Dynasty Podcasts: Chicagoverse

Jon Gately and Angela Spadoni, Principals at  bKL Architecture , guest on Dynasty Podcasts to delve into a few of the design firm's noteworthy Chicago projects. Gately and Spadoni detail the vision and development behind the firm's work on projects like  Wolf Point West , The Dylan , and 300 N Michigan , and speak on how everything from amenities to reimagined work spaces impact their decision mak...

Jaime Black visits Atelier in Lincoln Square for an interview with the restaurant’s Executive Chef Bradyn Kawcak, Beverage Director Ali Martin, and Owner Tim Lacey. The Atelier team detail what went into the restaurant’s move to a larger location in 2025, and share how crowdfunding helped empower the move. The team also explains how the new, larger space allows Atelier to evolve and offer more to...

Dynasty Podcasts host Jaime Black visits Trino in the West Loop for an interview with restaurant partner Henry Mizhquiri and Chef Stephen Sandoval. Mizhquiri and Chef Stephen reflect on their culinary backgrounds and share how their respective paths led them to opening Trino. They detail the inspiration behind the cultural identity of Trino’s menu, reveal what sets a 5 Sueños concept apart, and ex...

Ted Novak, Partner & Managing Director at Clique Studios , guests on Dynasty Podcasts to speak on all things web design and user experience. Novak​ reflects on how the web experience has changed over the decades and shares why having a dedicated website is still essential in the age of AI, LLMs, and mobile apps. The web designer also details how initiatives like Clique University ​and Clique Labs...

Chef Jakob Peterson ​and restaurateur​ Steve Gogolab​ sit down with Dynasty Podcasts host Jaime Black at new Bucktown Italian steakhouse Dēliz ​. Gogolab​ and Chef Jakob reveal their respective culinary paths and share how they came together for the development of Dēliz​. The duo detail the quick turnaround involved in turning 1840 W North Ave​ from its previous concept (etta) into Dēliz​ in a mat...

Andrea and Anthony Vizzari, Founders at Strip Club Photobooth Studio , guest on Dynasty Podcasts to speak about their new photo booth business in Wicker Park. The co-founders detail their passion for vintage photo booths and share how they turned that into a business via A&A Studios . The married entrepreneurs also reveal how A&A Studios led to the opening of Strip Club Photobooth Studio, and offe...

Bill Jacobs, Founder at Piece Chicago , guests on Dynasty Podcasts to talk all things pizza and partnerships. Jacobs looks back on the early years of Piece, reflecting on how different Wicker Park was in the early 2000s, and shares as his take on bringing New Haven-style pizza to Chicago. The restaurateur also details the current Slice To Meet You promotion currently running at Piece, which suppor...

Creative multi-hyphenate Justin E Arnett - Graham guests on Dynasty Podcasts to detail his digital and experiential ventures across F&B and more, and explain his mission to center authentic community across everything he does. Arnett - Graham delves into his process and focus for the Terms of Service podcast , where he, along with co-host Nariba Shepherd , highlights talent from Chicago’s hospital...

Executive Chef Matt Ayala hosts Jaime Black at Francois Frankie  for a Dynasty Podcasts recording feet away from the restaurant's impressive rotating carousel bar. Chef Matt shares his beginnings in the restaurant industry and details how his experience working in fine dining realized his larger culinary ambitions. The Executive Chef also reveals how the restaurant's rotating carousel bar operates...

J​aime Black catches up with  Tyler Michael Balentine ​, Programmer/Curator​ at  Music Box Theatre ​ and  FACETS ​ and Host/Producer of  The Thursday Script ​ on  Que4 Radio , in an interview recorded in  Theatre 2  of the Music Box. Balentine​ delves into his film programming work and his focus on showcasing Black filmmakers and filmmakers of color on the big screen, including curating programmin...

​Jaime Black visits the home of Chef Andy Suarez for a deep dive into the world of a private chef. Chef Andy reveals the journey that led to him launching his own private cooking business, and shares the skills he gained along the way. Chef Andy also delves into the diversity of his culinary offerings, services, and clients, the latter of which includes cooking both on Lake Michigan and on land fo...

Jaime Black sits down with Tony Frausto, Partner @ Jōtō Sushi , to delve into the West Loop spot’s dry-aged offerings. Frausto details how his previous culinary industry experience, including time with the Boka Restaurant Group , impacted his current role at Jōtō Sushi. The restaurant partner also shares how Jōtō Sushi continues the spirit of Jinsei Motto and explains how CH Distillery paved the w...

Jaime Black connects with Nathan Graber-Lipperman, Writer and Publisher at Creator Mag and Founder at Powder Blue , for a deep dive on the creator economy. Graber-Lipperman details his beginnings in the worlds of social and media, recalling his time working with popular creator team Colin & Samir . The writer and publisher speaks on the origins of and motivations for launching his Creator Mag and...

