Sunken Press

Barber, artist, and bug lady Kaylin Gauthier (River City Oddities) joins us to talk about how she builds her intricate dioramas using ethical insect sourcing, antique glass, and locally foraged materials. She’s also a barber at Anderson’s Classic Barbershop in Alton, which somehow leads to stories about a monkey’s haircut and why exotic animals should absolutely not be in salons. We also get into the founding of Bluff City Bazaar, remembrance jewelry, mushroom foraging, driftwood baking, and the strange and supportive world of oddities artists. Also, Cory eats dog ashes.This one goes everywhere, but at its core, it’s about creativity, community, and carving out space for weird art in Southern Illinois.Find Kaylin’s work at Bluff City Bazaar (Alton), Grafton Art Gallery, Grumpy Grizzly (Grafton), Mother Murphy’s (Normal, IL), It’s Raining Zen (Alton), and lots of pop-ups at vendor markets.Click here for the full version on YouTube.---For more information:https://www.facebook.com/river.city.odditieshttps://www.instagram.com/river.city.odditieshttps://www.andersonsclassicbarbershop.comhttps://www.instagram.com/andersonsclassichttps://www.facebook.com/andersonsclassicaltonhttps://www.facebook.com/andersonsonstate---Mentioned in this episode:https://www.facebook.com/bluffcitybazaar https://www.facebook.com/hypeoftype https://www.facebook.com/growcreateinspire https://www.facebook.com/radcliffsradthriftshttps://www.facebook.com/ShakeRagStudiohttps://www.youtube.com/@HamiltonMorrishttps://www.youtube.com/@grant_harting https://www.facebook.com/audubonriverlands https://www.facebook.com/miltonschoolhousephoto credit to https://www.facebook.com/helloimtoriii ---https://ko-fi.com/sunkenpresshttps://sunkenpress.threadless.comhttps://sunkenpresspodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/sunkenpresspodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@sunkenpresspodcasthttps://www.patreon.com/sunkenpress This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com

CyRhen Smith (Glam Trash Zodiac) has been part of Alton’s art scene for over a decade, moving through mediums like painting and wire-wrap jewelry pieces while building an aesthetic that's as beautiful as it is weird. We talk about what “goth” really means to her and what is and isn't goth. We discuss how intersectionality affects the Alton art scene, the ebb and flow of creativity, and her life as a surprise parent in a polycule. Click here for the full version on YouTube.---For more information:https://www.glamtrashzodiac.comhttps://www.facebook.com/glamtrashzodiac https://www.instagram.com/glamtrashzodiac https://www.facebook.com/bluffcitybazaar---Mentioned in this episode:https://www.facebook.com/warmsodamagazine https://www.facebook.com/jacobyarts---https://ko-fi.com/sunkenpresshttps://sunkenpress.threadless.comhttps://sunkenpresspodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/sunkenpresspodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@sunkenpresspodcasthttps://www.patreon.com/sunkenpress This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com

Part of the growing Indivisible movement, veteran organizer Kelley Hatlee has joined with Macoupin native and blossoming activist Chelsa Pruden to create a Macoupin County chapter. Despite the county's deep red government and voting record, the pair has inspired a growing community dedicated to changing the way rural America does politics. It was progressive politics that helped rural farmers at the height of famines, depressions, and droughts, and coal mining unions that gave their ancestors a better quality of life for dangerous work. This one is important for anyone who feels like they're an island of blue in a sea of red.Click here for the full version on YouTube.---For more information:https://www.facebook.com/MacoupinIndivisiblehttps://www.instagram.com/macoupincountyindivisiblehttps://bsky.app/profile/macindivisible.bsky.socialhttps://www.tiktok.com/@macoupinindivisiblehttps://www.youtube.com/@MacoupinCounty50501Indivisible https://indivisible.org---Mentioned in this episode:https://www.macart.orghttps://www.blackbirdbakeryandcafe.comhttps://www.mississippiculturebeer.comhttps://sunkenpress.substack.com/p/emma-deserved-better-than-to-be-eulogized https://www.aclu.orghttps://www.facebook.com/events/1410563607086520https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586046996616simplysellarsphotography.mypixieset.com---photos courtesy of:Steph Wilderman Photography - https://www.facebook.com/stephwildermanphoto We The People Pixels - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576160813865&sk Steady shot 246 - Steadyshot246@gmail.com---https://ko-fi.com/sunkenpresshttps://sunkenpress.threadless.comhttps://sunkenpresspodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/sunkenpresspodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@sunkenpresspodcasthttps://www.patreon.com/sunkenpress This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com

