Shows
Records & Real Estate PodcastFrom Teen Bands to TV Scores: The Evolution of Johnny IguanaEver wondered how an unexpected live tryout in Boston could change the course of a music career? Join us as Johnny Iguana, the dynamic keyboardist from The Claudettes, recounts his serendipitous journey from playing in teenage blues bands to landing a gig with the legendary Junior Wells in 1994. Johnny shares his humorous stage name origin, the vibrant punk and blues blend in his music, and offers a candid reflection on the cultural adjustments of being a young man playing in Chicago blues bands.Experience the emotional and creative complexities of Johnny's musical journey. We explore his passion...2024-08-281h 25Records & Real Estate PodcastJay Stanek’s Harmonious Home: Echoes of John Prine, Chicago Blues, and Balancing Life’s PassionsWhat if your home once echoed with the chords of a musical legend? Join us as we welcome Jay Stanek, a high school history teacher from Evanston Township, who discovered that his house was a creative haven for the legendary songwriter John Prine. Jay shares captivating stories about how his home was a frequent stop for Prine and the previous owner, Dan Hogan, where they would not only play guitars but also work on cars. We delve into the fascinating history connected to John Prine's album "Pink Cadillac" and how it all ties back to the iconic Sun Studios...2024-07-301h 03Records & Real Estate PodcastHarmonizing Homes and Heavy Metal: Jenafur Schlangen's Lens on Real Estate and RiffsWhen the worlds of real estate and heavy metal collide, you know you're in for an electrifying experience. That's precisely what happened when we sat down with Jenafur Schlangen, a music photography maven and journalist who just stepped into the realm of homeownership. Jennifer's tales from the pit, photographing metal legends and her journey navigating the choppy waters of buying a home in Chicago, are peppered with the kind of insights only a true industry insider can offer. Plus, she adds an unexpected twist with some shrimp trivia that's as quirky as it is delightful.Strap yourself...2024-06-0555 minRecords & Real Estate PodcastReviving Rhythms and Real Estate: Moses Hall’s Strategy for Societal SymphonyMoses Hall, a maestro in the realms of both music and real estate, graces our latest episode with his extraordinary tale of transition. The man known as Mo fuses a unique sartorial flair with astute branding acumen to navigate Chicago's property scene with finesse. Our conversation spans from his leadership within the Young Professionals Network to his passionate involvement in the revitalization of communities such as Bronzeville and Hazel Crest illuminating how one can strike a harmonious chord between societal impact and entrepreneurial success.Strap in as we dissect the intricacies of property management, where Mo's insights...2024-05-131h 09Records & Real Estate PodcastPreserving Memories in Music and Mortgages with Josh JonesJoin the conversation as Josh Jones, a mortgage maestro with a penchant for vinyl, spins tales from his collection and the loan industry. The nostalgia of a well-loved Sam Cooke record meets the stark realities of navigating mortgage complexities. We connect through melodies and memories, celebrating the art of preserving historical pieces that define our personal journeys, all while unraveling the threads of real estate investing and the altruistic efforts of the JM Foundation during the economic turmoil of 2009.If you've ever pondered the delicate dance between finance and philanthropy, this episode waltzes you through our hands-on...2024-04-191h 10Records & Real Estate PodcastTom Lee's Architectural Symphony: Weaving Stories, Spaces, and Sustainability Into Urban FabricImagine stepping into a world where every detail in the space around you is a result of thoughtful storytelling and functionality. That's the essence of our latest conversation with acclaimed architect Tom Lee. In this rich tapestry of personal experiences and professional insights, Tom takes us on a journey through his non-linear design philosophy—where a party mishap from the past becomes a poignant reminder of the significance of details in both life and architecture. We uncover the passion that drives his projects, from intimate residential spaces to the industrial elegance of a brewery's restaurant, all underpinned by a co...2024-03-271h 10Records & Real Estate PodcastStriking Chords in Music and Mortgages with Sam Sharp and Larry SteinwayEver wondered how the thump of a bass drum echoes in the halls of real estate? Our latest episode brings together the unlikely duo of music and mortgages with Chicago's own Larry Steinway and Sam Sharp. With their roots deeply planted in the