Ilene and Scott venture into Evanston and meet with Aaron Masliansky, host of "Inside the Skev" podcast that features Skokie and Evanston. It's hard to tell who is running the show on this one and there is a LOT covered.   "Skevanston" is the area inside zipcode 60203. Learn what makes this a very unique area in this podcast. 

Ilene and Scott venture into Evanston and meet with Aaron Masliansky, host of "Inside the Skev" podcast that features Skokie and Evanston. It's hard to tell who is running the show on this one and there is a LOT covered.  "Skevanston" is the area inside zipcode 60203. Learn what makes this a very unique area in this podcast.

When Podcasts Collide: "It's Skokie" meets "The Skev"!

Ilene and Scott travel to Evanston to meet with Mary Ellen Ball – Executive Director of Open Communities.  Open Communities seeks to eradicate housing discrimination, in all of its forms, and against all persons, because of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sex, disability, familial status, or source of income.  We cover what the organization does in Skokie and surrounding communities in this week's episode. 

Ilene and Scott travel to Evanston to meet with Mary Ellen Ball – Executive Director of Open Communities.  Open Communities seeks to eradicate housing discrimination, in all of its forms, and against all persons, because of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sex, disability, familial status, or source of income.  We cover what the organization does in Skokie and surrounding communities in this week's episode.

Open Communities with Mary Ellen Ball

In this episode, we celebrate our one year of doing this podcast. On this occasion Mark, Ilene and Scott venture to Community Animal Rescue Effort - C.A.R.E. right here in Skokie. We meet Jennifer Guth and talk about the history and mission of C.A.R.E. Since 1987, Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.™) has been promoting adoptions and care for dogs and cats. The volunteer-driven, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization serves all of the communities of Chicago’s North Shore.  Shout out to Evanston Subaru in Skokie for being a big supporter of this great Skokie based organization. 

In this episode, we celebrate our one year of doing this podcast. On this occasion Mark, Ilene and Scott venture to Community Animal Rescue Effort - C.A.R.E. right here in Skokie. We meet Jennifer Guth and talk about the history and mission of C.A.R.E. Since 1987, Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.™) has been promoting adoptions and care for dogs and cats. The volunteer-driven, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization serves all of the communities of Chicago’s North Shore. Shout out to Evanston Subaru in Skokie for being a big supporter of this great Skokie based organization.

Episode 48: Community Animal Rescue Effort - C.A.R.E.

We travel to the Skokie Police Station HQ to meet with Chief Scarpelli and Sargent Franklin to discuss the Skokie PD's outreach and services for the community. From home security checks to block watches and outreach to schools.   Have a listen to this fun podcast and we can tell you a few things you didn't know about the Skokie Police Department. 

We travel to the Skokie Police Station HQ to meet with Chief Scarpelli and Sargent Franklin to discuss the Skokie PD's outreach and services for the community. From home security checks to block watches and outreach to schools.  Have a listen to this fun podcast and we can tell you a few things you didn't know about the Skokie Police Department.

Episode 47: Skokie Police Departments Community Connections.

We visit Aw Yeah Comics in "Beautiful Downtown Skokie". Hey, they actually came up with "Beautiful Downtown Skokie" in their own comic book! The owners have done so much for Downtown Skokie we just have to share the story. Have a listen. I promise you will learn something! 

We visit Aw Yeah Comics in "Beautiful Downtown Skokie". Hey, they actually came up with "Beautiful Downtown Skokie" in their own comic book! The owners have done so much for Downtown Skokie we just have to share the story. Have a listen. I promise you will learn something!

Episode 46: Aw Yeah! 

Jim and Gloria talk about their mission and how they make Mini Man Monkey Brains work. We hear from Gloria who is a Special Education Teacher how the store was founded and it's very special mission to train young men on the Autism spectrum some valuable job skills.  Scott, Mark, and Ilene lead this spirited conversation recorded live at Mini Man Monkey Brains. We cover  Halloween in Downtown Skokie and more! 

Jim and Gloria talk about their mission and how they make Mini Man Monkey Brains work. We hear from Gloria who is a Special Education Teacher how the store was founded and it's very special mission to train young men on the Autism spectrum some valuable job skills.  Scott, Mark, and Ilene lead this spirited conversation recorded live at Mini Man Monkey Brains. We cover  Halloween in Downtown Skokie and more!

