Best SOFAR Podcasts (2025)

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#16: Being Vonerable Through Music - Blair Davie 1:15:01

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15h ago1:15:01

1:15:01

In this heartfelt episode we hear from Blair Davie, a rising Scottish singer-songwriter known for his emotive lyrics and soaring vocals. Blair shares his journey from writing songs at six years old to crafting a sound that turns raw feelings into melodies. Discover how vulnerability became his superpower, the challenges he faced with bullying, and …

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Part 2: Why Music Matters | Belle Mt.– Ep. 15 1:11:50

10d ago1:11:50

1:11:50

Wer are back with part two with Matt Bellemont, where we continue to dive further into his career. Matt goes into his both his struggles and success as an artists. From gaining millions of streams of his music, to getting dropped by his label right before he was about to go on tour, Matt reflects on his career and what has let to where he is now. J…

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Chicagoverse 359 - George Ellzey Jr. 35:50

14d ago35:50

35:50

Chicago screenwriter and director George Ellzey Jr. guests on Dynasty Podcasts to detail his numerous film projects. Ellzey delves into his filmography, sharing personal stories behind Cottage Grove, Shades, Closed Mouths, All Good, and more. He also speaks on his creative process for his various projects, and outlines the financials and logistics …

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Part 1: Why Music Matters | Belle Mt.– Ep. 15 55:20

17d ago55:20

55:20

Today we’re joined by Matt Belle Mt, the incredibly talented and cinematic indie artist whose music has captured the hearts of millions. In this episode, Matt opens up about what drives him to create, the emotional toll of rejection, and why music education remains so important. He also shares his experience navigating the music industry — from maj…

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Chicagoverse 358 - Casey Gomez Walker (Case Oats) 20:07

21d ago20:07

20:07

Jaime Black visits North Side studio The Pocket to interview Case Oats mastermind Casey Gomez Walker. Walker details the long journey of taking concepts from her creative writing classes in college and turning them into her debut record, titled Last Missouri Exit, over a decade later. The singer-songwriter also reveals how she got her start in musi…

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Chicagoverse 357 - Jordan Tepper x Robert Haynes III (Hoste) 21:04

26d ago21:04

21:04

Dynasty Podcasts host Jaime Black visits Hoste in Pilsen to talk with Jordan Tepper and Robert Haynes III, Co-founders at Hoste Cocktails and Apologue Liqueurs. Tepper and Haynes detail the cocktail production and event capabilities of the new 15,000-square-foot Hoste warehouse space. The Co-Founders also speak on why Pilsen is the right neighborho…

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Chicagoverse 356 - Rod Phillips (Sofar Sounds) 20:43

1M ago20:43

20:43

Rod Phillips, Event Producer at Sofar Sounds Chicago, guests on Dynasty Podcasts to reveal what goes into producing intimate live music events across the city. Phillips speaks on his role in the process, from interacting with talent to working with unconventional live music venues. The event producer also shares his selections for Chicago art…

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Chicagoverse 355 - Dr. Daniel Farrugia x Heidi Auvenshine (The Playpen Chicago) 24:15

1M ago24:15

24:15

Dr. Daniel Farrugia, Founder at The Playpen Chicago and Heidi Auvenshine, Marketing and Partnerships Director at The Playpen Chicago, guest on Dynasty Podcasts to talk boats, Lake Michigan, and Chicago summers. Farrugia and Auvenshine delve into the Playpen Chicago mobile app, and detail how it connects boat captains, small businesses, influencers,…

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Chicagoverse 354 - Greg Mohr and Scott Weiner (The Fifty/50 Group x The Alston) 25:13

2M ago25:13

25:13

Dynasty Podcasts host Jaime Black visits Chicago steakhouse The Alston to interview Greg Mohr and Scott Weiner, Co-Founders at The Fifty/50 Group. Mohr and Weiner delve into the myriad of elevated experiences offered at The Alston, including tableside preparations, the champagne bar and wine room, the year-round outdoor terrace, and more. The Co-Fo…

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Chicagoverse 353 - Frank Dattalo (Havas Chicago) 23:19

2M ago23:19

23:19

Frank Dattalo guests on Dynasty Podcasts to detail what goes into his role as Chief Creative Officer at Havas Chicago. Dattalo speaks about the high-low strategy the agency employs, and how Havas collaborates with creative talent like social influencers. The CCO also shares his thoughts on the role of AI in creative work, explains the collaborative…

