Left at the Light

This time I'm inside the Dole Mansion to talk about the Dole Mansion!  Erin and Katie tell me about the history of the Dole.  We also get into how they are keeping the Dole a great destination for the people of Crystal Lake but also beyond.  Learn all about this unique destination located right in our beautiful city in the northwest burbs. "Left at the Light" Theme Written by Chris...

I get the lowdown on Karen Shook as we talk about how she turned her love for music into a career.  Stick around to the end of the episode to hear Karen perform.  If you like what your hear check her out on her socials listed below.  I am also including a link to her latest album on Spotify. karenshook.com "Live Your Dream" Performed by Karen Shook Moodswings Part 17 "Left at the Li...

Sit back and listen to why Tony's Cafe has created it's own story from love to owning and running a business.  Tony's has created it's own family from all the customers to it's crew of talented people. "Left at the Light" Theme Written by Chris Riccardo riccardo.chris@gmail.com Chris Riccardo - Guitar, Handclaps, Percussion, Mandolin Jennifer Cundiff - Vocals Pea Munny - Bass, Percussion Reco...

I get the story of Your True Note from Cassandra.  We talk about her background in singing, performing and how it led her to starting Your True Note in Woodstock.  Be careful around the 14 minute mark as she shows off her opera singing pipes! "Left at the Light" Theme Written by Chris Riccardo riccardo.chris@gmail.com Chris Riccardo - Guitar, Handclaps, Percussion, Mandolin Jennifer Cund...

I go inside the Raue Center and get to learn the history of the Raue.  Richard and I talk about some of the greats that have been on the stage as well as smaller local acts.  I learn what it takes to keep it going including all the amazing volunteers and they work they do.  The Raue is one of the gems that make this area very special. "Left at the Light" Theme Written by Chris Ricca...

I chat over Zoom for a second time with Melissa.  This time we talk about Real Woodstock and she tells me exactly what it is and what it does.  This is a great look into Woodstock as a whole.  It's a great community and full of fun things to do as well as great businesses.  Woodstock is a great supporter of the podcast and I appreciate their involvement.  Enjoy the season...

I climb into the tiny work space of a food truck and talk to the owner Shauna.  We discuss the big question of why a food truck and more importantly why balls.  I left with balls to-go and I absolutely will be back for more.  Check out their Facebook page to find out where they will be next. "Left at the Light" Theme Written by Chris Riccardo riccardo.chris@gmail.com Chris Riccardo...

In this episode I sit down and talk some Yoga and many other things with Dayna Booker.  We get into how it all got started and how it evolved into having her own studio.  Dayna is especially good for new students to learn.  So go and sign up for some Yoga classes today. "Left at the Light" Theme Written by Chris Riccardo riccardo.chris@gmail.com Chris Riccardo - Guitar, Handclaps, P...

This time I get to taste just about everything Spirit Water has to offer.  Sit down and relax with this one while Tim tells us all about how Spirit Water came to be and some family history that brought us here.  This was a fun one to listen to and drink to.  Cheers! "Left at the Light" Theme Written by Chris Riccardo riccardo.chris@gmail.com Chris Riccardo - Guitar, Handclaps, Percu...

In this episode I talk to Chef Will at Below Zero.  Below Zero is a maker of soft serve machine that you can mix with any type of alcohol.  You can find it at a bunch of different places around McHenry County and I highly recommend you try it.  Give the episode a listen and find out how they do and where you can try it. "Left at the Light" Theme Written by Chris Riccardo riccardo.ch...

I head back to the Woodstock Square and talk to Ken at Material Things.  Material Things is a great way to support a local business and local artisans.  Ken tells me all about his interested and how Material Things got started.  It is a great story that you are certain to enjoy.  Check them out on Facebook or their website to see what they offer. http://www.materialthingsartisa...

Bonus episode!  I talk to one of the authors of "Who Killed Kelsey?" and CASA of McHenry County.  In the first half Britten tells me about her experience as a reporter and about how she followed the story that eventually led to the book.  Then in the second half of the episode Becky tells me about what CASA is and how it is there to help children with a vision of getting kids back to the parent.  ...

