Best Boka Podcasts (2024)

1
Snakes & Lattes 37:52

10h ago37:52

37:52

Here’s a puzzle for you: what do Settlers of Catan, Cowboy Caviar, and the Enchanted Forest have in common? Well, nothing in the outside world, but everything at Chicago’s premier Board Game Bar & Restaurant! At Snakes & Lattes, the gamers game, the foodies eat, and the worries of the world melt away in the background of its immersive environment. …

1
Chicago Electric Boat Company 25:40

1d ago25:40

25:40

Summer might be nearing an end but we’re feeling electric about all the fun things ahead! This week, we meet Ron Silvia, President & Founder of Chicago Electric Boat Company. Famous for their year-round boating opportunities, Ron and his team have been innovators in Chicago’s aquatic tourism field for over a decade. Their notable boating experience…

1
Pop Craft Studio 20:16

4d ago20:16

20:16

Grab your favorite color yarn and let’s craft for spooky season! We are so excited to feature Chicago’s Pop Craft Studio. They offer a variety of crafts including Tufting, Cream Glue, Mosaic, Lipstick, and more! We talked with Manager Elvina Malkoc about the founding story, the insane crafting experiences they offer, and why crafting is having its …

1
Morgan St. Jean “This Is For Life” Tour 35:48

13d ago35:48

35:48

Meet the most extraordinary musical artist of our generation! Morgan St. Jean has been releasing hits for years now and continues to climb the charts and our hearts. A genius songwriter, she is credited on several Chappel Roan hits. Morgan joined us in early 2022, prior to she had released her iconic hit “Not All Men” and shortly after did it again…

1
Kevin Boehm of Boka Restaurant Group 31:09

1M ago31:09

31:09

It's time to eat Chicago! And what a better selection for us to choose from than the award winning Boka Restaurant Group! Ioanna and I have been to many of their restaurants in Chicagoland and always celebrate with them on New Year’s Eve! Examples include Boka, Swift and Sons, Girl and The Goat, and more. Founded by Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm in 2002…

1
Big Bus Tours Hosts “Sunset Live” Tour in Chicago 31:51

2M ago31:51

31:51

All aboard the Big Bus! One of the most moving experiences we’ve had in the city, the “Sunset Live Tour” by Big Bus Tours explores Chicago while the city’s architecture, historical landmarks, and lake are draped in the velvety shade of golden hour. This tour takes tourists and locals on a 90-minute journey around the Chicago loop and surrounding ne…

1
Adler Planetarium 32:39

2M ago32:39

32:39

Did you know Chicago's Adler Planetarium was the first open to the public in the entire western hemisphere?This week, you’ll learn how the iconic lakefront planetarium came to be nearly 100 years ago and the story behind some of its space artifacts. Plus, Michelle Nichols, Director of Public Observing at Adler, tells us about the Doane Observatory,…

1
Portillo’s 26:55

2M ago26:55

26:55

Join us in celebrating National Hot Dog Month with our favorite dog, Portillo's! In this episode, you'll learn the story behind Portillo's Chocolate Cake Shake, whose dog was the inspiration for the iconic hot dog logo, and what Portillo's is doing to celebrate National Hot Dog Day on July 17th!A Chicago legend, Portillo's has been serving up Chica…

1
Shedd Aquarium 26:34

4M ago26:34

26:34

With a crystal blue backdrop and a river running through its veins, Chicago is our aquatic queen! Shedd Aquarium is our favorite destination in Chicago for sea otters, penguins, and all things aquatic. We spoke with Senior Director of Marketing LaToyia Strickland-Ledbetter about the century worth of Shedd history, its famous lakefront architecture,…

1
Streeterville Social 23:31

4M ago23:31

23:31

The best food we’ve ever eaten? Quite possibly! Streeterville Social is the place to be during Chicago’s famous summer rooftop season! Chicago’s “go-to outdoor rooftop terrace serving up alfresco dining, libations, and a celebration of all things summer”, this is the rooftop of rooftops and has year-over-year been voted so by various publications a…

1
Blue Man Group 37:48

4M ago37:48

37:48

It’s a Blue Man’s World and we’re just living in it! This week, we’re thrilled to be featuring the iconic Blue Man Group! This immersive and transportive show has been around since 1987, but it’s gone through many changes and of course, several Blue Men! You can also see the show in numerous cities around the world, including right here in Chicago!…

