KZ Community Beat - President of The Peoria Public School Board - Dr Gregory Wilson

This week on Community Beat, Ross sits down with Gregory Wilson, the President of the Peoria Public Schools Board of Education, for a conversation rooted in leadership, transparency, and unity. From his beginnings as the youngest African American elected to the board to now leading it, Gregory ope…

KZ Community Beat - GBC Autism Services

This episode, Jinette and Emily stop by to talk about their organization GBC Autism Services. This conversation centers around what ABA therapy is, some common misconceptions regarding Autism and why community is important and they can help you and your loved ones!

KZ Community Beat - Peoria 50501 - The Power of The People

In this episode, we sit down with Melissa and Jim, co leader's of Peoria's 50501, and organizers of The No King's Protest happening here in Peoria on October 18th! We touch topics regarding the current climate politically, immigration and the fear community members are experiences and what the pric…

KZ Community Beat - El Morning Chou - The Voice of Peoria's Latino Community

This episode is about representation, resistance, and real talk. Ross sits down with Christell Frausto and Andy Fremac, the host of El Morning Chou — Peoria’s first Latino-programmed radio show — for a bilingual, boundary-breaking conversation about the rise of the Latino community in Central Illi…

KZ Community Beat - KZ Cares - Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter

Ross sits down with Daryl Carlson of the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter to talk about the disease that affects millions — including Ross’ own family. His grandmother passed in 2009 after battling Alzheimer’s, dementia, and cancer. So this isn’t just a spotlight — it’s a tribute. Together…

Orange and Black - Legacy, Loss, and the City That Changed

This episode isn’t about basketball — it’s about legacy, identity, purpose, and power. Ross sits down with filmmaker Creston Coleman to discuss Orange and Black: Beneath the Numbers, a new documentary that dives into the soul of Peoria’s Manual High School basketball dynasty. But this isn’t just n…

Empowering the Next Generation – Marilyn Woods on Peoria’s First Girls Flag Football Clinic

In this episode of KZ Community Beat, Ross Martinez sits down with Marilyn Woods to talk about a powerful first for Peoria: a free girls flag football clinic sponsored by the Chicago Bears. Marilyn breaks down how the clinic came to life, what it means for local girls in grades 5–12, and how this e…

KZ Community Beat - BLOOM: Juneteenth, Race, and the Reality We Live In

In this powerful episode of KZ Community Beat, Ross catches up with a returning voice and friend of the pod, Brett Brooks — now two years stronger. Together, they dive into the significance of Juneteenth, the meaning behind the Miss Juneteenth Pageant, and the reality of being minority in a city st…

KZ Community Beat - Marques Cox - From Peoria to The NFL

In this powerful episode of KZ Community Beat, Ross Martinez sits down with NFL offensive lineman Marques Cox, a proud son of Peoria who's now suiting up for the Denver Broncos. Marques opens up about his roots, the grind behind the glory, and what it means to carry the hopes of a community on his …

KZ Cares May Spotlight- Crittenton Centers

In this episode of KZ Community Beat, Ross sits down with Brent Oest, Development Director of Crittenton Centers, to talk about how the nonprofit has been changing lives in Peoria for over 125 years. From crisis nurseries to early childhood education, Brent shares the heart, hustle, and hope behind…