Welcome to year 2 of Peoria Fashion Week!! We catch up with good friends of the pod, Chanel and Ezra as we hear about the growth as Fashion Week has evolved to multiple days in Peoria and their reach has extended to HOLLYWOOD! Tap in and hear how "if it plays in Peoria" is known across the nation! 

This week we welcome Gayle Young, the Executive Director of Susan G Komen Central Illinois Memorial and Dr. Fran Armmer representing Circle of Promise also retired Chairperson of the Department of Nursing at Bradley University and Cancer survivor! Listen in as we learn more about breast cancer, FAQs, treatment and where to find a community for support!   

This week we help bring awareness to Multiple Sclerosis! As we honor Multiple Sclerosis Awareness week, we welcome in great friend to the pod Brian Gorsich and new friend Savannah Simpson, who is new to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Central Illinois Community Council! This episode we learn first hand from Savannah’s recent journey of diagnose, life changes, acceptance and how she and her husband have navigated this new challenge. We also talk about the upcoming #WalkMS2024 event and how it has evolved! To get more information visit walkMS.org !!

This episode we hear about the groundbreaking new cancer treatment services and Institute opening at OSF Healthcare here in Peoria, IL! We welcome Tom Cox - VP of OSF Oncology Services and Dr James McGee - A Radiation Oncologist at OSF/ and Founding Director of OSF Cancer Institute!

This ep we meet a proud Peorian born and raised in the Taft! From the basketball courts to traveling all over the USA. Charles White has cultivated a story that he wishes you will learn to pass the blessing forward. Charles is the Director of The Head Start Program at the Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity (known as The PCCEO! Listen in as we learn about the PCCEO, Charles and never forget, there are blessings in the redirection! A Central Lion, A Bradley Brave and Peoria Proud, I introduce you to Charles White!

Welcome to episode 50!! This week, we welcome Chris Setti, the CEO of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council! For 20 plus years this transplant has transformed into a Proud Peorian. Listen in as we touch topics of how Peoria bounced back after the lock down; the 4 day weekend; the changing climate economically and how we must adapt. Amazing conversation with a proud member of our community who has had a major impact on Peoria out of love!

This week we meet Adrienne Caudle, a Therapeutic Foster Care Resource Worker at Lutheran Social Services. We talk about the difference between foster care and Therapeutic Foster Care. Also how this program is new to Peoria, how it has impacted other communities across the world and her hope to make a difference for our youth as they grow!

This week we meet Christine Kahl (President and CEO of Phoenix CDS) and Jolene Whisler ( Resource Development Manager). We talk, “Gimme Shelter 2024” an event to help raise funds for our community members who are experiencing homelessness. In this episode you will learn more about the underlying issues with those in a time of crisis; how preconceived notions have changed through experience and how we as a community have sadly added to the trauma of those at their lowest. Phoenix CDS prides itself on being a licensed accredited Behavioral Health Provider!

This episode we meet Everley Davis! A born and raised Peorian through and through. This year she is the guest speaker for the 2024 Martin Luther King Freedom Vehicle Parade & Commemorative Service, an event she has attended since her youth with her family!  …she is also the Assistant Curator and Community Engagement Coordinator of the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Everley has accomplished much in her life, however, her journey of self discovery is just beginning. Listen in as we touch topics of culture, racism, the journey of self acceptance and the drive to become more!

This week, from the classroom at Manual High School, we meet Ms Adrienne Tinsley! She has a passion for teaching and giving her students the safe space to explore their creativity with ample amount of faith to try, fail and grow! Ms Tinsley was the recipient of the “One Class At A Time” Grant! This ep we get to know Adrienne and all of her “nerdy” passions! 

https://x.osfhealthcare.org/foundation/get-involved/event-forms/choi-toy-drive This episode we meet a man who for 27 years has made it his mission to bring joy and gifts to our children who unfortunately have to spend the holidays in a hospital. Santa Bill has seen his cause grow from a simple request to a full yearly operation! A tragic moment in his life and his love for the Bears took his life in a direction he never thought of!