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Redefining Roots with Y’all-ternative | Zach Day – Ep. 14 1:10:52

2M ago1:10:52

1:10:52

Today we are joined by Zach Day, a talented singer-songwriter from Kentucky. By blending this appilachin rots with indie sounds, he creates a unique blend of music he coined "Y'all-ternative Music." Zach opens up about his experiences as a queer artist, his musical influences, and the challenges of staying true to himself in the music industry. Dis…

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Chicagoverse 352 - Erica Duffy (Camera Ambassador) 38:02

2M ago38:02

38:02

Dynasty Podcasts visits Chicago's Camera Ambassador at the CineCity Studios campus, where founder Erica Duffy speaks on the film equipment business' model and mission. Duffy reflects on the origins of Camera Ambassador as a service, and shares how she and her team help filmmakers find the right gear for their projects. The entrepreneur also detai…

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Blending Culture and Music | MURU Ep. 13 1:17:11

2M ago1:17:11

1:17:11

Today we’re joined by MURU — a singer, producer, and performer whose genre-blending sound delivers a truly one-of-a-kind sonic experience. Drawing from a rich and diverse cultural background, MURU infuses her music with authenticity, creating bold, emotionally charged performances. Her live sets often feature dynamic, loop-driven arrangements that …

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Chicagoverse 351 - Dean Nadya Mason (Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering) 23:00

2M ago23:00

23:00

Dynasty Podcasts visits the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at The University of Chicago to interview Dean Nadya Mason. Dean Mason details the work being done at the PME across science and tech, and shares how the recent $21 million gift from philanthropist Thea Berggren benefits the school's health research and more. Dean Mason also speak…

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Chicagoverse 350 - Dr. Shyama Majumdar (Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation) 27:41

2M ago27:41

27:41

Dr. Shyama Majumdar, Director of Science Accelerators and Investments at the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, guests on Dynasty Podcasts to speak about the Duality Accelerator program for early hardware and software quantum startups. Dr. Majumdar shares how startups benefit from the Polsky Center’s resources, including mentorship …

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Chicagoverse 349 - Jake Nickell x Lance Curran (Threadless x Artist Shops) 38:34

2M ago38:34

38:34

Jake Nickell, Threadless and Artist Shops Founder and CEO, and Lance Curran, Artist Shops VIP Accounts Director, guest on Dynasty Podcasts to talk about 25 years of Threadless. Nickell recalls the early of Threadless, and how the business won out among his other entrepreneurial ventures. Nickell and Curran also delve into the culture of…

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Chicagoverse 348 - Troy Pryor (Creative Cypher x XL FEST) 32:06

3M ago32:06

32:06

Entrepreneur, event producer, and storyteller Troy Pryor guests on Dynasty Podcasts to speak about XL FEST 2025, which happens August 14th through the 23rd at multiple locations across Chicago and brings together filmmakers, studio talent, and other film industry professionals for panels, screenings, and more. Pryor speaks on his Creative Cypher ve…

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Ep. 242 Teri Tobin 58:37

3M ago58:37

58:37

Arizona-based Teri Tobin has been singing since before she could talk. Her first professional introduction to the music industry came when she provided background vocals for Jeffrey Osborne. Although her early training took place in the church, she later received classical training at Howard University. Tobin has admired many music legends, includi…

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Chicagoverse 347 - Kelli Lynch (88.9 FM, WRRG, Triton College Radio) 26:48

3M ago26:48

26:48

Kelli Lynch, Program and Music Director at WRRG, 88.9 FM, Triton College Radio, guests on Dynasty Podcasts to talk about the suburban indie rock station's 50th anniversary. Lynch delves into the origins of WRRG, and details how college radio stays relevant in the age of streaming platforms. Host Jaime Black also reflects on his time as a WRRG DJ in…

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Chicagoverse 346 - Dr. Brian DeMarco (Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park) 26:51

3M ago26:51

26:51

Jaime Black connects with Dr. Brian DeMarco, Director and Chief Technology Officer at the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park and Director of the Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Dr. DeMarco breaks down all things quantum ahead of this week's Global Quantum Forum con…

