Love Local Chicagoland

Join Jason from the Love Local Chicagoland podcast as he sits down with Elizabeth from Blessings in a Backpack Chicago and Frank from Spunky Dunkers to tackle the important issue of childhood hunger. In this episode, they share how these local organizations are teaming up to make a real difference—like creating a special donut to raise awareness and support their mission. Through heartfelt stories...

Join hosts Jason and Samir this Veterans Day as they shine a spotlight on the inspiring work of the Giving Group, featuring board member Liz Karsten. In this special episode, you’ll hear how their community initiatives support veterans, kids, and pets — including a heartfelt room remodel that brought comfort and care to a deserving veteran. You’ll also meet Mike Powers of Powers Painting and Decor...

In this edition of Local Talks , moderator Nicole Bolden guides a thoughtful conversation with panelists Raghu Sundara, Mary Liccardi, Karl Fay, Erin Chan Ding, and James Cheng as they explore what it means to find peace in the midst of life’s busyness and uncertainty. Together, they share personal stories, practical insights, and reflections on mindfulness, balance, and community connection. Whet...

Community advocate Justin O’Rourke joins Jason Stallard for a heart-to-heart conversation about what it means to create real, lasting impact in the Chicago area. Together, they explore how compassion and courage can drive powerful change through mental health advocacy, LGBTQ+ support, and immigrant solidarity. Justin shares his personal journey and the life lessons that inspire his work—reminding...

Join Jason on the Love Local Chicagoland podcast for an inspiring conversation with Tracy Drost, Mrs. Illinois, as she opens up about the heart and impact behind community service. From her beginnings as a stay-at-home mom to becoming a dedicated community leader, Tracy shares how simple acts of kindness can truly change lives. You’ll hear how she teaches kids the joy of giving back, why compassio...

In this episode, Jason Stallard sits down with Susan Caesar, Director of AI at the International Coaching Federation, for an honest and thought-provoking chat about the role of artificial intelligence in coaching. Together, they explore how AI can actually support coaches—helping them deepen human connections, inspire positive change, and make a real difference—without losing the personal touch th...

In this episode of Love Local Chicagoland, Jason sits down with local leaders to explore how community collaboration is making a real impact — especially through the Schaumburg Police Department’s new Quality of Life Room, a space designed to support first responders’ mental health and well-being. Samir shares how Vasco’s Care Day gives back to local nonprofits, while Raghu highlights how Always B...

This conversation with Josue Maciel invites us to look beyond headlines and political sound bites, uncovering how broad societal narratives can sometimes hide the very real, deeply human experiences behind them. Throughout the discussion, themes of immigration reform, justice, and compassion take center stage. Josue shares a powerful and heartfelt perspective on the immigrant experience—one filled...

This episode dives into the ups and downs of healing, the power of self-awareness, and why being true to ourselves matters so much in both personal growth and relationships. It’s a thoughtful guide for anyone longing to reconnect with their authentic self in the midst of life’s noise and distractions. Jennifer Mallo opens up about her own transformative journey, sharing how vital it is to process...

John Dobbins opens up about his incredible journey from a sudden health crisis to a powerful recovery. While training for a marathon, a COVID vaccine reaction led to myocarditis—pushing him into a difficult fight within a healthcare system that often felt broken. Along the way, John discovered just how important it is to be your own advocate and to make sure you have the right insurance in place....

Join us on the Love Local Chicagoland podcast as we sit down with the incredible Fatima Deenaz to explore the magic that happens when community meets authenticity. Fatima opens up about her inspiring journey from India to America and how discovering her “people” transformed not just her life, but her business too. She shares heartfelt insights on building your own table, nurturing real relationshi...

In this heartfelt episode of the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast, we invite you to pull up a chair and join us for a cozy fireside chat at Cook, Cork, and Fork in downtown Palatine. Together with community leaders and educators, we explore how collaboration and compassion are making a difference right here at home. The focus: tackling food insecurity among local schoolchildren, and the inspiring wa...