1
Loews Chicago O’Hare, Executive Chef Chuck Gillis 18:26

5M ago18:26

18:26

Ioanna and I love to leave a meal feeling satisfied. What we often forget to take into account though are the elements of dining at a restaurant that extend beyond the meal itself- the environment, the energy, and even the education you receive on the food you're eating. If you want to feel elevated after a night out, look no further than Loews Chi…

1
Chicago's Soldier Field 37:45

5M ago37:45

37:45

Soldier Field is one of the most recognized and iconic Chicago landmarks. And many of you have likely been to a Bears game there, or perhaps a Taylor Swift concert! What you might not think about when you visit is that the stadium has hosted numerous historic figures like MLK Jr. and NATO, and has had a far reaching impact on the Chicagoland econom…

1
#48-What You Need To Know About Business & Leadership with the Former CEO of P.F Changs, Damola Adamolekun 1:01:31

6M ago1:01:31

1:01:31

Welcome back to another season of the more we know. Because the more we know, the more we grow! Your mentor today is the FORMER CEO of P.F. Changs, which you may have dined at! We dived into all things business, leadership, including getting up at 4 am to workout!! Damola Adamolekun is an Operating Partner at Garnett Station Partners and the former…

1
Shot of Art 19:24

6M ago19:24

19:24

Take a Shot of Art with us!We all remember the creative days of our childhood when we could color outside the lines and make mud soup in the back yard. Now, there is a super unique experience that will remedy the creative void in anyone’s life and give you a boost of art therapy!This week, we ventured to “Shot of Art” in West Town to try out their …

1
Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta 27:19

6M ago27:19

27:19

To celebrate Pi-Day, we’re taking a deep dive into pizza pie history with Chicago’s famous Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta! (look how many pi’s we got into that sentence alone)A Chicago classic, deep dish was created to make a meal out of pizza, which historically had just been seen as a snack. Opened in 1991 by Rudy Malnati Jr., Pizano’s has become a stapl…

1
Superdawg 47:10

7M ago47:10

47:10

We’re SUPERdawg delighted to have Chicago’s famous Superdawg family on the show! At 75 years old, the family owned drive-in located at Devon, Nagle, and Milwaukee, remains a quality classic on the Chicago food scene. With its iconic blue tower and signature Superdawg recipe, there’s something to love for everyone. Not to mention, they just made the…

1
IT’SUGAR 28:45

7M ago28:45

28:45

Fueled by sugar on the daily, Ioanna and Aaron are fun dippingly excited to learn more about their favorite candy shop, IT’SUGAR!Founded in 2006, IT'SUGAR calls itself one of the largest specialty candy "retailtainers" in the world, and at 100+ locations, there’s no sugar coating that!IT'SUGAR is an experience, known for absurd sugar innovations. T…

1
2024 Chicago Auto Show 34:39

8M ago34:39

34:39

Start your engines folks, we’re going to the Chicago Auto Show!There’s been nothing like it for Chicago- from the people it attracts to the impact is has on a global market, this is the place to be every February!First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the largest auto show in North America and has been held more times than any other auto ex…

1
#47- Surviving a Terror Attack, Going Broke and The Ultimate Comeback Story With CEO/Founder of Banrion Capital, Shana Sissel 56:38

8M ago56:38

56:38

Welcome back to the more we know! Because the more we know, the more we grow. Today your mentor is Finance industry veteran, also known as "Queen of Alternatives", Shana Sissel. Shana Sissel is a highly sought-after speaker and frequently contributes to various media outlets. She is deeply committed to promoting financial literacy among women and u…

1
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Artistic Director Linda-Denise Fisher Harrell 27:03

8M ago27:03

27:03

Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, Artistic Director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, joins us for our first episode of 2024! We were pumped to talk about the topic that brought Ioanna and I together ten years ago- DANCE!While a student at Julliard, 19 year-old Linda-Denise was invited to join Hubbard Street Chicago Dance by the company's founder, Lou Co…

