Byers & Co. Interviews

May 15, 2026 - Angela Foulke joined Byers & Co to talk about the Fighting Illini, her new responsibilities at the Decatur Family YMCA during their executive director job search, and the Indianapolis 500. Listen to the podcast now!

May 15, 2026 - Ashley Grayned of DPS 61, Andy Hynds of Richland Community College, and senior students, Alivia Bray, Jack Bush, Allie Allgeier, and Morriah Berglin, joined Byers & Co to talk about the Prep Academy where students are graduating from high school and RCC simultaneously. Listen to the podcast now!

May 14, 2026 - Debbie Bogle of the United Way joined Byers & Co to talk about how the current economic climate is impacting citizens, the joy of helping families find treasure in estate sales, and the upcoming mid-century modern exhibit at the Decatur Area Arts Council. Listen to the podcast now!

May 14, 2026 - Wendy Harned joined Byers & Co to preview the 170th Macon County Fair including the music lineup, events, vendors, and pageants. Listen to the podcast now!

May 14, 2026 - Former mayor Paul Osborne joined Byers & Co to talk about the fountain in Central Park, new downtown apartments to be built, Pythian Home, and mail service. Listen to the podcast now!

May 13, 2026 - State Senator Doris Turner joined Byers & Co to talk about the Chicago Bears future, workforce and economic development, and student pathways. Listen to the podcast now!

May 13, 2026 - Students, Carissa Guerrier and Miamaya Parra, and Matthew Flaten of Millikin University, joined Byers & Co to talk about the students' preparation for giving commencement speeches at graduation. Listen to the podcast now!

May 13, 2026 - Dr. Kelly Hill of Decatur Memorial Hospital and Nicole Slonaker of Memorial Health joined Byers & Co to talk about how they are celebrating all aspects of their hospital system during Healthcare Week. Listen to the podcast now!

May 13, 2026 - Clay Gerhard and Aly Delatte of the Decatur Park District joined Byers & Co to talk about the response to their senior center ribbon cutting, spring and summer openings, the Scovill Zoo Open, summer park free lunch program, music bingo, and shows at the Devon. Listen to the podcast now!

May 12, 2026 - Natalie Beck of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation and Jami Fawley of the Decatur Area Arts Council joined Byers & Co to talk about how endowments at the foundation like the Leo and Anne Pondelick fund help organizations like DAAC annually, and how the HICF adult scholarships are making continuing education a possibility for people. Listen to the podcast now!

May 12, 2026 - Dale Colee joined Byers & Co to preview Pharmacy Facts with Friends that will feature the Brass Horn and Richland Community College student trustees, and to talk about Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage. Listen to the podcast now!

May 12, 2026 - Kyle May of Fleet Feet joined Byers & Co to talk about his recent trip to Miami to their corporate conference also celebrating their 50th anniversary, a full schedule of upcoming running events, and new shoes and sunglasses available in store. Listen to the podcast now!

May 11, 2026 - Dr. Juanita Morris joined Byers & Co to talk about graduations in her programs and in her own family, plans and activities for the FFA building and ag program, and partnerships in education. Listen to the podcast now!

May 11, 2026 - Kevin Breheny joined Byers & Co to talk about Mother's Day weekend, the St. Louis Cardinals, and Soy City Buzz on First Mid Monday. Listen to the podcast now!

May 11, 2026 - Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe joined Byers & Co to talk about Mother's Day, graduations, economic and workforce development, data centers, and Oakwood. Listen to the podcast now!

May 8, 2026 - Gaurav Pareek of Caterpillar and Career Pathways student, Stephen Taylor, joined Byers & Co to talk about their graduation/signing ceremony, workforce development, and opportunities for students like Stephen. Listen to the podcast now!

May 8, 2026 - Angela Foulke oined Byers & Co to talk about the YMCA, Mother's Day, summer plans, getting started with working out, and tips for going to the Indianapolis 500. Listen to the podcast now!

May 8, 2026 - MacArthur High School principal Cordell Ingram, and students, Cam Johnson, Nathan Bivens, and Morgan Patterson, joined Byers & Co to talk about MHS Awards Night, graduation, and the students' scholarships received and plans moving forward. Listen to the podcast now!

