iVoox Podcast & radio
Download app for free

Podcast
I am Consciously Curious
By Victor Chan
169
0
I am Consciously Curious is a Chicago based podcast that dissects passionate individuals in various industries. The goal is to share their stories to inspire you to cultivate meaning within your own space. If you are interested in coming on or know someone that would be great for the podcast, please message us on fb/ig: @iamconsciouslycurious
I am Consciously Curious is a Chicago based podcast that dissects passionate individuals in various industries. The goal is to share their stories to inspire you to cultivate meaning within your own space. If you are interested in coming on or know someone that would be great for the podcast, please message us on fb/ig: @iamconsciouslycurious
146. The Filipino-Cuban One-Two Punch ft. Lawrence Letrero
Episode in
I am Consciously Curious
Our next guest is the Chef and Co-Owner of Bayan Ko and Bayan Ko Diner in Ravenswood, Chicago. The diner space was home to Glenn’s Diner for 17 years and now serves Cuban and Filipino staples all day. The OG location a couple doors east is now a tasting menu that allows the team to push boundaries and provide a more curated experience compared to the diner. We explore his journey of moving to Chicago for culinary school, his various restaurant experiences, and meeting his now wife, Raquel Quadreny. His family is his primary motivation for why he currently does what he does. Becoming an owner has allowed him to never miss an important moment with family. Please enjoy my conversation with Lawrence Letrero.
https://www.instagram.com/lawrence_letrero/
https://bayankochicago.com/
https://www.bayankodiner.com/
https://www.instagram.com/bayankochicago
https://www.instagram.com/bayankodinerchicago
Support our friends:
If you’d like to try some of the kombucha we have on the show, head over to drinkrmbr.com and use the code, CURIOUS10 at checkout for 10% off. Enjoy!
If you’d like to try some of the alt-chocolate bars from Mez (Mez Foods), they’ve provided a code for you to use: CURIOUS15
01:43:53
145. The Power of Asking: Chef Zubair Mohajir’s Recipe for Success
Episode in
I am Consciously Curious
Our next guest is the Chef and Co-Owner of Lilac Tiger, Coach House, and Mirra. He reflects on his journey of stumbling into the world of finance only to be liberated by the 2008 Market Crash which sparked his curiosity into the world of food and hospitality. What was the early stages of a social media agency led him to feel the pulse of a kitchen and he was hooked ever since. From staging at Alinea, Bouchon, and Gaggan, and working his way up to Sous Chef at The Pump Room to eventually starting a supper club called Wazwan (in no particular order), Chef Zubair shares an underlying theme of “ask and you shall receive.” Through his various projects, he strives to display heritage and authenticity with an unforgettable level of hospitality. Please enjoy my conversation with Chef Zubair Mohajir
https://www.coachhousechi.com/
https://www.mirrachicago.com/
https://lilactigerchi.com/
https://www.instagram.com/zubairmohajir
Support our friends:
If you’d like to try some of the kombucha we have on the show, head over to drinkrmbr.com and use the code, CURIOUS10 at checkout for 10% off. Enjoy!
If you’d like to try some of the alt-chocolate bars from Mez (Mez Foods), they’ve provided a code for you to use: CURIOUS15
02:13:00
144. Tea Practitioner and Ceramic Artist ft. Danielle Chutinthranond
Episode in
I am Consciously Curious
Our next guest is the artist behind Monsoon Pottery. Quality time her family has her reflecting on life and what she wants to get out of it. I appreciate how singular she is with everything she takes on. From her daily tea practice, insatiable appetite for art history, and pottery, she’s at a unique intersection that she relays throughout her tea tasting and pottery workshops. Please enjoy my conversation with Danielle Chutinthranond.
https://monsoonpottery.com/
https://instagram.com/monsoonpottery
https://monsoonpottery.substack.com/
Support our friends:
If you’d like to try some of the kombucha we have on the show, head over to drinkrmbr.com and use the code, CURIOUS10 at checkout for 10% off. Enjoy!
