House Stuff

Jason Merel
  • 1.0 (1)
  • LEISURE

I’m Jason Merel, residential real estate agent on the North Shore, in Chicago, and the surrounding suburbs, and I want to welcome you to House Stuff. This is where we unravel the fabric of our community and uncover some of the secrets of the people who are trying to make it better. I’ll be speaking with professionals from all walks of life who have an extraordinary passion for their careers and undoubtedly a direct impact on our lives. My mission is to entertain, educate, and connect us through the stories that happen behind the scenes.Stay tuned for eye-opening conversations, captivating stories, and the inside scoop on all things home-related. Thanks for joining me, and I hope you enjoy! If you have questions for my guests or want to connect, please check out all social media and podcast platforms for contact details. Remember, this podcast is all about community, and I want to share these amazing people with all of you. And if you or someone you know would make a delightful guest on the show, don't hesitate to reach out. Jason Merel, Real Estate Agent - The Gimbel Group, eXp Realty North Shore | Chicago | Surrounding Suburbs jason.merel@exprealty.com | (312) 217-6930 | @movewithmerel House Stuff: Get It Together!

  1. Dan Shapiro

    11/13/2025

    Dan Shapiro

    In this episode, I sit down with Mayor Dan Shapiro of Deerfield for a wide-ranging and engaging conversation about leadership, community, and what it takes to guide a village that means so much to so many. We talk about his journey into public service, what he’s learned from leading through both challenges and growth, and how Deerfield continues to evolve while holding onto the values that make it special. Mayor Shapiro also shares his personal side, from favorite local spots and family traditions to the music, food, and TV that keep him grounded. Thoughtful, genuine, and full of insight, this episode offers a look behind the scenes at how strong communities are built, and the people who make them thrive. Dan's Contact Information and Social Media: -dshapiro@deerfield.il.us LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-shapiro-4498343a/ Website: https://www.shapiroassociateslaw.com/ Jason's Contact Information and Social Media: -jason.merel@exprealty.com | (312) 217-6930 -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/movewithmerel/ -Website: movewithmerelblack.com/ -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movewithmerel/ -TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@movewithmerel

    31 min
  2. Dr. Michael Lubelfeld

    01/07/2025

    Dr. Michael Lubelfeld

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Michael Lubelfeld, Superintendent of North Shore School District 112. He's been a public school superintendent in Illinois since 2010 and currently serves nearly 4,000 students across nine schools. With a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola University Chicago, Mike is an accomplished educator, author, and leadership mentor. He’s co-authored several books, including The Unlearning Leader and The Unfinished Leader, and has presented on educational leadership globally. We discuss his journey to becoming a superintendent in one of the best school districts in the nation and his passion for building leaders of tomorrow. We also tap into Mike's favorite shows and movies, tastes in music, his ideal meal, and some of his favorite destinations on the planet. Dr. Mike is a beacon of inspiration for the community and you'll really enjoy learning about him! Mike's Contact Information and Social Media: -mlubelfeld@nssd112.org | (224) 765-3002 -Instagram: www.instagram.com/mike.lubelfeld/ -LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michaellubelfeld/ -X/Twitter: @mikelubelfeld Jason's Contact Information and Social Media: -jason.merel@exprealty.com | (312) 217-6930 -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/movewithmerel/ -Website: movewithmerel.com -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movewithmerel/ -TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@movewithmerel

    35 min
  3. Ben Cohen

    12/04/2024

    Ben Cohen

    In this episode, we sit down with Ben Cohen, Managing Director of Rate and one of the top mortgage originators in the U.S. With nearly two decades of experience, Ben has helped thousands of clients achieve their homeownership dreams by providing personalized mortgage solutions tailored to their financial goals. Ben’s accolades include being ranked among the Top 10 loan originators in the country and #1 in Illinois multiple times. We discuss his journey to becoming a leader in the mortgage industry, his approach to building trust with clients and business partners, and his dedication to making the home buying process smooth and empowering for everyone. We also tap into Ben's favorite shows and movies, tastes in music, his ideal meal, and some of the best places he's traveled to on vacation. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an investor, or just curious about the mortgage world, this episode is packed with insights! Ben's Contact Information and Social Media: -Ben@rate.com | (312) 339-5533 -Website: https://www.rate.com/loan-officers/ben-cohen-217528 -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bencohenlends/ -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bencohenrate/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benny.t.cohen Jason's Contact Information and Social Media: -jason.merel@exprealty.com | (312) 217-6930 -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/movewithmerel/ -Website: movewithmerel.com -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movewithmerel/ -TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@movewithmerel

    40 min
  4. Mike and Carly Hanna

    11/21/2024

    Mike and Carly Hanna

    This one is truly a family affair! Listen up as I sit down with father and daughter team, Mike and Carly Hanna. Mike began Comfort Air Control, where he still serves as consultant to his son, Louis, but has been doing property inspections for over 20 years. He also started Hanna Radon Detection Services, where his daughter, Carly, now runs the business. Their respective origins serve as great stories, and falling into these service industries have been the best thing to ever happen to their family. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did interviewing them! Mike's Contact Information... -Website: www.hannapropertyinspection.com/home.html -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-hanna-65a6983b/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.hanna.775 Carly's Contact Information... -Website: www.hannapropertyinspection.com/home.html -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannaradondetection/ -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carly-hanna-92331411a/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566981572084 Jason's contact information... -Phone | Email: (312) 217-6930 | jason.merel@exprealty.com -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/movewithmerel/ -Website: movewithmerel.com -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movewithmerel/ -TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@movewithmerel

