I am Consciously Curious
I am Consciously Curious is a Chicago based podcast that dissects passionate individuals in various industries. The goal is to share their stories to inspire you to cultivate meaning within your own space. If you are interested in coming on or know someone that would be great for the podcast, please message us on fb/ig: @iamconsciouslycurious
I am Consciously Curious
Latest Episodes
186. Affordability Through Growth: Joe Holberg on Running for Chicago Mayor as an Outsider
What does it actually take to make Chicago more affordable, safer, and functional? Joe Holberg — political outsider, former teacher, Google alum, and tech entrepreneur — is running for mayor with a platform built around housing supply, fiscal d...
185: Chicago BBQ Roundtable ft. Charles Wong, Shawn Smith, Sam and Stephen Lee
In this episode, I pass the mic to Charles Wong of Umamicue and Episode 182. He hosts Shawn Smith of Heffer BBQ along with brothers Sam and Stephen Lee of K-TEX BBQ. They share their individual journeys into BBQ and where they’re currently at. ...
184. An Alley, A Cause, and Really Good Pizza ft. John Carruthers
John Carruthers didn't set out to raise $100,000 for Chicago nonprofits. He just wanted to do something that felt useful when the world stopped making sense.When the pandemic hit, John — a writer and lifelong pizza obsessive — felt the h...
183. Yuta Katsuyama: Folding Culture Into Every Rice Ball
Yuta Katsuyama moved to Chicago to study design and business — and quickly noticed something missing: onigiri. What started as a personal craving became a brand now stocked on over 60 shelves across Chicagoland. Yuta talks about bridging Japane...
182. Charles Wong on BBQ, Culture & What Comes Next
One meal at Franklin Barbecue lit a fire in Charles Wong that spreadsheets never could. Since then, he's been quietly building something special — Texas-style BBQ layered with Chinese and Vietnamese heritage, served up through pop-ups and resid...