Dynasty Podcasts: Chicagoverse

Chef Todd Stein of Juniper guests on Dynasty Podcasts in an interview recorded at the North Shore restaurant.Chef Todd​ details the process of constructing his culinary team at Juniper​ and shares what players like Executive Sushi Chef Akira Yang ​bring to the restaurant.The restaurateur also speaks on blending American staples with sushi on the Juniper​ menu, explains why Highwood​ is the right location for the restaurant, emphasizes the role design plays in the dining experience, and more.

Brian Vitale, Principal/Co‑Managing Director at Gensler, guests on Dynasty Podcasts in an interview recorded at the architecture and design firm’s Chicago offices.Vitale speaks to how Chicago differs from other Gensler offices across the globe, and shares how he and his team approach design projects in conversation with Chicago’s past, present, and future.The Principal also reflects on his vision of Chicago a hundred years from now and emphasizes the importance of optimism when designing for the future.

Chef Cliff Rome guests on Dynasty Podcasts in an interview recorded on the grounds of The Obama Presidential Center.Chef Rome reflects on how culinary career began via a back of house dishwasher role and shares how his role at the Obama Presidential Center in the present connects to Chicago's diverse communities.The Chef also emphasizes why it's important that South Side culinary talent get the recognition and opportunities often reserved for their North Side peers and shares how he's seen the Bronzeville neighborhood change around his Peach's restaurant.

David Zapata, CEO and Founder at Zapwater Communications, guests on Dynasty Podcasts to speak on managing a travel agency in the 2020s.Zapata shares how Zapwater Communications’ mission expands beyond just travel and tourism, and explains how he’s seen how client work has changed over the past two decades.The CEO also details how he sees his role at Zapwater Communications as Chief Vision Officer, reveals what he looks for in a client, and more.

Kristen Chase, GM, CPG Division at Tricoci guests on Dynasty Podcasts in an interview recorded at the Oak Brook salon.Chase details how Tricoci's service offerings correspond with self care, and explains what sets the Oak Brook location apart as a flagship destination.The GM also outlines Tricoci's Med Spa offerings and speaks on the salon's new collaboration with Ulta.

Nicole McCarthy, Executive Director at the West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce, guests on Dynasty Podcasts to delve into the organization's work supporting and showcasing the West Town neighborhood of Chicago.McCarthy speaks on what sets West Town apart from other neighborhoods, emphasizing the independently owned businesses found throughout the community, and shares how the West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce gives fledgling entrepreneurs reduced rent storefront opportunities.The Executive Director also outlines the myriad of live events the West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce produces across the year, including Do Division and West Fest, and more.

Lucas Lopresti, Director of Sales at Kimpton Gray, guests on Dynasty Podcasts’ sister series A HOTEL PODCAST in an interview recorded at the hotel’s Vol. 39 cocktail bar (picture above).Lopresti highlights the cultural attractions within walking distance of the hotel’s downtown location and speaks to the recovery of Chicago Loop’s district in the years since the pandemic.The Director of Sales also explains why the hotel’s iconic marble staircase is a favorite for wedding parties and photographers alike, offers recommendations for Kimpton Gray’s Vol. 39 cocktail bar and Pan-Latin rooftop restaurant Boleo, and more.

Chef Devin Denzer​ guests on Dynasty Podcasts in an interview recorded onsite at his West Town restaurant Atsumeru.Denzer​ recounts how his Loon​ pop-up dining events during the pandemic would lead to him opening his first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Atsumeru​.​The Chef also speaks on the inspiration behind his custom Nordic Japanese​ tasting menu​, describes the vibe of the restaurant’s downstairs lounge​, and more.

Jaz Rodriguez guests on Dynasty Podcast to speak on the inspiration and process behind her art.Rodriguez ​recalls how art has been a constant across her entire life, encouraged by her family since she was young.The artist also​ emphasizes persistence​ and courage​ as essential practices for establishing your creative voice, details the importance of Chicago as an influence across her portfolio, describes what goes into making her art a full-time entrepreneurial​ pursuit, and more.

Matt Rucins, Director of Content and Programming at the United Center, guests on Dynasty Podcasts for a deep dive into The 1901 Project.Rucins previews what’s to come and when from the massive development and investment project, including the forthcoming Music Hall, and how that concert venue will connect to live music programming at the United Center.The Director of Content and Programming also speaks to The 1901 Project’s impact on Chicago’s West Side in terms of economic opportunity and housing, and looks ahead to how Chicago could change over the next decade as a result of The 1901 Project, The 78, The Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park, and more.