On this week's episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland Wright of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with author Joe Chianakas. The ICC Professor is also an LGBTQIA+ advocate and martial arts expert and talks about his new novel Pride and Persistence. Joining them is Cheryl Langley, manager of the Book Nook in Peoria, which will be hosting multi-author book signing events on June 8 and July 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Chianakas' new book is a follow up to his celebrated novel Singlets and Secrets, which was praised by Jon Hurwitz, co-creator of the acclaimed television series "Cobra Kai," as "equal parts fresh, heartfelt, entertaining, and important."