HyperLocal(s)

Two early birds set up and execute a podcast in under eight hours! A record scheduling feat. Patient, soft spoken and flexible, Illinois muralist and window painter, Leslie, brought so much to the podcast table.  Listen as this Peru, Indiana transplant talks about her strict religious upbringing, getting married young, having children young, planting a church, breaking away from her religious root...

I was delighted when Emergency Department Nurse, Sarah Bloomstrand, came on the podcast a year ago. Now, Sarah returns with husband and fellow ED professional, Dr. Kurt Bloomstrand, to talk life as a doctor in a high pressure, high stakes environment.  Listen as this Loda transplant talks about growing up in a smaller town, developing a yearning and learning to help with medical needs at a young a...

My husband and I reflect on the completely unexpected responsibility given to us. This responsibility would become a gift that we will never forget or take for granted. With no family or children, my husband became the caretaker for a recently widowed man with a newly discovered dementia diagnosis.  Listen as my husband and the "Tales From Two Townies" better half returns to talk about a...

Don't judge a book by its cover. This realtor that rocks was an open book. She shared vulnerabilities and insights that can only come with experience and reflection, successes and fails.  Listen as this Danville native and former Burger Chef employee talks growing up in Danville, her high school temperament, parenting your kids over friending your kids, rock star Bret Michaels and the band fa...

Previous guest, Cedar King, returns to talk about C-U At Home's largest fundraiser of the year, One Winter Night. Participants spend a night out in the elements to paint a poignant picture of what just a handful of hours can feel like for our local unhoused community. This episode Cedar brings a success story with him, Elizabeth Campbell, to share her story of growth, resilience and the comeb...

This magnetic ray of chaos, smiles and energy was an easy interview. Proud of both his history as a Marine and present as a DJ and Toys for Tots Coordinator, he brought an energy that was undeniable.  Listen as this Chicagoland transplant talks about his unique upbringing with a two year high school sabbatical in Japan, using athleticism to shape his diligence and work ethic, surviving and thrivin...

The sweetest vet answered my texts when I needed emotional support, encouragement and someone to say, "You are doing the right thing."  Listen as Bloomington native and University of Illinois graduate, Dr. Mary Laptew talks about her background in veterinary medicine, knowing your strengths and weaknesses and all things end-of-life animal care. When is the right time to put your animal &...

My prayers have been answered. My dream has come true. Not email, nor text was answered. A good old-fashioned drop by was what it took to win an interview with the elusive, Thad Morrow.  Listen as this Jacksonville, IL native talks about his love for all things Italian, living and studying abroad, falling madly in love with European culture, getting a chance in the restaurant business, culinary sc...

He wanted to make sure he wrapped up his podcast under the honest reality that most recovery stories don't play out the way his did. The stats tell a much different outcome. Through years of struggle and working the program, Jay shares the recovery years.  Listen as townie Jay Ramshaw returns to talk about the years after he quit drinking. Jay describes the work; the program he adopted, the h...

Thomas Holmes, a guest from April 2023 episode #72, wanted to promote an upcoming event featuring a keynote speaker that has been on my interview list for quite some time. This combination of recovery and giving back and makes for a compelling interview of storytelling and awareness.  Listen as Thomas, from the Chicago projects, mixes with townie, Jay Ramshaw, to talk about their upcoming event, M...

I needed a confidence boost. She was there for what I needed when I needed it most. I was tickled to see her public, professional persona matched her warm and friendly demeanor in person.  Listen as this Chicago suburbanite talks journalism schooling, why TV news, stories she will never forget, a familial workplace, mentoring the next generation, losing public anonymity, taking criticism then and...

I am adding video podcasting to my repertoire of podcast mediums. This is in addition to just the audio version. Kitchen-Table-Studios turned professional- recording-studio.  Elevate. Progress. Change. Difficult.  During this transition, I have banked a batch of episodes in the new studio. The infrastructure and powers that be aren't quiteeeee ready. Any. Day. Now. this new launch will happen...