Episode 45: Meet the Iversons

Mark, Ilene, and Scott meet with Skokie School District 69 Superintendent Dr. Margaret Clauson and Sarah Rankin again to discuss community schools and everything that has happened in the last 10 months since we last spoke. This time Liza Sullivan who is the birth to age 3 coordinator joined in to discuss the Ready For Success program and how it engages parents.   School District 69 is the only district in Skokie to support this effort and implement in their schools. Listen in and discover how all the resources available in the community are used to benefit the students. http://sd69.org/community/community-schools/

Mark, Ilene, and Scott meet with Skokie School District 69 Superintendent Dr. Margaret Clauson and Sarah Rankin again to discuss community schools and everything that has happened in the last 10 months since we last spoke. This time Liza Sullivan who is the birth to age 3 coordinator joined in to discuss the Ready For Success program and how it engages parents.   School District 69 is the only district in Skokie to support this effort and implement in their schools. Listen in and discover how all the resources available in the community are used to benefit the students. <a href="http://sd69.org/community/community-schools/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://sd69.org/community/community-schools/</a>

Episode 44: Community Schools Revisited School District 69

Jim Schiefelbein

Recorded live at the NSBAR Centennial Celebration.

Recorded live at the NSBAR Centennial Celebration.

Episode 9: Jim Schiefelbein

Steve Hudson

Episode 8: Steve Hudson

Carrie Healy

Steve Volkodav

Episode 7: Carrie Healy and Steve Volkodav

The It's Skokie Podcast focuses on Skokie, Illinois. Our weekly guests include representatives from local government management, elected officials,  community and business leaders along neighbors, and friends who get together to discuss the many good reasons to love Skokie. Listen in. I promise you will learn something.Listen in. I promise you will learn something.

Scott and Ilene find lots of amazing facts about my hometown!

Hometown 411

The It's Skokie Podcast focuses on Skokie, Illinois. Our weekly guests include representatives from local government management, elected officials, community and business leaders along neighbors, and friends who get together to discuss the many good reasons to love Skokie. Listen in. I promise you will learn something. Listen in. I promise you will learn something.

It's Skokie Podcast

Mike Isaacs

We venture to the Niles Township offices to talk to Mike Isaacs, formerly of the Chicago Tribune, Sun-Times, and the Pioneer Press. Mike was the writer that covered Skokie in the Skokie Review for whoever owned the paper until recently.  We talk to Mike about Skokie and the stories he covered. It wasn't always good news but he covered the community as deeply as his editors would allow. Mike was a source of information for most every Skokie event big or small for a long time.  Currently, Mike is working for Niles Township as a media consultant. We talk about the upcoming open house at the Township offices on 6/15 and all the services provided by the Niles Township office here in Skokie. 

We venture to the Niles Township offices to talk to Mike Isaacs, formerly of the Chicago Tribune, Sun-Times, and the Pioneer Press. Mike was the writer that covered Skokie in the Skokie Review for whoever owned the paper until recently.  We talk to Mike about Skokie and the stories he covered. It wasn't always good news but he covered the community as deeply as his editors would allow. Mike was a source of information for most every Skokie event big or small for a long time.  Currently, Mike is working for Niles Township as a media consultant. We talk about the upcoming open house at the Township offices on 6/15 and all the services provided by the Niles Township office here in Skokie.

Episode 29: Mike Isaacs Favorite Stories

Recorded live on the patio of the Village Inn Pizzeria Sports Bar and Grill, Ilene, Mark, and Scott talk about everything from Downtown Skokie Businesses to some exciting news as Mike Isaacs joins the It's Skokie Team soon! 

Recorded live on the patio of the Village Inn Pizzeria Sports Bar and Grill, Ilene, Mark, and Scott talk about everything from Downtown Skokie Businesses to some exciting news as Mike Isaacs joins the It's Skokie Team soon!

Episode 36: Chicken Fat

Serge Khalimsky

This week Mark and Scott head off to Westfield Old Orchard to the meet with Serge Khalimsky the General Manager of the mall. We learn what that job does and some insider info about the mall. He knows what is happening in retail and all the trends. Retail is changing for sure but he sees it as a renaissance. Listen in. I promise you will learn something.  

