Life on the Illinois Prairie

Chris Martin lives in Poland, but returns to his roots periodically to breathe life into the former Brown Shoe building in the town where he grew up. He is open and honest about learning on the fly and he has garnered over 56,000 subscribers who devour his videos.

Wendy reminisces about simpler times in her childhood and contrasts those with the way people are distanced from one another by social media in today's world.

Wendy recounts all of the wonderful guests that have been on the podcast in 2024.

Becca Dickens shares insight about how she and Jarrod Yantis formed a partnership over shared beliefs in growing and consuming nutrient dense food. She tells of the struggle to keep the farm afloat and also discusses her energy healing sessions.

Becca Dickens shares insight about how she and Jarrod Yantis formed a partnership over shared beliefs in growing and consuming nutrient dense food. She tells of the struggle to keep the farm afloat and also discusses her energy healing sessions.

Chris Suerdieck gives updates on recent events at the Mattoon History Center, which is in the basement of the Mattoon Public Library. He also shares fascinating details and information about the Big Dig that happened in 1914,when the "subway" was dug to accommodate north-south/east-west train traffic.

Mattoon native and long-time media personality, Jeff explains about local broadcasting and the future for local media. We also discuss Mattoon's history and future in sports, with the addition of the sports complex, Emerald Acres.

Allan explains the ever-changing nature of his successful business. He shares how the business of printing on clothing has changed. He also shares how important it is to have a cooperative relationship with other printing shops.

Amanda Perdomo shares the rewards and challenges of owning and operating a very busy and popular restaurant in Mattoon, Illinois. She and her husband Rene also have a food truck and catering business.

Kevin Schultz gives insight to how he and his wife, Carrie, operate the very successful bar/restaurant on Lake Sara in Effingham, Illinois. They started as a seasonal operation, but with the addition of domes, now operate throughout the winter.

Teri Moore and Ambrosia Branson share about an important new program for the State of Illinois. The program will help children throughout the state who have been impacted by substance abuse disorder.

Meet 15-year-old performer and business owner, Emmerson Rose Henson, from Effingham, Illinois. Learn how she has been performing live since the age of 5 and discover her love of acquiring, collecting, and selling vinyl albums.

Wendy shares tips that she and Stacy learned about regaining control of her Facebook pages after they were stolen from her. She recounts the frustration in trying to get her pages back from hackers, who used her page to try to sell non-existent items to unsuspecting friends.

Champaign, Illinois native, Nancy Hays, shares her music and her determination to tell the story of early Kentucky Derby Black jockey, Isaac Burns Murphy. Murphy, as well as many other early jockeys and trainers have been largely forgotten and their contribution to the early Kentucky Derby hidden and ignored.

Champaign, Illinois native, Nancy Hays has been deeply involved in all aspects of entertaining since she was a young girl.

Amanda shares about her move from Naperville, Illinois to attend school at the University of Illinois College of Media in 2018. We discuss the challenges of attending online classes during the pandemic and the joys of being a part of the U of I Marching Band as part of the Color Guard. She shares some of the most touching stories she has covered.

Wendy shares the recently discovered psychiatrist evaluation of her mother.

Wendy shares recently rediscovered letters purportedly written by her mother, but clearly written by Mike Ahmed.

Meteorologist Jacob Dickey talks about his community involvement, the unusual weather events for 2024, and the saga of Lady Emu.

Mayor Jesus Garza returns to discuss upcoming events that are happening in Arcola.

Sports broadcaster and news anchor, Larry Smith, shares stories about growing up in Mattoon,Illinois and discusses the people and experiences that were instrumental to his career. He also relates how his family and his faith are also fundamental to his life.

Wendy discovers more letters and notes written in her mother's hand. She reads these letters to share how Mike Ahmed had brainwashed her mother in such a short period of time.

The Pringles are incredibly busy with monarch conservation and promoting conservation in general. They have published books and are both award-winning photographers. After his career in journalism, Kirby, along with Cindy, are part of the Vault Art Gallery in Tuscola.

Wendy discusses The Ten Commitments and how our current social climate affects our interactions with others. She also delves into the importance of volunteerism in our every day lives.

Wendy discusses The Ten Commitments and how they affect our daily lives. She discusses her observations about how many people fail to treat others with kindness and respect.