I get a chance to talk to Nancy and Shannon from Hattie & Myrt.  They are located on the historic Woodstock Square.  Hear how they ended up there, and how they got their name.  Don't forget to stop in and do some holiday shopping.  They do wrap! Email me at leftatthelightpod@gmail.com "Left at the Light" Theme Written by Chris Riccardo riccardo.chris@gmail.com Chris Riccard...

I sit down with Jen and Chris from Sucker Punch and learn how they started a band.  I get some insight in what it takes to put on shows and keep perform onstage in front of a crowd... or sometimes not.  I get to ask about their musical influences and what songs they love to perform.  Listen all the way to the end to hear the duo play "Me and Bobby McGee". Email me at leftatthelightp...

I head out to the Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake.  Inside the Dole I got a chance to see Joe Diamond's show "Mystic".  It was a pretty informational, interesting and exciting show.  I can honestly say I was impressed by the talent of Joe and enjoyed his storytelling.  We discuss how he got an interest in magic and hot it became a popular show in McHenry County.  Be sure to f...

I recently had the opportunity to talk with Retired Lt. Col. Ryan Yantis.  It was a chance I couldn't pass up even though the current season of the podcast had finished.  I decided considering that we are coming up on the 20 year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that the episode should be rushed out and not wait for the next season to begin.  I cannot begin to explain my gratitude to...

Season 2 Finale!  I chat with our sponsor McHenry County Living!  Erica and I sit down inside Mookie's in Crystal Lake.  Erica gives me all the details on how this all started.  We talked way back in May so I'm sure a few things are different but the story of MCL is still the same.  Learn about what it takes to build a website, a county history and a newsletter for people...

In this episode I chat with Tom about Studio D Jewelers in Woodstock.  Tom educates me on what he does to create the pieces he sells.  I also get to learn his path to building Studio D.  Sit back and listen about how he gets his gems.  It's a pretty interesting story.  I hope you enjoy this one like I will on my daily commute. Email me to tell me about who you want to hear...

I head out to McHenry to talk with Doug from Big Kid Powersports.  If you have had the chance to talk with Doug you will know that he is a big kid.  Doug is the kind of guy when you first meet him you feel like you've known him forever.  Doug is a fun conversation and apparently a big social media guy but you would never guess it.  I enjoyed talking with him and hope to run int...

I got an email months ago from a local author who asked me if I had any interest in talk to her about her book.  Of course I said yes because this podcast is all about supporting the community.  While we focus on businesses I thought this would be fun to do.  We had a great conversation about the book and her life leading up to writing.  The conversation went on for longer than...

In this episode I got to talk to long time employee Patrick.  When I spoke to Dan, the owner, he said Patrick had the most knowledge of the store's history since it had changed ownership a couple times.  The store goes out of it's way to make sure that they give the best care to the pets they sell.  They also do a great job of informing their customers how to take care of the animal...

This episode I had to the pleasure to talk to Andrew "Roo" Yori.  Roo is a competitor on American Ninja Warrior, founder of Wallace the Pitbull Foundation, and a Crystal Lake Central graduate.  Hear the story of how he got one of the dogs from the Michael Vick case.  How he got on American Ninja Warrior and his tireless effort for pitbulls.  Be sure to check out Roo on American Ninja Warrior! Wall...

I sit down with Chrissy from Dancepiration to learn all about what it takes to start and run a dance studio.  I am a parent of a former and current student.  You'll get to hear from my youngest as she gets the honor of asking the first question.  The families and students have been such a huge part in the studio.  Take a listen and hear what a great studio Chrissy has built. Ch...

For the first time I get the chance to interview 3 people at once.  I speak to Crystal, Melissa and Theo and they tell me about Woodstock Pride Fest.  The event is held every year and will be held on June 13th.  Listen to what goes into putting it all together before heading to the Woodstock square.  I look forward to seeing you there! Questions? Comments? Email me at leftathel...

This week I talk with Justin at Waysound.  Justin recorded our chat in his studio.  It was a pretty cool experience for me and a lot of fun.  I sincerely hope you enjoyed this conversation.  We talked about all the things Waysound can do and who he has worked with.  One of those is a current American Idol Contestant. Email me at leftatthelightpod@gmail.com with suggestions...