This week Mark and Scott head off to Westfield Old Orchard to the meet with Serge Khalimsky the General Manager of the mall. We learn what that job does and some insider info about the mall. He knows what is happening in retail and all the trends. Retail is changing for sure but he sees it as a renaissance. Listen in. I promise you will learn something.

Episode 19: Westfield Old Orchard with Serge Khalimsky

Our guests today are Ann Tennes, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Village of Skokie and Skokie Chief of Police Anthony Scarpelli.  We discuss items from how to stay connected and informed to the viral Skokie Police Lip Sync Challenge video. Have a listen. I promise you will learn something. 

Our guests today are Ann Tennes, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Village of Skokie and Skokie Chief of Police Anthony Scarpelli. We discuss items from how to stay connected and informed to the viral Skokie Police Lip Sync Challenge video. Have a listen. I promise you will learn something.

Episode 15: A Chat With The Chief

Our guest today is Jon Marquardt the Assistant Superintendent of Recreation for the Skokie Park District. We talk about all the upcoming events, the Diversity Committee, and at the end, we find out what the music schedule for this year's Backlot Bash is!

Our guest today is Jon Marquardt the Assistant Superintendent of Recreation for the Skokie Park District. We talk about all the upcoming events, the Diversity Committee, and at the end, we find out what the music schedule for this year's Backlot Bash is!

Episode 12: The Park District Big Event Summary

Back at the Village Inn in beautiful Downtown Skokie. We are trying to get out more often so after our scheduling meeting for the next 4 shows, Ilene and I discuss the opportunities that exist in Skokie to get more word out. 

Back at the Village Inn in beautiful Downtown Skokie. We are trying to get out more often so after our scheduling meeting for the next 4 shows, Ilene and I discuss the opportunities that exist in Skokie to get more word out.

Minicast Episode 2: llene gone wild

Andy Hermann

Mike Levin

Mike and Andy join Scott at the Village Inn to talk real estate in Skokie. While the north shore as a whole has way too much inventory on the market Skokie seems to be different with a much shorter supply.  Listen in and learn what's selling and the current trends in both commercial and residential real estate. 

Mike and Andy join Scott at the Village Inn to talk real estate in Skokie. While the north shore as a whole has way too much inventory on the market Skokie seems to be different with a much shorter supply.  Listen in and learn what's selling and the current trends in both commercial and residential real estate.

Minicast: Andy Hermann and Mike Levin on Skokie real estate.

Beth Lindley

Beth Lindley joins Scott and Ilene and we talk about all the good that the Village of Skokie's Human Services Department provides for the community. Scott gets a whole bunch of plugs in at the end and Ilene tries not to make a face. I promise you will learn something!

Beth Lindley joins Scott and Ilene and we talk about all the good that the Village of Skokie's Human Services Department provides for the community. Scott gets a whole bunch of plugs in at the end and Ilene tries not to make a face. I promise you will learn something!

Episode 16: Beth Lindley - Skokie Human Services Director

Randy Roberts

Scott sat down recently to talk to Skokie Village Trustee Randy Roberts about how he came to live in Skokie and later become a Village Trustee.   Randy has been involved in many wonderful initiatives that have benefitted the community. Have a listen - get a good idea of how local government works. 

Scott sat down recently to talk to Skokie Village Trustee Randy Roberts about how he came to live in Skokie and later become a Village Trustee.  Randy has been involved in many wonderful initiatives that have benefitted the community. Have a listen - get a good idea of how local government works.

Meet Village of Skokie Trustee Randy Roberts! 

Our guest called in sick so... Get to know the hosts a bit more when we cover our favorite breakfast spots and more. Scott gets on his dogs in parks soapbox and we decide Mark should really buy Sparky's. 

Our guest called in sick so... Get to know the hosts a bit more when we cover our favorite breakfast spots and more. Scott gets on his dogs in parks soapbox and we decide Mark should really buy Sparky's.

Episode 11: Potpourri day. Breakfast spots, bike racks and dogs. 