1
Voodoo Doughnut CEO, Chris Schultz 28:39

9M ago28:39

28:39

Today, we’re cooking up some Voodoo magic, not around a traditional cauldron though, more like a burning hot cauldron filled with delectable fried dough! Started in Portland twenty years ago, Voodoo Doughnut is known for its unique flavors and signature pink boxes. The company offers a sea of freshness and fun in a food and beverage market that has…

1
Candle Castle & Co. 23:30

10M ago23:30

23:30

Candle Castle & Co. is the most magical and best smelling place in Chicago- especially during the holidays and in winter when we all need a little brightness in our lives!Enter Sunshine- the teacher of our class who led us on our journey of what Ioanna and I would call “therapeutic refined childhood crafts with an elevated twist”. She made the nigh…

1
A Pink Wonderland 15:53

10M ago15:53

15:53

Merry Pinkmas! Pink Wonderland is a very merry pink Christmas bar with locations in Chicago and New York. It seeks to “break from traditional Christmas bar norms, aiming to offer a fresh, unique take on the holiday season”. The pop-up has everything pink and opens December 1st! We chat with King Inesse and Miriam Paz from V5 about what you'll exper…

1
Joffrey Ballet Company Artist Victoria Jaiani & Christopher Wheeldon’s “Nutcracker” 18:57

10M ago18:57

18:57

Nutcracker returns once again to Chicago’s Lyric Opera! A part of many folks' holiday traditions, Ioanna and Aaron are so excited to learn about the show from Joffrey Ballet Company Artist, Victoria Jaiani!In her 20th year with the company, Victoria will fill the role of “The Mother” in this year’s Nutcracker. We chat with her about the timeless be…

1
30 Min U: Lamborghinis & Lawsuits- Fireside chat with Chicago Entrepreneurs 49:28

10M ago49:28

49:28

Join Meer & Carmen for a live interactive mentorship series. After a nice mid season break, we are BACK with a special episode. 30 Minute U is hosted by Sameer Sawaqed, Host of one of the worlds top mentorship platforms The More We Know together with Carmen Rossi, a top CEO and entrepreneur who is the genius behind 8 Hospitality Group. Carmen owns …

1
Garrett Popcorn Shops & Frango Chocolate 28:36

10M ago28:36

28:36

Raise your hand if Garrett Popcorn or Frango Chocolate are part of your Holiday traditions? Everyone should have a hand raised! The Holidays are here, so that means Ioanna and Aaron dedicate every waking thought to food. Two timeless Chicago classics that are especially relevant during Christmastime are these two iconic delicacies. Family-owned by …

1
#46-Going All In, Building a $100 Million Revenue Business, & Trusting Your Gut, with President & Co-Founder of Stash, Ed Robinson 56:08

11M ago56:08

56:08

Welcome back to the more we know! Because the more we know, the more we GROW! Your mentor today is Ed Robinson. Ed Robinson is the president and co-founder of Stash, the pioneering fintech company that empowers everyday Americans to invest and build long-term wealth. Ed and his co-founder, Brandon Krieg, launched Stash in 2015 with the belief that …

1
Our New Holiday Tradition, Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden 21:05

11M ago21:05

21:05

The Chicago Botanic Garden is the place to be, especially during their holiday “Lightscape” experience. Their 385 acres of pristine natural beauty in northern Cook County are transformed into an immersive journey that utilizes light, color, and sound to transport guests into realms of holiday beauty.Ioanna and Aaron went and said it gave “Disney ni…

1
#45- Finding Your Happiness & Overcoming Failure With Famous Restaurateur, Co-Founder of Boka Group, Kevin Boehm 1:20:38

12M ago1:20:38

1:20:38

Welcome back to the more we know! Because the more we know, the more we grow. Today your mentor is the famous american restauranteur out of Chicago, Kevin Boehm. After opening 40 restaurants over the last 30 years, James Beard Foundation Award-winning restaurateur Kevin Boehm has established himself as one of the world’s foremost hospitality vision…

1
75 Years of Affy Tapple, The Original Caramel Apple! 36:41

12M ago36:41

36:41

The Original Caramel Apple is celebrating its 75th birthday! This October, bite into one of the nation’s favorite fall treats and fill your heart with the nostalgia that is the Affy Tapple brand.This delicious treat has filled hearts & homes since 1948, and still does today using the same caramel recipe from way back when! Dipped in everything from…

