ILLUMENATE

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Zach Millimet, a newly retired CIA officer who spent 20 years in the Directorate of Operations with assignments in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. Zach shares the arc of his life from growing up without a father, to finding purpose through service, to navigating a major career transition into government affairs for a climate tech...

In this deeply reflective episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Micah Sam, Director of Teaching, Learning, and Research Technologies at East Carolina University. Micah’s professional work centers on bridging gaps between people and systems, but it’s his personal journey—shaped by profound loss, resilience, and intentional growth—that takes center stage. From his early career in oncology to n...

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Steve Reiter—broadcast veteran, podcast co-founder, and nonprofit founder—for a conversation that spans professional reinvention, devastating loss, and the quiet power of loving well. Steve, whose career has included leading production for internationally syndicated programs and helping launch what became the largest rollout in radio history, beg...

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Jonathon Jacome, a college undergraduate who operates at the intersection of business, engineering, and community impact. Despite his young age, Jonathon brings a depth of reflection shaped by family, mentorship, and lived experience. From the very beginning, he makes it clear that his motivation is rooted not in conventional success, but in lega...

Four mothers share honest reflections on guiding boys through identity, emotion, and manhood in a complex world. In this special episode of ILLUMENATE, host Chris Tidrick widens the lens on masculinity by inviting mothers into the conversation. Joined by Frida Daniels, Dayspring Fowler, Sarah Leino, and Nicole Rhea , Chris explores how boys experience growing into men long before they can articula...

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Howard Milton, Chief Development Officer for Fighting Illini Athletics, to explore a life shaped by gratitude, generosity, and deep reflection. With more than 26 years in philanthropy and over $500 million raised in support of higher ed athletics, Howard shares how his personal journey—from growing up in a working-class, single-parent household t...

Rich Excell spent three decades in investment banking and hedge funds, living and working in five countries across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. before “settling down” as a finance professor at the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In this conversation with host Chris Tidrick, Rich traces how his early motivations were driven by classic pursuits—money, power, pr...

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris welcomes Melbourne-based digital creative and storyteller James Burke, who shares a deeply honest exploration of mental health, masculinity, and the pursuit of an authentic life. James opens up about growing up feeling like an outsider, wrestling with societal expectations of what a “successful life” should look like, and the profound shift that happened when h...

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with ItsLuke—digital creator, co-host of the Find Out podcast, and self-described “internet’s anger translator.” Luke shares how he went from software engineer and farm kid in the middle of nowhere to building a massive audience online, driven not by clout, but by a deep sense of moral obligation and a seriously overdeveloped compass for right and wro...

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris Tidrick sits down with Tim Fullerton—digital strategist, entrepreneur, and co-host of the Find Out podcast—for a conversation that moves beyond politics and into the heart of purpose, identity, and masculinity. Tim shares how his lifelong drive to “leave things better than he found them” has guided him through careers in politics, advocacy, and digital media—fr...

In the premier episode of Season 2 of ILLUMENATE, the guest is the host himself, Chris Tidrick . Known for his thoughtful approach to male vulnerability, leadership, and purpose, Chris launched this podcast to explore what it means to be a good man in today’s world. His work—on the mic and on the page—continues to resonate with listeners navigating their own journeys of growth, connection, and aut...

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Dr. Mel Fenner, an HBCU leader, technologist, and community builder whose journey from small-town Mississippi to the heights of higher education leadership is rooted in purpose, authenticity, and service. With over 20 years of experience in IT and a deep belief in mentoring and legacy-building, Mel brings a heartfelt and thoughtful perspective. M...

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with the multi-talented Ryan Rucker—a devoted father, children’s book author, game show champion, ice cream entrepreneur, and host of the Courtside Forever podcast. From growing up in small-town upstate New York to building a multifaceted life in California, Ryan shares his remarkable journey of personal growth, identity, and resilience. With warmth a...