Dynasty Podcasts host Jaime Black visits Kindling to interview Chef Jonathon Sawyer . Chef Sawyer speaks on bringing his vision and personality to dishes he’s passionate about at Kindling and his Sawyer’s Supper events, reveals how becoming happy with himself elevated both his personal and professional life, and shares why he looks for curiosity in his kitchen talent. The culinary professional als...

Jordan Engerman, Vice President of Partnerships at Choose Chicago , guests on Dynasty Podcasts to preview Choose Chicago’s Chicago Restaurant Week and the First Bites Bash . Engerman reveals what to expect from the First Bites Bash, the kick-off party for Chicago Restaurant Week happening January 22nd at the Field Museum , and shares why Chef Jonathon Sawyer from Kindling is the right choice for C...

Culinary entrepreneur Mindy Segal ​guests on Dynasty Podcasts in an interview recorded at Mindy’s Bakery ​. Segal ​​details her cooking and baking style, comparing it to a freeform method akin to jazz and improvisation, and reflects on how working in different kitchens in Chicago informed her own process. The bak​ing entrepreneur also ​reveals how the pandemic factored into the transition from her...

Dr. Aymar Jean “AJ” Escoffery , Co-Founder at OTV | Open Television and Professor and Director at the Master of Science in Leadership for Creative Enterprises and Margaret Walker Professor of Communication Studies at Northwestern University , guests on Dynasty Podcasts to talk independent media and creative entrepreneurship in higher ed. Dr. Escoffery offers a deep dive into Northwestern’s Master...

Leiah Breitfelder​ , founder of CLIQUEBAIT​ ​, guests on Dynasty Podcasts in an interview recorded at Blind Barber . Breitfelder​ details the mission of CLIQUEBAIT​, her event production company with an emphasis on showcasing and connecting creators in and beyond Chicago. The event producer also shares networking tips for introverts at her CLIQUEBAIT​ gatherings, and weighs in on why so many young...

Independent filmmaker Sam Hayes ​ guests on Dynasty Podcasts to dive into his directorial debut Pools . ​Hayes details the multi-year journey that went into the making of Pools , as well as speaking on the film’s cast and experiential promotional strategy. ​The director also shares stories from shooting Pools on location in Lake Forest,​ IL, and offers his advice for aspiring DIY filmmakers.

C​hicago journalist  Jesus J. Montero ​ guests on Dynasty Podcasts to delve into his impressive media career. Montero​ shares his thoughts on the state of independent journalism in 2025, as well as operating as an independent media producer in Chicago. He also details his approach to his community and activism​-focused journalism, ​a​nd speaks on balancing that with his cultural and entertainment-...

​Jaime Black visits  Dimmi Dimmi ​ to connect with Chef Matt Eckfeld​ over a plate of housemade cheese sticks. Eckfeld​ details the steps that led to opening his own concept in Lincoln Park after years in other kitchens and other locales. The chef also speaks on h​is approach to Chicago Italian, emphasizes Dimmi Dimmi​'s​ handmade pasta, and shares why it's important for the restaurant to be a wel...

Filmmaker Noah Guardado guests on Dynasty Podcasts to preview the  Loose Ends & Friends  indie film festival, happening Thursday, December 18th at the  Ramova Theatre . Guardado details his filmmaking origins and shares how the film festival came together. The director also previews the local filmmakers involved with the Loose Ends & Friends festival, and speaks to the feasibility of creating a sh...

Official in-game DJ at Chicago Sky and  Chicago Bulls concourse and atrium DJ Ca$h Era ( @djcashera ), helicopter camera operator Kamil Galimski ( @chiheliguy ), and digital and visual artist/photographer art.meder ( @art.meder ) come together for the second of two Monetizing Your Creative Career Dynasty Panelcasts events at  Chicago Athletic Association . The trio of panelists share how they deve...

Event producer Samantha Boehlen ( @boehlencuration ) and social creator Keez Carter ( @richoffimpact ) hold court for the first of two Monetizing Your Creative Career Dynasty Panelcasts events at Chicago Athletic Association . The two creatives reveal how they were able to turn their own entrepreneurial pursuits into professional ventures. Carter and Boehlen weigh in on how to price your creative...

Local Style Chips​ Founder Laura Gardner ​guests on Dynasty Podcasts to detail the origins of her Chicago-centric venture. Gardner​ speaks on the DIY approach behind Local Style Chips​, including visiting local businesses in person to pitch the snack line.​ She also reveals the process behind developing Chicago-centric flavors (Deep Dish Pizza, Chicago Hot Dog, Italian Beef, Hot Giardiniera, Class...