Episodes

  • Season 8 Episode 7: Edda Coscioni, Salon Edda & the Center for Beautiful Living

    Season 8 Episode 7: Edda Coscioni, Salon Edda & the Center for Beautiful Living
    Sep 11 2025
    On today’s episode of Bridging Chicago, Edda Coscioni joins us to share about the value of human interaction. Edda moved to Chicago after graduating from college, with her skiing roots bringing her family to Colorado. With the hopes of getting in a thriving theatre community, she soon discovered her passion to help people and how beauty can be displayed in so many ways. Her time as a professional coach and teacher has shown to be valuable in her work and entrepreneurship and now she is here to share her thoughts with our listeners. Edda shares about the good and the risky side of starting out on your own, and how the competitive culture of salons inspired her to create a different space. Edda shares some wonderful thoughts and her story is absolutely a valuable one for anyone who wants to continue to grow in any career field.
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    27 mins
  • Season 8 Episode 6: Theresa VanderMeer, Work+Shelter

    Season 8 Episode 6: Theresa VanderMeer, Work+Shelter
    Jul 17 2025
    This episode of the podcast features Theresa VanderMeer, Founder and CEO of Work+Shelter. Theresa represents the true spirit of an entrepreneur, bold and courageous, as well as thoughtful and empathetic. Theresa has created more than a place to buy merch/swag for your company, she has created something that will make a lasting impact on so many lives. In this episode, Theresa shares about true sustainability, as well as how Work+Shelter is helping families gain generational wealth. With an interesting and global story, Theresa will make you feel like a fast friend and mentor. Don't miss this episode, you will be truly inspired by Theresa VanderMeer!
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    29 mins
  • Season 8 Episode 4: Dee Robinson, Good Trouble

    Season 8 Episode 4: Dee Robinson, Good Trouble
    Jul 11 2025
    The spirit of Good Trouble Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey’s brand has certainly taken on the vibe of its amazing founder, Dee Robinson, who is this weeks guest. Imparting the spirit of her mom, Dee knew that Chicago was the right place to start and build her company, and continues to call the city her home. Dee also sees the entrepreneurial spirit of the city, and how the diversity and culture of the Midwest has impacted its ability to lead the way in areas like innovation and business growth. Because of her willingness to try, her courage to learn through failure, and her passion to keep going, Good Trouble is a brand that is creating award winning Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, but also inspiring other brands to go out and try, creating good trouble. You will certainly connect with Dee’s spirit and we believe you will be inspired to try in your own life!
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    34 mins
  • Season 8 Episode 4: Loyd & Co Part 2

    Season 8 Episode 4: Loyd & Co Part 2
    May 29 2025
    Our season 8 series with guests Jarryd Loyd from Loyd & Co, and Walter Mendenhall of the Male Mogul Initiative concludes in this episode of the podcast. In this episode, Jarryd shares about Loyd & Co, its mission, lofty goals, and why they will succeed in making it happen. He also shares about how they are future proofing the organization and the impact that will have on families and neighborhoods. Walter reminds us of the mission of the Male Mogul Initiative and why he decided to align his mission with Loyd & Co. These two organizations are individually and collectively looking to solve long-term problems with the city and our people. Be sure to listen to part 1 if you have not yet, you don’t want to miss any of this amazing episode with these two thought-leaders and change makers.
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    27 mins
  • Season 8 Episode 3: Loyd & Co with the Male Mogul Initiative

    Season 8 Episode 3: Loyd & Co with the Male Mogul Initiative
    May 9 2025
    Season 8 continues with our guests Jarryd Loyd from Loyd & Co, and returning guest Walter Mendenhall of the Male Mogul Initiative. This is part 1 of our 2 part episode with these gentlemen, who share about what they know about Chicago, its neighborhood, and its needs. Jarryd Loyd has partnered with his sister, WNBA standout Jewell Loyd, to provide opportunities for youth in Chicago to learn more about the opportunities the world has for them and to provide access to resources. Jarryd and Walter share about the role mentorship plays and why they continue to do the work in the trenches for a better future. They also share about the importance of being a part of a team and how the life lessons they learned are still impacting them today. Be sure to come back for part 2 next week!
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    25 mins
  • Polished Pebbles Part 2

    Polished Pebbles Part 2
    Apr 18 2025
    We continue our season 8 premiere of Bridging Chicago with part 2 of our episode with Kelly Fair and Cecilia Cuff. In this part, Kelly and Cecilia talk about why mentorship is so important to them, how it informed their desire to work with Chicago communities, and Polished Pebbles. Both Kelly and Cecilia are laying the groundwork for change in Chicago, especially for girls in the city who will know that there are no limits on what they can accomplish in their lives. The success of Polished Pebbles at this point is only a fraction of what the organization can and will do to help Chicago lead in all areas, and for all people to be a part of the change. Be sure to listen to part 1 if you have not yet, you don't want to miss out.
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    28 mins
  • Polished Pebbles Part One

    Polished Pebbles Part One
    Apr 10 2025
    We are kicking off Season Eight of the podcast featuring Kelly Fair, a Chicago Native, and Cecilia Cuff, a Philadelphia born Chicago transplant who has been shaped in her adult life by our city. These true ladies are truly community leaders and builders who are investing in Chicago neighborhoods. In part one of this two part episode, Kelly and Cecilia talk about Chicago, what makes it unique, and how the difficulties of that sometimes effects it. Their passion for the people of the city, mentorship, and healing is obvious, and pairing that with the fact that these are two women who are not okay sitting on the sidelines, means that Kelly and Cecilia are doing some big things in Chicago, especially on the south and west sides. Be sure to come back and listen to part two next week!
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    26 mins
  • Season 7 Episode 8: Priscilla Guasso, Latinas Rising Up in HR

    Season 7 Episode 8: Priscilla Guasso, Latinas Rising Up in HR
    Nov 13 2024
    Priscilla Guasso, a bit of a reverse snow bird to Chicago, grew up in the Chicago suburbs, still has a lot of the big city, Midwestern mindset with her today! Priscilla joins the podcast to give share her expertise about the many areas that HR experts touch and how they can be a valuable resource to all employees. She also shares about what makes her so passionate about seeing many different kinds of faces around the table, and what she and her network are doing to help bring chairs to others who may have not had a seat before. Priscilla gives some incredible and inspiring insights, as well as shares about her book, Latinas Rising Up in HR and the many voices you will hear from when reading the stories. Be sure to listen to this absolutely amazing episode, you are sure to connect with Priscilla and how she is working to change the world!
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    36 mins