rhythms of music and the hustle of the housing market, these two friends strike a chord as they share how they've managed to orchestrate a symphony of success in two distinct worlds. Their stories resonate with the beats of legendary drummers and the buzz of a vibrant city, proving that when it comes to life's...2024-03-1156 minRecords & Real Estate PodcastPudding Shot Maker, Fundraising Expert, and Everyone’s Favorite Hype Woman for Multi-Generational Concerts Sharri Scott Positively Runs Through this EpisodeHave you ever experienced that magical moment when music bridges the gap between generations? Our latest chat with Sharri Scott dives into the heart of Chicago's Rock and Roll Playhouse, where families are grooving together to live music tailored for kids but with a vibe that keeps the adults tapping their feet. Peter Shapiro's brainchild, crafted alongside early education expert Amy Striem, has revolutionized family concerts, making them a shared joy rather than a parental chore. Sharri's stories of the Playhouse's origins and her own Windy City journey with the program echo the laughter and connection that only music...2024-02-271h 13Records & Real Estate PodcastSteaming Radiators and Synced Rhythms with Mary Beth BrennanEver wondered how the grit of Chicago's music scene mingles with the bricks and mortar of its real estate? Let me introduce you to Mary Beth Brennan from The Baby Magic, who's not only rocking the stage with her solo project Baggy Time but also mastering the quirks of condo management in Humboldt Park. She's our guest this week, and oh boy, does she have stories to tell—from harmonizing steam radiators to syncing security cameras, she's living the ultimate double life.It's not all about the grind though; Mary Beth gets real personal, too. She takes us...2024-02-141h 18Records & Real Estate PodcastFrom Clarinet Rivals to Cultural Chroniclers: Mark Guarino on Chicago's Evolving Music Scene and Urban TapestryRemember those battles for first chair in the school band that seemed like life and death? Our latest episode takes that competitive spirit to new heights as we sit down with Chicago's own Mark Guarino, tracing our shared roots from clarinet rivals to carving unique paths through the world of music and journalism. We share a laugh over past musical skirmishes and revel in the rich tapestry of Chicago's dynamic music scene, from the folk and indie of yesteryear to today's alternative country and Americana beats.Venture with us through the storied streets and...2024-01-161h 15Records & Real Estate PodcastAdam Thurston's Harmonic Blueprint: Music, Venues, and Real Estate is Chicago's HeartbeatGather 'round as we reminisce over matzah ball soup and the bonds that tie us to the thrumming heart of Chicago's music and real estate scene. We're joined by Adam Thurston, the maestro behind the iconic venues Schuba’s and Lincoln Hall, to discuss the delicate symbiosis of nurturing live music within the Windy City's bricks and mortar. With a spotlight on Audiotree, Adam shares how this innovative platform is revolutionizing music discovery and bolstering emerging talents in the digital age. Our conversation crescendos as we traverse the challenges and triumphs of orchestrating nearly 600 live shows annually, hig...2023-12-271h 04Records & Real Estate PodcastRocket Scientist, Journalist, Reluctant Optimist, and Music Aficionado, Jeff Elbel Talks About the Power of CreativityEver met a music journalist with an encyclopedic knowledge of music, and a knack for capturing the vibrancy of the Chicago music scene? Join us as we explore the captivating worlds of music and real estate with our esteemed guest, Jeff Elbel. As an accomplished writer and photographer for the Chicago Sun Times and Illinois Entertainer, Jeff offers a unique perspective on the industry. In our enlightening chat, we traverse through various topics, from the challenges of record manufacturing and vinyl production in the United States to keys to overcoming adversity through creativity.This episode takes you...2023-12-131h 08Records & Real Estate PodcastRhythm of the City: Mauricio Reyes on Music, Gentrification, and Life in Ukrainian VillagePrepare yourself for a musical extravaganza, as we embark on a journey filled with melodies, anecdotes, and passion with our special guest, Mauricio Reyes. Known for his time as a DJ at Chirp Radio Chicago, Mauricio's love for music is as contagious as it gets. From his early family influences and his Colombian roots to his dream of creating a band, Mauricio's stories are sure to captivate any music lover.Together we dive into our shared love for discovering new music, exchanging our favorite bands, and reminiscing about the best venues to catch a live