Matt Liston is a passionate filmmaker from Chicago Heights, now residing in Los Angeles. He began his career with independent films like "Chasing October," blending documentary and scripted content, and has since worked on major projects, including collaborations with LeBron James. Matt remains deeply connected to Chicago, evident in his storytelling and ongoing projects.

In this episode, Matt and I discuss his journey from a Chicago sports enthusiast to a filmmaker in LA. They delve into his notable works, including the Cubs-themed "Chasing October" and his upcoming podcast, "Game Plan: The Wendell Brown Story." The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of documenting sports stories and the emotional impact of these projects.

Listeners interested in sports documentaries and filmmaking will find valuable insights into creating compelling sports narratives. Keywords such as "Chicago Cubs," "documentary filmmaking," "Wendell Brown story," and "sports activism" are woven throughout the episode, making it a rich resource for aspiring filmmakers and sports fans alike.

References:
- Chasing October
- Game Plan: The Wendell Brown Story
- Uninterrupted Presents "Mr. Impossible"

Potential Listener Questions:
1. What inspired Matt Liston's documentary "Chasing October" about the Chicago Cubs?
2. How did Matt Liston become involved in Wendell Brown's story?
3. What are the key challenges in creating sports documentaries according to Matt Liston?

Connect with Mike: https://linktr.ee/mtrlinks

"Born and raised in Chicago, I learned at a young age that community starts with us, the neighbors, made up of 77 communities, commitment, hard work and dedication. We're much more than just a second city. We are visionaries, we are creators, we are fans, we are friends, we are stories, stories that matter, like yours."

-Mike

Melissa and Joe are the passionate owners of Perkolator Coffee, a beloved coffee shop in Chicago's Portage Park neighborhood. Joe, a coffee aficionado since childhood, and Melissa, a former editor and local historian, combined their talents to create a community hub. Their journey from opening a vintage store to establishing Perkolator Coffee demonstrates their dedication to fostering community and their love for high-quality, hand-picked coffee.

In this episode, I'm taken to Coffee School by Melissa and Joe of Perkolator Coffee, as they discuss their incredible journey in the coffee business. They share their story of opening Perkolator Coffee, their experiences in the coffee industry, and the unique process of coffee cupping. Our conversation highlights their commitment to the community and their innovative approach to bringing people together through coffee.

Listeners interested in coffee culture, community building, and the intricacies of coffee tasting will find this episode highly informative. Melissa and Joe explain the art of coffee cupping, the importance of supporting local businesses, and how they transitioned from a vintage store to a thriving coffee shop. Keywords include "coffee cupping," "Portage Park," "Chicago coffee shop," "community building," and "local business."

References:

• Perkolator Coffee
• Portage Park
• Perkolator Coffee on Instagram

Potential Listener Questions:

1. How did Melissa and Joe transition from a vintage store to a successful coffee shop?
2. What is the process of coffee cupping and why is it important for quality assurance?
3. How does Perkolator Coffee contribute to the Portage Park community?

Connect with Mike: https://linktr.ee/mtrlinks

"Born and raised in Chicago, I learned at a young age that community starts with us, the neighbors, made up of 77 communities, commitment, hard work and dedication. We're much more than just a second city. We are visionaries, we are creators, we are fans, we are friends, we are stories, stories that matter, like yours."

-Mike

Michelle and Sandy are the dynamic sister duo behind the popular podcast "Wines to Find." Both lifelong wine enthusiasts, they transformed their passion for wine into a platform where they explore and share the intricacies of wine tasting, pairing, and selection. Since launching in January 2020, they have reviewed hundreds of wines from around the world, aiming to educate and entertain their audience with each episode.

In this episode, I welcome Michelle and Sandy from "Wines to Find" to open you, the listener, the world of wine. The sisters share their journey from wine enthusiasts to podcasters, offering tips on wine tasting, pairing, and selecting wines for different occasions. They also discuss how to navigate the vast wine market, highlighting the importance of understanding wine regions and varietals.

Listeners interested in expanding their wine knowledge will gain valuable insights from this episode. Michelle and Sandy cover essential tips on wine selection, the nuances of wine pairing, and how to enhance your wine tasting experience. Keywords include "wine tasting," "wine pairing," "wine regions," "wine varietals," and "wine enthusiasts."

References:

• Wines to Find Podcast
• Instagram - Wines to Find

Potential Listener Questions:

1. What are the best wine regions to explore for beginners?
2. How can I improve my wine tasting skills and palate?
3. What are the key factors to consider when pairing wine with food?