Len Becker

Ilene and Scott discuss economic development with Len Becker. Economic Development Manager for the Village of Skokie. We talk Tech Park, Old Orchard, Downtown Skokie and more. Wait until the end when we do our in-depth discussion of the "great mattress store mystery". 

Ilene and Scott discuss economic development with Len Becker. Economic Development Manager for the Village of Skokie. We talk Tech Park, Old Orchard, Downtown Skokie and more. Wait until the end when we do our in-depth discussion of the "great mattress store mystery".

Episode 14: Len Becker and Economic Development in Skokie. 

Roger Hirsch

Both Ilene and Mark needed the day off so I asked my friend Andy Herrmann from @properties to sit in and keep us on the rails.   Today, Andy and I go back to the Skokie Public Library to record the podcast. We meet with Roger Hirsch from the Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra (SVSO). We talk about everything from the community participation in the orchestra to the venue they play at - the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts.  The orchestra is a mix of professional musicians and amateurs with half of them living in Skokie or the area. They do four concerts a year with one coming up on Sunday, April 28, 2019.  Have a listen I promise you will learn something.  

Both Ilene and Mark needed the day off so I asked my friend Andy Herrmann from @properties to sit in and keep us on the rails.  Today, Andy and I go back to the Skokie Public Library to record the podcast. We meet with Roger Hirsch from the Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra (SVSO). We talk about everything from the community participation in the orchestra to the venue they play at - the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts.  The orchestra is a mix of professional musicians and amateurs with half of them living in Skokie or the area. They do four concerts a year with one coming up on Sunday, April 28, 2019. Have a listen I promise you will learn something.

Episode 23: Meet Roger Hirsch from the Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra

Charlene Brooks

Charlene Brooks joins Ilene and Scott on this weeks podcast. We talk about her role as a Cantor and her studies to become a Rabbi. Charlene's other hat is as a singer/performer and has a big New Years Eve show planned.   We talk about the Skokie Theatre and the Skokie Idol contest that begins soon and more in this weeks episode of It's Skokie! 

Charlene Brooks joins Ilene and Scott on this weeks podcast. We talk about her role as a Cantor and her studies to become a Rabbi. Charlene's other hat is as a singer/performer and has a big New Years Eve show planned.  We talk about the Skokie Theatre and the Skokie Idol contest that begins soon and more in this weeks episode of It's Skokie!

Episode 5: Take Me Out to the Ball Game? Really? With Charlene Brooks. 

Diana Juarez

Meet the Director of the Parents ELL Center Diana Juarez. Diana discusses all the things the ELL Center does for the community and the objectives of the Center. Check out itsskokie.com for the show notes and more.

Meet the Director of the Parents ELL Center Diana Juarez. Diana discusses all the things the ELL Center does for the community and the objectives of the Center. Check out <a href="http://itsskokie.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">itsskokie.com</a> for the show notes and more.

Episode 13: Meet Diana Juarez

Max Slakard

George Issakoo

Today Ilene, Mark and Scott head over to Skokie's Public Works Department where we meet with Max Slankard, Director of Public Works and his Assistant, George Issakoo. Top of the agenda we learn what Public Works does and some of the extreme situations they operate in to keep Skokie operating.   Public Works is also starting a program that starts on Earth Day to reduce the number of plastic bags in the Village.   Have a listen. I promise you will learn something! 

Today Ilene, Mark and Scott head over to Skokie's Public Works Department where we meet with Max Slankard, Director of Public Works and his Assistant, George Issakoo. Top of the agenda we learn what Public Works does and some of the extreme situations they operate in to keep Skokie operating.  Public Works is also starting a program that starts on Earth Day to reduce the number of plastic bags in the Village.  Have a listen. I promise you will learn something!

Episode 22: Skokie's Public Works with Max Slakard and George Issakoo

Michael Lorge

Ilene and Scott went to Village Hall and met with Michael Lorge. Michael is a long time resident of Skokie and community builder/leader.  Michael has strong connections to Skokie and the Jewish community. We learn about what all he does for the community and the day to day work of the Corporate Counsel. We learn just a little bit of how the process works inside Village Hall. 