1
Sally Schwartz, The Randolph Street Market Festival 36:41

12M ago36:41

36:41

Come with us to Chicago’s premier antique market, a two-day event hosted by the fabulous Sally Schwartz and her team at Image Pilots. Browse indoor and outdoor vendors at this European-style vintage and antique festival. Established well before we were born, the market has been a national favorite among tastemakers and designers. Stroll through hun…

1
Brad Parker, Parker Hospitality 27:43

1y ago27:43

27:43

Vibe check, Chicago!! If you're a regular on the Chicago food & drink scene, chances are you've been to one of Brad Parker's establishments, which include the popular Hampton Social, The Bassment, newly opened Nisos Prime, and more coming. Entrepreneur Brad Parker is the founder of Parker Hospitality and his dining concepts are more than kitchens s…

1
#44- How To Open Doors For Yourself With Founder of EKI Digital, Killerspin & Personal Friend of Barack Obama, Robert Blackwell Jr 1:07:31

1y ago1:07:31

1:07:31

Welcome back to the more we know. The More we know, the more we grow! Today your mentor is Robert Blackwell Jr. the founder of Killerspin, the world’s leading table tennis engagement brand, and the founder of EKI-Digital, a digital investment consulting firm. Blackwell is also a former employer of then-state Senator Barack Obama, as well as a polit…

1
Celebrity Chef, Brooke Baevsky “Chef Bae” 27:50

1y ago27:50

27:50

This week, Celebrity Private Chef Brooke Baevsky, also known as “Chef Bae”, takes us into the kitchen to tell us all about her fascinating career and some of the viral content she’s created.She’s known for her day-in-the-life videos, shopping at Erewhon, a viral $2000 dollar pizza, and so much more! She does it all, from shopping for her clients to…

1
Mr. Kate, DIY & Design 34:12

1y ago34:12

34:12

Put on your fave overalls and goodwill tee because today we’re getting down and dirty with Mr. Kate!Famous design duo Kate and Joey share everything design, decor, and DIY on their channel. You can find super helpful renovation tips, design inspo, and the behind the scenes from some of their celebrity space makeovers! They’ve earned almost 4 millio…

1
30 Min U: The Truth About Side Hustles And Making More Money 34:53

1y ago34:53

34:53

Join Meer & Carmen every other Tuesday for a live interactive mentorship series in roughly 30 Minutes. 30 Minute U is hosted by Sameer Sawaqed, Host of one of the worlds top mentorship platforms The More We Know together with Carmen Rossi, a top CEO and entrepreneur who is the genius behind 8 Hospitality Group. Carmen owns and operates some of the …

1
Fashion and Lifestyle Photographer, Bekah Wriedt 22:48

1y ago22:48

22:48

Bekah Wriedt is a chicago-based fashion and lifestyle photographer who shot our GORGEOUS, pink Sip with Me photos earlier this year. We feel the need to brag about how good she is by having her on the show to share her story, tips for getting your photos taken, and what it was like working with us…We hear about how she found her passion through the…

1
#43- Protect Your Investments, Passion, Energy & More With Co-Founder & President of Halo, Jason Barsema 1:10:06

1y ago1:10:06

1:10:06

Welcome back to the more we know. The More we know, the more we grow! Today your mentor is Jason Barsema, the Co-Founder and President of Fintech Company Halo out of Chicago. It is not everyday we have an exclusive mentor who raised over $100 million dollars and is democratizing access to financial products historically reserved for the ultra high-…

1
Melissa Andre, Founder/Creative Director & Château Caretaker 34:28

1y ago34:28

34:28

The day after Ioanna’s wedding last summer, we ambitiously aired an episode of Sip With Me while we were still recovering from the Greek tradition of dancing all night and breaking plates. It was iconic because our guest was an icon, Melissa Andre, Founder of Melissa Andre Design Co. and, according to our episode title from last year, a “Château In…

1
Sheena Melwani, TikTok Star & Singer 30:28

1y ago30:28

30:28

Sheena Melwani is a media personality, but not one who went down this path on purpose. With musical roots, Sheena has always been known for her amazing voice, and in 2020, her and her husband @therealindiandad went viral, forming their iconic “interrupted series”. Today, approaching 10 million TikTok followers, Sheena and her husband continue to ma…