Some may know him as Tightest Whitest, others in the community know him as Brian Yarbrough. Music to movies and community outreach, he’s got his hands all over Peoria! His story has many twists and accomplishments. From creating the script for ‘Space Jam 2’, a friendship with Kobe, battle rap champ and soo much more. He is also working on something BIG with the NBA for Peoria! From humble beginnings in Kingspark you will be surprised what he says is his biggest accomplishment!

This week we meet Jon Davis and Keith McDaniel! Jon is a retired Peorian Firefighter and Keith McDaniel a retired Peorian Police Officer. After many years of service to our community and friendship little did they know their life would change due to their collective love for House Music. Now they work in service with their new venture, the Peoria House Music Peace Project! On this episode, we hear the passion for music, service and an added bonus of 3 Chicago transplants who now call Peoria home.

This ep we meet EDUARDO AND BEVERLY CABALLERO! From Harlem to Peoria, they have brought our community their passion for Salsa and dancing! Once a month at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, you can come out to dance Salsa, bachata, cumbia and sooo much more, and if you don’t know the steps, they have a free hour long dance lesson for the beginners and those who got a little dust on their dancing shoes!

This episode we talk to the minds behind "Beat The Funk Out of Multiple Sclerosis" ! Meet Jarett Newnam - Council member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society central Illinois Community council and friend of the pod returns Brian Gorsich the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Chair of the central Illinois Community council and a patient of Multiple Sclerosis

This episode we welcome back home Glenn Bowie! Originally born and raised in Peoria. From Taft Homes to the Heights and LA. Glenn’s journey has been filled with “serendipity”! From his mentorship with Ray Becker, to shadow boxing with Muhammed Ali, Glenn has lived and seen plenty, but his heart has always been here in Peoria! Back this weekend to talk about his new book, "THE ART OF SPEAKING INTO EXISTENCE"

This ep Willie Williams returns a year later to announce the launching of H.O.O.P.S (Honorable, Oneness, Opportunity, Patriarch, Selfless) INC! Willie has collected  a wide range of community members aiming to instill hope, inspiration, and leadership skills into our next generation of men!

This ep we meet Jalen Jenkins! Jalen was born and raised in Peoria, IL and throughout his 23 years, he’s grown into a community mentor for our youth! His 5 years of service at Proctor Recreation Center has enabled and encouraged Jalen to find his path in this life. He now has created a 6 week class to help empower the next generation of youth. “Think like a man” is a program to help young men find their confidence, their voice and provide them a safe space to navigate their emotions!

Have you ever felt challenged with finding your “voice or personality? What about navigating being a people pleaser? Or feeling embarrassed to answer your calling in life? All that and more were and still are the challenges and trials Greg Batton faces on his journey! Those who listen weekly will recognize him as the co-host of the WMBD morning show (Greg & Dan), and some have nicknamed him the "unofficial mayor" of Peoria!

This episode we meet Yvonne Greer Batton! Yvonne by all means is a musical soul with a service driven heart! From Detroit to Peoria, Yvonne walks this earth with a passion to accomplish and music has helped her navigate the trials of life! “If you must, you can”

A story of dedication, humility and bouncing back! This episode we meet Marquise Henderson from Top 4D Central Illinois' Top 40 Party Band! From Florida, to recording studios with Lil Kim and Rick Ross to now Peoria, Marquise’s story teaches you that there are blessings in redirections and to not fight acceptance. 

This week we welcome back Becky Rossam the CEO of PCAV to talk about the news of the organization's potential closing. We discuss the reality of living in "Survivor mode" and how much of an impact PCAV has had on the 500 plus families they have provided aid and comfort to in the past year.

This episode we meet the Chief of Peoria Police, Eric Echevarria! Eric prides himself on his authenticity, his passion to be open minded and his commitment to Peoria. Eric speaks on the changes happening in the department, including fancy new autonomous robots, a partnership with OSF and he also opens up about the reality of being a person of color and being a police officer! Great episode, enjoy…

Meet Jenny Winne! She is a month into her new gig, being The Executive Director of The East Bluff Community Center!! For 8 years the center has developed into a beacon of safety, and community solidifying itself as a home away from home. Jenny has seen her fair share of trials and tribulations, however, she still maintains her vibrancy! An individual that pushes to vibrate higher and spread community!  

