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Ready for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the wild side of real estate? In this bonus content, we’re back with Chicago real estate guru Alex Wolking, who peels back the curtain on some of his craziest showings—from stumbling upon unsuspecting tenants in their birthday suits to discovering spooky surprises in the attic. If you ever wondered what really goes on when a house hits the market, buckle up for these hilarious, haunted, and downright awkward tales!

In Alex’s main episode, we explored his journey from a driven Midwestern kid who knew he wanted to sell homes by age 12, to becoming a top-producing broker in one of the nation’s most competitive markets. We dug into how he built a brand by combining genuine warmth, data-driven insights, and out-of-the-box marketing strategies. Alex also revealed how he stays inspired—citing interior design, modern architecture, and that Midwestern charm as key facets of his success. Now, in this bonus session, it’s time for a lighter (and spicier) side of real estate!

• Naked Showings: The unexpected (and often hilarious) moments Alex encounters when tenants don’t get the memo.
• Ghostly Encounters: From eerie attics to strange temperature drops, Alex shares the one property that made him a total believer in haunted houses.
• Scandalous Situations: That time Alex’s clients nearly caught a secret affair in progress!
• Real Estate Shenanigans: Find out how listing agents, suburban showings, and “mysterious disclaimers” keep Alex on his toes.

• Hilarious Real Estate Confessions: A comedic glimpse into what doesn’t make the polished listings.
• Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Learn how even top brokers face chaotic surprises—and handle them with grace.
• Carryover from Main Episode: Build on the deeper story of Alex’s ascent into real estate stardom with these entertaining extras.

• Have you had a haunted or hilariously awkward house experience? Let us know in the comments or on socials.
• Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this bonus episode with anyone who could use a laugh (or a ghost story)!

A second-generation real estate broker with over two decades of experience, Alex has become a powerhouse in Chicago’s dynamic real estate market. Known for his exceptional expertise in historic properties, luxury condos, and co-ops, Alex doesn’t just sell homes—he sells stories. His boutique team consistently ranks among the top producers on Chicago’s north side, and today, he reveals the secrets behind his unique approach.

Follow Alex Wolking:

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Website: alexwolking.com

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Whether you’re a longtime fan of Ambitious Kitchen or new to Monique Volz’s incredible story, this bonus episode is packed with relatable moments, laughter, and insights you won’t want to miss. 🎧

👉 Don’t forget to check out the main episode for even more inspiration and wisdom! AND share this with a friend who loves food, laughs, and personal growth!

In this exclusive bonus episode of House of Style, we continue our conversation with Monique Volz, the creative force behind Ambitious Kitchen, as we get into a lighthearted and revealing discussion filled with laughter, personal stories, and candid confessions. As a New York Times Bestselling cookbook author and renowned food blogger, Monique opens up about her favorite recipes, kitchen quirks, and unexpected mishaps, offering fans a more intimate glimpse into her life beyond the blog.

If you loved the main episode — titled From 9-5 to NYT Bestseller: Ambitious Kitchen’s Recipe for Success — where Monique shared her incredible journey from corporate life to building a thriving brand that inspires millions, you’re in for a treat.

This bonus content explores the lighter, more personal side of Monique’s world, taking listeners on a delightful journey through her culinary escapades. Grant Alexander engages her in a very real, very fun conversation where humor and genuine anecdotes are flowing.

Monique reveals her all-time favorite recipes, showcasing a blend of nostalgia and creativity. With a penchant for baking, she highlights her Gluten-free, grain-free Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake, a hidden gem on her website that she feels is underrated and that Grant pokes fun saying she'll use this chance to make it less so.

Their banter encapsulates friends talking about the real things, and for Monique, the essence of a passionate chef, as she reflects on the importance of family-friendly recipes and the memories associated with her mother’s Puerto Rican rice and beans, which serve as a comforting reminder of her childhood.

Grant asks about Monique’s kitchen quirks and mishaps, where we learn of a funny and memorable experience with lentil cookies that should've left her first intern questioning her culinary judgment. Grant and Monique share more laughs over the relatable chaos of cooking and the challenges of maintaining success with SEO and the rise of AI-generated recipes, where Monique candidly expresses her concerns about SEO and traffic, revealing the entrepreneurial side of her journey that often goes unnoticed.

Here's a glimpse of Monique's personal world that is engaging, lighthearted, and fun.

🌟 Kitchen Chaos: Monique reveals her most hilarious recipe fail — yes, it involves cooked lentil cookies!

🌟 Childhood Nostalgia: Discover why Puerto Rican rice and beans hold a special place in Monique’s heart.

🌟 Surprising Fears: Learn about Monique’s concerns as a food entrepreneur in the ever-changing world of SEO and AI.

🌟 Quirky Habits: Did you know Monique always leaves her kitchen cabinets open when cooking?

🌟 Proud Moments: Hear about the milestones, from her first 50,000 page views to making the New York Times Bestseller list.

In the full episode, Monique takes us through her journey from working a 9-5 corporate job at General Mills to becoming a top food blogger and a published author. She discusses the challenges she faced, including personal

Prepare for a refreshingly fun conversation as Monique Volz — the New York Times Bestselling Cookbook Author and trailblazer behind Ambitious Kitchen — reveals how she transformed her life from a typical 9-5 job at General Mills, replaced her income by becoming a content creator before that was a thing, and created a flourishing brand rooted in ambition, mindful eating and culinary creativity.

In this episode, Monique shares stories about her eating disorder recovery, the power of healing through food, and the community that turned her healthy recipes into an online sensation. Whether you’re curious about balanced lifestyles, eager to embrace a style beyond fashion and food, or seeking genuine inspiration for personal growth, Monique’s journey offers a blueprint for using ambition to make your dreams a reality.

Eating Disorder Recovery

Monique opens up about the emotional roller coaster of facing her relationship with food and how confronting personal challenges led her to rediscover the simple joys of cooking and living well to overcome her eating disorder.

Empowering Self-Care

Learn how confronting internal obstacles can result in newfound motivation, creativity, and a sense of freedom — in the kitchen, your personal brand, and life.

From 9-5 to Food Blogger

Hear how a day job at General Mills didn’t stop Monique from experimenting with homemade recipes, exploring healing through food, and ultimately cultivating the Ambitious Kitchen brand.

She was able to leave her 9-5 and replace her income through becoming a content creator... before it was the thing to do!

Community at the Core

Discover how Monique credits her supportive online following and her passion for mindful eating for propelling her to NYT Bestseller status — proving that your audience can become your greatest advocate.

Being a Mom of Three & Business Owner

Monique discusses her strategies for juggling parenting, personal health, and an ever-evolving entrepreneurial path — reminding us that success requires recognizing and doing the hard work, and allowing others to help.

Mindful Entrepreneurship

Explore the elements that keep Monique’s creative spark alive: reflection, focusing on the “why,” and having the courage to experiment when opportunities or new platforms arise.

Tangible Inspiration

Looking to pivot careers or reignite your passion project? Monique’s firsthand experiences offer practical, uplifting guidance for anyone chasing big dreams.

Inclusive Approach

Whether your personal style is about fueling a bustling household or turning a hobby into a global platform, this episode is loaded with universal lessons in culinary creativity and beyond.

Feel-Good Insights

From cultivating healthy recipes to forming a loyal community, get inspired to elevate your habits, perspective, and sense of personal fulfillment.

Dive into this engaging interview and discover how the Ambitious Kitchen mentality [and NYT Bestselling Cookbook] can shift your mindset, nourish your goals, and help you embrace a richer, more...