Taking The Plunge

In this inspiring episode of Taking the Plunge, we delve into the heart of Curt's Cafe, a transformative initiative dedicated to empowering young people to rewrite their stories and lead fulfilling lives. Join us as we chat with founder Susan Garcia Trieschmann and executive director Tanya Jenkins, who share their journeys, the challenges they've faced in building this impactful program, and the incredible stories of the students they serve. Discover how Curt's Cafe not only changes the lives of youth in the community but also enriches the lives of those who work there. As we celebrate a week dedicated to kindness, we invite you to share your own acts of kindness for our collaboration with Hallie225. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that underscores the power of compassion and community support!For more information about Curt's Cafe: https://curtscafe.orgTo share an act of kindness, or nominate a small business that gives back to be on our show, email us at: Plungepodcastguests@gmail.comor follow us on instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

In this engaging mini-episode of "Taking the Plunge," we delve into a wellness-filled weekend that opened doors to creativity and self-discovery. We begin by recounting our experiences at the Evanston Conscious Movement Fest, where we took part in a thought-provoking process painting event that emphasized the importance of the creative journey over the final product. This experience prompted us to confront our inner critics and embrace the joy of artistic expression. We then ventured to the enchanting Witchy Bitches Spring event, where we explored a vibrant array of vendors and even had our past lives read, uncovering surprising insights into our personal histories. Join us as we reflect on these transformative experiences and the lessons they imparted.To follow Taking The Plunge or to share an act of kindness with us: https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/Or email: Plungepodcastguests@gmail.com

We’re spreading kindness and celebrating creativity on this uplifting episode of Taking the Plunge! We’ll start by sharing our latest wellness find - a puppy yoga experience that was as adorable as it was unexpected. Then, we’ll share an unexpected random act of kindness that one of our listeners surprised us with, and we’re encouraging you to send in your own stories to inspire others. After that, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Art Makers Outpost, an Evanston small business cultivating community, sustainability, and artistic expression through unique classes, events, and recycled materials. From their sustainable maker camps for kids to their intimate live music series, there’s something for everyone at this vibrant hub. Join us for an inspiring look at how one person’s passion is making a difference!To Follow Art Makers Outpost:https://www.instagram.com/artmakersoutpost/To follow Taking The Plunge or to submit random acts of kindness:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

This is our special monthly episode featuring our ongoing collaboration with The Hallie225 Foundation, where we will be discussing our initiative, the Kindness Connection, along with many other important topics. In this moving episode, we welcome Lori Grossman, the mother of Hallie Grossman, who valiantly battled a rare form of cancer. Lori, one of the founders of the Hallie225 Foundation, shares her profound experiences of love, loss, and resilience while navigating the challenges of Hallie's illness alongside her own health struggles. As she recounts the emotional complexities of coping with grief and the impact of her vision loss, Lori emphasizes the importance of hope and the unique journey of healing. She offers practical advice for families facing similar challenges and discusses the mission of the Hallie225 Foundation, which honors Hallie’s legacy by providing scholarships and medical grants to those in need. Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights the power of community, kindness, and the enduring spirit of Hallie.To learn more about Hallie225: https://www.hallie225.orgTo follow or to share random acts of kindness with us: https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/Or email us: plungepodcastguests@gmail.com

In this week’s episode of "Taking the Plunge," we embark on an exhilarating journey as we share our first experience with the invigorating combination of an infrared sauna followed by a chilly cold plunge, sharing the benefits and surprises we encountered along the way. We’re also excited to welcome our special guest, Jason Price, a renowned therapist and one of the owners of Affiliates In Counseling,  a leading therapy practice in the Chicagoland area, who shares his expert insights on AI relationships, continuing our conversation from last week. To wrap up the episode, we chat with Laura, the executive director from Elawa Farm, a fantastic nonprofit dedicated to enriching Great Lake County through experiential learning. She shares the community activities Elawa offers to promote nutritious food access and support local farmers. Tune in for an inspiring, laughter-filled episode that dives deep into wellness, relationships, and community impact!For more information on Jason and his practice:https://affiliatesincounseling.net To follow Taking The Plunge, or to share an act of kindness: https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/ 