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Mike B, a Central Illinois resident, nonprofit executive, flight instructor, and passionate advocate for social justice. Mike shares a deeply personal and reflective journey of growth, shaped by a conservative religious upbringing, transformative educational experiences, and, most profoundly, the influence of his wife. His story is one of deconst...

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Rev. Dr. Prince Robertson, Dean of Students for Inclusion and Advocacy at Illinois Wesleyan University. A minister, educator, author, and father, Dr. Robertson shares an intimate look into the personal and professional journey that has shaped his life. From Harlem to Saginaw to Champaign-Urbana, he weaves a story of grit, growth, and giving back,...

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with R. Wayne Martin, a platinum-selling music executive, podcast host, and mindset coach whose story is as transformative as the artists he’s helped rise to stardom. Known for mentoring musicians while championing mental wellness, Wayne shares his life journey from a conservative evangelical upbringing in the South during the Civil Rights era to the...

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, host Chris Tidrick sits down with Nick Gaylord, founder and host of the Our Dead Dads podcast. With nearly 30 years in the pharmaceutical industry focused on quality assurance and compliance, Nick spent much of his professional life ensuring the integrity of life-saving medications. Yet, a more personal calling tugged at him—one rooted in pain, introspection, and a d...

In this deeply introspective episode of ILLUMENATE, host Chris Tidrick welcomes Bobby Kalinowsky, co-founder of The Emergeré and the creator of Good Grief Men, a transformative platform aimed at encouraging emotional connection among men. Bobby opens up about his personal journey through depression, divorce, and identity deconstruction, leading to a calling that redefines traditional male roles an...

In this heartfelt and intellectually rich episode of ILLUMENATE, host Chris Tidrick sits down with Brent A. Diggs for an expansive conversation about purpose, transformation, and the power of taking ownership of your life. Brent is a former Marine turned personal growth advocate, podcaster, and storyteller. Known for his sharp wit, extensive book knowledge, and habit of quoting movies when excited...

In this episode of ILLUMENATE , host Chris Tidrick sits down with Brian Brauer, a lifelong public servant with over three decades of experience as an EMT, firefighter, instructor, and nurse. Currently serving as the Executive Director of Emergency Management at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Brian shares his journey from aspiring nuclear engineer to a career dedicated to protectin...

In this episode of ILLUMENATE , host Chris Tidrick sits down with Sean Daugherty, a man who describes himself as a "somewhat grumpy old man" but whose life is anything but ordinary. Sean shares his journey from a small-town upbringing in Central Illinois to his deeply rewarding work at a school for troubled and traumatized youth. With a career path that has taken him from landscaping to truck driv...

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, host Chris Tidrick welcomes Jason Lange, a men's embodiment coach, group facilitator, and certified No More Mr. Nice Guy coach. Jason’s work centers around helping men wake up to deeper clarity in their lives and relationships, emphasizing the crucial role of men’s groups in fostering growth, accountability, and healing. Jason shares his personal journey, recounting...

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, host Chris Tidrick sits down with his longtime friend, James Quisenberry, to explore leadership, mentorship, and the journey of personal and professional growth. James, a devoted husband, father, and community leader, shares his unique perspective on how his career in education technology, his upbringing in an academic household, and his deep commitment to service ha...

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, host Chris Tidrick sits down with Anthony Delgado, a dedicated father, fitness coach, and martial arts enthusiast who has transformed his life through self-discipline, perseverance, and personal growth. Anthony shares his inspiring journey from working in the oil and gas industry to finding a deeper sense of fulfillment through coaching and combat sports. He speaks c...

In this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Brett Geist—a graphic designer, substitute teacher, stay-at-home dad, and talented musician. Brett shares his personal journey of faith, growth, and transformation—from his roots in a Southern Baptist upbringing to navigating church transitions, deconstructing long-held beliefs, and ultimately finding belonging in a new faith community. Brett ope...