Sunken Press

In this episode, we interview Sage and David, the proprietors of Funky Planet Toys and Gifts in Downtown Alton. We discuss the independent toy market, trade wars, supply chains, and the blight of kids with too much screen time. This independent local toy store is surprisingly affordable, and without the negative karma of big box stores. You won't want to miss us playing with toys and warning again...

Founded in Hollywood, California, FreakShow Deluxe is a nationally touring sideshow act. Its founding father Thomas Nealeigh joins us on this episode to discuss the history of sideshows, why he moved to Alton, and demonstrates the infamous "Blockhead" stunt. Don't try this at home, kids. More info discussed in this episode: https://www.patreon.com/AltonHauntedDinnerTheater https://www.facebook.com...

After talking to Peter Hough and Megan Tyler about how they deal with the ongoing plight of homelessness in Alton and surrounding areas, we wanted to hear more about Nicole's lived experience and see how she felt about what our guests had to say. Trigger warning: We do get into some disturbing topics including sexual assault and violence. More info discussed in this episode: https://nowherepod.sub...

In this episode, we talk with Megan Tyler, a local mental health advocate who founded Sacred Spaces of Care, a nonprofit organization touted by current Alton Mayor David Goins as a remedy for homelessness. She also discusses the current lack of mental health options in Alton and the importance of wellness within police departments. More info discussed in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/sacr...

In this episode, we talk to Alton-based Pastor Peter Hough, an outspoken advocate of our unhoused neighbors and one of the original founders of the Overnight Warming Locations (OWLs). We discuss the issues he's faced trying to fight for the most vulnerable as well as the purpose and practice of OWLs in multiple Madison County communities. This episode is in memory of Nicole's dog, Cookie, who pass...

In this episode, former Marine from South Roxana Derek Spears shares his stories from the Ukranian front lines with Cory and Nicole. From a $100k tech job to $2,000 a month to fight in one of the world's most brutal and controversial ongoing conflicts. Got an IT job lead for Derek? Find him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-carl-spears https://www.facebook.com/derek.c.spears https://sunkenpr...

Nicole and Cory discuss their interviews with the Alton mayor candidates, compare ideas, and choose their favorites following our interview series. Find your ward on the map here: https://bit.ly/altonwards https://sunkenpresspodcast.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com

In the last of our interviews with Alton's 2025 mayoral candidates, we talk to two-term Mayor Brant Walker about crime-free housing, the burden of taxation, and his campaign promise to let Cory holler sermons from a firetruck (again). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com

In this episode, we sit down with Third Ward Alderperson and mayoral candidate Ray Strebel to talk about Halloween, gentrification, farmers markets, AND THAT LEAKED PHONE CALL WITH ZACH YINGER. You won't want to miss the results. Ray is a public servant, but even we didn't know he was serving 😉 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bon...

In this episode, we talk to Alton's current Mayor David Goins, a former cop, pastor, and school board member. We ask him about some of Alton's greatest issues such as homelessness, youth violence, tourism, AltonWorks, diversity, and his experience as Alton's first black mayor. This is the first part of a three-episode series interviewing the three men running for mayor of Alton in the upcoming Apr...