We go deep into the intricate work of serving one’s community while also maintaining a family at home with Jason Harrison. Jason has served in multiple roles in the community, most recently becoming a member of the Alton Board of Education. We hold nothing back when discussing the hardships faced through community service, race, and having a family. And, because Jason’s business, LaMay’s Catering, catered Cory’s wedding with some of the best catfish anyone has ever tasted, we of course talked about food. Click here for the full version on YouTube.For more information:https://www.facebook.com/jason.harrison.129357https://www.instagram.com/jharrisonrestaurateur/https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonharrisonmotivatorhttps://lamayscatering.com/https://www.facebook.com/LamaysCatering/Mentioned in this episode:https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DcCmZnzEU/https://www.lc.edu/academic-programs/high-school-diploma/youthbuild.htmlhttps://www.gao.gov/products/gao-18-258 https://madison-historical.siue.edu/encyclopedia/alton-school-district-integration/https://www.riverbender.com/news/details/altons-black-history-a-push-for-integration-pt-2-26484.cfm https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/fights-prompt-alton-high-school-limit-friday-18340656.phphttps://www.huffpost.com/entry/michael-brown-protests_n_5672163 https://www.lc.edu/news/2024/08/blazer-bites-cafe-brings-oncampus-dining-back-to-lewis-and-clark.html https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/emmett-tills-funeral/ https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-01-16/ice-agent-los-angeles-shooting-court-records https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/Bost-visits-Alton-on-healthcare-checkup-12565172.phphttps://www.riverbender.com/news/details/js-market-grill-welcomed-with-open-arms-to-alton-13952.cfm https://madison-historical.siue.edu/encyclopedia/standard-oils-company-housing-in-wood-river-illinois/ https://www.riverbender.com/news/details/free-food-everyone-is-invited-community-feast-at-post-commons-oct-5-30596.cfm https://a.co/d/3WRe1edThreadless merch storeKo-FiWebsiteFacebookYoutube This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com

This episode takes a lot of surprising twists and turns — from the Ethiopian Bible to the cult of professional wrestling to love being an addictive drug. Itchy, who has been artist of the month at both Milton Schoolhouse and Jacoby Arts Center, has a lot of unique perspectives on the world around us. Trigger warning: wrestling fans will be offended. Content Warning:This interview contains candid discussion of mental health, abuse, and sexual misconduct. Some viewers may find the material difficult.Editorial Note:The statements and allegations shared in this interview reflect the guest’s personal experiences and perspective. They are presented for context and discussion and should not be read as established or independently verified factsClick here for the full version on YouTube.---For more information:https://www.instagram.com/murderitchyhttps://www.tiktok.com/@itchy2832---Mentioned in this episode:https://centerstone.org/locations/illinois/facilities/centerstone-alton-edwards-street/https://outinstl.com/https://www.facebook.com/PWEPIC---Threadless merch storePatreonWebsiteFacebookYoutube This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com

