Podcast
The Chicagoland Guide
Hosted by Aaron Masliansky · EN
The Chicagoland Guide explores how the Chicagoland area actually works, through conversations about housing, infrastructure, development, and the civic decisions shaping the region’s future.
Hosted by Aaron Masliansky, a Chicago-area real estate advisor and urban planning graduate, the show features in-depth discussions with mayors, developers, policy leaders, business owners, and cultural institutions. Rather than surface-level neighborhood highlights, each episode examines the forces influencing growth, investment, and community life across Chicagoland.
For residents, investors, and civic leaders who care about long-term thinking and how place shapes opportunity, The Chicagoland Guide offers thoughtful, grounded conversations about the region’s trajectory.
13episodes
Episodes
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Episode 145: Mayor Nancy Rotering on Highland Park’s Future, Housing, Community, and Leadership
1w ago00:23:52Tap to summarizeAaron Masliansky sits down with Mayor Nancy Rotering of Highland Park at City Hall for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, housing, placemaking, and the future of one of Chicagoland’s most distinctive communities. Mayor Rotering, now serving her fourth term, shares the story of how a neighborhood stop sign issue first brought her into public service, and how that journey eventually led to City Hall. In this episode, we discuss: How a neighborhood safety issue launched Nancy Rotering’s public service journey What makes Highland Park unique, from Downtown to Ravinia, Braeside, and the lakefront Why events like Ravinia Festival and Taste of Highland Park play such an important role in community identity and economic vitality How Highland Park manages traffic, transit, and visitor experience during major events Highland Park’s long-standing commitment to inclusionary and affordable housing since 1968 The redevelopment of the former Solo Cup site and what it means for housing supply and the city’s future Housing for seniors, aging in place, and why “missing middle” housing matters Accessibility, disability housing, and inclusive community planning Historic preservation versus modern housing needs Highland Park’s investment in sidewalks, connectivity, and public spaces The future of downtown Highland Park, the Ravinia District, and neighborhood investment Mayor Rotering’s regional work with Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and broader housing policy Memorable quotes: “A stop sign brought me into City Hall.” “Housing is where jobs go to sleep.” “A community that grows is a community that’s progressing.” Learn more: Highland Park Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Ravinia Festival Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or at The Chicagoland Guide.com. Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.
Transcribe →Episode 144: How Housing, Infrastructure, and Development Actually Work in Skokie with Johanna Nyden
3w ago00:39:35Tap to summarizeAaron Masliansky sits down with Johanna Nyden, Community Development Director for the Village of Skokie, to explore how local government navigates housing, infrastructure, and development in a built-out suburban community. This conversation goes beyond headlines and breaks down the real-world constraints that shape housing supply, affordability, and the built environment. In this episode, we cover: What a Community Development Director actually does day to day Why housing costs are rising—and what municipalities can and cannot control The impact of aging housing stock and infrastructure on homeowners and communities How permitting and inspections work behind the scenes (and where friction comes from) What people often misunderstand about the building process The reality of “missing middle” housing and why zoning isn’t always the issue How infrastructure limitations (water, sewer, electrical) shape development decisions The tradeoffs between affordability, safety, and building codes The role of technology and AI in permitting and municipal workflows Short-term rentals, ADUs, and evolving housing policy Why more people are staying in their homes—and what that means for inventory How Skokie is planning for the future while managing legacy systems Key takeaway: Housing challenges aren’t driven by a single issue. They are the result of overlapping constraints—costs, infrastructure, policy, and market forces—that municipalities are working to balance every day. Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.