May 7, 2026 - Debbie Bogle of the United Way joined Byers & Co to talk her recent visit to Springfield and 211. Listen to the podcast now!

May 7, 2026 - Former mayor Paul Osborne joined Byers & Co to talk about disruptions in newspaper deliveries due to mail service issues, past mayors of Decatur, and recent deaths of notable local citizens. Listen to the podcast now!

May 6, 2026 - Matthew Flaten of Millikin University joined Byers & Co to talk about the Danny Gokey show coming to Kirkland Fine Arts Center and commencement. Listen to the podcast now!

May 6, 2026 - DMH CEO Tanya Andricks, and nurses, Stacey Taylor, Brooklyn Dawson, and LaAngel Clark, joined Byers & Co to talk about their love for the nursing profession, National Nurses Week, and a recent special award for LaAngel. Listen to the podcast now!

May 6, 2026 - Clay Gerhard of the Decatur Park District joined Byers & Co to talk about the groundbreaking of The Clubhouse at Scovill Acres, located at Scovill Park West, all of the planned uses of that new facility, upcoming events for Mother's Day, and a newly announced show at the Devon. Listen to the podcast now!

May 5, 2026 - Andrea Gerhard of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation joined Byers & Co to talk about micro grants for non-profits, Do Something Great Awards nominations, and how they are supporting education through scholarships, teacher development grants, and educational experiences like Impossible Science. Listen to the podcast now! 

May 5, 2026 - Dale Colee joined Byers & Co to preview Pharmacy Facts with Friends that will feature a real estate market update and MRI news, and to talk about the groundbreaking at the new senior center project. Listen to the podcast now!

May 4, 2026 - Amber Kaylor of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois joined Byers & Co to talk about their recent Red Shoe Gala event in Springfield and ways that people can get involved with them. Listen to the podcast now!

May 4, 2026 - Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe joined Byers & Co to talk about the Oakwood business district area, municipal authority, current City Council business, recent notable local deaths, and the need for more people to consider leadership roles. Listen to the podcast now! 

May 4, 2026 - Kevin Breheny joined Byers & Co to talk about the St. Louis Cardinals recent win streak, the Kentucky Derby, the passing of a friend, dance recitals, and Soy City Buzz on First Mid Monday. Listen to the podcast now!

May 1, 2026 - Angela Foulke of the Decatur Family YMCA joined Byers & Co to talk about the upcoming busy weekend and the world of sports. Listen to the podcast now!

May 01, 2026 - Eisenhower Principal Dr. Mistie Rodriguez, and graduating seniors, Adrienne Banner, Tyshon Jackson, and Callista Hovis, joined Byers & Co to talk about the students' time at EHS and what is next for them after graduation. Listen to the podcast now!

April 30, 2026 - Autumn Warren, Director of Development – Leadership Annual Giving and Mark Munoz, Professor of Management & International Business, joined Byers & Co to talk about the Founder's Day celebration. Listen to the podcast now!

April 30, 2026 - Audrey Soetermans, Senior Commercial Music Major and Cameron Jackson, Dean of College of Fine Arts, joined Byers & Co to talk about Millikin's impact on students, including Audrey. She is a Senior Commercial Music Major From Rockford, IL and a second-generation Millikin student (her Mom Valerie Soetermans, Class of 1988, studied Musical Theatre). Learn about her story and listen to the podcast now!

April 30, 2026 - Rick Darnell, Vice President for Advancement and Alyse Knust, Assistant Vice President of Development & Strategic Engagement, joined Byers & Co to talk about this year’s giving day. Under the theme Forever Blue, we are honoring the generations of alumni, students and leaders who have shaped Millikin’s legacy while building momentum for an exciting future. In recognition of 125 years of delivering on the promise of excellence in education, Millikin has set a goal of securing $250,000 in matching funds so that gifts made on Forever True Blue Challenge Day will multiply the impact. All matching funds will support student scholarships, directly advancing Millikin’s mission.  To give, click HERE.

April 30, 2026 - Millikin University Board of Trustee Members, Tanya Andricks ‘95 and Dr. Larry Osborne ‘78, joined Byers & Co to talk about how deeply Millikin changes lives — not only for their students, but for the communities they go on to serve. Listen to the podcast now!

April 30, 2026 - Millikin President Dr. Dean Pribbenow and wife, Dr. Kris Mickelson joined Byer & Co to talk about his innaguration on Millikin's 125th year as well as how he and Dr. Mickelson have integrated in to the community. Listen to the podcast now!

April 30, 2026 - Aaron Zoellner, Junior Biology Major & Student-Athlete and Dr. Jennifer Shroeder, Interim Dean of College of Arts & Sciences, joined Byers & Co to talk about the student perspective. Aaron is a student-Athlete Goalie on Men’s Soccer Team from Cape Girardeau, MO. Aaron is a Millikin Legacy student — his grandfather graduated from Millikin in 1967 and helped introduce him to the University. He chose Millikin for its family-like atmosphere, small class sizes, and supportive faculty relationships. Learn more and listen to the podcast now!

April 30, 2026 - Lori Kerans, Vice President of Athletics and Community Engagement for Millikin University, joined Byers & Co to talk about the ‘Millikin University Day’ Proclamation from the City of Decatur in recognition of the University’s 125th anniversary and community impact.  Millikin’s Impact on the Surrounding Community Millikin University is a major economic engine and social anchor for Decatur, Macon County and the State of Illinois with $75M in local annual economic impact. Listen to the podcast now!

April 30, 2026 - Alyse Knust, Assistant Vice President of Development & Strategic Engagement for Millikin, joined Byers and Co to talk about the Forever True Blue Challenge and the Founders Day Celebration. Listen to the podcast now and learn how you can give and get involved.

April 30, 2026 - Mandi Podeschi, Assistant Vice President of Advancement & Operations and RJ Podeschi, Dean of the Tabor School of Business for Millikin University, joined Byers & Co to discuss Millikin's scholarship impact on students. Listen to the podcast now!

April 29, 2026 - Dr. Mark Tonelli of Millikin University joined Byers & Co to talk about his Brasiliana project which includes an album of music and a documentary capturing the his time in Brazil and the creation of the project. Listen to the podcast now!

April 29, 2026 - Tanya Andricks and Dr. Daniel O'Keefe of DMH joined Byers & Co to talk about Dr. O'Keefe's path to becoming an infectious disease physician at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Listen to the podcast now!

April 29, 2026 - Clay Gerhard and Micky McNaughton of the Decatur Park District joined Byers & Co to talk about the groundbreaking for the senior center and their efforts to provide activities and programming for people 55 years an older. Listen to the podcast now!

April 28, 2026 - Johnny Powers of Millikin University and student Hannah Uebinger joined Byers & Co to talk about the 1901 Productions premiere of Sad Boy Sad Girl & The Encounter and the rise of film on campus. Listen to the podcast now!

April 28, 2026 - Natalie Beck and Andrea Gerhard of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation joined Byers & Co to announce recipients of their adult scholarships. Listen to the podcast now!

April 28, 2026 - Dale Colee joined Byers & Co to preview Pharmacy Facts with Friends that will feature guests related to National Donate Life Month and the importance of organ donation. Listen to the podcast now!

April 28, 2026 - Dr. Bernard Lim of Memorial Specialty Care Cardiology and Director of Clinical Operations at DMH, Dr. Kelly Hill, joined Byers & Co to talk about how technology advancements and artificial intelligence have made significant advancements in reducing length and success rates in atrial fibrillation ablation procedures. Listen to the podcast now!

April 28, 2026 - Kyle May of Fleet Feet joined Byers & Co to talk about people running marathons in under 2 hours, a full slate of running events, and new items in store including the new Ghost shoes from Brooks and sunglasses from Goodr and Tifosi. Listen to the podcast now!

April 27, 2026 - Jami Fawley and Katie Dunscomb of the Decatur Area Arts Council joined Byers & Co to talk about the 2026 Craft Beer Festival and their Summer Arts & Culture exhibit, "Form & Function: A Mid-Century Modern Time Capsule". Listen to the podcast now!

April 27, 2026 - Dr. Juanita Morris joined Byers & Co to talk about DCLI programming and the Ag building. Listen to the podcast now!

April 27, 2026 - Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe joined Byers & Co to talk about severe weather response, the recent officer involved shooting, the city honoring student athletic achievement, and current local government dynamics. Listen to the podcast now!