Best friends committed to their skills and each other.   Listen as these Gilman/Onarga BFFS discuss their small town upbringing, being different in a homogeneous environment, first time they met, trajectory of their friendship, two different skill sets, training, working together, breaking out of a confined space, opening a business together and living and breathing the body adornment space. These...

She didn't have to say "yes" to my request of coming on the pod. She does not need or want the recognition. I believe as a personal favor and to highlight the efforts of the United Way, she gave me her time and voice. Through this interview, you get a clearer picture of the position Hope plays in our community. Literally and figuratively.   Listen as this Missouri-grown Midwesterner...

Another palette cleansing episode to refresh the soul. Alyssa is all things food and drink in Champaign-Urbana. I've lived here my entire life, and I learned more in under an hour than I have in a decade of adulting from this human sparkler.  Listen as this Orlando, FL transplant talks living in the biggest tourist trap in our nation, maintaining anonymity while testing area restaurants, the...

I've seen her around for the past few years, and I always wanted to learn more about her. The megawatt smile and relatable social media presence made her a perfect interview candidate. Listen as Wisconsin native and That's What She Said sister talks perimenopause, the natural health space, chiropractic medicine, parenting guilt, all the "lasts" that come with raising children,...

Back by popular demand, my only recurring guest, Andrew Harrington, graces the studio on wheels in this travel pod discussing summer on the first day of fall. Listen as my husband, co-townie, BFF4E, producer and attorney talk smoothies, summer camp drops, Michigan summers, McDonald's lately, fireworks foibles, bike riding, rain, rain, rain, having NFL players over for dinner and concerts. Thi...

I was in-the-pocket with this interview, mouth agape and blown away by the brutal honesty and vulnerability that Rod showed during our hour together. I learned so much about two afflictions that can really effect someone's life.  Listen as this Rantoul native talks about being a man in the woman's world of hairdressing, drama and acting, marrying a younger woman and the assumptions that...

Shauna Boatright. Prison Employee and Inmate, Part 2. HyperLocal(s) Podcast Episode 180. I continue to be amazed at the composure my guests have when recounting their tragedies and their traumas. This is the second part, the most recent and fresh, that Shauna recounts as a former prisoner employee and former inmate. Listen as this Rantoul native talks candidly about her failed marriage, rape and g...

I continue to be amazed at the composure my guests have when recounting their tragedies and their traumas. This is the first part, the formative, childhood part, that Shauna recounts growing up with her father.  Listen as this Rantoul native talks candidly about the abuse she endured while living with her father, the progression from child pornography to molestation, the degradation of her confide...

Oftentimes one interview leads to another, to another. As is the case with Alyssa. The CEO at the YMCA, Jeff Scott, oriented me in the direction of this sweet, smart, savvy mom and director of the incredible local resource, Larkin's Place.  Listen as the Chicago suburb transplant talks about growing up in a home with a sister who has a disability, picking a career path in special education, b...

Ageless, friendly and easy going. I had the privilege of interviewing his wife previously, and I was pleased to get to know the other half of the power couple that runs the thriving local retailer, Art Mart.  Listen as this fellow tried-and-true townie talks risky hobbies, sharp career changes, a stress-free kind of love, being an introvert that loves talking to people, working in retail, photogra...

There are some people who have the gift of teaching, and Anna is one of them. She is soft, kind, warm and structured. I loved listening to her gratitude and appreciation for being a mom and for the other parents that entrust her with their children.   Listen as this South Side Chicago mom, wife, teacher and preschool leader talks all things kids, potty training, learning through play, child loss a...

These three talented, confident and hardworking young men join me for an impromptu podcast where we talk on a personal level about the game of football.  Listen as these tropical transplants: Jer'Zhan (Johnny) Newton of the Washington Commanders and Denzel Daxon of the Dallas Cowboys, both former Illinois defensive linemen,  talk with Jershaun (Shauny) Newton, freshman quarterback for the Fig...

Talk about a champion of both physical and mental growth. Emily is the epitome of discipline, control and practicing what you preach. The world of natural bodybuilding is layered and admirable.  Listen as this Carbondale gal talks about the fascinating world of bodybuilding, prepping your body for competition, earning pro status, posing, the world of steroid use and natural competitions, reintrodu...