Advertise on podcast: Greg & Dan Show Interviews

Dan talks with director Kevin Wickhart and actress Megan Blardo about Eastlight Theatre’s upcoming production of Hands on a Hardbody, a musical inspired by the true events captured in the 1997 documentary of the same name. They discuss the unusual true story behind the show, how it was transformed into a stage musical, the cast bringing these characters to life, and what drew Kevin to directing the production. They also preview what audiences can expect from Eastlight’s production and why the show offers much more than its unusual premise. Showtimes: Hands on a Hardbody is performed at 7:30 p.m. at Eastlight Theatre-Auditorium in East Peoria, with tickets available through Eastlight Theatre. Explore Peoria For more information and tickets, visit Eastlight Theatre. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan talks with Jason and Matt Lowe of the Lowe Brothers about their musical journey, which dates back to 1996, and how they have rediscovered their sense of purpose and passion for performing over the years. The brothers share how they got their start, the opportunities they’ve explored throughout their careers, and why they believe it’s never too late to pursue a dream. They also discuss their “Nashville Connection,” which evolved during the pandemic and ultimately connected them with The 615 Collective, a group of Nashville singer-songwriters who come together to showcase the songwriting and storytelling at the heart of the Nashville sound. Jason and Matt preview their special homecoming performance in Peoria on Friday, September 25 at the 3300 Event Center, where the Lowe Brothers will open for The 615 Collective. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show beginning at 7 p.m. The brothers reflect on what it means to return home for the performance and share an encouraging message about continuing to chase your passions and never giving up on your dreams. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan talks with Ken Zurski, announcer for the Morton Marching Invitational, and Andy Empey, Co-Director of Bands at Morton High School, about the 20th Annual Morton Marching Invitational, happening Saturday, September 26 at Morton High School, with performances beginning at 2:30 p.m. The annual competition welcomes marching bands from across Illinois and beyond to showcase their field shows before a professional judging panel, with awards recognizing outstanding winds, percussion, color guard and overall performances. They discuss what the Invitational has meant to Morton over the past 20 years, the excitement and passion surrounding marching band, and the tremendous amount of time, preparation and dedication students put into their performances. They also highlight why the event is important to the community and the special atmosphere created when students, families, schools and marching band fans all come together. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors, and children 3 and under are free. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan talks with Steve Holihan of Benjamin F. Edwards about the recent surge in long-term interest rates, with the 30-year U.S. Treasury yield reaching its highest level since 2004. Steve explains what Treasury yields are, why they’re rising, and what higher long-term rates can mean for consumers, businesses, borrowing costs, and the overall economy. They discuss the combination of persistent inflation and strong economic and corporate growth, along with a market that remains diversified despite uncertainty. Steve also breaks down why the Federal Reserve may raise interest rates to slow economic activity and help control inflation, while explaining the balancing act of cooling demand without weakening an otherwise resilient economy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan talks with Dr. Angie Cooksy, Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing & Communications at Bradley University, about the excitement surrounding the new academic year and welcoming Bradley’s largest incoming undergraduate class in four years to campus. She discusses the renewed energy and buzz among students, new features and improvements around campus, and the university’s continued efforts to evolve with what students are looking for in their college experience. She also highlights Bradley’s new Artificial Intelligence major, which gives students hands-on experience in areas including machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing and computer vision. She also looks ahead to Homecoming Weekend, October 2–4, including the annual Lighting of the B, one of Bradley’s signature Homecoming traditions, as students, alumni and the community come together to celebrate Bradley. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan talks with Cheryl Langley and local author Joe Chianakas about the upcoming Between the Lines Literary Expo, happening Saturday, September 26 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Peoria Civic Center. The event brings readers and writers together for a celebration of books and storytelling, giving attendees the chance to meet authors, discover new work, and learn more about the journey from an idea to a finished book. Cheryl and Joe discuss how many people dream of writing a book and the excitement that comes with helping new authors take that step. Joe shares more about his own work and experience as an author, while Cheryl reflects on what it’s like working with so many different writers and watching their ideas come to life. They also highlight the growing creative collaboration happening throughout Central Illinois, the supportive relationships that develop between writers, and why the local author community can truly begin to feel like family. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan talks with Leslie Rothan, Governmental Affairs Director for the Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® (PAAR), about the organization’s efforts to help make downtown Peoria more inviting and community-focused through improvements to Fulton Plaza. They received a Placemaking Grant from the National Association of REALTORS® to support the project, part of a national program designed to help REALTOR® associations transform public spaces into vibrant community gathering places. She discusses how housing and creating desirable places to live go hand-in-hand, and why making downtown spaces more welcoming can help strengthen the community as a whole. She highlights PAAR’s partnership with Big Picture Peoria and the passion and creativity the organization has brought to the project, along with the practical, people-focused additions made to Fulton Plaza. She also discusses PAAR’s collaboration with Distillery Labs, the importance of investing in new ideas and partnerships, and why people should be excited about the continued growth and revitalization happening throughout downtown Peoria. