show episodes
 
The Jen Z Podcast: It’s all about people! My podcast features great conversations with fascinating people sharing experiences, illuminating the life events that shaped their growth, the challenges that built their character, and the goals that have inspired their successes. You’ll get to meet people from all walks of life and all areas of expertise, from favorite neighborhood business owners who helped create communities, to internationally accomplished athletes and entertainers who understa ...
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show series
 
So much fun having my cousin Lea Bacci on the podcast! Like many of us, Covid sparked a need for Lea to do more to help others, so she started an Instagram account called @just_a_girl1978 where she started sharing insights and ideas about the everyday struggles we all face to balance family, job, personal growth and just getting through life on the…
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It was a pleasure to have Takoma Park’s very own Seth Cook on the podcast. He’s co-owner of Takoma Bev Co song with his cousin Chris Brown, and is the man behind the wine menu for Zinnia and Motorkat. He’s a world traveler who loves how a great beverage or cocktail brings people together. Amazingly enough, Seth is also principal Tuba/Cimbasso of th…
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The first Ladies Jiu Jitsu Jam was awesome, with more than 80 amazing females on the mat! That wouldn’t have been possible without my friend and perfect training partner, Maia Matalon. She’s definitely someone I want you to get to know on a deeper level: She is a mom, stepmom, badass BJJ black belt and helps run High Noon BJJ in Virginia with her p…
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This past year, our school had a big influx of college students from the University of Maryland. One of them, Chris Giuditta, is also the owner of Ono Bowls Food Truck. Chris has been great to train with on the mats, but as he graduates and moves onto a career in finance, I had to interview him about becoming an entrepreneur at the age of 17. Learn…
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My dear friend Mary Lou Costabile, aka Miscellaneous Magic, is back on the podcast. This time she is interviewing me!!! As Mary Lou is making some shifts in her career, she wanted to ask me how I did it when I made the transition from full time beauty to fitness, wellness & BJJ. This was so much fun and great to take a hosting break. Hope you enjoy…
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My friend and fellow Capital MMA teammate, BJ Ketchem, joins me to share how he made the decision to give up $27,000 a year in pursuit of his own happiness. Is money really worth it if it costs you your quality of life? We have a great conversation reflecting on his choice, talking about life, health, mindset & jiu jitsu of course. BJ is a teacher …
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One of the most common questions my clients ask me or one of their biggest struggles is that they just don’t have time for themselves. With work, family, life and all the hustle, they come last. In this episode I give you some of my tips and tricks to fit in that self-care time baby! Check out my new Patreon channel for my content @allthingsjenz. T…
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I am really excited to have my friends Lena Blitstein & Samantha Shapiro on this week’s episode. They are the business-owner fashionista sisters of Enaz Boutiques, located throughout the Illinois Northshore. Missing from the episode but completing the fabulous sister trio is Melinda Kaplan. Enaz began when their mom, Susan Lurie, started creating c…
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This one is a solo episode with me! I figured it would be great to come on and fill you in about all the exciting new things happening in the Jen Z World and give you updates on new services I am offering. My mission is always to help you become Energized & Empowered to live YOUR best life! Follow me on IG @allthingsjenz to stay in the loop! And if…
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Dr. Veronica Kacherova is amazing! I’ve always wanted to have an Optometrist on my podcast, and no, not just because I’m obsessed with frames;) Eye health is so important, especially with the amount of time we spend on screen these days. Dr. V gave so many great tips from what supplements to use for better eye health, the 20/20/20 rule to give your…
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If you are a stepmom, you need to be listening to The Radical Stepmoms Podcast and following @radicalstepmomspodcast on IG. It was absolutely a pleasure having host Christina on the podcast. She provides “. . . a safe space to talk about the good, bad and really ugly moments of raising a child you didn’t create.” She uses her tools as a licensed cl…
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The wonderful Julie Schiffman joins me for a second time, first time was episode #23, to share her expertise in tapping. Julie is an EFT expert, Emotional Freedom Techniques, which can help relieve stress, anxiety, depression, health issues, pain etc. The list goes on! It is a simple tool you can utilize on your own to become aware of the emotion i…
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Super excited to finally have my dear friend Mary Lou Costabile on the podcast. Mary Lou is a Hair Stylist, Intuitive Reader, Reiki Master and Certified Life Coach. She shares all the magical vibes coming our way in 2023! We also chat about our friendship and how we both started on our spiritual paths. Mary Lou is incredibly talented and an amazing…
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Starting out the New Year with a podcast episode featuring my hubby Jay Ferrai (aka Jonathan). After so much holiday fun and family time, we definitely needed a self-care weekend to relax and decompress. We wanted to share with you guys some of the things we love to do! Whether it’s with your partner or solo, self-care should be an essential part o…
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Celebrity make-up artist Tay Rivera joins me to talk about his almost 20 year career working in the make-up industry. From retail to Hollywood glam, Tay has gained tons of artistic experience over the years along with learning the hustle of the business. He shares some of his must-have products and talks about current trends. You definitely want to…
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I had the pleasure of catching up with Kathy Hart! You may know her best from her amazing radio career, as she was on Chicago’s The Mix as co-host of The Eric & Kathy Show for 21 years. After leaving radio, Kathy trusted her gut and moved to Montana, where she has been able to use her skills and life experience to help others heal and get healthy. …
