In this inspiring episode, Chris sits down with Amanda McMillen, Executive Director of The Alive Center, to explore how community-based teen centers empower young people to grow into their best selves. Join the conversation as Amanda shares:-Real-world stories of transformation from teens supported through Alive’s “Teen Led, Teen Driven™” mission-Insight into Alive Center’s dynamic programming across Naperville, Aurora, and Hanover Park, focused on leadership, creativity, resilience, belonging, and mental health-The power of community partnerships, teen leadership, and local advocacy in fostering emotional well-being and confidence among youthIf you care about nurturing the next generation—whether as a parent, educator, counselor, or community leader—this episode is packed with valuable strategies, heartfelt stories, and actionable advice on building inclusive spaces where teens truly thrive. Tune in to learn how The Alive Center is lighting the spark for growth, connection, and leadership in our suburbs.▶️ The Alive Center: https://www.alivecenter.org/▶️ Get in touch with Chris: [email protected] or 708-404-0698▶️ Want to explore real estate in Naperville? Check out www.chrisgrano.com/start-here to find your dream home in the Chicagoland area!Be sure to subscribe to stay updated on more inspiring conversations with our amazing neighbors in Naperville.

n this episode, Chris sits down with the inspiring Noura Almasri, owner of Noura’s Books, an accounting firm supporting small businesses and nonprofits. Noura shares her incredible journey, from her early life in Syria and transitioning into the U.S. to building a successful career in accounting. We dive deep into how her passion for helping refugees shaped her work in nonprofit fundraising and how she now coaches organizations to thrive and maximize their impact. If you’re looking for inspiration, business growth strategies, or tips on starting and managing a nonprofit, this episode is for you! ▶️ Connect with Noura: https://www.nourasbooks.com/contact ▶️ Get in touch with Chris: [email protected] or 708-404-0698 ▶️ Want to explore real estate in Naperville? Check out www.zenlistchicagoland.com to find your dream home in the Chicagoland area! Follow and Subscribe for More: Find the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms. Be sure to subscribe to stay updated on more inspiring conversations with our amazing neighbors in Naperville.

On this episode, we dive into the incredible work of the ATI Foundation with Shelley Maxwell, a passionate advocate for those with physical disabilities. Discover how the ATI Foundation, established by ATI Physical Therapy, is making a life-changing impact in Chicagoland and beyond. From providing adaptive bikes for children to home modifications for individuals with disabilities, this foundation is filling critical gaps where insurance falls short. Shelley shares heartwarming stories of the people they’ve helped and how you can get involved to support their mission. Whether you're a local business interested in corporate sponsorship or an individual looking to make a difference, this episode is packed with ways to connect and contribute. 🌟 Support the ATI Foundation: https://atifoundation.com/ 📧 Reach out to Chris Grano at [email protected] or call 708-404-0698 for more information about how to be a part of Naperville Real Talk or Sweet Home Chicagoland Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to the podcast for more stories that make Naperville a better place!

