Join lifelong Chicagoan and caffeine fiend Dion McGill as he converses with the varied personalities that make Chicago an amazing city.
Episodes
Wednesday Dec 18, 2019
Wednesday Dec 18, 2019
This episode Dion (@Dionsmusica) talks with music aficionado, roller derby girl, and mom Amy "Fun Fetti" Litviak (@kupkake_Amy) In addition to staying active as a "band mom," working full-time, and helping take care of her family, Amy is a member of the Vindicated Vixens Roller Derby Team.
Dion and Amy met years ago while enjoying bands in the local Chicago rock music scene, so that's where the conversation begins. From there, Dion aims to learn more about roller derby. Finally Dion and Amy talk being parents of teenagers, and what it's like being so busy and maintaining a happy and fruitful relationship.
Also, there was so much talk about music, we went ahead and asked Amy to create a playlist of some of her favorite songs. Go on over to Spotify for the OTBP Episode 14 Funfetti Playlist
After listening, be sure to subscribe, rate and review on your podcast app of choice!
SIGN UP for the Off The Beaten Podcast newsletter: Sign Up Here!
Huge thanks to Podcorn for sponsoring this episode. Explore sponsorship opportunities and start monetizing your podcast by signing up here: https://podcorn.com/podcasters/
Also, we have an exclusive offer for OTBP listeners! Visit reppinpins.com and get 20% off your entire order with discount code OTBP20. You won't find this deal anywhere else!
Tweet Amy:Twitter.com/kupkake_Amy
Follow Amy on IG:Instagram.com/funfetti_vixen/
Check out the Vindicated Vixens: vindicatedvixens.com
Follow OTBP on IG: instagram.com/offthebeatenpodcast
Follow OTBP on Facebook: Facebook.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast
Visit the OTBP website: dionmcgill.podbean.com
Send Dion A Tweet: twitter.com/Dionsmusica
Follow Dion on IG: instagram.com/Dionsmusica
Send Dion A snap: Snapchat.com/add/dionsmusica
Read Dion's Blog: Off The Beaten Blog
Got something to say?
Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (312) 488-9068
Email us: beingsillyinthecity@gmail.com
Calling all musicians!!! Would you like your music featured on an episode of OTBP? E-mail us a streaming link: beingsillyinthecity@gmail.com
Acknowledgements:
This show was recorded on:
- Blue Yeti Microphone
- Audacity
Intro music courtesy of: https://www.purple-planet.com. The place for royalty free music.
Podcast Artwork courtesy of HEATHER CALVERT (@HCAL23)
Wednesday Dec 11, 2019
Wednesday Dec 11, 2019
This episode Dion (@Dionsmusica) talks with Off The Beaten Podcast Graphic Artist Heather Calvert (@HCAL23). Dion and Heather got together recently for the 1st Annual OTBP Podcast Retreat, in the fun and fabulous Quad Cities.
When Dion needed a logo for his soon to be released podcast, and was stressing over the price for a good logo, Heather offered to create it for free. Since then, she has supplied all graphic design needs for OTBP, and has asked for nothing in return. After 4 days of brainstorming, and doing a lot of behind the scenes work, we thought it was a great time to finally get Heather behind the microphone so that you all could get to know the face behind the artwork.
After listening, be sure to subscribe, rate and review on your podcast app of choice!
Huge thanks to Podcorn for sponsoring this episode. Explore sponsorship opportunities and start monetizing your podcast by signing up here: https://podcorn.com/podcasters/
Also, we have an exclusive offer for OTBP listeners! Visit reppinpins.com and get 20% off your entire order with discount code OTBP20. You won't find this deal anywhere else!
Visit Reppin Pins website: reppinpins.com
Tweet Heather: Twitter.com/HCAL23
Follow Heather on IG: Instagram.com/hcallie
Follow OTBP on IG: instagram.com/offthebeatenpodcast
Follow OTBP on Facebook: Facebook.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast
Visit the OTBP website: dionmcgill.podbean.com
Send Dion A Tweet: twitter.com/Dionsmusica
Follow Dion on IG: instagram.com/Dionsmusica
Send Dion A snap: Snapchat.com/add/dionsmusica
Read Dion's Blog: Off The Beaten Blog
SIGN UP for the Off The Beaten Podcast newsletter: Sign Up Here!
