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Love Local Chicagoland

by Jason Stallard

Welcome to the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast. Here, we invite people and nonprofits from our local communities to share their stories and their voices. Through amplifying their message, we share the genuine human experiences that connect us all. Our goal is to make our communities more than just a place to live- they're a place to thrive. Tune in to hear what makes our communities so special, right here on the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast.The Love Local Chicagoland podcast is powered by Love Local Media Agency.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Sep 23, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Rotary Club of Palatine Oktoberfest — Meet the Community

    We were out Friday to grab some footage before Oktoberfest kicked off! We're here at Oktoberfest, hosted by the Rotary Club of Palatine, talking with the Rotary member who helps run it, the pastor who blessed the keg, a neighbor who's been coming every year, and a local business owner serving up...

  2. Less Time on Tasks, More Time for Purpose with Raj, The Mindful AI Guy

    This episode is about healing, taking care of yourself, and creating enough space to discover the purpose that may be buried underneath the noise. Jason sits down with Rajneesh “Raj” Sehgal, known throughout the community as The Mindful AI Guy. Raj shares his journey from growing up in Mumbai,...

  3. From Grief to Purpose: How One Woman Is Helping Single Moms Build a New Legacy

    What happens when some of the hardest chapters of your life become part of how you serve others?On this episode of the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast, Jason Stallard and co-host Marie LaCaria sit down with Sandi Moore, Family Advocate at Fellowship Housing, for a powerful conversation about…

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  4. Suburban Living Meets Innovation: Rethinking How We Live Local

    In this episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason sits down with Brandon Zauhar from Pulte Homes to explore what the future of suburban living can look like.Bell Works is more than a place to work. It’s a community designed to bring work, home, dining, shopping, and connection together...

  5. Finding Purpose After Service: Roll Call Empowers Veterans

    What happens when a community comes together to support those who've served? In this episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason Stallard is joined by co-host Noel and the team from Roll Call Chicagoland, Matt Galloway, Martin Fernandez, and Andy Wagner, for an inspiring conversation…

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  6. Investing in the Next Generation: Creating Leaders. Changing Communities.

    In this episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason sits down with Jenny Chang, founder of Monster Education Foundation, to talk about the power of investing in the next generation. From her beginnings as a public school teacher to leading a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring and…

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  7. How Strong Communities Are Built: Small Actions. Big Impact.

    What happens when local leaders stop competing and start building together?In this episode of the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast, Jason sits down with Lexi Schmidt for a conversation about community, collaboration, and the power of saying "yes" to something bigger than yourself. Lexi shares her...

  8. Creating Pathways to Homeownership: Lending with Heart

    On this episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason sits down with Jose Macias, a bilingual mortgage lender whose story is rooted in family, faith, and community. Jose shares his journey from immigrating from Ecuador to building a career centered on helping local families achieve...

  9. Stronger than the Setbacks: Dr. Sunny Sharma’s Story of Resilience

    In this episode of the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast, Jason sits down with Dr. Sunny Sharma, a local physician helping people take control of their health through Lifestyle Medicine. From overcoming a rare brain tumor to completing the Chicago Marathon, Dr. Sharma shares how his personal journey...

  10. Palatine's Pizza Innovator: Tradition Meets Creativity

    Join Jason Stallard as he sits down with Giovanni, owner of Tievoli Pizza Bar in downtown Palatine, for a conversation about family, food, and following your passion. Growing up in his father's pizzeria, Giovanni developed a deep appreciation for the craft of pizza making from an early age.…

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  11. Feed 15 in Action: Fueling Bright Futures

    What happens when a community comes together to make sure no child goes hungry? In this episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason sits down with Emily, Ahmad, and Sydney to talk about Feed 15, a local initiative helping address food insecurity for thousands of students across District...

  12. Local Talks: Heavy Minds in Heavy Times

    This conversation brings together Dr. Justin O'Rourke, Beth Nabors, Dr. Elizabeth Schwab, and Joe Serio for an honest discussion about the pressures so many people are feeling today and how it’s impacting our mental health. From the effects of constant doom scrolling to the importance of…

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  13. Beyond the Badge: Serving Our Community Together

    Join Jason as he sits down with Dave Brandwein, Deputy Chief of Community Engagement in Palatine, for an insightful conversation about the role community policing plays in building safer, stronger neighborhoods. Together, they explore what it really means to protect and serve at the local level,...

