In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Jennifer Born - The Illinois State Lottery Trent and Jenn chat about the upcoming, annual holiday toy drive and how those denizens of Springfield can best enjoy the event and give back to those across the community that could use holiday cheer this season. Be sure to make it out to County Market on December 5 to contribute and give of yourself, whatever you can best!

In this episode of Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson, our host talks with: Steve Schoeffel - SMTD For this discussion, Trent had the pleasure of chatting with Steve Schoeffel of the Sangamon Mass Transit District about Holly the holiday bus, where it will be across this holiday season, and how the SMTD looks to help the community each day of every year. Make sure to share and subscribe; we appreciate you!

In this episode of Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson, our host talks with: Erin Carlson Mast, Josh Hester, Kevin Christensen - Warning Signs For this discussion, Trent had the pleasure of chatting with Erin, Josh, and Kevin about Warning Signs, the history, and what we can all learn about our past, present and future. Make sure to share and subscribe; we appreciate you!

In this episode of Let's talk...with Trent R. Nelson, our host speaks with: Jim Watts - ImpactLife For this discussion, Trent R. Nelson had the absolute pleasure of speaking to Jim Watts about what's going on throughout the greater Springfield, Sangamon County, and Central Illinois communities as it relates to blood - and how you can participate in the giving this holiday season.  Everyone has it, and everyone needs extra quantities of the substance for various medical or personal reasons; Jim discusses how you can help! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of life available to them should they require it.

In this episode of Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson, our host speaks with:  Director Brandy Stabler -  Compass for Kids For this discussion, Trent R. Nelson had an absolute pleasure speaking with Brandy Stabler concerning the history and purpose of Compass for Kids, as well as what other innovations are available for the community and its children to enjoy in the upcoming weeks and months.

In this episode of Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson, our host talks with: Amy Beadle - Visit Springfield For this discussion, Trent R. Nelson enjoyed speaking with Amy Beadle about what's going on across the community this November and how you can best enjoy this holiday season as the leaves continue changing colors. Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge.

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Lou Bart - YMCA For this discussion, Trent R. Nelson enjoyed speaking with Lou Bart about what's going on this November, how you can volunteer for the community and all within it, and how you can best enjoy everything that the local YMCA has to offer all of Springfield and the greater area. Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge.

In this episode of Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson, our host talks with: Dr. Carl Safina - Professor at SUNY Stonybrook and author of Alfie & Me For this discussion, Trent had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Carl Safina concerning his remarkable story with Alfie, an owl that he helped to rehabilitate in an episode that continues to shape and change the professor in unforeseeable ways. Make suer to share and subscribe; we appreciate you!

In this episode of Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson, our host speaks with: Ward 6 Alderwoman Jennifer Notariano Trent R. Nelson discusses what's going on across Springfield and the City of Springfield's City Council with Alderwoman Jennifer Notariano, discussing Dallman Power Plant, Hunter Lake, and Springfield's new residency requirement moratorium - plus more!

In this episode of Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson, our host talks with: Nick Dodson and Don Hanrahan - Sangamon Valley Sierra Club For this discussion, Trent had the pleasure of chatting with both Nick and Don about Springfield, Sangamon County, the proposed Hunter Lake, the letter that was sent by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in late-September to the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers, and what it means for the future of the project. CWLP Statement via Springfield Journal-Register from 11/03/23:  https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/local/2023/11/03/cwlp-objects-to-assertion-epa-letter-about-hunter-lake-was-suppressed/71438112007/

In this episode of Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson, our host talks with: Nick Dodson and Don Hanrahan - Sangamon Valley Sierra Club For this discussion, Trent had the pleasure of chatting with both Nick and Don about Springfield, Sangamon County, the proposed Hunter Lake, its history, what has been happening with it since last we spoke with them, as well as alternatives for producing more healthy, clean and crisp-tasting water to enjoy and utilize without having to terraform large swaths of the nature that composes the greater region - plus the problems associated with public meetings.

In this episode of Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson, our host speaks with: Zhavier Harris - Springfield Urban League For this discussion, Trent R. Nelson had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Zhavier Harris of the Springfield Urban League. During our discussion, the conversation turned to the history of the organization, what it's doing today, its upcoming birthday bash, and what it plans to do in the future. Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones know the best ways to enjoy the community and its rich history.