Got something to say?
Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (312) 488-9068
Email us: beingsillyinthecity@gmail.com
Calling all musicians!!! Would you like your music featured on an episode of OTBP? E-mail us a streaming link: beingsillyinthecity@gmail.com
Acknowledgements:
This show was recorded on:
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface
- Focusrite Scarlett CM25 Mkii Microphone.
- Shure KSM32 Microphone
- Audacity
Intro music courtesy of: https://www.purple-planet.com. The place for royalty free music.
Podcast Artwork courtesy of HEATHER CALVERT (@HCAL23)
Wednesday Dec 04, 2019
Wednesday Dec 04, 2019
This episode Dion (@Dionsmusica) talks about a plethora of revelations and thoughts he had while laid up over the weekend with a horrible bout of food poisoning! It was really bad!
Dion discusses not only being sick and his subsequent recovery, but also dating and cuffing season. He also shouts out podcasts that he's been listening to over the past two weeks, and a few other topics to boot!
Be sure to subscribe. We'd also love it if you took a minute to rate and review on your podcast listening app of choice!
Exclusive offer for OTBP listeners! Visit reppinpins.com and get 20% off your entire order with code OTBP20. You won't find this deal anywhere else! We're a huge fan of Reppin...check them out today!
Follow OTBP on IG: instagram.com/offthebeatenpodcast
Follow us on Facebook:Facebook.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast
Visit the Off The Beaten Podcast website: dionmcgill.podbean.com
Send Dion A Tweet: twitter.com/Dionsmusica
Follow Dion on IG: instagram.com/Dionsmusica
Send Dion A snap: Snapchat.com/add/dionsmusica
Read Dion's Blog: Off The Beaten Path Blog
SIGN UP for the Off The Beaten Podcast newsletter: Sign Up Here!
Got something to say?
Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (312) 488-9068
Email us: beingsillyinthecity@gmail.com
Calling all musicians!!! Would you like your music featured on an episode of OTBP? E-mail us a streaming link: beingsillyinthecity@gmail.com
Acknowledgements:
This show was recorded on:
- Focusrite Scarlett CM25 Mkii Microphone.
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface
- Audacity
Intro music courtesy of: https://www.purple-planet.com. The place for royalty free music.
Podcast Artwork courtesy of HEATHER CALVERT (@HCAL23)
Wednesday Nov 20, 2019
Wednesday Nov 20, 2019
This episode Dion (@Dionsmusica) talks to Sarah Chung (@jdognasian). Sarah is a Paralympian Judoka, having competed in the 2016 Rio Paralympic games, as well as a musician, and recent Adler University graduate.
Sarah and Dion met this summer while both marching in the Lakeside Pride Marching Band. Dion said the minute he learned that Sarah was a Paralympian, a fact which she was reticent to divulge, we had to have her on the show. The conversation covers everything from Sarah's self-proclaimed embarrassing moment with Barack Obama, to the faux pas' that people make in every day life when interacting with the visually impaired. Sarah was extremely open, and the conversation was surprisingly candid and intimate. Not to be missed.
Be sure to subscribe, rate and review!
Exclusive offer for OTBP listeners! Visit reppinpins.com and get 20% off your entire order with code OTBP20. You won't find this deal anywhere else!
Visit Reppin Pins website: reppinpins.com
Tweet Sarah: Twitter.com/jdognasian
Follow Sarah on IG: Instagram.com/4theloveofdogs8810
Follow OTBP on IG: instagram.com/offthebeatenpodcast
Follow OTBP on Facebook:Facebook.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast
Visit the OTBP website: dionmcgill.podbean.com
Send Dion A Tweet: twitter.com/Dionsmusica
Follow Dion on IG: instagram.com/Dionsmusica
Send Dion A snap: Snapchat.com/add/dionsmusica
Read Dion's Blog: Off The Beaten Blog
SIGN UP for the Off The Beaten Podcast newsletter: Sign Up Here!