Meet Hannah Daly the Program Director and Narria Tanguay the Youth Enrollment Specialist of Big Brother Big Sister! We talk about their 30 for 30 campaign, building a connection with littles and the importance of being a role model! If you would like to get involved and become a BIG, let us know!!

This ep, we talk to Chanel Murry the Supervisor of community connections at  Peoria Park Districts and Scott Howard the Secretary of the Afro Fire fighters Association of Peoria! We talk about the “Fill the Fire Truck Campaign”, but more importantly we learn about Scott Howard. A very passionate individual who wants to pour his heart back into a community he was raised in. “I'm' Peorian down in my veins” A great story of heart and service!

Kathy Rodriguez is the Principal of Charter Oak Primary School and the recipient of The Golden Apple Award! This episode Kathy opens up about her process of finding her purpose in encouraging others in chasing their dreams. Also how an entire school planned her surprise and the impact her father had on her! Great episode about finding your purpose and preparation!

This episode we meet Brett Brooks the Senior Reporter at WEEK 25 News, Illinois State Director of Miss Illinois Earth Beauty Pageant, Author, Podcast Host and sooo much more! A life filled with relocations and redirections. Brett opens up about early life “Ls” how they pushed her to achieve more with her “Kobe mentality”. A great episode of how life throws random challenges and course corrections upon you and how Brett found her way through those moments!

Alfred Conteh is a contemporary African American painter, sculptor and printmaker from Atlanta! Alfred is in town this weekend for multiple events and Everley Davis is a community coordinator of the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Alfred is a self proclaimed “Observer/ Social commentator” who prides himself on being authentic. We speak about his exhibit at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, also the concept of “comfort” and challenging himself to grow throughout his journey of self discovery!

Meet James Agbara Bryson. James is the great grand nephew of Annie Malone, the first black female millionaire! Our conversation centers around the amazing work the New Millennium Institute does for our community through their “Harvesting Dreams program”. We also discuss mental and spiritual roadblocks we put in front of ourselves and James tells us the story of Annie Malone!

We meet Abby Green, Julie Eliathamby and Candace Martell, members of Peoria Grown. We learn the roots of Peoria Grown, what healthy eating really looks like and helping modify traditions with a healthy twist! Peoria Grown helps meet our community where they are physically and culturally! With weekly markets having affordable healthy options and cooking classes to help shed light on how to make healthy eating more manageable!

Meet Kira Kyle, she is the Prison Program Manager of Defy Ventures in Illinois! Kira takes us through the program they provide our imprisoned and how they work to instill hope and guide their student's creative process in finding their path post release! Kira also opens up about her process in finding a passion helping her students, "Defy" roadblocks and negative connotations! 

Meet Marc Supreme!  We experience a journey of “Don’t hate on nobody, don’t wait on nobody” and never letting up! Marc is the GM of 90.7 FM “Strictly Hip-Hop”. From a 1.8 GPA to influencing a community through music, hosting political forums, curating art exhibits, reporting President Obama’s inauguration and now writing a book ! Marc’s story is a tale of genuine passion and confidence in your skill set! 

April is National Donate Life month! Meet Lisa Dodson the Senior Community Outreach Specialist at Gift of Hope & Tissue Donor Network! Lisa takes us through how Gift of Hope operates and brings light to misconceptions regarding organ donorship. #LightItUpPurple

From England to Australia and Peoria, Andy King’s journey is the definition of letting go and letting God guide. Andy is the Executive Director of Dream Center Peoria! Dream Center Peoria over the years became a beacon of light for many, but if it wasn’t for one random interaction in Australia, his story may have been extremely different! Serendipity describes his journey and his heart guides him throughout! Listen in as we discover how his life has led him to Peoria and the 20 years of service Dream Center Peoria has given to our community!

The partner you choose can impact your life greatly! This episode we meet the “Peoria Power Couple” Founder and Co Founder of Peoria’s Fashion Week, Ezra and Chanel Murry! We hear behind the scenes of how Peoria’s Fashion Week was created and how the labor of passion is seeing amazing growth! Also, the importance of having the right person in your corner can elevate you to amazing things! 

