The Jen Z Podcast

If you grew up in Highwood or the neighboring communities, you definitely know Buffo's pizza is a staple in the town! But did you know pizza wasn't even the first item on the menu when they opened in 1977? And where the name "Buffo's" came from? Well, you'll have to listen to find out!! I sat down with the infamous owner, Lenny Innocenzi, to hear how he started such a successful business and kept...

My good friends, local business owners and the last four of the "Old School Highwood Chamber Crew", get together to reminisce. We talk about growing up in Highwood, our businesses, events and why people love coming here and have chosen to stay! This fabulous crew includes Tom Garrity, owner of "The Toadstool Pub", Walter Parenti, owner of "Core Advisors" and Dominic Ugolini, owner of "Beck's Heati...

I finally convinced one of my dear friends, the one and only Ivan Tosi, to share his story and journey about living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT Syndrome), an inherited nerve defect that causes abnormalities in the nerves that supply your feet, legs, hands, and arms. Even though Ivan has lived most of his life in a wheelchair and endured physical challenges, he is one of the most positive...

That's the motto of the classic and much loved Highwood Diner, "Sandys"! I sat down with the current owner and daughter of the late Sandy Suckow, Darcy Mosconi. Darcy shares the story and history behind the local gem, which was originally named "Virginia's" after the first owner, Virginia Menicucci. The restaurant has been around since 1962, Sandy having dedicated 51 years of her life between work...

The amazing local artist, Jim Brandonisio, better known as "Brando", joins me to talk about his 46-year career in the world of art. Everyone knows Brando, and just hanging out in downtown Highwood and Highland Park you can see several businesses showcasing his signature artwork, along with many company and vintage vehicles that drive by. Brando is self-taught and a natural born talent, with the cr...

It was an absolute privilege to have my dear friend, Patti Vasquez, on my podcast!  Talk about role reversal! Patti opens up about the evolution of her career, from stand-up comedy to radio host to running for State Rep for the 19th District. Patti also shares some intimate details about her life, family and one of her most important roles, motherhood. Through it all, Patti has always remained aut...

Eight-time Emmy Winning Director, Producer & Documentary Filmmaker, Nicolas DeGrazia, joins me in a wonderful conversation about helping people deliver and communicate their stories through video. Nic wears a lot of hats in the creative arts world! His biggest roles include partner at "Bitter Jester Studios", founder & producer of the "Bitter Jester Music Festival" and writer, director & actor at...

Small business owners, this ones for you! The wonderful Tanya Fretheim, owner of Street Level Studio in Highwood, shares her expertise and insight, shedding light on some key areas of focus for successful marketing and branding strategies! The team at SLS is a one stop shop, offering help in brand strategy, website development, multi-channel marketing, video production & analytics. Not to mention,...

Kati Deutschle, co-founder of emBorrow, joins me to share her personal journey that began with inquiring about freezing eggs, going through IVF and currently continuing through the process to one day becoming a mom. Kati knows firsthand the costs that come with fertility treatments and family planning, and saw how many women, men and parents had to give up on their dreams to have children, simply...

Tom Boy? Femme Girl? Ambition Chaser? Feminine Yin Softness? The power of each of these qualities & how women respect them (or don't) amongst each other, is our hot topic today! The lovely Almine Barton joins me this second time around to help examine all facets of the female species. We are both huge advocates for women empowering other women, and try our best to lead by example, but we witness a...

Patricia Galli, and daughter Tatiana Galli, join me for a lovely conversation discussing the foundation of their 43 year old family run business, Pastificio. "Family is everything - my life, the air I breathe, my reason for living…" -Pat Galli. We talk about the story of Pastificio, all the wonderful Italian goods & food services they offer, along with what's to come. Their mission has always been...

This one is for all the gents out there, but an important and informative episode for men and women to listen to! We all have men in our lives that we love! Dr. Andrew Winge, Emergency Medicine and Primary Physician at Oregon Man Clinics out of Bend, Oregon,  shares his knowledge about the most common diseases, hormonal optimization, health concerns and symptoms men should know about! Dr. Andrew s...

Anne Johnsos and Tracy Weiner are a fabulous dynamic duo!  Not only are they podcast co-hosts, but they met working in radio, became best friends and experienced motherhood pretty much at the same time. They created the uh-parent-ly podcast for absolutely average parents!  We talk about some of their favorite episodes & guests, tips and lessons learned through their own life experience and how the...

