Chicago Techies Podcast

In each episode of the Chicago Techies Podcast, we will explore the captivating stories and journeys of the brilliant minds driving the technological landscape of Chicago. From seasoned entrepreneurs and industry leaders to rising stars and innovative thinkers, we will uncover the triumphs, challenges, and unique experiences that have shaped their paths.

Chicago Techies Podcast is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 63 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Chicago Techies Podcast, a business show with 63 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #61

  Episode 61- Rocio Aldana - Co Founder & COO of Pholeo

  Aug 6, 202646 minS5

  In this episode of Chicago Techies Podcast, I sat down with Rocio Aldana, co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of Pholeo, to talk about how she's bringing technology to the event planning industry. We explored Rocio’s journey from corporate finance to entrepreneurship and discussed how Pholeo is helping event planners better manage budgets, vendors, and logistics through an all-in-one operating system. We also talked about the growing role of AI and how technology is changing the future of event management. Another theme that came up throughout our conversation was the importance of community. Rocio shared how Chicago’s startup ecosystem has supported her entrepreneurial journey and why building strong founder networks is so valuable. This episode is about innovation, entrepreneurship, and solving real-world problems with technology. If you're interested in startups, event tech, or hearing from founders building meaningful solutions, this conversation will definitely resonate. Connect with Rocio: Rocio’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocio-aldana-414765b5/ Pholeo website: https://www.pholeo.io/ Pholeo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getpholeo/ Pholeo’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getpholeo/ Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast: Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies Connect with Ceci: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #60

  Episode 60 - Shail Shah - Co-Founder & CEO of Skypulse Connectivity

  Jul 2, 202641 minS5

  In this episode of Chicago Techies Podcast, I sat down with Shail Shah, founder of SkyPulse Connectivity, to talk about what it takes to build technology that keeps people and businesses connected in an increasingly digital world. We explored Shail’s journey as a founder and discussed the challenges of building a company in the connectivity space. He shared how SkyPulse Connectivity is helping businesses stay connected through innovative technology while remaining focused on solving real customer needs. We also talked about the realities of scaling a startup and the lessons he's learned along the way. Another theme that came up throughout our conversation was the importance of community. Shail reflected on how local organizations, mentors, and Chicago’s startup ecosystem have supported his entrepreneurial journey and why surrounding yourself with the right network can make all the difference. This episode is really about innovation, collaboration, and the value of building technology that creates meaningful impact. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, startups, or hearing from founders who are leveraging their local ecosystems to grow, this conversation will definitely resonate. Connect with Shail: Shail’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shail-a-shah/ Skypulse Connectivity website: https://www.hellohotspots.com/ Skypulse Connectivity LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skypulse-connectivity/ Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast: Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies Connect with Ceci: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #59

  Episode 59 - Isabella Zhang - Co-Founder & CEO of KNOWN

  Jun 18, 202642 minS5

  In this episode of Chicago Techies Podcast, I sat down with Isabella Zhang, founder & CEO of KNOWN, to talk about how she’s building technology to help women better understand their hormonal health. We explored Bella’s journey as a founder and discussed why conversations around women’s health have too often been overlooked. Bella shared how KNOWN goes beyond cycle tracking, helping users better understand the connection between hormonal changes and overall well-being, while using scientific research and community feedback to shape the product. Another theme that came up throughout our conversation was the power of community. Bella highlighted the growing network of female founders in Chicago and the importance of supporting one another as they build. This episode is really about empowerment through better information, stronger communities, and technology that helps people better understand their health. If you're interested in women's health, startups, or hearing from founders building meaningful products, this conversation will definitely resonate. Connect with Isabella: Isabella’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhangisabella/ KNOWN website: https://www.knowncycle.com/ KNOWN LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/known-cycle/ KNOWN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/known_cycle/ KNOWN Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/known-hormonal-health-tracker/id6760163656 Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast: Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies Connect with Ceci: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #58

  Episode 58 - Christine Devane - Co-Founder & CEO of Club Money

  May 28, 202642 minS5

  In this episode of Chicago Techies Podcast, I sat down with Christine Devane, Co-Founder and CEO of Club Money, to talk about how she’s rethinking financial advice for a new generation. We got into Christine’s own path into fintech, she walked us through her non-traditional background and how eventually she became a tech founder, which is a great reminder that there’s no single background or blueprint for building in tech. We discussed how traditional financial planning leaves so many people behind especially younger professionals and anyone who doesn’t fit the “high net worth” mold most advisors are built around. Christine shared how Club Money is combining AI with real human expertise to make personalized financial guidance more accessible, collaborative, and honestly a lot less intimidating. This episode is really about access to financial literacy, to better tools, and to the kind of guidance that shouldn’t only be available to wealthy people. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to figure out money, investing, or financial planning on your own, this conversation will definitely resonate. Connect with Christine: Christine’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinedevane/ Club Money website: https://www.joinclubmoney.com/ Club Money LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brightfin-io/ Club Money Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightfin.io Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast: Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies Connect with Ceci: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #57

  Episode 57 - Maria Huertas - Founder of MLToons

  Apr 30, 202631 minS5

  We’re kicking off Season 5 of the Chicago Techies Podcast with Maria Huertas, founder of MLToons—and this one’s a fun one. Maria is building at the intersection of music, storytelling, and language learning, helping kids pick up Spanish and English in a way that actually feels natural. Think songs, characters, and interactive experiences instead of worksheets and memorization. Her whole approach is rooted in immersion—making language something kids live and experience, not just study. We get into how this idea came from her time as an educator, where she saw firsthand how powerful music can be in helping kids learn and retain language. But like any startup story, it hasn’t been straightforward. Maria talks about the challenge of balancing education and entertainment, and figuring out who MLToons is really for schools, parents, or both. We also dig into the importance of proving impact. It’s one thing to have a great idea, it’s another to show that it actually works. Maria shares how she’s thinking about data, validation, and building credibility in the education space. Beyond the product, this is also a conversation about building in Chicago leaning into community, navigating the startup ecosystem, and staying resilient through the ups and downs. Great way to kick off the season, especially if you’re thinking about edtech, startups, or just doing something different. Connect with Maria: Maria’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-huertas-89a93a151/ Maria’s Email: maria@mltoons.com MLToons website: https://mltoons.com/main/ MLToons LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mltoons-llc/ MLToons Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mltoons/ Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast: Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies Connect with Ceci: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Chicago Techies Podcast. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.