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan talks with DeLoss Jahnke about the mounting economic pressures facing farmers and ranchers, from high beef prices and changing trade policy to the rising cost of simply operating a farm. They discuss the Trump administration’s recent move to temporarily expand lower-tariff beef imports, including beef from Argentina, as an effort to bring consumer prices down He explains why things feel particularly uncertain in agriculture right now, with farmers facing higher costs for fuel, equipment, fertilizer and transportation by truck and rail, while young farmers face an increasingly expensive path to getting started. He also discusses rising nitrogen, phosphate and sulfur-related fertilizer costs, how long those pressures could persist, and why careful risk management is especially important when farmers have little control over input costs, commodity prices, weather, government policy and global markets. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk with Morgan DeGroot, Raynah Unes-Reid, and Lavender Critz about Morgan Needs an Organ, the community effort supporting Morgan as she searches for a kidney donor and navigates her transplant journey. Morgan shares her personal story, including the challenges she has faced and experiencing dissociation while dealing with everything surrounding her health and search for a donor. Lavender offers her perspective as Morgan’s sister and caregiver, while Raynah discusses why she became involved and how she helped create the Morgan Needs an Organ Benefit Series to support her best friend. They reflect on the different fundraising events the community has rallied around and preview their biggest upcoming event, Morgan’s Kidney Harvest Festival, happening Saturday, October 3 from noon–9 p.m. at Friendly Valley Tavern in Peoria.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk with Cody Birely, physical therapist and Founder and President of Prairieland Adaptive, about the organization’s mission to expand access to adaptive sports, recreation, and fitness for individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments throughout Central Illinois. He shares how his background in physical therapy and neurological rehabilitation, along with years of volunteering in adaptive sports, inspired him to create the organization and help people remain active and connected beyond traditional therapy. He also previews the second annual Adapt and Conquer Expo, happening Saturday, September 26 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Bradley University’s Markin Family Student Recreation Center. He discusses why building community is at the heart of Prairieland Adaptive and the importance of creating opportunities for people of all abilities to discover new activities, make connections and see what is possible. For more information, visit Prairieland Adaptive See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk with Pete McMurray of the Brothers’ McMurray Family Charity about the McMurray family’s personal journey with cancer and how those experiences inspired them to turn their family’s strength into a mission to help others. He shares the story of growing up as one of 12 McMurray siblings and how cancer has directly affected their family, including four siblings who are cancer survivors. He also previews the 4th Annual McTOBERFEST, happening Saturday, September 26 from 3–6 p.m. at Jimmy’s Bar, 2801 W. Farmington Road in West Peoria. The annual fundraiser brings the community together to raise money for cancer research and patient care while enjoying an Oktoberfest-inspired afternoon for a cause. He also talks about his own career in broadcasting, his passion for connecting with listeners, and his Saturday shows on WMBD. For more information about the family’s mission and McTOBERFEST, visit Brothers’ McMurray Family Charity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk with Shawn Degenhart of GospelFest Ministries about the upcoming A Country Gospel Fest, happening Saturday, September 26. He shares the story behind how the show came together and what inspired the country-gospel theme, along with what audiences can expect from the performance. He highlights the choir and live band that help bring the music to life and talks about the musicians, arrangements, and faith-centered message behind the show. He also discusses GospelFest Ministries and its continued mission of bringing people together through uplifting live music and community! For more information about the show and GospelFest Ministries, visit GospelFest Ministries See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk with author and testicular cancer survivor Brian Sluga about his memoir, The Shriek I Do Remember: Winning the Race of Life and Other Stories, which tells the story of being diagnosed with testicular cancer at just 20 years old while he was a college athlete. He shares the background behind the book, what life was like when he received his diagnosis, and the fear, uncertainty, faith, and emotional challenges he experienced throughout his cancer journey and recovery. He also discusses his passion for writing and his other books and previews his upcoming appearance at the River City Reading Room on Saturday, September 26 from 2-4 p.m., where he’ll discuss his journey and sign copies of his book.  For more information about Brian and his books, visit Brian Sluga’s official website. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk with Megan Scott, Executive Director of the Peoria Art Guild, about the 64th Annual Peoria Art Guild Fine Art Fair, happening Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27 at Riverfront Festival Park in Peoria. She previews a weekend that feels like a full arts festival, bringing together more than 100 artists, along with live music and performances, local food and drinks, a Kids Art Festival and other interactive experiences. She also highlights this year’s poster and community mural artist, Merrell Hickey, whose colorful beadwork inspired elements of the weekend. The Fine Art Fair is also the Art Guild’s major annual fundraiser, supporting its exhibitions, classes, community outreach and art programming throughout the year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk with Chris Setti, CEO of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, about the many festivals and community events recently held throughout Central Illinois and why they can play an important role in local economic development. He discusses how festivals bring people into communities, support local businesses, and give the region an opportunity to showcase its personality, culture, and quality of life. He also talks about the importance of continuing to invest in new ideas, entrepreneurs, and businesses and how creating vibrant communities where people want to spend time can contribute to the region’s overall growth and success. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.