The Morning Routine

This past weekend, I went to Red Lobster after hearing that Endless Shrimp was back. I had been craving something satisfying, and this sounded like the perfect excuse to treat myself. My wife and I, along with a very hungry friend, decided to check it out on Friday—and they did not disappoint. Get all the details in the conversation. 

With the 100 year celebration of Route 66 and the 250th birthday of our country - there is a LOT to look forward to here in the 217! Listen for the details!

Spirit Airlines officially shut down operations on Saturday, May 2, 2026, marking the end of the budget carrier after 34 years in business. The closure comes after a proposed $500 million bailout fell through and the company entered its second bankruptcy — a setback Spirit ultimately couldn’t recover from.

Such an amazing conversation about the Ronald McDonald House and more! 

This morning, we spoke with Ryan McCrady about numerous projects in the 217!

We were so happy to have Stacey back in studio to catch up. The advice she always brings to the table is something anyone can learn from. Enjoy the conversation. 

People are turning to CHAT GPT for medical advice INSTEAD of going to the Dr. Get more details here. 

Listen to the conversation for great insight on the city of Springfield!

Today we spoke with Tyler Lacklander. She's a fourth-year medical student at Saint Louis University School of Medicine with a focused interest in cardiothoracic surgery and academic medicine. She'll be starting her residency training at Indiana University I6 cardiothoracic surgery. Tyler's academic work centers on advancing surgical outcomes research, addressing disparities in access to care, and expanding early exposure to cardiothoracic surgery for students from underrepresented backgrounds. She serves as the founder of Standing on the Shoulders of Giants and lead multiple student-driven research initiatives in cardiothoracic surgery, including large-scale retrospective analyses and national collaborative projects. Tyler's academic interests include surgical outcomes, social determinants of health, and innovation in cardiac surgery.  Learn more about her journey in the conversation! 

Have you ever been on a 4 seater prop plane in a storm? It's almost guaranteed that if you've been there - commercial flights don't seems as scary! Check out the story.

It was so great learning more about Bella and seeing all of the amazing events SAAC has coming up! Listen to the conversation for all the details!

Financially, the old “three months’ salary” rule is fading. Most people today spend closer to two months’ pay, and many think even that is too much. Younger generations are especially moving away from tradition. Some say they’d rather: choose a cheaper or non-diamond ring skip the ring altogether and take a trip or even get tattoos instead Long story short, the relationship is what truly matters. If you can remember that, the price of the ring shouldn’t matter all that much. Check out the conversation for more!

There is so much happening this summer at the Springfield Art Association!

Rocki and Lacey decided they would probably be the worst 911 dispatchers EVER!

Its always fun talking to Taylor Stevens. She brings so much energy and also discusses ways to get involved! 

A real Homeward Bound scenario played out in China, and Rocki and Lacey are here to break it down for you!

Turning into your parents isn't a guarantee, but it turns out it's happening on The Morning Routine. Lacey talks about unintentionally buying the same shoes as her mother, while trying NOT to buy "Mom shoes." Enjoy. Text 217-629-5483 if you can relate or have a similar story. 

Meleah from Westminster came to discuss their curriculum! Fantastic conversation for parents looking for their kids. Get more info at HERE!

We had a special edition of the Morning Routine Rewind with our Irish friend Liam! 

Check out the tiktoker who recently showed us a way to see if a call you are getting is an AI scam - and the what happens next is almost unbelievable. 

Health is something we should be important to all of us. Talking with Dr. Ken Sagins gave us a lot of great insight on how we can make little changes to improve our overall health. 

Sometimes you can hurt yourself by making just about the smallest movement possible. Its the WORST! Need some company with that misery? Listen in to the conversation! 

McDonalds CEO reviewed their new Arch Burger. It didn't take long for the internet, and Rocki and Lacey to call it out for being pretty terrible! 

Adulting is hard, and NOTHING makes it harder than having to pay those bills!

Needless to say, its going to be a BIG couple of years for our airport in Springfield.  Tune in for all the exciting details.

So much inspiration in this conversation with 3 special SHG Students. 

Today, we had Tatyana Gardner and Teija West in to discuss the Urban Leagues new maternity program! Listen in for all the details. 

This morning, we welcomed Melissa Horn back into the studio to catch up. She's earned a degree and continues to make big waves with the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. 

Rocki and Lacey had a blast playing the Morning Routine Rewind with their follow stationeer, Tony Boston - who's with you on your drive home everyday on WNNS. 

Listen in for a ton insight on Soujorn! 

This morning, Rocki and Lacey had a great conversation about a new campaign happening downtown to promote activity and economic growth!

We had a great conversation with Jim Kroll about Data Performance! Get more at WNNS.com

Maury was a wild show. This morning, Rocki and Lacey were reminiscing on some of their favorite moments. Including the time when a guest was DEATHLY afraid of olives.... so what did they do??? Bring out a huge jar of olives! 

This was our  first Circle segment with Tara Matheson and we are so luck to have her on board. Listen in for a lot of great insight on how you can save lives just by donating your blood with Impact Life. 

A lot of references going on here. 

Singles are experimenting with a fresh, unfiltered approach to meeting potential partners, and it’s catching attention fast. It’s called “hot take dating” — a style where people lead with their strongest opinions, deepest values, and non‑negotiable deal‑breakers right from the start. Instead of easing slowly into sensitive topics, daters are putting their real selves on the table early, even if it sparks disagreement.  Get the full story in the conversation. 

This morning's conversation was great with Rachel was great! Learn more about her and the Crisis Nursery in the conversation.

Ryans came in to discuss SSGA's monthly business and community sessions. Get more insight in the conversation!

Are these chores too much? Listen and let us know!

Another great conversation about Kayla Graven with IL Dept. of Agriculture. 

Multiple vervet monkeys were recently spotted roaming neighborhoods near O’Fallon Park in St. Louis, puzzling residents and officials. The East African primates have avoided capture, and their origin remains unknown. Experts warn the animals are clever but unpredictable. Once captured, they will be safely relocated to a facility certified to take care of them.

This was Marne's first in for the Circle on WNNS. She's such an asset to the community and getting to know her just confirmed that more. Listen to the conversation and learn about the CEO of The United Way of Central IL. 

The McRib may not contain actual rib meat....

Today was a discussion about what's been going on in the 217, but also what's to come. We welcomed back Ryan McCrady for Circle of Friends and he flooded us with insight. Listen to the conversation for all the important details!

Nicole came on this morning to discuss all of the contesting happening at 217 Foodies and Boozers through the holidays! Listen for the details! 

Hope is one of our generous sponsors for your Holiday Playlist this year. They do so much great work for people who need it in the community, they deserve and need out help! Listen to the conversation for all the details! 

Madeline Boner, a local photographer is using her time to give back to the community this Holiday Season. Coming up this Saturday, December 13th, she will be taking photos with Santa at the Passfield House! All of the proceeds will be going to the Compass For Kids foundation. Get all the details in the conversation! 

This week, Taryn Grant came back in to discuss the Holidays and the upcoming production of The Nutcracker at SYPG, including Rocki in the cast! For all details and Holiday feels, listen in! 

Today Ryan McCrady was in from the SSGA, and discussed important information on the new Data Center coming to Sangamon County. Tune in for the details. 

This morning was great talking to the manger of the IL State Fair, Becky Clark!