🎉 We're kicking off Season 2 of Naperville Real Talk with a special guest, Dr. Maria Malayter, an expert in Leadership and Organizational Change, a health and wellness business coach, and an accomplished author. 📚 In this episode, we dive deep into the unique challenges leaders face in maintaining wellness, the concept of self-leadership, and how everyone has the potential to lead with the right mindset and tools. 🧠✨ Dr. Maria also shares insights into Positive Intelligence and how rewiring your brain can lead to a more fulfilling and stress-free life. 🚀 Don't miss this engaging conversation that could transform your approach to leadership and personal well-being. Connect with Dr. Maria to learn more about her approach to wellness, leadership, and her upcoming events. Here's where to find her: 🌐 Official Website: You can find detailed information about Dr. Maria's coaching and consulting services, her philosophy on the 10 Dimensions of Wellness, and upcoming events on her official website: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2UzQURYSC1KVTU5WFpCTmpPbTA5MlVLZ2NSQXxBQ3Jtc0trUmoxbVp5MzlCTEdTemZ3aWFPbFAxWThfZllqYjNSeW9CaDF5VzZzay1XbFNvd1lDdWZDTC1rbklHb1M0cXlIRkNWVl9XclBEY0ZVRTV5OHI1cW5tOHRXQUFlbkN3RExiV3M2Tkg1Vlhra1BtOGJCVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.docmaria.com%2F&v=BMNrswTEy-U 🎧 The Joy Chemistry Podcast: Dr. Maria hosts "The Joy Chemistry Podcast," where she discusses how to lead a joyful and well-balanced life. You can listen to the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1NuZmJmQmx3a2pibnd3TTgxcFJqMUFTa0RWUXxBQ3Jtc0tubkhEVmVvanNHbkRHNTZaWmVtN0tNVFdFWjM4NVRxN2wtRVNOQ2p5ZmlJZjJZVEFIMmx4OUV3eUQxanlUbWN0eWQxQVFwaWFsVWRHNFdpR2F4VDNBcUsyZXVwaWp6dllNNXdQWnFaODRORmg0dm0zOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fshow%2F12DFMbBM5wLtWF6vahd2u0%3Fsi%3D66jHQf80R3OFFDy3dcNSrw%26nd%3D1%26dlsi%3D887a8b66e9f04621&v=BMNrswTEy-U 📱 Social Media: X (formerly Twitter): https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnR4X0xQUjVVRHljRFFQX1djUlVEeEpiTHZNd3xBQ3Jtc0ttNWRKY3paV3dBeDdSTzdsN3ZlSEZWeWhSUnkyZFV0UVRuMXA1OF9XVk9JajA2a0lDM3JOeEFSTGpyYXUySGFnSFpTVkxsTk5Zbm9KR3BpQWFTaGZBSkgxbXBpTG5YVTFwTjg1ZFg1Qlo0T0dGYXgyQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.x.com%2Fdocmaria&v=BMNrswTEy-U LinkedIn: Dr. Maria is also active on LinkedIn, where she shares insights on leadership and wellness. ------------------------------------------------ 📢 What Is Naperville Real Talk? "Naperville Real Talk" is a dynamic podcast hosted by Chris Grano, a passionate Naperville resident and real estate expert. Chris dives deep into the heart of Naperville, spotlighting the stories of the people and places that make this vibrant city unique. 🏡 With each episode, Chris brings his engaging personality and deep community knowledge to the forefront, offering listeners a blend of insightful conversations, local highlights, and a genuine love for the city he calls home. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the area, "Naperville Real Talk" is your go-to source for all things Naperville. 🎙️

There is ZERO doubt that Jackie Thornton is passionate about education and helping to shape students into tomorrow's leaders. Join my fascinating conversation with Jackie as we talk about her first year as principal of Naperville Central High School. ABOUT JACKIE THORNTON With 23 years of leadership experience, Jackie Thornton is Naperville Central High School's first female principal in school history. Following 19 years of service as Naperville Central High School’s assistant principal for curriculum and instruction, Jackie took over her new role leading into the 2022-2023 school year. She also previously served as a mathematics instructional coordinator and math teacher at NCHS. Jackie cares deeply about the Naperville Central community and is committed to maintaining its tradition of excellence, while working to ensure that Naperville Central is a school where all students feel valued and included. Jackie Thornton is a Downers Grove native and earned her master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration from North Central College and her bachelor’s in Mathematics from Benedictine University. ----------Learn more about NCHS online--------- https://www.naperville203.org/nchs ----------Follow NCHS on Twitter---------- https://twitter.com/NCHSOFFICIAL --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naperville Real Talk is all about the people and places that make Naperville an amazing place to live, work, eat, shop, play and more.  Get to know your hometown and your neighbors like never before.  Listen to local historians and longtime residents, former residents who have gone on to do great things, business owners and organizational leaders making a big impact on our community right now and anyone who has a great story to tell.     Naperville Real Talk is hosted by Chris Grano, a Naperville resident, husband, father of two, and local top-producing Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Infinity.  Chris is passionate about people and he is incredibly excited to bring these conversations to you.  Chris highly encourages and welcomes feedback and suggestions for future guests.  The podcast can be found on all major podcast platforms and in video format on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/chrisgrano Be sure to check out Chris's other videos on YouTube where he visits local restaurants and family event venues, talks with local business owners, gives tips and advice about local real estate, and maybe even performs a song for you!   Chris Grano | 708-404-0698 | [email protected]