We miss KDHX. We know a lot of you do, too. So, we got one of our old favorite DJs, Al Swacker, former host of The Greaser’s Lunchbox, a rockabilly/punk show that ran for nearly 25 years and introduced many folks to obscure bands from their own backyard and across the globe. While Al has moved on to Running with the Boss Sound on The Roots FM (internet radio), we talked a lot about the good old days of the St. Louis music scene and the decline and end of KDHX (88.1), and what came after. Special thanks to Adam Lesh for filling in for Nicole! His first-hand knowledge of the music scene (fun fact, he played bass in producer Ryan’s old band The Red Handed Bandits, among other bands) made for a great conversation. Click here for the full version on YouTube.---For more information:https://www.therootsfm.org/running-with-the-boss-sound-by-al-swacker/https://www.reverbnation.com/alswackerhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063999946996---Mentioned in this episode:https://spinitron.com/KDHX/show/126966/The-Greaser-s-Lunchbox?page=1https://sonicsfilm.com/https://www.xtheband.com/welcomehttps://sinkholerecords.com/https://a.co/d/1PDzU7Lhttps://a.co/d/e4tBES1https://a.co/d/gjggrhihttps://www.netflix.com/title/82052197https://markmothersbaugh.com/pages/orchestrionshttps://pleasekillme.com/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085653741095https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100040295782914https://www.pbs.org/video/jam-sessions-rockabilly-style-the-crazy-beats-leslie-baker-iabaaa/https://clownvistotherescue.com/http://marioviele.com/---https://sunkenpress.threadless.comhttps://www.patreon.com/sunkenpresshttps://sunkenpresspodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/sunkenpresspodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@sunkenpresspodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com

Paying the state’s bills sounds like a boring job until Holly Kim explains what’s actually at stake. The current Lake County Treasurer talks about her experience in office, her goals for the future, goats, homesteading, and growing up Korean-American.If you think paying the bills doesn’t affect everyday life, recent SNAP benefit cuts show exactly why it does.Click here for the full version on YouTube.For more information:https://www.voteforhollykim.comhttps://www.elections.il.gov/Mentioned in this episode:https://www.amazon.com/1984-George-Orwell/dp/1328869334/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1---https://sunkenpress.threadless.comhttps://www.patreon.com/sunkenpresshttps://sunkenpresspodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/sunkenpresspodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@sunkenpresspodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com

Running against incumbent Rep. Nikki Budzinski in Illinois’ 13th Congressional District (IL-13) ahead of the March 17 primary, Dylan Blaha has been making national news. Starting with viral video messages to active-duty troops about unlawful/illegal orders, Blaha has been a thorn in the side of the Trump regime. He’s garnered enough ire for Pete Hegseth to publicly renounce his security clearance. While he’s running to represent our area, Blaha’s arguments are resonating nationally with the general progressive cause. We discuss AIPAC, campaign money, biofuels and carbon capture, immigration, affordability, issues in central Illinois, and, yes, aliens.Click here for the full version on YouTube.For more information:https://www.dylanforillinois.com/https://www.instagram.com/dylanblahaforcongresshttps://www.facebook.com/dylantblaha/https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanblahaforcongresshttps://www.threads.com/@dylanblahaforcongresshttps://bsky.app/profile/dylanthomasblaha.bsky.socialhttps://www.reddit.com/user/DylanForIllinois/Mentioned in this episode:https://www.trackaipac.com/https://www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319https://www.amazon.com/Whats-Matter-Kansas-Conservatives-America/dp/080507774Xhttps://www.thesatanictempleillinois.com/https://www.katforillinois.com/https://jump4senate.com/https://www.youtube.com/@TheMajorityReporthttps://www.youtube.com/@HasanAbihttps://www.twitch.tv/hasanabihttps://girightshotline.org/https://www.elections.il.gov/---https://sunkenpress.threadless.comhttps://www.patreon.com/sunkenpresshttps://sunkenpresspodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/sunkenpresspodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@sunkenpresspodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com

We brought in Alton’s own master of the macabre, true crime historian, and ghost expert Troy Taylor to separate truth from fiction in popular ghost stories in Alton and across Illinois.Hear Troy talk about where he’s actually seen ghosts, where there’s more story than substance, and the one topic that got him the most hate (it’s not what you expect).Turn the lights down, brew up a fresh pot of coffee, and settle in for an episode with one of the Midwest’s best storytellers — digging into real history, real hauntings, and the legends that made Alton one of the most haunted small towns in America.Click here for the full version on YouTube.For more information:http://americanhauntings.nethttps://www.americanodditiesmuseum.comhttps://www.facebook.com/troytaylorodditiesMentioned in this episode:Troy Taylor’s American Oddities MuseumMansion House Unsolved Mysteries episodehttps://sunkenpress.threadless.comhttps://www.patreon.com/sunkenpresshttps://sunkenpresspodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/sunkenpresspodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@sunkenpresspodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com

