Advertise on podcast: The Chicagoland Guide

Episode 146: Exploring Hyde Park Through the 57th Street Art Fair In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, Aaron Masliansky sits down with Cate Slighton, longtime volunteer and leader of the 57th Street Art Fair, for a conversation about Hyde Park, neighborhood identity, public space, art, history, and one of Chicago’s most enduring cultural traditions. As the 57th Street Art Fair approaches its 79th year, Cate shares how the fair began in 1948 as a small gathering of local artists and evolved into the oldest juried art fair in the Midwest. The discussion expands into the broader story of Hyde Park, from the World’s Columbian Exposition and the growth of the University of Chicago to urban renewal, community activism, and the neighborhood’s continued cultural influence. Topics discussed include: • The origins and evolution of the 57th Street Art Fair • Mary Louise Vollmer and the artists who helped launch the fair • Why the fair remains volunteer-run and free to attend • Hyde Park’s early artist colonies and creative communities • The impact of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition • The University of Chicago’s role in shaping Hyde Park • Urban renewal and neighborhood transformation • The Obama Presidential Center and the future of the South Side • Why public gathering spaces and cultural events matter • The changing landscape of art fairs and independent artists • What makes Hyde Park one of Chicago’s most distinctive neighborhoods Learn more about the 57th Street Art Fair: https://www.57thstreetartfair.com/ The 79th Annual 57th Street Art Fair takes place June 6-7 in Hyde Park and features nearly 200 artists from across the country. The fair is free and open to the public.   Book Mentioned in This Episode: From Clotheslines to Canopies: A History of Outdoor Art Fairs in America by Kathleen Eaton https://artfairhistory.com/about-the-book   Learn more about The Chicagoland Guide: https://www.thechicagolandguide.com/ Connect with Aaron Masliansky: https://www.aaronmasliansky.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.

Aaron 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.

Aaron 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.

In 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.

In 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.

In 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) ground Quantum tech and Chicago’s bid to become a global quantum capital The surge in data centers-why they’re here, what risks they create, and how they impact energy, land use, and local tax bases Transportation as Chicagoland’s superpower — rail, airports, freight, and the region’s logistical advantage How immigration, labor markets, and demographic trends will influence long-term regional competitiveness The evolving Chicago vs. Arlington Heights dynamic around the Bears and big projects What makes a region attractive to employers, and what CMAP is seeing in real time How climate resilience, zoning modernization, and infrastructure investment will shape the next decade Why Chicagoland’s stability, diversity, and economic depth remain a massive strategic asset What Kyle believes are the big decisions leaders must get right between now and 2035 This 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 Info Kyle T. Schulz Deputy of Strategic Advancement Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) Website: https://www.cmap.illinois.gov LinkedIn: 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.

Licensed 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 Takeaways Movement 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. Timestamps 00:00 Intro to Erica and dance/movement therapy 02:00 What movement therapy looks like in practice 04:50 Why Erica wrote “BodyTalk” and how readers use it 08:15 Why we feel so stressed today, and how immobility feeds anxiety 10:45 Local context: Highland Park trauma and recent ICE activity on the North Shore 12:30 Changing movement to change mood and cognition 15:15 Treating the “snake bite” before debating the “why” 16:00 Individual vs group work, and what movement builds between people 17:35 Getting over discomfort and starting small 20:40 A simple intervention: washing hands slowly to interrupt anxiety 22:20 Working across ages: from 3 to 107 26:15 Coaching kids and meeting their movement needs 31:30 Nonverbal communication in relationships and negotiations 35:00 “Embodied listening” and the limits of AI for mental health 39:30 Walks, showers, and why ideas arrive during movement 42:00 Using your body as a free mental health resource 43:00 Finding somatic or creative arts therapists and dealing with insurance 46:45 What the research says about dance, anxiety, and depression 49:00 Where to find Erica and her books 50:00 Closing Practical Exercises Mentioned Seated 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. Guest Erica Hornthal, LCPC, BC-DMT Founder and CEO, Chicago Dance Therapy Author of BodyTalk, Body Aware, and The Movement Therapy Deck Website: https://www.ericahornthal.com Practice: https://www.chicagodancetherapy.com Instagram: @thetherapistwhomovesyou Email: [email protected] Resources Mentioned BodyTalk: 365 Gentle Practices to Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Body Body Aware The Movement Therapy Deck Search terms for local care: “somatic therapy,” “body-oriented therapy,” “creative arts therapy,” “dance movement therapy,” plus your city. For Listeners in Chicagoland If 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.   Connect Host: Aaron Masliansky — The Chicagoland Guide Subscribe, 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.