Got something to say?
Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (312) 488-9068
Email us: beingsillyinthecity@gmail.com
Calling all musicians!!! Would you like your music featured on an episode of OTBP? E-mail us a streaming link: beingsillyinthecity@gmail.com
Acknowledgements:
This show was recorded on:
- Blue Yeti microphone
- Audacity
Intro music courtesy of: https://www.purple-planet.com. The place for royalty free music.
Podcast Artwork courtesy of HEATHER CALVERT (@HCAL23)
Monday Nov 11, 2019
Monday Nov 11, 2019
This episode Dion (@Dionsmusica) spends some time reflecting on his thoughts on Veteran's Day, and takes some time to recount his time in the Illinois Army National Guard and his 2008 deployment to Afghanistan. If you are a veteran, or have veterans in your life, this is one not to be missed.
Also, though he had trouble remembering the name while recording, the base that Dion refers to in Afghanistan was PRT (Provincial Reconstruction Team) Sharana.
Be sure to subscribe, rate and review!
Although not mentioned during this episode due to the subject matter:
Exclusive offer for OTBP listeners! Visit reppinpins.com and get 20% off your entire order with code OTBP20. You won't find this deal anywhere else!
Follow Reppin Pins on Twitter: @ReppinPins
Follow Reppin Pins on IG: @reppinpins
Follow Reppin Pins on Facebook: Facebook.com/reppinpins
Visit Reppin Pins website: reppinpins.com
Follow OTBP on IG: instagram.com/offthebeatenpodcast
Follow OTBP on Facebook:Facebook.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast
Visit the OTBP website: dionmcgill.podbean.com
Send Dion A Tweet: twitter.com/Dionsmusica
Follow Dion on IG: instagram.com/Dionsmusica
Send Dion A snap: Snapchat.com/add/dionsmusica
Read Dion's Blog: Off The Beaten Blog
SIGN UP for the Off The Beaten Podcast newsletter: Sign Up Here!
Got something to say?
Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (312) 488-9068
Email us: beingsillyinthecity@gmail.com
Calling all musicians!!! Would you like your music featured on an episode of OTBP? E-mail us a streaming link: beingsillyinthecity@gmail.com
Acknowledgements:
This show was recorded on:
- Blue Yeti microphone
- Audacity
Intro music courtesy of: https://www.purple-planet.com. The place for royalty free music.
Podcast Artwork courtesy of HEATHER CALVERT (@HCAL23)
Once you're done listening to this episode, please rate, comment, and subscribe. The more ratings and comments we have, the more people who will be exposed to the podcast.
Wednesday Nov 06, 2019
Wednesday Nov 06, 2019
This episode Dion (@Dionsmusica) talks to Francis Almeda (@almedagrill), founder of Reppin Pins. Reppin makes pins that represent what you love, and does it in amazingly stylish fashion!
After a few weeks of back and forth emails, we were able to finally pin Francis down (get it?) and talk all things pins. We've been a fan of Reppin for a few years now, so we were super excited to talk about the business, how it started, and what the future may hold for the Chicago based company. Francis and Dion also talk Jiu Jitsu, which is how they met, and additionally, as per usual, Dion digs in for tips on successful relationships from Francis, who is a married man. Knowledge is Power!
Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review!
Exclusive offer for OTBP listeners! Visit reppinpins.com and get 20% off your entire order with code OTBP20. You won't find this deal anywhere else!
Follow Reppin Pins on Twitter: @ReppinPins
Follow Reppin Pins on IG: @reppinpins
Follow Reppin Pins on Facebook: Facebook.com/reppinpins
Visit Reppin Pins website: reppinpins.com
Follow Francis on IG: @francis.almeda
Follow Francis on Twitter: @almedagrill
Visit Francis' website: francisalmeda.com
Follow OTBP on IG: instagram.com/offthebeatenpodcast
Follow OTBP on Facebook:Facebook.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast
Visit the OTBP website: dionmcgill.podbean.com
Send Dion A Tweet: twitter.com/Dionsmusica
Follow Dion on IG: instagram.com/Dionsmusica
Send Dion A snap: Snapchat.com/add/dionsmusica
Read Dion's Blog: Off The Beaten Blog
SIGN UP for the Off The Beaten Podcast newsletter: Sign Up Here!
