In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky sits down with filmmaker Aaron Wertheimer to talk about his latest feature film, Not If I See You First. Shot in Skokie, Evanston, Lincolnwood, and Winnetka, the film is an absurd buddy comedy filled with quirky adventures, selective amnesia, and a lot of cherry cola.

Aaron shares insights into the filmmaking process, his love for capturing everyday life in Chicagoland, and what it’s like to work with family and longtime friends—including his wife, Joey Wertheimer, who stars in the film. They also discuss the importance of independent theaters and the experience of screening a film at the historic Music Box Theatre.

If you love indie filmmaking, Chicago’s local film scene, or just enjoy a great story about creative collaboration, this episode is for you!

Watch the Film – Screening Info & Tickets

Chicago Premiere at the Music Box Theatre – March 26, 2025

Get tickets

Wilmette Theatre Screening – April 1, 2025

Get tickets

Follow Aaron Wertheimer & The Film

Website: aaronwertheimer.com

Instagram:

• @notifmovie

• @thetruerealaaronwertheimer

Listen to Aaron’s First Podcast Appearance (2018)

Inside the Skev – Aaron Wertheimer’s First Interview

Follow The Chicagoland Guide

Instagram & Facebook: @TheChicagolandGuide

Website: thechicagolandguide.com

Listen & Subscribe

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

Enjoy the episode and don’t forget to grab a cherry cola before you watch the film!

Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide!
For more insights into the best places to live, work, and explore in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com. Connect with us on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content. If you have any questions or want to share your own Chicagoland stories, feel free to reach out! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

In this conversation, host Aaron Masliansky interviews Skokie Village Board candidates Dr. Keith Robinson and Khemarey Khoeun about their backgrounds, motivations for public service, and the significant changes in Skokie's political landscape. They discuss the impact of the Skokie Caucus Party, the importance of civility in local politics, and the key issues facing the community, including housing affordability and community representation. The candidates emphasize the need for public engagement and the ongoing efforts to address local challenges, including the redesign of the village seal to better reflect the community's values.

Keith and Khem Website: https://www.keithandkhem.com

Village of Skokie: https://www.skokie.org

Takeaways

• Public service often begins with a commitment to education.
• Diversity in representation is crucial for community governance.
• Recent changes in Skokie's political structure aim to enhance democracy.
• Civility in local politics is essential for community cohesion.
• Housing affordability is a pressing issue that requires innovative solutions.
• Community engagement is vital for effective governance.
• The Skokie Caucus Party has historically influenced local elections.
• Public-private partnerships can drive economic development.
• Understanding local governance can empower residents to get involved.
• The redesign of the village seal reflects a commitment to inclusivity.

Sound Bites

• "It's democracy at work."
• "We need to respect that process."
• "Housing is a national issue."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Skokie's Village Board Candidates

07:14 Backgrounds of the Candidates

12:53 Changes in Skokie's Political Landscape

18:53 The Role of the Skokie Caucus Party

23:16 Maintaining Civility in Local Politics

27:48 Building Community Through Collaboration

28:46 Economic Development and Infrastructure Challenges

31:13 Revitalizing Main Street and Public-Private Partnerships

33:08 Addressing Housing Affordability and Inventory Issues

39:29 The Importance of Local Elections and Community Involvement

50:09 Understanding the Village Seal and Community Representation

Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide!
For more insights into the best places to live, work, and explore in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com. Connect with us on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content. If you have any questions or want to share your own Chicagoland stories, feel free to reach out! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.

In this powerful episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky sits down with Chef Mona Sang, the heart and soul behind Khmai Cambodian Dining in Rogers Park, Chicago. Chef Mona shares her deeply personal journey of preserving Cambodian culture and history through her restaurant, inspired by her mother's resilience as a survivor of the Khmer Rouge genocide.

From a challenging past to an incredible present, Chef Mona and her mother have created a space where guests can experience authentic Cambodian flavors and immerse themselves in the stories and traditions of Cambodia. Khmai Fine Dining is not just a restaurant—it's a testament to family, survival, and the power of food to heal and connect.

Key Highlights:

• Cultural Immersion: Learn how Chef Mona uses murals, storytelling, and traditional Cambodian greetings to create a unique dining experience that goes beyond food.
• Family Inspiration: Hear how Mona's mother’s resilience, love of cooking, and cultural recipes shaped the restaurant and Mona’s mission.
• A Culinary Journey: Discover how cooking helped Mona reconnect with her roots, heal her family, and honor her mother's legacy.
• Community Impact: Explore how Khmai Fine Dining serves as a hub for the Cambodian community while educating others about its rich culture.
• Award-Winning Success: From humble beginnings to being a James Beard semi-finalist, Chef Mona reflects on the challenges and triumphs of running a Cambodian restaurant in Chicago.

Discover more:

• The inspiration behind the murals and decor at Khmai Fine Dining.
• Why Cambodian cuisine holds a special place in the culinary world.
• The dual concepts of Khmai Fine Dining: traditional vs. modern takes on Cambodian food.
• How food helps preserve cultural identity and bring healing.

Whether you’re a foodie, a history lover, or someone passionate about cultural preservation, this episode offers a deeply moving story you won’t want to miss.

Resources & Links:

• Visit Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining: khmai-fine-dining.com
• Follow Khmai on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khmaichicago
• Follow The Chicagoland Guide: @TheChicagolandGuide
• Watch and listen to the full episode: https://www.thechicagolandguide.com/chefmona/
• Learn more about Chicagoland's hidden gems: The Chicagoland Guide Website

Let us know your thoughts on this incredible story, and don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring episodes celebrating the people and places that make Chicagoland special!

Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide!
For more insights into the best places to live, work, and explore in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com. Connect with us on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content. If you have any questions or want to share your own Chicagoland stories, feel free to reach out! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode.