The Chicagoland Guide

The Chicagoland Guide

The Chicagoland Guide is your go-to resource for discovering the best places to live, work, and explore in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. Hosted by Aaron Masliansky, a local real estate expert and community advocate, each episode dives into unique neighborhoods, local businesses, and cultural attractions that make Chicagoland a vibrant place to call home. Whether you’re a homebuyer or long-time resident, you’ll gain fresh insights and real estate tips to make the most of life in the region.

Recent Episodes

March 4, 2025

Filmmaking in Skokie: Aaron Wertheimer on Not If I See You First

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky sits down with filmmaker Aaron Wertheimer to talk about his latest feature film, Not If I See You First. Shot in Skokie, Evanston, Lincolnwood, and Winnetka, the film is an absurd buddy comedy filled with quirky adventures, selective a…
Feb. 24, 2025

Skokie’s Changing Elections

In this conversation, host Aaron Masliansky interviews Skokie Village Board candidates Dr. Keith Robinson and Khemarey Khoeun about their backgrounds, motivations for public service, and the significant changes in Skokie's political landscape. They discuss the impact of the Skokie Caucus Party, the…
Nov. 24, 2024

Preserving Cambodian Culture Through Cuisine with Chef Mona Sang of Khmai Fine Dining

In this powerful episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky sits down with Chef Mona Sang, the heart and soul behind Khmai Fine Dining in Rogers Park, Chicago. Chef Mona shares her deeply personal journey of preserving Cambodian culture and history through her restaurant, inspired by h…
Nov. 14, 2024

Vision Board Experience 2024 with Ashley Calhoun: Empowering Evanston’s Community

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky welcomes Ashley Calhoun, founder of the Vision Board Experience. Hosted in Evanston, Illinois, Ashley’s mission is to empower individuals through vision boards, goal-setting, and community support, offering an annual event that brings …
Nov. 4, 2024

Discover the Best of Chicago’s North Shore with Gina Speckman

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky chats with Gina Speckman, Executive Director of Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau. From local festivals to scenic lakefronts, Gina shares the unique appeal of the North Shore and why it’s a prime destination for both…
Oct. 9, 2024

Exploring FRÍO Gelato: Chicago’s Authentic Argentine Gelato Experience

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, I sit down with Karla Koziura, co-owner and Marketing Director of FRÍO Gelato, a popular gelato company with locations in Evanston, Navy Pier, and a new spot in Wilmette. Karla shares the story behind FRÍO Gelato’s origins, the challenges and triumphs of ex…

About the Host

Aaron Masliansky Profile Photo

Aaron Masliansky

Realtor / Podcaster / Community Advocate

Aaron Masliansky is a trusted Chicago real estate expert, lifelong Chicagoland resident, and the host of The Chicagoland Guide, a podcast dedicated to exploring the best places to live, work, and play in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. As a Realtor with Dream Town Real Estate, Aaron combines his extensive knowledge of the local real estate market with his passion for community storytelling to provide listeners with unique insights into Chicago neighborhoods, local businesses, and real estate trends.

Aaron holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His background includes working with developers on large-scale mixed-use projects, giving him a deep understanding of how neighborhoods develop and thrive. He served as the past Chairman of the Global Real Estate Council at the Chicago Association of Realtors, where he connected the local real estate community with international markets.

Through The Chicagoland Guide, Aaron interviews local business owners, community leaders, and residents to uncover the rich culture, history, and amenities that make Chicago’s neighborhoods unique. In addition to this podcast, Aaron has hosted two other successful shows:

Inside the Skev: Highlighting the vibrant life and stories of Skokie and Evanston, Illinois.
The Real Estate Diplomat: An American’s guide to global real estate, featuring discussions on investing in properties both in the United States and abroad.
Aaron is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Evanston and a strong advocate for community service and development. His local and global connections, combined with his expertise in real estate and urban planning, make him a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about the Chicagoland area or explore real estate opportunities.

When he’s not helping clients find their dream homes or recording new podcast episodes, Aaron enjoys exploring Chicago’s diverse food scene, spending time with his family, and indulging his interests in aviation and basketball.

For the latest episodes and exclusive content, follow The Chicagoland Guide on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Connect with Aaron to learn more about real estate opportunities in the Chicagoland area through Masliansky Real Estate Team.

Reviews

Great new resource

"What a wonderful new resource to explore and rediscover our city and surrounding area. Thank you for creating this introduction or re-introduction for those of us who live here but don't explore as m…"

David Lloyd | Oct. 9, 2024