Got something to say?
Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (312) 488-9068
Email us: beingsillyinthecity@gmail.com
Calling all musicians!!! Would you like your music featured on an episode of OTBP? E-mail us a streaming link: beingsillyinthecity@gmail.com
Acknowledgements:
This show was recorded on:
- Blue Yeti microphone
- Audacity
Intro music courtesy of: https://www.purple-planet.com. The place for royalty free music.
Podcast Artwork courtesy of HEATHER CALVERT (@HCAL23)
Wednesday Oct 23, 2019
Wednesday Oct 23, 2019
This week Dion (@Dionsmusica) offers up an important public service announcement. But first, he quickly talks about the ongoing Chicago Teachers Strike, and some frustrations he's faced dealing with criticisms of Chicago and CPS. Be sure to check it all out!
Follow OTBP on IG: instagram.com/offthebeatenpodcast
Follow OTBP on Facebook:Facebook.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast
Visit the OTBP website: dionmcgill.podbean.com
Send Dion A Tweet: twitter.com/Dionsmusica
Follow Dion on IG: instagram.com/Dionsmusica
Send Dion A snap: Snapchat.com/add/dionsmusica
Read Dion's Blog: Off The Beaten Blog
SIGN UP for the Off The Beaten Podcast newsletter: Sign Up Here!
Got something to say?
Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (312) 488-9068
Email us: beingsillyinthecity@gmail.com
Calling all musicians!!! Would you like your music featured on an episode of OTBP? E-mail us a streaming link: beingsillyinthecity@gmail.com
Acknowledgements:
This show was recorded on:
- Blue Yeti microphone
- Audacity
Intro music courtesy of: https://www.purple-planet.com. The place for royalty free music.
Podcast Artwork courtesy of HEATHER CALVERT (@HCAL23)
Once you're done listening to this episode, please rate, comment, and subscribe. The more ratings and comments we have, the more people who will be exposed to the podcast.
Thursday Oct 17, 2019
Thursday Oct 17, 2019
This week Dion (@Dionsmusica) talks about the upcoming Chicago Teachers Strike. Dion is a former educator, a former Chicago Public Schools teacher, and a former Chicago Teachers Union member, having taught 4 years in a public school setting, 2 of those in Chicago.
We didn't think it was fair to ask a teacher or a parent to put themselves in a compromising position, so Dion felt comfortable talking the strike, interspersing his own personal knowledge, being a part of the 2012 Chicago Public Schools strike.
In his own special way, Dion weaves his way through a variety of stories about his education experience, as well as talking about the importance of the sticking points of the CTU demands list. Definitely check out this unique perspective on Chicago schools and education.
They come up in the conversation, so be sure to check out The Civic Lab.
Be sure to RATE and REVIEW after listening.
Also, big shout out to Jessica Lipon, from Episode 3, who reached out to let us know she went and ordered some Mad Unicorn Eats. You should do the same. Go order some Mad Unicorn Eats, and let them know OTBP sent you!
Visit the Mad Unicorn website: MadUnicornEats.com
Follow OTBP on IG: instagram.com/offthebeatenpodcast
Follow OTBP on Facebook:Facebook.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast
Visit the OTBP website: dionmcgill.podbean.com
Send Dion A Tweet: twitter.com/Dionsmusica
Follow Dion on IG: instagram.com/Dionsmusica
Send Dion A snap: Snapchat.com/add/dionsmusica
Read Dion's Blog: Off The Beaten Blog
SIGN UP for the Off The Beaten Podcast newsletter: Sign Up Here!
Got something to say?
Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (312) 488-9068
Email us: beingsillyinthecity@gmail.com
Calling all musicians!!! Would you like your music featured on an episode of OTBP? E-mail us a streaming link: beingsillyinthecity@gmail.com
Acknowledgements:
This show was recorded on:
- Blue Yeti microphone
- Audacity
Intro music courtesy of: https://www.purple-planet.com. The place for royalty free music.