If you’d like to try some of the chocolate bars from Mez (Mez Foods), they’ve provided a code for you to use: CURIOUS15
01:38:14
143. Moderating the r/chicagofood subreddit ft. Mitch Gropman
Episode in
I am Consciously Curious
Our next guest is one of the moderators of the r/chicagofood subreddit. He shares why and how he started to moderate it. He’s made lists to organize his favorite chicken sandwiches, fries, and omakase restaurants. He’s currently organizing his favorite bib gourmand restaurants. Reddit was taken aback by how large and active the subreddit became and presented Mitch with an opportunity to cultivate the community. He began by buying out Obelix for dinner last year and a series of restaurants this year with the Reddit Community Fund. They visited places like Kyōten, Cellar Door Provisions, and Cariño to name a few. Please enjoy our conversation with Mitch Gropman.
https://www.reddit.com/r/chicagofood/
Cohost: Justin https://instagram.com/kyotoblackcoffee
Support our friends:
If you’d like to try some of the kombucha we have on the show, head over to drinkrmbr.com and use the code, CURIOUS10 at checkout for 10% off. Enjoy!
If you’d like to try some of the chocolate bars from Mez (Mez Foods), they’ve provided a code for you to use: CURIOUS15
01:16:22
142. Community-driven Joy and Serendipity in Vending Machines ft. Steph Krim [Good Things Vending]
Episode in
I am Consciously Curious
Our next guest is the Founder and Keeper of Good Things Vending. She places local art and oddities in vending machines and places them in some of the most iconic places in the city. You can find some of her machines in places like The Chicago Cultural Center, Kimball Arts Center, and The Garfield Park Conservatory. I truly enjoyed learning how she found her way to the intersection of art and vending machines as well as discussing what our role is in the grand scheme of life. Please enjoy my conversation with the wonderful Steph Krim.
https://www.goodthingsvending.com/
https://www.instagram.com/goodthingsvending
Support our friends:
If you’d like to try some of the kombucha we have on the show, head over to drinkrmbr.com and use the code, CURIOUS10 at checkout for 10% off. Enjoy!
If you’d like to try some of the chocolate bars from Mez (Mez Foods), they’ve provided a code for you to use: CURIOUS15
02:39:36
141. Reclaiming Agency as a Hospitality Vet ft. David Mor
Episode in
I am Consciously Curious
Our next guest is a hospitality veteran and has helped open spaces like Truce, Lilac Tiger, Coach House, and Mirra. I was first introduced to David through Justin of Kyoto Black Coffee when they put on a coffee cocktail pop up at Cindy’s Rooftop. I knew David was working on opening a bar, but it wasn’t until a recent dinner at Mirra when I realized David was also part owner. It was wonderful to hear how David has reclaimed some of that agency and is now working to reclaim some of the joy back in the work. Please enjoy my conversation with David Mor.
https://instagram.com/davidmmor
Support our friends:
If you’d like to try some of the kombucha we have on the show, head over to drinkrmbr.com and use the code, CURIOUS10 at checkout for 10% off. Enjoy!
If you’d like to try some of the chocolate bars from Mez (MezFoods.com), they’ve provided a code for you to use: CURIOUS15
01:49:27
140. How Desert Trees Are Becoming The Next Chocolate ft. Mez Foods
Episode in
I am Consciously Curious
Our next guests are brothers and founders of an alternative chocolate brand, Mez Foods. But the implications of how revolutionary mesquite is makes this a very exciting time for these two. Their challenge is to introduce a product that is more sustainable (environmentally and production-wise), price competitive, and nutritive to cacao. This was truly an insightful episode that just kept unraveling. Please enjoy my conversation with Ben and Bob Schultz of Mez Foods.
https://mezfoods.com
https://instagram.com/mez.foods
Support our friends:
If you’d like to try some of the kombucha we have on the show, head over to drinkrmbr.com and use the code, CURIOUS10 at checkout for 10% off. Enjoy!
