Discovering Lake County, IL Podcast

Bare Med Spa - Ali and Rachel

Ali and Rachel from Bare Med Spa in Libertyville. Ali shares her inspiring journey from nursing school to becoming an esthetician and business owner, opening Bare Med Spa in October 2021. Rachel, originally a client, joined the team and became Ali's trusted right-hand woman. Together, they discuss the spa's most popular services, including body contouring, hydro facials, laser hair removal, cryo facials, and much more. They also share exciting news about expanding their current location to better serve their growing Lake County community!

GlenRock Pop - Keith Michalek

In this episode of "Discovering Lake County," host David Woll sits down with Keith Michalek, a Grayslake native, to share the heartwarming story behind the revival of Glen Rock Pop—a beloved local soda brand. Recorded at The Loop Marketing in Grayslake, the conversation highlights Keith's journey from bottle collector to entrepreneur, his commitment to authentic recipes, and his dedication to community and nostalgia. Listeners will enjoy tales of hometown pride, small business passion, and the joy of bringing a cherished Lake County tradition back to life, one bottle at a time. Discovering Lake County: The Revival of Glen Rock Pop Hey there, Lake County friends! I'm thrilled to share the latest episode of "Discovering Lake County" with you. This week, I had the pleasure of chatting with Keith Michalek, the passionate soul behind the revival of Glen Rock Pop, our beloved local soda brand that many of us thought was lost forever. Here's a sneak peek into our conversation and some key takeaways that you won't want to miss: Key Highlights: Nostalgic Revival**: Keith's journey began with a simple hobby of collecting vintage Glen Rock bottles. This hobby turned into a mission to bring back the soda we all loved from the 60s and 70s. Authentic Recipes**: Keith tracked down the original recipes and is producing Glen Rock Pop with pure cane sugar, just like the good old days. The result? A crisper, cleaner taste that's a delightful throwback. Community Roots**: Growing up in Third Lake and graduating from Grayslake High, Keith's deep local roots fuel his dedication to this project. It's a true community effort! Sustainable Practices**: Keith is working on bringing back the iconic returnable glass bottles, aiming to reduce environmental impact and maintain the brand's quality. Creative Marketing**: From repurposing bottles with colorful candies to focusing on local events and Facebook updates, Keith's marketing efforts are as unique as the soda itself. Local Distribution**: Glen Rock Pop is available in several local stores, and Keith personally delivers the product, ensuring a close relationship with retailers and customers. Fun Facts: First Car & Concert**: Keith's first car was a 1971 Buick Skylark with a hole in the floorboard, and his first concert was REO Speedwagon and Survivor—complete with a backstage pass he was too shy to use! Family & Life Lessons**: Keith shares touching stories about his family and the life lessons he's learned, emphasizing that success is about doing what makes you happy. Upcoming Events: Trick or Treat in Wakanda**: Look out for the Glen Rock Pop trailer! Fall Festival in Antioch**: Another chance to grab your favorite soda and meet Keith in person. A Heartfelt Message: Keith's journey is a testament to the power of passion and community. His dedication to reviving Glen Rock Pop is not just about business; it's about restoring a cherished piece of our local history. As we wrap up the episode, I challenge you to perform a random act of kindness today—let's spread some joy in our community! Tune in to this heartwarming episode on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube, and don't forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories from Lake County. Let's keep celebrating the incredible people and projects that make our hometown special. Until next time, keep smiling and stay kind! Warm regards, David Woll P.S. Follow Glen Rock Pop on Facebook to stay updated on events and product availability. Let's support this amazing local revival together!

Robert Allan Kutzler - Director Operations, Marketing & Special Events at Waukegan Harbor and Marina

David chats with Robert Allan Kutzler, Director of Operations, Marketing, and Special Events at Waukegan Harbor and Marina. They discuss Robert's radio background, his passion for the marina, and the upcoming 40th anniversary celebration of the South Marina—featuring the world's largest rubber duck, live music, food trucks, and a water ski show. Robert shares insights about marina life, community partnerships, and the hometown pride that makes Waukegan Harbor a welcoming, family-friendly destination for both locals and visitors.

