Mike Taccona and Eric Herrera return to the show! In this experimental episode, we take a topic we haven't covered much, but we can all take part in — the process of making food. Mike has always been interested in creating high-quality meals and has been experimenting with burgers. Mike whips up his idea of a traditional American hamburger. The best part of cooking is sharing it with others, and that's what we do, storytelling included. For fun, we decided to throw in a couple of craft beers for taste testing. As a disclaimer, this episode was recorded outside, so the atmosphere and sound levels are a bit different in this episode.

Nick and Erich sit down and discuss graduation from college. We look back on our educational experiences and reflect on the process.

Nick Wenzel is a recent graduate from Columbia College Chicago in Graphic Design. Even with this degree, he describes his skill set as Graphic Communication because that encompasses all aspects of photography, videography, and design. Nick shares how he took what many assume is an artistic avenue and transitioned it with a more business-oriented approach. He gives his thoughts on misconceptions within the graphic communication space. We then transition to broader topics on finding what interests you most and encouraging yourself to try things you don't know how to do—generally, getting comfortable with failing.

Joe and Erich have a discussion built around relationships, which morphs into how we connect. We talk about removing the buffer between the outside world and ourselves. When we remove the buffer, we allow meaningful moments to happen spontaneously.

Nicole Davis, a former 2X Olympian and now a mindset coach, shares her insight into the psychological framework of being a high performer. We cover mindfulness, learning, and many more!

Jordan and Erich discuss current music interests and nuance in performance. We meander into how music makes an impact and blending of genres. We end the discussion about taking in new information from books. We close with beer and food!

Ben Kapolnek shares the unfiltered story of his ongoing struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma. From early childhood, he has tried to paint a picture of his thoughts. Ben's story is emotional, not only because he's one of my closest friends, but for every person like Ben, countless others share in this mental anguish. We hope that as we share more stories like this, we can begin a healing process for more and more people. For those who don't understand what it's like to have an invisible battle in your head. As a way to work this muscle, when you pass someone on the street, please take a moment and reflect on the fact that they are battling something that you know nothing about.

In this episode, Dante returns, giving us an update on what has happened since the last time he was on the show. Dante has started his first semester back in school and is pursuing a degree in radiology and an acting class. On the other side, Dante has been looking inwards and talking to a therapist. Dante shares his experiences with discrimination from both sides. Jordan also shares his thought on this challenging subject. They have had to be cultural chameleons able to morph into the representations of both the broader American culture and the African American cultural expectations.

In this episode, Nick Buegel returns to the podcast to explore Morality. In this discussion, we have regulars Jordan Criss and Joe Jackowski to talk to through Morality. We meander into ethics, autonomy, and how stress affects people. Finally, we close out the episode with a conversation Joe and Jordan wanted to have about the Liam Neeson controversy in person. This conversation leaves food for thought and other explorations for you to follow.

In this episode, our guest is Rachel Thomas. Rachel shares her story about a former boyfriend named Tyler who became a heroin addict in high school had a downward spiral into homelessness and prison. Rachel shares how the story has evolved and dealt with it over the last ten years. Tyler was found by Chicago based photojournalist Chuck Jines who captured some of Tyler's (who went by the street name Shaggy) experiences during homelessness that fills in the gaps from what Rachel share with us. I highly recommended you check them out, but viewer discretion is advised.

In this episode, Erich Wenzel and Jordan Criss are joined by Jorge Martinez. We open the podcast with a new form of discussion that we haven't touched on much Sports and, for this episode, Basketball. While Erich is not a nuanced fan of sports in general, he has a deep interest in what it takes to become a top athlete, which drives this conversation for him. Jordan and Jorge provided detailed information to paint the picture. Naturally, the conversation turns to trying to compare Michael Jordan and Lebron James. Finally, we think about what’s coming down the lane for Basketball.

In this episode, we are back with a deep dive into the film Ex Machina. Ex Machina was written and directed by Alex Garland and starred by Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, and Alicia Vikander. We discuss the film’s key elements in themes, storytelling, and philosophical questions posed. If you have not watched the movie yet, this is a spoiler warning, and you should watch the movie before listening we cannot recommend the movie enough!

In this episode, we are joined by Jordan Criss and Alex Ivy. Jordan Criss is a Chicago Musician and Writer. Alex Ivy is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago for Fashion Business. She has recently started an internship for a partnership agency called Shuffle Presents, focusing on Fashion Events. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss the role of social media, influencers, and sourcing your information. Other topics include the Liam Neeson Controversy, Jack Dorsey on JRE, and more.

In this episode, we are joined by Steve Furnett. Steve is the Exhibition and Collections Manager at the Dunn Museum. Before that, he worked at the Field Museum in Chicago for seven years as a Supervisor of Interactives. This conversation covers how Steve wound up in the museum industry. A common theme in this podcast is captured by this simple quote, “Be Ready to Wing It,” in general, Steve is an excellent example of a jack of all trades. His field is a blending of different categories in new ways.

In this episode, Joe gives us an update on his school semester and discusses how he stays organized with such a full schedule.

In this episode, we are joined by Marybeth Piltaver. Mary is a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department with a background in Hematology and Oncology with a chemotherapy certification. She received her BSN from the University of Chicago and is currently working on a Doctorate of Nursing Practice at UIC.

We discuss what led her to choose Nursing as her profession and in general health. Here the conversation leads to a more general discussion of the health care system and how it operates. This conversation barely scratches what we could have discussed in this space.

In this episode, we are graced by the presence of Joe Jackowski and Jordan Criss, regulars, on the show. We go over recent dealings with the Student Veteran’s Association National Convention. From there, we get into a much broader discussion on the creative process in writing and screenplays.

It's officially one year of podcasting! What a wild ride it's been. I would never have expected this is where it would take me. Looking back over what we've created is fantastic. The responses I've received blow me away, and I hope to keep getting more of those. Here is a special episode of the podcast, looking back on the last year and where we are heading. I want to thank every guest who's come on the show to share a little bit of their story with me. It's been an honor and a privilege that you let me share it with the world.

In this episode, we are joined by Courtney Batio. Courtney is a multidisciplinary director/designer for the performing arts, now based in Chicago. The last three and a half years of her work have taken place in London, England, working with set design, costume design, film, art exhibit/curation, and performance directing. In this wide-ranging conversation, we cover what Art means to her and how she found it as a passion. We also include many tactical things that others can try to help build better routines since she has come back from London and can start fresh and create new habits.

In this episode, we are joined by frequent guest Jordan Criss. Jordan is a local artist and now a writer in training. In our first conversation for 2019, we talked a bit about sports, traveling, and different books we’ve been reading. Spoiler warning we discuss a bit about Black Mirror: Bandersnatch. While we try to stay away from describing specific things just an obligatory warning. Jordan also shares more of his interest in screenwriting.