If you’d like to try some of their chocolate bars (Mez Foods), they’ve provided a code for you to use: CURIOUS15
01:56:23
139. Private Dining Experiences ft. Chef Francis Pascal
Episode in
I am Consciously Curious
Our next guest is the Owner and Executive Chef of Vendador. A company that provides full service private dining experiences. He shares how hungry he was to collect culinary experiences at a young age that eventually landed him at Roister (part of the Alinea Group). He reflected about being honest with what you want out of life and going after it despite your circumstances. The kitchen is a space (especially in fine dining) where those who truly want it will persevere. His humility, curiosity, and integrity really came through in this episode. Please enjoy my conversation with Chef Francis Pascal.
https://www.vendador.com/
https://instagram.com/vendadorchicago
Game changer episode that was mentioned: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0PzgjGNbjjSrrm3jU2Ju2Q?si=vC_h1GrQS-upGnmYXJeb3w
Support our friends:
If you’d like to try some of the kombucha we have on the show, head over to drinkrmbr.com and use the code, CURIOUS10 at checkout for 10% off. Enjoy!
01:58:32
138. Tech Recruiting, Furikake Chex Mix, and Musubis ft. Julius Tacadena
Episode in
I am Consciously Curious
Our next guest has been a tech recruiter for over 10 years and how he became one is a funny story. Last year he started a chex mix based snack brand that’s typically seen in Hawaiian households. The three flavors they have are The OG (Furikake), Bean (Vanilla), and Rooster (Sriracha). Only a few months after a successful launch, he approached Francis Almeda (Side Practice Coffee) with an idea for a musubi pop up at SPC. That idea eventually became Kanin which should be opening soon next door to SPC. Please enjoy my conversation with Julius Tacadena.
https://instagram.com/krackishsnackco
https://instagram.com/kanin.chi
https://instagram.com/kuya.julz
https://krackishsnackco.com/
Support our friends:
If you’d like to try some of the kombucha we have on the show, head over to drinkrmbr.com and use the code, CURIOUS10 at checkout for 10% off. Enjoy!
01:46:14
137. Fatherhood, Dinner Parties, and Influencer Marketing ft. Amin Tomalieh
Episode in
I am Consciously Curious
Amin returns to reflect on life and how his side hustle of operating “Chicago Food Guide” has grown over the last year. From adding on team team members to CFG, new collaborations with athletes, and providing new services like influencer marketing and food photography, Amin manages to balance his side hustle alongside being a full time ESL teacher for grades 9-12 and becoming a new dad. We reflected on fatherhood, creating dinner parties, and what could be next for Chicago Food Guide. Please enjoy my conversation with Amin Tomalieh.
https://instagram.com/chicago.food.guide
https://www.chicagofoodguide.info/
Support the show:
If you’d like to try some of the kombucha we have on the show, head over to drinkrmbr.com and use the code, CURIOUS10 at checkout for 10% off. Enjoy!
01:27:30
136. Carolyn's Krisps ft. Amie Kesler
Episode in
I am Consciously Curious
Our next guest has been creating cookie-cracker crisps that have been passed down from her grandmother, Carolyn. Carolyn was inspired to make these crisps after having a hard time finding snacks that fit her needs and had the taste she was looking for. These crisps are gluten free, vegan, and soy free. She has a variety of flavors from sweet to savory and is now even producing bark which is partially inspired by not wanting the broken crisps to go to waste. She reflects on her previous life as an Art Director for various companies, receiving positive feedback after sharing the initial iterations of the crisps, as well as her experiences with Foxtrot abruptly closing and then reopening. She’s got some exciting projects and activations coming up so give her a follow if you’re interested. Please enjoy my conversation with Amie Kesler.
https://www.carolynskrisps.com/
https://www.instagram.com/carolynskrisps/
Support the show:
If you’d like to try some of the kombucha we have on the show, head over to drinkrmbr.com and use the code, CURIOUS10 at checkout for 10% off. Enjoy!
01:29:18
135. The Girl Behind Ice Cream Girl Co. ft. Sarah Cochran
Episode in
I am Consciously Curious
Our next guest makes our current favorite ice cream! Handmade and small batch pints with some of the most creative flavor combinations we’ve heard of. She shares some of her earliest memories with ice cream, journey through hospitality, and how she brought Ice Cream Girl Co to life. I appreciate her sense of adventure! We spent some time reflecting on some of her travels and how she navigated the pandemic while abroad. Please enjoy my conversation with Sarah Cochran.
https://icecreamgirlco.com
https://instagram.com/icecreamgirlco
Support our supporters:
If you’d like to try some of the kombucha we have on the show, head over to drinkrmbr.com and use the code, CURIOUS10 at checkout for 10% off. Enjoy!
01:38:46
134. Empowering Generational Wealth. Activating Neighborhoods. DishRoulette Kitchen. ft. Chris Cole
Episode in
I am Consciously Curious
Our next guest is the Director of Partnerships and Communications at DishRoulette Kitchen. A nonprofit that provides financial assistance and entrepreneurship education to small businesses no matter where they are in their journey. Their most notable case study is the beloved Rubi’s tacos by the Ramirez family. The impact of creating a consistently profitable and sustainable business is far-reaching and DRK is empowering families to create generational wealth. Please enjoy my conversation with Chris Cole.
Learn more:
https://www.instagram.com/dishroulettekitchen
https://www.dishroulettekitchen.com/
https://canvasrebel.com/meet-jackson-flores/
https://www.instagram.com/byanymeans_86
Support the show:
If you’d like to try some of the kombucha we have on the show, head over to drinkrmbr.com and use the code, CURIOUS10 at checkout for 10% off. Enjoy!
01:40:31
133. Striving for the Perfect Loaf Knowing it Doesn’t Exist ft. Daniel Koester
Episode in
I am Consciously Curious
Our next guest is an indie baker who has generated quite the buzz around his bread and pastries. What started as an outlet in the pandemic has blossomed into a full time career. His journey is an example of being right where you need to be at that very moment as well as being ready when opportunity strikes. I deeply appreciate how he’s always stayed true to what he wants to do. Please enjoy my conversation with Daniel Koester.
https://danthebakerchicago.com
https://instagram.com/danthebakerchicago
Support the show:
If you’d like to try some of the kombucha we have on the show, head over to drinkrmbr.com and use the code, CURIOUS10 at checkout for 10% off. Enjoy!
01:15:38
132. Add Some Spice to Your Life ft. Palita Sriratana
Episode in
I am Consciously Curious
Our next guest is the Founder of Pink Salt; a Thai sauce company and pop-up series. What started as a food blog turned into a restaurant in a food hall but the pandemic forced a pivot into a pop-up series. Through the pop-ups, there was a demand for the sauce (chili jam) that is now known as Nam Prik Pao. We caught her in this major growth phase as she’s currently selecting a co-manufacturer. We talk about our Asian American experiences, journey to medical school, and the various peaks and valleys through her entrepreneurial journey. Please enjoy my conversation with Palita Sriratana.
https://pinksaltkitchens.com/
https://www.instagram.com/hi.palita/
https://www.instagram.com/pinksaltkitchens/
Support the show:
If you’d like to try some of the kombucha we have on the show, head over to drinkrmbr.com and use the code, CURIOUS10 at checkout for 10% off. Enjoy!
