Sip With Me

Right in Chicago’s backyard is a corridor of history, beauty, and endless local charm. Home to the first 100 miles of Route 66, the I&M Canal, and the famous Starved Rock- the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Area spans multiple counties going south and west of the city. In fact, it’s the very first National Heritage Area in the country!We sat down with our friends at Heritage Corridor Destinations to discover all the area has to offer, including great road trip ideas, summer fun, and of course, food for Aaron and antiquing for Ioanna!Discover the history of Route 66 and how the I&M Canal shaped so much of the development in and around Chicago.Plus, we talk about why towns in the corridor offer so much charm and hear all about some amazing food, beer, and shopping options!We end with rapid fire, during which we discover their favorite season in the corridor and what kind of day trip they would plan for us!PLAN A TRIP: https://www.hcdestinations.com/ROUTE 66: https://www.hcdestinations.com/route-66DINING: https://www.hcdestinations.com/Canal-Food-and-DrinkSHOPPING: https://www.hcdestinations.com/Canal-ShopVISITORS GUIDE: https://www.hcdestinations.com/Request-Info

We wish we knew how to quit you, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre! In our 2nd interview at the iconic institution, we talk their season-ending stunner, Brokeback Mountain. Directed by Jonathan Butterell and starring Harrison Ball (former principal dancer at the New York City Ballet) as Ennis Del Mar and Jack Cameron Kay (Netflix’s Boots, Club Kid) as Jack Twist, the show features a live Country Western band on stage and emotional connection you’ll feel from your seat.Harrison & Jack tell us about the show and what fans of the story can expect from this production. Discover why this show, that many know in short story or movie form, works so well on stage. We hear about how they connect with their characters and why the story resonates with them personally.With fascinating backgrounds that include world-class ballet, Julliard, and Netflix, we hear how they both incorporate training from other disciplines into their stage performance. We end with rapid fire, learning their dressing room must-haves and pre-show rituals!Show runs through June 28! Tickets below. TICKETS: https://www.chicagoshakes.com/productions/2526-brokeback-mountain/CST SEASON 40 PREVIEW: https://www.chicagoshakes.com/current-season/HARRISON BALL: @_harrisonball_JACK CAMERON KAY: @jackcameronkay

Vintage is the vibe these days, and this Chicago business owner does it with a pop of color! Welcome to Vintage Frills, the color-coordinated vintage store that’s got treasures galore!We sat down in-store with Owner/Operator, Jennifer Kelly, to hear her founding story, which includes a pink school bus and a lot of estate sales!Hear about why she color-coordinates, how she sources pieces, and what’s trending this year.She gives estate sale tips, talks how to tell what’s quality, and shares her dream of doing a Lollapalooza Pop-up!We end with a round of rapid fire, learning one of her most memorable finds and one piece she’s always on the hunt for!VISIT: 2846 N MilwaukeeSHOP ONLINE: https://www.vintagefrillschicago.com/INSTAGRAM: @vintagefrills

Schmack dab in the middle of the big apple is New York’s hottest cookie shop, Schmackary’s! Known for having over 100 fun flavors and the cutest blue & white façade, this treat shop is anything but simple sugar.We sat down with Founder & Owner, Zachary Schmahl, to hear how he built his cookie empire from a small side-hustle in his tiny Manhattan apartment to a bi-coastal business with a cult following.Hear about how he develops new flavors and decides what is featured when he changes the menu every two weeks.Plus, he shares what’s trending the world of cookies and discusses why complex flavors are on the rise. We end with fresh baked rapid fire, learning Zachary’s favorite mix-in, a cookie flavored he developed that didn’t slap, and he describes our podcast as a cookie!You can visit Schmackary’s for cookies, bars, ice cream, coffee, and more at the locations below! SHIP NATIONWIDE: https://www.schmackarys.com/nationwide-orderingLOCATIONS: https://www.schmackarys.com/locationsMENU: https://www.schmackarys.com/flavorsINSTAGRAM: @schmackarys

