Critical Community

Meet Rachel S2:E7

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Rachel is a writer who is working on a fantasy book series. You'll often find her on the couches working on her books. She talks to us about how she found the cafe, the importance of found family, how music and writing feeds her soul, and leaves us some wise words of wisdom for anyone thinking it's too late to start that thing you've always wanted to do.

BONUS CONTENT: Danita & Dana Sister Time S2:E6

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Sometimes you need chill time with your sibling. My sister Danita and I finished recording last week's episode and had so much fun just laughing and being chatting, we started recording again. This was that conversation, for your listening pleasure.

Meet Danita S2:E5

Thu, 29 May 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Danita Morgan is my sister. I was lucky to have her on as a guest, willing to tell her story about how she went from being a successful person in her career, to living with an addiction, to being in recovery, and now working for the Braidwood Area Healthy Community Coalition to help and support other people in recovery and drug prevention in youth. And she did it with community and a support system.

(Note to listeners, there was a slight audio issue for the first 10 minutes or so. I apologize for that. Please adjust your volume accordingly because I don't know how to fix it in post...)

Meet Phil: S2: E4

Thu, 22 May 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Phil Paulino from Sewer Sharks joins us today on this newest episode of Critical Community. We talk about dreams, life, finding community, and stepping outside of your comfort zone. Phil even switches the questions around on me.

Meet Joe S2:E3

Thu, 15 May 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Meet Joe LaGiligia of Oak Leaf Community Mortgage. Don't let the occupation fool you. This is not a boring episode. Joe brings so much passion and excitement into everything he does. He's a great communicator and advocate for community building and relationships. This is one episode you're not gonna wanna miss.

Meet Jay S2:E2

Thu, 08 May 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Meet Jay Borsom of Liquid Kourage Entertainment. She is a person who is known in the trivia community and we are so excited to be hosting many events with her in the coming days at Critical Grind.

Season 2 Kick-Off!! Episode 1 - Dana Check-In

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 10:02:55 -0500

Kicking off Season 2 with a quick check-in of things going on at the cafe, upcoming events, and more.

Episode 10 - Meet Teagan

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Teagan Hoffman, owner of Ten Cups Tarot is a lovely human and tarot reader. Listen to Teagan discuss the beauty of tarot, some common misconceptions, and even give me a live reading.

Episode 9 - Meet Ruben

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Ruben Ramirez is a loving husband and father, a motivational speaker, host of the podcast Constant Forward Motion, and now author of The Zero Effect.

Episode 8 - GAMA Expo 2025

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0600

This week's episode is a little bit different. I interviewed a few people in the gaming industry last week at the GAMA Expo and this episode recaps my time there a little bit, and introduces you to some really great people.

Robyn (she/her) - Oddwillows Game Haven

Conan (he/they) - Exiles Game Club

Annelise (she/her) & Tony (he/him) - The Rook Room

Darcy (she/they) - Darrington Press & Critical Role

Episode 7 - Meet Andrea

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0600

Andrea Sowers, of Sowers Creations, is a Critical Grind staple. She is a crafter, gamer, librarian, writer, and wholesome troll.

Episode 6 - Meet Denise

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0600

Meet Denise M. Baran-Unland. Writer for the Herald News for over 20+ years, published author of several novels, and mother of 9, Denise was a delight to talk to.

Episode 5 - Meet Nick

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0600

Meet Nick. Husband, Father, Woodworker, and Gamer. Nick and I discuss his passions for woodworking, board gaming, and the importance of finding a place to fully be yourself.

Episode 4 - Meet Rudy

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0600

Meet Rudy Jakupovic. Critical Grind Curator, collector of many things, voice actor, and storyteller. Rudy and I discuss several topics including online role-playing, meeting celebrities, and more.

Episode 3 - Meet Kevin

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0600

Meet Kevin Deany! A self-identified curmudgeon and resident Kids D&D Dungeon Master. Listen to us talk about role-playing games and the important role they play in the lives of kids and adults.

Episode 2 - Meet Ash

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0600

Ashton "Ash" Barr (he/him, they/them) has been a part of the Critical Grind community for almost 2 years and we could not imagine this space without him. Listen to a bit about how he found Critical Grind and the impact this place has made on his life.

Episode 1 - Meet the Cafe & Dana

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0600

No better place to start than the beginning. Get to know Critical Grind and how we got here.
*Note: This is my first time editing a podcast so please bear with me*

(photo by: Purely Whimsical Moments)

Critical Community Trailer

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 15:13:37 -0600

What is Critical Community?

A new podcast, brought to you by Critical Grind, Inc. a Board Game Cafe & Event Company in Shorewood, Illinois.