For more than 20 years, Brookfield resident Jason Baumann has been consumed by everything media related.
Over the past two decades, he’s owned a full-service digital marketing firm, helping hundreds of people with website design, sales and online content development, and worked in public relations.
By day, he serves as director of marketing for the Disparti Law Group — the accident and injury law firm frequently splashed across TV screens and dotting billboards across Chicagoland. By night, he moonlights as a wedding DJ.
But two-and-a-half years ago, Baumann realized something was missing from his creative cup — a personal media outlet; specifically, one that promoted the unique businesses and stories of his own neighbors.
From that itch blossomed “Explore Brookfield” — a podcast focused on all things Brookfield, sharing unsung stories from the people who own the businesses in town to the one-of-a-kind perspectives of residents from all walks of life.
“I feel like Brookfield is very supportive of its businesses, but I wanted to do something to make sure the people in Brookfield knew about all the different, cool businesses that are in town,” Baumann said. “Some [businesses] have a big name, but then there’s others which people may not necessarily know about, or they’re wondering, ‘Well, what’s Warm Wick? What’s happening at Fill My Jar? What are they doing there?’ So, I like to bring a bunch of the businesses and people in, and just offer them an opportunity to tell their stories.”
With episodes featuring discussions with Paul Jones, president of Brookfield-based Mold-A-Rama plastic souvenir machines; Annette Pardun, owner of Fill My Jar candy shop; Brian Sharenow, president of the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce, and even with Hector Freytas, principal of Riverside Brookfield High School, Baumann has worked diligently to take a deep dive into the soul of the village.
“There’s a lot of cool stories about Brookfield that people don’t know about, so I’ve tried to bring in some of the people who serve our community and some other people just to tell their stories,” he said. “I’m not shy about being on a microphone, and my plan is to continue telling these incredible and motivational stories.”
After two years of tapping into all things Brookfield, Baumann was still left feeling as though there was just a little bit more he could do to open up conversations in town.
Enter Media Space Studios — a recording studio located at 9039 Monroe St., welcoming people of all ages to a space to record their own video or audio productions, from voiceovers, podcasts, videos and more.
Since opening its doors last October, Baumann’s business has afforded locals the chance to tell their own stories in their own way.
“When you have a voice, you can make a difference,” he said. “[With my podcast], I’ve recorded in that building. And I saw an opportunity that instead of just being a place where I could record my own podcast, where I could make a space available to residents in our community. I thought it would be cool [for others] to have that.”
Since opening, Media Space Studios has welcomed people across the western suburbs to become storytellers.
“A lot of people are doing video podcasts, which I wasn’t expecting, but I’m glad we have the opportunity to do it,” Baumann said. My philosophy is I want to give them the tools they need to be heard.”
Two new podcasts that Baumann said have blossomed from his space include former state representative Mike Zalewski and his podcast “Have All Voted Who Wish,” discussing Illinois legislation and State policy; and Anthony “Mr. Superior” of Brookfield’s Superior Barbershop with “Beyond The Clippers,” talking with some of the best barbers in the country on a variety of topics.
“Their stories are fascinating,” Baumann said, “and it’s really cool to hear these types of insider stories.”
Since opening, Baumann said there’s not one cookie cutter type of client coming to use their services. He said that some people coming in knowing a little bit about editing and voiceover work already, yet others are complete novices to the industry.
“You don’t have to come in here with a camera, microphones or anything,” he said. “At Media Space Studios, we have everything you need. All you need to bring is an idea and the passion to want to be heard. Come in, and we’ll help you with the rest.”
Individuals who already have working knowledge about recording are able to rent space at the studio to work independently on their own, and people who are new to the whole concept but eager to hit the ground running, can have someone guide them through the creative process from start to finish.
Media Space Studios is a “build-your-own-adventure” type of place, he said.
“We really want to give people a helping hand, especially for somebody who really wants to get into podcasting and audio recording but might not have an idea of how to start.”
At the studio, Baumann or one of his colleagues can give patrons as little or as much help as they need — demonstrating how to use recording devices, lighting setups, cameras and more. They can even help with podcast concept development and project marketing.
Though Baumann is the owner of the studio, he has help from a silent business partner, a manager, and three editors who assist on an on-call basis.
Pricing at the studios starts at $35 an hour, which includes renting out a space and working independently. For those who are looking for more guidance, including the help of an engineer, pricing starts at $65 an hour.
“In this space, it’s not very cut and dry,” Baumann said. “Some people want to do 20-minute podcasts, and others want to do hour-and-a-half podcasts. There’s a big difference in the production of those.”
Baumann’s vision for Media Space Studios remains consistent — helping others get their voices and unique perspectives out in the digital airwaves.
“People in the area have some cool voices that should be heard — I’ve heard them myself on my own podcast,” he said. I’ve been blessed to hear a lot of great stories and meet really cool people.”
For more information about Media Space Studios, visit mediaspacestudios.com or call 708-627-8500.