1
30 Minute U: Where Do We Go From Here With AI? 31:41

1y ago31:41

31:41

Join Meer & Carmen every other Tuesday for a live interactive mentorship series in roughly 30 Minutes. 30 Minute U is hosted by Sameer Sawaqed, Host of one of the worlds top mentorship platforms The More We Know together with Carmen Rossi, a top CEO and entrepreneur who is the genius behind 8 Hospitality Group. Carmen owns and operates some of the …

1
Michael Le, Content Creator and Entrepreneur 30:16

1y ago30:16

30:16

At 52 Million TikTok followers and 1.4 Billion likes, Michael Le is one of the world’s most influential, most viewed, and key to his success, most loving and positive, social media personalities out there. Everything he touches turns to gold, and we’re so excited because he shares a passion for a lot of what made Ioanna and I friends- dance, fitnes…

1
30 Minute U: A Healthier Approach To Sports Betting 33:35

1y ago33:35

33:35

Join Meer & Carmen every other Tuesday for a live interactive mentorship series in roughly 30 Minutes. 30 Minute U is hosted by Sameer Sawaqed, Host of one of the worlds top mentorship platforms The More We Know together with Carmen Rossi, a top CEO and entrepreneur who is the genius behind 8 Hospitality Group. Carmen owns and operates some of the …

1
#42- How to Elevate Your Life with LEADING NBA Insider/ Sports Reporter, Shams Charania 31:17

1y ago31:17

31:17

Welcome back to the more we know. Because the more we know, the more we grow! Your mentor today is none other than the worlds top NBA Insider, sports reporter, Shams Charania. You may have seen Shams all over twitter covering all things NBA Basketball with his 2 million+ followers. If you have seen a report come out about a recent trade, an NBA coa…

1
Tremaine Atkinson, CEO & Co-Founder at CH Distillery & Jeppson’s Malört 33:44

1+ y ago33:44

33:44

There’s nothin’ more Chicago than a shot of Malört (or a bottle)!It’s famous for its unique taste and rich history. It’s a traditional wormwood based liquor near and dear to Chicago’s food and drink pop culture, and it’s been gaining insane popularity in recent years. Tremaine Atkinson, CEO, Co-Founder, & Head Drinker of CH Distillery, which bought…

1
From Memes to Memoir. Bernie’s Mitten Maker, Jen Ellis 41:12

1+ y ago41:12

41:12

She’s back, and this time, she’s an author! You know the memes- one of the most recognizable online symbols of the last decade. Jen Ellis, the creator of Bernie Sanders’ mittens, joined us in June 2021 well after the meme frenzy had cooled, and honestly it felt like an old friend was having coffee with us. Now, she’s put her story to paper, and let…

1
30 Minute U: Rapid Takes on Flying Private, Biggest Fears & Bucket List Items 28:58

1+ y ago28:58

28:58

Join Meer & Carmen every OTHER Tuesday for a live interactive mentorship series in roughly 30 Minutes. 30 Minute U is hosted by Sameer Sawaqed, Host of one of the worlds top mentorship platforms The More We Know together with Carmen Rossi, a top CEO and entrepreneur who is the genius behind 8 Hospitality Group. Carmen owns and operates some of the …

1
Seltzerland 28:22

1+ y ago28:22

28:22

Seltzerland could be coming to a city near you! We chat with Kate Levenstein of Cannonball Productions about her food and beverage events company which is throwing this epic bash! We talk our favorite seltzers, some of the cool brands who will be pouring at the events, and why this festival is SO on brand for #summer2023. You can find the official …

1
#41- Lessons From Selling Over a Billion in Real Estate with Buying Beverly Hills Netflix Regular, Jon Grauman 1:03:48

1+ y ago1:03:48

1:03:48

Welcome back to the more we know! Because the more we know, the more we grow! Your mentor today is Jon Grauman. Jon sold over $230 million in 2019, ranking him among the top Realtors in the country, and #20 in Los Angeles County by L.A. Business Journal. Jon has been recognized by The Wall Street Journal, L.A. Business Journal, Los Angeles Magazine…

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