What happens when two people discarded by Christianity get into a conversation with a United Methodist pastor? If that pastor is Kyle Armentrout-Steward, then expectations are subverted.Kyle is trying to rebuild community in a way that isn’t tied to guilt, culture wars, or church politics. He discusses the failures of modern Christianity and calls back to early Christian roots of community churches meeting in unexpected locations. His congregation is meeting at The Conservatory (a bar in Alton, IL) every Sunday at 2 p.m. This one goes out to everyone who has ever found comfort in Christianity only to be harmed by folks who claimed they did it for Jesus.Click here for the full version on YouTube.For more information:https://www.confluencefc.org/https://www.facebook.com/confluencefaithcommunityhttps://rmnetwork.org/Mentioned in this episode:https://www.facebook.com/listentojoelhttps://www.theconservatory618.com/https://www.brianrecker.com/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332375/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120655/https://sunkenpress.threadless.comhttps://www.patreon.com/sunkenpresshttps://sunkenpresspodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/sunkenpresspodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@sunkenpresspodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com

Cory and Nicole sit down with Mike Lemons, coordinator of the Digital Streaming and Broadcast Media program at Lewis and Clark Community College. Mike’s been teaching radio and managing the local college radio station for decades, and Cory actually came through his program back in 2007, when it was still focused on traditional radio broadcasting.They get into how the field has changed, what students are learning now, the shift from FM to digital, and a few stories from the old WLCA 89.9 days. If you’re into radio, podcasting, or just curious about how people get started in this world, this one’s worth your time.Click here for the full version on YouTube.For more information:https://wlcafm.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@899WLCAhttps://www.youtube.com/@UCC649uCpMXDfUfL98oAyW5Q https://www.facebook.com/899WLCAhttps://www.facebook.com/LCradiobroadcastinghttps://www.facebook.com/lewisandclarkcchttps://www.lc.edu/academic-programs/degrees-certificates/broadcast-media.html---https://sunkenpress.threadless.comhttps://www.patreon.com/sunkenpresshttps://sunkenpresspodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/sunkenpresspodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@sunkenpresspodcastSunken Press is an unabashedly left-wing, independent outlet focused on arts, culture, community, and politics in the Riverbend. We’re subscriber-supported; consider becoming a paid subscriber or share this with your community. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com

In this episode, we test out the futuristic technology of a video call for the first time to speak to Andy Asadorian. Andy was elected head of the Madison County Democratic Party earlier this week. We spoke to him before the election regarding the policies of the Madison County (IL) Democratic Party, future elections, and how to bring more people into the party. This is a great episode for folks who want to become more civically and politically involved following the election of Donald Trump and all the madness that has followed. For more information go to Madison County (IL) Democratic Party Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MadcoDems or https://www.madcodems.com/. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/MadCoBlue https://sunkenpresspodcast.com https://www.facebook.com/sunkenpresspodcast https://sunkenpress.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com

In this episode, we interview Clayton Monroe, founder and organizer of weekly anti-Trump protests every Sunday at Lincoln-Douglas Square in Downtown Alton. We discuss the politics of punk rock, shirtless seething, and the surprising demographics of protesters. With around 100 people each weekend, we know you've seen the crowds. This is a great chance to get to know the story behind it. Don't miss it, unless you hate being civically engaged. Also featuring a guest co-host, Roxy, filling in for Nicole. (Everyone in the studio was covid tested before we started filming.) For more information go to Alton People's United Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1230659541786273 Mentioned in this episode:https://sunkenpresspodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/sunkenpresspodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com

