In this episode of Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson, our host talks with: Jeff Schoep - Simon Wisenthal Center, MMOT, and others For this discussion, Trent R. Nelson enjoyed speaking with Jeff Schoep about his work for the Simon Wiesenthal Center and MMOT, what the organization he once led does, how it functions, how he came to denounce it and work for change and love, what he's doing now, those organizations, and much more! 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: Bruce Parry - National and Illinois Unions For The Homeless For this discussion, Trent R. Nelson enjoyed speaking with Bruce Parry of the National and Illinois Unions For The Homeless regarding what the organization does, how you can get involved, and much more! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge; you can find new episodes on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts!

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: A Springfield company is asking the city for $2.6 million in TIF revenue to help renovate the long-vacant former AT&T building downtown so it can be rented as office space to house more than 300 government employees.   The Springfield City Council unanimously passed a zoning change on April 15 that would allow for the construction of a housing complex to serve residents with physical and/or mental disabilities.   Wienerschnitzel, a fast-food chain that specializes in hot dogs, is hoping to find a franchisee that will allow the company to expand into Springfield and throughout central Illinois. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter

On this episode of Full Disclosure, Trent R. Nelson speaks with the President and CEO of the Better Government Association, David Greising, about the state of Illinois, JB Pritzker, how Trump Administration policies are impacting people, farmers, and transportation, the Emil Jones III trial, tariffs, stocks, and more! Don't forget to subscribe and share; don't forget to keep shining that light on Illinois state government!

Chicago Tribune political reporter Rick Pearson joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss Joe Biden's Illinois appearance nobody asked for, Governor Pritzker's date with Congress, and ethics reform in the legislature.

Former State Representative Dan Caulkins joins Patrick to discuss the problems facing the Illinois GOP and why he thinks the party needs more conservative candidates. 

Former Illinois GOP Chairman Pat Brady talks about what kind of candidates Republicans need to recruit to have a chance to win in 2026. 

Former State Representative Mark Batinick talks about GOP struggles in the suburbs and how that impacts the party's chances in 2026 and 2028.

In this episode of Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson, our host talks with: Dorothy Hutchinson-Gross - Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum For this discussion, Trent R. Nelson enjoyed speaking with Dorothy Hutchinson-Gross of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum regarding upgrades to the grounds, Mary Lincoln's Garden, a bit of indigenous plant history, and so much more! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge; you can find new episodes on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts!

In this episode of Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson, our host talks with: Joyce Nardulli - World Affairs Council of Central Illinois For this discussion, Trent R. Nelson enjoyed speaking with Joyce Nardulli of the World Affairs Council of Central Illinois concerning what the organization does, how you can get involved, recent and future events, and much more! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge; you can find new episodes on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts!

In this episode of Talk Of The Town, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Joyce Nardulli - World Affairs Council of Central Illinois Dorothy Hutchinson-Gross - Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Jim Watts - ImpactLife

In this episode of Talk Of The Town, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Lou Bart - YMCA Ryan McCrady - Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance

Ben Szalinski of Capitol News Illinois joined Patrick to discuss why the legislature took so long to pass any bills and how the homeschool issue became the most talked about bill of the spring.

Longtime Washington journalist Chris Cillizza joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss why he thinks Governor Pritzker is a top Democratic contender for the White House and how bad the tariffs have been politically for President Trump.

Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lou Sandoval joined Patrick to discuss President Trump's tariff policies and Illinois' ongoing business climate struggles. 

Kevin Hart stops by to chat with Mike about all the goings on in Springfield's Art and Theater community.

Magician/Illusionist David Blaine stops by to talk with Mike about his new show on National Geographic and streaming on Hulu and Disney + " David Blaine: Do Not Attempt." David discusses what he wants the viewer to get out of the show as well as what he learned in the 3 years it took to make it. We also discuss David's journey in magic, is there a difference between a magician and an illusionist and if he will ever get a full nights sleep. Give it a listen. 

Chicago Tribune political reporter Jeremy Gorner joined Patrick to discuss controversies around Senate President Don Harmon and Governor JB Pritzker's recent budget comments.

Rep. Terra Costa-Howard (D-Glen Ellyn) joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss her controversial bill adding regulations on homeschooling and why she's making changes to the bill in response to criticism from homeschool supporters.

Erik Davis, Managing Editor of Fandango.com stops by for his weekly chat. This week we wrap up last week's CinemaCon coverage, look forward to Last of Us Season 2, discuss how intense Warfare is, is the Amateur a geeky Jason Bourne, how fun is Drop. We also talk Erik heading to Tokyo for Star Wars Celebration next week as well as the new Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan vampire flick Sinners in theaters next week. 

Trent R. Nelson speaks with CEO, and President Ryan McCrady, for their bi-weekly chat concerning the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: Update on the Trade Mission that Ryan recently took part in with Governor JB Pritzker Stock Market Uncertainty New federal jobs report and what the economic signs indicate currently Tariffs, the federal government, foreign trade, and more! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge.

On this episode of Full Disclosure, Trent R. Nelson speaks with the President and CEO of the Better Government Association, David Greising, about the state of Illinois, JB Pritzker, how Trump Administration policies are impacting people, farmers, and transportation, plus some news from the BGA and the Illinois Answers Project, and more! Don't forget to subscribe and share; don't forget to keep shining that light on Illinois state government!

