Sip With Me (Sip With Me)

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 25, we take a bite out of food history with Max Miller, Host of ‘Tasting History’ on YouTube. At over 750,000 subscribers and tens of millions of views, he has mastered the art of delicious edutainment. One part history, one part food, and one part comedy, Max teaches his viewers around the world how to make historical dishes while sharing the history behind the food. In this episode, we learn about why he started the series and how he studies up for each week’s video! Plus, get a glimpse into his exciting future when we ask about the history of cocktail making. We end with an update on his cookbook and a tasty session of rapid fire, in which we hear about the most unique ingredient he’s had to source for an episode!

All aboard the Big Bus! One of the most moving experiences we’ve had in the city, the “Sunset Live Tour” by Big Bus Tours explores Chicago while the city’s architecture, historical landmarks, and lake are draped in the velvety shade of golden hour.

This tour takes tourists and locals on a 90-minute journey around the Chicago loop and surrounding neighborhoods. Atop their iconic red, double-decker buses, you’ll see the city above even our CTA buses.

We chat with John Curran, Senior Vice President & General Manager at Big Bus Tours, about the Sunset Live Tour and the company’s traditional hop on & off experience.

John shares some of the facts you’ll learn on the tour, including that Lincoln Park used to be a huge cemetery and how there is a piece of burnt debris from the Great Chicago Fire you can visit. Highlights for us included driving down Lakeshore Drive with the wind in our hair and pulling over on Fullerton for a one of a kind view of the city.

We end with rapid fire and learn John‘s favorite Chicago restauraunt/neighborhood, and he brings us to tears, describing the one person in the world he would want to take on a big bus tour.

Sunset Live Tours run through October 19. They currently depart at 7:30 PM, but this time moves progressively earlier as the sun begins to set sooner.

TICKETS/INFO: https://www.bigbustours.com/en/chicago/chicago-sunset-live-night-tour-ticket

SOCIALS: https://www.instagram.com/bigbustours/?hl=en

Today, we’re cooking up some Voodoo magic, not around a traditional cauldron though, more like a burning hot cauldron filled with delectable fried dough! Started in Portland twenty years ago, Voodoo Doughnut is known for its unique flavors and signature pink boxes. The company offers a sea of freshness and fun in a food and beverage  market that has seen a rise in “sameness”. The brand is nationally recognizable and is frequented by celebs and foodie experts alike! December 2023 is ushering in a new dawn here in Chicago, with the brand opening its first location , which is located in West Loop! We’re delighted to welcome CEO Chris Schultz on to chat with us about the iconic brand and what Chicagoans can expect! Chris shares some of Voodoo’s west coast history, discusses creating some of their iconic flavors, and plays a round of rapid fire! Visit the store now at 945 W Randolph! They’re open early mornings and late into the night! Check out their menu and order ahead or checkout catering at: (https://www.voodoodoughnut.com) Follow them: @voodoodoughnut

There’s nothin’ more Chicago than a shot of Malört (or a bottle)! It’s famous for its unique taste and rich history. It’s a traditional wormwood based liquor near and dear to Chicago’s food and drink pop culture, and it’s been gaining insane popularity in recent years. Tremaine Atkinson, CEO, Co-Founder, & Head Drinker of CH Distillery, which bought the famous brand in 2018, added it to its portfolio of artisan spirits. The company, which embodies Chicago in name and spirit, is host to a 50,000 sq foot distillery and a portfolio of Illinois spirits. We chat with Tremaine about why he founded CH and what led him to fall in love with Jeppson’s Malört. Hear some of its rich history and why Tremaine brought the brand back to Chicago. Plus, hear about what it’s like to run a distillery in a major city and  what makes their spirits stand out from the crowd! Follow them @chdistillery Visit https://chdistillery.com/ to learn more about the brand, book a reservation at CH Bar, or book a distillery tour! PLUS, they have partnered with Jinsei Motto to offer both cocktail and sushi at their West Loop location! Ioanna and I checked it out, and it’s a 10/10 spot for a night out or drinks after work!

This week we turn up the music and HIIT our way into all things fitness with Sydney Miller, Founder of HOUSEWORK®. HOUSEWORK® is “a full-body sculpting and conditioning workout set to the beat of house and electronic music. It's the perfect balance between low impact Pilates based exercises and high intensity cardio and strength, with the music driving you the entire time.” On top of this incredible format she has built, Sydney is also a Master Instructor at SoulCycle! She’s known by her regulars and fans for her well thought out playlists that keep riders riding and combing back for more! We talk all things HOUSEWORK®, SoulCycle, cocktails and MORE! Hear her journey to the top of SoulCycle, the entrepreneurial path she paved through the pandemic, and of course we talk her fave songs to sweat to! Sydney loves our Sip with Me community and is offering our listeners the code SIPWITHME30 for 30% off your first 3 months of HOUSEWORK®!

This week we’re diving in to all things FASHION, specifically bridal fashion, with fashion stylist, Kennedy Bingham! Also know as “Gown Eyed Girl”, she’s an influencer and stylist based in Los Angeles who left her job in finance on the hunt for an avenue into the fashion industry. Since then, Kennedy has helped hundreds of brides find their perfect look, managed multiple luxury showrooms, and grown to be one of the largest content creators in bridal! Join Ioanna for this riveting conversation with Sydney on her journey into the industry, insights on bridal fashion trends present & future, and a round of bridal rapid fire!

The wedding is over, but we’re not off our wedding kick yet! This week, we’re featuring Jen Glantz the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire, a 3x author, podcast host, and creator of The Newlywed Card Game & The First Years of Marriage Newsletter! The idea is really what it says- she’ll be your everything Bridesmaid. Need a bestie? She’s got you. Need someone who will get the dance floor full? She’s got you. Need someone who will be a shoulder to lean on during the big day? She’s got you covered! We chat about how she came up with the idea and why it’s actually so genius. She’s been to weddings all over and has seen it all. She shared with us some of her favorite wedding experiences, all about her own wedding and much MORE! Jen also tells us about her game, which after hearing about Ioanna and Aaron both purchases to play with their husbands. She also shared her favorite drink of choice, a Root Beer Float, one of which we could really use after our eleven hour flight back from Greece (with extra ice cream)!

Get comfy on the couch and turn on the big screen to be graced by one of our favorite Hollywood actors (with Chicago roots too), Colin Egglesfield! You know Colin from his roles on, All My Children, Melrose Place, The Client List, Something Borrowed, and dozens of other television and movie appearances. Colin also has a podcast “Coffee with Colin”, founded a mission-driven clothing line, wrote a book, and all around just seems like the kind of guy you would want to be friends with. Colin caught up with us to talk about some of his many works and to discuss what he has lined up for 2023, including a new movie with our fave, Chrishell Stause. Plus, Colin gives advice to those pursuing acting and their passions, and tells us how to be true to ourselves. We also learned about his book, “Agile Artist: Life Lessons from Hollywood and Beyond” and we get a sneak peak into what he’s doing to help the world through with Stem Cells. Follow Colin @colinegglesfield to stay up to date on all the things, and check out his podcast “Coffee with Colin” wherever you listen to podcasts!

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 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.

Did you know Chicago's Adler Planetarium was the first open to the public in the entire western hemisphere? This week, you’ll learn how the iconic lakefront planetarium came to be nearly 100 years ago and the story behind some of its space artifacts. Plus, Michelle Nichols, Director of Public Observing at Adler, tells us about the Doane Observatory, which is quite literally on the lakefront and a true hidden gem of the city. The observatory is home to the largest publicly accessible telescope in Chicagoland. Through it, you can see the surface of the moon, Saturn’s rings, and even quasars in the distant universe! Plus, we chat “Adler at Night”, your weekly opportunity to visit the planetarium after work or even for a date night. And the biggest benefit, IT’S FREE for Illinois residents! EVERY. SINGLE. WEEK! No hunting down the usual random free night that gets thrown into the depths of Chicago winter- Adler is free for residents every single Wednesday night! We end with rapid fire, during which Michelle shares what she’s excited about on the frontier of space study and the coolest thing she’s seen through a telescope! And Michelle shares her favorite cocktail, “Bourbon Milk Punch”! ADLER SUMMER EVENTS & EXPERIENCES: https://www.adlerplanetarium.org/explore/events/ BOURBON MILK PUNCH COCKTAIL: https://www.liquor.com/recipes/bourbon-milk-punch/ MICHELLE’S WEBSITE: https://www.astroeducator.com INSTAGRAM: @adlerplanet

