Previous guest Ray Cunningham (Episode 7499) hopped a plane to Ukraine to photograph everyday life as the war continues. Ray is the former mayor of Homer, Illinois, whose background is in historical research. He’s not only a world traveler who’s been to dozens of countries — including multiple trips to North Korea — he’s a…
In this episode I chat with Patrick Pfingsten, publisher of The Illinoize. We talk about the country’s infatuation with national politics, why our state politicians probably need a raise, and shoe shining. Patrick was a longtime voice on WDWS radio who transitioned to political consulting. His free newsletter offers a deep dive into Illinois politics….
While the title of this podcast episode might seem like click bait, something to get you to press play, it is definitely not. This is easily the most difficult show I’ve ever done on the radio or in podcast form. Back in the fall of 2021 this podcast came to an abrupt halt because cancer…
Bill is a father of four who knows a thing or ten about roads, bridges, and how to connect the research being done at places like the University of Illinois with the engineers and planners in cities around the world. Links • Applied Research Associates Contact • Email Steve at steve@holstein.co or visit holstein.co/contact/• Get the newsletter at holstein.co/newsletter•…
Several years ago Sean Williams learned about a retired FBI agent’s quest to discover America’s lost apple varieties. This led Sean to begin exploring Champaign County for lost fruits, and to uncover the history of lost orchards, such as the ones now resided on in Savoy, Illinois, where Old Orchard Bowling Lanes and Senator’s Inn…
After a year off, CU Humane Society’s Fur Ball is back — and virtual. The online auction will begin at 12 noon on Friday, October 1. Preview auction items and get registration info (it’s free) at CUHumane.org.
The world famous Negangard Pumpkin Patch got its start some time in the ’70s. Today, people come from communities near and far to pick a perfect, or imperfect, pumpkin just southeast of Philo, Illinois. In this episode we learn the history of the pumpkin patch, go behind the scenes of what it takes to ready…
The Avon Theater in Decatur, Illinois, has been around for 105 years, and Skip Huston has owned it since 1999. In this episode Skip and I discuss how movie theaters make money, simultaneous releases to streaming, why the Avon’s popcorn is best, and what film he’s most looking forward to seeing in his theater. Links…
Launched in 2009, Chambanamoms.com is one of the most valuable online resources for residents in East Central Illinois — and not only for moms. In this episode Laura Bleill and I discuss masks, resilient kids, the behavior of parents in other states, her website’s top posts during the pandemic, and more. Links • Chambana Moms•…
My guest: Jon Moore, Director of the Institute of Aviation One of the best aviation schools in the nation is located here in East Central Illinois. In this episode I talk to Jon about how you can become a pilot, the industry’s pilot shortage, flight simulators (professional and Microsoft), turbulence, and more. Links • Parkland…