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Ep. 241 Sudha Sai 1:15:59

3M ago1:15:59

1:15:59

Sudha Sai is a contemporary Indian-American singer-songwriter based in Philadelphia, PA. She seamlessly blends the modern-day Pop, R&B, and Bollywood styles with hints of classical South Indian vocals and acoustic and electric guitars to render an ethereal and imaginative ambiance to your familiar and beloved tunes. Unique in the resonance of her v…

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Chicagoverse 345 - Live Event Strategies With Industry Professionals (Live @ Soho House Chicago) 31:39

3M ago31:39

31:39

Heidi Auvenshine, Marketing and Partnerships Director of The Playpen Chicago™, and Jordan Williams, Founder at Chicago Run Collective and Press & Play Cafe, come together for the Live Event Strategies With Industry Professionals Dynasty Panelcast at Soho House Chicago. Williams and Auvenshine share what goes into activating a successful event, from…

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Ep. 240 Jennah Vox 25:26

3M ago25:26

25:26

Lost episode after the great hack of November 2024: Here we talk to singer-songwriter Jennah Vox about her latest single, "Atlas," which dropped on October 23, 2024. It was a fun interview, and we learn a lot about Jennah Vox's creative process and developing music style.

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Chicagoverse 344 - Lisa Nucci (Choose Chicago) 27:41

4M ago27:41

27:41

Dynasty Podcasts returns to Choose Chicago to speak with Lisa Nucci, the agency's Chief Marketing Officer, about the new Never Done, Never Outdone campaign. Nucci shares the origins and objectives of the new City of Chicago marketing campaign, detailing how the tourism office connected with residents from all corners of the city for their input on …

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Ep. 239 Dina Renee 47:45

4M ago47:45

47:45

Dina Renée is redefining pop with soul and purpose with her latest single "Glow Up". It's a warm welcome to empowerment pop. Think shimmering melodies with a raw heart, written for anyone who’s been through the fire and is ready to rise. Her music isn’t just catchy—it’s a lifeline. After losing her mother to cancer and a close friend to domestic gu…

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Chicagoverse 343 - Developing Your Voice as a Content Creator (Live @ Soho House) 35:31

4M ago35:31

35:31

Chicago creators Madeline Ford, Gianna Rieger (aka @g.wizzle_), and Dan Ways (aka Dan Hemenway) speak on the Developing Your Voice as a Content Creator Dynasty Panelcasts event at Soho House Chicago. The three social and digital creators share insights into their process and how they've developed and defined their unique online voices. They also op…

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Chicagoverse 342 - Lizzie Everett x Catherine Everett (@twosauced x Family Dinner x Saucy Media House) 29:58

4M ago29:58

29:58

Lizzie Everett and Catherine Everett of @twosauced return to Dynasty Podcasts to speak about their new entrepreneurial ventures in an interview recorded at Tortello. The content creator sisters share details about their new social dining series Family Dinner, offering their thoughts on expanding into longform storytelling on YouTube. The Everetts a…

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Ep. 238 The Resilient Creative - A Conversation with Jamillah Robinson 1:00:46

4M ago1:00:46

1:00:46

A secluded creative from Philadelphia, Jamillah's path was shaped by her hands-on family and a traumatic event that led to her withdrawal. While raising two daughters, she honed her skills as an artist, photographer's assistant, and designer. Now, she reemerges, stepping in front of the camera to integrate her diverse, behind-the-scenes talents int…

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Echoes of Emotion | Dominique Fricot – Ep. 12 1:41:13

4M ago1:41:13

1:41:13

Today we’re joined by Dominique Fricot, a soulful musician from British Columbia whose emotional songwriting has helped him process life’s hardships and connect deeply with others. In addition to his solo work, Dominique has performed with groups like Flora Falls and Folk Road Show, bringing his heartfelt music to audiences around the world. From q…

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Chicagoverse 341- Dario Monni x Jill Gray (Tortello Pastificio) 33:19

4M ago33:19

33:19

Jaime Black visits Tortello Pastificio in Wicker Park to interview Dario Monni, the pasta shop'sChef and Co-owner, and Co-owner Jill Gray. Monni and Gray speak on the level of care that goes into every element of managing Tortello, from the emphasis on high quality ingredients to the menu offerings and more. Monni also shares his culinary inspir…

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Chicagoverse 340 - Henry Cai (3LP) 21:25