In this week’s episode we tackle some intriguing relationship questions, exploring the new trend of forming connections with AI and what that means for the future of love. Join us as we delve into the implications of these digital relationships and how they might reshape our understanding of companionship.Additionally, we spotlight our Small Business of the Week, featuring an exciting conversation with Ernesto, of El Molcajete Sauces, a talented sauce creator from Evanston. We then dive into his creative process, the inspiration behind his flavors, and what makes his sauces a standout in the culinary scene.Tune in for a delightful blend of insightful discussions and delicious stories that are sure to spice up your day!To follow El Molcajete Sauces: https://www.instagram.com/el.molcajete.sauces/ To follow our show or suggest an act of kindness for our "Kindness Connection" initiative: https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

In this week's episode, we delve into the intersection of wellness and entrepreneurship at Spin Art Nation in Chicago, a vibrant space that beautifully blends art, movement, and mental well-being. We'll share our personal experiences and insights from this inspiriting venue, highlighted by an enlightening conversation with the owner. We're especially excited to re-announce our collaboration with The Hallie225 Foundation, launching a new monthly segment focused on the "Kindness Connection." We believe that small gestures can have a big impact, and we invite our listeners to chime in with their ideas and share their own acts of kindness. We'll also share some of the acts of kindness we've done that bring us joy. Lastly, we'll reflect on our wonderful experience being interviewed by Rudy Ruiz, from the Evanston RoundTable. Join us for a fun and uplifting episode!

In this week's special episode, we sit down with David Grossman, a dear friend and co-founder of the Hallie 225 Foundation, established in memory of his daughter, Hallie Grossman. He is also the owner of Epic Burger. David shares heartfelt stories about Hallie’s kindness and the foundation’s mission.  In partnership with the Foundation, Taking the Plunge will be launching a monthly segment called "The Kindness Connection," aimed at spreading positivity through acts of kindness. We invite our listeners to share their own acts of kindness, and we will choose several of these stories to feature on future episodes,  Additionally, we discuss an acts of kindness giveaway at Epic Burger and the ISH initiative, which promotes acceptance of feeling "ish" in life. Join us as we honor Hallie’s legacy, share inspiring stories, and encourage everyone to engage with the foundation and spread positivity. This is a touching episode you won't want to miss! For more information on The Hallie225 Foundation :https://www.hallie225.orgTo follow Taking The Plunge:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

In this week's episode, we dive into the transformative power of taking leaps of faith as we share our personal journeys of individual and collective plunges into the unknown. From some risks we've taken in our lives to the unexpected adventures we've embarked on together, we explore how these experiences shaped us. We also shine a spotlight on a remarkable small business owner who took a giant leap by opening her own apothecary shop, crafting handmade lotions, potions, oils, and so much more. Her heartwarming story serves as a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding experiences come from daring to take that first step into the unknown. Join us as we celebrate the courage to pursue what once seemed impossible!To follow Taking The Plunge, or to nominate a small business that gives back to be on our show:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/For more info about Witchy Woman World Apothecary:https://www.instagram.com/witchy_woman_world_apothecary/

In this week’s episode of the podcast, we kick things off by exploring our wellness find of the week: foot detoxes. We discuss their potential benefits and playfully ponder whether they’re truly effective or just a passing trend. Next, we delve into the multifaceted topic of forgiveness, examining the different perspectives and judgments that come into play, and highlighting some of the beneficial aspects of embracing forgiveness in our lives. Finally, we wrap up with our small business spotlight on Ward Eight, an amazing cocktail bar in Evanston. Join us as we chat with owner Jeremy, who shares his experiences and insights about running a vibrant bar in the community. Tune in for a thought-provoking and enjoyable episode!To follow  Taking The Plunge or to nominate a small business to be featured on our show:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/Check out Ward Eight: https://www.instagram.com/wardeightbar/