In this episode of Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson, our host speaks with: CMO Dr. Lakshmi Emory - AETNA Illinois For this discussion, Trent R. Nelson had the great fortune to speak with Dr. Lakshmi Emory of AETNA Illinois concerning breast cancer awareness month, and why ensuring you're healthy is a year round exercise. Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones know the best ways to enjoy the community and its rich history.

In this episode of Let's Talk with Trent R. Nelson. Trent talks with: Pamela Richart - Coalition to Stop Co2 Pipelines For this discussion, Trent R. Nelson spoke with Pamela Richart, co-founder of the Coalition to Stop CO2 Pipelines, in the wake of the cancelation of the Navigator Heartland Greenway pipeline which had planned to snake through 14 Illinois counties, including Sangamon County. Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones know the best ways to enjoy the community and its rich history.

In this episode of Talk Of The Town, Trent R. Nelson talks with: President Cinda Klickna - Sangamon County Historical Society and the Dana Thomas House Foundation For this discussion, Trent R. Nelson had the great fortune to speak with Dana Thomas House Foundation and Sangamon County Historical Society President Cinda Klickna about those events that are going on over the coming weeks and months, as well as why it's so important to care about the history that surrounds the denizens of Springfield, Sangamon County and beyond each day. Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones know the best ways to enjoy the community and its rich history.

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Chad Whitehead and Gretchen Primeau - Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program For this discussion, Trent R. Nelson had the great fortune to speak with Chad Whitehead and Gretchen Primeau of Ameren to discuss their business energy efficiency program, all the benefits it offers small and large enterprises, and the upcoming symposium at the Crown Plaza in Springfield on October 11; more information can be found at http://Amerenillinoissavings.com/symposium. Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones know the best ways to save energy, resources and money going forward.

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Tracie Henry - Illinois High School Association For this discussion, Trent R. Nelson had the great fortune to speak with Tracie Henry of the IHSA regarding the 2023 Pork & Pigskins Championship; what could be better than high school football, the pride of each local community, and fresh porkchop sandwiches? Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones enjoy a bit of fun and bbq this high school football season.

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Tara Matheson and Jim Watts - ImpactLife For this discussion, Trent R. Nelson had the absolute pleasure of speaking to both Tara Matheson and Jim Watts about what's going on throughout the greater Springfield, Sangamon County and Central Illinois community as it relates to blood.  Everyone has it, and everyone needs extra quantities of the substance for various medical or personal reasons; Jim and Tara discuss how you can help, as well as some new rules which allow more people to help than ever before. Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of life available to them should they require it.

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Kevin Cline - Blue Coat Arms Company For this discussion, Trent R. Nelson enjoyed speaking with Kevin "Hooty" Cline about what's going on this newly commenced hunting season, how you can win something nice through Blue Coat Arms Company, and even more; join us for the chat, and share and subscribe too.

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Lou Bart - YMCA For this discussion, Trent R. Nelson enjoyed speaking with Lou Bart about what's going on this September and early October, and how you can best enjoy everything that the local YMCA has to offer the community.

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with:  Director Brandy Stabler -  Compass for Kids For this discussion, Trent R. Nelson had an absolute pleasure speaking with Brandy Stabler concerning the big Compass for Kids brunch later this coming Sunday, as well as what other innovations are available for the community and its children to enjoy in the upcoming weeks and months.

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: SPD Park Board President Leslie Sgro - Springfield Park District For this discussion, Trent chatted with Springfield Park District Board President Leslie Sgro about all of the wonderful places across Springfield to enjoy nature and various different types of activities. Whether it is art, music, sporting events, golf, pickleball, the rose garden, and so much more, the Springfield Park District seems to have enough for everyone across the community to enjoy.

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Assistant Director Sara Bowen-Lasisi - The Phoenix Center For this discussion, Trent enjoyed speaking with Sara Bowen-Lasisi about the origins of the local Phoenix Center, all of the various activities it provides the community with today, and why harm reduction as it relates to drug use is a positive innovation for those in need, as well as the greater community.

