Chicagoverse 127 - Alex Fruchter (Closed Sessions)

J​aime Black catches up with Tyler Michael Balentine​, Programmer/Curator​ at Music Box Theatre​ and FACETS​ and Host/Producer of The Thursday Script​ on Que4 Radio, in an interview recorded in Theatre 2 of the Music Box.Balentine​ delves into his film programming work and his focus on showcasing Black filmmakers and filmmakers of color on the big screen, including curating programming around Black History Month​ and Juneteenth​.T​he programmer also speaks on the current renaissance of Black filmmakers in Chicago, including 2025 Dynasty Podcasts guestGeorge Ellzey Jr.​, and reveals what goes into interviewing local film industry professionals every week on his Que4 Radio​ show The Thursday Script​.

9 Helmi 38min

​Jaime Black visits the home of Chef Andy Suarez for a deep dive into the world of a private chef.Chef Andy reveals the journey that led to him launching his own private cooking business, and shares the skills he gained along the way.Chef Andy also delves into the diversity of his culinary offerings, services, and clients, the latter of which includes cooking both on Lake Michigan and on land for The Playpen Chicago.He also explains that you don’t need to be a celebrity to hire a private chef, previews plans for expanding his business, speaks on the entrepreneurial logistics of running a private chef business, and more.

2 Helmi 21min

Jaime Black sits down with Tony Frausto, Partner @ Jōtō Sushi, to delve into the West Loop spot’s dry-aged offerings.Frausto details how his previous culinary industry experience, including time with the Boka Restaurant Group, impacted his current role at Jōtō Sushi. The restaurant partner also shares how Jōtō Sushi continues the spirit of Jinsei Motto and explains how CH Distillery paved the way for the sushi restaurant.Frausto also describes the difference dry-aging fish makes across Jōtō Sushi’s menu, and speaks on the challenges of making Jeppson’s Malört shine among the restaurant’s cocktail offerings.

28 Tammi 14min

Jaime Black connects with Nathan Graber-Lipperman, Writer and Publisher at Creator Mag and Founder at Powder Blue, for a deep dive on the creator economy.Graber-Lipperman details his beginnings in the worlds of social and media, recalling his time working with popular creator team Colin & Samir. The writer and publisher speaks on the origins of and motivations for launching his Creator Mag and Powder Blue ventures, emphasizes his mission of curating community through live events, and shares his thoughts on Chicago as a city for creators.(Note: This episode was recorded prior to the announcement of retiring Creator Mag’s print edition.)

26 Tammi 38min

Dynasty Podcasts host Jaime Black visits Kindling to interview Chef Jonathon Sawyer.Chef Sawyer speaks on bringing his vision and personality to dishes he’s passionate about at Kindling and his Sawyer’s Supper events, reveals how becoming happy with himself elevated both his personal and professional life, and shares why he looks for curiosity in his kitchen talent.The culinary professional also offers insights into his role as Host Chef of this year’s First Bites Bash, which kicks off Choose Chicago‘s Chicago Restaurant Week on Thursday, January 22nd at the Field Museum, details what Kindling is offering for this year’s Chicago Restaurant Week, and shares the spots he’s looking to visit during CRW 2026.

21 Tammi 18min

Jordan Engerman, Vice President of Partnerships at Choose Chicago, guests on Dynasty Podcasts to preview Choose Chicago’s Chicago Restaurant Week and the First Bites Bash.Engerman reveals what to expect from the First Bites Bash, the kick-off party for Chicago Restaurant Week happening January 22nd at the Field Museum, and shares why Chef Jonathon Sawyer from Kindling is the right choice for Chef Host of this year’s event. (And look for Chef Jonathon Sawyer to guest on the episode after this one, Dynasty Podcasts: Chicagoverse #37​7.)The VP of Partnerships also speaks on the scope and diversity of the more than 550 restaurants participating in this year’s Chicago Restaurant Week, happening January 23rd through February 8th at restaurants across the Chicagoland area. Engerman shares a few spots that diners shouldn’t miss, emphasizes the importance of not just trying new restaurants but also exploring neighborhoods you haven’t visited before, and previews what’s ahead for both Chicago and Choose Chicago in 2026.

19 Tammi 29min

Culinary entrepreneur Mindy Segal ​guests on Dynasty Podcasts in an interview recorded at Mindy’s Bakery​.Segal ​​details her cooking and baking style, comparing it to a freeform method akin to jazz and improvisation, and reflects on how working in different kitchens in Chicago informed her own process.The bak​ing entrepreneur also ​reveals how the pandemic factored into the transition from her previous concept, Hot Chocolate​, to Mindy’s Bakery in the present, and speaks on her leadership style when it comes to her staff and engaging with customers.

14 Tammi 18min

Dr. Aymar Jean “AJ” Escoffery, Co-Founder at OTV | Open Television and Professor and Director at the Master of Science in Leadership for Creative Enterprises and Margaret Walker Professor of Communication Studies at Northwestern University, guests on Dynasty Podcasts to talk independent media and creative entrepreneurship in higher ed.Dr. Escoffery offers a deep dive into Northwestern’s Master of Science in Leadership for Creative Enterprises program, detailing the school’s curriculum and opportunities for students in the arts and media concentrations seeking to turn their creative pursuits into a career.He also explains how the MSLCE taps into Northwestern’s successful alumni network, speaks on the ever-changing role of indie storytelling for entrepreneurs, and shares what goes into developing a successful creative career while living in Chicago.The accomplished media professional also reflects on his own creator journey with independent and intersectional media operation OTV and touches on his recently released book, Reparative Media: Cultivating Stories and Platforms to Heal Our Culture.

12 Tammi 29min