Life on the Illinois Prairie

Wendy shares some of her dream experiences and how dreams have been a meaningful part of her life since childhood. 

Shane owns a website design firm, CloudCarpenter and is also a Christian missionary. He shares his concerns about cultural, institutional, and consumer-driven patterns affecting the modern church.

Bernie talks about his family history, evolving business on Western Avenue, and the evolution of the brand Celebrate Downtown Mattoon. He also discusses the annual Trunk or Treat event and the Lighted Christmas Parade.

Wendy talks about getting butterflies even in her senior years. They are not from fear or anxiety, but from joyful anticipation.

Brandon talks about his experience of joining the Illinois Air National Guard age 17 and his experience as a boom operator (in-flight refueler for combat aviation) over Afghanistan. He is helping founder and president of OHG,Rich Darby, grow the number of veterans to help give military veterans a proper military rights at their funerals.

Tara shares the importance of people donating to and shopping at the ReStore and how it funds home building projects. She also tells about the application process and the selection process for those interested in buying a Habitat home.

Wendy talks about agency and getting past other people's limitations of us.

Mattoon, Illinois native, Rob Farmer shares his DNA story and the surprising results. He gives insights for others facing the same or similar situation.

Replay: Bernie shares his family's rich history in Mattoon, Illinois, beginning with his great-grandfather. We talk about his community involvement and work with Celebrate Downtown Mattoon.

Milo left his Amish life and became a truck driver, then a social influencer. He enjoys making videos telling about Amish home remedies. He also likes educating people about Amish life and clearing up common misconceptions.

Wendy shares how a chance encounter affected her life and how the loss of that special person affected her and Stacy.

Jeremy serves as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Midwest Stratospheric Data Systems (MSDS) , an aerospace company specializing in custom high-altitude balloon (HAB) payloads and atmospheric data collection.

Randal Rhoads is a well-known keyboardist throughout central Illinois and far beyond. He shares stories from his many years of performing as well as some serious health issues along the way.

When Jamie received a diagnosis of diabetes from her physician, the researcher in her kicked into high gear. In this episode she shares some of the helpful information she has gathered.

Summer Replay: Wendy shares rediscovered letters purportedly written by her mother, but clearly written by Mike Ahmed.

Sarah and Taylor share the many opportunities for people to volunteer to help protect and conserve our precious vanishing remnant prairie. They also share a great upcoming event at The Alamo Steakhouse and Saloon in Mattoon.

Ann returns to the podcast to share news of upcoming events, including visiting gravesites of Coles County Revolutionary War soldiers.

Stacy describes his experience living through a tornado that hit Charleston, Illinois on June 17, 2026

Summer Replay: Learn about The Big 250, Casey Celebrates America! The town known for Big Things has Big Things planned for America turning 250 this summer!

Wendy discusses her personal experiences with perspective, perception and permission. We are never too old to give ourselves permission to have our own voice and explore the world.

Chrissy shares the story of how her son, Charlie and his best friend, Jack, were in a devastating accident. Charlie's recovery at Shirley Ryan in Chicago lasted nearly a year, and his physical therapy is still ongoing.

Wendy shares insights about perspective during these challenging times we live in.

Wendy encourages everyone, no matter their age, to step out of their comfort zone and try something different.

Join us in revisiting this timely episode: Shelby tells how the careless behavior of a driver changed the lives of many in her family, as we come to the 3rd anniversary of the loss of her mother and stepdad.

Michael shares the rich history of Richards Farm as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary. He also shares about their two restaurants in Terre Haute, Indiana, M. Moggers and The Stables.