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Jodi Ogilvy and Lisa Sander - Hope For this discussion, Trent enjoyed speaking with Jodi Ogilvy and Lisa Sander of Hope concerning what the institution does for those in the community who need them most, as well as how Springfield, Sangamon County and beyond can help those in need. They also spoke about the upcoming Style of Hope, this Thursday, September 21; we hope to see you all there!

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Deb Clarke - Springfield Park District's Preschool in the Park For this discussion, Trent had the pleasure of chatting with Deb Clarke about the Washington Park Preschool, where the youngest of the community's children learn in fun, natural, and excitingly wholesome ways. 

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Jay Shanle - Conn's Hospitality Group For this discussion, Trent had the pleasure of chatting with Jay Shanle about all that Conn's Hospitality Group is looking to do at the famous Vinegar Hill Mall in the coming days, weeks and months; to be sure, there are a great many innovations afoot.

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Executive Director Taryn Grant - Springfield Youth Performance Group For this discussion, Trent had the pleasure of chatting with Taryn about the origins of the SYPG, why she decided to create it so many years ago, what its mission is - as well as how it manages to push towards its aims and goals - and a bit about the upcoming program known as Rock the Conservatory, taking place this Friday and Saturday night in Springfield, at the Grant Conservatory itself!

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Nancy Sage - Jewish Federation of Springfield Associate Professor of Ethnomusicology Yona Stamatis - UIS For this discussion, Trent had the pleasure of chatting with Nancy and Yona about the history and forethought required to put on such a bevy of programs as the Violins of Hope encompasses - and we learned a bit about Professor Stamatis as well. Yet we also discussed the reasons why learning about the holocaust and the suffering of others is so vital, the origins of so many of our most touching types of music, as well as about all of the different shows available for the public to observe and learn from.

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Lori Dale - Springfield Bicycle Club For this discussion, Trent had the pleasure of chatting with Lori Dale about the upcoming 51st Capital City Century, how everyone can participate, and why everyone should - regardless of skill level - in a local tradition with a taco bar reward waiting at the end; do not miss the quick chat, and get down to ride this Saturday morning

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Nick Dodson and Don Hanrahan - Sangamon Valley Sierra Club For this discussion, Trent had the pleasure of chatting with both Nick and Don about Springfield, Sangamon County, the proposed Hunter Lake, its history, as well as alternatives for producing more healthy, clean and crisp-tasting water to enjoy and utilize without having to terraform large swaths of the nature that composes the greater region; they are reminding everyone to participate in the public chat at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum on Wednesday, September 6 starting at 5 p.m.

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Executive Director Josh Sabo - Heartland Housed In part one of this two-part discussion, Trent and Josh chatted about Springfield, the homeless situation across the city, Sangamon County, the state of Illinois, and the greater nation in general; we went through some of the problems, some proposed and historically effective solutions, and what local government and the people of the community can do to make their world better for themselves and their fellows as well. 

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Jay Shanle - The Springfield Oyster and Beer Festival Trent and Jay sat down to discuss Springfield, oysters, beer, and the local SOB festival - along with its origins, and so much more before this Saturday's festivities!

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Dr. Victoriana Schwartz - American College of Preventive Medicine Trent and Dr. Schwartz discuss how to keep the children, grandchildren, and adults of the community and society properly and safely vaccinated and protected with the new school year either underway or drawing so very close; influenza, RSV, chickenpox, and COVID-19 are all amongst the topics of discussion in this conversation.

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Luis Rodriguez - The Illinois State Lottery Trent and Luis chat about the upcoming, inaugural Illinois State Lottery Back-To-School Supply Drive later - 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. - on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at the Springfield Walmart located at 2760 North Dirksen Parkway, how the local community always supports initiatives like this, and why it is so important to help provide  school supplies for children as the new school year quickly approaches.

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Author Miranda Freeman - The Stinky Smelly Pampered Prince  Trent and Miranda discuss the author's new book, "The Stinky Smelly Pampered Prince," what she hopes children and adults alike will take from the book, her inspiration for writing in general and specifically, and so much more!

In this episode of Lay of the Land, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Kerry Ward and John Stearns - The Springfield Road Runners Club Trent, Kerry, and John discuss the Springfield Road Runners Club, the Illinois State Fair Parade Run, the comradery of the outfit, and the inspiration behind the passion. Join us for the chat!