Life on the Illinois Prairie

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.

Wendy discusses the types of grief we all deal with in our lives. Not all grief is about the loss of life or even a living thing

Scott shares how he started performing as Elvis and the formation of the well-known band, The Blue Suede Crew. He and Sonja share about Scott's aortic dissection and how that challenge affected their lives and increased their faith.

Wendy shares the paramount importance of donating blood. Blood supplies are at an all-time low. Don't wait to realize this until you or a loved one needs blood.

Brian shares his family's decades long connection to Bernadini's Fruit Market, later Daniell's. We discuss the ups and downs in the family business.

Wendy talks about her father and what a special place he played in her heart.

When Connie Jones lost her husband, Gary, to lingering effects of Agent Orange, she channeled her grief into becoming the co-founder of Coles County Veterans Support Coalition.

Ann tells how her interest in theatre came about and how that interest led her to her portrayals of historic figures. She shares about her other theatre experiences in the Charleston area.

Lori and I discuss special upcoming events happening in the Charleston area. She is also plays a big role at Lincoln Log Cabin Historic Site at Lerna.

Allie established her career on the east coast but returned to central Illinois. She is always looking ahead and as a greenhouse owner she has to plan ahead for the coming season.

Nancy shares about her book Riding For America about Black jockey Isaac Burns Murphy. She explains how Isaac's story appeals to all ages.

Ronnie Negro is a professional drummer with a background in theatre performance. He started at a substitute drummer for EagleMania, but transitioned to full time in 2016

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

Richard Goodall is a Terre Haute, Indiana native who won Season 19 of America's Got Talent in 2024. We talk about how Richard uses his fame to promote hope and to help children and veterans.

Alex talks about dealing with blighted properties in Mattoon and explains why it takes so long to institute changes. He also talks about his time serving with the Peace Corps in North Macedonia.

Brittany Mosley has opened Blessing N Every Braid in Mattoon, making it the first shop in Mattoon to cater to braids. She explains how braiding is an art and how she combined her gift for braiding with an education to open her own shop.

Wendy shares some bad customer service stories from family members. She also tells about her frustrating experience with her local electric cooperative as well as some outlandish estimates for a standby generator.

Wendy shares her thoughts and insights into ways to find peace in today's chaotic world She recommends following the Walk for Peace.