Inside Oak Park Podcast

Inside Oak Park logo with microphone in front of Oak Park people tree mark

Officially launched in March 2026, Inside Oak Park is a regular podcast where we take you from Village Hall to neighborhood streets and business districts to showcase the people, projects and events shaping Oak Park. You'll hear directly from community leaders, residents, and partners as we explore how today’s decisions are building tomorrow’s village and shaping our generations in the making.

Twice a month, or so, we’ll bring you real conversations with the folks behind Oak Park’s progress — from major initiatives and community events to the people who make this place feel like home. The podcast is available through Spotify. Thanks for listening — and remember, every great community starts with a conversation. 

Episode Archive

Episode 7 (May 27, 2026) - Communications Manager Erik Jacobsen sits down with Community Relations Coordinator Cassandra Adediran, and A Day In Our Village Committee volunteers Mike Stewart and Greg Kolar to discuss what you can expect at this year's celebration. Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer Kellye Keyes discusses all the events her office has planned in the upcoming weeks and months.


Episode 6 (May 18, 2026) - Deputy Public Works Director Erin Duffy joins Oak Park's Director of Communications Dan Yopchick to discuss the State's Lead Service Line Replacement requirement. Then Farmer's Market Manager Jack Carmody gives a preview of what the 2026 season holds.


Episode 5 (May 11, 2026) - Neighborhood Partnerships Administrator Paola Garibay and Welcome Center Coordinator Ele Hein join Oak Park's Director of Communications Dan Yopchick to discuss Oak Park University, a Government 101 program designed to help residents better understand how their local government works. OPU graduates Mary Chris Jaklevic and Macaire O'Connell give their insights into their experience.


Episode 4 (April 21, 2026) - Renew the Avenue, a significant streetscape project on Oak Park Ave. is underway. In this episode, Village Engineer Bill McKenna, and Project Manager Brian Racine discuss construction, and Business Services Manager Noemy Diaz and Hemingway District business owner Moses Valdez talk about the importance of supporting local businesses.


Episode 3 (April 6, 2026) - Public Health Director Greg Olsen and Health Education Manager Sara Semelka discuss the history, core services and some of the new initiatives the Oak Park Public Health Department is undertaking.


Episode 2 (March 27, 2026) - John Melaniphy, Assistant Village Manager of Economic Vitality and Economic Vitality Administrators Michael Mertes and Nicole Nodi join the podcast to discuss the role they play in attracting and supporting local businesses in Oak Park.


Episode 1 (March 13, 2026) - This episode features, first, a conversation with Village Manager Kevin J. Jackson who discusses what brought him to Oak Park, what's taken place in the roughly four years since and much more. Then, Community Services Administrator Vanessa Matheny joins Inside Oak Park to talk about the first year of the E.C.H.O. pilot program and take a look at next steps.

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