In episode 26, Ioanna & I grab our heels and pop a collar to impress Fashion Icon, Expert, and Influencer Carla Rockmore. Before you listen to this episode, you must check out her looks on Instagram (@carla.rockmore) so you know why we wanted to talk with her a.k.a. she is FABULOUS! Celebrating the self-expression of 50+ through fashion, fun, & fierceness, she embraces color, patterns, and everything that will make your look pop. She’s worked in the industry for decades and has the perfect eye for what’s in now and what will be in next season. We talk to her about her career and what it’s like working in the fashion industry. Plus, how the pandemic changed fashion and consumer expectations forever. Last, we take a tour of her huge closet to hear about some of her favorite pieces and find out how she embraces positivity to show people just how beautiful we all are!

In episode 24, we sing in the stairwell with Lauren Paley. Also known as “The Stairwell Siren”, she has accumulated over 3 million followers and 50 million likes on TikTok for her angelic performances singing in a stairwell. It might sound simple, but you have to see it for yourself to understand just how unique her talent is. We chat with her about how she connected the dots between her voice and the stairwell, learn about her vocal aspirations, and find out what it’s like to go so viral with such a unique talent.

In episode 23, we celebrate Pride Month and get to know everyone’s favorite Dad and former Disney performer, Ben Ptashinsky, also known widely as “equityben”. He gained quite the loyal following over his years at Disney and now continues to grow his fanbase through his work as a content creator, viral TikTok star, and recently author! You’ll hear about the viral TikTok he posted to honor Pride Month (which was featured on media around the globe) and find out how he catches on video some of the cutest and most authentic moments with his family! Plus, a peak at his plans for the future and a riveting session of rapid fire!

In episode 22, we chat with Jen Ellis, the Vermont teacher behind Bernie Sanders’ viral mittens! You know the memes, but do you know the artist? Overnight, Jen was placed on a global stage when a photo of Bernie Sanders wearing her hand-knit mittens at Joe Biden’s January Inauguration became the center of internet memes, late-night jokes, and news media everywhere! Rather than profit quickly from the attention, she used her platform to raise huge sums of money for charities and sold her mittens to support charitable auctions! She shares with us the story behind the mittens, how she channeled the fame into new charitable collaborations, and how she has stayed true to herself and her family throughout the year of chaos. Plus, hear about some of her upcoming endeavors and learn some interesting facts about those oh so famous mittens! This is definitely a don’t miss episode!

In episode 21, we chat with viral wedding TikToker and Content Creator Caroline Crawford Patterson! Her wedding TikTok’s went mega-viral and she continues to share tips and tricks she learned planning her own wedding. She shares with us everything wedding related, more about her love for fashion, and exciting plans for the future! Plus, we feature Rachel of @theresidentmixologist on Instagram who shared with us her favorite cocktail creation, The Session Margarita!

In episode 20, we chat with Miss Utah and CEO of Archive Sunday, Sasha Esprit Sloan. Hear about her upcoming Miss Utah competition, how she used Tik Tok to grow her small business, and the future of the famous Noble Black Series!

In our bonus episode, we celebrate the one year anniversary of Sip With Me, chat about the past year, have a best friends rapid fire, and all the exciting things coming up for the show! Next week, we will be back to our regular schedule with our guest, Miss Greater Salt Lake, Sasha Sloan the CEO of Archive Sunday and creator of Noble House Black Series!

In episode 18 we chat with Kyle Thomas, globally recognized pop culture astrologer who has been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine, Bustle, Elite Daily, House Beautiful, Marie Claire, YahooNews, MSN, and more. He is also one of the official astrologers for both Astrology.com and Horoscope.com. He talks about how he got started, what he loves about being an astrologist and why Aaron and Ioanna are so compatible! We also feature Antonellie from Drunk Night In on Instagram who shares with us her favorite cocktail creation, The Sunday Margarita!

