I am Consciously Curious – Details, episodes & analysis

Our next guest is Christine Cikowski, Co-Founder and Chef of Honey Butter Fried Chicken. She's also a part of Sunday Dinner Club, TriBecca's Sandwich Shop, and Honey Butter Beach Club inside SPF Pickleball. We reflect on how HBFC was conceived, the many iterations it's gone through, and how they've maintained longevity through radical transparency and support of their team's dreams. Please enjoy my conversation with Christine Cikowski.

https://www.instagram.com/christinecikowski/
https://www.honeybutter.com/

Our next guest is the Founder of a plant workshop here in Chicago. He goes by @uncommonplantguy. Despite the simple idea for a date night, there is so much more to experience through the lens of creating and caring for a kokedama plant. We reflect on his 13 year journey through stage theater, the lessons he’s learned through almost 10 years of therapy, as well as some themes around the human condition. Please enjoy my conversation with Austin Hunt. 

https://uncommonplantguy.com/

https://www.instagram.com/uncommonplantguy/

Our next guest is the co-owner and Chef behind Boonie’s. Joe reflects on his Filipino-American upbringing, finding the culinary path, and eventually leaning into the Filipino culinary world. We chat about working on yourself, following your intuition, and making time to just live. If you haven’t been to Boonie’s, put it on your list. Joe’s partner, Joyce, sets a wonderful vibe that reminds you of Lola’s home and the sizzling sisig amongst other menu items will have you drooling. Please enjoy my conversation with Joe Fontelera. 

https://www.booniefoods.com/

https://instagram.com/boonieschicago

Https://instagram.com/joefontelera

Our next guest is a ceramic artist who makes dinnerware for almost thirty restaurants in Chicago! I initially stumbled upon him from Thomas Oh and Andy Lim on their En Process Podcast. I then saw him again in the "No Place Like Kasama" documentary by Kerri Pang. We explore his journey of becoming a maker, getting discovered by Chef Michael Carlson, and the philosophy on his process. Please enjoy my conversation with David T. Kim.

https://www.instagram.com/dtkceramics
https://www.instagram.com/iamconsciouslycurious

Our next guest is on a mission to increase access to narcan in Chicago. He witnessed an overdose on the train and unfortunately did not have narcan on him or near him. As a nurse practitioner, we explore his journey into nursing as well as the current state of the industry. It’s experiencing shortages from burnout and the exodus of baby boomer nurses. We explore creating a culture of safety and how a mistake like giving a patient a paralytic instead of a sedative could have happened. We conclude with his initiative to increase awareness of the opioid epidemic as well as increase access to narcan. If you’re interested in following their journey, you can find them on LinkedIn. Please enjoy my conversation with Erik McIntosh. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-mcintosh-2644b128/
https://www.instagram.com/iamconsciouslycurious

Our next guest shares his journey to becoming a neurosurgeon. We explore how to create and navigate opportunities around you to deepen your interest in medicine. He emphasizes the importance of integrity when applying to medical schools, because if you’re willing to lie on this, what else are you willing to lie about? He recalls how work was life as a resident, but it was necessary. When times get tough, remind yourself that you’re training to treat someone’s loved one, and you’re going to want as much experience before you’re on your own. We wrap up with how to cultivate meaningful relationships between mentors and mentees. Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Stephen Magill. 

https://twitter.com/StephenTMagill?s=20
https://www.instagram.com/stephentmagill
https://www.instagram.com/iamconsciouslycurious

Our next guest is the director behind two local documentaries, Shot in the Dark and Cambodian Futures. Shot in the Dark explored the lives of high school basketball students on the west side of Chicago whereas Cambodian Futures explored what Cambodian cuisine might have looked like had the Cambodian genocide not happen through the lens of Chef Ethan Lim. We explore his process from planning, obtaining funding, execution, and submitting to film festivals. Please enjoy my conversation with Dustin Nakao-Haider

https://www.instagram.com/dusty_tho
https://www.instagram.com/iamconsciouslycurious

Watch Cambodian Futures: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD2foE5IrAA

Our next guest is the Illinois Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. At 30 years old, he began to notice weakness and muscle deterioration in his legs. Years go by until he receives a diagnosis of a rare and incurable disease called limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. He has since found joy and community within the food and hospitality scene. He’s collaborated with Paulie Gee’s Logan Square, JP Grazianos, JT’s Genuine, and so many more. A link to donate is in the show notes. Please enjoy my conversation with Billy Zureikat

Billy Z MDA Campaign

https://www.instagram.com/therealbillyz

https://www.instagram.com/iamconsciouslycurious

Our next guest is a professional boxer representing Saudi Arabia and the Arab world. He’s currently training with the legendary Buddy McGirt. I admired his ability to balance his personal life, time with his family, as well as his commitment to training. Boxing is just a vessel. A platform. His legacy will truly come from his time outside of the ring. Please enjoy my conversation with Ziyad Almaayouf aka Zizo. 

https://www.instagram.com/therealzizo
https://www.instagram.com/iamconsciouslycurious

Our next guest had a very tumultuous upbringing and was forced to grow up very quickly. From the moment I met him, I was curious about his ability to bounce from one job to another effortlessly. In this episode, he shares his complicated relationship with his mom as well as where he gets his sense of fulfillment from. Please enjoy my conversation with Genesis Mallari.

https://www.instagram.com/ranchdressingblessing
https://www.instagram.com/iamconsciouslycurious