Transcribe →Episode 143: Building the Workforce Behind Chicagoland’s Housing Future with Jennifer Yonan
Feb 2000:35:34Tap to summarizeIn Episode 143 of The Chicagoland Guide, Aaron Masliansky visits Youth Conservation Corps in Waukegan to explore a critical but often overlooked part of the housing conversation: workforce development. As Lake County and the broader Chicagoland region face a persistent housing shortage, rising construction costs, and a shrinking skilled trades workforce, solutions must go beyond zoning reform and financing tools. This episode examines how YouthBuild Waukegan is training the next generation of construction professionals while building affordable housing for local families. If we want more housing supply, stronger neighborhoods, and sustainable economic growth in Lake County and across the Chicagoland area, we need people who know how to build—and that’s exactly what this program is doing. Aaron sits down with Executive Director Jennifer Yonan to discuss how their programming serves 16–24 year olds who are disconnected from education and employment, helping them earn their GED or diploma, gain hands-on construction experience, and prepare for registered apprenticeships and careers in the trades. The conversation covers: -How workforce training directly impacts housing supply -Building affordable homes from the ground up in Zion -Why the skilled trades are increasingly valuable in an AI-driven economy -The role of regional housing policy and zoning reform in Lake County -Supporting the “whole person” through education, mentorship, and life skills Youth Conservation Corps is not only training future electricians, plumbers, and carpenters—it’s strengthening neighborhoods and expanding opportunity from within the community. Learn more or get involved at: youthconservationcorps.org Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.
Transcribe →Episode 142: Chicago Real Estate Outlook 2026 with Adrian Brizulea (CoStar)
Jan 2700:40:53Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, Aaron Masliansky sits down with Adrian Brizulea of CoStar to unpack the Chicago real estate outlook for 2026.They discuss multifamily rent trends, housing supply, downtown office recovery, industrial and logistics markets, data centers, suburban redevelopment, and the major development projects shaping Chicagoland’s future.Adrian shares data-driven insights from his work at CoStar and his recent presentation at the Chicago Association of Realtors Market Outlook, offering a clear view of where the market stands and what investors, homeowners, and residents should be watching next.Whether you are buying, selling, investing, or simply care about Chicago’s long-term trajectory, this episode provides grounded, practical perspective on the region’s real estate economy.View the full CAR presentation slides here:https://chicagorealtor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FINAL-2026-Chicago-Association-of-Realtors-Presentation_AdrianBrizuela_CoStar-1.pdf Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.
Transcribe →The Future of Chicagoland: Quantum Tech, Data Centers, Transit, and Regional Growth with CMAP’s Kyle Schulz
Nov 2500:56:32Tap to summarizeIn one of the most forward-looking episodes of The Chicagoland Guide to date, host Aaron Masliansky sits down with Kyle Schulz, Deputy of Strategic Advancement at the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). This conversation breaks down where Chicagoland is heading over the next decade, and what it will take to stay globally competitive.Aaron and Kyle originally connected through the Chicago Association of Realtors’ Global Council, and they pick up right where their first conversation left off: the opportunities, risks, and transformational forces shaping the region. Together, they dive into:The economic outlook for Chicagoland and where the region is gaining (and losing) groundQuantum tech and Chicago’s bid to become a global quantum capitalThe surge in data centers-why they’re here, what risks they create, and how they impact energy, land use, and local tax basesTransportation as Chicagoland’s superpower — rail, airports, freight, and the region’s logistical advantageHow immigration, labor markets, and demographic trends will influence long-term regional competitivenessThe evolving Chicago vs. Arlington Heights dynamic around the Bears and big projectsWhat makes a region attractive to employers, and what CMAP is seeing in real timeHow climate resilience, zoning modernization, and infrastructure investment will shape the next decadeWhy Chicagoland’s stability, diversity, and economic depth remain a massive strategic assetWhat Kyle believes are the big decisions leaders must get right between now and 2035This episode is smart, fast-paced, and deeply insightful — the kind of conversation that helps residents, investors, civic leaders, and curious locals understand where Chicagoland is truly headed.If you care about the future of this region, this is a must-listen.Guest InfoKyle T. SchulzDeputy of Strategic AdvancementChicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)Website: https://www.cmap.illinois.govLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-metropolitan-agency-for-planning/ Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.