  14. Local Talks: Transformation Through Connection

    What happens when people choose connection over noise? Local Talks: Transformation Through Connection brings together voices from our community for a powerful, honest conversation about what it really means to show up, listen, and build something meaningful together. In this special keynote…

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  15. Local Talks: Women in Leadership

    Celebrate the power of women’s voices, leadership, and connection in this special Women’s History Month edition of Local Talks. This conversation brings together a dynamic group of leaders who share honest insights on visibility, influence, and the realities of leading in today’s world. From...

  16. Local Talks: Women in Leadership

    Celebrate the power of women’s voices, leadership, and connection in this special Women’s History Month edition of Local Talks. This conversation brings together a dynamic group of leaders who share honest insights on visibility, influence, and the realities of leading in today’s world. From...

  17. Local Talks: Women in Leadership

    Celebrate the power of women’s voices, leadership, and connection in this special Women’s History Month edition of Local Talks.This conversation brings together a dynamic group of leaders who share honest insights on visibility, influence, and the realities of leading in today’s world. From...

  18. The Power of Showing Up: People Helping People

    Cathie Herwehe, founder of People Helping People Palatine, shares her story with honesty and heart—from navigating her own challenges to building something that now supports so many. What started as a simple desire to help has grown into a powerful, grassroots effort addressing food insecurity…

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  19. Senior Care Without the Guesswork: Guidance You Can Trust

    Join Jason Stallard on the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast as he sits down with Kristy Malone, Owner of Oasis Senior Advisors Western Suburbs, for a real, honest conversation about navigating senior living.Kristy shares how her personal journey and years in senior care have shaped the way she...

  20. Aging with Independence: Support for Every Stage

    Tune in as Jason sits down with Caleb from First Light Home Care for a real conversation about what quality senior care looks like right here in our community. They dive into how personalized care plans make all the difference, the early signs families should watch for, and the critical support...

  21. How Thoughtful Planning Shapes the Future: Schaumburg’s Next Chapter

    Join Jason from Love Local Chicagoland as he sits down with Matt Frank, Director of Economic Development for the Village of Schaumburg, to talk about what’s really happening behind the scenes in one of the Northwest suburbs’ most active communities.From Schaumburg’s diverse roots to the…

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  22. Designing Spaces That Connect: BellWorks Redefines Community

    Step inside something truly different right here in our own backyard.In this episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, we sit down with Ralph, CEO & President of Inspired by Somerset Development, and Lead Designer & Creative Director of Bell Works Paola to talk about the vision behind Bell...

  23. Staying Grounded in a Noisy World: Choosing Community Over Chaos

    Liz Karsten joins the Love Local Chicagoland podcast for a thoughtful conversation about community, belonging, and what it means to truly do life together.Drawing from her experiences living in Russia, Israel, and the United States, Liz shares insights on staying grounded in a world full of...

  24. Training with a Purpose: Less Hype. More Health.

    On this episode of the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, Jason sits down with Dan Eiden, a local personal trainer and strength coach who’s all about doing fitness the right way.They talk through why one-size-fits-all workout plans miss the mark, how to spot fitness myths and misinformation, and…

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  25. Bringing Self-Care to the Suburbs: Waxing the City Schaumburg

    Join Jason on the Love Local Chicagoland podcast as he sits down with Dave Wisniewski and Gianna Hernandez from Waxing the City Schaumburg. They get real about self-care, confidence, and why waxing and skincare are for everyone. Dave and Gianna share the story behind bringing Waxing in the City…

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  26. Small Businesses, Big Heart: A Conversation with Joe Weisman

    Jason sits down with Joe Weisman of the Ill Noise Business Playbook for a conversation that hits close to home. Together, they talk about why small businesses and local nonprofits matter so much and how they show up every day for the people and neighborhoods that need them most. From championing...