Discussing the benefits of massage, yoga and meditation with the fabulous Tania Hughes. Learn about the significant impact this trio can have on your life, not only physically, but mentally!  Tania gives some great tips on how to start your own daily practice and how to breathe properly, especially when we need some stress-relief fast! Incorporating self-care into our lives is definitely something...

Everyone has a different idea of "zen" and what a stress free vacation looks like. Travel expert, Jeannene Tornatore, joins me to discuss all your different options and how to decide what is best for you!  She shares advice on some great places to go and gives us awesome tips on taking the stress out of planning your vacation! Follow her on social media @theoutisdeinsider and check out her sight a...

Gastroenterologist, Dr. Daksesh Patel, joins me to discuss all things in the gut!  The gut is known as the "second brain" of our body, so I feel it's important we dive in to learn everything about it!  What our poop should look like, what symptoms to look out for, how food sensitivities can affect us, probiotics and so much more!  You do not want to miss out on this very informative episode! Dr. P...

2016 Silver Medal Judo Olympian & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black belt, Travis Stevens, joins me to discuss his three time journey to the Olympics, his training, mindset, perseverance, how it all started and so much more! Travis gives us insight and a small glimpse into the world of being an athlete at the Olympic level and the dedication it truly takes!  We also discuss his life now and all his busines...

Marisa Moon, one of the hosts of the "Foundation of Wellness" Podcast, joins me to discuss all things nutrition, food trends, sensitivities, choosing the best way of eating for you, intermittent fasting & so much more.  Marisa is a certified Primal Health Coach, specializing in Intermittent Fasting. She has so much knowledge and experience through her own personal journey and helping others. Check...

Amazon superwoman, Chinese Medicine Queen, Nutrition & Fitness Guru, Jiu-Jitsu Lover, Nature girl and Rock & Ice climber, Almine Barton, gives us a glimpse into the world of climbing.  Almine is definitely a jack of all trades and a true symbol of female empowerment, but today she shares her expertise and opens up about her 14 year journey in climbing. She talks about all the different types of cl...

Our fabulous regular guest,  Gynecologist Dr. Nicky Alliowe, joins me today to talk about the very real feelings that parents, new moms especially, can experience postpartum.  We discuss the mental and physical side effects of giving birth and adjusting to life with a newborn baby. While it is so exciting and a blessing to welcome a new life into the world, the struggle is real and not often talke...

Chicago based tattoo & traditional artist, Louis Barak, joins the conversation to talk about how the world of tattooing has evolved and how more people of all walks of life are getting tattoos as a form of healing, remembrance, self-expression & creativity.  The culture has totally changed and is more respected as an actual art form that is a collaborative effort with client and artist. Louis talk...

Brown belt jiu-jitsu athlete, Lindsey "Tiny" Boston, joins me to share her personal story of sexual assault when she was 15 years old.  Lindsey kept her assault to herself for almost 20 years. It wasn't until she stumbled upon a jiu-jitsu class, where she was forced to start facing and dealing with her emotions from that life altering event.  We discuss her journey and how jiu-jitsu and opening up...

Matt Lancor, founder of the Chicago based kombucha company, Komuchade, joins me to explain what exactly kombucha is, its benefits and the process. Their mission is to create the cleanest, organic and pure probiotic sports drinks designed for athletes and health-conscious creatives. Low in sugar, no extras and no artificial flavors, this is truly the best Kombucha I've ever tasted. Matt is an Engin...

Erica Hornthal, founder and CEO of Chicago Dance Therapy in Northfield, joins the conversation to share how dance & movement can be utilized as a great tool in therapy and using movement to understand how we feel. And you DO NOT need to be a good dancer. Erica is a licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and has taken on the title of "The Therapist that Moves You". Her areas of expertise include...

Erin Herle is not only an amazing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blackbelt athlete and teacher, but she created the NPO "Submit the Stigma" to be an advocate and spread awareness about mental health issues. Erin and her family have personally been affected by mental health, and jiu-jitsu has been one of her main tools to cope. 1 in 5 adults experiences mental illness in a given year. It is crucial we talk ab...