Chief Jason Arres is a 22 year veteran of the Naperville Police Department. Over the course of his decorated career, he has touched every area of the Department. This varied experience has uniquely qualified him to be an excellent leader. In our conversation, Jason shares with us what NPD is doing to keep Naperville one of the safest cities in American and his outlook on personal and professional growth. ABOUT CHIEF ARRES Chief of Police Jason Arres began his career at the Naperville Police Department as a patrol officer in 2001. He served as an undercover detective for the Special Enforcement Unit, a detective in the Intelligence Unit, and a member of the Department’s Special Response Team and the ILEAS Region 4 Weapons of Mass Destruction Team. Jason has held the positions of patrol, K-9 and administrative sergeant as well as patrol and professional standards commander. As a deputy chief, he led both the investigations and patrol divisions and oversaw Naperville’s Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) dispatch center. He was sworn in as chief of police for the Naperville Police Department on Nov. 10, 2021. Chief Arres holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Northern Illinois University and a Master’s Degree in Public Safety Administration from Lewis University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia; the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety’s School of Police Staff and Command; and the International Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership in Police Organizations school. ----------Learn more about Chief Arres and the NPD--------- https://www.naperville.il.us/services/naperville-police-department/office-of-the-chief-of-police/ ----------Follow Naperville Police Dept on Facebook---------- https://www.facebook.com/NapervillePD ----------Sign Up for Naper Notify------------- https://www.naperville.il.us/services/naperville-fire-department/emergency-preparedness/be-informed/naper-notify-mass-notification-system/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naperville Real Talk is all about the people and places that make Naperville an amazing place to live, work, eat, shop, play and more.  Get to know your hometown and your neighbors like never before.  Listen to local historians and longtime residents, former residents who have gone on to do great things, business owners and organizational leaders making a big impact on our community right now and anyone who has a great story to tell.     Naperville Real Talk is hosted by Chris Grano, a Naperville resident, husband, father of two, and local top-producing Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Infinity.  Chris is passionate about people and he is incredibly excited to bring these conversations to you.  Chris highly encourages and welcomes feedback and suggestions for future guests.  The podcast can be found on all major podcast platforms and in video format on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/chrisgrano Be sure to check out Chris's other videos on YouTube where he visits local restaurants and family event venues, talks with local business owners, gives tips and advice about local real estate, and maybe even performs a song for you!   Chris Grano | 708-404-0698 | [email protected]

There's an Improv Theater in the Chicago Suburbs owned by a Real Estate Attorney and former High School Science Teacher? Yep! Michael Bradt's humor shines in this great conversation recounting some of his biggest influences, and how Improv Comedy was the catalyst for him and his wife Kelsey's love story. Hear from Michael and Kelsey about The Bit Theater: Improv literally changed our lives for the better. We found each other through improv, and we have become better people by practicing the collaboration, communication, and joy that improv requires. The world is in a state of divisiveness, anger, isolation, and distrust. Improv expects better of us. It teaches us to collaborate, spread joy, connect, and trust one another. If every person on the planet thought like an improviser, we’d live in a better place. So, that’s our goal. To teach improv to every person on the planet and change the world for the better. Visit The Bit Theater: 4034 Fox Valley Center Drive Aurora, IL 60504 ----------Learn more about The Bit Theater--------- https://www.bitimprov.com/ ----------Follow The Bit Theater on Instagram---------- https://www.instagram.com/bitimprov/ ----------Like The Bit Theater on Facebook------------- https://www.facebook.com/BitImprov --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naperville Real Talk is all about the people and places that make Naperville an amazing place to live, work, eat, shop, play and more.  Get to know your hometown and your neighbors like never before.  Listen to local historians and longtime residents, former residents who have gone on to do great things, business owners and organizational leaders making a big impact on our community right now and anyone who has a great story to tell.     Naperville Real Talk is hosted by Chris Grano, a Naperville resident, husband, father of two, and local top-producing Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Infinity.  Chris is passionate about people and he is incredibly excited to bring these conversations to you.  Chris highly encourages and welcomes feedback and suggestions for future guests.  The podcast can be found on all major podcast platforms and in video format on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/chrisgrano Be sure to check out Chris's other videos on YouTube where he visits local restaurants and family event venues, talks with local business owners, gives tips and advice about local real estate, and maybe even performs a song for you!   Chris Grano | 708-404-0698 | [email protected]