In this episode, we speak to the woman whose name is behind nearly every major Alton community gathering, Sara McGibany. For two decades she has been at the helm of Alton Main Street. We talk to her about the way things have changed in our business community, festivals, the farmers market, and hippies. If you skip this, it's at your own peril. It's a great intro into the spirit of Alton. For more information go to https://downtownalton.com/ or Alton Main Street on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AltonMainStreet Also mentioned in this episode: Alton Farmers' & Artisans' Markethttps://www.facebook.com/AltonFarmersMarket Mississippi Earthtones Festival https://www.facebook.com/EarthtonesFestival All-Wheels Drive-In Car Show https://www.facebook.com/events/2181281798997817 https://downtownalton.com/volunteer https://sunkenpresspodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/sunkenpresspodcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com

In this episode, we talk to local native plant entrepreneur Sam Dublo about his botanical passions. This 20-year-old Zoomer already has spent his early adult life cultivating native plants and selling them at farmers' markets. You'll be surprised at the amount of cool stuff we've been ignoring with our lawn culture and invasive species. For more information go to Sam’s Native Nursery and Restoration Services Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095128308904 For more about how and why to kill your lawn, read Cory's Substack on the matter here: https://sunkenpress.substack.com/p/sunken-dispatch-2 Or go to https://www.youtube.com/@UC3CBOpT2-NRvoc2ecFMDCsA Also mentioned in this episode: https://www.facebook.com/littleskywildflowers https://www.facebook.com/NatureInstitute https://sunkenpresspodcast.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com

In this episode, Cory and Nicole talk to the enigmatic weirdo behind the ostentatious works of art at the Conservatory, Mike Snider. From 1,000 trumpets to 31,000 stamps, we talk about the philosophy of Kool and the artistic process. You won't want to miss it.Mentioned in this episode: https://www.kooliverse.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com

In this episode, we interview Sage and David, the proprietors of Funky Planet Toys and Gifts in Downtown Alton. We discuss the independent toy market, trade wars, supply chains, and the blight of kids with too much screen time. This independent local toy store is surprisingly affordable, and without the negative karma of big box stores. You won't want to miss us playing with toys and warning against the dangers of doing too much acid. Check out Funky Game Night at Old Bakery Beer Company in Alton on Tuesday, May 20. https://www.facebook.com/events/1090523906428640 Funky Planet Toys & Gifts is at: 10 E Broadway, Alton, IL, 62002 618-373-6205 info@funkyplanettoys.com https://www.funkyplanettoys.com https://sunkenpresspodcast.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com

Founded in Hollywood, California, FreakShow Deluxe is a nationally touring sideshow act. Its founding father Thomas Nealeigh joins us on this episode to discuss the history of sideshows, why he moved to Alton, and demonstrates the infamous "Blockhead" stunt. Don't try this at home, kids. More info discussed in this episode: https://www.patreon.com/AltonHauntedDinnerTheater https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574543380082 https://www.freakshowdeluxe.com/ https://www.facebook.com/freakshowdeluxe/ https://www.instagram.com/freakshowdeluxe https://www.youtube.com/TheFreakShowDeluxe https://sunkenpresspodcast.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com

After talking to Peter Hough and Megan Tyler about how they deal with the ongoing plight of homelessness in Alton and surrounding areas, we wanted to hear more about Nicole's lived experience and see how she felt about what our guests had to say. Trigger warning: We do get into some disturbing topics including sexual assault and violence. More info discussed in this episode: https://nowherepod.substack.com/podcasthttps://sunkenpresspodcast.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com

In this episode, we talk with Megan Tyler, a local mental health advocate who founded Sacred Spaces of Care, a nonprofit organization touted by current Alton Mayor David Goins as a remedy for homelessness. She also discusses the current lack of mental health options in Alton and the importance of wellness within police departments. More info discussed in this episode:https://www.facebook.com/sacredspacesofcarehttp://www.sacredspacesofcare.org https://linktr.ee/infosacredspacesofcare https://sunkenpresspodcast.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sunkenpress.substack.com