How 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 represents Diana’s journey of identity, immigration, and finding home The origins and mission of DDM Week in Highland Park The healing power of honoring ancestors and community storytelling How local businesses and organizations are collaborating to keep culture alive Why “done is better than perfect” can change your life and creativity Connect with DianaWebsite: https://dianagranportraits.com DDM Week Instagram: @ddmweekhp DDM Week Information & Events: https://hpculturalarts.org Connect with The Chicagoland GuideWebsite: https://thechicagolandguide.com Instagram: @thechicagolandguide YouTube: @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.

Episode Overview In 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.   Highlights The 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 Guest Jeff 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 Host Aaron 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.

In 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 museum The impact of 4-H and farm apprenticeships on future veterinarians, scientists, and chefs How U.S. farming changed under the Nixon administration—and what it means for small farmers today How cows, robots, and soil science intersect to shape the future of agriculture The renewed push for local food and what’s coming next at Wagner Farm Whether 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.

In 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.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khmaichicago Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monabellacatering/# TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@khmaichicago1?lang=en Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mona-bella-catering-chicago More 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.

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky interviews Karla Koziura, co-owner and Marketing Director of FRÍO Gelato, an Argentinian-style gelato company with storefronts in Evanston, Navy Pier, and Wilmette. What started as a craving for authentic flavors turned into a beloved local business known for its commitment to artisanal quality, allergen-friendly options, and a welcoming community vibe. Karla shares the journey of bringing Argentinian gelato to Chicagoland and what makes FRÍO unique—from their approach to flavor creation to their local partnerships and cultural roots. Topics discussed in this episode include: The founding story of FRÍO Gelato What makes Argentinian gelato different Why Evanston, Navy Pier, and Wilmette were chosen for their locations How they maintain allergen-friendly and gluten-free practices Flavor development, including seasonal and wine-inspired options The importance of local support and community engagement Lessons learned from expanding and adapting post-pandemic To learn more, visit FRÍO Gelato’s website at www.friogelato.com or follow them on Instagram @friogelato. For more episodes and content, visit www.thechicagolandguide.com. If you enjoy discovering the stories behind Chicagoland’s local businesses, subscribe and leave us a review. 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.

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, I sit down with my longtime friend Rabbi Jeremy Fine. Jeremy is the Rabbi of Congregation B’nai Tikvah in Deerfield, Illinois, and the founder of 2econd Wrestling, a fast-growing independent wrestling promotion based right here in Chicagoland. We’ve known each other since high school, so it’s especially meaningful for me to share this conversation with you. We talk about his unique journey—how he balances leading a congregation while building a professional wrestling brand that brings people together from all walks of life. Jeremy shares what it takes to engage community in today’s world, how he uses creativity to reach people where they are, and how both his faith work and wrestling promotion are about building connection and meaning. We also talk about two exciting upcoming events you won’t want to miss. Upcoming Event at Congregation B’nai Tikvah in Deerfield“Everybody Wants This! A Night of Comedy & Conversation” Featuring Jackie Tohn and Timothy Simons from the Netflix series Nobody Wants This Date: Wednesday, May 22, 2025 Location: Congregation B’nai Tikvah, Deerfield, IL Learn more and get tickets at: https://cbtdeerfield.shulcloud.com/form/Fundraiser4 Upcoming 2econd Wrestling Events2econd Wrestling: ANCHORFISTS – A Free Family-Friendly Wrestling Show Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025 Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Location: Anchorfish Printing & Embroidery, 2302 Main Street, Evanston, IL Reserve your free tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2econd-wrestling-anchorfists-tickets-1299397405619?aff=erelpanelorg   2econd Wrestling: Breaking the Rules – Live Pro Wrestling in Palatine Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM Location: Dirty Nellie’s, Palatine, IL Tickets and info at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2econd-wrestling-breaking-the-rules-tickets-1299420514739 Follow 2econd Wrestling on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) at @2econdWrestling. 2econd Wrestling: WRESTLE EDEN – Live at The Cubby Bear in Chicago Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025 Location: The Cubby Bear, Chicago, IL Tickets and info at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2econd-wrestling-wrestle-eden-tickets-1358517254679?aff=erelpanelorg   Thanks for listening to The Chicagoland Guide. Be sure to follow the show for more stories about the people and places that make Chicagoland such a great place to live, work, and explore. 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.

