaming venue has arrived in Chicago! Featuring the fuel you need to rev your engines and the competitive fun Chicago loves, the Arcade is action-packed and ready to be your next pit stop. We sat down with Liz Norris, VP of Launch Strategy, to discuss the experience. She talks about concept creation and why they chose Chicago as their next home. Hear about their top-of-the-line simulators, which allow you to be fully immersed and driving on some of the most famous tracks in the world. We talk the tech and how even first-time drivers like us can become accomplished racers! Race your friends or compete in groups for points- it’s going to get competitive either way… Liz also walks us through their amazing menu, which features cocktails like the “Flame & Glory” and “Welcome to Miami”. Plus, they have a “Designated Driver” mocktail section which features drinks like the “Pit Lane Perk” and “Circuit Bloom”. The food is incredible too, we recommend The Grand Trio Mini Hotdog Flight or the Chipotle Tiger Shrimp Tacos. We end with rapid fire, learning Liz’s favorite track and race car! Arcade opens August 14! Located at 1 W Grand Ave. BOOK: https://f1arcade.com/us/booking/venue/chicago WEBSITE/MENUS: https://f1arcade.com/us/chicago
June 22 · 32 min
100 Years of Route 66 and Summer Travel with Heritage Corridor Destinations
Right in Chicago’s backyard is a corridor of history, beauty, and endless local charm. Home to the first 100 miles of Route 66, the I&M Canal, and the famous Starved Rock- the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Area spans multiple counties going south and west of the city. In fact, it’s the very first National Heritage Area in the country! We sat down with our friends at Heritage Corridor Destinations to discover all the area has to offer, including great road trip ideas, summer fun, and of course, food for Aaron and antiquing for Ioanna! Discover the history of Route 66 and how the I&M Canal shaped so much of the development in and around Chicago. Plus, we talk about why towns in the corridor offer so much charm and hear all about some amazing food, beer, and shopping options! We end with rapid fire, during which we discover their favorite season in the corridor and what kind of day trip they would plan for us! PLAN A TRIP: https://www.hcdestinations.com/ ROUTE 66: https://www.hcdestinations.com/route-66 DINING: https://www.hcdestinations.com/Canal-Food-and-Drink SHOPPING: https://www.hcdestinations.com/Canal-Shop VISITORS GUIDE: https://www.hcdestinations.com/Request-Info
May 28 · 33 min
Brokeback Mountain at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
We wish we knew how to quit you, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre! In our 2nd interview at the iconic institution, we talk their season-ending stunner, Brokeback Mountain. Directed by Jonathan Butterell and starring Harrison Ball (former principal dancer at the New York City Ballet) as Ennis Del Mar and Jack Cameron Kay (Netflix’s Boots, Club Kid) as Jack Twist, the show features a live Country Western band on stage and emotional connection you’ll feel from your seat. Harrison & Jack tell us about the show and what fans of the story can expect from this production. Discover why this show, that many know in short story or movie form, works so well on stage. We hear about how they connect with their characters and why the story resonates with them personally. With fascinating backgrounds that include world-class ballet, Julliard, and Netflix, we hear how they both incorporate training from other disciplines into their stage performance. We end with rapid fire, learning their dressing room must-haves and pre-show rituals! Show runs through June 28! Tickets below. TICKETS: https://www.chicagoshakes.com/productions/2526-brokeback-mountain/ CST SEASON 40 PREVIEW: https://www.chicagoshakes.com/current-season/ HARRISON BALL: @_harrisonball_ JACK CAMERON KAY: @jackcameronkay
May 20 · 35 min
Vintage Frills
Vintage is the vibe these days, and this Chicago business owner does it with a pop of color! Welcome to Vintage Frills, the color-coordinated vintage store that’s got treasures galore! We sat down in-store with Owner/Operator, Jennifer Kelly, to hear her founding story, which includes a pink school bus and a lot of estate sales! Hear about why she color-coordinates, how she sources pieces, and what’s trending this year. She gives estate sale tips, talks how to tell what’s quality, and shares her dream of doing a Lollapalooza Pop-up! We end with a round of rapid fire, learning one of her most memorable finds and one piece she’s always on the hunt for! VISIT: 2846 N Milwaukee SHOP ONLINE: https://www.vintagefrillschicago.com/ INSTAGRAM: @vintagefrills
May 12 · 31 min
Schmackary's
Schmack dab in the middle of the big apple is New York’s hottest cookie shop, Schmackary’s! Known for having over 100 fun flavors and the cutest blue & white façade, this treat shop is anything but simple sugar. We sat down with Founder & Owner, Zachary Schmahl, to hear how he built his cookie empire from a small side-hustle in his tiny Manhattan apartment to a bi-coastal business with a cult following. Hear about how he develops new flavors and decides what is featured when he changes the menu every two weeks. Plus, he shares what’s trending the world of cookies and discusses why complex flavors are on the rise. We end with fresh baked rapid fire, learning Zachary’s favorite mix-in, a cookie flavored he developed that didn’t slap, and he describes our podcast as a cookie! You can visit Schmackary’s for cookies, bars, ice cream, coffee, and more at the locations below! SHIP NATIONWIDE: https://www.schmackarys.com/nationwide-ordering LOCATIONS: https://www.schmackarys.com/locations MENU: https://www.schmackarys.com/flavors INSTAGRAM: @schmackarys
April 27 · 23 min
Souvlaki GR