Joe Chura, the President and Co-Founder of Illinois' first non-alcoholic brewery & taproom, Go Brewing, joins Chris for a great conversation about beer, fitness, mindset, and overcoming life's challenges! Joe Chura is a driven entrepreneur who sees a messy world and doesn't mind getting his hands dirty. From the Ford assembly line to the CEO of two successful automotive digital marketing and sales companies, Joe knows what it means to put in his dues and create opportunities for himself. His newest venture, Go Brewing, is quickly becoming a hub for a growing community of beer enthusiasts, fitness lovers, and like-minded individuals seeking to be a positive force in Naperville and the world. Joe and his wife Heather (also a co-founder) are deeply involved in giving back to their community here in Naperville. Joe also hosts the inspiring "Not Almost There" podcast featuring guests with amazing stories of achievement in the face of adversity. Visit Go Brewing's Taproom at: 1665 Quincy Ave Suite #155 Naperville, IL 60540 ----------Learn more about Go Brewing--------- https://www.gobrewing.com/ ----------Follow Go Brewing on Instagram---------- https://www.instagram.com/gobrewing/ ----------Like Go Brewing on Facebook------------- https://www.facebook.com/gobrewery ----------Listen to "Not Almost There" Podcast------------- https://www.notalmostthere.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naperville Real Talk is all about the people and places that make Naperville an amazing place to live, work, eat, shop, play and more.  Get to know your hometown and your neighbors like never before.  Listen to local historians and longtime residents, former residents who have gone on to do great things, business owners and organizational leaders making a big impact on our community right now and anyone who has a great story to tell.     Naperville Real Talk is hosted by Chris Grano, a Naperville resident, husband, father of two, and local top-producing Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Infinity.  Chris is passionate about people and he is incredibly excited to bring these conversations to you.  Chris highly encourages and welcomes feedback and suggestions for future guests.  The podcast can be found on all major podcast platforms and in video format on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/chrisgrano Be sure to check out Chris's other videos on YouTube where he visits local restaurants and family event venues, talks with local business owners, gives tips and advice about local real estate, and maybe even performs a song for you!   Chris Grano | 708-404-0698 | [email protected]