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, Aaron Masliansky is joined by Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Real Estate Research at the National Association of Realtors®. They explore how global trade dynamics, tariffs, and macroeconomic shifts are impacting the U.S. housing market — and what that means for Chicagoland. Nadia shares insights from her latest research, including a closer look at which U.S. states are most reliant on exports and imports and how trade exposure influences job growth and home prices. They also discuss trends in interest rates, inflation, immigration, remote work, and foreign investment — and what signals to watch for in 2025 and beyond. Key topics: How tariffs affect construction costs and home affordabilityWhy Illinois and Chicagoland are highly exposed to global trade shiftsWhere mortgage rates might head by the end of 2025The growing importance of inventory and affordability for first-time buyersRemote work, office absorption, and what’s next for downtown real estateHow changing immigration and foreign investment patterns could influence the housing marketOpportunities in the Chicago area condo marketResources mentioned: Nadia’s NAR profile and articles: https://www.nar.realtor/nadia-evangelouBlog article discussed: https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/which-states-rely-most-on-exports-and-imports-a-closer-look-at-the-numbers-behind-tradeConnect with Nadia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiaevangelou/ and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadioula/Follow The Chicagoland Guide: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechicagolandguide_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechicagolandguidenew Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. 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.

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky sky introduces Inside the Skev listeners to the Chicagoland Guide,  reconnects with longtime friend, scientist, and conservationist Dr. Becky Barak of the Chicago Botanic Garden to explore how native plants can play a key role in the future of urban and suburban living across the region. Becky will be speaking at Skokie Public Library on April 24, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in an event titled “Rethinking Lawns: Incorporating Native Plants into Home Landscapes.” In this conversation, we go in-depth on what native plants are, why they matter for our local ecosystems, how they can help with flood prevention, and how homeowners, HOAs, and municipalities can shift their approach to landscaping. Aaron and Becky also discuss practical advice for how to: Introduce native plants into townhome communities like College Hill Talk to landscaping professionals about transitioning away from traditional turf grass Select beginner-friendly native species for home gardens or rain basins Avoid common mistakes in native lawn conversion If you care about water management, storm resilience, biodiversity, and beautiful, low-maintenance alternatives to traditional lawns — this episode is for you. 🔗 Resources & Links:🌱 Becky Barak’s Website 🏛️ Becky’s Profile at the Chicago Botanic Garden 📚 Rethinking Lawns Event at Skokie Public Library (April 24) 🌎 RethinkingLawns.com – Research, Resources, and Plant Lists 💼 Connect with Becky on LinkedIn 📍 Why This Matters to ChicagolandThis conversation is another reminder of why Chicagoland is such a dynamic, thoughtful place to live — where world-class institutions like the Chicago Botanic Garden are working on local solutions to global problems. Whether you’re in Evanston, Skokie, or anywhere across the region, this episode offers practical insight on how we can make our communities more beautiful, resilient, and sustainable — one yard at a time. 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.