In this week's episode, we explore a variety of engaging topics centered around wellness and urban adventures. Mara shares her exhilarating experience of taking a live Peloton class in New York City, bringing the energy of the city into the workout. We both immerse ourselves in our inaugural Reiki sessions, revealing the intriguing contrasts in our experiences and the valuable insights we uncovered. Moreover, we invite our listeners to share their best tips for sleep, hinting at our future exploration of hypnotherapy. To wrap things up, we highlight a wonderful independent bookstore, featuring an insightful conversation with one of the owners, who also shares her top book recommendations that you won't want to miss . Join us for a fun and enlightening journey!To follow Taking The Plunge or nominate a small business to be on our show:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/To learn more about Booked in Evanston: https://www.instagram.com/bookedevanston/ 

In this week’s episode we embark on a journey exploring the transformative power of vulnerability and creativity in enhancing our self-confidence. Through heartfelt personal stories, we’ll open up about our own experiences. We’re excited to introduce our wellness discovery of the week—Aerial Yoga—a practice that combines the joy of movement with the freedom of flight! Additionally, we’ll shine a spotlight on a remarkable small business: a pop-up gallery that showcases local artistry and creativity you absolutely won’t want to miss. Join us for an engaging and uplifting conversation as we celebrate personal growth, the beauty of artistic expression, and the incredible strength of community! To follow Taking The Plunge or to nominate a small business to be on our show:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

In this episode  we dive into the world of self-care and wellness, sharing our personal experiences with various tips we tried post-holidays—some were successful, while others led to some good laughs. We also discuss results from our Instagram poll, featuring the float tank experience, where serenity meets humor in unexpected ways. To wrap things up, we shine a spotlight on a unique coffeehouse by day and cocktail bar by night in Evanston, with insights about what makes this establishment so special. So grab your favorite drink and join us on this self-care journey!To nominate a small business to be on our show or to suggest a wellness challenge for us to try: https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

Idioms, mantras, inspirational phrases: they are everywhere, passing through our consciousness with little effect.  We may pause for a moment, briefly reflecting upon its meaning, before moving on, unchanged.  But once in a while, we come across a phrase so extraordinary, we cannot simply move on.  We are changed, and our life must change with us.   For Rich Alapack, it was four words: We All Live Here. A simple phrase on an ordinary night was all it took for Rich to leave everything he knew. Join us as we learn how these four words changed Rich’s life, and consequently, impacted thousands of lives throughout Chicago. For more information on We All Live Here:https://www.facebook.com/Wealllivehereproject/https://www.instagram.com/wealllivehere/To follow Taking The Plunge:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/  

What do you do, when the man who has loved you for 40 years, leaves you with no warning and no chance to say good-bye? Losing this relationship awakened a part of Jennifer that had laid dormant for years. It was from this place of immeasurable grief that Jennifer was inspired to create something of infinite hope. Follow Jennifer at: https://www.instagram.com/jazzifit/To follow Taking The Plunge, or to nominate a small business that gives back to be on our show: https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

In this episode, we share practical holiday tips to help you stay positive and embrace the season with joy, emphasizing the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and maintaining a positive mindset. We share personal insights on managing holiday stress and the significance of gratitude and helping others. We also introduce a newly reopened Irish pub, giving you a sneak peek of what to expect, with more details to come when we chat with one of the owners in a few weeks. Additionally, we explore a new wellness find -compression therapy- discussing its benefits and our personal experiences with it. To follow Taking The Plunge or to nominate a small business that gives back to be on our show: https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