  27. A People-First Approach to Sales: A Conversation with Katie Davis

    Jason sits down with Katie Davis, a true trailblazer in the sales world, for a real and refreshing conversation about what happens when teams choose collaboration over competition. They dive into why diverse teams matter, how the right systems can lift everyone up, and what it looks like to build…

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  28. Creating Stronger Communities One Connection at a Time with Kevin Kramer

    Kevin Kramer, Director of Economic Development for Hoffman Estates, sits down with Jason Stallard on the Love Local Chicagoland podcast for a heartfelt conversation about what truly brings people together. They talk about why being present matters more than being perfect, how technology can...

  29. From Marine to Mentor: Louie Sharp on Life, Leadership, and Healing

    Jason sits down with Louie Sharp for a conversation that feels honest, hopeful, and full of heart. Louie opens up about the lessons he’s learned along the way, from his time in the US Marine Corps to building a business and hosting his own podcast. Together, they talk about what it really takes…

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  30. Everyday Heroes: Officer Erica Amezcua's Journey of Strength and Service

    Palatine Police Officer Erica Amezcua opens up about her story in a way that stays with you. Sitting down with Jason on the Love Local Chicagoland podcast, she shares how perseverance, faith, and the right people in her corner helped her rise above a tough upbringing. Erica talks about breaking...

  31. Everyday heroes: The Heart of Teaching with Kelly DeGrazia

    Kelly DeGrazia has spent 29 years teaching kids, lifting them up, and helping them grow, and on this week’s Love Local Chicagoland podcast, she sits down with Jason for a heartfelt conversation about what really matters in education today. Kelly shares how she builds kindness, confidence, and...

  32. Feeding Futures: Spunky Dunkers and Blessings in a Backpack Make an Impact

    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...

  33. Hands That Serve, Hearts That Give: Honoring Veterans Together

    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...

  34. Local Talks: Finding Peace in Chaos

    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…

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  35. Heart First: Justin O’Rourke on Community, Courage, and Connection

    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…

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  36. Mrs. Illinois Shows Kindness in Action: Tracy Drost on Leading with Heart

    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...

  37. How AI Can Strengthen Human Connection with Susan Caesar

    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…

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  38. Community First: Building a Culture of Care for Those Who Serve

    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...

  39. Beyond Borders: Josue Maciel’s Reflection on the Mexican American Experience

    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...

  40. Embracing Boundaries, Community, and Self-Care with Jennifer Mallo

    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...

  41. Running Against the Odds: John Dobbins on Recovery

    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…

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  42. Finding Strength in Community: A Conversation with Fatima Deenaz

    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...

  43. A Recipe for Community: Blessings in a Backpack Meets Cook, Cork & Fork

    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...

  44. From Vision to Renewal: Dave Ficken on Leading with Heart

    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...

  45. Supporting Seniors: From Caregiving to Connection with Jennifer Prell

    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…

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  46. Local Talks: Finding Peace in Chaos with Nicole Bolden Woodcox

    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...

  47. Pivoting with Grace: Kimberly Dahlem on Growth Through Life’s Challenges

    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...

  48. Support. Inclusion. Impact. The Heart of SLSF & NWSRA

    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...

  49. Finding Hope and Healing Through Mental Health Challenges

    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...

  50. Building Emotional Branding Through Color and Community Connection

    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...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Welcome to the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast. Here, we invite people and nonprofits from our local communities to share their stories and their voices. Through amplifying their message, we share the genuine human experiences that connect us all. Our goal is to make our communities more than just a place to live- they're a place to thrive. Tune in to hear what makes our communities so special, right here on the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast.The Love Local Chicagoland podcast is powered by Love Local Media Agency.

HOSTED BY

Jason Stallard

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Love Local Chicagoland have?

Love Local Chicagoland currently has 108 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Love Local Chicagoland about?

Welcome to the Love Local Chicagoland Podcast. Here, we invite people and nonprofits from our local communities to share their stories and their voices. Through amplifying their message, we share the genuine human experiences that connect us all. Our goal is to make our communities more than just a...

How often does Love Local Chicagoland release new episodes?

Love Local Chicagoland publishes regularly with 108 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Love Local Chicagoland?

You can listen to Love Local Chicagoland on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Love Local Chicagoland?

Love Local Chicagoland is created and hosted by Jason Stallard.
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