On the 296th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by comedian Michael Joiner to discuss: - Growing up in Gary, Indiana - Starting his comedy career after performing in a talent show at his church in Valparaiso, IN in 1991 - Moving to Hollywood - Acting in television commercials and film roles - Moving to Kansas Cit…

On the 298th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by Big Brother season 26 contestant and chef, Lisa Weintraub to discuss:- Deciding to pursue a culinary career, founding her business Bach Best Friend- Process to audition for Big Brother through finding out she would be on the show- Better cook in the house, her or…

Allison Rosenwinkel is much more than a design consultant — she’s a brand therapist. Alongside her business partner and husband, Paul Demyanovich, she co-founded and currently serves as the managing director of HiFi Brands. Together, they provide comprehensive, full-range brand strategy and a suite of design and branding solutions for a wide variet…

On the 297th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by comedian and actress Jaclyn Marfuggi to discuss: Growing up in New Jersey and being Italian and Irish Winning "Best Storyteller Award" 2nd Grade and "Most Likely to be Famous" Senior Year High School Attending the University of Rhode Island, studying Drama and Pu…

This week, we're thrilled to welcome a culinary powerhouse, Milwaukee’s Chef Dan Jacobs, to the show. Known for his bold flavors and inventive takes on American-Chinese cuisine, Dan co-owns Milwaukee’s renowned restaurants DanDan and EsterEv. After a career working throughout Chicago and Wisconsin, he recently made waves on the 21st season of Top C…

Allan Perales knows how to solve problems. He champions a powerful idea: that there's no such thing as an unsolvable problem -- you're just looking at it from the wrong angle. After working in hospitality as a hotel manager for a number of years, Allan pivoted to a career in real estate. As partner at Goldstreet, his discerning approach and eye for…

On the 295th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by Vincenzo Minniti aka Vinny From South Philly to discuss: - Growing up in Philadelphia; does Philly deserve its “reputation” despite being known as The City of Brother Love? - What is Italian culture like in Philadelphia? Any notable differences from NYC? - Best c…

After a string of formative restaurant experiences in Detroit and Chicago, Norman Fenton, preoccupied by wanderlust, got in his car and drove to Tulum, Mexico. In this week’s episode, he tells us all about a journey that shifted the trajectory of his career and life — what he learned about food, leadership, and hospitality, all lessons he’s showcas…

On the 294th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by Big Brother's Derek Frazier to discuss: - Getting his Big D nickname - Growing up in the mean streets of Philadelphia, does he agree with the reputation that the people of the city get? - Go to cheesesteak place? - Being the son of Smokin' Joe Frazier, was there …

Green City Market has zeroed in on a number of problems plaguing food distribution and accessibility in our city – and they've resolved to do something about it. Our guest this week, Mandy Moody, is the executive director behind many of these initiatives, supporting farmers in selling their products (without sacrificing a major cut), educating peop…

On the 293rd episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by former MasterChef contestant and chef Jonathan Scinto to discuss: - Growing up in St. James, NY (Long Island) in an Italian and Jewish family, having a love for the kitchen from a young age - Graduating New York Institute of Technology with a BFA degree in graphi…

In collaboration with Tales of the Cocktail for our first entirely remote episode, we're on the horn with New York City's Harrison Ginsberg. He's a world-class bartender and bar director who cut his teeth at renowned establishments in Providence and Chicago before heading back to the Big Apple to help curate one of the finest hospitality experience…

On the 292nd episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by former Big Brother contestant GinaMarie Zimmerman to discuss: - Growing up on Staten Island! - Favorite places to eat; rank the top pizzerias + Italian restaurants - Is Ralph's Ices too expensive? - Graduating from Conservatory of Dramatic Arts. At what age did s…

It’s happy hour on Joiners this week as we sit down for a booze-infused conversation with Luke DeYoung. He's a bartender and cocktail craftsman with decades of experience at some of the city’s finest bars, including Scofflaw, where he worked alongside the one and only Danny Shapiro. Together, they have been hard at work on Sip Sip, a video cocktail…

On the 291st episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by TLC's MILF Manor star Kelly Mac to discuss: - Becoming a pilates instructor - How did she end up on MILF Manor Season 2? - Biggest surprise about being on a reality show? - Instagram following as the show airs - Ideal first date - Would she go on other reality sh…

This week, we're excited to sit down with Thomas Oh who recently opened his newest restaurant, Perilla Korean American Steakhouse with his partner Andrew Lim. It's a fine dining joint dedicated to creatively reinterpreting Chicago steakhouse staples with a modern twist -- and delivering with the commitment to hospitality Thomas clearly champions. W…