show. Mauricio's...2023-11-301h 16Records & Real Estate PodcastAndy Farag’s Musically Seasoned Journey from Drum Circles in Bloomington to Esteemed Percussionist of Umphrey’s McGeeLet's take a trip down memory lane, as Karen and Andrew reconnect with Andy Farag, the incredible percussionist from Umphrey’s McGee. Remember those legendary Thursday night parties from our college days at Indiana University? Well, they're back, along with fascinating anecdotes about Andy's musical journey, from his first drum set at 16 to his current iconic career. And let's not forget to mention Mike Miro's unforgettable influence in Andy's life and his eventual move to South Bend to join Umphrey’s McGee.Prepare to have your musical horizons broadened as we uncover the diverse world of doo-wop, clas...2023-11-0959 minRecords & Real Estate PodcastA Finance Guru’s Musical Affair Amidst Edgewater's Architectural MarvelsCome along on a captivating journey through the annals of the iconic Pink Building, the Edgewater Beach Apartments Corporation, as we sit down with John Plamondon, its treasurer, and a finance professor at DePaul. This episode unveils the charm, history, and recent renovations of this architectural marvel, once a grand hotel complex, and now a flourishing co-op community. Whether you're a real estate enthusiast or a history buff, you're bound to find something intriguing as we unfold the transformation of this unique property.But it doesn't end there! Besides being a finance guru and a real estate...2023-11-011h 29Records & Real Estate PodcastThe Jordan Collecting Mayor of Chicago Real EstateIn this episode of Records and Real Estate Karen and Andrew interview the incomparable Tommy Choi Co-Founder of the Weinberg Choi Team and one of the owners of Keller Williams ONE. Tommy is a huge Pearl Jam fan, a lifelong Chicagoan, and is a source of inspiration for many young Realtors and entrepreneurs. Tommy tells an impeccable story. He also is a man of integrity. One story he tells is how he attempted to mend a fence between marginalized communities hurt by the racist practices adopted by Realtor associations from the past when he formally apologized for the...2023-08-221h 25Records & Real Estate PodcastPrince Saves Lives!Our conversation with bass/guitar/bass 6 player for The Claudettes is a musically focused episode that dives deep into the Chicago music scene and specifically the scene in and around Lakeview. Zachariah James Verdoorn talks about the punk scene where he grew up in South Dakota. How seeing Prince and moving to Minnesota changed his life and may have even saved his life. And about his relationship with the Chicago music scene as a younger man and today. Zach also does some great impressions of members of Fishbone. Karen and Andrew talk about Lakeview, Talking Heads (obviously), Fela Kuti...2023-08-011h 13Records & Real Estate PodcastWhat’s It Take To Be a Jazz Singer? A Little Bit of Everything!On this episode of Records and Real Estate Karen and Andrew sit down with Libby York who discusses her career as a Jazz Singer, being a restaurateur and an historic home owner. Come join us for the next hour as we slowly have epiphanies about music and real estate and family history! We promise not to sucker punch you!Bullet Notes:Libby York is a jazz singer and a restaurateur and a 40 year resident of Key West. She hails from the Amlings Flowerland family. She was a scary miner in the Amlings haunted house...2023-07-181h 13Records & Real Estate PodcastA Jam Productions Talent BuyerWe’re speaking with the wonderfully well-connected and knowledgeable Mike LeMaistre of Jam Productions. Jam is a 50-year-old company that was born out of promoting small concerts in Chicago, and it’s still a big part of what Jam does today. Having been a talent buyer, Mike’s worked at Jam for 26 years, which plays into his viability as a mortgage recipient when he bought his current home in Morton Grove. He previously lived in a condo in Logan Square, which he still owns. Mike shares a great story about his encounter with Prince and discusses why he orga...2023-06-3059 minRecords & Real Estate PodcastRon and John of Orbit Records Talk All Things VinylWe’re speaking with Ron and John, the owners of Orbit Records. They started their online record store before online stores were even a thing! What started as a hobby has evolved into a unique endeavor that stayed afloat (and thrived) during the pandemic. Ron and John mention how they met and their close family ties. Ron shares his love for jazz, blues, and playing the piano. John tells us why 78 vinyls sound bigger and better. Plus, the guys mention some of the crazy characters they’ve met when they were first building their extensive record collection. Listen in…2023-06-121h 