Ilene and Scott went to Village Hall and met with Michael Lorge. Michael is a long time resident of Skokie and community builder/leader.  Michael has strong connections to Skokie and the Jewish community. We learn about what all he does for the community and the day to day work of the Corporate Counsel. We learn just a little bit of how the process works inside Village Hall.

Episode 27: Michael Lorge Corporation Counsel for the Village of Skokie

On the road in Skokie again with a special guest host!   Episode 18 takes us to the North Shore Center For The Performing Arts In Skokie (NSCFTPA). Ilene has the day off so Ann Tennes, our most frequent guest and the "voice of opportunity" is filling in.   Ann and I recap the big St. Pat's parade that was held in beautiful Downtown Skokie recently. We talk attendance and the fun the parade was. The Kiwanis Club of Skokie was the producer of the event with the support of the Downtown Skokie Alliance and three school districts.    The point of the episode is to meet Michael Pauken, the General Manager of the NSCFTPA (even the abbreviation is a mouthful). We discuss the facility, the shows, the mission and more in this very informative episode.   Did you know that deeply discounted tickets are available the day of any event for Skokie residents? Nope? Neither did I. Have a listen. I promise you will learn something.

On the road in Skokie again with a special guest host! Episode 18 takes us to the North Shore Center For The Performing Arts In Skokie (NSCFTPA). Ilene has the day off so Ann Tennes, our most frequent guest and the "voice of opportunity" is filling in. Ann and I recap the big St. Pat's parade that was held in beautiful Downtown Skokie recently. We talk attendance and the fun the parade was. The Kiwanis Club of Skokie was the producer of the event with the support of the Downtown Skokie Alliance and three school districts.   The point of the episode is to meet Michael Pauken, the General Manager of the NSCFTPA (even the abbreviation is a mouthful). We discuss the facility, the shows, the mission and more in this very informative episode. Did you know that deeply discounted tickets are available the day of any event for Skokie residents? Nope? Neither did I. Have a listen. I promise you will learn something.

Episode 18: Discover the North Shore Center For The Performing Arts in Skokie.

Jeff Burman

Jeff Burman has done a lot about the litter situation in Skokie and leads the Education Foundation for our local schools. A long-time resident and very active in the community Jeff and his wife were recently named "Humanitarians of the Year" by the Village of Skokie.  Listen up and I promise you will learn something! 

Jeff Burman has done a lot about the litter situation in Skokie and leads the Education Foundation for our local schools. A long-time resident and very active in the community Jeff and his wife were recently named "Humanitarians of the Year" by the Village of Skokie.  Listen up and I promise you will learn something!

Meet Jeff Burman! 

Shalom Klein joins Ilene and Scott today and the theme is the community. Shalom does more to promote Skokie than just about anyone we know. We discuss his business networking, connecting people and his service to the community. 

Shalom Klein joins Ilene and Scott today and the theme is the community. Shalom does more to promote Skokie than just about anyone we know. We discuss his business networking, connecting people and his service to the community.

Episode 7: Shalom, Shalom or two Scotts? 

We met with Eileen Hogan Heineman and Antonio Rice recently to discuss all the great programming that is offered in Skokie by the YWCA North Shore.  We gathered today at Sweety Pies for our meeting where we touched on the mission of the YWCA and specifically young men's leadership programs and a court call program and in the middle schools.  "Building Healthy Relationships" programming in schools, "Let's Talk at Lunch" discussions about race, "Stand Against Racism" are just a few programs they bring to us here in Skokie.

We met with Eileen Hogan Heineman and Antonio Rice recently to discuss all the great programming that is offered in Skokie by the YWCA North Shore.  We gathered today at Sweety Pies for our meeting where we touched on the mission of the YWCA and specifically young men's leadership programs and a court call program and in the middle schools.  "Building Healthy Relationships" programming in schools, "Let's Talk at Lunch" discussions about race, "Stand Against Racism" are just a few programs they bring to us here in Skokie.

YWCA North Shore and Skokie! 

The best podcast episodes on physical health. Episodes talk about your diet, sleep, exercise and all the things that people do to improve their physical health and live a healthier life. This topic is for everyone, with applications in all of our everyday lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Physical Health & Your Body

The Best Multi-Part Documentaries, with documentaries on Obama, Federer vs Nadal, the making of Star Wars, Netflix vs Blockbuster and more. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!