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 …
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 Evans…
n this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, Aaron Masliansky is joined by Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Real Estate Research at the National Association of Realtors®. They explore how global trade dynamics, tariffs, and macroeconomic shifts are impacting the U.S. housing market — and what that means for Chicagoland.
In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky introduces Inside the Skev listeners to the Chicagoland Guide, and reconnects with longtime friend, scientist, and conservationist Dr. Becky Barak of the Chicago Botanic Garden to explore how native plants can play a key role in the future of urban and suburban living across the region.
The Chicagoland Guide is here! In this first episode of Season 2 (formerly Inside the Skev), host Aaron Masliansky introduces the new direction of the show—expanding beyond Skokie and Evanston to cover neighborhoods, people, culture, and real estate across the entire Chicagoland area.
In this captivating episode of Inside the Skev, we welcomed Dr. Eric James, a stalwart in international development and humanitarian aid, to discuss his extensive career and the innovative approaches he's championed in the field. Hailing from Evanston and a proud alumnus of Evanston Township High School and the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Dr. James brought his unique blend of local insights and global perspectives to our discussion.
In this enlightening episode of "Inside the Skev," host Aaron Masliansky engages in a deep and inspiring conversation with Dick Peach, a pivotal figure in the Skevanston and Evanston communities. Known for his extensive involvement in various facets of community life, Dick shares his rich experiences, from growing up in a rural-like Skokie to leading significant community initiatives. His roles as the President of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Evanston, along with his …
Welcome to Inside the Skev, the podcast that explores the important stories shaping our community. In this episode, host Aaron Masliansky speaks with Matt Poole and Margaret Isaacson, dedicated professionals at the Evanston Ecology Center. The Evanston Ecology Center is an integral part of the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Evanston, fostering environmental awareness and promoting outdoor recreation throughout the community. Matt, the Recreation Manager, and Margaret, the Progr…
This week, on Inside the Skev, we sit down Jennifer LaMell Goldstone from Horwitch, Goldstone & Shaw, Deanne Cooper from Fidelity National Title Insurance and Beth Lewis from CrossCountry Mortgage. We speak about the work of attorneys, title companies and lenders, how these industries support real estate investments here locally in Chicago and the United States. We also discuss the current state of the real estate market in February 2023. This episode was also released on my global podcast, The…
This week, on Inside the Skev, we sit down with Tosha Wilson, Tiffini Holmes and Jaqui White, who are co-developers of the Aux, which is a planned commercial hub dedicated to racial equity and wellness in Evanston. The Auxiliary Cord LLC (the “Company”) has purchased a 16,000 square foot warehouse located at 2223 Washington Street in Evanston, IL 60202. The Company plans to fully renovate the building, converting it into a commercial hub for Black-owned small businesses and organizations that f…
This week, on Inside the Skev, we sit down with Len Joy, the author of the new book, "Dry Heat." "Dry Heat," is a crime novel about a young man who loses everything but his heart. Len is an author of several novels, a Skevanston resident and a nationally ranked triathlete and competes internationally representing the United States as part of TEAM USA.
This week on Inside the Skev we meet many members of Girls Playing Sports (GPS). GPS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering leadership skills and confidence in girls through participation in a wide variety of sports. The program engages girls, grades 3-8, in multiple sports without a long-term or expensive commitment. GPS engages girls in meaningful conversations about current topics that affect young women today.
This week on Inside the Skev we meet Sabrina Ehmke, the founder of the Skokie Swifters Run Walk Club. Skokie Swifters is a run/walk club for anyone from beginners to experienced distance runners. Whether you just want to get moving outside, are looking to make some new friends, or are looking for a little motivation while you train for an upcoming race, you'll find a welcome community in the Swifters! Sabrina is also an ETHS teacher on Sabbatical, and has her own podcast called, “For Your Run.”
This week, on Inside the Skev, we speak with Tazima Parris from Infinite Relating. Tazima is a Sex Coach & Pleasure Mentor for high-achieving women 35+ who overthink, over-give, and and end up overwhelmed. She creates space for women to prioritize pleasure and go from resentful to radiant. Tazima uses communication tools and practices from her 25+ years of research and experience to help women increase their sexual confidence, clearly communicate needs, and hold better boundaries.
This week on Inside the Skev we speak with my wife, Stacey Masliansky from Brainlinks Academics, Inc about an upcoming event at the Peloton Store at Old Orchard Shopping Center in Skokie. Taking place on Sunday, October 23rd from 9-11am at the Peloton Store at Westfield Old Orchard Mall (Skokie).
This week on Inside the Skev we meet Dorothy Rosen, co-founder of Women Belong. Women Belong was born out of a vision founders Dorothy Rosen and Kate Alpert had for bringing women together in an authentic way, with the mission of advancing business growth through deepening personal relationships. Women Belong re-imagines what business networking looks like. They come together and explore business honestly, relationships form, and connections deepen. These relationships create spaces and opportu…
This week on Inside the Skev we meet Dr. Judith Glasseneberg. Judith is a pediatrician and the co-Site Medical Director with Erie Evanston/Skokie Health and Dental Center. She has been with them since 2013. Judith recently travelled to Poland to help Ukrainian War refugees and has also helped the migrants who recently arrived in Chicago. Erie is a regional health care resource serving more than 82,000 patients a year at 13 health centers spanning the west side of Chicago to Waukegan. These sit…
This week on Inside the Skev we meet Kellie O’Brien. Kellie helped create the O’Brien School for the Massai in Tanzania. The O'Brien School for the Maasai is more than just a school. It's an organization that believes education can change the world, that economic opportunity can shift harmful gender norms, that leaders can come from the most rural and difficult environments.
In this episode of Inside the Skev, Aaron Masliansky gives an update on the show, current events, and the local real estate markets. Topics include reflections on 9-11, the war in Ukraine, the passing of Queen Elizabeth, an event with the Israeli Consulate with the Chicago Association of Realtors, the local real estate market and an upcoming event at the Peloton Store at Old Orchard.
This week on Inside the Skev we meet David Lloyd, the founder of David Lloyd & Associates, the world’s most elite private travel concierge. With over 30 years of experience, David Lloyd brings his creative and contemporary experience to every project. Globally and philanthropically minded, his bespoke experiences are both sustainable and modern. Managing the logistics of these multifaceted enterprises requires a distinctive skill set. Raised in Madagascar, educated in Europe, and working in the…
This week on Inside the Skev we meet Jon R. Marquardt, the Skokie Park District's Superintendent of Facilities. Marquardt administers the district's revenue facilities and their staffs. He also is charged with developing innovative partnerships and outreach within the Skokie community. Marquardt also serves as the diversity committee head, which oversees DEI initiatives and diversity events throughout the district. In this episode, we talk about his role and the upcoming Backlot Bash event.
This week on Inside the Skev we are Jennifer Engel, Market Manager for the Skokie’ Farmer’s Market. The 2022 Skokie Farmers’ Market began on Sunday, June 5, and will be open every Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through November 6. The 2022 market features many longstanding vendors as well as some exciting new ones, too! The Village of Skokie Farmers’ Market mission is to provide a platform to bring nutrient dense produce to all members of the community, while supporting local farmers and t…