Connect with Mike: https://linktr.ee/mtrlinks

"Born and raised in Chicago, I learned at a young age that community starts with us, the neighbors, made up of 77 communities, commitment, hard work and dedication. We're much more than just a second city. We are visionaries, we are creators, we are fans, we are friends, we are stories, stories that matter, like yours."

-Mike

Desmond Clark is a former NFL tight end who played for the Chicago Bears, including on the 2006 Super Bowl team. Beyond his impressive football career, Desmond is a motivational speaker, leadership coach, and the founder of the DC Influence and Leadership Training Academy. He is dedicated to empowering others through his motivational content and public speaking engagements, inspiring people to achieve greatness in their personal and professional lives.

In this episode, I get to sit down with Desmond Clark to discuss his transition from NFL star to motivational speaker and leadership coach. Desmond shares insights from his football career, the importance of mental health, and his ongoing commitment to breast cancer awareness in honor of his late mother. Our conversation covers the challenges and rewards of personal growth, leadership, and staying motivated in the face of adversity.

Listeners interested in personal development, leadership training, and the journey from professional sports to motivational speaking will find this episode particularly enlightening. Desmond offers practical advice on overcoming obstacles, cultivating success, and the importance of mental health. Keywords include "leadership training," "motivational speaking," "Chicago Bears," "mental health," and "personal development."

References:

• Desmond Clark's Official Website
• Wake Forest Hall of Fame
• Breast Cancer Awareness
• Bear Down Logistics

Potential Listener Questions:

1. How did Desmond Clark transition from an NFL career to becoming a motivational speaker and leadership coach?
2. What are Desmond Clark's key strategies for overcoming obstacles and staying motivated?
3. How does Desmond Clark contribute to breast cancer awareness and support?

Potential Episode Titles:

1. "Desmond Clark: From NFL Star to Motivational Leader"
2. "Leadership Lessons from the Gridiron: Desmond Clark's Journey"
3. "Empowering Others: Desmond Clark's Path from Football to Inspiration"
4. "Desmond Clark on Overcoming Adversity and Finding Success"
5. "Motivated Mondays with Desmond Clark: Insights from a Former Bear"

Connect with Mike: https://linktr.ee/mtrlinks

"Born and raised in Chicago, I learned at a young age that community starts with us, the neighbors, made up of 77 communities, commitment, hard work and dedication. We're much more than just a second city. We are visionaries, we are creators, we are fans, we are friends, we are stories, stories that matter, like yours."

-Mike

Christian Farr is an accomplished journalist with NBC5 Chicago, known for his insightful reporting and commitment to community stories. Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Christian's journey in journalism has taken him through major metropolitan areas like New York, Dayton, and Philadelphia before settling in Chicago. With over 16 years in the Windy City, Christian has become a respected figure in Chicago's media landscape, dedicated to covering important issues and uplifting minority communities.

In this episode, I welcome Christian Farr to discuss his career in journalism and his experiences covering crime and community stories in Chicago. Christian shares his background, the challenges he faces as a journalist, and the importance of mental health and mentorship in his work. We take a deep dive into the necessity of positive representation and the impact of community-focused reporting.

Listeners interested in journalism, community issues, and mental health will gain valuable insights from Christian Farr's experiences. He emphasizes the importance of networking, mentorship, and positive storytelling in media. Keywords include "Chicago journalism," "NBC5 Chicago," "community reporting," and "mental health in journalism."

References:

• NBC5 Chicago
• Christian Farr on Instagram
• Christian Farr on Twitter
• Chicago's Community Action Board

Potential Listener Questions:

1. How does Christian Farr manage the emotional toll of covering crime in Chicago?
2. What advice does Christian Farr have for aspiring journalists in minority communities?
3. How can community members support positive news stories and mental health initiatives in their areas?

Connect with Mike: https://linktr.ee/mtrlinks

"Born and raised in Chicago, I learned at a young age that community starts with us, the neighbors, made up of 77 communities, commitment, hard work and dedication. We're much more than just a second city. We are visionaries, we are creators, we are fans, we are friends, we are stories, stories that matter, like yours."

-Mike

Justin Roman is a well-known media personality in Chicago, recognized for his work as the co-host of the "Styles and Roman" show on B96 and later on US 99. A lifelong Cubs fan, Justin now hosts "The MVP Game" on the Marquee Network alongside his wife, Kenzie K. With a background in music and radio, Justin continues to entertain and inspire audiences with his dynamic presence on television.

In this episode, I chat with Justin Roman about his transition from radio to television, his passion for the Chicago Cubs, and his show on the Marquee Network, "The MVP Game." Justin shares his journey, from his early days in a boy band to becoming a prominent figure in Chicago's media landscape, and offers insights and tips for aspiring media professionals.