Video Link: https://youtu.be/-_qW9nHBBbI You need to care about your clients to be able to communicate their story through the art of photography. That's the belief that drives Karin Miller and her team at EV Photography located in Downtown Naperville. If you're an entrepreneur, a mom with a small business, an artist who wants make money from your craft, this conversation is for you! Karin's story is inspiring and helpful for anyone trying to follow the same path. About Karin: Karin is a proud, born and raised Chicagoan. Knowing she wanted to pursue a career in the creative arts she majored in Graphic Design and got her BFA at Columbia College Chicago. After the birth of her daughter Evangeline (Evie) she started EV Photography as a family photographer. All it took was a friend to ask her to take her wedding photos her to fall in love with the wedding industry. Now Karin shoots weddings and engagements exclusively. When she's not working she's spending quality time with her husband, Greg and her two favorite little people, Evie and Liam. From EV Photography's website: We are a small elite group of Chicagoland photographers who value you and value capturing your unique story. We are creatives who believe that people are the most important thing in this world. We are not only passionate about what we do as artists we are passionate about each couple we work with. Interpreting your wedding story through the art of photography is our joy and honor. We go the extra mile to make sure you feel valued, cared for and heard. We value your relationship more than your business. We are also a team that values marriage, both yours and ours. We want you to feel like one of your friends so by the time your wedding roles around we can feel excited to celebrate with you! ----------Learn more about EV Photography--------- https://evphotographychicago.com// ----------Follow EV Photography on Instagram---------- hhttps://www.instagram.com/ev_photography/ ----------Like EV Photography on Facebook------------- https://www.facebook.com/EVPhotographyChicago --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naperville Real Talk is all about the people and places that make Naperville an amazing place to live, work, eat, shop, play and more.  Get to know your hometown and your neighbors like never before.  Listen to local historians and longtime residents, former residents who have gone on to do great things, business owners and organizational leaders making a big impact on our community right now and anyone who has a great story to tell.     Naperville Real Talk is hosted by Chris Grano, a Naperville resident, husband, father of two, and local top-producing Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Infinity.  Chris is passionate about people and he is incredibly excited to bring these conversations to you.  Chris highly encourages and welcomes feedback and suggestions for future guests.  The podcast can be found on all major podcast platforms and in video format on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/chrisgrano Be sure to check out Chris's other videos on YouTube where he visits local restaurants and family event venues, talks with local business owners, gives tips and advice about local real estate, and maybe even performs a song for you!   Chris Grano | 708-404-0698 | [email protected]

Video Link: https://youtu.be/ApT9rm-3e34 What do Traffic and Weather Together on the 8's, an inspiring Sunday Sermon, and Chicago PD/Fire TV fame have in common? Cisco Cotto! Cisco Cotto has enjoyed a 20+ year career in Chicago radio and currently hosts the Morning News show on WBBM Newsradio 780 AM/105.9 FM. Cisco got his start as a student at Aurora Christian High School while interning with Moody Radio. He honed his on-air skills at WIUM-FM in Macomb and WBYS-AM/FM in Canton as a student at Western Illinois University. After graduating, Cisco began a career in radio in Chicago at some of the most recognizable news and talk stations in the city including WBBM Newsradio where he has been on air since 2014. While becoming one of the most recognizable voices on the Chicago airwaves, Cisco has also pursued his calling into Christian Ministry. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Moody Bible Institute, a Master of Arts in Christian Apologetics from Talbot School of Theology, he started Village Church of Oak Park in 2011 and most recently helped launch and is serving as the Campus Pastor of Village Bible Church in Naperville. Join my conversation with Cisco as he shares the highs and lows of radio broadcasting, the challenges of starting a church during the pandemic, and how he has enjoyed some screen-time on some of NBC's hottest TV shows. ----------Learn more about Cisco and WBBM Newsradio--------- https://www.ciscocotto.com/ ----------Follow Cisco on TWITTER---------- https://twitter.com/ciscocotto ----------Learn more about Village Bible Church of Naperville------------- https://www.villagebible.org/naperville --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naperville Real Talk is all about the people and places that make Naperville an amazing place to live, work, eat, shop, play and more.  Get to know your hometown and your neighbors like never before.  Listen to local historians and longtime residents, former residents who have gone on to do great things, business owners and organizational leaders making a big impact on our community right now and anyone who has a great story to tell.     Naperville Real Talk is hosted by Chris Grano, a Naperville resident, husband, father of two, and local top-producing Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Infinity.  Chris is passionate about people and he is incredibly excited to bring these conversations to you.  Chris highly encourages and welcomes feedback and suggestions for future guests.  The podcast can be found on all major podcast platforms and in video format on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/chrisgrano Be sure to check out Chris's other videos on YouTube where he visits local restaurants and family event venues, talks with local business owners, gives tips and advice about local real estate, and maybe even performs a song for you!   Chris Grano | 708-404-0698 | [email protected]