Vibe check, Chicago!! If you're a regular on the Chicago food & drink scene, chances are you've been to one of Brad Parker's establishments, which include the popular Hampton Social, The Bassment, newly opened Nisos Prime, and more coming.   Entrepreneur Brad Parker is the founder of Parker Hospitality and his dining concepts are more than kitchens slinging conventional dishes —--they’re immersive portals that transport guests to dreamy destinations: you have the nautical Hampton Social which evokes an East Coast lifestyle; Mediterranean Nisos lets you escape to the Greek Islands; and live music venue, Bassment, is a one of our favorite speakeasy lounges.    Brad joins us this week to discuss what you can enjoy at his immersive establishments, both in Chicago and around the nation. We learn fun facts like where the famously instagramable “rosé all day” sign came from and what theme is next on his business bucket list. Hear how he curates each location’s high quality menu and why his spots are perfect for many young adults like Ioanna & Aaron, who want insane quality food but also sometimes want to have fun in a more sophisticated environment than a busy club or crowded bar. Plus, Ioanna & Aaron dine at Nisos Prime Bar & Hampton Social. AND we had such a good time, we’re going back to Nisos Prime Bar this week to celebrate Ioanna’s birthday (we’re mostly going back for the homemade bread app)! We 10/10 recommend Brad’s spots for a night out with friends, to celebrate a special event, or just to treat yourself. The food quality was superior, the staff were the friendliest in the city, and the energy, let us tell you, the VIBES truly transported us to places far far away. See our experience and reviews on Instagram @sipwithme_ Visit https://www.parkerhospitality.com to see locations, make reservations, and view menus! Follow Brad: @bradparker_hospitality Follow Parker Hospitality: @parkerhospitality

Candace Nelson is as iconic as her cupcakes! One of our favorite entrepreneurs out there, she founded Sprinkles Cupcakes in 2005. Considered the first cupcake bakery, the brand has been massively successful thanks to its beautiful cupcake designs, fresh ingredients, and Candace’s vision for an elevated cupcake experience. Candace also has a cookbook, is reinventing pizza, and just released her new book “Sweet Success: A Simple Recipe To Turn Your Passion into Profit”. She sat down with us during her trip to Chicago to tell us all about the book and what it has in store for readers! A freshly baked mixture of tips, tricks, lessons learned, and memories, she gives insight into how to bake up the recipe for success! As podcasters trying to grow our brand for the past two years, let us be the first tell you, we empathized with many of her messier moments and use them to create some of our best! Candace also gave us a glimpse into her journey to becoming an entrepreneur, which included Indonesian cooking, the dot-com bubble, and a willingness to risk it all. We end with a round of rapid fire to find out Candace’s go-to cupcake flavor, her favorite sprinkle, and favorite cocktail! This week’s recipe for the “Sprinkletini” is shared from Salt & Lavender! Find Candace’s new book at your local bookstore, on Amazon, or wherever you get your books! Some links are in our bio!

Why Aaron and Ioanna have been MIA? Listen to the full episode to find out!

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!

Jake Draviczki is a Registered Dietitian who creates easy to digest nutrition, fitness, and wellness content on Instagram and YouTube that has earned him a loyal and continuously growing fanbase. In light of ongoing stay-at-home habits and the approaching winter months, Jake joined us to share some of his expertise and tips on how to stay well healthy during the holidays. We learn from Jake about different foods and nutrients and how they impact the body. We discuss popular ones like alcohol, sugar, and caffeine, plus hear his recommendations on macronutrients and which vitamins are most important. Jake also taught us how to pick which foods we eat, what not sleeping enough can do to the brain, and why Aaron’s eye twitches when he has too much caffeine. We end the episode with a round of rapid fire to find out Jake’s favorite healthy cocktail and hear which vitamin he’d vote his favorite!

Soldier Field is one of the most recognized and iconic Chicago landmarks. And many of you have likely been to a Bears game there, or perhaps a Taylor Swift concert! What you might not think about when you visit is that the stadium has hosted numerous historic figures like MLK Jr. and NATO, and has had a far reaching impact on the Chicagoland economy for decades. We sat down with Luca Serra, Director of Marketing & PR for Soldier Field, to discuss what it takes to run a 63,500 seat stadium! He shares some of the rich 100+ year history of the stadium and discusses its designation as a National Historic Landmark. Learn about the “it takes a village” mentality he and his team need when it comes to pulling off a wide array of highly visible events, and learn about some of the economic impacts the stadium has on Chicago. Plus, hear about some of the current and future trends they see in the event, sport, and concert industries.  We end with rapid fire and learn about the time Luca met Obama, what concert he’s looking forward to this summer, and what his go-to food and beverage order are at the stadium!  UPCOMING EVENTS & TICKETS: https://www.soldierfield.com/events/all MORE STADIUM HISTORY: https://www.soldierfield.com/stadium-info/about BOOK A PRIVATE EXPERIENCE: https://www.soldierfield.com/private-events Follow them on Instagram (@soldierfield): https://www.instagram.com/soldierfield/?hl=en

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!

What’s better than one jack-o’-lantern? How about 1,000!

Exclusively at Chicago Botanic Garden, Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns features professionally carved pumpkins hand carved with a whole host of designs, from album covers, to Chicago icons, and even some TBT cartoons like Courage The Cowardly Dog!

Jodi Zombolo joins us for her 2nd appearance on Sip with Me to discuss this year’s Jack-o’-Lanterns! Find out about how their team chooses designs and carves 1,000 pumpkins, not once, but twice each Halloween!

Hear behind the scenes facts and find out what kind of Halloween goodies & cocktails are available each night!

We end with, you guessed it, jack-o’-lantern themed rapid fire!

The second installment of this event runs October 23-27 from 6:30-10:30pm. Tickets are already selling out so get them NOW!

*We also recommend you listen to our 2023 interview with Jodi about Holiday “Lightscape” and buy your tickets now! Both linked below!

Event Tickets: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/halloween

CBT: https://www.chicagobotanic.org

Social: https://www.instagram.com/chicagobotanic/?hl=en

Holiday Lightscape Tickets: https://www.chicagobotanic.org/lightscape

Quick Links: https://linktr.ee/sipwithme_

2023 Lightscape Holiday Interview with Jodi: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sip-with-me/id1522224564?i=1000634625687

She comes with news! Welcome back to Fashion Artist and Author, Holly Nichols! Also known as “hnicholsillustration”, she joined us in April 2021 to discuss her rise on TikTok and her book, “Modern Fashion Illustration”. Since then, she’s up to 1.7 million instagram followers, 6.2 million TikTok followers, and has done numerous campaigns and works for some of the worlds most notable brands. She goes viral for her recreations of Disney princesses and red carpet looks of the world’s a-list celebs. In this episode, we catch up and chat all the things that have happened since 2021, including new video content, insane social media engagement, and support from major brands like the Patriots! She also shares a special announcement that she’ll be selling her book again with a new publisher! PLUS, a new coloring book is coming soon!! SO SO SLAY! Shop her amazing products: https://www.etsy.com/shop/hnillustration/ Check her out on Instagram & Tik Tok:https://www.instagram.com/hnicholsillustration/?hl=en

Merry Christmas Sip with Me Family! Emily Waldo, known as Wreaths by Waldo, is a part-time wreath maker, full-time holiday enthusiast! She makes the most stunning wreaths and holiday decor. She’s blown up this year bigger than a giant inflatable Santa Claus, and chances are if you’re in Crafting-Tok, you’ve seen her work before! Emily joins us for a milk and cookies as we discuss DIY crafting for all holidays and why her wreaths have resonated with so many people. Plus, hear about how she turned her home into Whoville. In addition to her wreaths, Emily shares wonderful tutorials on how to put ribbon in your christmas tree, DIY Nightmare Before Christmas wreath, and much much more! We end with rapid fire to hear what other holidays she loves, and she pulls her favorite ornament from her tree! **no crafting experience needed to enjoy this episode** Follow Emily @wreathsbywaldo

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 5, we interview critically acclaimed author Diane Fanning, writer of 26 published books and a true leader of the community. She covers everything True Crime, has been a consultant for 48 hours, and has been featured on 20/20, the Today Show and Deadly Women.

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!

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!

It’s a Blue Man’s World and we’re just living in it! This week, we’re thrilled to be featuring the iconic Blue Man Group! This immersive and transportive show has been around since 1987, but it’s gone through many changes and of course, several Blue Men! You can also see the show in numerous cities around the world, including right here in Chicago! After seeing the show, we sat down with a real life Blue Man, Callum Grant, to chat about all things blue. Hear how an actual Blue Man would describe what a show is a like and, of course, our favorite part of any interview, Callum tells us about some of the history behind the famous production. Learn about several of their iconic sets like “Drumbone” and “Paint Drums”, and Callum shares why the show has had staying power for so many decades. Of course, we end with a blue themed round of rapid fire, discovering Callum’s favorite prop to use, how long it takes to turn blue, and THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION- WHY BLUE? AND WHAT IS THAT FABULOUS SHADE! Blue Man Tickets & Cities: https://www.blueman.com Follow BMG: @bluemangroup Callum’s Show: https://brokenplanetshow.com

Known for her cutting edge cake designs and her joyful personality, Queen of Cakes Emily Nejad runs one of the most creative cake spots in the nation. She’s known for her wild designs and her trademark Shag Cake. In 2021, she pivoted from taking custom orders to offering a full calendar of weekly cake and treat workshops! She even has a happy hour inspired workshop complete with snacks and a cocktail! We stepped into the kitchen to discuss how she got into the world of cakes and how she found her unique voice in the industry. Plus, she walks us through her favorite designs and some of her baker’s dozen tips. Emily also shares how the pandemic impacted her business and led to a pivot in her main offering. And she dishes out some inspiration for aspiring bakers! We frost the cake with a round of rapid fire, hearing what her favorite cake flavor is, her favorite Chicago restaurant, and we get her extremely educational opinion on whether or not box cakes get a bad name! To read more about Emily and sign up for her workshops, go to her website: https://www.bonvivantcakes.com/

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 6, we interview Ryan and Geri-Martha O'Hara of Birmingham’s Big Spoon Creamery! They share with us how they got started in ice cream, what their secret is, and talk the future of the creamery!

