Next Up Chicago is a podcast highlighting people doing big things in Chicago, as well as Chicagoans outside the city doing amazing things. Each week, there is a new guest discussing their unique talent or passion, be it personal or professional. We have entrepeneurs, bartenders, chemists, hobbyists, and more on this show. If you know someone that you think you would make a great guest, reach out so I can get them on the show!
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Welcome to Next Up ChicagoI go over what this pod is about, who I am, and why I'm starting this pod. Tune in to learn more about what's coming on Next Up Chicago.Duration: 0:07:53
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Andre Rojas-Castillo Takes LAIn the inaugural episode, I interview my longtime friend Andre Rojas-Castillo about his acting career, his experience on Chicago PD, his views on Chicago, and, toward the end, deeper topics such as AI and life. Tune in to learn more about Dre: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13478685/. The sack of potatoes story was fact-checked and is incorrect, so please keep that in mind.Duration: 1:01:10
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Ben B - Most Bussin' BartenderBen grew up in Chicago, is an encyclopedia of local knowledge, and one of the best bartenders in the West Loop. Tune in to hear him reflect on growing up in a gentrifying Logan Square, share his take on what Chicago is and isnÆt, and talk about life behind the bar. He waxes poetic about the city, and his deep love for Chicago shines through his words.Duration: 0:53:01
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Matt Harvey - Media Literacy MattersChicago journalist Matt Harvey shares his path into journalism, his experience growing up in Uptown, his views on media literacy, and his work with WeHome LLC. This episode offers an insightful look at how media both shapes and reflects reality while also perpetuating stereotypes and racial inequity. It starts light but gets very deep toward the end (around 35 minutes in), so listen and let me know what you think! Links to topics discussed: Khaliyah X WhatÆs My Name ù https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy8R1RdLpbI | Matt at the TRiiBE ù https://muckrack.com/matt-harvey-11 | Matt at the Chicago Reader ù https://chicagoreader.com/author/matt-harvey/ | A Different Mirror ù https://www.zinnedproject.org/materials/different-mirror-multicultural-americaDuration: 1:16:05
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Marco Garcia - Chicago Boxing SensationMarco Garcia, the 2023 Welterweight Chicago Golden Gloves Champion, joins to talk about his boxing career, his recent fights in the Golden Gloves, and his life experiences. ItÆs a fun episode that gets goofy and off the cuff halfway through, but Marco shines as a great guest throughout.Duration: 1:02:24
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Alejandro Lopez-Reyes - Sexual Violence Prevention EducatorThis week Alejandro joins the pod to discuss his work educating youth and adults on sexual violence prevention, consent, boundaries, and navigating lifeÆs challenges. ItÆs an insightful conversation, and Alex proves to be a treasure trove of wisdomùtune in to learn and hear his unique perspective.Duration: 1:11:13
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Summer Papachan - NU Grad Student UnionizationThis week Summer joins the show to discuss her role in Northwestern UniversityÆs graduate student unionization efforts. We cover the unionÆs successes and challenges while also exploring broader conversations about social equity and resource distribution. Summer is incredibly insightful, and itÆs a great conversationùtune in! Resources: https://nugradworkers.org/ | https://dailynorthwestern.com/2023/11/14/campus/graduate-workers-union-rallies-for-timely-bargaining-response-to-economic-demands-from-nu/ | https://dailynorthwestern.com/2023/11/02/campus/graduate-student-parent-group-finds-disconnect-between-caregiving-needs-and-nu-resources/Duration: 0:54:38
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Will Halliden - Life in the TSAWill shares his experience working for the TSA, including insights into government work, airport temper tantrums, and some of the wild things heÆs witnessed on the job. Tune in to learn why the TSA matters! Fact check: the CT scanners cost $350k, not $3 million.Duration: 1:07:19
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Sid - Hobbyist and Rug Tufting ExtraordinaireThis week Sid joins the show to talk about their hobbies, how they help with coping in the modern world, their move from Texas to Chicago, and their journey into starting a rug tufting business. ItÆs a fun and fascinating conversationùcheck it out! Sid is the owner of Cherry Basket Studio, where they create beautiful rugs. See their work at https://cherrybasketstudio.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/cherrybasketstudio/ | https://www.etsy.com/shop/cherrybasketstudioDuration: 1:02:35
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Greg Franklin - Amazing Race S35 WinnerTo kick off 2024, Greg joins the show to share his experience on season 35 of The Amazing Race. We discuss the challenges, behind-the-scenes moments, how life has changed since the show, his future work with Wired, and his life in general. ItÆs a fun conversation with a great Chicago native, highlighting how locals are making big moves around the world.Duration: 0:57:44
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Madison Burger - Bacterial "Vegan" Leather and the Future of FashionAfter a long hiatus, Madison Burger joins the show to discuss her work researching and cultivating bacterial leather. We talk about how she entered the field, the latest trends in leather alternatives, and her work with Plant Chicago and Chitown Bio. ItÆs an incredibly informative episode, with Madison providing a nuanced and highly knowledgeable perspective on the alternative leather industry.Duration: 1:10:38