On the 290th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by radio legend and comedian, John Sialiano aka Goumba Johnny to discuss: - Growing up in the Bronx - Attending SUNY Brockport - Time with the New York Jets and New York Giants and dealing with a neck injury - Creating Broadway Bodyguards and escorting celebrities a…

This week, we delve into the world of Michael Muser, a charismatic veteran sommelier who has played a pivotal role in shaping Chicago's dining scene. With his characteristic showmanship and deep passion for hospitality, Michael guides us through a captivating array of topics, his raconteur's charm on full display. From his beginnings as a self-desc…

On the 289th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by the newest member of the UFC Hall of Fame, Frankie Edgar to discuss: - Growing up in Toms River, New Jersey, friendship with Todd Frazier - When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in wrestling/combat sports? - Being a third degree black belt in Brazilian …

This week, we're strengthening the Chicago-Cleveland connection by chatting with one of The Land's kind titans of hospitality: Andrew Watts, the proprietor of the renowned Cordelia, a restaurant named for his great grandmother. Known for its delicious, elevated, sharable takes on American classics (conceived by Andrew's right-hand man, Chef Vinnie …

On the 288th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by entrepreneur and podcast host Tom La Vecchia to discuss: - Growing up in New Jersey - Attending Rutgers University and studying business, what did he envision his career being and what internships and school activities did he do there at that time to make those g…

This week, we sit down with Ria Neri, the creative force behind the acclaimed Four Letter Word Coffee and a certified Cicerone with an unwavering passion for craft beer, made crystal clear by her founding of Whiner Beer Company. Inspired by the vibrant coffee culture in Istanbul, Ria and her partners opened their first café on Burgaz Island before …

On the 287th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by entrepreneur and podcast host Ankur Garg to discuss: - Attending the University of Maryland and studying Finance & Economics, what did he envision his career being and what internships and school activities did he do there at that time to make those goals a reali…

This week, we speak to another member of the growing Highland Park mafia — Adam Pollack, a cook turned farmer, responsible for supplying some of the best restaurants in the city. Adam grows his produce right here in the heart of Chicago at Closed Loop Farms. He tells us about his journey, from discovering his passion for food and fresh ingredients,…

On the 286th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by TLC's MILF Manor Star Kelle Mortensen to discuss: - Working in real estate and as a mortgage broker - When will mortgage rates go down? - Volunteer work with Life Rolls On Foundation and the Yorba Linda High School Women's Volleyball Team - Becoming a fitness inf…

Do tropical drinks actually make for gnarly hangovers? What have been the major advancements in distilling in the last century? What happens when a college kid has drink-slinging know-how and unfettered access to booze? In this week’s episode of Joiners, we explore big questions with none other than Kevin Beary, the sagacious beverage director behi…

On the 285th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by Daily Dose of Dana host, Dana Bowling to discuss:- Attending UC Santa Barbara, studying Sociology - Working as a casting director for a variety of TV and film projects for Disney/Nickelodeon/MTV/Fox/ABC/CW/NBC - Thoughts on the ID Documentary, Quiet On Set: The D…

For our latest episode, we sit down with the inimitable Cecily Federighi to explore her fascinating path from the fashion world to the culinary scene. Cecily takes us through her early days being scouted at Six Flags as a teen, globe-trotting adventures in the modeling world, and learning the ins and outs of the restaurant industry from the ground …

On the 284th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by Page Six's Danny Murphy to discuss: - Growing up in New Jersey, attending Cranford High School - Going to Fordham University - First job out of college - Jobs with Hearst Media and Netflix and working as a freelance writer - Getting his first on-air experience wi…

For episode 101, we are sitting down for a master class on hospitality with one of its most innovative and fastidious practitioners. Chris Gerber is a front-of-house guru whose attention to detail and commitment to guests at places like Trio, Alinea, and currently Smyth + The Loyalist have helped earn those establishments scores of well-deserved ac…

On the 283rd episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by Citi Field in game Mets host, Mike Janela to discuss: - Attending Syracuse University - Working in Media Relations and as the play-by-play broadcaster for the Hickory Crawdads - Broadcasting for Villanova football and basketball and being a talk show host for UNC…

This week, we’re ringing in our 100th episode the only way we know how: exploring the world of hospitality by chatting with its most colorful characters. This week, our tagline is especially appropriate — we sit down with the multitalented, accomplished, and vibrant Stephanie Izard, whose list of accolades is as impressive as it is long. She opened…

On the 282nd episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by actress Amanda Clayton to discuss: - Growing up in New England - Moving to New York City, attending New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts - What was the audition process like early in your career? How has it changed since? - First major movie breakthrough; cast…