In episode 17, we learn from Romee Dussenbroek, a 24-year old YouTuber and content creator from the Netherlands who was diagnosed with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic and now uses her platform to share her journey with the world. From diagnosis to treatments, she’s shared a very personal and vulnerable side of her life with people all around the globe, including us. We hear about some of her videos, future goals for the channel, and found out some of her favorite things during rapid fire!

In episode 16, we chat with Ioanna of Grazing Table Chicago on how she makes food into art at her Charcuterie studio- that’s right, it’s a thing! When she switched careers to follow her passion, she combined her love of design with food and art, leading to the “it factor” that shows in all her works! Hear directly from her on what this fast-paced business is like, how she sources her foods, and answers for Aaron “what exactly is a grazing table”?

In episode 15, we meet Nicole Pellegrino, Senior Marketing Manager at Betches Media (@betches). You know them for their super relatable meme’s and likely have grown up with them over the last decade. But did you know they are a women-founded and led media company with podcasts, newsletters, merch, and all the things? Find out what makes them leaders in today’s content game, allowing them to attract millions of loyal followers and find a place in the hearts, homes, and DM’s of so many millennials and Gen Z social media users.

In episode 14, we meet Rick Hustead, Chairman of Wall Drug, one of the country’s most treasured attractions and a feature of the Academy Award-winning film “Nomadland”. Located in Wall, South Dakota just outside of Badlands National Park, Wall Drug is celebrating 90 years of American tradition. Offering homemade donuts, free ice water, delicious food, an on-site pharmacy, and dozens of other peculiar things you’ll wanna see, it’s a true family business that has stood the test of time and continues to attract millions of people a year. Join us to learn about the Hustead family, what it was like to film with the cast of Nomadland, and how Wall Drug remains so popular all these years later. Don’t forget to check out their social: https://instagram.com/walldrug?igshid=3w0axeg7c1p9

In episode 13, we chat with Erin Martin, Owner and Creator of ECBG Cake Studio. Founded in 2011, her studio is focused on creating value and excellence for customers using high-quality, organic ingredients. First, she slices up how she got started baking out of her parent’s kitchen and discusses all the learning experiences along the way that now make her customized wedding cakes unique. Next, Erin describes how she evolved during the pandemic to allow for couples to still enjoy a wedding cake tasting during lockdown. Finally, don’t miss the final toast when she reveals what her top requested flavor is!

In episode 12, we interview Holly Nichols, the world’s favorite fashion illustrator! She has created some of the most exquisite illustrations and artful campaigns for TRESemmé, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barney's New York, Neiman Marcus, Disney, Living Proof, and many more! She shares with us how she got into art, how social media helped her grow her passion into a career and all about her upcoming book, “Modern Fashion Illustration”, which is available April 13, 2021!

In episode 11, we feature Danielle of Doctor Mama Jones who shares with us how she started her Youtube channel, how she tackles sensitive topics, and much more from the popular board-certified OB/GYN! Don’t forget to subscribe and review our show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! And follow us along on social @sipwithme_ for more information on upcoming guests, cocktails and much MORE! You can find her on Instagram: @MamaDoctorJones, YouTube: MamaDoctorJones, Blog: https://mindonmed.com/, and the Pinnacle Conference: https://pinnacleconference.org/conference-2020/

In episode 10, we chat with brother/sister duo Kate & Alex of “This With Them” on how they got their YouTube start. Plus, they give us the scoop on their British-candy box subscription!

In episode 8, we chat with The Educated Barfly, an ultra-talented bartender turned creator who features high quality videos of the best in classic, modern and craft cocktails! We’ll learn how his background helped him create his YouTube channel and why he values being able to share his craft with the world.

In episode 7, we chat with Besties Annie and Morgan from GoNanas who dive into how they started their small business from a single mason jar. Plus, how their vegan, gluten-free and nut-free mix grew so quickly during lockdown!

Join us for a conversation with Ashleigh Evans, Founder of InBooze Cocktail Kits! She shares with us how blogging led her to the creation of her small business, which has been featured on Buzzfeed and Oprah’s Stocking Stuffer List! And our guest bartender Casey from City Gal Cocktails shares with us her favorite cocktail, Your Fine Girl!

