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The Chicagoland Guide helps you discover the best places to live, work, and explore across Chicago and its suburbs. Hosted by real estate expert Aaron Masliansky, it’s your insider look at the neighborhoods, businesses, and culture that make Chicagoland home.
How can celebrating cultural traditions strengthen a community? In this episode, host Aaron Masliansky is joined by Diana Gran — Founder of Diana Gran Portraits and Director of Día de los Muertos (DDM) Week in Highland Park — to explore how honoring heritage can create unity, healing, and connection across generations and cultures. Diana shares her journey from Acapulco to Highland Park, how reclaiming her roots transformed her life and art, and why DDM Week has become a meaningful celebration f
In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky sits down with Jeff Haydon, President & CEO of the iconic Ravinia Festival in Highland Park-America’s oldest outdoor music festival. Jeff shares how Ravinia began as a railroad amusement park over a century ago and evolved into one of the nation’s leading cultural institutions. The conversation covers Ravinia’s deep roots in the community, its role as a good neighbor in Highland Park, and its vision for the future through the Settin
In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky visits one of the last working farms in Cook County: Historic Wagner Farm in Glenview, Illinois. Joined by Director Jonathan Kuester, the conversation covers the surprising depth of history, education, and innovation happening just off Lake Avenue. Jonathan shares how Wagner Farm blends historic preservation with modern agriculture, offering programs for students (including special education farmers), operating one of the region’
Chef Mona Sang of Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining joins host Aaron Masliansky to share the powerful story behind one of Chicago’s most unique culinary destinations. In this heartfelt episode, Mona discusses her mother’s survival of the Cambodian genocide, how food became a bridge between trauma and healing, and the journey of building Khmai into a James Beard-nominated restaurant. Learn how traditional Cambodian flavors, family history, and cultural pride are served in every dish. For more stories l
In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky interviews Karla Koziura, co-owner and Marketing Director of FRÍO Gelato, an Argentinian-style gelato company with storefronts in Evanston, Navy Pier, and Wilmette.
In this episode, I’m joined by my longtime friend Rabbi Jeremy Fine—Senior Rabbi at Congregation B’nai Tikvah in Deerfield and founder of 2econd Wrestling. We talk about his journey from the pulpit to building one of Chicagoland’s most exciting independent wrestling promotions. Jeremy shares how he uses creativity, community events, and yes—even professional wrestling—to bring people together in meaningful ways. We also preview upcoming events at B’nai Tikvah and 2econd Wrestling shows in Evanst
Welcome to an exploration of Wagner Farm, a unique institution that bridges the past and present, offering a glimpse into the rich agricultural heritage of the Chicago area. In this blog post, we'll delve into the fascinating story of how Wagner Far…
When you hear the word “tariffs,” your first thought probably isn’t real estate. Maybe it’s politics, the news, or a debate between economists on cable TV. But this week, I had a conversation that changed the way I think abo…
Realtor / Podcaster / Community Advocate
Aaron Masliansky is a trusted Chicago real estate expert, lifelong Chicagoland resident, and the host of The Chicagoland Guide, a podcast dedicated to exploring the best places to live, work, and play in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. As a Realtor with Compass, Aaron combines his extensive knowledge of the local real estate market with his passion for community storytelling to provide listeners with unique insights into Chicago neighborhoods, local businesses, and real estate trends.
Aaron holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His background includes working with developers on large-scale mixed-use projects, giving him a deep understanding of how neighborhoods develop and thrive. He served as the past Chairman of the Global Real Estate Council at the Chicago Association of Realtors, where he connected the local real estate community with international markets.
Through The Chicagoland Guide, Aaron interviews local business owners, community leaders, and residents to uncover the rich culture, history, and amenities that make Chicago’s neighborhoods unique. In addition to this podcast, Aaron has hosted two other successful shows:
Inside the Skev: Highlighting the vibrant life and stories of Skokie and Evanston, Illinois.
The Real Estate Diplomat: An American’s guide to global real estate, featuring discussions on investing in properties both in the United States and abroad.
Aaron is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Evanston and a strong advocate for community service and development. His local and global connections, combined with his expertise in real estate and urban planning, make him a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about the Chicagoland area or explore real estate opportunities.
When he’s not helping clients find their dream homes or recording new podcast episodes, Aaron enjoys exploring Chicago’s diverse food scene, spending time with his family, and indulging his interests in aviation and basketball.
For the latest episodes and exclusive content, follow The Chicagoland Guide on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Connect with Aaron to learn more about real estate opportunities in the Chicagoland area through Masliansky Real Estate Team.