Yes, Dancing with the Chamber is back. Now Brookfield will not be getting another stellar dance performance by myself, but there are a lot of people who are stepping up to make sure the show goes on, lol. In this episode we talk to co-founder Teresa and one of the new competitors, Chris Valadez of Cycle Brookfield. This is an episode you can't miss.

Anthony owns Superior Barbershop on the corner of Prairie and Burlington. I met Anthony when I was in desperate need of a haircut and was driving through Brookfield. I walked in (without an appointment) and they welcomed with open chairs. And they gave me an amazing haircut. Then we realized that we have a few mutual friends. Next thing you know it, Anthony was launching a podcast, "Beyond the Clippers," in Media Space Studios and we have become good friends. It's my pleasure to bring him on to Explore Brookfield and talk barbering. As the host of "Beyond the Clippers," Anthony is well-respected in the industry and talks with some of the best barber in the country on a variety of topics. It's a great podcast for everyone. 

This episode, I interview Illinois Appellate Court Justice Jesse Reyes who is running for the Illinois Supreme Court. Justice Reyes is well-known within Cook County as someone who is always present and also advocating for equal access to justice. It is my honor my to call him a good friend, but also an honor to bring him back to Explore Brookfield to talk about issues and his campaign. 

Carla Riseman rediscovered art and in doing so joined the online community, The 100 Day Project. She created a new piece of art every day for 100 and shared it with our community. Her adventure in art was awesome and as we get ready for the Fine Art Festival this weekend, check out this episode. You can see her artwork at @thundermoonstudio.

The past group of freshman State Representatives was one of the most diverse in Illinois history including representatives of Palestinian, Korean, Indian, and Vietnamese descents. It is amazing diverse. We talk about this diversity with one of Brookfield's new State Representatives, Abdelnasser Rashid. We learn about his recent trip to Palestine during which his town was attacked by Israeli troops. Finally, we learn about his priorities for the district. 

Today I interview someone a little outside of Brookfield, but you will see why. I met John Paul Demirdjian, "the Captain," at a golf outing and I knew he would be a hilarious podcast guest. You are going to launch your buttocks off. 

We talk about how he created his own hot sauce and so much more. Listen, I'm not a huge hot sauce person, but this stuff is amazing. You have to check it out. Capt. Demo's Red Hot Pepper Sauce is delish. It's not the stuff that is so hot you will be racing to bathroom. It's amazingly flavorful (with a kick). Use promo code JASON20OFF at https://www.captaindemos.com/ to save 20% on your purchase. But you have to check out this episode. 

Programming note: there are a few bad words in this episode. 

In April 2023, vandals painted over the beloved rainbow stairs of the Holy Covenant MCC Church on Maple. The church ministers to the LGBTQIA+ community and it's allies. It celebrates love by worshipping and serving our community, so why this act of hate? Well, the greater community of Brookfield responded and the rainbow stairs have been restored. And so has the love from the community.

July in Brookfield is going to be a lot about biking and we are putting Brookfield on the international map. This week, I talk with Chris Valadez of Cycle Brookfield about two awesome events: the Intelligensia Cup and Bike Brookfield.

The Intelligensia Cup is an internationally-known crit race that will bring people from around the world to Brookfield. Bike Brookfield will happen the same week and feature a very cool theme. Hear all about it on Explore Brookfield.