In My Hometown

In this episode, I sit down with Dustin O’Regan, Editor-in-Chief of Sheridan Road Magazine, to explore her inspiring journey into publishing and storytelling. Known as a true social connector or "pollinator" -- Dustin shares how her passion for important causes, celebrating women doing amazing things, discovering meaningful stories, and building community has shaped her career and her li...

I sit down with painter and installation artist and mom of 3 boys, Nicole Gordon to explore the moments and mentors that shape who we become. We talk about the lasting influence of teachers on our lives and trajectories, Nicole's unique artistic process, and decision to attend University of Michigan vs a small art school.  This is a conversation about creativity, guidance, and the unexpected...

On this week's episode I sit down with Julie and Lou Rubin— the husband-and-wife team behind Hometown Coffee & Juice - THE go-to-gathering spot with locations along Chicago's North Shore. If you’ve ever walked through their doors, you know it’s more than a cafe. It’s become the beating heart of every community it’s in—a place where people come together and everyone feels like a local...

In this episode of In My Hometown, host Jamie Stein sits down with Dan Ponce, WGV-TV Morning News anchor and founding member of the vocal group Straight No Chaser. Journalism runs deep in Dan's family -his father, Phil Ponce, former reporter and long-time host of show "Chicago Tonight" -and his brother Anthony also followed the path into reporting. Dan shares what it was like growin...

In the very first episode of In My Hometown, we sit down with Pascal Ibgui, owner of Pascal Pour Elle salon in Glencoe, IL and finalist from the first season of ABC's The Golden Bachelorette. Pascal shares how he built one of the Northshore's most iconic salons, lessons learned, and what it was like to swap his scissors for a rose on national TV.  It's a conversation full of style,...

In My Hometown is where we get into the business of our neighbors. Each episode spotlights the people who live and work next door - entrepreneurs, artists, leaders, and everyday people shaping our communities.  Host Jamie Stein sits down for thoughtful conversations about what they do, why they do it, their passions, purpose, challenges, and more.  Because the most inspiring stories aren't al...