This week we are diving into all things VEILS with the owner and CEO of Tailored Tulle, Katie Valleau. Katie makes modern, intricate veils and accessories for the fashion forward bride. In this episode, we talk about the process behind her handmade veils, how she started her business during the pandemic, and MORE! She also shares with us her favorite cocktail, the Passion Fruit Habanero Margarita! https://www.etsy.com/shop/TailoredTulle

The Original Caramel Apple is celebrating its 75th birthday! This October, bite into one of the nation’s favorite fall treats and fill your heart with the nostalgia that is the Affy Tapple brand. This delicious treat has filled hearts & homes since 1948, and still does today using the same caramel recipe from way back when! Dipped in everything from Christmas sprinkles to the classic peanut coating, there’s a variety for any time of the year. The team at Affy Tapple joins us to share the rich history behind this iconic Chicago brand. Hear how the caramel apple came to be and discover why they got their unique “Affy Tapple” name. Plus, we discuss how they make so many caramel apples, where they source their apples, and what fun products you can get Halloween, Christmas, and beyond! You can find Affy Tapple at your local Chicagoland grocer, or visit their online store to ship them to your loved ones around the country! Follow them on Instagram: @affytapple Shop or Ship Affy Tapple: https://www.affytapple.com Visit our Instagram to see exclusive footage from our behind scenes Affy Tapple HQ tour!

To end our wedding series, we thought we’d have some fun with Aaron’s fiancé and Ioanna’s now HUSBAND! Since Michael is Canadian and Nathan is a teacher, we thought we’d put them to the test and see how they say______. Testing both pronunciation and actual word choice, we pulled out crowd favorites like water fountain, sherbet, caramel, crayon, and more! Find out how the four us agree or disagree on some Canadian favorites, and learn how good we really are at compromising with our significant others! Disclaimer: this episode was filmed live, off-site and without editing. Audio quality may be impacted!

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

In episode 31, Iron Chef winner, activist, & restaurant owner Justin Sutherland teaches us a thing or two about how to balance many hats while serving up some of the best eats in the nation. Classically trained in French cuisine, Justin “returned to his southern roots when he opened his own first restaurant, Handsome Hog, in St. Paul MN” and has since then opened several eateries with varying cuisines. On top of running these restaurants, Justin co-owns Hybrid Nation, a “socially-conscious streetwear and lifestyle brand” and created an organization during the COVID-19 pandemic which helps support hospitality workers. I mean, what a freaking amazing guy! Hear about his influences and motivations while we discuss his several restaurants and learn how hard the COVID-19 shutdowns were for his team and the community. Plus, find out what it was like to win Iron Chef and compete on one of our favorite shows, “Top Chef”. Last, we discussed his TruTv series “Fast Foodies” and found out what he likes to eat the most!

The phrase "like mother, like daughter" resonates with both Ioanna and Aaron because they both take after their mom in some eerily similar ways. Cher & Dawn Hubsher are our TLC favorites! Stars of the hit show “sMothered”, Cher and Dawn joined us to discuss their time on television and offer up some advice on managing relationships during stressful times of the year, including the holidays! We chatted about what it is like to be vulnerable on and off camera, and what it is really like filming for reality television. They dish on some of their favorite memories from the show and share advice on how they stay happy and healthy as such a bonded mother & daughter. Plus, we learn about their “Chattermouth Podcast”, the book they wrote together, and their NEW Chattermouth lipgloss! We hugged it out only as mother and daughter could with a round of rapid fire to find out what TLC show they binge together, their favorite quality about each other, the most memorable podcast episode they’ve filmed, and of course their fave mother/daughter cocktail!

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

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

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.

With a crystal blue backdrop and a river running through its veins, Chicago is our aquatic queen! Shedd Aquarium is our favorite destination in Chicago for sea otters, penguins, and all things aquatic. We spoke with Senior Director of Marketing LaToyia Strickland-Ledbetter about the century worth of Shedd history, its famous lakefront architecture, and all the adorable creatures that call Shedd home. We chat about all the upcoming summer events including Jazzin’ at the Shedd, Shedd House Party, Ritmo Del Mar, Pride Night and more! And learn about all the work they do behind-the-scenes to preserve and protect the world’s aquatic environment through education, research, and a little bit of human empathy. We end with rapid fire, during which LaToyia shares her favorite ocean and which summer event she’s most looking forward to! SHEDD SUMMER EVENTS & EXPERIENCES: https://www.sheddaquarium.org/programs-and-events OCEAN WATER COCKTAIL: https://www.lovebakesgoodcakes.com/ocean-water-cocktail/ INSTAGRAM: @shedd_aquarium @ladyled3 **

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.

At 52 Million TikTok followers and 1.4 Billion likes, Michael Le is one of the world’s most influential, most viewed, and key to his success, most loving and positive, social media personalities out there. Everything he touches turns to gold, and we’re so excited because he shares a passion for a lot of what made Ioanna and I friends- dance, fitness, and family. The 23 year-old dancer and choreographer is known for his epic dance vids, collabs, and his bright personality. On top of his TikToks, he has several YouTube channels, a business, and is always partnering with world famous creators and brands. Michael joins us to discuss how he got into dance and how how creativity led to his historic rise to the top of the TikTok charts. Plus, hear about his entrepreneurial side and his company “Joystick”, a gaming and esports platform that seeks to empower players in the web3 space. And, he talks about his hysterical family, known by fans as “The Shluv Family” and gives us a peak info what it’s like creating with your loved ones. We end with an update on what he’s looking forward to in the rest of 2023, AND we play a round of rapid fire, discussing Michael’s favorite workout, dream collab, what game he’s playing right now, and more! Follow Michael on Instagram: @justmaiko Follow his YouTube channels: https://youtube.com/@JustMaiko https://youtube.com/@justmaiko2 https://youtube.com/@TheShluvFamily Discover “Joystick”: https://joystickgaming.io

Meet the most extraordinary musical artist of our generation! Morgan St. Jean has been releasing hits for years now and continues to climb the charts and our hearts. A genius songwriter, she is credited on several Chappel Roan hits.

Morgan joined us in early 2022, prior to she had released her iconic hit “Not All Men” and shortly after did it again with her single “Do it Like A Girl” which blew up on social media. She also released powerful anthems like “Right” and 2023’s viral Pride hit “Skin And Bones”.

Morgan is back to discuss her latest EP “My Mind And I” and her tour, which she completed earlier this year and, due to popularity, added a second leg that stops across the country in the coming weeks. She’ll tell us the meaning behind some of her new songs and discuss the creative process behind writing her hits and preparing for a national tour.

We end with rapid fire and discover Morgan’s tour snack must haves and her favorite artists right now.

Morgan comes to Chicago September 11, we’ll see you there ;)

TOUR DATES/TIX: https://www.morganstjean.com

FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/morganstjean/?hl=en

STREAM: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4kAyoGhVlC6PFg0FvMqmFB?si=Thzu4MLrT_m7ITcu3UuBNA

She shines bright like a diamond!In episode 2 of our wedding series, we’re diving into all things DIAMONDS with the owner and CEO of The Clear Cut, Olivia Landau. She’s a diamond expert, GIA Graduate Gemologist and 4th generation jeweler with experience at Tiffany & Co and in the diamond wholesale industry! Together with her husband, Kyle, they started The Clear Cut. The Clear Cut empowers “a new generation of consumers to create their perfect hand-crafted diamond engagement rings and more”. The business model works more fluidly, smoothly, and transparently than Diamond ring purchasing has in the past. We talk with Olivia about the five C’s, how to find your perfect engagement ring or wedding band. Plus, why TCC model works and why our generation is demanding a new kind of diamond transparency and buying experience! Plus, a shimmering round of rapid fire to find out some of Olivia’s fave diamond related info! https://theclearcut.co/

This week, Celebrity Private Chef Brooke Baevsky, also known as “Chef Bae”, takes us into the kitchen to tell us all about her fascinating career and some of the viral content she’s created. She’s known for her day-in-the-life videos, shopping at Erewhon, a viral $2000 dollar pizza, and so much more! She does it all, from shopping for her clients to crafting the tastiest recipes that meet even the most strict allergen/nutritional needs. We chat about a day in the life of a celeb chef, what inspires her extravagant meals, and so much more! We finish the episode with a round of rapid fire where we find out her favorite food, go-to seasoning, and dream client! For this week’s cocktail, we're featuring a fall inspired mocktail, The Magic Apple, which comes from Town & Country Mag. It’s the perfect mocktail to sip on as we make our way into our favorite season, fall! Link is in our Instagram bio! To book Brooke’s services or find out more about what she offers, visit her website: https://itschefbae.com/ And follow her on social: @chefbae Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefbae/ Tik Tok:https://www.tiktok.com/@chefbae Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@itschefbae

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!

