Always Andersonville: The Podcast

This week, we're joined by Brandon Mensing. Owner and head donut fryer at Andersonville’s newest donut business, The Good One who is also our lead sponsor for Taste of Andersonville on Wednesday, August 6 and a stop on the Nosh Route. Brandon Mensing, Andersonville resident, a queer Midwesterner born just south of Chicago, spent nearly two decades wrangling start-ups before deciding life is better glazed. Hear about Brandon's transition from the tech world to the fried one, overcoming the hurdles of starting a small business, and The Good One's delicious future ahead.

A particularly exciting episode. We're joined by multi-talented performer Anthony Rapp who will be performing at Midsommarfest this year on Sunday, June 15 on our Summerdale Stage. Anthony hardly needs an introduction with a decades long performance career across stage, screen, music, and even a couple of video games. A Chicago native, Anthony, his husband, and kids have recently joined our great Andersonville neighborhood as new residents and we couldn’t be more excited to have them as a part of our community.

In this episode, we’re exploring the world of pop-ups as Andersonville’s InSidewalk Sale returns, bringing deals indoors and debuting the first InSidewalk Sale pop-up market at 5117 N Clark, with over a dozen vendors showcasing their creative products from jewelry to florals, pet supplies to soaps and more.Joining us are Dave from Printed Curiosities, Ben & Jesse of Floriography Fellows, and Tom from Six Point Pet to discuss the challenges and rewards of running a non-brick-and-mortar business—and why attending, shopping at, and supporting pop-up markets supports our small business community.The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, anywhere you get your podcasts!

This week, we are joined by Hannah Wilson, owner of Andersonville’s new yarn hobby store, The Dropped Stitch!The Dropped Stitch is Andersonville’s newest destination for knitters, crocheters, and embroiderers, offering a vibrant selection of yarns, needles, and crafting kits. Owned by Hannah Wilson, a passionate crafter and “Jeopardy!” champion, this LGBTQ+-owned shop features natural fiber yarns, top-tier tools, and make-it-yourself kits for all skill levels. Beyond supplies, The Dropped Stitch fosters community through workshops, classes, and a welcoming space to relax and create.The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, anywhere you get your podcasts!

This week, I am joined by internationally acclaimed magician David Parr and Joey Cranford, CEO, Founder, and co - owner of Chicago Magic Lounge.David Parr is an internationally acclaimed magician known for fooling Penn & Teller on Fool Us and creating Chicago’s longest-running weekly magic show. His theatrical style and expertise have earned him widespread recognition. David’s show, Cabinet of Curiosities, had a successful run at the Chicago Magic Lounge before touring the US. He is also a respected writer, with his thought-provoking works on magic featured in publications across Germany, France, Australia, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, highlighting his significant impact on the magic community. Joey Cranford is an actor, director, and marketing executive, best known as the founder and CEO of the Chicago Magic Lounge. Trained at The Second City, he performed with I.O. and the Annoyance Theater before transitioning to film and TV, including roles in “Man of Steel” and “Better Call Saul.” His passion for Chicago history and close-up magic inspired the creation of the Chicago Magic Lounge, a top venue celebrating the city's historic magic bar scene. The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, anywhere you get your podcasts!