The Chicagoland Guide

10/28/2025

New Episode! "Keeping Culture Alive in Highland Park featuring Diana Gran | The Chicagoland Guide – Episode 139"

How can celebrating cultural traditions strengthen a community? In this episode, host Aaron Masliansky is joined by Diana Gran — Founder of Diana Gran Portraits and Director of Día de los Mu***os (DDM) Week in Highland Park — to explore how honoring heritage can create unity, healing, and connection across generations and cultures. Diana shares her journey from Acapulco to Highland Park, how reclaiming her roots transformed her life and art, and why DDM Week has become a meaningful celebration for the North Shore community. We discuss the power of remembrance, the importance of cultural authenticity, and how local businesses, libraries, and community organizations have come together to support this growing annual tradition.

How can celebrating cultural traditions strengthen a community? In this episode, host Aaron Masliansky is joined by Diana Gran — Founder of Diana Gran Portraits and…

10/23/2025

Most people don’t realize Ravinia isn’t run by a corporation — it’s actually a nonprofit organization that’s completely independent. 🎶

That’s part of what makes it so special — it’s about music, community, and education, not just business.

🎧 Watch my full interview with Ravinia CEO Jeff Haydon: [link in bio]

10/21/2025

🎶 Ever wonder how started?

It wasn’t always the world-class music destination we know today — it actually began as an amusement park built by a railroad company to attract weekend travelers between Chicago and Milwaukee.

In this clip from my conversation with Jeff Haydon, Ravinia’s President & CEO, we dive into the fascinating history behind one of Chicagoland’s most beloved institutions — and how it evolved from farmland and train stops to a hub for world-class performances.

🎧 Watch the full episode of The Chicagoland Guide here: [link in bio]
🎶 Learn more: thechicagolandguide.com/raviniafestival

09/19/2025

🌾 “Until about 100 years ago, most Americans lived and worked on farms.”

Jonathan Kuester grew up on a farm in Indiana, but his path led him to museums—and eventually to directing Historic Wagner Farm in Glenview. In this clip, he shares how farming and American history are deeply connected, and why understanding our agricultural roots still matters today.

🎧 Full episode at TheChicagolandGuide.com/wagnerfarm
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05/28/2025

🎥 In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, I sit down with Chef Mona Sang of Khmai Fine Dining in Rogers Park to share the incredible story behind one of Chicago’s most meaningful culinary experiences.

Mona opens up about her mother’s survival of the Cambodian genocide, how they rebuilt their lives through food, and why Khmai is more than just a restaurant—it’s a living tribute to Cambodian culture, resilience, and family. From humble beginnings to national recognition, this is a story of love, legacy, and powerful healing through cuisine.

Whether you’re passionate about food, heritage, or the stories that shape our communities, this conversation is worth your time.

Watch the full episode here and visit The Chicagoland Guide for more stories like this.

05/27/2025

This is what it means to be The Chicagoland Guide.
Each pin on this map represents a client I’ve helped—families finding their forever homes, sellers making their next move, and buyers discovering new neighborhoods across the city and suburbs.

From the lakefront to Libertyville, from Lincoln Park to Lake Zurich, I know this market because I’ve worked it. This isn’t just about real estate—it’s about understanding the fabric of our communities and helping people navigate life’s biggest transitions with confidence.

If you’re thinking about a move, let’s connect. I’m here to guide you—wherever you’re headed.

05/13/2025

I’ve been trying to get my good friend Rabbi Jeremy Fine on the podcast for years—and we finally made it happen.

We’ve known each other since high school, and I’ve watched him build an incredible career as the rabbi of Congregation B'nai Tikvah in Deerfield… and somehow also start one of the most exciting independent wrestling promotions in the country, 2econd Wrestling.

We talked about what it takes to build real community—whether through faith, creative events, or professional wrestling—and previewed some exciting things coming up, including:
•Everybody Wants This! at B’nai Tikvah on May 22
•ANCHORFISTS, a free wrestling show in Evanston on May 18
•Breaking the Rules in Palatine on June 12
•WRESTLE EDEN at The Cubby Bear on July 31

Take a listen and check out what Jeremy is building both on and off the mat!

04/28/2025

Big conversation today on The Chicagoland Guide:

I had the honor of speaking with Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Real Estate Research at the National Association of REALTORS®

We explored how global trade, tariffs, and shifts in the economy are already shaping the housing market — and what it means for buyers, sellers, and investors here in Chicagoland.

In this episode, we cover:

-How tariffs and supply chain changes impact construction costs and home affordability
-Why Illinois is one of the most trade-exposed states in the country
-What to watch for with interest rates, inflation, and housing inventory in 2025
-The future of downtown spaces, remote work, and foreign investment
-Where new opportunities are emerging for first-time buyers and investors

🎧 Listen to the full episode here:
https://www.thechicagolandguide.com/global-trade-tariffs-and-the-us-housing-market-with-nadia-evangelou/

Huge thanks to Nadia for sharing her expertise and perspective. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the forces shaping our real estate market today — and tomorrow.

n this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, Aaron Masliansky is joined by Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Real Estate Research at the National Associ…

04/25/2025

Name a more Chicago place than I don’t think you can.

04/22/2025

🌱 New Episode for Earth Day Week! 🌎
I’m excited to share the latest episode of The Chicagoland Guide featuring Dr. Becky Barak, conservation scientist at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

We talk about how native plants can transform not just your yard, but entire neighborhoods — improving stormwater management, supporting pollinators, and making Chicagoland more sustainable, beautiful, and resilient.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here:
https://www.thechicagolandguide.com/the-chicagoland-guide-rethinking-lawns-with-dr-becky-barak-how-native-plants-can-transform-chicago/

This conversation is especially timely with Earth Day this week and Becky’s upcoming panel at the Skokie Public Library on Thursday, April 24 at 6:30 PM.
📍 Register for the free event here:
https://skokielibrary.info/events/20089/rethinking-lawns-incorporating-native-plants-into-home-landscapes

This is also the first official episode under my newly rebranded show The Chicagoland Guide — combining my previous podcasts into one platform focused on the people and ideas shaping where we live.

If you’ve ever thought about replacing your lawn, helping pollinators, or making your community greener — this is the episode to check out.

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky introduces Inside the Skev listeners to the Chicagoland Guide, and reconnects with longtime friend, …