Byers & Co. Interviews

November 11, 2026 - Choreographer Drew Nellesen, and Millikin student actors, Oshea Darrington, Natalie Brodsky, and Jeremiah Leslie, joined Byers & Co to talk about their production of Cabaret, the students' paths to Millikin, and Nellessen's reasons for returning to Millikin for this show after a Broadway run. Listen to the podcast now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 11, 2026 - DMH CEO Tanya Andricks and Dr. Gaurang Patel joined Byers & Co to talk about Dr. Patel's path to becoming a hospitalist, mentoring younger doctors, perspective gained from experience, and advancements in healthcare. Listen to the podcast now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 11, 2026 - Clay Gerhard of the Decatur Park District joined Byers & Co to talk about ADM's $175,000 donation to The Clubhouse at Scovill Acres, Trees on the Tees, Devon news, and Peter Pan auditions. Listen to the podcast now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Kramer, Senior Human Resources Manager at Caterpillar's Decatur facility, discusses the company's $10 million investment in workforce development across Illinois and what it means for the future of manufacturing careers. He explores the skills needed for today's increasingly high-tech manufacturing jobs, how Caterpillar is helping develop the next generation of talent and the career opportun...

Archana Niranjan, Product Value Stream Manager for Large Wheel Loaders, Wheel Dozers and Compactors, and Matt Collins, Product Value Stream Manager for Large Mining Trucks at Caterpillar's Decatur facility, discuss the facility's manufacturing legacy and its continued role in driving innovation. They share how generations of Decatur employees have helped build some of the world's largest machines...

Martin Mooney, Senior Facilities Engineering Manager at Caterpillar's Decatur facility, and Debbie Bogle from the United Way of Decatur and Mid Illinois discuss Caterpillar's longstanding commitment to the Decatur community. They share how Caterpillar employees support local needs through United Way fundraising, volunteerism and year-round community involvement. The conversation also explores how...

Brynn Galloway, Human Resources Manager at Caterpillar's Decatur facility, discusses the company's Career Pathways Program and how it is creating opportunities for local high school students. The program provides paid, hands-on experience in modern manufacturing while introducing students to the skills and technology used in today's industry. Brynn explains how the program works, its impact on are...

Molly Major, Environmental Health & Safety Senior Manager at Caterpillar's Decatur facility, discusses Caterpillar's commitment to strengthening the Decatur community. She highlights the company's support for local nonprofits, charitable giving, community partnerships and employee volunteerism, including its involvement with the WSOY Community Food Drive. Molly also shares how Caterpillar inve...

Abby Damery, Labor Relations Manager at Caterpillar's Decatur facility, discusses career opportunities and workforce development at Caterpillar. She shares how the company is investing in local talent, working with area schools and workforce organizations, and creating pathways to employment. Abby also highlights how modern manufacturing has evolved into a high-tech industry offering long-term car...

Chelsea Sergeant, Senior Supply Chain Manager at Caterpillar's Decatur facility, discusses the people, processes and technology behind the company's manufacturing operation. She shares how employees use rigorous testing, innovation and continuous improvement to build some of Caterpillar's largest machines while maintaining high standards for safety and quality. Chelsea also explores how Decatur-bu...

Caterpillar Decatur Facility Manager Gaurav Pareek discusses how skilled employees and emerging technologies are shaping the future of manufacturing. From automation and artificial intelligence to improved safety and operational efficiency, Gaurav shares how Caterpillar combines people and innovation to build some of the world's largest machines. He also highlights the Decatur workforce, the facil...

November 9, 2026 - Brian Barnhart joined Byers & Co to talk about the big Fighting Illini football win over Nebraska, his upcoming road trips to Texas for basketball and California for football, and a preview of Monday Morning Quarterbacks. Listen to the podcast now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 9, 2026 - Andrea Gerhard of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation joined Byers & Co to talk about microgrant and She Gave Giving Circle grant portals opening, Big Read, and end of year giving. Listen to the podcast now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 9, 2026 - Dr. Juanita Morris joined Byers & Co to talk about working with DPS 61 schools to provide fuel packs to help with community food insecurity, efforts to train people and get them employed, and ag programming out at their farm. Listen to the podcast now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 9, 2026 - Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe joined Byers & Co with Kevin Breheny to talk about the City of Decatur's RFP submission for the Oasis Day Center, surveys and sessions for community feedback, TIF studies, and curbside cleanups. Listen to the podcast now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 9, 2026 - Kevin Brehney joined Byers & Co to talk about the latest on the closing of the Oasis Day Center and the weekend of sports. Listen to the podcast now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 6, 2026 - Angela Foulke of the Decatur Family YMCA joined Byers & Co to talk about preparing for the new YMCA CEO, her Ho Ho Hold Your Weight challenge, Illini football, and entertainment options. Listen to the podcast now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 6, 2026 - Tom Brinkoetter joined Byers & Co to talk about changes in the real estate market and to highlight a home with a massive outbuilding. Listen to the podcast now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 6, 2026 - Montessori Academy for Peace Principal Nate Tallent joined Byers & Co to talk about Illinois Report Card, earning the Commendable School designation, and the Montessori approach. Listen to the podcast now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 5, 2026 - Former mayor Paul Osborne joined Byers & Co to talk about the latest with the Oasis Day Center closing and the recent election results. Listen to the podcast now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 4, 2026 - Millikin University President, Dr. Dean Pribbenow, joined Byers & Co to talk about recent national recognition for the school, enrollment growth, record setting fundraising, and the student experience. Listen to the podcast now!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 4, 2026 - DMH CEO Tanya Andricks and Medical Director of the Emergency Department, Dr. Kenny Guillotte, joined Byers & Co to talk about seasonal illnesses, changes in healthcare, and what they are seeing in the ER. Listen to the podcast now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 4, 2026 - Clay Gerhard of the Decatur Park District joined Byers & Co to talk about Trees on the Tees tickets, Peter Pan Jr audition workshops, and Zoo Buddies. Listen to the podcast now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 3, 2026 - Natalie Beck of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation and Julia Livingston joined Byers & Co to talk about upcoming events for the NEA Big Read Macon County event centered on "A Lesson Before Dying", including book clubs, a bookmark design contest, and a screening of the film at the Lincoln Square Theater. Listen to the podcast now! See omnystudio.com/listener for priva...

November 3, 2026 - Dale Colee joined Byers & Co to preview Pharmacy Facts with Friends that will include a real estate update, Richland Community College's Fall Preview Day, and Medicare Part D enrollment. Listen to the podcast now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.