Episode Description
The 34th annual Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival returns on Saturday, November 22, filling Chicago’s iconic avenue with holiday wonder, glowing lights, and the joyful kickoff to the season. There in full celebration mode will be Lifeway Foods offering delicious samples of Lifeway Kefir during the day. At night, they’ll unveil a sparkling parade float, complete with snowy white trees, a bright red Farmer Cheese sleigh, and bottles of kefir dressed in Santa hats and reindeer antlers. In this week’s Best of the Midwest conversation, John welcomes back Lifeway President Julie Smolyansky, who shares not only the excitements of the parade and Lifeway’s remarkable growth, but also the many ways that kefir supports health. Julia explains the multiple acceptable pronunciations of “kefir,” the science behind probiotic-rich fermented dairy, and why so many doctors now describe the gut as the body’s “first brain,” deeply connected to stress, depression, anxiety, and overall well-being. From Mickey and Minnie leading the procession to Lifeway’s whimsical, glowing float rolling down Michigan Avenue, this year’s Lights Festival promises pure holiday magic and a whole lot of gut-friendly cheer.
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