In this episode of Love Local Chicagoland , Jason Stallard and Dave Ficken dive into what true community transformation looks like. They explore how unity, engagement, and supportive networks can drive powerful urban renewal—highlighting the vital role Link Chicago plays in developing sustainable leadership. At the heart of their conversation is a simple but profound belief: every individual carri...

Jennifer Prell from Elderwerks joins Jason Stallard on the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast for a heartfelt conversation about the challenges and solutions in supporting our aging population. They talk about the importance of planning ahead for retirement, the gaps in resources available to seniors, and how Elderwerks helps older adults and their families navigate the often-overwhelming complexities...

Join Jason Stallard and Nicole Bolden Woodcox on the Love Local Chicagoland podcast as they dive into Local Talks: Finding Peace in Chaos, an upcoming panel event you will not want to miss. Nicole, who will serve as moderator, shares why these conversations are so important and how creating safe spaces helps us stay grounded in a fast-paced world. Together, they give listeners a preview of what to...

In this episode of  Love Local Chicagoland , host Jason Stallard welcomes Kimberly Dahlem, a transformative coach and author of  Pivoting with Grace . Kimberly shares her inspiring journey from working as an educator and facing the heartbreaking loss of her husband to creating a business devoted to helping others heal, grow, and find their voice. Throughout the conversation, Kimberly reflects on t...

Join Jason Stallard on the Love Local Chicagoland podcast as he hosts an enchanting and community-centered discussion with Megan O'Brien along with members of the Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF) and Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA). The conversation revolves around the importance and impact of local organizations, highlighting their valuable contributions to the comm...

In this episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason Stallard welcomes Quinette Hobson-Robb for an enlightening discussion on mental health's complexities. Quinette shares her compelling personal journey, revealing the profound impact of therapy, meditation, and other wellness tools in overcoming mental health challenges. Her authentic storytelling not only highlights the struggle but...

Join us for an insightful episode as we dive into the world of branding with Roxanne Rimmer, the visionary behind Hearts to Headlines. In this engaging discussion on the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Roxy shares her expertise in color psychology, emotional branding, and community building for nonprofits and small businesses. Discover how color and storytelling can transform a brand from being ju...

In this heartwarming episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason Stallard sits down with Cindy Eich, a compassionate mother and nonprofit leader whose life was significantly changed by the loss of her daughter, Kendall, to glioblastoma. Cindy shares the inspiring journey of how she transformed grief into purpose with the establishment of the Kendall Nicole Eich Foundation. The foundation...

In this thought-provoking episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason Stallard welcomes Jesse Rojo, a dedicated veteran and seasoned advocate for community involvement and policy action. The conversation dives deep into themes of hope, action, and community collaboration as essential elements for societal progress. Jesse emphasizes the power of unity and strategic involvement in shaping m...

In this engaging episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason Stallard welcomes Dave LoSavio, a reputable realtor and community leader, to delve into his inspiring journey of self-discovery and professional success. With a background in sales and a strong presence in the Schaumburg Business Association, Dave shares insights into his personal transformation, shedding light on the importance...

In this engaging episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason Stallard delves into a heartfelt conversation with real estate investor RJ De Leon. The episode uncovers RJ’s transformative journey through his diagnosis of Wilson's disease, exploring how such a life-altering event reshaped his perspective on success, wealth, and legacy. This insightful dialogue captures the essence of intenti...

In this riveting episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason Stallard sits down with Dana Roppo, a domestic violence survivor and founder of the "It Ends with Us Movement." The episode delves into Dana's harrowing experiences with domestic violence, her journey of healing, and how she has transformed her past traumas into a movement to support others. This episode provides an eye-opening...

In this episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason Stallard interviews Dave Cotterell, a retired firefighter turned entrepreneur. Dave shares his journey from a nearly 25-year career in the EMS to establishing Downers Grove CPR, a company committed to empowering businesses and their employees with life-saving skills. Jason delves into Dave's background, exploring how his experiences shap...