4M ago21:25

21:25

Jaime Black visits upscale Chinese fast food spot 3LP to talk to restaurant owner and entrepreneur Henry Cai. Cai speaks on the journey of taking 3LP from an Instagram order concept to a ghost kitchen project to setting up shop in a brick and mortar location in the Bridgeport neighborhood. The restaurateur also shares how collaborations with local …

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Finding Rhythm and Purpose | Marvelin Ep. 11 1:14:10

4M ago1:14:10

1:14:10

Today, we’re joined by Marvelin, an electrifying beatboxer whose energy and talent light up every stage he touches. With a Third Place finish at the World BBX Championships and the title of German Beatbox Champion in 2022, Marvelin has cemented his place among the world’s best. But his impact goes beyond performance: as a co-founder of Beatbox Germ…

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Chicagoverse 339 - Drew Brinkoetter x Chris Tilson (Goose) 30:36

4M ago30:36

30:36

Entrepreneurs Drew Brinkoetter and Chris Tilson guest on Dynasty Podcasts to share what goes into managing Goose, the Chicago-based operating system for pet care companies. Brinkoetter and Tilson speak about Goose raising $13.4M in seed funding and share how that funding empowers the company to better serve pet care businesses. The co-founders also…

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Chicagoverse 338 - Ari Bendersky (Something Glorious) 30:02

4M ago30:02

30:02

Chicago journalist Ari Bendersky guests on Dynasty Podcasts to talk about his Something Glorious Substack blog, which focuses on F+B, travel, and more, and details what goes into sustaining an independent media project. Bendersky speaks on how Chicago's local media scene has changed in recent years, and how he's adapted his own freelancing work as …

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Ep. 237 Robin Williams Sr 1:02:45

4M ago1:02:45

1:02:45

Robin Williams Sr., the son of gospel icon Marion Williams, is a globally recognized musician, producer, and songwriter. He leads Poetik Sol Sound, a collaborative writing duo with his wife, directs the music for the film “Poetik Blues: A Sistah’s Story,” and produced “The Legendary Marion Williams,” which is currently available for streaming on Am…

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Changing the World Through Music | Granda Boys - Ep. 10 56:06

5M ago56:06

56:06

Today, we’re joined by the Ganda Boys — an electrifying duo from Uganda who fuse Afrobeat rhythms with Western influences to create a sound that’s as powerful as it is unforgettable. From being commissioned as the band on a BBC show to collaborating with Grammy-nominated artists, their journey has taken them across the globe, always bringing energy…

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Chicagoverse 337 - Alexander Tammaru x Moon Abbott (New Generation Filmmakers Forum) 31:23

5M ago31:23

31:23

Alexander Tammaru and Moon Abbott, Co-Founders and Festival Directors at New Generation Filmmakers Forum, guest on Dynasty Podcasts to discuss their growing film festival operation. The Co-Founders speak on the mission of supporting independent filmmakers through the annual New Generation Filmmakers Forum, and share their thoughts on making films i…

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Authenticity Through Adversity | Josh Whitehouse - Ep. 9 1:39:11

5M ago1:39:11

1:39:11

Today’s guest is Josh Whitehouse — a multi-talented musician, actor, and creative force. Though he first set out to be a painter, Josh found early success with his band More Like Trees, performing intimate sets in the early days of Sofar Sounds. His journey has since taken him from small stages to starring roles on the big screen. With an unwaverin…

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Chicagoverse 336 - Wesley Julian x Winter Davis (Independent Film Alliance Chicago) 29:31

5M ago29:31

29:31

Wesley Julian and Winter Davis, Executive Director and Events and Volunteer Manager, respectively, at the Independent Film Alliance Chicago, guest on Dynasty Podcasts to share how the IFA supports Chicago filmmakers. Julian and Davis reveal how independent filmmakers can find community and connectivity through the IFA Chicago's member events and vo…

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From the Streets to the Podium | El Grande - Ep. 8 1:09:34

5M ago1:09:34

1:09:34

Today, we are joined by El Grande. An incredibly talented beatboxer from Peru, currently residing in Berlin. El Grande started his career by performing on the streets and capturing everyone's attention. He has honed his craft, which has led him to win the German beatbox championship four times. He is a true inspiration in the beatbox community. Tun…

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Chicagoverse 335 - Vincent Shade (CineCity Studios) 25:28

