Yes, Dancing with the Chamber is back. Now Brookfield will not be getting another stellar dance performance by myself, but there are a lot of people who are stepping up to make sure the show goes on, lol. In this episode we talk to co-founder Teresa and one of the new competitors, Chris Valadez of Cycle Brookfield. This is an episode you can't miss.

Anthony owns Superior Barbershop on the corner of Prairie and Burlington. I met Anthony when I was in desperate need of a haircut and was driving through Brookfield. I walked in (without an appointment) and they welcomed with open chairs. And they gave me an amazing haircut. Then we realized that we have a few mutual friends. Next thing you know it, Anthony was launching a podcast, "Beyond the Clippers," in Media Space Studios and we have become good friends. It's my pleasure to bring him on to Explore Brookfield and talk barbering. As the host of "Beyond the Clippers," Anthony is well-respected in the industry and talks with some of the best barber in the country on a variety of topics. It's a great podcast for everyone.

This episode, I interview Illinois Appellate Court Justice Jesse Reyes who is running for the Illinois Supreme Court. Justice Reyes is well-known within Cook County as someone who is always present and also advocating for equal access to justice. It is my honor my to call him a good friend, but also an honor to bring him back to Explore Brookfield to talk about issues and his campaign.

Carla Riseman rediscovered art and in doing so joined the online community, The 100 Day Project. She created a new piece of art every day for 100 and shared it with our community. Her adventure in art was awesome and as we get ready for the Fine Art Festival this weekend, check out this episode. You can see her artwork at @thundermoonstudio.

The past group of freshman State Representatives was one of the most diverse in Illinois history including representatives of Palestinian, Korean, Indian, and Vietnamese descents. It is amazing diverse. We talk about this diversity with one of Brookfield's new State Representatives, Abdelnasser Rashid. We learn about his recent trip to Palestine during which his town was attacked by Israeli troops. Finally, we learn about his priorities for the district.

Today I interview someone a little outside of Brookfield, but you will see why. I met John Paul Demirdjian, "the Captain," at a golf outing and I knew he would be a hilarious podcast guest. You are going to launch your buttocks off.  We talk about how he created his own hot sauce and so much more. Listen, I'm not a huge hot sauce person, but this stuff is amazing. You have to check it out. Capt. Demo's Red Hot Pepper Sauce is delish. It's not the stuff that is so hot you will be racing to bathroom. It's amazingly flavorful (with a kick). Use promo code JASON20OFF at https://www.captaindemos.com/ to save 20% on your purchase. But you have to check out this episode.  Programming note: there are a few bad words in this episode.

In April 2023, vandals painted over the beloved rainbow stairs of the Holy Covenant MCC Church on Maple. The church ministers to the LGBTQIA+ community and it's allies. It celebrates love by worshipping and serving our community, so why this act of hate? Well, the greater community of Brookfield responded and the rainbow stairs have been restored. And so has the love from the community.

July in Brookfield is going to be a lot about biking and we are putting Brookfield on the international map. This week, I talk with Chris Valadez of Cycle Brookfield about two awesome events: the Intelligensia Cup and Bike Brookfield. The Intelligensia Cup is an internationally-known crit race that will bring people from around the world to Brookfield. Bike Brookfield will happen the same week and feature a very cool theme. Hear all about it on Explore Brookfield.

Everyone remembers going to the zoo as a kid and seeing that Mold-A-Rama machine and wanting to get a plastic dolphin or even dinosaur. Well, today he hear all about the business. Mold-A-Rama is actually based in Brookfield close to one of the favorite accounts - The Brookfield Zoo. From the zoo to an exhibit all about them at the Museum of Science and Industry, we talk all things Mold-A-Rama in today's episode. Check it out.

In this week's episode, I talk to Chief Mike of the Brookfield Police Department all about crime and policing in Brookfield. Chief Mike is an extremely interesting guy with a rather surprising, but very useful background. Listen to find out more.

In this episode of Explore Brookfield, I speak with Dr. Freytas from Riverside-Brookfield High School. Dr. Freytas and I fiercely competed in the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce Dancing with the Chamber and we had some fascinating conversations backstage. I'm not sure if he realized how impactful it was, but I was really impressed and I told him, you're coming on my podcast. We had a great conversation in this episode, and I hope Dr. Freytas will be back often to talk about RB. Go Bulldogs!

In this episode of Explore Brookfield, we talk to John Smego, the franchise owner of the local College HUNKS Moving and Hauling. We talk about his military service, his adventure into starting his business and all about the services they offer. Pay attention to this episode and you can win a copy of "Effortless Entrepreneur: Work Smart, Play Hard, Make Millions" by founders of College HUNKS, Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman.

Today we talk with Brookfield Trustee and Board Liaison to the Conservation Commission, Katie Kaluzny, and Chair, Bridget Jakubiak. We are talking about the creation of a Brookfield Sustainability Plan, either upcoming workshop, and the work of the Conservation Commission.

I am super excited about both this episode and something new coming to Brookfield. It's the Intelligensia Cup. This is an international crit bicycle race that is coming to Brookfield on July 26th. It's an awesome opportunity to showcase our Village, our people, our businesses and our neighborhood pride. Hear all about it in this episode. Chris even announces something for the first time, so you have to check it out.

In episode 3 of Explore Brookfield, we chat with Dylan Kloska of Vines & Vinyl. Vines & Vinyls is a new store to downtown Brookfield that combines plants and music - two passions of its owner. Dylan is super cool and you will love this episode and the store. You need to check it out.

In the second episode of the second season of Explore Brookfield, I speak with Rebecca "Becky" Davis all about her journey from RB athlete to Art-repreneur. She's painted the walls of Tischler's and holiday installations at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and she's an accidental artist. It's a wild journey that you have to hear about.

In the first episode of the second season of Explore Brookfield, I speak with Michael Garvey, the Village President. We don't shy away from rough topics at all. We talk water meters and bills, crime and more. I even put him on the spot about what would happen if there was another Chamber dance contest. What do you think? Is he in? Listen and find out.

The weather is finally getting better and so we can start thinking about outdoor events. In this episode we talk to Stevie Ferrari of the Brookfield Parks and Recs Department and Emily Egan from Community Development. We go over everything going on this year in Brookfield. It's a must-listen episode.

This episode we bring one of the most "community-active" businesses in town to the podcast, First National Bank of Brookfield. (We are not sure "community-active" is a word, but we will go with it.) Phil Richard, President of the Bank, and Amy Weinert, the Big Cheese, captivate us with all the wonders of community banking.  (They were so convincing, I opened a personal account with them only hours after the recording).

This week we talk with Mike Doerr and Patrick Sheridan from A Sound Education in Brookfield. In addition to lessons they offer equipment sales and rental services as well as repairs. You have to check them out - especially at the 4th of July Parade.