If Disney World’s Epcot had a Greek pavilion, this would be it 🇬🇷 Since Ioanna is from a Greek island, and also lived on the island of Manhattan, and Aaron married a New Yorker, we have high standards when it comes to our Greek food! This is the spot that never disappoints and will transport you out of the concrete jungle and into a Greek oasis. We sat down with first-generation Greek-American Co-Owner, Tina Plagos, to hear the incredible founding story of her NYC restaurant. Learn about their iconic blue doors and what makes their pita special! Hear how they created the “Souvlaki Pitza” and why they still get they get their meat from the butcher every single day. Tina shares what loyal customers can expect ahead for the restaurant & menu- they are at 3 NYC locations, a location in Florida’s Boynton Beach, and one in Panama City! Combined with their food trucks, there’s Greek food for everyone! We also pitch her on opening in Chicago! We end with rapid fire, during which Tina shares one of her favorite menu items, cool people she’s met dining, and what kind of Greek wine she likes! MENU & RESERVATIONS: https://www.souvlakigr.com/
March 26 · 35 min
Years Beer
Beer lovers have spent too many years without a worthy non-alcoholic option. Introducing Years, the revolutionary NA beer approved by Comedian & Years Co-Owner, John Mulaney! Meet Dan Abel, Co-Founder/CEO of Pilot Project Brewing & Years. We chat about how the NA beer was developed and what you can expect from their Original Pilsner, Classic Pale Ale, and Belgian Wit. There’s literally nothing missing from the taste, texture, and feel of these cold pours. Hear about their proprietary maltose-negative yeast and why their brew process is different from the rest. Plus, the story of how John Mulaney came into the fold! We also chat NA beer trends and what Dan is excited about for the year ahead (literally). We end with rapid fire, learning Dan’s favorite beer snack and one person he’d love to have a Years Beer with! SHOP: https://yearsbeer.com/ BREWING PROCESS: https://yearsbeer.com/pages/our-process SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/yearsbeer/
March 16 · 22 min
Velvet Taco
Let’s tacoBout the tacos that everybody is talking about! Fans love them for their globally-influenced fusions and we love them for their incredibly delicious flavors, such as Bacon Smashburger, Korean Fried Rice, and Chicken Tikka! Take a bite into this episode with CEO, Chris Schultz, whom fans of our foodie episodes may remember from our Voodoo Doughnut feature in 2024! He’s back in Chicago, opening Velvet Taco’s 57th store, right here in Wicker Park! The first 57 people in line on March 25th at the new store will get FREE TACOS FOR A MONTH! Chris tells us how this unique taco concept came to be and what’s behind the Velvet name. He walks us through the menu, highlighting popular items and their WTF Tacos (Weekly Taco Feature) which includes some of their most fun flavors! Hear about their expansion plans and a why they landed on Wicker for the newest opening! We end with rapid fire, asking Chris what flavor is trending, what he likes to drink with a taco, and he even describes us as a taco! Wicker Park opens March 25th at 1482 N Milwaukee Ave. ORDER/LOCATIONS: https://www.velvettaco.com/locations/ MENU: https://www.velvettaco.com/menu/ LOYALTY: https://www.velvettaco.com/the-velvet-room/
March 8 · 25 min
Sip With Me Awards: Celebrating 200 Episodes
Welcome to the Sip with Me Awards! In honor of our 200th episode, we are celebrating some of our favorite guests, businesses, and brands! Listen to find out our best behind-the-scenes story, who is most likely to become an A-List celebrity, and what brands we think will be the next big thing by 2027! Thank you to everyone who has listened and supported us over the last six years. We could not have made it to 200 without each of you. Cheers & Happy Sipping! Aaron & Ioanna AWARD WINNERS Best Behind-the-Scenes Story: Interviewing Carole Baskin in NYC Most Likely to become an A-List Celebrity: Artist Morgan St. Jean Best meal: Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse Guest Who Could Host the Show: Melissa Andre Guest Who Surprised Us the Most: Chicago Literary Salon Most Unfiltered Guest: Corinne Olympios from ABC’s The Bachelor & Holly Nichols Rising Star Brand: Local Style Chips & Years beer Most Mind-Blowing Conversation: HarvardSmithsonian Astrophysicist Jonathon McDonald Small Business to watch: October Cafe Most Replayed Episode: Lauren Paley Most Viral Moment: Sheena Melwani Rising Star Brand: Local Style Chips & Years beer Best New Discovery: Penguin Foot Pottery Best Advice Given: Noreen Heron- always be authentic and honest with your audience Best experience: Camp Wandawega Best show: Paranormal Activity at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre Best drama: Kimbyrleigha and the Anti-MLM Movement Each of our favorite episodes to do: Affy Tapple & Muriel Fahiron (Creator of Strawberry Shortcake and Care Bears)
February 2 · 41 min
America 250: Yellowstone National Park with Superintendent Cam Sholly
America is turning 250, and in America’s first national park, there’s so much to be proud of! Dreams can come true in this park, including Aaron getting engaged on the roof of a historic landmark (full story in the episode)! For its millions of annual visitors, Yellowstone National Park is a place of unity, beauty, and connection to mother nature, unrivaled by anything in the world. As our guest said, “it’s truly wild”. We sat down with Cam Sholly, Superintendent of Yellowstone, to talk about the importance of our National Park System. He shares some of the public benefits provided beyond their stunning views and majestic landscapes. Cam talks about his role in overseeing the country’s most popular national park and how his teams handle crowded summers, cold winters, and everything in between. We discuss the science and research that takes place in the park, including the study of a volcano that lies miles beneath much of the park! Cam also talks about the Park’s famous wildlife, including their famous bison, wolves, and bears. We end with a round of rapid fire, learning cam‘s favorite spot in the park, his favorite season, and some of the cool people he has met! VISIT: https://www.nps.gov/yell/ PARK PASS: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm ABOUT CAM: https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/management/bios.htm WILDLIFE: https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/wildlife.htm JOBS: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/workwithus.htm

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