5M ago25:28

25:28

Dynasty Podcasts visits CineCity Studios to connect with Vincent Shade, CineCity's Director of Media and Cinematic Development. Shade shares CineCity's role in Chicago film industries, and details the myriad of services the studio and film hub offers to productions across movies, TV, commercials, and more. The Director of Media and Cinematic Develo…

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Finding a Home On the Stage | Will Church-Ep. 7 1:34:48

5M ago1:34:48

1:34:48

Today, we are joined by Will Church, an incredibly talented Berlin-based singer-songwriter. In his career, he has worked with major artists like Paradigm and James Carter, gained over 120 million Spotify streams, and was part of The Voice of Germany in 2021. He is most comfortable on a stage and has brought his music to to some many. Join us to hea…

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Chicagoverse 334 - DIY Filmmaking In Chicago (Live @ Soho House Chicago) 42:48

6M ago42:48

42:48

Three visual professionals, Sarah Minnie (Head of Artist Development and Production at OTV | Open Television), McKenzie Chinn (Director, 'A Real One'), and Armin Korsos (Founder, Director at Caymanite, Founder at Filmmaker Friday Chicago), come together for DIY Filmmaking In Chicago, a Dynasty Panelcasts conversation recorded at Soho House Chicago.…

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Freedom Through Rhythm | Michael Sebastian – Ep. 6 1:11:11

6M ago1:11:11

1:11:11

Today we’re joined by Michael Sebastian, a talented musician and live dance artist from South Africa. Known for his electrifying performances, Michael blends electronic, world, and jazz influences to craft a sound that’s both vibrant and unforgettable. From performing on street corners to lighting up stages at festivals like Green Man and Secret Ga…

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Chicagoverse 333 - Brian Siedband x Gordy Sang (Quality Meats Creative) 31:39

6M ago31:39

31:39

Brian Siedband and Gordy Sang, Co-Founders and Co-CCOs at Quality Meats Creative, join Dynasty Podcasts to talk about what goes into running an independent creative agency. The co-founders speak on the growth of and positive reception to Quality Meats, detail what makes a client a good fit for the agency, and share their reaction to Quality Meats b…

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Building Resilience Through Beatboxing | Footbox G - Ep. 5 1:31:57

6M ago1:31:57

1:31:57

Today, we are joined by Footbox G, an inspiring beatboxer from Belgium. From growing up small town to performing on some of the biggest beatbox stages, Footbox has brought his unique style to the beatboxing community. Footbox has taken his failures to perfect his craft to become an incredibly talented and well-recognized beatboxer in the community.…

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Chicagoverse 332 - John Geletka (Geletka+) 21:39

6M ago21:39

21:39

Geletka+ founder John Geletka guests on Dynasty Podcasts to talk about his Chicago-based creative agency. Geletka recalls his extensive creative industry experience and details the agency's pandemic-era origins. He also shares what clients get from working with Geletka+ and speaks on the the agency's Rare Sightings production division.…

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Using Identity to Build Community | Kevin Ahn Kwang Soo Groen - Ep. 4 1:34:53

6M ago1:34:53

1:34:53

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Kevin Ahn Aweng Woo Ghoen, a spoken word artist and behavior change expert who uses the power of language to challenge, inspire, and spark reflection. Adopted from Korea and raised in the Netherlands, Kevin draws on his personal journey and lived experiences to craft poetry that dives deep into the struggles and …

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Chicagoverse 331 - Shelby Georgis (HLK) 18:14

6M ago18:14

18:14

Shelby Georgis, Partner and CCO at creative house HLK, visits Dynasty Podcasts to speak about the agency's new Chicago location. Georgis shares what led to the St. Louis firm opening a Chicago office, and offers her take on the Midwestern work ethic. The Partner and CCO also talks about the impact of in-person work on younger professionals, revea…

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Chicagoverse 330 - Breaking Into Chicago Tech (Live @ Soho House Chicago) 30:07

6M ago30:07

30:07

Three Chicago business leaders come together for a Dynasty Panelcasts event on Breaking Into Chicago Tech at Soho House Chicago. Sophie Sturdevant, Director, Content Marketing at Intersect Illinois, Trenton Dunn, Director, ThinkChicago at World Business Chicago, and Tifair Hamed, Chief Growth Officer at P33 speak about the state of Chicago tech, an…