Mary Fitzergald leads the pack of LA’s hottest luxury brokerage team, The Oppenheim Group. With four seasons down and a fifth on the way, Netflix’s Selling Sunset catapulted the show’s leading ladies into the national spotlight. Multi-million dollar homes and more drama than most Americans experience in a lifetime are centerpieces of the Netflix original. However, Mary, who serves as Vice President & Realtor Associate, is better known for her unrivaled hustle to sell those homes and a solid set of morals that can be hard to find among the Hollywood elite. Mary sat down with us to chat about the last couple of years and how so much has changed for her. We start with her influences, talking about how having her son at a young age and working in multiple international hubs taught her what she needed to know. After, we discuss the show and hear about the filming process at the famous Sunset Blvd office. We learn that everything on the show is indeed real, though there is way more footage filmed than is actually used! Plus, hear about some of Mary’s intra-office drama and how she showed her haters what true love really is. Last, we got Mary’s thoughts on the ultra hot housing market and what she is seeing in her deals. Plus, Ioanna and I chat about her gorgeous wedding as we prepare for our very own rides into the sunset. We seal the deal with a round of rapid fire to find out Mary’s Oppenheim Bestie, the favorite house she has sold, her go-to cocktail, and her favorite part of working at The Oppenheim Group.

We’re baking something sweet this week with Chicago’s very own, Baker Bettie! Kristin Hoffman is a trained chef, baking instructor, cookbook author, and the owner of Bettie’s Chicago! For the last 11 years she’s created educational content about baking on her website, YouTube channel, and on social media! She’s also hosted many baking workshops and retreats in and around the Chicago area on topics such as beginner bread baking, pies and pastries, baking science, and much more! This year she opened Bettie’s Chicago which is a 1950’s diner-themed event space and baking school in the River North area featuring weekly baking classes, date night events, and private parties. There’s even a Hocus Pocus class and a totally insta-worth “wall of Pyrex”! We chat with the Baker about her small business journey, baking inspirations, and motivations behind the retro themes. Plus, she tells us about her book “Baker Bettie’s Better Baking” (we love the alliteration) and she tells us what she has coming up at her new Chicago space! We baked a pan of fresh rapid fire answers and found out Bettie’s favorite thing to bake, the secret to a good cookie, and the piece of vintage cookware she’s searching for. Follow Baker Bettie on Instagram and TikTok @bakerbettie to find her recipes and get announcements about upcoming classes! And don’t forget to purchase her book!

Join us for a conversation with Suzie, the talented nail educator & enthusiast behind Nail Career Education. She’ll share how she turned a passion and art into a brand that’s gotten her many loyal customers and has helped her reach 2.37 million YouTube subscribers!

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!

If you’ve listened to the show before, you know Ioanna and I love to shoutout a good podcast, and we love to talk the tea about grandparents. This week we were thrilled to have Grandma Gail & Kim Murstein join us to discuss their epic show, “Excuse My Grandma”! Discussing generational differences around love, relationships, and dating, the family-duo dish out hilarious opinions and commentary on everything that comes with finding the right partner. Not only are they truly hysterical together, they often get deep and reveal some pretty useful learned lessons and bits of wisdom. They joined us to discuss how they started podcasting and why they chose to join forces. They reveal some of their favorite guests, how they’ve become closer through their endeavor, and what we can expected from them in the future. Plus, we hear about boundaries and figuring out how to talk about intimate topics with your grandma. We end this episode with a round of rapid fire, AND a new game of “Hot or Not”. Find out whether Grandma Gail & Kim agree on whether Coachella, Justin Bieber, Man Buns, and Momma’s Boys are so hot or so totally not!

We’re back with another episode where Ioanna & Aaron talk about their all time favorite thing- OUTER SPACE! What’s 13,800,000,000 years old? Why, the Universe of course! 2022 is a special year in this 13.8 billion year age because it’s the year humanity launched the most high-tech, high-capability tool to peer deep into that billion year history. Operations Controller for the new Webb Space Telescope, Jessica Hart, joins us this week to discuss the marvel that is the next Hubble! At $10+ billion in cost, the Webb Telescope can do quite a few things, including taking the oldest pictures of space and achieving the highest quality photography we’ve seen. Jessica’s role with her team is to send commands to the telescope to ensure it operates as directed and achieves its missions. Jessica starts off teaching us just how long people have worked on building Webb (hint: its multiple decades). We hear about what it is like working day-to-day communicating with a giant space telescope and how Jessica came to land in her current position. She shares with us more about Webb, telling us why it is so special and what it takes to keep it flying high above earth. Plus, she shares some of the challenges they face in such a complex operation. To end this mission, we wish upon a star with a round of rapid fire, learning Jessica’s favorite space fact, what she hopes to learn from Webb, and what her favorite planet is!

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!

Give us your finest bottle! As the General Manager of a winery located in the heart of New York, Jessica knows a thing or two about wine tasting and making. She’ll share with us how Brooklyn Winery got started in its peculiar urban location, all about their virtual wine tastings, and her favorite kinds of wine.

This week we’re diving into everything photography with this week’s guest, Sydney Marie! She is a photographer and wedding “expert behind the lens” of Sydney Marie Co. who has shot over 150 weddings. She celebrates the imperfect moments and finding the beauty in the natural flow of your wedding experience. She’s also the author of “Foundry: The Wedding Guide”, the ultimate wedding guide for the modern bride to be, in which Sydney takes you through it all: the ups, downs, mayhem and mishaps, passion and tears to guide, energize and celebrate your story unfolding! It was unbelievably helpful for Ioanna and we know you’d love it to! Her couples are her passion & priority, and it shows in the final product. Check out all her work and Guide at the link in our bio!

Welcome back to the legendary Queen of Cotton Candy, Emily Harpel, Founder of Art of Sucre! Emily joined us in February, 2021, to discuss her luxury cotton candy brand that was going viral. When we first met up with her, she was just getting ready to launch her online store. We were SO excited to shop when it dropped and we even featured her cotton candy glitter bombs at Ioanna’s Bridal Shower! She scaled the business in a major way during the pandemic and navigated choppy waters, coming out stronger than ever. Today, the business continues to expand into new flavors and products, and Emily even started her own podcast “Let Them Eat”, which dropped its first episode on Feb 1, funny enough the 2-year anniversary of her Sip With Me episode! Emily spun up some fluffy fun with us, giving us the tea on what’s happened since 2021, including some amazing brand partnerships and expanding her team. We talk about the struggle of finding balance as an entrepreneur, crafting new flavors, and making sure you expand your business in a way that is manageable for you and your team. Listen to her podcast wherever you listen! And be sure to shop Art of Sucre at the link in our bio!

Invivo & Co was founded much in the same way our cocktail-podcast was back in 2020, by two best friends enjoying a drink (well, in our case we were making pancakes). Ioanna & Aaron’s favorite wine brand, Invivo, “makes wine our mates would drink, and talk about it the same way they would: honest, down to earth, and without too much BS”. Founders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron are major bestie inspo! After a successful partnership with legendary TV megastar Graham Norton, Invivo partnered with the one, the only, the fabulous Sarah Jessica Parker to create Invivo X, SJP, both a Sauvignon Blanc and a Rosé. As major SATC fans, we knew we had to talk with Tim Lightbourne, and just like that we were thrilled when he joined us all the way from New Zealand! To start, Tim shared with us the absolutely hilarious story of the brand’s founding in a London Pub. Then we get into what it’s like operating a winery from New Zealand and discuss Invivo’s wine making process- what their flavor profile is and how they set themselves apart from the competition. They offer affordable bottles that don’t cut on quality. Next, we hear about how they basically manifested themselves into becoming partners with Graham Norton after Tim would not relent on the phone calls and even hand carried grapes across the globe. Tim is a true visionary, folks! Following their success with Graham, Invivo knew they needed a powerhouse U.S. partner, and of course they found it in SJP. Tim talks to us about how they pitched the brand to her and how they find the perfect blend each year using Sarah Jessica’s direct involvement in the process. Sarah Jessica even zoomed in following the pandemic so they could still taste wine for her line! We also learn about how she picks the gorgeous colors used on her labels, a label which she created and hand painted herself! Do you know what the “,X SJP” stands for? We end this full bodied episode with a round of rapid fire, hearing what Tim’s favorite cocktail is and finding out his favorite part about working with Sarah Jessica. Plus, the bonus of the newly formed Invivo Airline. Yes, this interview truly is the perfect glass! This episode features “The City Shandy”, an Invivo-inspired cocktail created by Mixologist & Bartender of the Year, Meaghan Dorman! Be sure to follow them @invivoxsjp and @invivowines. To locate a bottle of SJP at a store near you, visit (https://invivoxsjp.com/where-to-buy-usa/)

