Greg & Dan Show Interviews

Greg and Dan talk to Dr. Channing Petrak, Medical Director of the Pediatric Resource Center, about the important work her team does to support children - from newborns all the way through age 18, and even into their mid-twenties for those with intellectual disabilities. She explains the complex factors that can lead to anger in parenting, the challenges of child development, and the vital role that counseling plays in helping kids and families thrive. For more information, visit www.pediatricresourcecenter.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk to John Ackerman, the Tazewell County Clerk, about his recent visits to various Illinois counties - and why those stops were important. He shares what he learned about improving election infrastructure, the growing concerns surrounding voting and ballot collection, and what lawmakers across the state are saying about it all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk to Dawn Alwan, Vice President of Fortner Insurance, about Medicare and the upcoming open enrollment period running from October 15th through December 7th! They chat with Dawn every year to help listeners navigate the often-confusing changes between old and new plans - and how those changes impact both current and new enrollees. Dawn explains the importance of enrolling in a plan based on where you live, along with major updates for Central Illinois, including location changes, cost factors, prescription drug adjustments, and what to watch for in your “Annual Notice of Change.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk to Roberta English, CEO of Wildlife Prairie Park, about all the exciting activities the park has to offer - from fishing and hiking to family-friendly outdoor adventures and seasonal events! They also discuss the 40th Annual Wildlife Scary Park, returning for three thrilling weekends in October: October 10–12, 17–19, and 24–26!-- Fridays run from 3 PM–10 PM, Saturdays 1 PM–10 PM, and Sundays 1 PM–8 PM. This year features a brand-new Scary Carnival, haunted walking paths, laser tag, hayrides, haunted houses, food vendors, and much more spooky fun for all ages! Everyone is welcome to celebrate the Halloween spirit at this Peoria favorite. Tickets and more information can be found at www.prairiewildlifepark.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk to Chief Meteorologist Chuck Collins of 25 News about his upcoming retirement after 50 incredible years on October 15th! They reflect on his remarkable career, how his lifelong passion for weather began, and the memorable moments he’s shared with Greg and Dan over the decades. From tracking storms to guiding viewers through countless forecasts, Chuck’s impact on Central Illinois has been nothing short of legendary. Congratulations, Chuck, on 50 years of dedication and community service!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk to Reed Timmer, renowned meteorologist and legendary storm chaser, about his upcoming event “Dominate the Storm” at the Prairie Home Alliance Theater on Thursday, October 9th! The show dives into Reed’s thrilling world of storm chasing, covering topics like severe weather, safety, science, and the incredible experiences that come with facing nature’s most powerful forces. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with the show beginning at 8:00 PM. Tickets are available now at www.ticketmaster.com! Reed also shares his inspiring background - how his passion began at just five years old after witnessing his first tornado. He talks about his famous storm-chasing vehicle, the Dominator 3, how it’s designed to go directly into tornadoes, and what it takes to make that possible. Reed spent 17 years in Oklahoma, earned his Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma, and continues to educate and inspire audiences worldwide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk to Jacqui Watts and Mary Upp from Pets for Seniors about their upcoming Black Cat Ball event on Friday, October 18th at Barracks Hospitality Group! The event will feature a delicious dinner, a guest speaker discussing the importance of animal rescue, a silent auction, live music, and of course...cats!  They also share the mission behind Pets for Seniors, an organization that helps connect senior citizens with rescue pets, providing companionship, love, and support to both. For more information, visit their Facebook page or petsforseniors.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk to Rich Thole, Principal of Princeville High School, about their incredible opportunity to win $1,000,000 in the T-Mobile 5G Lights Competition! What began as a simple contest entry quickly turned into a major success - Princeville won $5,000, then advanced to the Top 25, winning $25,000, and is now competing for the grand prize of a $1 million upgrade! Even more exciting, Princeville High School is the ONLY school in Illinois still in the running for the top spot. Rich shares what inspired the school to enter, and Greg and Dan also chat with two senior students, Sophie Noonen and Noah Geiger, both passionate about communications, who help manage the school’s social media and news outlets. They describe how fun and rewarding this experience has been and emphasize how crucial it is to spread the word and vote! Voting runs through October 24th at www.voteprinceville.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk to Jon Rocke, Executive Director of Pathways Ministries, about the organization’s mission and its roots in a simple act of kindness that sparked a movement 70 years ago. As Pathways celebrates its 70th anniversary this fall, Jon reflects on how the ministry continues to embody the belief that when people care about people, it humanizes everything - building stronger communities through compassion and connection. They also discuss the shift in society’s willingness to help others, the importance of community support, and inspiring success stories of individuals who, after finding help, now dedicate themselves to helping others. Jon also shares details about his upcoming event, “Conversations on a Bench,” happening in conjunction with World Homeless Day from Thursday at 2 PM to Friday at 2 PM - a full 24 hours of meaningful conversations, both planned and spontaneous. The event will be streamed live on YouTube, bringing awareness to homelessness and the power of human connection. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk to Andy Thornton of the Peoria YMCA and Micky McCarthy, an advocate for the Elmwood Community Foundation, about expanding opportunities for people to get involved in local programs and the vision behind building a new community center. They share the motivation behind this initiative, how it will serve families throughout the Elmwood area, and how both organizations are working to grow community connections across the region. For more information, visit peoriaymca.org or elmwoodcf.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk to Chris Setti of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council and David Aduama about David’s recent achievement of becoming a U.S. citizen and his passion for staying involved in the community. They also discuss The Big Table, an event happening on October 17th from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM at the Four Points by Sheraton in Peoria. The Big Table is designed to spark open, community-wide conversations about what’s working well in the region and what areas need improvement. Chris also shares what happens after collecting all the ideas and feedback from participants. The event is free and open to everyone - a true celebration of community collaboration! For more information, visit www.bigtable.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk to Dave Johnson of Pearl Technology about InfraGard - its mission, purpose, and partnership with the FBI. Dave shares insights from his recent meeting and highlights the most important takeaways about how InfraGard strengthens collaboration between the public and private sectors to protect critical infrastructure and cybersecurity efforts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk to Andy Velcoff and Jeffrey Bogart, both accomplished attorneys - Andy specializing in entertainment and Jeffrey in athletics - about what it’s like practicing law in the worlds of media, sports, and entertainment. They share their unique career journeys, the excitement that first drew them into the field, and how that thrill has only grown over time. They also dive into the connections between Illinois and Hollywood, highlighting movies filmed in the state, and share insights about Bradley University President James Shadid’s vision for the future of the university.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk to Stacey Peterson, City of Peoria Communications Director, about the exciting discovery of a time capsule hidden in Peoria’s Historic City Hall! Stacey shares where it was found, what it looks like, and details about the Grand Opening event on Sunday, November 2nd at 2:00 PM at the Gateway Building. Amazingly, this unveiling will happen 128 years to the exact date and hour of when the capsule was first placed!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk to Gus Faucher, Chief Economist at PNC, about the current government shutdown and its impact on the economy. They discuss how consumer confidence shifts with spending, the challenges of a high-debt market, and whether the next generation will be able to afford homes in the future. Gus also breaks down the latest trends in the stock market reaching record highs, expanding economic growth, and increasing corporate profits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk to Brian Fox Ellis about the upcoming Cemetery Tours, celebrating their 25th anniversary - and the 20th year held in Peoria’s Springdale Cemetery! The tours are set for October 4th, 5th, 11th, and 12th, with shows starting at 2:00 and 4:00 PM. He shares details about the talented actors and actresses bringing the stories and legacies of Peoria’s past to life. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and bring folding chairs for a more comfortable experience. All proceeds go to the cemetery, helping restore tombstones and preserve this important local history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk to Nick McMillion from the City of Peoria Public Works Department about yesterday’s exciting announcement regarding the downtown one-way streets being converted back to two-way streets! He breaks down the new phase starting Monday, including road closures, street parking updates, and the biggest traffic changes you need to know. Everything is still on schedule, with the project expected to be completed within the next six months!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk to Dylan Marer, CEO and Executive Producer of Cinematic, about “Future Play” coming to Peoria September 18-20, 2026 at the Peoria Civic Center, Riverfront Park, and various downtown locations! This three-day event is more than an esports tournament - it’s a full-blown festival featuring live music, retro gaming, virtual reality rides, exhibits, merchandise, food, and celebrity meet-and-greets with top gaming influencers. Dylan’s mission is to bring the community together, with an expected attendance of around 50,000 people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk to Rob Reneau, Peoria County Board Member, about the upcoming celebration of Peoria’s 200th anniversary on Saturday, October 4th from 3-7 PM at the Courthouse Plaza! This family-friendly event will feature food vendors, beverages, and plenty of fun for all ages - including a rock wall, petting zoo, and more exciting activities! They also dive into the creative idea behind the bison theme in Peoria, with the playful twist of calling the celebration a “Bisontennial.” For more information, visit www.peoriacounty.gov.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg and Dan talk to Rik Edgar of the Peoria Civic Center about the upcoming GHOST concert on Thursday, February 5, 2026! This will be one of the biggest productions at the arena in over a decade, thanks to the band’s massive stage presence and theatrical show. Known for their melodic, dramatic style that blends rock with a touch of heavy metal, GHOST has built a global fan base and Peoria audiences have watched them grow from performing in small theaters to now headlining world tour arenas. Presales are happening now at www.ticketmaster.com! Rik also previews what’s coming up at the Civic Center and how the arena is gearing up for the return of Peoria Rivermen hockey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.