Episode 50: Aaron Masliansky-Inside the Skev
This week, the 50th episode on Inside the Skev, I flip the table on myself, and take up an offer from former guest Victoria Reeves to interview me, Aaron Masliansky! In this episode, you will learn what inspired me to start Inside the Skev, my life, passions and profession.
Episode 49: Dr. Eric Witherspoon-Evanston Township High School
This week, on Inside the Skev, we sit down with Dr. Eric Witherspoon, the Superintendent of Evanston Township High School District 202 (ETHS). We talk about his background, what ETHS offers and the exciting new partnership with Oakton Community College.
Episode 48: Paul Hletko-FEW Spirits
This week, on Inside the Skev, we sit down with Paul Hletko, the Founder and Master Distiller at FEW Spirits in Evanston. In this episode we talk about why Paul decided to open up FEW Spirits in 2011 after a career in the law and music industry and used his creativity to make award winning craft whiskey and gin that is now sold in 4 continents.
Episode 47: Dr. Jenny Thompson-Evanston History Center
This week, on Inside the Skev, we sit down with Dr. Jenny Thompson. Dr. Thompson is the Director of Education at the Evanston History Center. She recently wrote, “The Takeover 1968,” which provides an in-depth look at what started on May 3, 1968, when a group of Black students at Northwestern University made headlines when they occupied the university’s main financial building and announced that they would not leave until their demands were met. We discuss the book, the History Center and the history of Evanston.
Episode 46: Victoria Reeves-Brassy + Intrepid and Soul Stories Live
This week, on Inside the Skev, we sit down with Victoria Reeves. Victoria is a true renaissance woman; from her one-woman show Brassy + Intrepid about her life, her monthly spoken word/sound experience Soul Stories Live at the Firehouse Grill in Evanston; teaching at Y.O.U; and her consulting work as a creativity/career coach . We explore all of these facets of her life in this fascinating conversation.
Episode 45: Brandis Friedman-Chicago Tonight
This week on, “Inside the Skev,” we sit down with Brandis Friedman, Skevanston resident and co-host of, “Chicago Tonight.” Chicago Tonight is a television news program broadcast weeknight on WTTW in Chicago. It reports primarily on local politics, education, business, culture, science and health, with a mix of in-studio panel discussions, one-on-one interviews and short documentary-style packages. We discuss the show, media, and Brandis’ story.
Episode 44: Brittany McGhee-The Chicago Council on Global Affairs
This week on, “Inside the Skev,” we sit down with Brittany McGhee, the Assistant Director of Next Generation at The Chicago Council on Global Affairs. The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight on critical global issues, advances policy solutions, and fosters dialogue about what is happening in the world and why it matters to people in Chicago, the United States, and around the globe.
Episode 42: Jenni Rook-Institute for Therapy Through the Arts
This week on, “Inside the Skev,” we sit down with Jenni Rook from the Institute for Therapy Through the Arts (ITA). ITA provides creative arts therapy for people of all ages and needs, which is an alternative to traditional therapy methods. They are based in Evanston and were established in the 1970s. Jenni is the executive director.
Episode 41: Kayla Strauss-Looking Glass Pet Shop
This week on, “Inside the Skev,” we sit down with Kayla Strauss from the Looking Glass Pet Shop. Kayla recently purchased Not Just Thee Fishbowl. The Shop was formerly Not Just Thee Fish Bowl, and changed hands after 40 years of ownership by one family. Kayla is deeply devoted to her store and the animals and she has renovated the space and put her own stamp on it.
Episode 40: Its Skokie on Inside the Skev
This week on, “Inside the Skev,” we sit down with Scott Holtz and Ilene Collins from the, “it’s Skokie,” podcast. “It’s Skokie,” is another podcast that chronicles the people and the businesses and happenings of Skokie.
Episode 39: Brad Sugar-American Jewish World Service
This week on, “Inside the Skev,” we sit down with Brad Sugar from American Jewish World Service (AJWS). Brad is a Skevanston resident, longtime friend, Northwestern University Kellogg MBA graduate and works in AJWS’ local Chicago office.
Episode 38: Susan Abrams-Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
This week on, “Inside the Skev,” we sit down with Susan Abrams, the CEO of The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. Located in Skokie, the Museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Holocaust by honoring the memories of those who were lost and by teaching universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice and indifference.
Episode 37: Dave Rahija-NorthShore University HealthSystem
This week on, “Inside the Skev,” we sit down with Dave Rahija from Northshore University Healthsystem. Dave is the President of the Skokie Hospital. In this episode we discuss the history of the hospital and the organization, the change to hospital specialization, the healthcare industry and Dave’s background in medicine.
Episode 36: Dino Robinson-Shorefront Legacy Center
This week on, “Inside the Skev,” we sit down with Dino Robinson. Dino is the founder of the Shorefront Legacy Center. Shorefront collects, preserves and educates people about Black history on Chicago’s suburban North Shore. We discuss the origins of the Center, it’s growth and future. We also discuss the roots of segregation in housing in Evanston, and the topic of reparations in Evanston.
Episode 35: Kevin Francis-JaHbat FC
This week on, “Inside the Skev,” we sit down with Kevin Francis from JaHbat F.C. JaHbat FC is committed to the development and advancement of youth soccer in the Chicagoland, Northshore and West Suburb area.
Episode 34: Khemarey Khoeun and Punisa Pov-Skokie Park District and the National Cambodian Heritage Museum & Killing Fields Memorial
This week on, “Inside the Skev,” we sit down with Khemarey Khoeun and Punisa Pov. Khem is a Skokie Park District Commissioner, and the President of the National Cambodian Heritage Museum & Killing Fields Memorial.
Episode 33: Juliana Taimoorazy-Iraqi Christian Relief Council and the Philos Project
This week on, “Inside the Skev,” we sit down with Juliana Taimoorazy. Juliana is the Founder and President of the Iraqi Christian Relief Council, a Senior Fellow at the Philos Project and a Skokie resident..
Episode 32: Sean Simpson-Lanzatech
This week on, “Inside the Skev,” we sit down with Sean Simpson, the co-founder of Lanzatech. LanzaTech is based in the Illinois Science and Technology Park that is located in Downtown Skokie. Lanzatech is a company that recycles carbon waste from steel mills and other carbon producers and turns it into fuel and chemical by-products. In this episode we discuss what brought Lanzatech from New Zealand to the Chicagoland area and specifically Skokie, and what they do.
Episode 31: Sam Glassenberg-Level Ex
This week on, “Inside the Skev,” we sit down with Sam Glassenberg from Level Ex. Sam is a Skevanston resident, and founder of Level Ex, which is a company that creates breathtaking video games for doctors that capture the challenges of practicing medicine: from puzzling diagnoses to rare surgical complications. Level Ex has been dubbed the, “Deep Dish Hotdog of Chicago Tech.”