Ioanna and I love to leave a meal feeling satisfied. What we often forget to take into account though are the elements of dining at a restaurant that extend beyond the meal itself- the environment, the energy, and even the education you receive on the food you're eating. If you want to feel elevated after a night out, look no further than Loews Chicago O’Hare’s Sip & Savor Dinner Series at The Ashburn, An American Gastropub. Hotel Executive Chef Chuck Gillis takes everything he’s learned in his 30+ years of experience and puts it into a specially curated dining experience that is only available to the public once in a lifetime. That’s right- once it's gone, it's gone! In their Sip & Savor Dinner Series, Chef Chuck partners with a beverage partner to create an intimate meal that is inspired by Chicagoland’s rich food & drink culture. We sat down in the kitchen with Chef Chuck to discuss what a Sip & Savor Dinner night looks like and why he takes such care to create a crafted dining experience for his guests that’s available one night only! Hear about his culinary influences and how he finds inspiration to bring The Ashburn menu to life season by season, including the May 2024 “Farm-to-Table” dining experience we are attending, with beverage partner Daou Vineyards. Chef Chuck also talks about their upcoming Sip & Savor dinners, which this year take place in May, July, August, and November! It’s the perfect outing if you want to try something new & exciting, experience food in a new way, or spice up your date night with a more intimate and engaging culinary show. Everyone wants to feel elevated- and we think sipping your drink & savoring your meal at Loews Chicago O’Hare is the way to do so! SIP & SAVOR SERIES INFO: https://www.loewshotels.com/chicago-ohare/dining/dinner-series DINING INFO & RESERVATIONS: https://www.loewshotels.com/chicago-ohare/dining/restaurant HOTEL INFO & BOOKING: https://www.loewshotels.com/chicago-ohare INSTAGRAM: @loewsohare

Podcasters get lost in the world’s largest corn maze read the headlines! Don’t get cornfused- this is indeed the World’s Largest Corn Maze! Meet Richardson Adventure Farm!

Located north of the city in picturesque northern Illinois, this is not your typical family farm! Richardson is home to the largest corn maze anywhere.

We meet George Richardson who runs the farm with his family. He tells us about the fun farm history (dating back to the 1830’s!) and he talks about how you actually design and make the world’s largest corn maze (it’s a very high tech process)!

On top of the corn maze, they have everything else you could dream of at a fall farm. The farm also boasts an impressive Christmas tree operation, sunflower fields, tulip festival, and craft beer festival!

And, the best apple cider donuts we’ve ever had (literally we don’t know how they made it so fluffy).

Visit the corn maze through October 27th!

VISIT: https://richardsonadventurefarm.com

SOCIAL: https://www.instagram.com/richardsonadventurefarm/?hl=en

CORN MAZE PHOTO: https://richardsonadventurefarm.com/AdventureFarm/CornMaze

QUICK LINKS: https://linktr.ee/sipwithme_

The Chicago Botanic Garden is the place to be, especially during their holiday “Lightscape” experience. Their 385 acres of pristine natural beauty in northern Cook County are transformed into an immersive journey that utilizes light, color, and sound to transport guests into realms of holiday beauty. Ioanna and Aaron went and said it gave “Disney nighttime fireworks show meets virtual reality meets North Pole wonder”. With individual installations by artists from around the world, every corner you turn will have a new surprise that will make dance, laugh, or stare in contemplation. We chat with Jodi from the Gardens to learn more about what Lightscape has to offer Chicagoland visitors this year. Plus, she gives us a BTS look into how long it takes to prep for the magnificent show. And, learn more about the Chicago Botanic Garden and all it has to offer year round. Visit https://www.chicagobotanic.org to see pictures and purchase tickets! It is HIGHLY recommended you book early as some nights are already selling out! The show runs through January 7th and is perfect for families, couples, or friends. They’re hot cocoa for the kids and fun holiday cocktails for the adults! Follow them @ChicagoBotanic and visit our Instagram to see our experience at Lightscape!

Pop the champagne! Ioanna is MARRIED and as of this episode airing we are likely still dancing because Greek weddings go until 5:00am! In honor of Ioanna's wedding and because she is currently on her honeymoon, we continue our wedding series this week with one of our faves in the biz, Celebrity Event, Wedding Planner Extraordinaire, and Château genius Melissa Andre, of Melissa Andre Events. She has attracted and worked with a roster of A-list clientele, from some of the most respected global brands to top celebs including Drake, Victoria Beckham, LouisVuitton, Google, Instagram, and MANY MORE. She’s landed on BizBash’s List of the Top Event Designs in North America, and Special Event Magazine’s List of Most Fascinating Women, as well as interviews and features in InStyle, Forbes, People, Billboard, GQ, and many more. Per her website, "Creative Consultant Melissa Andre is renowned for distinctively whimsical designs with an unexpected edge. With a signature style that juxtaposes dreamy scenes with avant-garde sophistication, she seamlessly blends her diverse references to revolutionize the look, feel and way people interact with brands, events and products. She brings her unique and distinctive aesthetic to every project, capturing a sense of modern timelessness with elevated, unpredictable design solutions." Melissa tells us all about how she started in this industry and worked her way up through various twists and turns. She shares what it is like executing events for some of the worlds most influential people and how she draws on pop culture, fashion, and personality to make her events above the gold standard. Plus, learn the MADco. Method, which is her and her team's perfected planning and execution process and checklist which has been refined over 15 years of learning. She also is opening a damn Château so of course Ioanna and I got super off topic and talked to her about that because it is incredibly amazing! Hear about that and what it's like restoring what is literally an old castle. We end with a walk down the aisle to play some MADco rapid fire to learn Melissa's dream collab, her favorite venues, go-to workout, and favorite cocktail! Read more about Melissa and her many ventures at: https://melissaandre.com Cheers, Ioanna! We love you!

DISCLAIMER: this episode was filmed on location. We recommend watching this episode rather than listening due to audio quality and the need to see our gorgeous fiancé’s! Watch our episode at the link below! Happy Valentine’s Day! Ioanna and Aaron celebrate love with their partners, Nathan and Michael! This week, we go head-to-head in a couples quiz game fit for the Game Show Network! Find out how compatible we are with our fiancé’s and how well Nathan and Michael know us. Listen through to the end to find out which couple takes home the Golden Heart trophy! Categories include, who is better in bed, this or that, and what is their favorite! WATCH: https://linktr.ee/sipwithme_ Happy Valentine’s Day to all you lovers out there!

Join us in celebrating National Hot Dog Month with our favorite dog, Portillo's!  In this episode, you'll learn the story behind Portillo's Chocolate Cake Shake, whose dog was the inspiration for the iconic hot dog logo, and what Portillo's is doing to celebrate National Hot Dog Day on July 17th! A Chicago legend, Portillo's has been serving up Chicago-style street food since the company first opened in 1963 with Dick Portillo's first hot dog stand known as "The Dog House". Today, the company has just under 90 locations and is expanding nationwide!  We relished in the opportunity to speak with Garrett Kern, VP Strategy & Culinary, for Portillo's. We discussed some of their fun history and things Chicagoans may not know about the famous brand. Plus, hear about their new salads and how his team takes a customer feedback and turns it into new menu concepts.  We also discussed what they are doing to celebrate National Hot Dog Month this July & National Hot Dog Day (July 17th)! The fun includes free delivery July 15-21, an Instagram photo contest involving your dogs (and Aaron's corgi of course), and a partnership with the Animal Cruelty Society to which a portion of all sales of Portillo’s themed dog toys will be donated! We end with rapid fire, learning how Garrett likes his beef, what the key is to Portillo's perfect French fries, and what makes their cake so craveable!  To view the menu and order: https://www.portillos.com/order/ For all things Portillo's: https://linktr.ee/portilloshotdogs Instagram: @portilloshotdogs

It's time to eat Chicago! And what a better selection for us to choose from than the award winning Boka Restaurant Group! 

 

Ioanna and I have been to many of their restaurants in Chicagoland and always celebrate with them on New Year’s Eve! Examples include Boka, Swift and Sons, Girl and The Goat, and more.

 

Founded by Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm in 2002, Boka Restaurant Group is one of the premier chef-driven restaurant groups in the country. Anchored by partnerships with several of America's great chefs, Boka offers distinct culinary experiences, each of them individually crafted and conceptually unique. You'll feel it in the ambience of their spaces and you'll taste it in the food and drinks.

 

Kevin joined us to discuss the history of their group, what some of their restaurants have in store for 2024 & beyond, and why they value Chicago so much as a place for fine food and beverage. Plus, Kevin pitches his upcoming book “The Bottomless Cup” which comes out in 2025 with Abrams Press!

 

Kevin was even featured on FX’s “The Bear” as he is one of Chicago’s greatest foodtrepreneurs! This is a must listen episode!

We end with rapid fire, learning about Kevin’s favorite meal, neighborhood in Chicago, and one non-Boka restaurant he’s enjoying this summer!

 

FOLLOW BOKA: https://www.instagram.com/bokachicago/?hl=en

FOLLOW KEVIN: https://www.instagram.com/kevinboehmboka/?hl=en

RESERVATIONS & RESTAURANTS: https://www.bokagrp.com

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.