This week, we’ve brought in an owner who just might handle more covers per night of service than anyone else in town. In this episode, Danny Wirtz, the fourth-generation owner of the Chicago Blackhawks, joins the crew to discuss everything from growing up in the northern suburbs to the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment in the city. Dan…

On the 281st episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by actor, producer and director Kevin Interdonato to discuss: - Growing up in New Jersey, attending Howell High School and Brookdale Community College - What was the “light bulb” moment when he realized acting was a realistic option? - Joining the Army National Guar…

Chef Christian Hunter may be new to Chicago, but he's already making waves in the city's culinary scene as the inventive talent behind Atelier, where he and his dynamic team recently earned their first Michelin star. In this episode, Christian shares his journey from his early days experimenting in the kitchen to his time at culinary school and his…

On the 280th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by FDNY firefighter and MTV The Challenge's Jay Mitchell to discuss: - Being a huge New York Rangers fan - Watching The Real World - Auditioning for The Real World - Finding out he was going to be on the Real World - If it was brought back would the Real World succe…

This week, Tim and Danny are joined by Adam Meyer, the Chef de Cuisine at Brasero and John Manion's trusted right-hand man. Adam shares his inspiring journey of thrusting himself into the world of food at a young age. He discusses his time at The Bristol before the pandemic hit, and how he's now working alongside Manion to develop inventive South A…

On the 279th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by Yahoo Sports NBA Insider Jake Fischer to discuss: - Attending Northeastern University and studying Journalism - Internships - First job out of college? - Working for Boston Globe Media and SB Nation at the same time - Being a writer and then Associate Producer fo…

In a very special episode of Joiners, we start things out by sitting in studio with Donnie Madia. He’s a man who needs no introduction, but in case you’ve been predisposed for a few decades: he’s the James Beard Award-winning powerhouse behind acclaimed institutions like Blackbird, avec, The Publican, The Violet Hour, Big Star, and so much more — a…

On the 278th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter to discuss his origin story and: - Growing up in Valley Stream, what sports teams were his favorite? - Decision to attend University of Michigan and then Northwestern University. Did he know he always wanted to cover the NFL or was …

This week on Joiners, we sit down with Jake Schneider, the owner of Schneider Deli, a new Jewish deli that's bringing classic flavors to the heart of River North. Jake takes us on a journey through his culinary career, from taking a cooking class as an adolescent, to staging at high-end restaurants, to working at a summer camp and even a kitchen te…

On the 277th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by legendary Sports Agent Leigh Steinberg to discuss: - Attending UCLA and the University of California, Berkeley - When did he realize he wanted to be a sports agent? - First job after finishing law school - Starting Steinberg Sports & Entertainment - Who was his f…

This week, we’re joined by Leigh Omilinksy. She is partner and executive pastry chef at Daisies, the Michelin Star adorned Chicagoland darling that was recently named the best restaurant in the city by Eater. And after chatting with her, it makes sense why — after having a borderline magical Crème Brûlée at San Francisco’s Top of the Mark, this wou…

On the 276th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by WFAN host Chris McMonigle to discuss: - Meeting Marc Malusis in Las Vegas - Attending Nassau Community College and the Connecticut School of Broadcasting - Interning at WFAN - Working his way up behind the scenes - Being the board operator for Mike Francesa - Hav…

In this episode of Joiners, we sit down with the accomplished Chef Sahil Sethi. He’s the culinary mastermind behind Indienne and Sifr, two of the most exciting spots in the city today. From his early days studying hospitality management in India to stints at renowned restaurants like Noma in Copenhagen, Sethi has built an impressive resume and uniq…

On the 275th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by Youtube star Tyler Zed to discuss: - Being born in Minnesota as Desmond Janousek - Dominating in football and baseball for the Brainerd Warriors - Deciding to join the United States Air Force and being a medical technician - Attending the University of Minnesota …

This week, we’re joined by the talented Monica Casillas-Rios, the acclaimed bartender at Chicago's Elske, whose exceptional cocktail program recently earned her the prestigious 2023 Michelin Guide Exceptional Cocktail Award. Monica shares her fascinating journey in the world of hospitality, from her early days discovering the art of cocktails in De…

On the 274th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by Bachelor and House of Villain reality star, Corinne Olympios to discuss: - Being born in New Jersey, growing up in Miami, attending Florida International University - Auditioning for The Bachelor - When did she find out she would be on The Bachelor? - Being portr…

This week, Tim and Danny sit down with Alfredo Nogueira, the talented New Orleans-born chef currently heading up the kitchens at NOLA's Cane & Table, Cure, and VALS. Alfredo shares his journey, from getting his start cooking in his hometown, to pursuing his passion for music in Chicago post-Katrina where he ended up falling in love with the kitchen…