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I am fangirling out with Chicago-based author Kelly Kay! She is like a contemporary Danielle Steel, but cooler and sexier! Kelly’s books definitely hit the steamy romance spot like nobody else. Her writing sucks you right in. You fall in love with the characters, the settings, and, oh yeah, the sex! They are almost too much fun to read, but read th…
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Rachel Melville has been defying gravity for almost 20 years. This amazing woman, a pro climber and environmental engineer, was my guide at the recent Hips & Grips camp in Las Vegas, and we connected right away. She’s one of the most authentic, badass people I’ve ever met. As our instructor she made me feel not only safe but confident about the cha…
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Ewa Pasek’s passion for photography is easy to see. Her artistic eye helps create images that have beautiful immediate impact, and are hard to forget. It’s impressive work that has earned gallery showings in her current hometown of Highland Park, Illinois, and participation in a Paris studio showcase. She is a true artist! Her latest collection ref…
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I swear everyone knows Coach Danny Chacon! And they all say what an amazing guy he is with an awesome energy! You can tell how passionate he is about helping others become their best and how positive and grateful he is to be doing what he loves! Danny shares his story of living as an illegal immigrant, coming to the US from Argentina when he was a …
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Who doesn’t love a good mystery? Lucky enough one of our members happens to be the author of one of the best mystery novels out there. Stephen Spotswood is a novelist, award-winning playwright and journalist. He also trains Muay Thai & jiu-Jitsu, so that makes him even cooler. Learn about his journey on becoming a writer to the present day where he…
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Not only did I have the honor of competing against Rachel Morrision Casias at Masters Worlds 2022, but I also had the pleasure of having her as a guest on my podcast. We could have talked for hours. She is so down to earth and absolutely hilarious!! Rachel is a second degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and, along with her husband Ray Casias, own…
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I love sharing stories of strong women that are truly inspiring and motivating to others. This episode is no exception. Iman Casteneda, Capital MMA Black Belt, has a life story that could have given her tons of excuses to not succeed, but she did quite the opposite! Leaving her home in Morocco to escape an arranged marriage to being homeless to her…
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That's the title of the new book coming out by our dear friend DJ Stephens. DJ is the owner of CDK Self-Defense Systems in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He is a Krav Maga 2nd Degree Black Belt, TaeKwonDo Black Belt and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt. Through his book, DJ is able to share his perspective on self-defense and his own personal story of growing…
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I often think Physical Therapy is misunderstood, which is why I wanted to have my very own PT, Brian Faller, on this episode to share what PT entails and who can benefit from it, which is pretty much everyone. It’s not just for post-op patients or for those who have suffered severe injuries, but for anyone who is experiencing pain or movement issue…
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This title is very fitting as Emma is an absolutely amazing soul herself! Grateful to call her a new friend. Emma G. is an award winning musician, author and youth empowerment coach. Emma shares her personal story of how she used her passion of songwriting and music to heal her own trauma and how she uses those tools to help teenagers understand, p…
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My dear friend and Serafin BJJ Black Belt Sloth, Chris Wojcik, joins me to talk about his recent successes in his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu career. He shares some tips on how he deals with tournament anxiety and the specific training he uses to prepare for competition. We also take a dive into his other passion and career as a writer. Listen to the entir…
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So happy to be back with new episodes of The Jen Z Podcast. Before diving in with more wonderful guests, I wanted to give you guys a look into this past year and what I’ve been up to! Lots of exciting changes and memories to look back on. Here we go! Be sure to follow me on IG @bodybyzanotti to stay up to date on everything in the Jen Z Universe!…
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So happy to chat with the amazing Melissa Posh, owner and creator of @hilovetravel! They create classic packs and luggage for fitness, fashion and travel. Not only are the pieces stylish and sleek, but the material is super lightweight, water-resistant, recyclable and affordable! I’m obsessed! Check out https://hilovetravel.com/ to to shop their la…
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I love interviewing local business owners, especially female entrepreneurs and even better, in the fitness industry! This weeks feature is Julie Hafner, owner of Studio Spin in Highland Park! Studio Spin has been around 8 years, and Julie gives us an inside scoop on their motto, community, services & energy of the studio! We also talk about how she…
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Anyone else get inspired by watching interior design shows? Or trying to figure out creative ways to spruce up your space? With spending much more time at home, more people are wanting to update their living spaces, without breaking the bank. I sat down with the local and lovely design specialists from the ABL Group in Highwood. Ava Markoutsas is t…
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My friend and fellow female entrepreneur, Julie Brugioni, owner of the Silk Thumb in Highwood, joins me as my guest today. The Silk Thumb is a faux floral & plant design studio for commercial spaces and homes. They have the ability to serve you locally or anywhere across the US. Julie just celebrated 13 years of owning the Silk Thumb, but has been …