    36 min
  5. Jonathan Merel

    11/10/2024

    Jonathan Merel

    It's a family affair...Listen up as I sit down with one of the sharpest legal minds in all of Chicago, my cousin, Jonathan Merel. We dive into how he was drawn to practicing family law, what keeps him going, and how he's become one of the most sought after lawyers in the area. We also cover Jonathan's favorite TV shows and movies, his favorite musical artists, the ideal meal, and where he likes to travel with and without family. This is a can't miss, and you will be thoroughly entertained! Jonathan's Contact Information... -Website: https://merelfamilylaw.com/ -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merelfamilylaw/ -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanmerel/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merelfamilylaw -TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themodernfamilylawyer Jason's contact information... -Phone | Email: (312) 217-6930 | jason.merel@exprealty.com -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/movewithmerel/ -Website: movewithmerel.com -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movewithmerel/ -TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@movewithmerel Move with Merel!

    35 min
  6. Louis Hanna

    10/29/2024

    Louis Hanna

    Listen up as I sit down with Deerfield's own, Louis Hanna! Louis owns and operates Comfort Air Control, an HVAC specialist on the North Shore of Chicago. We discuss how he got into this business and how he's become so successful in the area without doing much advertising. The Deerfield Dads crew can attest to his prowess, that's for sure! We also hear about his background, hopes and dreams, and even dive into his personal life. You may be as shocked as I was when you learn about his music preferences, or lack thereof...sit back and enjoy! Louis' contact information... -Website: https://www.comfortaircontrolinc.com/ -Insta: https://www.instagram.com/louisjhanna -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-hanna-700207271/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Louis.Hanna4/ Jason's contact information... -Phone | Email: (312) 217-6930 | jason.merel@exprealty.com -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/movewithmerel/ -Website: movewithmerel.com -Insta: https://www.instagram.com/movewithmerel/ -TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@movewithmerel Move with Merel!

    32 min
  7. Heather Redisch

    10/14/2024

    Heather Redisch

    Listen in as I sit down with Highland Park's own Heather Redisch! She's the talent behind Adulting 101-Masterclass and The Talent Maven, both extraordinary businesses you should know about. We talk about her journey from NYC back to the North Shore of Chicago, what's plaguing Gen Z in the workplace, and how she's working tirelessly to fix those problems. We also discuss her favorite TV shows and movies, music, and her ideal meal. Not least of which, we revisit one of my favorite stories from our time at the University of Wisconsin-Madison...spoiler alert: the Chris Farley encounter :) You will love this interview, enjoy! Heather's contact information... -Adulting 101 Masterclass: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adulting-101-masterclass/ -Website: https://thetalentmaven.com/about-us/ -Insta: https://www.instagram.com/the_talentmaven/?hl=en -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherredisch/ -TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adulting101masterclass Jason's contact information... -Phone | Email: (312) 217-6930 | jason.merel@exprealty.com -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/movewithmerel/ -Website: movewithmerel.com -Insta: https://www.instagram.com/movewithmerel/ -TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@movewithmerel Move with Merel!

    44 min
  8. Nancy Katz

    04/27/2024

    Nancy Katz

    Listen up as I chat with Nancy Katz, the Clutter Consultant! She explains her life, her love, and her passion for decluttering! Her soothing voice only reconfirms the notion that she can tackle any mess standing in her way! We also hit Nancy's favorite food and music, so you won't want to miss that! Enjoy! Want more of Nancy? Here you go: nancybkatz.com/ Want more of me? movewithmerel.com / @movewithmerel / (312) 217-6930 / jason.merel@exprealty.com

    55 min
See All (13)

About

I’m Jason Merel, residential real estate agent on the North Shore, in Chicago, and the surrounding suburbs, and I want to welcome you to House Stuff. This is where we unravel the fabric of our community and uncover some of the secrets of the people who are trying to make it better. I’ll be speaking with professionals from all walks of life who have an extraordinary passion for their careers and undoubtedly a direct impact on our lives. My mission is to entertain, educate, and connect us through the stories that happen behind the scenes.Stay tuned for eye-opening conversations, captivating stories, and the inside scoop on all things home-related. Thanks for joining me, and I hope you enjoy! If you have questions for my guests or want to connect, please check out all social media and podcast platforms for contact details. Remember, this podcast is all about community, and I want to share these amazing people with all of you. And if you or someone you know would make a delightful guest on the show, don't hesitate to reach out. Jason Merel, Real Estate Agent - The Gimbel Group, eXp Realty North Shore | Chicago | Surrounding Suburbs jason.merel@exprealty.com | (312) 217-6930 | @movewithmerel House Stuff: Get It Together!

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Merel
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    13