For our season 4 premiere, we interview the Queen of Cotton Candy, Emily Harpel, to find out how she reinvented a nostalgic sweet treat and turned it into a thriving business with multiple products and viral TikToks.

For our season 3 finale, we cover the full history of the death penalty and discuss the Brandon Bernard case.

In episode 9, we interview Terra Newell, the main character involved in the popular “Dirty John” case. Her story of survival became the topic of one of the most popular podcasts ever and was turned into its own television show. Hear how Terra now channels her energy to help coach others on healthy relationships.

In episode 8, we interview author and advocate, Dr. Ashely Wellman. And our mystery bartender, shares his take on the classic, Old Fashioned.

In episode 7, we interview Women and Crime and cover the story of Aileen Wuornos. And we share the Zelda Fitzgerald Cocktail!

In episode 6, we interview Basic Murder Babes and cover Aqua Tofana, one of our favorite old true crime stories. Plus, bartender Lizzie Vanderhoof shares her favorite quarantini recipe, “This must be the place”.

In episode 4, we deep dive into the call centers scam, our weekly headlines and much more! Plus, we have a surprise bartender take us through her favorite drink, The Last Word.

In episode 3, we interview Aurora and Angelina from MurderMurder News and dive into a double murder cold case in the North Woods of Wisconsin.

In episode 2, we discuss the 2020 presidential election and everything you need to know from the last week!

In our season finale of our Anti-MLM Series, we're joined once again by Sarah Oliveras who shares her story about how she almost joined another a MLM. Also, we recap the season and what’s next for season 3.

In episode five of our Anti-MLM Series, we're joined by the incredible anti-MLM advocate, Roberta Blevins whose been featured on the Vice Documentary, “Why Women Are Quitting Their Side Hustle: Leaving LuLaRoe.”

In episode four of our Anti-MLM series, we discuss recent MLM legal decisions and share some statistics on how MLM’s penetrate our society and economy.

In episode three of our Anti-MLM series, we’re joined by the incredible Youtuber and entrepreneur Kimbyrleigha to talk about her channel and how she uses her legal background and life experiences to provide informative advice and information to her followers.

In episode two, we continue to explore the anti-MLM (Multi-level Marketing) movement with our second guest of the season. Sarah Oliveras, also known as Oh My Om on Youtube, recently began creating Anti-MLM videos - sharing her personal story and exposing some companies bad behaviors.

In episode one, we explore the anti-MLM (Multi-level Marketing) movement. The movement against MLM’s has gained widespread popularity online as COVID-19 has dramatically increased the number of people trying to earn supplemental income from an MLM. Our first guest, Josie Naikoi, also known as Not The Good Girl on Youtube, has used her experience in MLMs to inform and educate others on the practices and behaviors of MLMs.

Out mystery bartender tests our knowledge on cocktails. Join in on the fun and test your knowledge of cocktail trivia. See you in Season 2 starting August 24th!

We cover the Anti-MLM Movement, and our Rapid fire Segment. Sip along with us with this weeks episode, the Lemondrop.

In this episode we dive into the 2020 Presidential election, make our VP predictions, and discuss a new presidential campaign Barbie doll. Sip along with us to our favorite recipe of the week, the Manhattan.

In this episode we dive into Black Lives Matter, and highlight our favorite Black Owned Businesses. Sip along with us to our favorite recipe of the week, the Mojito.

In episode 2, we discuss how 2020 graduates will emerge from the crisis, including our experiences as new grads. We also reveal some of the inequities shown in unemployment statistics and tell you exactly what the unemployment system is. Sip along with us as we make our favorite summer drink, La Paloma!

This is our first official episode of the season! We cover all things COVID-19 and how COVID will impact our lives post-pandemic. Join us make our favorite cocktail recipe the Moscow Mule!

Introduction to who we are, how Sip With Me got started and much more!