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The main mission of the non-for-profit SALT, is to help create an empathic generation through service-learning travel. Salt promotes uniquely meaningful student travel experiences that meet the needs of the local community while promoting personal growth and understanding. Co-founders, Ida Fiore and Brad Swanson, join me to share how Salt has had t…
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My dear friend, and fabulous realtor, Mada Hitchmough, joins me to discuss the current state of the market. Business is booming! People are selling, buying and keeping her busy. She talks about safety precautions, adapting during this time with creative options, all time low mortgage rates and financial aid for current homeowners who are struggling…
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Isaac Nava had a dream, and with the help of his brother Moishe, turned a humble start into a thriving business. La Casa de Isaac & Moishe has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine in Highwood and Highland Park since 2008. They employ more than 50 people between their two locations, and half are family members. Providing for that big crew and serv…
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My jiu-jitsu teammate Oleg joins me to share his perspective on Covid-19. Oleg is an ER nurse and has been on the front lines during this pandemic. He talks about his first-hand experience treating patients, what symptoms people have been experiencing and his thoughts on the future of this tricky virus. He gives great insight and information. This …
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Todd Belcore, co-founder and executive director of the NPO Social Change, returns to share thoughts on making a difference and helping to end systemic racism. There are so many ways to get involved: Attend a peaceful protest, donate to organizations that fund education, housing, and job placement initiatives, even becoming active in legislation by …
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Nothing says comfort and love like a homemade sweet treat. That is what the Bent Fork Bakery provides. They are more than just a bakery...they are there for us in times of celebration, sadness & joy! All of life’s occasions. And as delicious as the baked goods are, the wife and hubby duo are the secret ingredient and who people love to see, along w…
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Chef and fellow jiu-jitsu teammate, Craig Fass, returns to talk about getting back to the basics of cooking at home and the importance of sitting down to eat with loved ones, especially during this time of Covid-19. Working for over 30 years in the restaurant industry, Craig finally made the decision to take a break from one of the toughest industr…
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Marco Santi’s always dreamt of opening a restaurant. Strong Italian roots on his dad’s side combined with his mom’s Louisiana touch, cooking and food played an important role. Marco's life has evolved through different careers and passions, but that restaurant always remained in the back of his mind. One day, he seized an opportunity to work and re…
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Who better than two best friends and writers to share their list of great reads, especially during a pandemic??!! This was a special episode as one of the guests was my boyfriend, Jay Ferrari, and his best bud, John McGreevy, who I was able to meet for the first time virtually. Such a fun time with these guys! They both have a wonderful gift of des…
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When you hear the Bertucci family name, you can’t help but think of Highwood. Establishments like Boomers, Rainbows and Bertucci’s to name a few...So who better than Bruce Bertucci to share some history on the good ole days of Highwood? Bruce, like his late father, Bruno Bertucci, who was a staple in the community, can recall stories and memories l…
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Elliott Serrano, “King of Geeks” joins me to share his top movie picks to watch during isolation. Turning to some entertainment classics is perfect with a little extra time on our hands and serves as a fun distraction. Elliott dives into an array of movie picks, why he loves them and a little background on each film. As a comic book author, freelan…
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Amy Landolt, owner of “Northshore Acupuncture Center”, returns to share awesome tips you can utilize right away to help boost your Immune System, especially in this time of COVID-19. She talks about immune health from the perspective of Chinese medicine and helps us understand why Chinese medicine (like Western medicine) encourages lifestyle habits…
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Well, it sure has been an interesting start to 2020 to say the least. I had the pleasure of connecting with Soul Guide, Kerri Hummingbird, to get her perspective on the current situation of the world and what Mother Nature may be trying to tell us and what we can do to cope. Kerri Hummingbird, inspires people to lead their lives wide awake with an …
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Why do we have such a fear of the dentist? So many people avoid going, but it is absolutely necessary to your health! I spoke with my Dentist, Dr. Tom Fiocchi, to understand the importance and benefits of Dental care, preventative care, what to avoid & servicing the community for so many years! His father Dr. Raymond Fiocchi, Sr. started his practi…
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Dear friend and fellow jiu-jitsu junkie, Dr. Joe Alleva, returns to my podcast for some real talk about COVID-19 and the CoronaVirus. Dr. Joe has been a doctor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation for over 23 years, working for NorthShore University Health System. He breaks it down so we can all understand what we are dealing with and calms some o…
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Tatiana Galli joins me live on the phone lines from Florence, Italy. Tatiana is the daughter of Pat Galli, owner of Pastificio in Highwood. A lot of us from Highwood have family in the Northern Region of Italy, so I thought it would help to get a firsthand account of what it’s like to be there with the rapid spread of COVID-19, in quarantine and ga…
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Beth Heller, co-founder of “Pulling Down the Moon”, shares her emotional journey with fertility and how it prompted the inspiring creation of “The Moon” with destined business partner, Tamara Quinn, in 2002. Beth has her Masters in Nutrition and became a Yoga Teacher after falling in love with the practice and realizing the positive benefits it had…
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