Alex "Popeye" Rothaker and Pappy the Poodle

In this heartwarming episode, local dog trainer Alex Rothaker "Popeye" shares his remarkable 53-year journey, from childhood adventures with his first rescue dog in Chicago to training police and trick dogs seen on national TV. Alex Rothaker discusses the importance of patience, positive reinforcement, and community, while delighting listeners with stories of world records, memorable performances, and even his talented blue jay, Alvin. The conversation highlights Alex Rothaker's deep hometown roots, his passion for animal training, and his belief in spreading kindness—reminding us all that joy and connection are at the heart of what he does. Alex's background and early experiences with dogs. The influence of mentors in dog training, particularly Willy Necker. The transition from training personal protection dogs to police dogs. The importance of understanding dog behavior and communication. The role of positive reinforcement and praise in dog training. Experiences with training trick dogs and performing in entertainment. The significance of patience and gradual training methods. The challenges and rewards of training various dog breeds. Insights on the relationship between trainers and their dogs. The importance of kindness and community engagement in dog training and beyond.

J.R. Escobar - Pizzeria Deville

J.R. shares his journey in the restaurant industry, the story behind Pizzeria DeVille, and the importance of team building and community support. Listeners get a taste of the pizzeria's unique menu, local partnerships, and lively events. The conversation highlights the value of customer feedback, the challenges of running a local business, and the warm, welcoming spirit that makes Lake County's food scene truly special. Discovering Lake County Newsletter: Pizzeria DeVille Edition Hey there, Lake County friends! I'm thrilled to share the latest episode of "Discovering Lake County" with you. This time, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jr., the passionate owner of Pizzeria DeVille, nestled in the cozy basement of the Alamo. We had an incredible conversation about his journey in the restaurant industry, the vibrant food scene in Libertyville, and the heartwarming community support that keeps Pizzeria DeVille thriving. Here are some highlights and key takeaways from our conversation: 1. The Heart of Pizzeria DeVille: Team Building:** Jr. emphasizes that the success of any restaurant hinges on its team. He learned early on that nurturing his staff leads to a better guest experience. Community Support:** Libertyville has embraced Pizzeria DeVille wholeheartedly, and Jr. is grateful for the local love and support. 2. Jr.'s Journey: From Pizza Hut to Pizzeria DeVille:** Jr. started in the pizza industry at 19 and spent 23 years with Pizza Hut. After a stint with Crumble Cookies, he seized the opportunity to take over Pizzeria DeVille. A Fan Turned Owner:** Jr. was a regular customer at Pizzeria DeVille before taking over. When he learned it was closing, he jumped at the chance to keep the beloved pizzeria alive. 3. Unique Offerings: Specialty Pizzas:** With over 50 different pizzas, including the customer-favorite "Ma Pie" and the "Pepperoni Duet," there's something for everyone. Food Truck Adventures:** Jr. expanded Pizzeria DeVille's reach with a food truck, featuring a wood-fired oven, bringing their delicious pizzas to local festivals and events. 4. Community Engagement: Local Collaborations:** Pizzeria DeVille partners with local breweries, creating a vibrant dining experience. Jr. loves the community connections and the joy of serving at local events. Events and Nightlife:** From trivia nights to bingo, Pizzeria DeVille is becoming a local hotspot for fun and entertainment. 5. Personal Touch: Balancing Act:** Jr. candidly shares the challenges of balancing the restaurant and food truck, but his passion and dedication shine through. Family and Community:** Jr. talks about his deep roots in Lake County and his love for the community, particularly Grayslake and Gages Lake. 6. Lessons Learned: Resilience:** Jr. reflects on the importance of resilience and how setbacks can lead to new opportunities. Customer Feedback:** He values customer reviews and sees them as opportunities to improve and reconnect with patrons. 7. Future Aspirations: Expansion Plans:** Jr. hopes to bring Pizzeria DeVille's unique offerings to other communities, sharing their delicious wood-fired and Detroit-style pizzas with more people. I hope these highlights spark your curiosity and entice you to listen to the full episode. Jr.'s story is a testament to the power of community, passion, and resilience. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Pizzeria DeVille is a must-visit spot in Libertyville. Thank you for being part of our Lake County community. Your support means the world to us. Don't forget to subscribe to "Discovering Lake County" for more inspiring stories and local insights. Stay kind, stay curious, and keep exploring! Warm regards,Host of "Discovering Lake County"