00Records & Real Estate PodcastA Sales Coach Moves to the Suburbs and Becomes a Working StiffIt’s not often that you go to the bathroom and come back to a different persona! Well, that’s just what happened to David Fisher at a gig one night. He left the stage "David" and came back to it as D.Fish! And is still D.Fish to this day 20 years later. Topics in this episode range from selling to toddlers to the coaching process for new salespersons to gender politics to downtempo heroes. We focus on moving from near the city in Evanston to Glenview and all that entails. It is a fun and educational discussion with...2023-05-231h 09Records & Real Estate PodcastBucket O’ Blood, an Avondale OriginalGrant McKee was looking for something to do with his money and decided to light it on fire. That’s a paraphrase for what he actually says, but here we are nine years later and he and his wife, Jennifer McKee, are still at it and open. They are part of the reason that Avondale is so cool! 16th coolest neighborhood in the world! Where does the name come from? Well, Grant does not really know, but there was a bar in Chicago called Bucket O’ Blood, a cult movie Bucket O’ Blood, and is a general term for a part...2022-11-221h 15Records & Real Estate PodcastThe Altruistic Keyboardist and Storyteller of Lincoln ParkWhen you have been around the Chicago music scene as a musician and bartender as much as Barry Brown, you tend to gain some stories throughout the years. Well, a few of those are on display in this episode of Records and Real Estate. With a focus on Jambands, Lincoln Park, and charitable giving, this chat, which took place on a porch on a 60 degree late October day, is bound to have something to which you can relate. Enjoy the ride! And let’s meet up for a pint at Alive One!Bullet Notes:Ba...2022-11-071h 08Records & Real Estate PodcastOne Part Electronica and One Part LegalFrom humble beginnings as a folding table under a tree at Lollapalooza, electronica has hit the mainstream. Our guest today, Marc Cervantes (real estate attorney extraordinaire), has seen the genre explode like a laser and confetti fueled drop at a sold out United Center show. Top DJ’s today make $60M a year and would not be if it weren’t for the efforts of Frankie Knuckles and the Detroit creators of Techno. We discuss all things electronica, the art of the transaction, and some specifics about Chicago real estate with Marc. Listen in...Bullet Notes:2022-10-241h 21Records & Real Estate PodcastR & R Special – We are Pleased to Present, Brian Biancardi, AKA The Running GagKaren and Andrew sit down with the one and only, Brian Biancardi. Topics of conversations include go to albums after a long hard day. Country music, yay or nay. Rooting for the villain. And many others! We talk about origin stories of all the friendships. We of course have our regular segments, which includes a “why” question for Brian. We are honored to have him as our guest. Listen in...Bullet Notes:Brian Biancardi drops in unexpectedly and we of course take good advantage of his presence.Karen, Andrew, and Brian talk about your go t...2022-10-0456 minRecords & Real Estate PodcastWhat’s it Take to Be a Jazz Singer? A Little Bit of Everything!Karen and Andrew sit down with Libby York, who discusses her career as a Jazz Singer, being a restaurateur and an historic home owner. Come join us for the next hour as we slowly have epiphanies about music and real estate and family history! We promise not to sucker punch you! Listen in...Bullet Notes:Libby York is a jazz singer and a restaurateur and a 40 year resident of Key West. She hails from the Amlings Flowerland family. She was a scary miner in the Amlings haunted house!Amlings Flowerland provided fresh flowers to...2022-09-191h 12Records & Real Estate PodcastThe Jewish Brad PittMonumental moment, Record & Real Estate listeners! We’ve finally reached double digits with this delightful 10th episode featuring conversations between Andy Hochman, his friend Brett and our beloved hosts Karen and Andrew. This episode celebrates the power of music and its ability to bring people together, what it takes to be the ultimate fan, and hysterical anecdotes from The Jewish Brad Pitt (a.k.a Andy.) Thanks for tuning in, we can’t wait to bring you another 10 episodes! Listen in...Have someone you think should be a guest on this podcast? Let us know! Email your sugg...2022-08-291h 20Records & Real Estate PodcastCadinho, "A Little Bit" in PortugueseEric Carlson, our ninth guest on Records and Real Estate, talks with Karen and Andrew about the different underground music scenes across the world, the emotions around opening a Portuguese-inspired bakery and cafe, how much he loves Bad Bunny, and one of Chicago's most well-kept secrets: McKinley Park. Listen in...Have someone you think should be a guest on this podcast? Let us know! Email your suggestions over to: karen.sandvoss@berealtygroup.com, andrew.wendt@berealtygroup.comConnect with Karen and Andrew at Be Realty: Be Realty GroupEmail the...2022-08-151h 02Records & Real Estate PodcastHave You Ever Taken a "Ragenap"?Karen and Andrew sit down with Joel Berk who discusses his healthy diet of improvisation, how cassettes are the medium of the people, and how music can be a form of meditation. They touch on the importance of home inspections and give the listeners a flashback to when the only form of dancing at the Aragon Ballroom was, yes, ballroom dancing.Connect with Karen and Andrew at Be Realty: Be Realty GroupEmail the Show: karen.sandvoss@berealtygroup.comGuest: Joel BerkLink:...2022-08-0246 minRecords & Real Estate PodcastAlways Trust the Staff PicksKaren and Andrew sit down with Record Breakers' very own Colin Brennan. Colin shares some secrets on how he orders vinyl, takes us inside Chicago's newest music venue, The Salt Shed, and tells us exactly what to do with our R Kelly records. (Hint: it's pretty on-brand with their record store's name...) Listen in...Connect with Karen and Andrew at Be Realty: Be Realty GroupEmail the Show: karen.sandvoss@berealtygroup.comGuest: Colin Brennan of Record BreakersLink: Makaya McCraven===================================2022-07-181h 11Records & Real Estate Podcast“I’ve Never Met Anyone who Knows a City Like Mikus Knows Chicago”Hey listeners, happy Fourth of July weekend! As we roll into this Independence Day, Karen and Andrew sit down with Be Realty’s very own Mikus Kins for an episode baked in Chicago’s history and the state's commercial cannabis industry. Listen in...Connect with Karen and Andrew at Be Realty: Be Realty GroupEmail the Show: karen.sandvoss@berealtygroup.comGuest: Mikus Kins===================================Production House: Flint Stone MediaCopyright of Be Realty Group 2022.2022-07-041h 07Records & Real Estate PodcastMetalheads are the Nicest PeopleHave you ever heard someone say "don't judge a book by its cover?" That saying couldn't be more true than right here in Episode 5 of Records and Real Estate with Karen and Andrew of Be Realty. The duo sit down with John Noyes to chat about how metalheads are some of the nicest people on earth, Evanston’s beloved music venue and pizza joint Space, and why good customer service is the root of all successful operations. Listen in...Connect with Karen and Andrew at Be Realty: Be Realty GroupEmail the Sh...2022-06-2058 minRecords & Real Estate PodcastFrom Dickinson’s Tavern to Tone Deaf Records – A History of Portage ParkTony Assimos of Tone Deaf Records talks to us about opening a record store during the pandemic and how he pivoted to delivering orders by bike. This of course was after the ultimate pivot out of corporate America to live out his passion and open a vinyl shop on Milwaukee and Montrose in Portage Park. For an hour we chat about music, venues, Portage Park, vintage drum kits, and more! Listen in...Connect with Karen and Andrew at Be Realty: Be Realty GroupEmail the Show: karen.sandvoss@berealtygroup.com2022-06-061h 07Records & Real Estate Podcast"Still in My High School Band"Karen and Andrew sit down with multi-instrumentalist Mike Rackey to discuss his relationship to music and the Chicago venues that he grew up playing in. Join us while we dive into the historic Green Mill Cornerstone in Uptown, Mike’s first concert at Run DMC and The Beastie Boys, and how being in your High School Band is the biggest flex of all time. Listen in...Connect with Karen and Andrew at Be Realty: Be Realty GroupEmail the Show: karen.sandvoss@berealtygroup.comKey Points of Discussion:...2022-05-231h 01Records & Real Estate PodcastPunk Rock Logan SquareDuring this second episode, Karen and Andrew chat with local musician Jason Taylor about his Punk Rock shows at The Burlington Bar, the upcoming release of his band's second EP, and how everything we love and know about real estate in Chicago neighborhoods is somehow tied to music that played in those venues that live(d) there. Listen in...Connect with Karen and Andrew at Be Realty: Be Realty GroupEmail the Show: karen.sandvoss@berealtygroup.comKey Points of Discussion:How does music/records influence...2022-05-2340 min
Records & Real Estate PodcastThe Kickoff! Ep 1In this very first episode, Andrew and Karen give us a primer of what in store for their Records & Real Estate listeners. They break the ice with their origin stories, extol the virtues of Talking Heads, and discuss their hopes and aspirations for bringing their mutual loves of Chicago music and real estate together to share with you all!2022-02-2527 min