Want to know what it’s like to go to outer space? Gather round the launch pad space cadets! Ioanna and I are treating you to another story from our favorite podcast sub sub sub category- space!! Earlier this year, Dr. Katya Echazarreta was the first Mexican-born woman to travel into outer space. She’s become known for this since her successful launch, but there’s a lot more to her than just that. She has a long history of some pretty amazing work as an electrical engineer and media figure, including work at NASA! Named one of GLAMOUR’s women of the year, gracing the cover of VOGUE Mexico with her fabulous fashion, she can engineer both a NASA mission and a rocketing outfit. She also plays a part in Netflix’s IRL series on YouTube, which is very bingeable. Katya joins us to discuss how she got into electrical engineering, and how her identity played a role in her career path. Find out first hand what it’s like to go into space and how she trained for the ride. Hear how her view of the world changed as a result of her galactic journey and get a glimpse into what she has coming up in 2023. Be sure to follow Katya on Instagram @katvoltage

Come with us to Chicago’s premier antique market, a two-day event hosted by the fabulous Sally Schwartz and her team at Image Pilots. Browse indoor and outdoor vendors at this European-style vintage and antique festival. Established well before we were born, the market has been a national favorite among tastemakers and designers. Stroll through hundreds of booths and you never know what treasure you will find! Sally Schwartz joins us for a lively conversation about how it all began years ago, and how trends have evolved overtime. Plus, learn about why vintage is so trendy right now and what makes antiques worth collecting. For more info on the upcoming Holiday Randolph Street Market (November 18-19) visit: https://randolphstreetmarket.com/ Follow the Market for announcements and sneak peeks: @randolphmarket See our experience at the market on Instagram @sipwithme_

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!

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.

Happy 25th birthday to Chicago’s Christkindlmarket. A tradition loved across the nation, this week’s episode is close to home for Ioanna and Aaron. Chicago’s Christkindlmarket began in 1996 as a way to promote bilateral trade between Germany and the United States. Since then, it’s been warming Chicagoan’s hearts as an annual must-attend Christmas tradition! Famous for its mulled wine, delicious German Bratwrust, giant pretzels, roasted nuts, gorgeous ornaments, and of course hearty German beers, there’s something for all to enjoy under the city skyline. We spoke with Leila Schmidt, the Manager for Marketing and Intercultural Communication at the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest. Leila helps run their two locations each year and gives us some insight into how it all goes down. We learned about the origins of the market and how it has evolved into the nation’s best Christmas Market. Leila also shared the story behind their mega-famous mugs which feature German artwork and taught us about who actually works in the vendor booths. Plus, a peek into the wild logistical world of running an outdoor market during the coldest time of the year! We end the episode chatting about some of Leila’s market must-eats and Aaron shares his family’s market ornament tradition.

Sheena Melwani is a media personality, but not one who went down this path on purpose. With musical roots, Sheena has always been known for her amazing voice, and in 2020, her and her husband @therealindiandad went viral, forming their iconic “interrupted series”. Today, approaching 10 million TikTok followers, Sheena and her husband continue to make people laugh through positivity and joy, and Sheena continues to bless us all with her angelic voice, including her EP “Find Your Happy” and some amazing collabs with global performers. Sheena joins us to discuss her rise to fame, longtime passion for music, and her recent EP. Plus, we talk about about how nerves to perform are SO real! And, we get a motivational pep talk on how to truly “find your happy”. We end with rapid fire, during which we learn a truly iconic bagel connection between Ioanna and Sheena! In place of a cocktail, we share our go-to bagel orders! Follow Sheena on Instagram @sheenamelwani and visit her website to stream her music www.sheenamelwani.com

Here’s a puzzle for you: what do Settlers of Catan, Cowboy Caviar, and the Enchanted Forest have in common? Well, nothing in the outside world, but everything at Chicago’s premier Board Game Bar & Restaurant!

At Snakes & Lattes, the gamers game, the foodies eat, and the worries of the world melt away in the background of its immersive environment. With over 800 games in their wood paneled game vault (it’s actually an old bank vault) and a menu worthy of a Michelin Star, this place is poppin with vibes and energy every night of the week.

We sat down in the game vault for a live interview with Anaïs Guilbert & John Eiswerth to discuss board game trends and how the industry changed after the pandemic. Plus, hear about their private rooms, including Enchanted Forest, Starship, and Haunted Study (we think the haunted study is actually haunted btw the vibes are there).

Anaïs discusses the history of the brand which has locations around the country and in Canada. John shares how Chicago game designers bring their new products to test with the crowd- you never know, you might get to the play the first version of the next global best seller!

Plus, their calendar is full of events like Taylor Swift Trivia & Drag Bingo.

We also discuss the impact of games on our mental health during COVID and Aaron announces that he actually designed a board game once!

We finish with a game of rapid fire to find out their favorite games and items on the menu!

RESERVATIONS & MENU: https://www.snakesandlattes.com/chicago

INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/snakesandlatteschicago/?hl=en

BROWSE THE GAME LIBRARY: https://www.snakesandlattes.com/library

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!

We are kicking off our bridal series with a local Chicago vendor who captures the most amazing moments during a wedding! Myra, also known as Buenas Vibras Photography on Instagram, pens herself as a photog “for tequila lovers wanting a stress-free wedding”! When she told us she likes to do a tequila shot with each couple, we knew she was Sip with Me ready!! Mayra aims to capture the most raw moments of your wedding. She wants to see the hype and feel the good vibes. She also wants to capture you: “I love your melonin! Your skin needs to look just like it does every day. I take pride in making sure I pay attention to the details of who you are. My editing style is natural to true. Meaning, you are are going to look just like who you are. No funky colors, no melonin changes, none of that”. Mayra joined us to discuss how she got into the business and where she draws her inspiration from. We also got to discuss the Chicago wedding scene and what it’s like building a client base from scratch. She also shared her Puerto Rican influence and more. We also had fun playing rapid fire (no, we didn’t take tequila shots beforehand, but we wish we did)! Mayra shares her favorite wedding, best food she’s had at a wedding, and her favorite cocktail! Read more about Mayra at: style is natural to true. Meaning, you are are going to look just like who you are. No funky colors, no melonin changes, none of that”. Mayra joined us to discuss how she got into the business and where she draws her inspiration from. We also got to discuss the Chicago wedding scene and what it’s like building a client base from scratch. We also had fun playing rapid fire (no, we didn’t take tequila shots beforehand, but we wish we did)! Mayra shares her favorite wedding, best food she’s had at a wedding, and her favorite cocktail! Read more about Mayra at: https://buenasvibrasphotography.com Cheers, Chicago!

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 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 29, we give a rose to our favorite Bachelor contestant & business owner, Corinne Olympios. She rose to fame on season 21 with her infamous naps, but honestly she was just doing her. She made waves on her season and continues to capture the attention of folks all around the nation. She is a Founder of Aura Sugar Co, which has had pieces featured everywhere and worn by many of your fave celebs. The beaded jewelry is all gorgeous, handmade, and infused with aura cleansing properties. And let’s be real, beaded jewelry was literally THE thing of 2021... & she started it! Corinne joins us to talk about the founding of her business (also a partnership with a bestie like our podcast) and we talk what makes her pieces so adored. Plus, we chat about what it was like on The Bachelor and how it can be difficult for people at all levels of culture to love themselves and stay genuine in a world of increasing pressures. Last, we of play a round of rapid fire and talk her favorite cocktail, The Dirty Martini (extra dirty)!

As two long-time fitness professionals, Ioanna & Aaron know an innovative program when they see one. That’s why we sat down with internationally recognized Beachbody Super Trainers Jericho McMatthews and Elise Joan! Just like us, they are close friends; however, they completely level up, as Beachbody Super Trainers are the ultimate leaders for the industry! Per CEO Carl Daikeler, FIRE AND FLOW is the “future of fitness”. Jericho & Elise describe it as a “first-of-its-kind program devoted to transforming your physical and mental well-being. Alternate high-intensity workout days with low-impact, body-shaping recovery days to see real, sustainable results, reduce stress, and finally fall in love with fitness”! Beachbody has been through many changes since the pandemic upended the fitness industry and caused many of us to adopt new at-home fitness & wellness habits. This program is a part of their continued commitment to treat the whole person, both physical and mental well-being! With a new indoor cycling bike, live classes, and a one-brand strategy, the company has a future that looks bright! We spoke with the Super Trainers to get a glimpse into the motivations and inspirations behind the new 4-week program. Hear the benefits of Jericho’s FIRE days and Elise’s FLOW days. On top of the workout itself, there is a journal that participants use to track progress, get out their thoughts, and find prompts of encouragement and guidance from Jericho & Elise. They wanted us to stress that, yes, you will get definition and calorie burn from this program; but, more importantly for many of us, you’ll also de-stress, clear your mind, increase mobility, and create healthy habits for long-term success! These two charismatic and genuine leading ladies welcome bodies of all ability and experience. In place of a cocktail, this episode features the FIRE AND FLOW Fro-Whoa recipes, which can be found at the link in our bio! Be sure to follow Jericho (@jerichomcmatthews) & Elise (@elisejoanfitness) on Instagram! To find out more about FIRE AND FLOW, visit fireandflowprogram.com or www.beachbodyondemand.com

For our final cocktail of the year, Marie from @mixwithmarie shares with us her favorite holiday cocktail creation, Holiday Medicine! Plus, a quick thank you from Aaron & Ioanna, and an introduction to our first guest of 2022!