This episode, we meet Dr. Bernice Gordon Young. A born and raised Peorian, who has made mental health a passion and her way in giving back to our community. We touch on “meeting someone where they are”. Dr. Bernice speaks on her time at OSF, the culture change going to help our incarcerated and her non profit “It Takes A Village”!

Meet Jami Truelove, the President and CEO of Big Brothers/ Big Sisters here in Peoria! For 13 years and counting, Jami and her amazing team consistently help our youth to feel supported! This episode we hear the importance of mentorship and support for the youth of our community while gaining more knowledge of the amazing work of Big Brothers and Big Sisters!

Deric Kimler, the Director of Peoria’s hottest musical, “In The Heights”  and Executive Director of Central Illinois Friends takes us on his journey of finding acceptance and liberation! Theater initially became his escape and now it’s his passion to help fight against stigmas! 

Meet Brian M. Gorsich and Nicole Stephens, two members of our community who live with multiple sclerosis. If there is one thing I can say is, they each have had their struggles.. their crosses.. set backs and continued moments of peaks and valleys.. yet they face life with laughter and optimism! The great work of National Multiple Sclerosis Society Central Illinois Community Council and lived in experience of MS is the focus of the podcast, but what I walked away with is… a greater perspective and understanding of resilience.

Consistency… that word summarizes the journey both Ray Flacko and Mario Young have experienced. A perfect story of Ying and Yang. Through it all, through every trial they experienced, they still have a big heart and passion for Peoria! Mario and Ray have lived through variations of lost. Mario has experienced the cruelty of his father being killed and the devastation of cancer. Ray was imprisoned for 1000 plus days. Through it all, they both were able to become the best versions of themselves!

Meet Christell Frausto! Owner of TequilRia Wine and Spirits in Peoria. Also She is the VP on The Greater Peoria Hispanic Chamber of Commerce! We hear the story of a proud Latina businesswoman! Christell takes us on  her journey of security, redirection and finding her purpose here in Peoria! 

Meet John Morris who is the President and CEO of the Peoria Riverfront Museum! On this episode, John walks us through the rich history of Peoria, IL! From Richard Pryor, REO Speedwagon, prohibition, WW 2 contributions and soo much more!

Meet Kenneth Godbolt! From trauma, failed suicide attempts to providing a safe and consistent environment for himself, his daughters and for our community to feel loved and at peace! This episode focuses heavily on mental health.. acceptance and forgiveness! Amazing time spent with a new friend!

Meet Angel Cruz. A kid from Chicago, who never felt safe to grow with love. Always on survivor mode. Angel takes us on his journey. A path filled with pain, trials and valleys. Through it all he learned humility and how to receive love. Angel opens up about mental health, working with recidivism and how the love a good woman has saved his life! Enjoy his story.

Mr. Jorell Glass known for his style, and happy demeanor underneath that joy is  a man who's seen dark days. Mr. Glass takes us through mental health, near death experience and short comings. Through it all he stays faithful in life and it's "seasons". I hope you enjoy his story!

Meet Marcellus Sommerville, a local Peorian. Marcellus found his passion in basketball. From courts in Peoria, Illinois to overseas playing with big NBA names. He gave the game up to be a full time father and he hasn’t looked back since. Marcellus now puts his passion into the community as the head of Peoria’s Friendship House. Listen in as we look through the journey of a kid who loves the game, his community but more importantly, his family! 

Meet Heddy Elliot! Her name is well known in Peoria! For 25 plus years, Heddy has opened her heart to our community. Teaching, empowering and providing consistency to our youth and imprisoned! Enjoy a story of a teacher with a BIG heart!

This episode, we meet Eddy P "The Kung Fool Comic... a comic who knows Kung Fu! Eddy born and raised n Peoria, IL! Takes us through his trials, tribulations and the trauma.  Eddy speaks on mental health and humor! Enjoy his story!!

This episode we hear the story of a local Peorian. From childhood trauma to a state championship, Marines, near death experience and now giving men an opportunity to have a safe environment to experience and grow in love. Willie speaks on utilizing the gifts God has given him to help others achieve the same peace he lives in.