Podcast Artwork courtesy of HEATHER CALVERT (@HCAL23)
Wednesday Oct 09, 2019
Wednesday Oct 09, 2019
This week Dion (@Dionsmusica) chats with Sarah Towle, (@Unicornsarat) owner of the local jam company Mad Unicorn Eats! Dion met Sara in the concession line at Riot Fest. They hit it off immediately, bonded over a burning need for food, and when he learned she was a new entrepreneur running a jam company, it was only a matter of time before we had her as a guest.
Dion and Sara talk jam, music, and Chicago. Also, following the outro, check out a sneak clip that was taken while Dion was testing out the microphone and audio levels.
Be sure to RATE and REVIEW after listening. Also, go order some Mad Unicorn Eats, and let them know OTBP sent you!
Follow Sara on Instagram: instagram.com/unicornsarat
Follow Mad Unicorn Eats on Instagram: instagram.com/MadUnicornEats
Visit the Mad Unicorn website: MadUnicornEats.com
Check out Kitchen Chicago: kitchenchicago.com
Follow OTBP on IG: instagram.com/offthebeatenpodcast
Follow OTBP on Facebook:Facebook.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast
Visit the OTBP website: dionmcgill.podbean.com
Send Dion A Tweet: twitter.com/Dionsmusica
Follow Dion on IG: instagram.com/Dionsmusica
Send Dion A snap: Snapchat.com/add/dionsmusica
Read Dion's Blog: Off The Beaten Blog
SIGN UP for the Off The Beaten Podcast newsletter: Sign Up Here!
Got something to say?
Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (312) 488-9068
Email us: beingsillyinthecity@gmail.com
Calling all musicians!!! Would you like your music featured on an episode of OTBP? E-mail us a streaming link: beingsillyinthecity@gmail.com
Acknowledgements:
This show was recorded on:
- Blue Yeti microphone
- Audacity
Intro music courtesy of: https://www.purple-planet.com. The place for royalty free music.
Podcast Artwork courtesy of HEATHER CALVERT (@HCAL23)
Wednesday Oct 02, 2019
Wednesday Oct 02, 2019
This week Dion McGill (@Dionsmusica) chats with classical vocalist, born and bred Chicagoan and all around ray of Sunshine Beena David (@BeenaBeenaBeena). Beena stopped by and we talked about a range of topics, from being a classical singer, to the keys to a healthy and happy marriage. Beena was very open and transparent, and offered tons of great insight into a plethora of topics.
Also, here is a video of Beena singing the national anthem for a Chicago Bulls game. Enjoy!
Be sure to RATE and REVIEW this podcast on your platform of choice, and share it with a friend...or 10!
Follow Beena on Twitter:Twitter.com/BeenaBeenaBeena
Follow Beena on Instagram: Instagram.com/BeenaBeenaBeena
Follow Beena on Youtube: Beena on Youtube
Follow OTBP on IG: instagram.com/offthebeatenpodcast
Follow OTBP on Facebook:Facebook.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast
Visit the OTBP website: dionmcgill.podbean.com
Send Dion A Tweet: twitter.com/Dionsmusica
Follow Dion on IG: instagram.com/Dionsmusica
Send Dion A snap: Snapchat.com/add/dionsmusica
Read Dion's Blog: Off The Beaten Blog
SIGN UP for the Off The Beaten Podcast newsletter: Sign Up Here!
Got something to say?
Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (312) 488-9068
Email us: beingsillyinthecity@gmail.com
Calling all musicians!!! Would you like your music featured on an episode of OTBP? E-mail us a streaming link: beingsillyinthecity@gmail.com
Acknowledgements:
This show was recorded on:
- Blue Yeti microphone
- Audacity
Intro music courtesy of: https://www.purple-planet.com. The place for royalty free music.
Podcast Artwork courtesy of HEATHER CALVERT (@HCAL23)
Once you're done listening to this episode, please rate, comment, and subscribe. The more ratings and comments we have, the more people who will be exposed to the podcast.