Living In Chicago Jake Lyons

Meet Toy Hawkins, a resident of the Douglas neighborhood with deep roots in Chicago, who shares her journey from Woodlawn to Hollywood as a TV producer. We discuss the evolution of her childhood neighborhood, Chicago's real estate landscape, and Toy's successful projects like "That Girl Lay Lay" and "Kingdom Business," among others. The conversation dives into the impact of Chicago's culture on her career, future goals, and the importance of family heritage. Tune in to hear about the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that defines Toy’s story.
The Living in Chicago Podcast is where I, Jake Lyons, get to interview all kinds of people about the Chicago neighborhoods they live in, work in, and play in. This way, you can learn about the lifestyle pros and cons of various neighborhoods directly from the people who live there (or maybe even learn something new about your own neighborhood!)
More from Toy:
https://www.instagram.com/toymonique/
https://www.netflix.com/title/81443738
Follow/Watch Living In Chicago: 
LIC - YouTube, Insta, LinkedIn, FB, TikTok, etc.
Want to be a guest on the show?
https://www.livinginchicago.com/guest-form
About The Host:
https://linktr.ee/jakelyonsrealtor
Real Estate in areas discussed:
https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/douglas/
Real Estate Quick Start Questionnaire 
https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/form/
 
 

Explore the vibrant heart of the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago in this episode featuring key figures from the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce. Delve into the dynamic art scene, local businesses, and community efforts that characterize this unique neighborhood. Listen as guests Amy Czarkowski, Christina Pecce, and Gene Wagendorf III share their experiences of the areas they live and work in, highlighting events like the Ravenswood Art Walk, and discuss the fabric of creativity and connection that defines Ravenswood.
The Living in Chicago Podcast is where I, Jake Lyons, get to interview all kinds of people about the Chicago neighborhoods they live in, work in, and play in. This way, you can learn about the lifestyle pros and cons of various neighborhoods directly from the people who live there (or maybe even learn something new about your own neighborhood!)
More from the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce:
https://ravenswoodchicago.org/
Follow/Watch Living In Chicago: 
LIC - YouTube, Insta, LinkedIn, FB, TikTok, etc.
Want to be a guest on the show?
https://www.livinginchicago.com/guest-form
About The Host:
https://linktr.ee/jakelyonsrealtor
Real Estate in areas discussed:
https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/uptown/
https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/lincoln-square/
https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/edgewater/
https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/north-center/
Real Estate Quick Start Questionnaire 
https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/form/
Local Businesses Mentioned:
https://business.ravenswoodchicago.org/list/

Ayo Akinokun is a tech consultant and multifaceted artist living in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood. In this episode we discuss Ayo's global journey from Nigeria to Chicago and his experiences, insights, and love for the eclectic Uptown area. We delve into Ayo's creative pursuits, including acting and singing, and how living in Chicago has influenced his career and personal growth. The episode provides a deep dive into the cultural diversity of Uptown, Ayo’s views on the neighborhood's hidden gems, and his journey across various countries before calling Chicago home.
The Living in Chicago Podcast is where I, Jake Lyons, get to interview all kinds of people about the Chicago neighborhoods they live in, work in, and play in. This way, you can learn about the lifestyle pros and cons of various neighborhoods directly from the people who live there (or maybe even learn something new about your own neighborhood!)
More from Ayo Akinokun:
https://www.instagram.com/ayo_mazing/
Follow/Watch Living In Chicago: 
LIC - YouTube, Insta, LinkedIn, FB, TikTok, etc.
Want to be a guest on the show?
livinginchicago.com/guest-form
About The Host:
linktr.ee/jakelyonsrealtor
Real Estate in areas discussed:
https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/uptown/
Real Estate Quick Start Questionnaire 
https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/form/
Local Businesses Mentioned:
Iyanze Cafe

Jay Towns is a professional photographer, advertising creative, and up and coming actor (he has an IMDB account!) currently living in the Lincoln Park area after a short stint in West Loop Gate after graduating from Northwestern in Evanston. We discuss his experience of these neighborhoods, various aspects of city life more broadly, ethics in advertising, and much more!
The Living in Chicago Podcast is where I, Jake Lyons, get to interview all kinds of people about the Chicago neighborhoods they live in, work in, and play in. This way, you can learn about the lifestyle pros and cons of various neighborhoods directly from the people who live there (or maybe even learn something new about your own neighborhood!)
More from Jay Towns:
IMDB
instagram.com/jaytowns/
Follow/Watch Living In Chicago: 
LIC - YouTube, Insta, LinkedIn, FB, TikTok, etc.
Want to be a guest on the show?
livinginchicago.com/guest-form
About The Host:
linktr.ee/jakelyonsrealtor
Real Estate in areas discussed:
thechicagohomesource.com/lincolnpark/
Real Estate Quick Start Questionnaire 
https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/form/
Local Businesses Mentioned:
Cafe Baba Reba
 
Old Town School of Music
 
Bourgeois Pig
 
The Gatsby

In this episode of "Living in Chicago," host Jake Lyons interviews Kerry Bowler, an events industry veteran currently with Smith & Wollensky, about living in the Aqua Tower and the Lakeshore East neighborhood. Kerry shares insights on the area's hidden gems, local amenities, and the vibrant lifestyle it offers, emphasizing the neighborhood's safety, walkability, and proximity to cultural activities. The conversation delves into the evolution of Chicago's Riverwalk and local real estate, highlighting the unique living experience in this part of Chicago.
The Living in Chicago Podcast is where I, Jake Lyons, get to interview all kinds of people about the Chicago neighborhoods they live in, work in, and play in. This way, you can learn about the lifestyle pros and cons of various neighborhoods directly from the people who live there (or maybe even learn something new about your own neighborhood!)
More from Kerry Bowler/Smith & Wollensky:
smithandwollensky.com/private-events/
Follow/Watch Living In Chicago: 
LIC - YouTube, Insta, LinkedIn, FB, TikTok, etc.
Want to be a guest on the show?
livinginchicago.com/guest-form
About The Host:
linktr.ee/jakelyonsrealtor
Real Estate in areas discussed:
thechicagohomesource.com/loop/
Real Estate Quick Start Questionnaire 
https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/form/
Local Businesses Mentioned:
Monarch and Lion
https://www.monarchandlion.com/
Avli
https://www.avli.us/
Robert's Pizza
https://www.robertspizzacompany.com/

Rick Kronenburger is a resident of the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago who has been there long enough to see the explosion of growth in this area from the ground up. In this episode we discuss what that growth trajectory has looked like, the appeal it has to major corporations moving to the area, the local restaurant scene, and much more!
The Living in Chicago Podcast is where I, Jake Lyons, get to interview all kinds of people about the Chicago neighborhoods they live in, work in, and play in. This way, you can learn about the lifestyle pros and cons of various neighborhoods directly from the people who live there (or maybe even learn something new about your own neighborhood!)
Follow/Watch Living In Chicago: 
LIC - YouTube, Insta, LinkedIn, FB, TikTok, etc.
Want to be a guest on the show?
livinginchicago.com/guest-form
About The Host:
linktr.ee/jakelyonsrealtor
Real Estate in areas discussed:
thechicagohomesource.com/west-loop/
Real Estate Quick Start Questionnaire 
https://www.thechicagohomesource.com/form/
Local Businesses Mentioned:
Fig Tree: figtreechicago.com/ Pete's Market: https://www.petesfresh.com/ Lou Malnati's: https://www.loumalnatis.com/ Viaggio: https://viaggiochicago.com/ Talay Thai: www.talaychicago.com​​.