Transcribe →Movement as Medicine: How Dance Therapy Helps Chicagoland Process Stress with Erica Hornthal
Nov 400:50:34Tap to summarizeLicensed clinical professional counselor and board-certified dance/movement therapist Erica Hornthal (“The Therapist Who Moves You”) joins Aaron to explain how changing the way we move changes the way we feel. Recorded on November 3, 2025, the conversation grounds movement therapy in the realities of Chicagoland life: financial pressure, screen-driven immobility, community trauma in Highland Park, and heightened anxiety around recent ICE activity across the North Shore. Erica shares practical, accessible ways to regulate the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and communicate nonverbally when words are not enough.Key TakeawaysMovement is already part of therapy: posture shifts, breathing, pacing, and small gestures can be therapeutic starting points.We have “out-evolved” our natural instinct to move; immobility amplifies anxiety.Stressors show up differently across communities. Whether it is public-safety trauma or fear tied to immigration enforcement, the body stores that stress.You can change your state by changing your movement, even with simple, seated interventions.Nonverbal work helps couples and families de-escalate conflict and build empathy.Parents can meet kids’ energy with movement rather than suppression, then teach time-and-place skills.Research supports dance and movement as effective for anxiety and depression; therapy fit and relationship still matter most.Practical access: look for “somatic,” “body-oriented,” or “creative arts therapy” in your area; insurance coverage depends on the clinician’s license.Timestamps00:00 Intro to Erica and dance/movement therapy02:00 What movement therapy looks like in practice04:50 Why Erica wrote “BodyTalk” and how readers use it08:15 Why we feel so stressed today, and how immobility feeds anxiety10:45 Local context: Highland Park trauma and recent ICE activity on the North Shore12:30 Changing movement to change mood and cognition15:15 Treating the “snake bite” before debating the “why”16:00 Individual vs group work, and what movement builds between people17:35 Getting over discomfort and starting small20:40 A simple intervention: washing hands slowly to interrupt anxiety22:20 Working across ages: from 3 to 10726:15 Coaching kids and meeting their movement needs31:30 Nonverbal communication in relationships and negotiations35:00 “Embodied listening” and the limits of AI for mental health39:30 Walks, showers, and why ideas arrive during movement42:00 Using your body as a free mental health resource43:00 Finding somatic or creative arts therapists and dealing with insurance46:45 What the research says about dance, anxiety, and depression49:00 Where to find Erica and her books50:00 ClosingPractical Exercises MentionedSeated reset: notice shoulders, jaw, feet; slow your breath and lengthen exhale.Pattern interrupt: pick one daily action and do it slowly for 20 seconds (example: handwashing) to downshift intensity.Conflict pause: step outside or to separate corners, walk, then reconvene.With kids: “shake out the wiggles,” go outside for 60 seconds, then return.GuestErica Hornthal, LCPC, BC-DMTFounder and CEO, Chicago Dance TherapyAuthor of BodyTalk, Body Aware, and The Movement Therapy DeckWebsite: https://www.ericahornthal.comPractice: https://www.chicagodancetherapy.comInstagram: @thetherapistwhomovesyouEmail: erica@hornthal.comResources MentionedBodyTalk: 365 Gentle Practices to Get Out of Your Head and Into Your BodyBody AwareThe Movement Therapy DeckSearch terms for local care: “somatic therapy,” “body-oriented therapy,” “creative arts therapy,” “dance movement therapy,” plus your city.For Listeners in ChicagolandIf anxiety has spiked for you or your family due to recent events in the region, consider brief, daily movement check-ins. Even small posture and breath changes can reduce a constant state of alert. Nonverbal practices can help when words feel risky or overwhelming. ConnectHost: Aaron Masliansky — The Chicagoland GuideSubscribe, rate, and share if this episode helped you. New episodes highlight people and ideas that make Chicagoland a great place to live. Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.
Transcribe →Keeping Culture Alive in Highland Park featuring Diana Gran | The Chicagoland Guide – Episode 139
Oct 2800:30:21Tap to summarizeHow can celebrating cultural traditions strengthen a community?In this episode, host Aaron Masliansky is joined by Diana Gran — Founder of Diana Gran Portraits and Director of Día de los Muertos (DDM) Week in Highland Park — to explore how honoring heritage can create unity, healing, and connection across generations and cultures.Diana shares her journey from Acapulco to Highland Park, how reclaiming her roots transformed her life and art, and why DDM Week has become a meaningful celebration for the North Shore community. We discuss the power of remembrance, the importance of cultural authenticity, and how local businesses, libraries, and community organizations have come together to support this growing annual tradition.Topics CoveredWhat Día de los Muertos truly representsDiana’s journey of identity, immigration, and finding homeThe origins and mission of DDM Week in Highland ParkThe healing power of honoring ancestors and community storytellingHow local businesses and organizations are collaborating to keep culture aliveWhy “done is better than perfect” can change your life and creativityConnect with DianaWebsite: https://dianagranportraits.comDDM Week Instagram: @ddmweekhpDDM Week Information & Events: https://hpculturalarts.orgConnect with The Chicagoland GuideWebsite: https://thechicagolandguide.comInstagram: @thechicagolandguideYouTube: @TheChicagolandGuide Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.
