Sip With Me

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 ne...

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,...

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 i...

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 in...

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...

“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 masterpie...

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. T...

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 e...

“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...

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 creat...

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 Corrid...

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...

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 wha...

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 foll...

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-...

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 mis...

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, o...

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 ha...

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 s...

The Chicago Literary Salon is an upscale, ticketed author event series where book lovers gather for cocktails & conversation with writers at the heart of today’s literary scene. Created by Ashley Hasty, the innovative concept has grown a loyal following and featured authors both local and nationally best selling. We sat down for our own conversation with Ashley about her background and where the i...

Find your 2026 Aura with us at Aura Candle Bar! Founded in 2020 by Tom and Linda Pendrey, this transformative candle bar has differentiated itself and garnered a loyal following of repeat customers from around the world. Featuring over 100 fragrance options and scent consultants who will teach you the science behind fragrance and fire, you will leave this experience, literally feeling enlightened!...

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 than...

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 capt...

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...

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 tre...