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Melvin Knight joins me at the Illinois College of Media's audio suite to tell me about the influences behind his soulful sound. From his mother, an accomplished opera singer, to Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, Melvin brings me on a journey through his amazingly rich musical past. Then, we put it all together and hear his new single with his fabulous band The Amber Sky, "Ice Cream," and he tells me about his upcoming album, Shades oF Us.

They play Weezer. They play Elton John. They play Stacy's Mom. They're The Hitmen of Chicago, also known as your new favorite night out!

The band is composed of: composer and pianoman Ben Montalbano from indie folk band Matthaus (my first ever guest on Lise.FM), singer/songwriter Dan Durley (my second ever guest on Lise.FM), Erik Opland from Fay Ray (FKA Church Booty), Danny Masterson (voice of an angel, guitar playing skills of the devil) and Justin Peters (a singing drummer who loves Bowie, need I say more?.

They tell me about how it feels to start a super group in their 20s, how they managed to compile a set list containing both "Tiny Dancer" AND "Stacy's Mom," and where they see this group going (like your sister's wedding, if she's still looking for a band!)

Episode 43 - Homegrown Chicago band Forest Home joins me in studio to talk about the makings of their unique indie math-rock sound. Members Kevin, Andy, Alayne & Eric take turns talking about the influences they bring to the table - from Weezer & Radiohead to Sleater Kinney, Forth Wanderers and This Town Needs Guns - and how they work together to synthesize all of these into one cohesive and unique, “Forest Homey” sound. At the end of our chat, they debut “Above Me,” a track off their forthcoming album, Wastement.

Episode 42: I spend an hour with Paul Rust, creator, executive producer and starring actor of LOVE on Netflix! He tells me about pitching the concept as a movie with his wife and co-creator Lesley Arfin to Judd Apatow, and why they decided to turn it into a show instead. He also tells me about his influences, which range from Pee-Wee, to Paul Thomas-Anderson, to Prince (a fellow midwestern boy, like Paul himself). He also tells me why he loves to create joyous, light-hearted comedies and gives me a peek into what’s to come on the final season of (what happens to be my favorite show) LOVE!

Photocred: Never Not Notes

Jimmie Swagger, founder of the amazing Boy Toys Pocket Cabaret joins me to talk about his journey from cheerleading to burlesque, he tells me about where he gets his fiery confidence from and he sites some other performers and choreographers who he gets inspiration from. Oh, and he also teaches me how to remove a sleeve ;)

Music this week by the amazing @arne-parrott - find out more on his website aptunes.com

EPISODE 40: Celebrity Fitness Expert Andrea Metcalf joins me to tell me all about her latest business venture and passion: Studios Fuse. Chicago's very first "fitness mall," Studios Fuse features four amazingly fun and unique boutique work-out spaces: from indoor surf core to glow in the dark yoga. But I find out in our conversation that this isn't what defines Andrea: she's a long time fitness instructor, broadcaster and entrepreneur. She tells me about her five biggest influences - from Jane Fonda, who she got to sat down with and interview, to Chicago media leader and client/friend of her's, Larry Wert. Along the way, Andrea shares some amazingly astute observations on the ever-transforming health & fitness industry, collaboration both in the fitness studio and the TV studio and the importance of finding a work out that you love.

I reckon you'll find one you simply adore at Studios Fuse, located at 2215 N Halsted in Chicago. I'll meet you there for a juice and an avocado toast at their Juice RX bar after your amazingly entertaining and efficient workout :)

The music on today's show is "Your Heartbeat Is" by the sparking queen of the Chicago glitch pop scene and former guest of this very show, @emilybluemusic. You can find it wherever you listen to your music 3