We’re once are graced by the presence of wedding and event gawd, Jove Meyer. Jove is a “color obsessed design and celebration expert” who joined us in September 2021 to discuss his wedding and event planning business, and he shared some tips for us as we prepared for Ioanna’s epic Grecian wedding! He’s been traveling around the globe since then throwing epic bashes and co-hosting a new show, Wedding Talk. Jove reflects with us on 2022, a year that was the peak of wedding and event craziness created by the pandemic backlog of events. Imagine throwing parties for folks all day, everyday, all while having them be mega-fabulous! That was his year! He travelled the world and back, all while making appearance on epic shows like Rachael Ray and GMA! Jove also gives Aaron some wedding advice for his upcoming wedding (date still TBD) and we reflect on Ioanna’s wedding! Follow @jovemeyer to find out what he has in store for 2023 and consider him for your next fab event! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sip-with-me/id1522224564?i=1000536005886

Happy New Year Cool Cats & Kittens! Carole Baskin returns to the show this week to update us on what has happened since we first met back in July 2021! Updates include many visits the the U.S. Capitol, getting her bill signed by President Biden (so so cool) and the continuation of her big cat safety work and presence in the media. Cheers to Carole on her bill, the Big Cat Public Safety Act, which officially became law on December 20, 2022! It’s bans cub petting photo ops, bans private big cat pet ownership and sets registration requirements for current big cat owners, among other things. The bill passed the US House 278-134 and unanimously in the Senate. Carole discussed how what may seem like a common sense law to protect big cats and people, was the culmination of decades of work, as lobbying and private interest away in the U.S. government remains strong, and not always for the right reasons. Be sure to follow @bigcatrescue for all the latest updates on everything big cats! This weeks cocktail, the “Here Kitty Kitty” comes from gobourbon.com, Old Forester, and Cocktails by Hawk!

To celebrate Ioanna’s recent engagement, we turn up the heat and talk love, relationships, and post-covid era dating trends with relationship expert and television personality Rachel DeAlto! As Chief Dating Expert for Match and a featured expert appearing on Lifetime’s Married at First Sight and TLC’s Kate+Date, Rachel truly is the go-to person for anything related to your love life. She’s shared her advice on many national talk shows and has given several amazing Tedx Talks! We thought she had done it all, but now she’s coming out with a new book this September! Our MUST READ for fall 2021, “ relatable: How to Connect with Anyone, Anywhere (Even If It Scares You)” is a book that needs to be in your shopping cart now! In our chat with Rachel, Ioanna & I get some tips on how to get along with our fiancés, learn about how the pandemic forever altered the dating scene, and discuss the new book. Whether you’re in love or “it’s complicated”, you’re sure to learn something useful in this week’s interview!

Nutcracker returns once again to Chicago’s Lyric Opera! A part of many folks' holiday traditions, Ioanna and Aaron are so excited to learn about the show from Joffrey Ballet Company Artist, Victoria Jaiani! In her 20th year with the company, Victoria will fill the role of “The Mother” in this year’s Nutcracker. We chat with her about the timeless beauty of the show, and what it means for her to continue performing 20 years after joining Joffrey. Victoria twirls us a tale of history as we hear about how she learned to dance in her home country of Georgia before going to New York for further learning. Plus, she shares some behind the scenes highlights from her time with Joffrey. And learn more about what it takes to create such beautiful art! And (so cute), Victoria is married to retired Joffrey dancer Temur Suluashvili! She is kind, funny, and so seasoned in the art of dance, so you won't want to miss this interview! Follow Joffrey: @joffreyballet Follow Victoria: @victoriajaiani Get Tickets Now: (https://joffrey.org/) Nutcracker 2023 (Description From Joffrey Ballet) The Joffrey Ballet’s critically-acclaimed reimagined classic, The Nutcracker by Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, returns to celebrate the magic of the holiday season. Wheeldon’s American tale relocates Marie and her immigrant family to the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, where Marie embarks on a whirlwind adventure with the Nutcracker Prince. A ballet in two acts set to Tchaikovsky’s classic score, The Nutcracker features an award-winning creative team, including Tony Award®-nominated set and costume designer Julian Crouch, Caldecott Medal Award-winning author Brian Selznick, Obie and Drama Desk award-winning puppeteer Basil Twist, Tony Award®-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz and Tony Award®-winning projection designer Ben Pearcy/59 Productions.

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/

Let’s see those lashes!! This episode features Anna Phillips, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at The Lash Lounge, a premier eyelash salon franchise with over 120 salons across the U.S. and growing. Founded in 2006, her specialty beauty concept was the first salon dedicated to eyelash extensions in the U.S. and has expanded to 30 states. Anna began her career in IT but always felt like something was missing. Like many in the early 2000s, she knew it was the right time to make a change, and so she decided to pursue her lifelong passion of helping others feel more confident about themselves! She discussed how she fell in love with the beauty world and how she knew there was a market to fill with lashes. Hear about her unique approach to lash services, the absolutely insane growth they’ve experienced in the last five years, and where she thinks the industry will be ten years from now. Plus, she shared her fave lash looks and her bridal lash recommendation! Follow @thelashlounge and visit www.thelashlounge.com to find services!

Fueled by sugar on the daily, Ioanna and Aaron are fun dippingly excited to learn more about their favorite candy shop, IT’SUGAR! Founded in 2006, IT'SUGAR calls itself one of the largest specialty candy "retailtainers" in the world, and at 100+ locations, there’s no sugar coating that! IT'SUGAR is an experience, known for absurd sugar innovations. They also have the world’s first candy department store (shopping + candy= HEAVEN). In this episode, we’ll hear from Justin Clinger, AVP of Creative and Marketing, about why the founder chose his candy calling, and learn what it takes to start a global candy shop. Learn what unique treats IT’SUGAR has to offer candy lovers and find out what’s trending in the wide world of candy. Plus, we talk about their “Make-A-Wish Wish Pops” and some of their exclusive and epic brand partnerships! Take a bite out of some candy history and discover the immersive world IT’SUGAR has to offer as Ioanna and Aaron visit Chicago’s Michigan Ave location! Shop and find your nearest store at: www.itsugar.com Follow them on instagram: @itsugar Check out their TikTok: @itsugar_official This week’s episode features “The Sweetheart Martini” from tipsybartender.com!

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 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.

When life gives you lemons, make lemon curd. Vallery Lomas triumphed and won season 3 of the Great American Baking Show, the US version of the famous Great British Baking show. Following that accomplishment, she released her debut cookbook, “Life Is What You Bake It”, featuring more than 100 of her best and favorite bakes! Vallery joined us hours before she departed on an international food expedition to dish out some of her baking tips and tricks! We learned about her southern influences and inspirations that shape what she bakes. Plus, her experience filming the show and just how taxing it is to be under the microscope of a thousand cameras. And yes, they do actually film under the famed white tent! Vallery also gave us a peek into her cookbook, sharing some of what she chose to incorporate and some of the stories she chose to tell through her recipes. Similar to former guest, The Korean Vegan, Vallery is a Lawyer turned foodie turned author who perfectly highlights her unique position in the world through her baking. We make the final bake with a round of rapid fire, learning her favorite recipe, what cooking show she binges, her favorite restaurant in New York City, and of course, her favorite cocktail! Plus, we share our drink of the week, The Lemon Curd cocktail.

Per her website, Clare is a content creator & interior designer living in Manhattan (yes, Ioanna & I are living for this already). Her mission in life is to make everything around her beautiful. By sharing her creative skills with the world, she hopes to inspire others to live beautifully. Well folks, she has inspired many to live beautifully- millions! At just shy of one million followers on TikTok as of this air date, Clare was already viral at the New Year, but then she blew up VIRAL in all caps in early 2022 as her creative lifestyle, budget luxury, and design videos soared to new heights. Fans around the world took notice of her eye for design, infectiously warm personality, and the feeling that she is all of our best friends! Clare joins us to discuss her meteoric rise as a content creator. She gives us a glimpse into her past and shares how she came to be where she’s at in life. Clare walks us through the creative process of making her viral TikToks and describes how she comes up with her ideas. Plus, we learn some tips on interior design (which Ioanna & Aaron could both use). Last, we were jumping for joy to chat about her upcoming wedding! We end this episode with a round of rapid to learn her favorite decor tip, what other content creators she follows, and her favorite cocktail!

The best food we’ve ever eaten? Quite possibly! Streeterville Social is the place to be during Chicago’s famous summer rooftop season! Chicago’s “go-to outdoor rooftop terrace serving up alfresco dining, libations, and a celebration of all things summer”, this is the rooftop of rooftops and has year-over-year been voted so by various publications and tastemakers. We sat down with Loews Chicago Executive Chef Trevor Hoyte to discuss the summer 2024 season and get a sneak peak at the food & drinks he & his team are crafting up to make this summer an unforgettable one! Chef Trevor tells us about his influences and how he creates each season’s menu. He shares some of his favorite food and beverage offerings on the menu this summer and discusses what makes Streeterville Social such a beloved staple on the Chicago scene. The food here is flavorful, with various international influences and tastes. You might come for refreshing cocktails & mocktails, but you’ll leave with the memory of the best of meal you had all year! OUR COCKTAIL RECOMMENDATIONS: Tamarind Tango The Last Straw Frose All Day OUR FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS: Street Corn Yogurt Safron Chicken Kabob Social Wings STREETERVILLE SOCIAL INFO & RESERVATIONS: https://www.loewshotels.com/chicago-downtown/dining HOTEL INFO & BOOKING: https://www.loewshotels.com/chicago-downtown INSTAGRAM: @loewschicagohotel @cheftrevorhoyte

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!