In this conversation, we explore various wellness practices, mainly cryotherapy, and reflect on the benefits of trying new experiences. We discuss the importance of embracing aging, letting go of societal expectations, and focusing on personal growth. Our conversation highlights the significance of self-acceptance and the joy of engaging in activities that challenge us, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life. And then we jump into our  interview with  Pam,  the owner of Cloth and Home, a store dedicated to showcasing independent designers and their unique stories. Pam shares her journey of creating a space that connects customers with the makers of the products they buy. The conversation explores the importance of community engagement, partnerships with non-profits ,highlighting Bundled Blessings,  and the significance of storytelling in fashion.  TakeawaysCryotherapy has many potential health benefits that are discussed.Aging brings a sense of freedom from societal pressures.Self-acceptance improves overall happiness.Letting go of expectations can lead to a more fulfilling life.Engaging in new experiences fosters personal growth.Learning has no expiration date.Cloth and Home was created to support independent designers.The store features one-of-a-kind pieces made in small batches.Storytelling is a key part of the shopping experience.To learn more about Cloth and Home and for more information on Bundled Blessings: https://clothandhomeshop.com/To follow Taking The Plunge or to nominate a small business that gives back to be featured on our show:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/

In this conversation, we discuss various wellness practices, the challenges of forming habits, and the complexities of change in relationships. The dialogue explores the importance of self-awareness, communication styles, and the significance of understanding whether issues in relationships stem from traits or habits. We also share personal experiences and insights on how to navigate these challenges and the value of making changes in interactions with others. We then meet the owner of Animal Records and hear about his  journey as a lifelong music collector to opening his own store, the concept behind the store's name, and the appeal of vinyl records in today's digital age. Greg, the owner, shares insights on how to start collecting records, the importance of physical music, and highlights some rare finds in his collection. The conversation concludes with a discussion of personal favorite records and the joy of sharing music with the community.Habit formation is challengingPhysical health becomes more imperative with age.Self-awareness is crucial in understanding personal traits.Change in relationships often requires communication and compromise.Understanding communication styles can prevent misunderstandings.For more info on Animal Records:https://www.instagram.com/animalrecordsevanston/To follow Taking the Plunge or nominate a small business to be on our show:https://www.instagram.com/plungeshow/ 

Today we discuss wellness practices and the challenges of navigating breakups. The conversation delves into the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in relationships, the process of letting go, and the significance of trusting one's inner voice. The hosts share personal experiences with meditation, self-care, and the complexities of moving on from past relationships, emphasizing that healing is not linear and varies for everyone. They then turn to the small business spotlight of the week, and speak with Jean and Larry, the founders of YoFresh, about their journey from academia to entrepreneurship. They share the inspiration behind YoFresh, their commitment to community engagement, and their philanthropic efforts aimed at expanding opportunities for African-American youth. The discussion also highlights their popular menu items and the impact of their initiatives on the local community.Takeaways:There is no set timeline for healing from a breakup.Self-awareness is crucial in relationships.Letting go of judgment can aid in the healing process.Trusting your inner voice is essential for making healthy choices.It's important to focus on positive aspects of life during tough times.The idea for YoFresh originated from a desire for community.YoFresh serves as a communal gathering space for various groups.YoFresh donates yogurt to local educational centers weekly.Their business model is centered around philanthropy, not just profit. To follow Taking The Plunge or nominate a small business to be aired on our show:https://instagram.com/plungeshow?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw== 

In this conversation, we discuss various aspects of wellness, the significance of celebrating small wins, navigating relationships, and the importance of emotional intelligence. We also highlight a community-focused coffee shop that empowers individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the role of small businesses in giving back to the community.TakeawaysWellness wins can be small but significant.Latest wellness discoveries.Celebrating small victories is crucial for mental health.The secret to 25 years of marriage.Relationships thrive on commitment and emotional intelligence.Recognizing emotional awareness in partners is essential..Community empowerment is vital for inclusivity.The importance of engaging with individuals with disabilities in public roles.Support for local businesses fosters community growth. To nominate a small business or follow along: https://instagram.com/plungeshow?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==Or email @plungepodcastguests@gmail.com