Transcribe →Ravinia’s Legacy & Future: A Conversation with Jeff Haydon
Oct 2100:34:15Tap to summarizeEpisode OverviewIn this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky sits down with Jeff Haydon, President & CEO of the iconic Ravinia Festival in Highland Park — America’s oldest outdoor music festival.Jeff shares how Ravinia began as a railroad amusement park over a century ago and evolved into one of the nation’s leading cultural institutions. The conversation covers Ravinia’s deep roots in the community, its role as a good neighbor in Highland Park, and its vision for the future through the Setting the Stage campaign — a $75 million renovation of its 36-acre campus to be completed by 2029. HighlightsThe fascinating history behind Ravinia’s founding and evolution.How Ravinia collaborates with Highland Park to manage traffic, sustainability, and neighborhood harmony.Reopening after the pandemic and reshaping audience experiences.The Reach Teach Play® education program — bringing music to 120+ schools across Chicagoland.Jazz legend Kurt Elling’s role as Jazz Advisor and the creation of the Breaking Barriers Festival with Marin Alsop.Details on the Setting the Stages campaign to renovate Ravinia’s stages, pavilion, and guest experience. About the GuestJeff Haydon has over 30 years of arts management experience and has led Ravinia since 2020. Under his leadership, the organization has secured major funding, expanded educational initiatives, and continued its mission to make world-class music accessible to all.Learn more: ravinia.org About the HostAaron Masliansky is a Realtor at Compass and host of The Chicagoland Guide, showcasing the people and places that make the region a great place to live. As a trusted local expert, Aaron helps clients navigate real estate across Chicago and the North Shore — guiding home buyers and sellers through every step of their journey.Explore more episodes and connect with Aaron at thechicagolandguide.com. Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.
Transcribe →Growing the Future: Inside Historic Wagner Farm with Director Jonathan Kuester
Sep 1700:34:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky visits one of the last working farms in Cook County: Historic Wagner Farm in Glenview, Illinois. Joined by Director Jonathan Kuester, the conversation covers the surprising depth of history, education, and innovation happening just off Lake Avenue.Jonathan shares how Wagner Farm blends historic preservation with modern agriculture, offering programs for students (including special education farmers), operating one of the region’s most vibrant farmers markets, and even exploring robotic milking systems and crop science. Highlights include:The transformation of Wagner from a 1900s family farm to a public living history museumThe impact of 4-H and farm apprenticeships on future veterinarians, scientists, and chefsHow U.S. farming changed under the Nixon administration—and what it means for small farmers todayHow cows, robots, and soil science intersect to shape the future of agricultureThe renewed push for local food and what’s coming next at Wagner FarmWhether you’re a local history buff, foodie, or just someone who’s driven past the cows on Lake Avenue and wondered what goes on there—this episode will surprise and inspire you Listen and watch now and explore more at thechicagolandguide.com Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.
Transcribe →A Taste of Cambodia in Chicago: The Story of Khmai Fine Dining with Chef Mona Sang
May 2800:34:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky interviews Chef Mona Sang, the visionary behind Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood.More than a restaurant, Khmai is a deeply personal tribute to Mona’s mother—a survivor of the Cambodian genocide—and a celebration of Cambodian culture through food. Mona shares how cooking helped her mother heal, how their journey together brought Khmai to life, and how traditional recipes passed down through generations continue to shape every dish on the menu.From humble beginnings to being recognized as a James Beard semifinalist, Mona explains how Khmai became one of Chicago’s most sought-after dining experiences. Discover the emotional stories behind the food, the values driving the restaurant, and why Khmai is a place where culture, memory, and community converge.Learn more and connect:Website: https://khmai-fine-dining.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/khmaichicagoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/monabellacatering/#TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@khmaichicago1?lang=enYelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mona-bella-catering-chicagoMore episodes and local insights: https://www.thechicagolandguide.com Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.
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