Take a Shot of Art with us! We all remember the creative days of our childhood when we could color outside the lines and make mud soup in the back yard. Now, there is a super unique experience that will remedy the creative void in anyone’s life and give you a boost of art therapy! This week, we ventured to “Shot of Art” in West Town to try out their wildly unique art experiences. Perfect for date nights, birthdays, or bestie bonding (aka us!), you’ll leave your experience with both a happy mind and a beautiful painted masterpiece. From shooting balloons filled with paint to painting on the ceiling, there’s an experience here for folks of all ages and no experience is needed! We sat down with Anastasia to discuss the founding story and why the owner felt inspired to create such a unique experience. Learn about the several art experiences you can try and find out how you can cover both the canvas and your bestie with paint (I’m looking at you Ioanna)!! Plus, we play rapid fire and learn what kind of painting Ioanna and I are! Chicago Info & Tickets: https://chi.shotofart.com Follow them: @shot_of_art Visit their studios in Chicago, New York, LA, Houston, and more cities to come soon! See website or descriptions below for some of the options available! SHOOTING & SPINNING Using an airsoft gun, you will shoot down balloons filled with paint. Then, we will spin your paint-splashed canvas to get an amazing abstract work of art. FLUID ART Fantastic patterns obtained using acrylic paints, silicone and torch  burner will not leave you indifferent. ART ROOM Let your fantasies fly! You can book a room and to paint it how you want - draw on walls, furniture and even on the ceiling! Bloggers love making fresh and eye-catching content in our Art room.

This week, we’re getting the scoop- literally - on one of the nation’s favorite, most recognizable ice cream brands- The Original Rainbow Cone! Rainbow Cone is a Chicago-founded ice cream shop serving up ice cream, cakes, donuts, and more. Best known for their original cone, the famous and insta-worthy product is a stack of five flavors: Orange Sherbet, Pistachio, Palmer House, Strawberry, and Chocolate. They “slice (not scoop) these flavors into a cone or a cup” creating a literal rainbow of ice cream magic! There may not be a pot of gold at the end, but your stomach and smile will surely feel like it! Lynn Sapp, Third Generation Owner of Rainbow Cone, joined us to discuss what a rainbow cone is, what has made it a beloved treat over multiple generations, and what it means to be a Chicago business. Founded over 95 years ago by Grandpa Joe Sapp, they’ve kept things pretty much the same and are expanding across the nation! Lynn talks about what it has meant to spread ice cream cheer to new communities and what’s in store for the family business in the coming year. Plus, she shares what new flavors they’ve introduced and what magical holiday treats are available! We scoop five layers of rapid fire at the end, discovering Lynn’s favorite flavor, a cherished memory from the store, what she loves about Chicago, and her favorite cocktail (which does involve ice cream)! Sip along with us this week on the perfect winter cocktail, the “Winter Warmer”. Brought to us by Spirit Hub, we share the recipe in this week’s episode, and you can get everything you need to make this cocktail at spirithub.com! Perfect for your upcoming holiday party or cozy night in, get everything you need from Spirit Hub without having to leave your home! Today’s cocktail recipe is brought to us by Spirit Hub, the leading online marketplace for premium wine & liquor shipping! We’re sipping on a Winter Warmer, and it really is the perfect winter cocktail. The spirits starring in this recipe are one and a half ounces of 4 Spirits Vodka and half an ounce of Elderflower Liqueur. Add your spirits and 4 ounces of cranberry juice and 1 oz fresh squeezed lime juice to a shaker with ice, and shake well. Strain over fresh ice into a coupe glass and garnish with a lime wheel! Get everything you need to warm up with this cocktail this winter at spirithub.com!

The countdown to Christmas is on, which means it’s time to finish that last minute holiday shopping! As some of you know, Ioanna recently found an interest in antiquing and finding unique items for her home. This week’s guest is the perfect example of an unique retail experience where antique meets new! Karl Sorensen is the Owner of P.O.S.H. here in Chicago’s river north neighborhood! P.O.S.H. is a remarkable retail store that was born from an idea that the shopping experience could be something different than it typically was in back in 1997 when the store was founded. Featuring a mix of antique items, trendy new gifts, and one-of-a-kind treasures, there’s something for all shoppers, budgets, and occasions! Karl joins us to talk about how he got into antiquing decades ago and what led him to founding the store. Hear about his adventures traveling the world as a flight attendant and how those early trips to Europe formed his unique aesthetic. Learn what P.O.S.H. stands for and find out the fascinating history behind their historical building the shop lives in. We talk to Karl about antiquing and how he finds his treasures, plus his views on why the store is so comfy and gives off major chill vibes. Shop P.O.S.H. at 613 N. State Street here in Chicago, or browse and shop online at the link in our bio! (hint: they release new items online every Friday at 9am CST)!

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

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

Imagine you’ve just been hired as an “Intimacy Coordinator” for the film and television industry. There’s not many people who do it, but it’s a job increasing in demand and skill. A new position in the film and tv industry is barring it all- the role of intimacy coordinator! These professionals work to plan and assist the production team in executing scenes of intimacy on film. Everything from the lighting, to angles, to outfits, to protecting the actor’s personal boundaries and preferences need a coordinator to plan ahead with deep care. Chicagoan Dr. Jessica Steinrock is the CEO of Intimacy Directors and Coordinators. Some of her well known work includes Moxie, Never Have I Ever, Little Fires Everywhere, and Animal Kingdom. She’s also grown her TikTok to over 700,000 followers, sharing all about how intimate scenes work (or don’t work) on tv and more about her role on set! She joins us to give a backstage tour into what it’s like to coordinate intimate, emotional, and vulnerable scenes. Learn about how the role came to exist only recently, how the pandemic impacted filming, and what some of the most common things she has to plan for are. She talks about what actors wear during sex scenes, just how difficult it actually is to film a scene of intimacy, and how her company is helping to train future coordinators! Follow Jessica on social to learn more and get some amazing behind the scenes tips and stories: Instagram: @intimacy_coordinator_ TikTok: @intimacycoordinator

Humans have come to love charcuterie boards and grazing tables during the pandemic. But what about our furry friends? Well, Amanda came up with the perfect idea- CHARCUTERIE FOR DOGS! SO CUTE! Curating charcuterie boards for your dog, Amanda combined her passion for dogs and love of food, or vice versa, into the idea over text message! Each board is handmade and influenced by the popular world of charcuterie boards. Featured in the New York Times and growing rapidly, her business is one to watch in the world of entrepreneurship. Amanda joined us to discuss the founding process of her business, which launched last year in the height of the pandemic. Based out of Georgia, we learn how she sources natural and local products for her boards. Plus, we ask about differences in dog breeds, what treats are trending, and we hear about her adorable holiday boxes! Amanda also highlights how she partners with other local, small businesses to create a network of only the best dog products! We bark for joy at the end, playing a round of rapid fire to hear about her favorite dogs, misconceptions about dogs she wants to clear up, and her favorite cocktail (hint, it’s not a puppuccino)!

Our youngest guest ever, Alexa Swinton is “already making history”! One of our favorite young actors, Alexa has the talent, knowledge, and credits to do just about any project that comes up in her future. With strong or leading roles on our favorite series like SATC reboot “And Just Like That”, HBO’s “Billions” and ABC’s “Emergence”, she’s got a resume stronger than most 12-year-olds. And let’s be honest, she blows Ioanna & I out of the water. Alexa is not only an actor though. She’s also a singer and has an entire family of talented performers, ranging from comedy to writing, to theatre. It’s truly awe-inspiring to see, and her mega-talented mom, Inna Swinton, even popped on to say hi! We caught up with Alexa to discuss her career and hear all about her favorite projects. She shared how she got into acting and dishes on the process of getting some of her biggest roles. She also taught us a thing or two about the industry and how important it is to be your own voice and create your own person who is authentic and true to you. Alexa also shared in more detail about working on our fave show “And Just Like That” and how she prepped for the role of Rose Goldenblatt. She even told us about some of the fashion inspiration and process behind her looks! We can’t leave out of course the difficulty of navigating the industry during the pandemic and the often unseen process of long rehearsals, practices, and what for many actors , including Aaron’s fiancé, can be the daunting process of auditions. We wrapped up our interview with a round of rapid fire, learning Alexa’s favorite show to binge, her dream role, and her favorite beverage of choice (non-alcoholic, of course)! Alexa, you are amazing and we are so inspired to see young people pursuing their dreams, creating beautiful art, and working so hard to create meaning in the world. We’re so excited to see all your achieve in the future! And we can’t wait to see you on the Oscars, Grammys, Tonys, and SAGs! Follow Alexa on Instagram @alexaswinton and follow the family on YouTube at “The Swinton Show”!