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: After a “mortifying” experience with her own daughter, Megan Stoller decided to open Springfield Lice Clinic to help other parents in a similar situation.   The Springfield Airport Authority received a Federal Airport Improvement Grant for multiple projects, including an emergency repair project on a runway. However, the airport has waited more than two years for the state to disperse the federal funds and has paid the contractor $1 million in the meantime.   Nursing home industry officials are urging Illinois lawmakers to increase the rates they receive from the state’s Medicaid system, arguing the current rates are outdated and are forcing many facilities around the state out of business. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter

Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) was ln Springfield's Morning News Wednesday to discuss welcoming NASCAR champion Justin Allgaier to the Capitol, one of his colleagues on trial for bribery, and the need for campaign finance reform in Illinois.

Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher joined Patrick in studio to discuss the future of the Wyndham Hotel, downtown struggles, and a tourism economy.   

WAND-TV Statehouse reporter Mike Miletich joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the marathon of votes scheduled this week and the controversy over homeschooling legislation. 

Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) is among a group of House Republicans raising alarms about the Department of Human Services and Department of Children of Family Services. He joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the issues. 

Lee Enterprises statehouse reporter Brenden Moore joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss a week where 500 bills could be called in the House and what Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton is planning for 2026. 

Former Congressman John Shimkus joins Patrick to discuss tariffs, our standing in the world, and the future of the GOP in Illinois.

In this episode of Talk Of The Town, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Cyrus Winnett and Heather Burton  - IPHCA & Central Counties Health Centers 

Capitol News Illinois reporter Beth Hundsdorfer joins Patrick to talk about Scott's Law, the battle over homeschooling regulation, and a federal investigation into the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Jon Seidel, federal courts reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times, joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss the corruption trial of Sen. Emil Jones III (D-Chicago).

In this episode of Talk Of The Town, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Amy Beadle - Visit Springfield Melissa Horn - Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce LaDonna Wilson and Sean Robb - Springfield Theatre Center's "Next To Normal"

On this episode of Business in the 217, Trent R. Nelson talks with: Jim Watts - ImpactLife Trent R. Nelson spoke with Jim Watts of ImpactLife about the joy of being kind to others, how the bank gives back to communities around the area and greater country when they're in trouble, donating blood in general, and what kind of positive incentive those who give the gift of life can receive across April and beyond! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge.

Former Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss GOP struggles in Tuesday's election and how the party moves forward in 2026. 

Illinois Manufacturers' Association President & CEO Mark Denzler joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss President Trump's tariffs and what it means for Illinois business and manufacturing.

Kevin Hart stops by to chat with Mike Wennmacher about what is coming up this month in the local arts and theater community. 

Trent R. Nelson speaks with CEO, and President Ryan McCrady, for their bi-weekly chat concerning the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: An update on all of the infrastructural innovations happening across the community State jobs and the impact of state money across our community New federal jobs report and what the economic signs indicate currently Uncertainty, tariffs, the federal government, foreign trade, and more! 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:  Cyrus Winnett and Heather Burton  - IPHCA & Central Counties Health Centers  For this discussion, Trent R. Nelson enjoyed speaking with Cyrus Winnett of the IPHA and Heather Burton of Central Counties Health Centers, who discussed healthcare access, affordable medicine prices, legislation that could improve both, the state of the state as it concerns healthcare, and the state of the nation on this topic, plus even more. Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge; you can find new episodes on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts!

Erik Davis, Managing Editor of Fandango.com stops by for his weekly chat. This week Erik joins us live from CinemaCon in Las Vegas. We discuss everything from John Wick 5, Jurassic World Rebirth to Superman and everything in between. We also discuss the new Minecraft movie starring Jack Black and Jason Mamoa opening this weekend. 

Chicago Tribune political reporter Dan Petrella joined Springfield's Morning News Thursday to discuss the rough night for Illinois Republicans in Tuesday's election and if they have a path forward. 

Sangamon County Democratic Party Chairman Bill Houlihan, who also sits on the State Democratic Central Committee and the Democratic National Committee, discussed Tuesday's results in Capital Township, with the Springfield School Board, and Democratic wins around the state. 

Republican operative Collin Corbett joined Patrick to discuss the rough night Tuesday for Illinois Republicans and the path forward for the GOP into 2026.

On this episode of Let's Talk...with Trent R. Nelson, our host speaks with: Lou Bart - YMCA Trent R. Nelson spoke with the Y's Lou Bart for their monthly chat concerning the upcoming schedule of events for the Y, and all the wonderful programs and opportunities that it provides for the community, its adults, and its children! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge. You can find us on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts!

Trent R. Nelson speaks with Michelle Ownbey, publisher of the Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times, about the latest happenings in the Springfield business community and all of the relevant bits fit for the greater community to learn about. Topics Discussed In This Interview: A budget proposal before Illinois lawmakers would use $500 million to turn some of Illinois' biggest state-owned eyesores into economic development opportunities, including the former developmental centers in Jacksonville and Lincoln.   Cory Brown hopes to use his years of experience in the funeral business to simplify the planning process for grieving families with the launch of his new business, Memorial Tributes by Cory Brown.   Duane Williams and Jaime Estell are opening Fluid, a downtown bar where they say everyone will be welcome.                                The new issue of Springfield Business Journal is out now, which includes a Q&A with the new executive director of Habitat for Humanity, an update on several area nonprofits that lost millions in federal funding for after-school and summer programs, and a profile on two sisters who launched a new business to help kids who struggle with reading. Subscribe to the Springfield Business Journal and their weekly Biz Bites email newsletter

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 of Visit Springfield concerning what's been going on across the community since last they sat down and spoke, how March went, and what to expect across all of April and even a bit of May as well! Share and subscribe, and ensure that your neighbors and loved ones have the gift of knowledge; you can find new episodes on Apple, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts!

Former State Representative Dan Brady was elected Mayor of Bloomington Tuesday night, one of the few Republicans to win competitive mayoral races around the state. He joined Springfield's Morning News to discuss how he bucked the trend Tuesday.