Listeners interested in careers in media, the evolution of radio to TV, and behind-the-scenes insights into sports entertainment will find this episode valuable. Justin Roman provides a unique perspective on the entertainment industry, emphasizing the importance of following one's passions and the exciting opportunities in Chicago's dynamic media scene. Keywords include "Chicago Cubs," "Marquee Network," "radio to TV transition," and "media careers."

References:

• The MVP Game
• Marquee Sports Network
• B96
• US 99
• Live with Roman on Instagram
• Kenzie K on Air

Potential Listener Questions:

1. How did Justin Roman transition from radio to television?
2. What inspired Justin Roman to create "The MVP Game" on the Marquee Network?
3. What advice does Justin Roman have for aspiring media professionals in Chicago?

Connect with Mike: https://linktr.ee/mtrlinks

"Born and raised in Chicago, I learned at a young age that community starts with us, the neighbors, made up of 77 communities, commitment, hard work and dedication. We're much more than just a second city. We are visionaries, we are creators, we are fans, we are friends, we are stories, stories that matter, like yours."

-Mike

Mustafa, Esko, and Sir Jaden are key members of the Crushers Club, an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of at-risk youth in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood. Mustafa, the Program Director, brings his extensive experience in youth engagement to the club. Esko, the Program Manager, uses his creative talents in music and fashion to inspire and mentor the participants. Sir Jaden, a long-time participant, now serves as a boxing coach and role model for younger members.

In this episode, I'm on a call with Mustafa, Esko, and Sir Jaden from the Crushers Club to discuss the impactful work they are doing in the Englewood community. They explore the club's diverse programs, including boxing, music production, and mentorship, and share personal stories of transformation and resilience. The conversation highlights the club's mission to provide safe spaces and opportunities for youth to thrive.

Listeners interested in community development, youth mentorship, and social impact will find this episode inspiring. The Crushers Club offers valuable insights into creating positive change through programs like boxing, music production, and job training. Keywords include "Crushers Club," "Englewood community," "youth mentorship," and "social impact programs."

References:

• Crushers Club

Potential Listener Questions:

1. What programs does the Crushers Club offer to support at-risk youth in Englewood?
2. How has the Crushers Club positively impacted the lives of its participants?
3. What can individuals do to support the Crushers Club's mission?

Connect with Mike: https://linktr.ee/mtrlinks

"Born and raised in Chicago, I learned at a young age that community starts with us, the neighbors, made up of 77 communities, commitment, hard work and dedication. We're much more than just a second city. We are visionaries, we are creators, we are fans, we are friends, we are stories, stories that matter, like yours."

-Mike

Guest Bio: Sam Sanchez is a prominent Mexican American restaurateur and the first Mexican American chairman of the Illinois Restaurant Association. He has successfully established multiple popular restaurants in Chicago, including Mo's Cantina, Old Crow Smokehouse, Treehouse, and La Luna. Sam is not only a leader in the restaurant industry but also a dedicated advocate for crime reduction and community safety in Chicago.

Episode Summary: In this episode, Mike The Realtor talks with Sam Sanchez about his journey from a young immigrant to a leading figure in Chicago's restaurant scene. They discuss the challenges faced by the restaurant industry during the pandemic, the importance of community safety, and Sam's efforts to support small businesses and reduce crime. Sam shares his insights on the future of the industry and his ongoing community initiatives.

Listener Benefits: Listeners interested in restaurant management, community activism, and post-pandemic recovery will find this episode highly valuable. Sam Sanchez discusses the impact of the pandemic on the restaurant industry, the critical need for crime reduction in Chicago, and his efforts to bring about positive change through the Illinois Restaurant Association. Keywords include "Illinois Restaurant Association," "Chicago restaurants," "post-pandemic recovery," and "community safety."

References:

• Illinois Restaurant Association
• Mo's Cantina
• Old Crow Smokehouse
• Treehouse
• La Luna
• Chicago Police Foundation

Potential Listener Questions:

1. How did Sam Sanchez overcome the challenges faced by the restaurant industry during the pandemic?
2. What strategies is Sam Sanchez implementing to improve community safety in Chicago?
3. How can the public support the Illinois Restaurant Association and local businesses?

Connect with Mike: https://linktr.ee/mtrlinks

"Born and raised in Chicago, I learned at a young age that community starts with us, the neighbors, made up of 77 communities, commitment, hard work and dedication. We're much more than just a second city. We are visionaries, we are creators, we are fans, we are friends, we are stories, stories that matter, like yours."

-Mike