02:08:36
131. The Meteoric Rise of Zaza's Pizza and Nemec Brothers ft. Chad and Brett Nemec
Episode in
I am Consciously Curious
Our next guests are the operators behind the New York slice shop in lakeview Chicago, Zaza’s Pizza as well as the two Nemec Brothers locations in the suburbs. In addition, they’re brothers with skill sets that complement each other. We dive into their individual and collective journeys with pizza, what makes their product standout, and how they’ve been able to expand so fast. They’re honest, gracious, and ambitious. Please enjoy my conversation with Chad and Brett Nemec.
https://www.zazas-pizzeria.com/
https://www.instagram.com/zazaspizza/
https://www.instagram.com/nemecbrotherspizza/
Support the show:
If you’d like to try some of the kombucha we have on the show, head over to drinkrmbr.com and use the code, CURIOUS10 at checkout for 10% off. Enjoy!
01:52:12
130. Godspeed ft. MKODJ
Episode in
I am Consciously Curious
Our next guest came on the podcast two years ago. It was our second time meeting back then. Fast forward to today and I’ve come to admire and look up to this wonderfully creative human being. We catch up on her residency in the Ambassador Hotel, some of the community activations we have brewing, and her experience curating her first Tedx Chicago Art show. She also recently took on the role of Creative Director for a house DJ, Monty Kiddo. Please enjoy my conversation with MKODJ.
https://www.instagram.com/emkayohdeej
Support the show:
If you’d like to try some of the kombucha we have on the show, head over to drinkrmbr.com and use the code, CURIOUS10 at checkout for 10% off. Enjoy!
03:08:03
129. Party With a Purpose ft. Eric Boss
Episode in
I am Consciously Curious
Our next guest has built a career around promoting nightlife and cultivating unforgettable experiences. He shares his personal experiences into the industry and why he’s pivoting towards healing through self-inquiry and alternative retreats. Please enjoy my conversation with Eric Boss.
https://instagram.com/ericbosschicago
01:44:41
128. Savages Find Savages ft. Carmilla Kupritz
Episode in
I am Consciously Curious
Our next guest was recently named a Lululemon Ambassador for the motivation and inspiration she brings our city through her classes. She is a group fitness trainer in a variety of modalities from yoga, HIIT, and functional training. She probably goes through 3-7 workouts on any given day. She shares her humble beginnings of discovering fitness and her love of challenge. She evokes a goofy but no BS mentality in her workouts. She’s an empathetic savage who's figuring life out like the rest of us.
https://www.instagram.com/carmilla_k
02:21:02
127. Have Faith that Life Gets Better ft. Rex Vargas
Episode in
I am Consciously Curious
Send us a text
Our next guest has struck a balance between work, family, and hobbies. He’s known to some as a jiu jitsu phenom by consistently training 6 days per week on top of his already busy schedule with work and fatherhood. We reflect on his journey through school and pivoting from a solely finance career to a tech career with a focus in finance. We explore his love for jiu jitsu and becoming part owner of the second iteration of the Valko Jiu Jitsu Academy and what their goals are with their second location. We chatted about his streetwear/training gear company, ANTIHERO. We eventually end the episode with his experience of discovering when his son, Noah, could possibly be diagnosed with Trisomy 13 during pregnancy to eventually processing Noah’s death at 33 weeks. Please enjoy my conversation with Rex Vargas.
https://www.instagram.com/rexvargas/
https://www.instagram.com/antiherofit/
https://antiherofit.com/
https://www.instagram.com/valkostudiobjj/
02:01:50
You may also like View more
El Estoico | Estoicismo en español
El Estoico es el podcast de Estoicismo en Español en el que te cuento qué es el estoicismo, cuáles son sus principios y cómo puedes utilizarlo para mejorar tu resiliencia ante las dificultades. Además, veremos ejercicios prácticos para trabajar en ellos desde hoy. Updated
Sergio Fernández (OFICIAL)
Conferencias de Sergio Fernández, director IPP Formación para la vida real, sobre desarrollo personal, desarrollo profesional y finanzas personales. Más información en https://www.ippformacion.com Updated
OPOSITAR ES DE VALIENTES por Paco Barbié
Las leyes para oposiciones del canal de YouTube en formato audio, para escucharlo donde y cuando quieras. Updated